Excellence Displayed at Spring Commencement The excellence and growth of Arkansas Tech University were apparent during spring 2016 commencement ceremonies at John E. Tucker Coliseum in May. Excellence was represented by not only our outstanding graduates, but also the latest inductees into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction. Two distinguished alumni, Dr. Tery Baskin and Mike Miller, along with one of the most admired faculty members in the history of our institution, David Krueger, received the greatest honor our university may bestow upon an individual. The ceremony adding them to the Hall of Distinction was part of a busy weekend. The number of students graduating from Arkansas Tech has accelerated to the point that it required three days and five ceremonies to recognize all of them…and that was just for the students graduating in spring 2016. Arkansas Tech also hosted three commencement ceremonies in December 2015 and one commencement ceremony in August 2015. In all, Arkansas Tech conferred almost 3,000 academic credentials (specialist degrees, master degrees, baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates and certificates of proficiency) during the 2015-16 academic year. Never before has Arkansas Tech been in a position to make the impact that it does today. By strengthening our alumni base, we raise the profile of our institution and bring new value to the degrees held by all alumni, regardless of age.
Alumni and friends will have an opportunity to demonstrate their pride in Arkansas Tech during Homecoming 2016 celebrations, which are scheduled for Oct. 28-29. Several of our events — the Homecoming Golf Classic and the Ladies Champagne Bingo Luncheon, for example — sell out quickly. Complete and return the form on the inside back cover of this magazine or visit techties.atu.edu to register for Homecoming 2016. A list of Homecoming 2016 events is printed on the facing page to this letter. Take time to identify the events that have meaning to you and either reconnect or connect with members of the Arkansas Tech family who feel the same way. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming 2016 and all of the other great events to come during the 2016-17 academic year at Arkansas Tech. Fight On,
Kelly Davis Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Association Board of Directors President: Kendall Tabor ‘88 & ‘92
President Elect: Dustin Parsons ‘10, ‘13 & ‘15
Adam Anderson ‘11 12/16
Ross White ‘08 & ‘12 12/16
Betty Snellings ‘62 12/17
Sarah Jo Reynolds ‘12 & ‘15 12/18
Larry Brown ‘10 12/16
Lacie Oels Bohannan ‘10 & ‘14 12/17
Tony Thompson ‘95 12/17
Rachel Whitman ‘07 & ‘13 12/18
Alyssa McTeer Carter ‘02 12/16
Sue Chiolino ‘68 & ‘86 12/17
Sabrina Billey ‘09 12/18
Jimmy Rofkahr, Ozark Campus Rep.
Denise Clayton ‘85 12/16
Travis Flower ‘11 12/17
Thomas Bowden ‘87 12/18
Steve Kesner ‘77 12/16
Adena J. White ‘07 12/17
Tommy Hindsman ‘79 12/18
Julie Paladino Vaughn ‘10 12/16
Kirsten Boyd Banks ‘10 12/17
Karissa Hubbard ‘14 12/18
Ryan Ritchie ‘03 12/16
Megan Morris ‘09 & ‘14 12/17
Sherry Nordin Polsgrove ‘81 12/18
Tech Action, Volume 52, No. 2. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations Kelly Davis Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Alison Parks Taylor Coordinator of Alumni Communications & Events Aaron Jones Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Tech Action
Editorial Committee Kelly Davis, Michael Hutchison, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner
Cover Photograph Liz Chrisman
Publications/Creative Services Felisha Weaver
Contributing Photographers Liz Chrisman, Tim Carr, Travis Clayton, Joshua Mashon
Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
E-mail address alumni@atu.edu
Director of Athletic Communications Paul Smith
Website www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action is published by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801. It is sent to alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff of Arkansas Tech University. We welcome manuscripts and photographs from our readers. Please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope if you would like your originals returned. Parents, if your son or daughter attended Tech and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Address updates can be submitted to the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Services by calling 479.968.0242 or by sending e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Registration form on page 31 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bookstore Open, Young Building
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Arkansas Tech Museum Open
10 a.m. - Noon
Reunions • 1950s and 1960s, Baswell Techionery • Class of 2015, Baswell Techionery • ROTC, Alumni House
10 a.m.-Noon
Greek Life 40th Anniversary Celebration Dr. Robert Charles Brown & Jill Lestage Brown Hall
11 a.m.
Alumni Gold Luncheon - Class of 1966 East Dining Room, Chambers Cafeteria
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Party at the Plaza Groups at Centennial Plaza: • 1950s and 1960s Alumni • 1971 Football Team • Department of Agriculture • Alumni Chapters • Class of 1966 • Class of 2015 • College of Education • College of eTech • Delta Zeta • Greek Life • Kappa Alpha Order • Department of Parks, Recreation & Hospitality Administration 50th Anniversary • ROTC • Sigma Pi • T-Club
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SHIMA Alumni Reunion Dean Hall, Suite 201
Noon
Stadium Bookstore Opens Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
12:30 p.m.
T-Club All Sports Annual Meeting Lettermen’s Lounge, Hull Building
1:30 p.m.
Pre-Game Ceremonies Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
2 p.m.
Arkansas Tech vs. NW Oklahoma State Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bookstore Open, Young Building Purchase your green & gold Tech gear
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Norman Hall Art Gallery Exhibition Feral Garden II works by David S. Smith
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Arkansas Tech Museum Open
9 a.m.
Check In & Brunch, Homecoming Classic Golf Tournament Chamberlyne Country Club 3-Person Scramble $75 per person/$225 per team, $300 team and hole sponsor, $150 hole sponsor only, $150 beverage/ snack cart sponsor only
10:30 a.m.
Shotgun Start, Homecoming Classic Golf Tournament
Noon
Ladies ‘Champagne Bingo’ Luncheon Lake Point Hickory Lodge $15 per person
5:30 p.m.
Hall of Distinction Social Hour Lake Point Conference Center (invitation only)
6:30 p.m.
Hall of Distinction Reunion Dinner Lake Point Conference Center (invitation only)
7 p.m.
African American Alumni Chapter Stroll Off Witherspoon Auditorium, $3 admission
7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Alumni and Friends Celebration Russellville Country Club $5 cover includes a commemorative Tech pint glass and appetizers; cash bar
Col. George T. Hudgens Evening of Excellence, Lake Point Conference Center, $30 adults/$20 students
7 p.m.
1971 Football Team Reunion Home of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Thone
8 p.m.
Tech Idol Tucker Coliseum
Partner Hotels for Homecoming 2016
African American Alumni Chapter Weekend Package $55 on or before Aug. 15; $65 after Aug. 15 Includes: AAAC Shirt, ticket to football game, ticket to AAAC Stroll Off, meal ticket for the Saturday night banquet Register at techties.atu.edu/AAACHC
Best Western Inn (479) 967-1000
Comfort Inn (479) 968-2424
Fairfield Inn (479) 967-9030
Holiday Inn Express
(479) 219-5152
Quality Inn (479) 967-7500
Clarion (479) 968-4300
Days Inn (479) 280-1940
Hampton Inn (479) 858-7199
La Quinta (479) 967-2299
Super 8 (479) 968-8898
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Alumni News
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David Krueger
Mike Miller
Dr. Tery Baskin
Baskin, Krueger, Miller Bestowed with Highest Honor at Spring Commencement Dr. Tery Baskin of Little Rock, David Krueger of Russellville and Mike Miller of Russellville received the highest honor Arkansas Tech University may bestow upon an individual on Saturday, May 7. They were inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction during spring commencement ceremonies at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville. Baskin and Miller entered under the Distinguished Alumnus category. Krueger was inducted under the Distinguished Service category. Dr. Tery Baskin Baskin recalled that 11 years of his life were spent living on the Arkansas Tech campus. In addition to his four years as a student, he was on campus for seven years during his youth while his parents were attending Tech and/or working on campus. “I am very, very honored and overwhelmingly humbled by this experience,” said Baskin. “Things like this don’t happen to guys like me. I look at the list of previous inductees, and I have admired those people my entire life. It very much reminds me of the story that when you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help getting there. I feel like the turtle on the fence post. Tech has
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meant a lot to me for a lot of reasons.” A 1975 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Baskin went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas. Baskin has served as president and chief executive officer of RxResults LLC since 2008. Prior to his current appointment, Baskin worked in the pharmacy field with titles as diverse as chief marketing officer, chief operating officer, pharmacy owner, pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist.
He is a past president of the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and currently serves as treasurer for the American Pharmacists Association. Baskin was named Arkansas pharmacist of the year in 1996 and a fellow by the American Pharmacists Association in 1997. His service to Arkansas Tech has included serving on the Arkansas Tech Foundation Board of Directors from 2003-08. Baskin has given back to his fellow man by participating in medical mission trips to Haiti and Honduras. “The Tech faculty and staff prepared us for life in so many ways,” said Baskin. “They taught us, among other things, that not everything in life is fair. They were hard lessons, but certainly good preparation. They taught us personal responsibility. They taught us how to deal with challenges…how to celebrate those that we overcame, and how to deal with those that we did not. They stretched us, raised the bar and made us believe that we could do more than we ever thought we could. They taught us that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help, and sometimes you have to do it yourself….all good lessons. They also taught us about grace. They gave us things we didn’t earn. “Arkansas Tech has made my life better,” continued Baskin. “It’s one of the foundational points of my life along with my faith, family and friends.” David Krueger Krueger graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in history. He arrived at Arkansas Tech in 1960 and was greeted by a community of less than 1,400 students on a campus that was merely a decade removed from being a junior college. “The career I had at Arkansas Tech was magnificent and I enjoyed it from the time I first came over,” said Krueger. “I wasn’t that familiar with where Russellville was, but I had heard of Arkansas Tech. I went to Memphis State, and Memphis State played Arkansas Tech in a football game. They beat Tech 18-6. Nobody could kick an extra point.” During his half-century at Arkansas Tech, Krueger served under four presidents (Joseph W. Hull, Dr. George L. B. Pratt, Dr. Kenneth Kersh and Dr. Robert C. Brown) and he saw the name of the school change from Arkansas Polytechnic College to Arkansas Tech University. By the time Krueger retired in 2010, he had seen enrollment at Arkansas Tech increase by more than 500 percent. Krueger was voted professor of the year by the Arkansas Tech student body four times. He was the recipient of the first Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence in teaching in 1996. Arkansas Tech recognized Krueger’s contributions to the university
in 2011 when the annual David W. Krueger History Symposium and Lecture Series was established in his honor and again in 2015 when he received the honorary title of professor emeritus of history from the Tech Board of Trustees. “I wasn’t here very long before I realized that the great strength Arkansas Tech has is its student body,” said Krueger. “I would put that student body up against any student body anywhere in the United States as far as being able to cooperate with the faculty. You go in there and you tell them what you want…you make it clear what you expect them to do…and you’ll never have any problems with them.” Mike Miller A 1972 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, Miller is former owner of Van Horn Construction of Russellville. “Arkansas Tech has been a big part of my life,” said Miller. “I came here 50 years ago as a first-generation student out of my family. It was a transition for me and different than anything I’d been a part of in high school. It was a great experience at Arkansas Tech. I was part of the first four-year engineering class that graduated from Tech. I met my wife (Joy) while I was going to Tech. I met my future employer while I was here at Tech. I was a married student and needed to support myself, so I worked part-time and summers for a company (Van Horn Construction) that I later owned. “I met my future partner at Arkansas Tech,” continued Miller. “Sid Brain…my partner and friend for years…I met him of all places in the classroom. He was my professor, and after I graduated and was out for a year or so we enticed him to come to work with us. It was the beginning of a partnership that was very good to both of us for many years. We built several projects on the Tech campus. It’s exciting for a guy who grew up like me to come back and see things on this campus that I was a part of. It means a lot to me.” Van Horn Construction gained licensure in more than 25 states and completed a number of landmark structures under Miller’s leadership, including Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center and Doc Bryan Student Services Center at Arkansas Tech. Miller has given of his time and talents as a member of the Arkansas Tech Foundation Board of Directors, the Arkansas Tech College of Business Advisory Board and the Arkansas Tech Department of Engineering Advisory Committee. He is also an active member of Green and Gold and an ardent fan of the Golden Suns and the Wonder Boys. Miller’s community involvement has included service to Jaycees, Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the River Valley Christian Clinic. His efforts to make health care available to the less fortunate were recognized in 2014 when he received the Arkansas Medical Society Shuffield Award, the highest honor the organization presents to a non-physician. |
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Alumni News
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NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK The Arkansas Tech Alumni Association hosted Night at the Ballpark events with both of the minor league baseball teams inside the State of Arkansas during the spring and summer of 2016. Arkansas Tech Night with the Arkansas Travelers on April 22 and Arkansas Tech Night with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on June 3 provided more than 300 Tech alumni and friends with an opportunity to reconnect and receive updates about the university. This year marked the 10th consecutive year for the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association to host Night at the Ballpark activities. For information about upcoming alumni gatherings around the state, region and nation, visit www.techties.atu. edu, send e-mail to alumni@ atu.edu or call (479) 968-0242. |
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Alumna Makes Air National Guard History Arkansas Tech University alumna Tamhra Hutchins-Frye became the first woman to attain the rank of General officer in the Arkansas Air National Guard during a promotion ceremony at Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock on Saturday, June 4. Hutchins-Frye, a 1983 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed director of the Arkansas Air National Guard Joint Staff during the ceremony. A news release from the Arkansas National Guard states that her responsibilities will include “managing the National Guard functions of the joint staff and jointmilitary program operations throughout the state.” “First off, I am humbled and honored to be given the position,” said Hutchins-Frye in regard to being the first female in her position. “The most important thing to remember is that I am an airman first. Yes, I am a woman, but it is more important that I am an airman. Every airman and soldier should know that in the Arkansas National Guard there is someone like them at the top. This doesn’t really mean just race or gender, diversity comes in many different forms…economic, social, where you come from in the country. So, diversity is very important and everyone should know that they can make it to the top.” A member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority during her days as an undergraduate student, Hutchins-Frye entered the Air National Guard shortly after her graduation from Arkansas Tech. She received her commission in August 1989 through the Academy
of Military Science in Knoxville, Tenn. She previously served in the 188th Fighter Wing and the 189th Airlift Wing. She deployed in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Chief of Staff, NATO Afghanistan Transformation Task Force, Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hutchins-Frye joins Brigadier Gen. Patricia Anslow as the two current female General officers in the State of Arkansas. “This is a very significant day in the Arkansas National Guard,” said Major Gen. Mark Berry, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard. “I have high expectations and confidence in Brigadier Gen. Hutchins-Frye and (I believe) she will live up to the standards and performance expected of a General officer in the United States military today.” |
Bacon Appointed Deputy Adjutant General Arkansas Tech University alumnus Gregrey C. Bacon of Dardanelle was promoted to Brigadier General and installed as the Deputy Adjutant General with the Joint Force Headquarters for the Arkansas National Guard on Saturday, May 14. A native of Pine Bluff, Bacon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture business from Arkansas Tech in 1990. Bacon enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard in October 1985, and received his commission June 18, 1990, through the Officer Candidate School at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. He was recognized as both the Honor Graduate and Distinguished Honor Graduate of his class. Bacon has more than 25 years of military service in field artillery, including deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007-2008. | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Alumni News
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
Brown Hall Dedicated NEW FACILITY CONTINUES CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS AT ARKANSAS TECH On a day when Arkansas Tech University honored its former president and first lady and celebrated the dedication of a new $15.1 million academic facility, it was a current student who summed up what Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall will mean to the institution. “This is where the adventure of college will begin for generations of Arkansas Tech students,” said Zachary Schwartz, a senior from Cedarville and Arkansas Tech Student Government Association secretary of internal affairs, during a ceremony on Saturday, April 16. “They will walk through these doors for a campus tour. They will apply for admission here. They will gain access to the financial aid that will make their education, and their future, possible. They will come here to take the photo for their student ID. They will attend class here. When they are having a rough day, they will come here to give Jerry the Bulldog a hug. “And when it is time to begin a new adventure, they will return here, to the Office of the Registrar, to pick up their well-earned degree,” continued Schwartz. “Brown Hall will be the heartbeat of Arkansas Tech. On behalf of our more than 12,000 current students and thousands of future students, thank you to everyone who made it possible.” Named for the 11th president of Arkansas Tech and his wife, Brown Hall is a fourstory, 66,900-square foot structure designed to serve academic, student support and administrative needs of the university. The facility includes classrooms and conference rooms on all four floors. There are also offices for operating areas such as admissions, registrar, student accounts, financial aid, veteran services, payroll, budget, human resources and
the university’s federally-funded TRIO programs — Upward Bound and Student Support Services.
Brown’s tenure, and the university began
“This facility will provide Arkansas Tech University with one of its greatest needs — classroom space,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president of Arkansas Tech. “Students and faculty from all disciplines will have the opportunity to benefit from the technological advances that appear at almost every turn. There are even spaces for two of our students’ favorite things — Starbucks coffee and our campus ambassador, Jerry the Bulldog. In short, Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall is an important element in our plan to build upon their legacy by taking Arkansas Tech University to the next level of excellence.”
leadership. Tech has become one of
Construction of Brown Hall began in spring 2014. Funding for the project was made possible through general improvement funds from the State of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech physical plant funds and the sale of revenue bonds.
professor of legal studies, associate vice
“It is with special appreciation that we recognize our leaders in state government,” said David Moseley, senior vice president for administration and finance at Arkansas Tech from 1994-2016. “This facility would not exist without the $4.4 million in general improvement funds that we received from the State of Arkansas.” The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees voted on May 10, 2014, to name the facility in honor of the Browns.
what is now a streak of 17 consecutive years of record enrollments under his the three largest institutions of higher learning in Arkansas with 12,054 students as of fall 2015. Of all the degrees Arkansas Tech awarded during its first 105 years, more than 60 percent were conferred during the Brown presidency. Upon his retirement on June 30, 2014, Brown assumed the titles of president emeritus and distinguished professor of economics. “Simply put, during Dr. Brown’s tenure as president Arkansas Tech University was transformed from a second option to a first choice,” said Thomas Pennington, president, counsel to the president and a member of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1990. “It is most appropriate that for many, many years when people enter the campus of Arkansas Tech University, they will see Rothwell Hall and Brown Hall. They’re going to see the future.” Jill Brown’s contributions as first lady are remembered through the Jill Lestage Brown Service Leadership Award, which is presented on an annual basis to a graduating senior. “The most key member of my team, my best friend, my confidant, the love of my life and my life partner for 48 years is Jill Brown,” said Dr. Brown. “When the Board of Trustees approached me about naming
Dr. Robert C. Brown served as president of Arkansas Tech from 1993-2014. He retired as the second-longest serving president in the history of the institution after overseeing the addition of more than 50 new academic programs of study and implementation of $260 million in campus infrastructure improvements.
this facility, I told them they could not
Enrollment at Arkansas Tech increased by 168 percent from 1997 through the end of
sincere thanks for this high honor and for
use my name unless Jill’s name was also included. I felt that strongly about it. It’s a dangerous thing to give the floor to a former college president who is also a ministerial student, but I will simply say, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart on behalf of Jill and my family, my most all the years of hard work and support.” | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
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Six New Degrees Coming to Tech This Fall ACADEMIC INNOVATION ALIVE AND WELL AT ARKANSAS TECH New undergraduate programs of study in chemistry education, computer science education, electrical engineering biomedical option, environmental science, game and interactive media design and physics education will debut at Arkansas Tech University during the fall 2016 semester. “These six programs are aligned with the recently adopted strategic plan for Arkansas Tech University,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president of Arkansas Tech. “We are already recognized as a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in the State
of Arkansas. Adding these programs will make us even stronger in those areas while providing students with access to indemand careers of today and tomorrow.”
engineering biomedical option will be prepared to apply the concepts and principles of engineering to careers in a variety of health care disciplines.
Bowen went on to note that the three new education degrees will help the state and region address teacher shortfalls in tough to fill positions.
The environmental science degree will create opportunities for graduates to work in government and private industry. The program will include courses in animal and plant taxonomy, geographic information systems and environmental assessment.
“The computer science education degree is in step with Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s leadership on creating a generation of Arkansas kids who can code,” said Bowen. “It is our intention to produce licensed teacher candidates who can answer that call and make Arkansas a hub for technology careers in the decades to come.” Graduates completing the electrical
Successful students in the game and interactive media design program will acquire the skills necessary to work in the video game and entertainment industries. Other career paths for graduates of the program could include animation, simulation programming, web design and interactive visualization construction. |
Arkansas Tech Earns Tree Campus USA Designation The Arbor Day Foundation has honored Arkansas Tech University with its Tree Campus USA award. Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Arkansas Tech achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus treecare plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. There are 254 colleges and universities across the United States that have achieved the Tree Campus USA recognition.
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.” Arkansas Tech began a tree planting program during the 2009-10 academic year. The trees are a continuation of a longterm landscaping beautification program made possible through the generosity of Tech alumni Robert and Sandra Norman of Tulsa, Okla. As of spring 2016, the Norman family tree project has led to the planting and care of 850 trees on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville. Visit www.arborday.org/programs/ treecampususa/ to learn more about the Tree Campus USA program. |
Sandra and Robert Norman
Hinkle Named Vice President for Administration and Finance Arkansas Tech University has selected Bernadette Hinkle as its new vice president for administration and finance.
Extension Service. “Through her previous
Hinkle, who took office in June 2016, is the chief financial officer for
professional experiences,
Arkansas Tech with primary responsibility for all financial-related
Ms. Hinkle has demonstrated
activities of the university.
the level of expertise and
Her areas of oversight include accounting, financial control, procurement, facilities management, human resources, financial aid, student accounts, budgets, payroll, construction, bookstore, food services and residence hall facility maintenance.
stewardship necessary to lead the financial operations of Arkansas Tech University,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president of Arkansas Tech.
Hinkle served as associate vice president for finance, budget and
“Our institution will benefit
business services at West Chester University of Pennsylvania from
from her extensive background
2011 until the time of her appointment at Arkansas Tech.
in and knowledge of the State
At West Chester, she provided strategic leadership for a $290 million annual budget while overseeing accounting, budget,
of Arkansas. We look forward to welcoming her to our executive council, our university and our community.”
bursar, business systems reporting, cash management, endowment
A Certified Public Accountant, Hinkle holds a Bachelor of Science
and scholarship management, plant funds, fixed assets,
degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Pine
business services, construction contracting, procurement, grant
Bluff. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree and
management and campus postal services.
completed doctoral courses in higher education administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Prior to her tenure at West Chester, Hinkle worked in the University of Arkansas system for 15 years. She started as associate director of internal audit in 1995 and progressed to serve as director of
Hinkle succeeded David Moseley, who served as vice president for administration and finance at Arkansas Tech for 22 years.
financial reporting and associate vice president for finance over
“We are thankful for Mr. Moseley’s leadership for more than two
the next five years. From 2000-10, Hinkle was chief financial officer
decades and the many improvements that were brought about for
for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative
Arkansas Tech students because of his efforts,” said Bowen. |
2016 David W. Krueger Lecture Scheduled for October 18 Dr. Paul Andrew Hutton, professor of history at the University of New Mexico, will be the guest speaker for the sixth annual David W. Krueger Lecture at Arkansas Tech University. Hutton will offer a lecture entitled “Davy Crockett and the Creation of an American Legend” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, in the Doc Bryan Student Services Center Lecture Hall. A reception will follow.
The event, which is sponsored by the Arkansas Tech College of Arts and Humanities, the Arkansas Tech Department of History and Political Science and the Arkansas Tech University Foundation, will be free and open to the public. The David W. Krueger Lecture Series is underwritten by a generous donation by Dr. M. Diane Gleason to the Arkansas Tech University Foundation. For more information about the lecture, call (479) 968-0274. |
Board Grants Allen Professor Emeritus Status The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees bestowed the title professor emeritus of chemistry upon Dr. Robert W. Allen during its March 17, 2016, meeting. An alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, Allen joined the Arkansas Tech faculty as an assistant professor in spring 1981. He was promoted to
associate professor in 1985, granted tenure in 1986 and promoted to professor in 1991. Allen’s service to the university community included work on a variety of committees, including the pre-medical committee, faculty senate and strategic planning committee. He retired in 2012. | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
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From Left, Dr. Sean Huss, Dr. Jason Warnick and Dr. Charles Mebi, with Dr. Robin E. Bowen.
Huss, Warnick, Mebi Honored at Commencement Three members of the Arkansas Tech University faculty have been recognized for their contributions to the campus community with a 2016 Faculty Award of Excellence.
The 2016 recipients were announced during spring commencement
Dr. Sean T. Huss, associate professor of sociology, is the 2016 Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence winner in the service category.
a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little
Dr. Charles Mebi, associate professor of chemistry, won the 2016 Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence in the scholarship and creative activity category. Dr. Jason Warnick, associate professor of psychology, received the 2016 Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence in the teaching category. The Arkansas Tech Faculty Awards of Excellence were founded in 1996. To be eligible, a faculty member must be tenured and hold the current rank of associate professor or professor.
ceremonies at Arkansas Tech on Saturday, May 7. Huss has served on the Arkansas Tech faculty since 2005. He holds Rock as well as Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Tennessee. Mebi joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 2009. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Buea. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Nevada. Warnick became an Arkansas Tech faculty member in 2006. He earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Arkansas State University. His Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are from the University of Mississippi. |
Pennington Elected 2015-16 Professor of the Year The Arkansas Tech University student body selected Thomas Pennington as professor of the year for the 2015-16 academic year. A native and resident of Clarksville, Pennington was chosen for the honor through voting sponsored by Arkansas Tech Student Government Association April 11-13. Pennington, who holds the academic rank of professor of legal studies, has served on the Arkansas Tech faculty since 1995. He is also
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
associate vice president and counsel to the president. A 1990 graduate of Arkansas Tech, Pennington earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas in 1993. This year marks the fourth time the Arkansas Tech student body has elected Pennington professor of the year. He also received the honor in 2004, 2011 and 2014. Other nominees for 2015-16 Arkansas Tech professor of the year were Roger Frye, associate professor of computer and information science; Dr. Kevin Mason, professor of marketing; Dr. Rockie Pederson, associate professor of health and physical education; and Dr. Hamed Shojaei, associate professor of physics. |
Robinson, Schwartz, Cahoon Win Top Senior Honors Hailey Robinson When Hailey Robinson arrived at Arkansas Tech University as a freshman, she did so with a goal of finding and developing a new identity. She had been a standout athlete in high school at Okmulgee, Okla., and she recalls how immersing herself in campus life at Arkansas Tech helped fill the void of competitive athletics. “I’m not going to lie…that was the hardest transition for me,” said Robinson. “For me, it was about getting involved. That’s what I was always used to. I don’t just sit at home. When I got to Tech, I wanted to do everything. That involvement fulfilled some of my competitive edge. It was about my events. As an athlete, you train to be the best. You always want to improve. In planning events, it had to be right. It had to be better than it was last year. It had to evolve.” The evolution of Hailey Robinson led her to become the winner of the 2016 Margaret Young Award as the most outstanding senior female student at Arkansas Tech. Robinson has served as president of the African American Student Association (AASA), organizer for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month celebrations on campus and chairperson of International Women’s Week events at Arkansas Tech. Robinson maintained a 3.6 grade point average while majoring in communication and sociology. She graduated from Arkansas Tech on May 7 with plans to pursue her master degree in higher education administration and serve as a residence hall director at Oklahoma State University. Visit www.arkansastechnews.com and search for “Hailey Robinson” to read more about her story. Zachary Schwartz Zachary Schwartz is only comfortable when he’s uncomfortable. “I think the best way to grow is to be uncomfortable and put yourself in positions you never would have imagined being in,” said Schwartz. “That’s what I’ve tried to do…to have a diverse array of experiences and not do the same thing each semester and each year. I wanted to be surrounded by people who are better than me.” Schwartz, a biology major with an emphasis in pre-medical from Cedarville, was selected as the winner of the 2016 Alfred J. Crabaugh Award as the most outstanding senior male student at Arkansas Tech University. Schwartz was active in Student Government Association, Pre-Med Club and Alpha Tau Omega at Arkansas Tech while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. He worked as a freshman orientation leader and a resident assistant. “A lot of my family members attended Tech, so I feel like there’s a bond I have with this school,” said Schwartz. “I came here in middle school and high school for band camp and things of that nature, so I felt comfortable here before I even started applying to
Hailey Robinson
Zachary Schwartz
Jenna Cahoon
colleges. Tech seemed like a huge place. It felt like the big leagues. It was natural. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. Coming to Tech was the best choice in my life to this point.” Schwartz graduated from Arkansas Tech on May 7 and will attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences beginning in fall 2016. Visit www.arkansastechnews.com and search for “Zachary Schwartz” to read more about his story. Jenna Cahoon One question changed Arkansas Tech University student Jenna Cahoon’s perspective on college and life. Cahoon took it to heart when, during a sociology class, Dr. Sean Huss asked, “Why, as college students, aren’t you doing more to help others?” Without a good answer, Cahoon set about serving as a change agent. She is a founding member and has served as chairperson of Because We Can, a registered student organization that has one purpose: to help others through service. “It clicked in my head,” said Cahoon. “Why am I waiting? Why do students have this idea that we come to college to get a degree, and then we can make a difference later? There are so many opportunities in the here and now to help others. If you have the means to help someone, there’s no reason that person shouldn’t be helped.” That spirit of selfless volunteer service to others earned Cahoon the 2016 Jill Lestage Brown Service Leadership Award. Over a span of two years, Because We Can has grown to include more than 100 members and it established Arkansas Tech as the first affiliate institution of The Campus Kitchens Project in Arkansas. Because We Can provided 4.5 tons of food to neighbors in need in the Arkansas River Valley during the spring 2016 semester. A native of Yellville, Cahoon had a 3.75 grade point average as a psychology and sociology major. She graduated from Arkansas Tech on May 7. Her future plans include attending graduate school to become a licensed social worker. Visit www.arkansastechnews.com and search for “Jenna Cahoon” to read more about her story. | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
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Leonard, Pope Win ATU-Ozark Awards for Teaching Two Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus faculty members received special recognition during spring commencement 2016 at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday, May 5.
Ester Leonard
Ester Leonard of Alma, practical nursing chair, was presented with the 2016 Arkansas TechOzark Campus Teaching Excellence Award. Leonard has served on the Arkansas Tech-Ozark faculty since 2004. An alumna of the Licensed Practical Nursing program at the Ozark campus, Leonard also holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Arkansas Tech and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Arkansas Tech. Nina Pope of Alma, physical therapy assistant chair, earned the 2016 Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus Teaching Service Award. Pope joined the Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus faculty in 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree from Arkansas Tech. |
Nina Pope
Ozark Campus Presents Top Senior Awards to Hanson, Barrientos Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus presented its two most prestigious student awards during spring commencement 2016 at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Thursday, May 5.
Casey Andrew Hanson
Casey Andrew Hanson of Russellville won the 38th annual Bob Adams Student Award, which is based on academic performance, involvement in school and community affairs and evaluations by classmates, instructors and the Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus Student Government Association. Hanson graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in physical therapy assistant. Ilda Barrientos of Clarksville received the Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus Spirit Award. The award is presented annually to a student who exhibits a dedication to learning, a commitment to the promotion of Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus and an interest in the welfare of other students. Barrientos graduated with a Technical Certificate in business technology and an emphasis in banking. |
Ilda Barrientos
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Geology Professor Offers Musical Farewell to Tech Arkansas Tech University runs deep in Dr. Cathy Baker, professor of geology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Tech on May 8, 1976, making her part of the last class to graduate under the name Arkansas Polytechnic College and the first class to receive their degrees at John E. Tucker Coliseum.
10 a.m. ceremony came to an end, Baker
the way he conducted the affairs of the
walked to the microphone to lead the
senior class.”
thousands in attendance in the singing of the alma mater.
Other members of her family to graduate from Arkansas Tech include
“That’s probably the most people I have
her grandmother, Mrs. George K. Dodd;
ever stood in front of to sing,” said Baker
mother, Mary Dodd Baker; and father,
while thinking about the moment in
Charles Guy Baker, who earned a two-year
advance. “Lord help me not to cry. I think
degree from Tech and soon after reported
I’ll be okay, but do not let me cry. It’s a
for duty as a World War II pilot in Europe.
On Saturday, May 7, 2016 — one day short of the 40th anniversary of her graduation from Arkansas Tech — Baker returned to Tucker Coliseum once more. She did so for spring 2016 commencement ceremonies as the final official act of her 18-year career as a member of the Arkansas Tech faculty.
long family tradition here. The roots are
Baker is more than a former geology student at Arkansas Tech. She is also a former choral student at Tech, so as the
deep.”
“When I came back here to teach 18 years ago, I did so because I wanted other
Those roots extend back to the very
students to have the same opportunity
beginning of the institution. Her
that I received,” said Baker. “I wanted to
grandfather, George K. Dodd, was
study geology, and Arkansas Tech was
president of the first graduating class
the place that allowed me to pursue and
from what was then known as the Second
attain my dream. There are many students
District Agricultural School. The 1912
for whom Tech is their chance. It has
Agricola yearbook noted Dodd as “a
meant so much to me to give them the
natural born business man as shown by
same assistance that I received.” |
Strategic Plan Gains Board Approval in May Meeting The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees culminated a 12-month process on May 19, 2016, by approving a strategic plan that is designed to chart the course for the university’s future. “This document is a reflection of months of hard work from members of the executive planning council, strategic planning committee, working group chairs and working group members,” wrote Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech president, in a memorandum presented to trustees. “Feedback and suggestions
from our faculty, staff and students have been considered, though not all have been included, in the final draft. In sum, I believe the strategic plan captures the spirit of what and where Arkansas Tech University aspires to be in the next five years. With your approval, I look forward to implementing the plan in fiscal year 2017 and beyond.” The full strategic plan is available at www.atu.edu/ strategicplanning. | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
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Arkansas Tech, Community Partners Complete School Maps Project Representatives from the Arkansas Tech University Department of Emergency Management, state and local law enforcement, state government and the Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) Initiative gathered at the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center on Tuesday, April 5, to celebrate the completion of a project designed to make area schools safer. Capt. Dale Saffold, commander for Arkansas Highway Patrol Troop J, accepted a collection of color-coded maps, overhead photos and associated materials that provide detailed information about K-12 school facilities in six counties — Conway, Johnson, Perry, Pope, Van Buren and Yell. The information will be provided to law enforcement agencies throughout the region as a resource in preparing for and responding to emergency situations. The school maps project was led by Brian Kendall, a graduate student in the Arkansas Tech Department of Emergency Management, and Woodrow Ramey, a recent Dardanelle High School graduate who worked on the project through the EAST Initiative. “This was a team effort,” said Saffold. “We are so fortunate in this part of the state. It doesn’t matter what uniform we wear or what patch we have on our sleeves. We all come together as a team, put away our egos and work for the greater good. When everyone has access to this information, it makes the response that much better. I want to thank Arkansas Tech for everything that it has done to make this happen.”
Among the officials on hand for the presentation were State Senator Greg Standridge of Russellville, Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones, Johnson County Sheriff Larry Jones, Clarksville Police Department Chief Kevin Weathers and Lt. Kyle Drown of Arkansas Highway Patrol Troop J, whom Saffold commended as the person who “got the ball rolling” on the school maps project. Arkansas Tech representatives at the ceremony included Dr. Neal Barlow, dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Joshua McMillian, chief of the Arkansas Tech Department of Public Safety; Dr. Sandy Smith, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Emergency Management and associate professor of emergency management; and Wilson Short, visiting instructor of emergency management. James Hopper represented EAST Initiative at the ceremony. He serves as project and development coordinator out of the organization’s Little Rock office. |
Arkansas Tech Students Collect 49,000 Hygiene Items for RSD Students A committee of Arkansas Tech University students from the Because We Can organization led a campaign in April 2016 that collected more than $72,000 in hygiene items for Russellville School District students in need. When personal contributions and gifts from area businesses were counted, it added up to 5,008 donated hygiene items valued at $6,706.38. Unilever heard about the project, and it donated 44,000 bottles of Dove body wash to push the amount to its final total. The project started when Skye Thompson, human services worker for the Russellville School District (RSD), approached Because We Can seeking assistance in providing RSD students and their families with necessary personal items. “I have been left utterly speechless by what the students and the organizations of Arkansas Tech University and Because We Can were able to pull off for the students of the Russellville School
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District,” said Thompson. “We are blessed with some wonderful people who truly care about the welfare of others...people they don’t even know...and they truly want to make a difference.” A group led by Arkansas Tech students Derec Carson of Witter, Stacy Galbo of Russellville, Christina Minton of Rogers, Alannah Mory of Dover, Sarah Rutherford of Batesville, Sydney Stone of Clarksville and Deandre Taylor of Larue, Texas, devised a competition that challenged various groups from across the Tech campus to collect items. The Arkansas Tech Church of Christ Student Center won the group competition and the accompanying trophy. The student committee was advised by Dr. Steven Berg, Dr. Sean Huss, Dr. James Stobaugh and Dr. Jason Warnick from the Department of Behavioral Sciences faculty and Dr. Jeff Mott, chief of staff in the Office of the President. |
Inaugural Leadership Tech Cohort Announced Twenty-five members of the faculty and staff at Arkansas Tech University have been selected as members of the first cohort of Leadership Tech, a program designed to cultivate leaders from within the Arkansas Tech faculty and staff on the Russellville and Ozark campuses. The mission of Leadership Tech is “to develop and enhance the leadership knowledge, skills and abilities of all individuals as well as the collective leadership capacity of the university in order to achieve unparalleled excellence in serving our students, community supporters and institutional family.” The cohort members are: • Dr. Jeff Aulgur, department head, Department of Professional Studies • Dr. Daniel Bullock, associate professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
• Susie Nicholson, vice president, Office of Student Services and University Relations • Dr. Hanna Norton, dean, College of eTech • Carrie Phillips, director of new media, Office of University Relations
• Pat Chronister, assistant to the vice president, Office of Academic Affairs • Jana Crouch, director of academic services, Office of Academic Affairs • Melanie Diffey, career counselor, Norman Career Services • Dr. Fatima Ferguson, assistant professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction • Dr. Beth Giroir, associate dean, Office of Student Success • Dr. Caroline Hackerott, assistant professor, Department of Emergency Management • Aubrey Holt, director of campus life, Office of Campus Life • Dr. Gina Kraft, assistant professor, Department of Health and Physical Education • Lesley Krohn, workforce education instructor for registered nursing, Ozark Campus • Joshua McMillian, chief, Department of Public Safety • Mike Murders, chief academic officer, Ozark Campus
• Niki Schwartz, associate director of student aid, Office of Financial Aid • Dr. Jeremy Schwehm, assistant professor, Department of Professional Studies • Jessica Smith, assistant director, Office of Budget and Special Programs • Dr. James Stobaugh, assistant professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences • Alison Parks Taylor, assistant director of alumni relations, Office of Alumni Relations • Ken Wester, director, Office of Information Systems • Dr. Rebecca Wiewel, assistant professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences • Dr. Alaric Williams, assistant professor, Department of College Student Personnel • Brandon Wright, director of career services, Norman Career Services
The members of the Leadership Tech cohort will participate in a two-year program that will provide them with an opportunity to develop their leadership acumen and learn more about various elements of the university during year one and engage in a collaborative project to benefit Arkansas Tech during year two. The cohort will include five members of the Leadership Tech program development team, who will also serve as program facilitators: • Dr. Chris Giroir, interim associate dean, Graduate College
• Bruce Sikes, chancellor, Ozark Campus
• Dr. Lucas Maxwell, assistant professor, Department of Agriculture
• Brooke Southard, director of payroll/special services and interim director of
• Amy Pennington, dean of students, Office of Student Services
human resources, Office of Finance and Administration
Dr. Mary Gunter, dean of the Graduate College and College of Education, and Dr. Jeff Mott, chief of staff in the Office of the President, are also part of the Leadership Tech program development team. “It is exciting to be able to invest in the future of Arkansas Tech by providing dynamic development opportunities such as Leadership Tech to our university community,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech president. “Constant improvement is a characteristic of successful organizations, and every individual who is and will be a part of Leadership Tech is a contributor to continuously elevating Arkansas Tech. We look forward to the positive change that this program will bring to our university culture.” | VOL. 52, NO. 2 Today's Tech
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Denim and sparkle were the order of the evening when Arkansas Tech University alumni and friends filled the ballroom at Chamberlyne Country Club in Danville for Blue Jeans and Bling on April 15, 2016. Tech alumna Camille Davis Langford kept toes tapping and laughter rolling with her spot-on performance in the style of legendary artist Patsy Cline.
Blue Jeans and Bling Raises More Than $100,000 Blue Jeans and Bling, a scholarship fundraising event held on April 15, 2016, at Chamberlyne Country Club in Danville, raised more than $105,000 to aid Arkansas Tech University students. The funds will assist in study abroad opportunities for Arkansas Tech students as well as scholarships for graduate students at Arkansas Tech and students at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus. Michael Hutchison, vice president for advancement, expressed appreciation to the more than 200 individuals in attendance for the “sincere difference that your gifts make in the lives of our students.” He went on to state that “one theme you will hear from students time after time is that without the scholarship support they received from donors like you, they would not have been able to pursue and achieve their academic goals.” Chartwells was the lead sponsor for Blue Jeans and Bling at the $25,000 level. Entergy Arkansas sponsored the event at the $12,000 level. Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation, Jacqueline
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Gardner, Crafton Tull, First State Bank and Sweeden Florist were $3,000 level sponsors. Sponsors at the $1,500 level included AMR Architects, Arvest Bank, Chambers Bank, John Ed Chambers III, EWI Inc., Dr. Mary B. Gunter, Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Benny Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Truman Hill, Fritz Kronberger and Sharon Trusty, Michael Morton, Nabholz Construction, Sells Agency, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Shively, Portia Short and Jared Wood and Dr. Jeneen Wood. Mr. Chambers, chairman of the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees, served as host for Blue Jeans and Bling. Honorary co-hosts included Gregg Grant, Marsha and Paul Lovelady, Brandi and Bryant Richardson, Becky and Howard Ritchie, Elizabeth and Jimmy Street, Carol and Norman Watson and Kim and Wayne Young. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Camille Davis Langford, member of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1987. An experienced professional in the Branson, Mo., music scene, Langford performed in the style of Patsy Cline at Blue Jeans and Bling. |
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Sprick Estate Donates $1.1 Million to Foundation The late Nina and Thomas Sprick have made a series of gifts through their estate totaling $1.1 million in support of scholarships at Arkansas Tech University.
He was also a handyman, a quality he applied to build a home in
“The idea of paying it forward speaks to the best of humanity,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech president. “With the estate planning that Nina and Thomas Sprick participated in during their lifetimes, they ensured that future Arkansas Tech students would benefit from their philanthropy. We are thankful that Mr. and Mrs. Sprick remembered Arkansas Tech in this way and that their legacy will live on at our university.”
wooden floors.
Thomas Sprick attended Arkansas Tech during the Great Depression of the 1930s. He was a track and field student-athlete and a member of the National Guard.
enduring through their estate plan. They built a brighter future for
North Little Rock for him and his wife, Nina, early in their marriage. Thomas had a long and successful career in building homes and
Even after Thomas died in 1993, Nina continued to live in the home her husband had constructed. She passed away in 2012. “Thomas Sprick had a talent for building beautiful homes,” said Michael Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Arkansas Tech. “He and Nina built something even more beautiful and Arkansas Tech students. Their generosity will long be remembered and appreciated at Arkansas Tech University.” |
Cogburn Estate Makes $369,000 Gift to Tech Foundation The late Dr. Cecil O. Cogburn has made a $369,000 gift through his estate to the Arkansas Tech University Foundation in support of the nuclear engineering program at Arkansas Tech. Cogburn, who passed away in 2013, taught engineering at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville from 1947-89. Several of Cogburn’s former students, including Stan Apple, Dr. John Krohn and Roy Culp, have served on the mechanical engineering faculty at Arkansas Tech. In all, Cogburn and his estate have donated almost $900,000 in support of the engineering program at Arkansas Tech.
the University of Arkansas in the mid-1960s. Decades later, he ensured that future generations would have an opportunity to further that field of study when his financial gifts helped Arkansas Tech develop a Master of Science degree option in nuclear engineering. In 2011, the addition to Corley Hall on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville was named in honor of Cogburn in recognition of his financial gifts to the university and his lifelong commitment to higher education.
“The legacy of a teacher is best reflected in the achievements of his or her students,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech president. “Dr. Cogburn has an impressive and meaningful legacy. Students at Arkansas Tech continue to benefit on a daily basis from the wisdom that he imparted and the generosity that he displayed.”
“We express our appreciation to the late Dr. Cogburn for his support of Arkansas Tech and our educational mission,” said Michael Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Arkansas Tech. “These funds and the opportunities they will provide will allow our faculty and students to further enhance Arkansas Tech’s reputation for excellence in engineering.”
Among Cogburn’s most lasting contributions to higher education in Arkansas was his introduction of nuclear engineering courses at
For more information about the study of engineering at Arkansas Tech, visit www.atu.edu/engineering. |
Make Your Signature Gift During Homecoming 2016
Gifts made during the 2016 Signature Weekend of Giving will help Arkansas Tech grow the Fight On Fund.
programs at Arkansas Tech. “Numerous students have already benefited from the fund and remained in school because of the assistance. Your gift, regardless of size, will help Arkansas Tech continue to transform students’ lives.”
“This is an emergency assistance fund for students facing unforeseen changes in their life circumstance that could prevent them from reaching graduation,” said Caroline Vining, director of annual giving
During the inaugural Signature Weekend of Giving in 2015, more than 260 donors contributed over $30,000 to the Arkansas Tech University Foundation. To make a gift, visit www.atu.edu/signaturegift. |
Arkansas Tech University has designated Oct. 27-30 as its 2016 Signature Weekend of Giving. The event, which coincides with Homecoming 2016, will provide members of the Arkansas Tech community with an opportunity to show their commitment to the institution by helping the current generation of Tech students fulfill their potential.
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Pacesetters Contribute to Tech for 11 Year th
The Arkansas Tech University Class of 2016 made a donation of $3,765.51 to the Arkansas Tech Foundation through the annual Pacesetter campaign. The Arkansas Tech Pacesetter program is designed to begin a lifetime tradition of giving back to Arkansas Tech by encouraging seniors to make their first gift to the Arkansas Tech Foundation before graduation. Founded in 2006, the Pacesetter program has seen Arkansas Tech seniors donate approximately $23,000 to the Arkansas Tech Foundation over the first 11 years of its existence. Those in attendance for the Class of 2016 Pacesetter check presentation were (from left): Alison Parks Taylor, assistant director of alumni relations; Kelly Davis, director of alumni relations; Annabeth Collier of Charleston, member of the Pacesetter student committee; and Michael Hutchison, vice president for advancement. |
TRIBUTE GIFTS: During the period February 2016 - June 2016, the following individuals made gifts in honor or in memory of someone special to them. In Memory of Susan Adams Travis Adams In Memory of Ronald Bailey Tom and Jayne Jones In Honor of Dr. Cathy Baker Tanner Corbin In Honor of Carl Baswell Raymond and Linda Arment In Memory of Jack Burris Clifton and Sherry Caldwell In Memory of Jimmy Cartwright Gene and Aida Boyle In Memory of Dale Corley Elton and Deanna Epley In Memory of James R. Crafton James and LeAnne Langley In Honor of Dausen Duncan Sam and Heather Strasner In Memory of Howard M. “Baldy” Faulkner Dennis and Linda Boyd In Honor of Janie Gilliland Jason Derrick In Memory of Dr. Lyman Harris George and Erin Bruch Mike and Shauna Donnell Kathryn Fleming Carol Harris Matt Hubbard
Jo Hunter Catherine McMahan Dan and Susie Nicholson Jim and Paula Parker Christopher and Carrie Phillips Donald Phillips Michael Phillips
In Honor of Mike Miller Mandy Morgan
In Memory of Thomas Sullivan Tom and Jayne Jones
In Honor of Dana Moseley Carol Gray Jo Harper Kenneth and Janice Sutton
In Memory of Jim Sweeden Frank and Linda Russenberger
In Honor of Mike Hutchison Brit Katz
In Honor of David Moseley Carol Gray Jo Harper Kenneth and Janice Sutton
In Memory of Serelda Johnson Harry and Bonnie Sher In Honor of Jayne Jones Brent and Christa Drake In Memory of Ferd Kaufman Ida Kaufman
In Honor of Robert “Bob” Norman Laura Colgan Jenifer Norman Julie Norman
In Memory of Buford Tatum James Brader Mike and Betty Freeze John and Deanna Gallagher Robert Limbird In Memory of Jim Williams Frank and Linda Russenberger In Honor of Marie Cathryn Williams Amanda Herman
In Memory of Ted Lyons Dennis and Linda Boyd
In Memory of Gayle Studdard Toni Bachman
In Memory of Martha Williams Travis Adams Bill and Ann Davis Robert and Susan Dunn Joel and Patricia Duskin Donis and Bonnie Hamilton Joseph and Mary Helen Henry Truman and Jan Hill Robert and Annette Holeyfield Tom and Jayne Jones Dick and Sue Niven Jeanne Ormsby Flave and Ella Ann Peters Knox and Pam Pittard Tommy and Linda Richardson Charles Rye Brenda Scisson Kenneth and Janice Sutton Jerry Williams
In Memory of Helen Terry Marshall Jean Moreno
In Memory of Mary Stoker Frank and Linda Russenberger
In Honor of Trent Williams Karissa Petty
In Memory of Wilma Labahn Alvin and Margo Hill Jenell Tackett In Memory of Cheryl Lewis Susan Cuellar First United Methodist Church Jim Lewis Kathy Mowdy Dan and Susie Nicholson Lynne Prater Marc and Gail Raney Michael and Mary Redman Helen Schrickel
In Honor of Christopher Phillips Matt Hubbard In Honor of Ben Rothwell Donna Parker In Honor of Terry Rothwell Donna Parker Charles and Sharon Steele In Memory of Karla Stanton Tom and Jayne Jones In Memory of Irene Stiner Frank and Linda Russenberger
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MARRIAGES Monique Forehand (MGMT/MKTG ’07 & M.S. CSP ’09) and Rich Bracken were married on June 11, 2016. Stephen Rogers (M.S. CSP ’07) and Maria Castillo were married on April 16, 2016. Liz Chrisman (ART ’09 & M.A. MMJR ’12) and Allison Kate Foster (MUED ’15) were married on June 26, 2016. Mandy Dedmon (BIOL ’10) and Stephan Bartlett (IN ’11) were married on March 19, 2016. Andrew Hendrix (AGBU ’10) and Elizabeth Conrad were married on Jan. 16, 2016. Julie Paladino (HIST ’10) and Braden Vaughn (HIST ’11) were married on May 21, 2016. Kayla Randolph (BIOL ’10) and Michael Marsh were married on June 12, 2016. Jason Sanders (EAM ’11) and Mary Beth Jones (JOUR ’12) were married on May 21, 2016. Derick McKinney (JOUR ’12) and Grace Pickhaver were married on July 2, 2016. Emilee Mote (TEM ’12) and Casey Schmalzried were married on March 14, 2016. Chase Wetzel (EAM ’13) and Beth Ann White (ECED ’15) were married on June 26, 2016. Tyler Magie (EAM ’14) and Hannah Dollar were married on June 11, 2016. Sydney Sulcer (CHEM ’14) and Chris Welk (CHEM ’16) were married on June 4, 2016. Niall Blasdel (INS ’15) and Laura Ridgeway (MGMT/MKTG ’16) were married on June 18, 2016. Aubry Trey Berry (HPE ’16) and Courtney Amber Danielle (ECED ’16) were married on June 4, 2016.
Amber McCombs Holtz (MATH EDU ’04) and her husband, Daniel, a daughter, Liv, May 17, 2016. Liv has a brother, Rex. Josh McConnell (MECH ENGR & NUC TECH ’04) and his wife, Lindsey, a daughter, Evelynn, June 20, 2016. Evelynn has two sisters: Kyleigh and Emma. Angela Sidler Sartori (ECON ’04) and her husband, Matthew, a daughter, Catherine Rosemarie, March 22, 2016. Catherine has a brother, Gerard. Jerome Cox (PSCI ’05) and Kelsey Boyd Cox (SPH ’08), a son, Miles Wesley, April 28, 2016. Miles has a brother, Cameron. Ben Green (MGMT/MKTG ’06) and Megan Green (RS ’13), a son, Hudson Joseph, Jan. 27, 2016. Hudson has a brother, Carson. Lee Green (RPA ’06) and Meagan Zumwalt Green (RPA ’09), a son, Lucas Wayne, April 23, 2016. Elizabeth Dorris Latch (EAM ’06) and Drew Latch (EAM ’09), a son, Pierce Douglas, May 16, 2016. Pierce has a sister, Collins. Timothy Ralston (ART ’07) and Lindsey Newcom Ralston (ECED ’08), a son, Wolfgang Amadeus, March 1, 2016. Wolfgang has a sister, Georgiana Irene. Jarod Ring (EAM ’07) and his wife, Sarah, a daughter, Esther Grace, May 2, 2016. Esther has a sister, Adah Noelle. Ronny Ketchum (MGMT/MKTG ’08) and Lindsey Ketchum (ECED ’08 & M.Ed. ’13), a daughter, Peyton Noelle, June 23, 2016. Kristin Motley (ECED ’08) and Brandon Motley (ALUM), a son, Graham Preston, March 5, 2016. Graham has a brother, Griffin. Adrienne Gautier Woods (HIST ’08) and her husband, Jonathan, twins, Amelia Rose and Henry Remington, March 10, 2016. Kimberly Milam Fountain (ECED ’09 & M.Ed. ’12) and her husband, Russ, a son, Emmett Russell, March 12, 2016. Rachel Storment Jones (SPH ’09 & M.S. CSP ’14) and Caleb R. Jones (ALUM), a son, Mason Dean, March 6, 2016. C.J. Lee (MGMT/MKTG ’09) and Brandi Chandler Lee (BUAD ’12), a son, Cruz Jaxon, April 29, 2016. Cruz has a brother, Cooper.
BIRTHS
Meagan Parker Allen (MATH EDU ’10) and Jeremy Allen (NURS ’16), a daughter, Riley Elizabeth, May 22, 2016.
Willy Wijaya (COM SCI ’97 & M.S. INFT ’02) and his wife, Martha, a daughter, Claire Lillian, May 19, 2016. Claire has a brother, Chin-Chin.
James Dylan Hawkins (MGMT/MKTG ’10) and his wife, Sara, a son, Samuel Emmett, June 19, 2016. Samuel has a brother, Solomon.
Leslie Hendrix (ELEC ENGR ’01) and Terrica Hendrix (PRT ’13), a son, Lincoln David, March 7, 2016.
Chrissy Bull (AS-ECE ’10 & EC ’14) and her husband, Jeremy, a son, Michel Chad, April 4, 2016. Michel has three siblings: Dessie, Ella and Patton.
Jill Fountain Hendricks (ECED ’02 & M.S. CSP ’06) and Bret Hendricks (AGBU ’06), a daughter, Hallie Jo, March 21, 2016. Hallie has a sister, Payten. Jennifer Taber Cozens (SPH ’03) and Victor Cozens (HPE ’03), a son, River Eugene, April 19, 2016. River has a sister, Lyla.
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Class Notes
Kelly Cammack-Makuch (PSY/SOC ’10) and her husband, Rob, a son, John Benjamin, June 20, 2016. Josh Atchley (HPE ’11) and Kristen Hayes Atchley (BPS-ID ’13 & HPE ’14), a daughter, Saylor Brooks, April 17, 2016.
Michael Beasley (HIST ’11) and Maegan Ballard Beasley (ENGL EDU ’13 & M.S. CSP ’15), a son, Miles Thomas, Jan. 12, 2016.
1960s
Corey Cummins (CER-CRT ’11) and his wife, Tina, a son, Carlisle Winston, May 24, 2016.
Richard Lilly (HIST EDU ’67) and his wife, Nancy, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016.
Whitney Philpott (ECED ’11) and her husband, Jimmy, a son, Porter Luke, March 18, 2016. Porter’s siblings are Maden and Emeri.
Jerry Cecil (HPE ’68) stepped down as assistant superintendent and director of athletics for the Greenwood School District in April 2016. Jerry has worked in education for 48 years, the last 31 of which were invested in his hometown of Greenwood.
Paul A. Meeks (SOC ’12) and Samantha McKinzie Meeks (ENGL EDU ’13 and M.A. ’15), a son, Colt Jackson, Dec. 3, 2015. Jim Myers (GS ’12) and Katie Myers (ECED ’12 & M.Ed. ’15), a daughter, Aubrey, Feb. 17, 2016. Aubrey has a sister, Emma.
Jim Spears (HIST/POL SCI ’68) will retire as Sebastian County circuit judge at the end of 2016 following 24 years on the bench.
Andrea Carter Parsons (MGMT/MKTG ’12) and Cody Parsons (IT ’13), a son, Jacob Lee, May 18, 2016.
1970s
Joseph Christopher Gearhart (INS ’13) and Ashlyn Campbell Gearhart (ECED ’13), a son, Elijah Christopher, May 7, 2016.
Jean Jewell Moreno (ART EDU ’75) is retired from a 25-year career as an art teacher.
Kory Loop (AAS-AH ’13) and his wife, Jennifer, a daughter, Karsyn River, June 8, 2016. Karsyn has two siblings: Ryder and Harper.
Charlie Sorrels (HPE ’76) retired as athletic director for the Atkins School District on March 15, 2016.
Reanna Rose McKinley (AHL ’13 & CNA ’14) and her husband, Brandon, a daughter, Skylar Elizabeth, June 23, 2016. Skylar has a sister, Arianna.
Foy Marshall Kellow (ENGR ’77) retired as engineering and operation manager with the electric utility system in Hopkinsville, Ky.
Samantha Mitchell (MAT-TMS ’14) and her husband, Derek, a daughter, Ava Monroe, March 8, 2016. Jordan Ivey Myers (ECED ’14) and Zachary Myers (COM SCI ’15), a daughter, Arianna, June 20, 2016. Arianna has a brother, Zachary Blaine. Cody Nash (EMP ’14) and his wife, Allison, a son, Beau Jamison, March 25, 2016. Beau has a sister, Kenna. Jeffery “Scott” Byrd (MECH ENGR ’15) and Amber Noel Talley Byrd (ALUM), a daughter, Anniston Rhea, March 3, 2016. John Chenowith (MGMT/MKTG ’15) and his wife, Shea, a son, Grayson Gerald, May 24, 2016. Grayson has two siblings: Dawson and Kimbyr. Daria Lee (AS-CP ’15) and Robert White Jr., a son, Braxton Parker Lee White, March 8, 2016. Kayla Lynne Stubbs (PSY ’15) and Quillermo Emmanuel Chinchilla, a son, Ezekiel Emmitt, March 1, 2016. Megan Jennings (’17) and Nicholas Hoffman (ALUM), a daughter, Coralie Rose, May 13, 2016.
1950s Jock Davis (BUAD ’50) was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission. Ruben Johnson (’50) is retired from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the Army National Guard. He is a member of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Terry Suen (GEOL ’78) was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Hal Norman (COM SCI ’79) was named vice president of customer accounts and membership at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
1980s Kerry Schneider (MATH ’83) was hired as superintendent for the Cedarville School District. Morris Bramlett (CHEM ’85) was named Alpha Chi administrator of the year at the University of Arkansas-Monticello. He is dean of math and sciences at UAM. Gaye Griffin Stark (HPE ’85 & M.Ed. PE ’88) became the first female inducted into the Panther Den of Honor at Heber Springs High School on March 11, 2016. Kelley J. Linck (BUAD ’87) was hired as chief of legislative and governmental affairs for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Michelle Owens Hayward (ELED ’88) was elected to serve on the Association for Middle Level Education Board of Trustees. Michelle is principal at McNair Middle School in Fayetteville.
1990s Tanya Johnson (ELED ’92, M.Ed. COUN ’06 & M.Ed. EDLD ’09) was hired as principal at Allen Elementary School in Siloam Springs effective July 1, 2016. Mickey DuVall (JOUR ’94) received the Sully Award for best radio call in high school football during 2015. Mickey teaches algebra and is radio play-by-play announcer for Russellville High School. VOL. 52, NO. 2 Class Notes
23
Dr. Kimberly McFall (MUED ’96) completed her Doctor of Education degree from Arkansas State University. Kimberly was hired as assistant professor of elementary and secondary education at Marshall University. Bobby Joe Applegate (HPE ’98) was hired as superintendent for the Mountain Pine School District.
2000s Gary Edwards (ACCT ’00) made partner with BKD LLP in Little Rock. Justin Price (MGMT/MKTG ’01) graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Justin is senior vice president at Bank of the Ozarks in Russellville. Kristen Scroggins Reaves (EDU ’01) was hired as head volleyball coach at Sabine High School in Texas. Josh Price (HPE ’03) was hired as athletics director and head football coach at Stuttgart High School. Phil Vega (HPE ’03) was promoted to head football coach at Dardanelle High School. Rick Roach (ECON ’04) is president and chief lending officer for Stone Bank in Mountain View. Brett Hobbs (HPE ’05 & M.Ed. PE ’08) was hired as defensive coordinator for the football program at Springdale High School. Jamill Jones (MGMT/MKTG ’08) was hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Central Florida. Keith Lindsey (ACCT ’08) was named senior manager with BKD LLP in Little Rock. Gary Logan (ECED ’08) was named assistant principal of the year for the State of Arkansas by the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals during an assembly on April 22, 2016.
2010s Mandy Dedmon Bartlett (BIOL ’10) graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Christopher Brown (ACCT ’10) was named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Fast 15 list for 2016. The distinction is reserved for professionals in their 20s who are on the fast track to success in business or politics. Courtney Pratt (RS ’10 & M.S. CSP ’12) was named coordinator of student engagement for the Arkansas Tech College of Business. Josh D. Waters (’10) graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law on May 21, 2016. Charles Joshua Geske (WF ’11) accepted a position with Sparks Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery as a physician assistant. Jake C. Smith (BIOL ’12) earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Class Notes
Brooke Smith Magness (JOUR & CJ ’13) graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law on May 21, 2016. 1st Lt. Cody Hartman (HIST ’14) is on active duty with the 441st Military Intelligence Battalion at Camp Zama in Japan. Nickolas Mann (MGMT/MKTG ’14) is assistant risk officer for Chambers Bancshares Inc. in Danville. Summer Laffoon (CHEM ’15) received a 2016 National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship. Summer is in graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Gabby Chandler (MUED ’16) was hired as band director for grades 6-12 in the Hamburg School District. Melody Tabor (JOUR ’16) accepted a job as a photographer and editor for television station KHBS/KHOG in Rogers.
FRIENDS WE’LL MISS Mike Caskey (’36) died on Jan. 1, 2016. He was a World War II veteran and was retired from a 38-year career as owner and operator of Austin Lacquer Company. Mike lived in Austin, Texas. He was 99. Elizabeth Patterson Milligan (’39) died on June 1, 2016. Her 37year career as an elementary school teacher was spent in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Elizabeth lived in Alpena. She was 97. Robert Bonham Parker (’39) died on Jan. 18, 2016. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to a journalism career that included work for the Arkansas Gazette, the Courier-Post in Hannibal, Mo., and Time magazine, where he worked as a writer, desk editor and chief correspondent. Bob lived in Chapel Hill, N.C. He was 95. Anna Marie Dunn Kifer (’41) died on March 31, 2016. She was 94. Betty Jean Williamson Haight (’43) died on March 30, 2016. Betty lived in Murrieta, Calif. She was 92. Howard Prichard (AGRI ’43) died on March 22, 2016. He was a retired agriculture teacher and former Cornbelt Hatchery employee. Howard lived in Hope. He was 93. Eulis Charles Pemberton (’46) died on Feb. 11, 2016. He gave 28 years of military service during a career that spanned from World War II to the Vietnam War. Eulis lived in Sherwood. He was 96. Owen Gene Barlow Sr. (CHEM ’48) died on March 26, 2016. Gene served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and later served in the Naval Reserve. He retired from Union National Bank in Little Rock as senior vice president. Gene lived in Sherwood. He was 87. Edward Keith Harmon (’48) died on Nov. 14, 2015. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired after 30 years at the rank of Naval Commander. Ed lived in Poway, Calif. He was 87. Galena Mae Raney McCaleb (’48) died on June 7, 2016. She was a homemaker and artist. Galena lived in Harrison. She was 86. Hilda Dunn Hamilton (’49) died on Feb. 2, 2016. Hilda lived in Russellville. She was 84.
Dr. Thomas W. Sullivan (AGBU ’49) died on May 4, 2016. Thomas was professor of poultry science at the University of Nebraska from 1958-93 and was poultry section leader of the animal science department from 1984-93. He was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction in 1997. Thomas lived in Russellville. He was 85. Keith Moore Cameron (’50) died on Jan. 26, 2016. He was retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. Keith lived in Lee’s Summit, Mo. He was 85. Vernon Vestle Noles (BUAD ’50) died on May 21, 2016. Vernon lived in Russellville. He was 89. Henry Arnold Jones (’51) died on Feb. 23, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years. Henry lived in Heber Springs. He was 87. Jerome Russell Dahl (’52) died on April 29, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army and worked for the USDA Forest Service. Russell lived in Hot Springs. He was 83. Marjorie Williams Hines (EDU ’53) died on Feb. 9, 2016. Marjorie taught elementary school in Van Buren, Bentonville and Rogers. She also managed her husband’s chiropractic office. Marjorie lived in Rogers. She was 84. Jewell Reddell (’53) died on April 20, 2016. He served in Germany during World War II. His post-military career included stints as a teacher, chemical plant employee, co-op credit manager and manager of the Washington County (Ark.) Water Authority. Jewell lived in Fayetteville. He was 88.
of Burris Oil Company. Jack lived in Russellville. He was 84. Mary Louise Maxwell Johnson (ELED ’57) died on Feb. 9, 2016. Mary taught school for 32 years. She worked in schools in Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and Canada. Mary lived in Anacortes, Wash. She was 79. J. Darwin Hawkins (ENGR ’58) died on March 23, 2016. He worked as an engineer for such aircraft companies as LTV Aerospace Corporation, Learjet Corporation and Boeing. Darwin lived in Derby, Kan. He was 77. Roger Morrow Pitts (AGBU ’58) died on March 15, 2016. After beginning his career in agricultural education and as a Farm Bureau agency manager, Roger was a farmer in Lincoln for 52 years. Roger lived in Lincoln. He was 77. Paula Lee Phillips (EDU ’59) died on July 2, 2016. She was retired from a career in the Russellville School District that included service as an English teacher, assistant principal, interim principal and director of adult education. Paula lived in Russellville. She was 78. Bonnie Simpson Polk (’59) died on May 18, 2016. She was a former physical education teacher for the Little Rock School District and former owner and operator of the Vintage BP Sports Supply in Florida. Bonnie lived in Bostic, N.C. She was 77. Don Haynes (’61) died on May 14, 2016. Don served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for Shell Oil Company for 32 years. Don lived in Tulsa, Okla. He was 77.
Dr. Roy E. Blakeburn (SOC STUDIES ’55) died on April 14, 2016. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister for 54 years. Roy lived in Greeneville, Tenn. He was 87.
Dr. James David Martin (’61) died on March 7, 2016. He graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1966 and became a general practitioner. David lived in Omaha. He was 81.
George Taylor Newberry (AGBU ’55) died on Jan. 26, 2016. George served in the U.S. Army. He was assistant county agent in Crittenden County and retired as assistant general manager for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Association. George lived in Tulsa, Okla. He was 81.
Joe Edwin Lee Sr. (AGRI ’62) died on April 17, 2016. He owned Joe Lee Chevrolet in Clinton and was a cattle farmer. Joe lived in Clinton. He was 75.
Charles Rosa (BUAD ’55) died on March 18, 2016. Charles was president and owner of Rosa Oil Company. He was also a past sheriff and past collector of Stone County (Ark.). Charles lived in North Little Rock. He was 82. Nellie Cozette Drewry Campbell (’56) died on April 22, 2016. She taught elementary school for 39 years and owned a custom drapery business after retiring from the classroom. Nellie lived in Marshall. She was 99. Harland M. Goodner (BUAD ’56) died on March 6, 2016. He had a 50-year career in computer programming and operations, including serving as co-founder of International Data Processing of America in Little Rock. Harland lived in Benton. He was 80. Ronald Wade Bailey Sr. (MUS ’57) died on June 10, 2016. Ron oversaw Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart from 1967-88 and was cofounder of PRM Energy Systems. He was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction in 1974. Ron lived in Hot Springs. He was 80. Jack C. Burris (BUAD ’57) died on June 12, 2016. Jack served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was the founder and owner
Jimmie Jeaneane Markham (’62) died on May 21, 2016. Jimmie lived in Atkins. She was 74. Maureen Woodiel Shireman (’62) died on May 31, 2016. She was retired from a 30-year teaching career in Springdale and Fayetteville. Maureen lived in Fayetteville. She was 75. Robert J. Watts (EDU ’62) died on March 10, 2016. Bob gave 29 years of teaching service in the schools at Compton, Bergman and Harrison. He was a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Bob lived in Harrison. He was 85. John Walter Whorton (’62) died on June 11, 2016. He worked in a variety of field and office positions for Northwestern Mutual Life for almost 30 years. John lived in London. He was 81. Mary Ann Williams Wray (EDU ’62) died on June 7, 2016. She was retired from a career in education, much of which was invested teaching English at Harrison. Mary lived in Melbourne. She was 75. John Vance Coffman (BUAD ’63) died on June 10, 2016. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was retired from the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Vance lived in DeValls Bluff. He was 79. VOL. 52, NO. 2 Class Notes
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Virgil Paul Adcox Jr. (BUAD ’65) died on April 16, 2016. He worked for Southwestern Bell as a communications engineer and owned a real estate agency. Virgil lived in Hot Springs. He was 78.
James Michael Masters (MUED ’96) died on March 4, 2016. He taught band for the Mountain Pine School District for 16 years. Mike lived in Little Rock. He was 53.
Jerry Lynn Lawrence (’65) died on March 31, 2016. Jerry lived in Russellville. He was 69.
Jason Robert Elsasser (ENGR ’97) died on Jan. 18, 2016. He was an electrical engineer for Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia and worked to develop drones for OSEC/Qinetiq North America. Jason lived in Sherwood. He was 41.
Ernest Harding Salkeld Jr. (BUAD ’67) died on April 26, 2016. His career was spent in insurance claims and risk management. Ernest lived in Flower Mound, Texas. He was 72. Earl Ray White (HPE ’67) died on April 14, 2015. Earl served in the Army National Guard. He was a school teacher, administrator and coach. Earl lived in Hackett. He was 79. Jim F. Brooks (’68) died on June 16, 2016. He was a United Methodist Church minister for more than 52 years. Jim lived in Paris. He was 73. Jimmy Lee Smithson (SCI ’68) died on Feb. 28, 2016. Jimmy served in the Arkansas House of Representatives, as mayor of Marshall and was a retired pharmacist. Jimmy lived in Marshall. He was 72. Danny Aubrey Woody (ACCT ’68) died on Feb. 29, 2016. He was a retired UPS driver, a farmer, a former Hackett School Board member and a past mayor of Bonanza. Danny lived in Greenwood. He was 70.
Rita Elizabeth Wood Tolley (ART EDU ’01) died on Feb. 7, 2016. She taught in the schools at Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Rita lived in Fort Smith. She was 38. William Thomas Rickman (MUED ’04) died on May 5, 2016. He was a choir director for the Pottsville School District. Thomas lived in Russellville. He was 38. Tracey Michelle Fortenberry (M.Ed. ’11) died on April 23, 2016. She was retired from a career in education that included stints as a counselor at Waldron High School and Ozark Elementary School as well as a teacher at Paris High School. Tracey lived in Alma. She was 51. Karla Gayle Stanton (BPS ’11) died on May 19, 2016. She worked in accounting and customer relations at Bridgestone/Firestone for more than 25 years. Karla lived in Russellville. She was 48.
Larry Edwin Smith (MUED ’69) died on June 7, 2016. He was band director at Rogers High School from 1970-80 and was employed in logistics at Walmart from 1980-2008. Larry lived in Rogers. He was 69.
Nicholas R. Coffron (’13) died on Feb. 12, 2016. Nick lived in Knoxville. He was 25.
George Marion Cabaniss (SOC ’70) died on March 11, 2016. He was a retired sergeant with the Van Buren Police Department and a law enforcement instructor for Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus. George lived in Van Buren. He was 67.
Bobby Fredrick Lancaster (GS ’14) died on Nov. 19, 2015. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in Korea. Sixty-five years after he first enrolled at Tech, it was discovered that Bob had the credits for an associate degree. He graduated on the same day as his grandson, Brant Bauman. Bob lived in Russellville. He was 87.
Carolyn Ann Denson Clark (SOC ’70) died on March 19, 2016. Carolyn lived in Sun City Center, Fla. She was 72. Pamela A. Mathis (ELED ’70 & M.Ed. ’81) died on April 17, 2016. She taught for 36 years in the Russellville School District. Pam lived in Russellville. She was 66. Lee Alison Schoonover (RPA ’72) died on Jan. 21, 2016. He was retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Lee lived in Ward. He was 69. Larry Marice Fink (BUAD ’76) died on June 14, 2016. Larry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was an entrepreneur. Larry lived in Russellville. He was 66. Mary Margaret Hixson (M.Ed. ’84) died on April 6, 2016. She taught school for more than 20 years, including time at Siloam Springs and Altus. Mary lived in Bella Vista. She was 77. Sammie Miller (ACCT ’84) died on May 22, 2016. Sammie served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was an accountant for EWI Inc. for more than 25 years. Sammie lived in Russellville. He was 86. Bobby Joe Cross (PSY ’88) died on March 25, 2016. Bobby lived in Russellville. He was 71. Karen Elizabeth Mayes (SPH ’95) died on May 27, 2016. She invested her career in the fields of administration and communications. Karen lived in Searcy. She was 50.
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Class Notes
Hannah Mackenzie Hess (CP-HIT ’15 & AAS-OTA ’16) died on May 23, 2016. She was a student in the occupational therapy assistant program through Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus. Kenzie lived in North Little Rock. She was 21. Michela Elizabeth Williams (’19) died on May 13, 2016. She was a graduate of Maumelle High School and had just completed her freshman year at Arkansas Tech. Michela lived in Little Rock. She was 19. Dr. Jack G. Dodd (FMR FACULTY) died on April 23, 2016. Jack was a member of the Arkansas Tech faculty from 1962-67. He went on to serve as a member of the Colgate University faculty for 17 years. Jack lived in Hamilton, N.Y. He was 89. Dr. Michael A. Link (FACULTY) died on April 25, 2016. He was a member of the Arkansas Tech history faculty from 1965 until the time of his passing. He held the rank of associate professor of history at the time of his passing. Michael lived in Russellville. He was 79. Martha Patton Williams (FMR FACULTY) died on May 19, 2016. She taught on the home economics faculty and served as dean of women at Arkansas Tech. Martha lived in Russellville. She was 99. Dr. Annette Zakharian (FACULTY) died on March 17, 2016. She taught French at Arkansas Tech from 1984-2016. She held the rank of professor of French. Annette lived in Russellville. She was 63.
Photographed (from left) are Marty Young, Reagan Young, Dr. Robert A. Young Jr., Betsy Young Snyder, Noel Snyder, Rick Young and Angie Young with Jerry the Bulldog, campus ambassador.
Jerry’s Journal Serving as campus ambassador at Arkansas Tech University keeps me on the move. Between greeting campus tours, attending summer youth camps and celebrating my third birthday, it’s been a busy summer for yours truly.
in 2012, and the Arkansas Tech Student Government Association was
Fortunately, I have a place to go when I need to get away from it all. And not just any place — it’s a place that ties back to my beginnings more than 80 years ago.
103rd anniversary of the first day of class at Arkansas Tech.
The place is Creature Comforts Boarding and Daycare in Russellville, and the people are Betsy Young Snyder and her husband, Noel. Betsy and Noel have four decades of combined experience working with animals. After long careers working in zoos, they decided to return to Betsy’s hometown and open Creature Comforts. Betsy is an Arkansas Tech alumna. That would be enough to make her one of my favorite people, but there’s something more. She is also the great-granddaughter of W.O. Young. Mr. Young served as business manager at Arkansas Tech from 1917-42. During the 1930s, he owned a bulldog that he was fond of bringing to campus. This bulldog’s favorite hangout on campus was Tech’s National Guard armory. Newspaper accounts of the era tell us that he was adopted by the members of National Guard Battery F as if he was their own.
so taken by the tale that they cast a unanimous vote to restore the tradition and bring Jerry the Bulldog back as campus ambassador. I was selected to serve as the first modern Jerry the Bulldog — thanks in large part to my undeniable good looks and charming personality — and introduced to campus on Oct. 26, 2013, the
One aspect that has remained consistent throughout, from before the time of the first Jerry to today, is the Young family’s involvement with Arkansas Tech. W.O. Young’s son, Robert A. Young Sr., followed him in handling the business affairs of the university and was a member of the Tech administration from 1941-84. His grandson, Dr. Robert A. Young Jr., has served as president of the Arkansas Tech Foundation and is one of the Wonder Boys’ and Golden Suns’ most ardent fans. He recently retired as a dentist in Russellville. And now, through her support of the campus ambassador program, Betsy represents the fourth generation of the Young Family that is indispensable to the Tech Family. As for me, I’m pretty excited to have a vacation home at Creature Comforts. A happy campus ambassador is a good campus ambassador, and I’m always
Those same newspaper accounts state that the bulldog was “always present at anything of importance at the armory,” which was a social center of campus at that time.
happy to spend time with Betsy and Noel.
The rest is both history and the present. The story was rediscovered
Campus Ambassador
Sincerely, Jerry the Bulldog
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Jerry's Journal
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Golden Suns Win GAC Title, Advance to NCAA Super Regional The 2016 Golden Suns established a new standard of excellence for the Arkansas Tech University softball program. Regular season champions of the Great American Conference, champions of the NCAA Division II Tournament Central Regional 1 and winners of a school-record 49 games, the Golden Suns were among the final 16 teams standing in the 2016 NCAA Division II Softball Tournament.
Missouri State University and Upper Iowa University arrived in Russellville to begin the NCAA Tournament at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex. It marked the first time for Tech to serve as a host institution for the NCAA Division II Softball Tournament, and just the second time for it to qualify for the event.
Head coach Kristina McSweeney was named GAC coach of the year, while junior Jalissa Gum of Red Rock, Okla., was voted GAC pitcher of the year.
Gum pitched all 25 innings of the regional without allowing a run and senior Kambri Hill of Springdale hit two key home runs to help the Golden Suns win the double-elimination event with a 3-0 record.
Gum was 22-4 with a 0.60 earned run average during the 2016 season. From April 3-28, she had a streak of 55 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.
Arkansas Tech advanced to host Southern Arkansas University in the best-of-three games NCAA Division II Tournament Super Regional round May 11-12 in Russellville.
Arkansas Tech won 37 of its first 40 games to begin the season and climbed as high as No. 3 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association NCAA Division II top 25 poll.
The Lady Muleriders, runners-up to the Golden Suns during the GAC regular season race and champions of the GAC Tournament, swept the first two games of the super regional to advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series.
The Golden Suns finished the GAC portion of their regular season schedule with a league record of 34-6, giving them their first regular season conference softball title since winning the 2011 Gulf South Conference West Division crown. Arkansas Tech was named the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division II Tournament Central Regional when selections were announced on May 2. Three days later, Minnesota State University, Northwest
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VOL. 52, NO. 2 Athletics
Arkansas Tech finished the 2016 softball season with an overall record of 49-11. In addition to Gum and Hill, the Golden Suns were represented on the 2016 All-GAC softball teams by sophomore pitcher Morgan Vaughan of Bella Vista, sophomore second baseman Alex Edinger of Claremore, Okla., freshman shortstop Sarah Coronado of Frisco, Texas, and freshman designated player Destiny Crumpley of Little Elm, Texas. |
Burke, Fredensborg Qualify for NCAA Nationals Arkansas Tech University’s Bryce Burke and Caroline Fredensborg both played their way into the national finals of the 2016 NCAA Division II Golf Championships. Burke, a freshman from Johannesburg, South Africa, fired rounds of 72-75-73 May 2-4 at the men’s NCAA Division II Midwest/Central Regional in Allendale, Mich. His 54-hole total of 220 was good for a share of third place in the individual standings and an individual berth in the men’s NCAA Division II Championships May 17-21 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colo. Fredensborg, a junior from Roskilde, Denmark, punched her ticket for the national finals by finishing in a tie for third place at the women’s NCAA Division II Central Regional in Axtell, Neb. She returned scores of 72-74-72 May 2-4 for a 54-hole total of 218. Fredensborg competed in the women’s NCAA Division II Championships May 18-21 at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, Colo. |
Tech Goes Back-to-Back as GAC Women’s Golf Champion Arkansas Tech University is women’s golf champion of the Great American Conference for a second consecutive year. The Golden Suns saved their best performance of the 2016 GAC Championships for the last round, posting a team total of 292 on April 26 to pull away for an 11-stroke victory over runner-up Henderson State University. Led by GAC coach of the year Amy Anderson, Arkansas Tech completed the 54-hole event with a team total of 916 at Hot Springs Country Club. Tech’s Pia Nunbhakdi captured the individual GAC championship in a sudden death playoff after rounds of 80-76-71 allowed her to finish with a three-day score of 227. Anna Frandsen (T-3rd, 82-76-70-228), Jessica Sachs (6th, 74-80-75-229), Caroline Fredensborg (T-10th, 83-76-76-235) and Avery Struck (T-13th, 81-79-77-237) also contributed to the Golden Suns’ team championship. |
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Athletics
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Meador Earns Recognition from Gridiron Greats Eddie Meador, an All-America running back at Arkansas Tech University who went on to a 12-year career in the National Football League, was inducted into Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge in Las Vegas, Nev., on Friday, June 3. A product of Russellville High School, Meador played football at Arkansas Tech from 1955-58. His 3,410 career rushing yards are second-most in Wonder Boys’ history, and his 95-yard run against the University of the Ozarks in 1958 stands as the longest rushing
play ever by an Arkansas Tech player. Meador was a member of Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship teams in 1955 and 1958. He was named to the Associated Press Little All-America team at the conclusion of his senior season. The Los Angeles Rams selected Meador in the seventh round of the 1959 NFL Draft. He went on to make 159 consecutive starts as a defensive back for the Rams during a career that lasted from 195970. More than 45 years after his final game, Meador still holds the Rams’ franchise record for career interceptions with 46. Meador was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1978. Joining Meador as Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame inductees for 2016 were Cliff Branch, Robert Brazile, Billy Kilmer, Ron Jaworski, Daryle Lamonica, Don Maynard, Danny McManus, Dan Pastorini and Jim Taylor. |
Arkansas Tech Wins 2015-16 GAC All-Sports Trophy The regular season standings determined the points in sports with a round-robin schedule. The conference championship event determined the points in sports without a regular season format (women’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s golf).
Arkansas Tech University is home to the top intercollegiate athletics program in the Great American Conference for a fifth consecutive year. The 2015-16 GAC All-Sports Trophy was awarded to Arkansas Tech on Tuesday, June 21. Tech has won the award for each of the five years that the GAC has existed. Schools earned points toward the GAC All-Sports Trophy based upon their finish in all sports that are sponsored by six or more member institutions.
The Wonder Boys and the Golden Suns accumulated 81 points through their 2015-16 conference finishes in 10 sports — baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, football, men’s golf, women’s golf, softball, women’s tennis and volleyball. Harding University finished second with 79 points. |
WONDER BOYS 2016 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
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DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
LOCATION
Sept. 1
7 p.m.
SOUTHERN NAZARENE
THONE STADIUM
Sept. 10
Noon
Oklahoma Baptist
Shawnee, Okla.
Sept. 17
6 p.m.
ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO
THONE STADIUM
Sept. 24
6 p.m.
Southern Arkansas
Magnolia, Ark.
Oct. 1
6 p.m.
HENDERSON STATE
THONE STADIUM
Oct. 8
1 p.m.
Ouachita Baptist
Arkadelphia, Ark.
Oct. 15
6 p.m.
EAST CENTRAL
THONE STADIUM
Oct. 22
2 p.m.
Southeastern Oklahoma
Durant, Okla.
Oct. 29
2 p.m.
NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA
THONE STADIUM • Homecoming
Nov. 5
2 p.m.
Southwestern Oklahoma
Weatherford, Okla.
Nov. 12
2 p.m.
Harding
Searcy, Ark.
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Athletics
HOMECOMING REGISTRATION FORM
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOUND ON PAGE 3
Name Class Year
Guest
Guest Class Year
Class Year
HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING REUNIONS? Alumni Gold Reunion (Class of 1966)
Greek Life (40th Anniversary)
Class of 2015
1950s & 1960s Alumni
1971 Football Team (45th Anniversary)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 Homecoming Golf Tournament Three-person scramble
x $75 per person =
Player 1
Daytime Phone
Player 2
Daytime Phone
Player 3
Daytime Phone
Hole Sponsor or Beverage/Snack Cart Sponsor (circle one)
$150 =
Team & Hole Sponsor
$300 =
Ladies ‘Champagne Bingo’ Luncheon
x $15 =
Alumni & Friends Celebration
x $5 =
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
Football Game Tickets
adults x $10 = children and senior citizens x $5 =
Homecoming 2016 T-Shirts Short Sleeve
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
x $5 =
Long Sleeve
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
x $10 =
Optional Shipping
$5 = ADDITIONAL GIFT TO FOUNDATION TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED
Your Contact Information Address
Make checks payable to: ARKANSAS TECH FOUNDATION Want to charge it? Visa MasterCard AMEX Discover (circle one)
City State
Card #
Zip
Billing Address
Phone
City State Zip
Signature
REGISTER ONLINE: TECHTIES.ATU.EDU/HOMECOMING2016 Or Mail to: Alumni House, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801
Exp. Date
VOL. 52, NO. 2 Alumni News
31
TECH ACTION Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House 1313 North Arkansas Ave. Russellville, AR 72801
Win an Apple Watch! Register for Arkansas Tech University Homecoming 2016 by midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 26, for your chance to win an Apple Watch. Drawing will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27.
OCTOBER 28-29, 2016 REGISTER TODAY: TECHTIES.ATU.EDU/HOMECOMING2016
The winner will be notified via telephone. Must be present at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Alumni Association tent during Party at the Plaza to claim your prize. For more information, call (479) 968-0242 or e-mail alumni@atu.edu.