Voices: Fall 2022

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Students graduating from Arkansas State University filled Johnny Allison Field at Centennial Bank Stadium during Spring Commencement on May 7. The graduates walked the stage to receive doctoral, specialist, master, bachelor and associate degrees and program certificates, awarded through A-State’s eight colleges.

COMMENCEMENT?

O N T H E C O V E R Dr. Todd Shields took office as A-State’s fourth permanently appointed chancellor as the fall semester began Aug. 15. Get to know more about our new campus leader, who is featured in this edition of Voices.

VOICES

MY VOICE

PHILIP JACKSON PRESIDENT ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM FOUNDATION

When friend and colleague Lindsay Burnett asked me to write the introduction for the newest edition of Voices I was flattered and immediately said yes. After all, I’m a back-office guy who has spent 38 years at A-State crunching numbers, balancing books and watching our endowment portfolio go up and down like a dad-gum yo-yo. This is my chance, I thought to my delusional self, to show everybody just how brilliant, charming and incredibly witty I am. I thought of all the things I’d like to say about the meaningful ways A-State alumni give back and help transform the lives of so many people.

Or comment on the way that A-State is now, more than ever in its history, dependent on private resources and alumni support to offset many years of declining or flat public funding. But after reading several introductory letters from past issues for inspiration, I came to the conclusion that nearly everything I think and reflect upon these days are seen through a very myopic lens that I cannot escape.

I now see the world as a person living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. So now what? What does this terminal disease have to do with A-State or inspiring my fellow alumni to support A-State and the greater good? What does any of this really matter? Surprisingly I found that all things A-State matter a great deal more to me now than ever before.

When I was diagnosed in December 2021, I was in shock and found myself emotionally adrift, raw and incredibly fragile. After much soul searching, my wife Lisa and I decided that the days we have left together should be spent with eyes “wide open” to our difficult new reality, yet committed to finding joy and laughter where we can while being grateful for the many blessings we’ve experienced in our life. It is in that spirit that I reflect on the blessing that A-State has been to me and so many others.

Education – I’m grateful that I received a high-quality education that not only prepared me to earn a living, but also granted me the opportunity to interact and learn from outstanding faculty members like Shirl Strauser, Lonnie Talbert, Mary Lou Wood, Charles Ford and Dan Hoyt, just to name a few. These special educators dedicated themselves to making a difference during their teaching tenure and beyond as they left legacies in the form of endowment scholarships to provide financial assistance to students for generations to come.

Career – I’ve spent nearly my entire adult working life serving A-State and now the Arkansas State University System beside many talented volunteers, donors and employees who believe in the current and long-term societal benefits of higher education. I have to mention one person with whom I share a unique bond. Curt Huckaby was a volunteer who single handedly established a top-level rugby club at A-State. He tirelessly gave of his time and financial resources to put A-State on the map as a rugby destination attracting players from all over the world. Curt died from ALS in 2016. God bless you my friend.

Personal Connections – I’m grateful for the friendships that started in the late 1970s and continue to this day. As I take stock of those I hold close in my heart, I realize that most are A-State alums with whom I share a strong sense of “Pack Pride.’’ And, of course, my best friend, life partner and BIG LOVE, Lisa, is a member of the A-State Class of 1985.

To sum it up, my experience at A-State has, and continues to be, a gift that I cherish. And yes, while I strongly believe in the mission of higher education, at the end of the day it’s all about people.

To quote singer-songwriter Jason Isbell: “A man is the product of all the people that he ever loved And it don’t make a difference how it ended up” Give back, friends. Life is too short to think about what might have been. Pass it forward!

Respectfully yours,

Philip

INSIDE

FALL 2022 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 2

FEATURE STO R I E S

1 0 – KIND OF A B I G SH OT 1 6 – P URINTON M OV ES I N TO

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TOP S EAT

2 4 – RED WOLF

CONS ERVAT I ON A ND RES EA RC H C EN TER

3 2 – S P OCS T EA M SAVOR S J OY

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OF RES EA RCH M I SSI ON WIT H NA S A

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COVER STORY

0 4 – NEW CHA NCEL LOR

S ET T LING IN TO TH E PAC K

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ALUMNI HIG H L I G H T S

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2 0 – FIVE OU T STA N D I N G

GRA DUAT ES H ON OR ED A S EMERGIN G YOU N G A LUMNI OF 2022

3 0 – A LUMNI A S SOC I ATI ON

HONORS 2022 DIST INGUIS H ED A LU M N I AT HOMECOM I N G

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R KA N S A S STAT E U N I V E R S I TY A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N 0 2 – VO I C E S

VOICES MAGAZINE OF THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE EDITOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 EDITOR - VAN PROVENCE ‘07 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - TOM MOORE ‘73, ‘91, DR. BILL SMITH

S H A R E YOU R NE WS

DESIGN - MARY REED MELTON ‘04 PHOTOGRAPHER - CARLA WEHMEYER PRINTING - TOOF AMERICAN DIGITAL

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A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

5 2 – B IRT H S AND MAR R IAGE S

PRESIDENT - PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ’93, ‘96

____________________________

VICE PRESIDENT - JOHN BAINE ’95, ‘97 SECRETARY - NATALIE ROGERS ‘10 PAST PRESIDENT - DALE MORRIS ‘70

S N A P S H OTS

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BOARD MEMBERS

JESSICA BAKER ‘07

1 8 – ON CAMPUS 2 8 – ALU M NI E VE NTS 5 4 – WO LVE S AR O UND TH E WORLD

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JULIE MATTHEWS ‘94

JASON BROWN

MICHAEL MILES ’02, ‘11

JAMIE CARADINE ‘78

BRANDON MORRIS ‘08

CHARISSE M. CHILDERS ’88, ’91, ‘01

JOY MURPHY ‘92

RENEE CLAY-CIRCLE ‘87

NEKIA SLATER ‘14

JENNIFER STOUT COLE ’00

SHELLEY LUNBECK TUSTISON ’04

BILL HARRIS ‘93

NONIE WIGGINS ‘83, ‘09, ‘12

CHANCELLOR - DR. TODD SHIELDS VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT DR. ERIKA KRENNERICH CHUDY ‘98, ’00, ‘20

0 1 – P H I LIP JACKSO N

PRESIDENT, ASU SYSTEM FOU NDATION

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05

T H E L A ST WO R D

DIRECTOR, ANNUAL GIVING - TARA TOWNSEND THOMASON ‘97 DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05

5 7 – L INDSAY BUR NE TT

HEATH HOLBERT ‘99

KENT BRIDGER ‘89

JARED WOODARD ‘01

M Y VO ICE

RICHARD HARTNESS, SR. ’68

ERIC BLACKWELL ‘01

DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS Voices is published two times a year by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Subscriptions are available through membership in the A-State Alumni Association. Single issues are available for $6 each.

Editorial offices are located in the Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our telephone is (870) 972-2586 and our fax is (870) 972-2039.

MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org

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EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu

COVER STORY

Click to get to know Todd Shields

0 4 – VO I C E S

S

ince his naming as the fourth appointed chancellor and the 14th

“It’s happened here in the past,” Shields continued. “Just look at what

person to lead Arkansas State University, Todd Shields continues

the Delta Center for Economic Development has done. And without

to discover more and more positives about his new university

A-State, you wouldn’t have had the broader medical community coming together to help support the first osteopathic medical school in

and community.

Arkansas. Now is the time to find new ways we can partner and move forward.”

Meeting with students, faculty, staff and people across Northeast Arkansas, the long-time Arkansas resident has been pleased and

Growth is also available for the university. Arriving on campus just as

impressed.

the university turned a corner on enrollment, Shields believes this is “Over and over, I’ve told groups that this place has all the ingredients

just the beginning.

and is ready to make strides forward,” Shields said. “There is great potential for A-State and Jonesboro to work together and create

“Our mission has always been and continues today to be that place

positive growth.”

where first-generation students come to change their lives and their families’ futures,” Shields said. “At the same time, the ability to have

Shields has watched similar growth and built partnerships at his

all the resources of a national, doctoral-granting R2 university allows

previous institution.

our students to have any opportunity they want, but in an environment where their professors will know their names.”

“I can see real similarities between Northwest Arkansas when Karen and I arrived there and Northeast Arkansas,” he said. “The potential growth

Keeping the growth manageable is something Shields and his

curve is there – we just have to create more connections and partnerships

leadership team believe is essential to maintaining that campus feel.

among our communities. That’s not just the university to the city, but among groups in the city and among communities in the region. Arkansas

“There is such a thing as being too big, and what attracted me to

State can be the neutral ground that brings Northeast Arkansas together.

A-State was a university that still had room to grow, and could do

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NEW CHANCELLOR SETTLING INTO THE PACK

that while maintaining the connection with students that I enjoyed during the early part of my teaching career,” he said. “I know how important that is to students, but it’s also very important to professors. Nothing energizes you like knowing what you did to change a student’s life.”

And focusing on how A-State can change the lives of Arkansas residents is of particular importance to Shields.

“Right now, we have an Arkansan from all 75 of our counties across the state and I know there are more Arkansans who will choose A-State,” he said. “I’ve challenged our recruiters – let’s get two from every county, then three. I want us to grow, but I want A-State to continue being what it has been for generations: one of the best options for Arkansans to achieve their academic goals.”

At the same time, Shields understands with Jonesboro’s location and the opportunity for residents from neighboring states to receive an out-of-state scholarship, he’s keeping the borders open.

“We should absolutely welcome our neighbors from other states to come, learn, and understand why Arkansas State will provide a great education,” he said. “Particularly in the Missouri bootheel and across the river in Tennessee and Mississippi. I want them to come here for their education, and then fall in love with the state just like my wife Karen and I did decades ago and become part of our NEA economy.”

Among Shields’ early discoveries in his listening tour were the thousands of educators among A-State’s 100,000-plus alumni.

“That is an advantage no other university can replicate,” Shields said. “I know the A-State Alumni Association has called on members to help spread the word in the past, but we want to activate these superintendents, school counselors and teachers to become advocates for their alma mater.”

Over the next few months, Shields and the Enrollment Management team from A-State are planning informational events for those educational leaders.

“We know that a vital connection with our education alumni needs to be rebuilt,” he said. “We want to make sure they are up to date on our scholarship offers and our admission standards.”

Along with those in the schools, Shields recently sent a message to all alumni calling on them to join in the cause.

VOICES

“I wrote in that email ‘you don’t need to wait for a card in the mail’ as a reminder to our alumni that they are our best recruiters,” he said.

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“They are the best advertisement every day of what A-State can do for students. I really meant it when I wrote to tell your kids how great it was to be at Arkansas State, and tell your friends’

THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED ABOUT TODD SHIELDS

By this time, most A-State alumni have read the news stories about Todd Shields and his career, but here are some interesting tidbits from his official bio.

YES, HE’S SAVVY’S DAD

Growth isn’t limited to students. One of Shields’ strengths

One of the most popular Miss Arkansas title holders became Miss America in 2017, and for that next year during his daughter’s reign, Todd Shields actually had a lapel button that said “Savvy’s Dad.” And Savvy Shields played a role in her parents’ interest in A-State. “I think she made more visits to Jonesboro and the area than any place else, and she kept saying, ‘they are the nicest people.’ It made an impression on us.”

during his administrative career has been securing resources

BUT HE’S DANE’S DAD TOO

kids, the neighbors’ kids and anyone who will listen. Your A-State pride is vital to our future success.”

and stewardship for his programs. In the coming months, he’s looking forward to opportunities to engage the local community leadership and alumni across the country in projects to make significant changes to the A-State campus.

“If you had asked me 20 years ago if I would like fundraising, I’d have told you that you were crazy,” Shields said. “But it’s so vital to a university and fulfilling the mission of changing lives.

The building of those relationships and communicating why it’s

As a member of the national marketing team for the global brewer AB InBev, Dane Shields reminded his dad about the importance of the Northeast Arkansas region. “He told me, ‘You know we (referring to Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser line) are the only one using Arkansas rice in our beer.’ So when we were touring around, I had to make sure to get a picture of the plant north of Jonesboro.”

MORE ARKANSAN

Todd Shields’ family moved around a lot during his youth as his father worked with the computer giant IBM, and after completing his academic degrees moved to Arkansas with Karen. Todd graduated high school in Ohio and Karen in California, but now they’ve lived in Arkansas longer than anywhere else, and he considers himself an Arkansan now.

EXPERIENCE CAMPUS-WIDE

When he talks to professors and administrators on campus

Not only had Shields served as the dean of the largest college at the University of Arkansas, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, he’d also served as the dean of the Graduate School and International Education. That time has proved very important to the role of chancellor. “When I was grad dean, I was responsible for every graduate program across the entire university. It was a great chance to learn about every college and program.”

about what energizes him about working in higher education,

A GEN-Z BEFORE HIS TIME

important is something I enjoy.”

it’s hard to not think he’s talking about Arkansas State at the same time.

“Nothing made me more excited about student success than helping a good student who didn’t think they could do something become better,” he said. “And challenging a highachieving student to reach even higher. That’s the key. We need to be the place where you come to achieve more than you think. We must strive to be a place that is not about how elite our students are when they arrive, but how elite they become while they are here.”

For the next few weeks they are still moving into the

Today most students change majors several times, and Todd Shields was no different. He arrived at Miami of Ohio set on becoming an engineer, but it was a class in political science that changed his major. “It all just clicked and that’s where I found my passion. I was pretty good with statistics and math, but here was a field where I could get into debates about policy, or civil rights, or the economy.” By the time he finished, he discovered he also had enough credit for a psychology degree along with his political science degree.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF VOTERS

That dual interest in statistics and psychology led to his academic specialty in voter behavior. He was a co-author on three books on electoral politics, edited six others and published more than 40 articles.

HE HAD AN A-STATE CONNECTION

Last year, Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Shields as the co-chair of the subcommittee on research and writing on the newly reinstated Arkansas Commission on the Status of Women. His co-chair? A-State’s Dean of the Graduate School, Cherisse Jones-Branch, which now means both chairs of this academic committee are Red Wolves.

HE’S A BUILDER

There are still more groups to meet, but a vision of moving

One of his signature contributions to his previous institution was the creation of a School of Art and in partnership with the city of Fayetteville, a new arts district.

Combining a $120 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation with $70 million in total support from the Windgate Foundation, the new Windgate Studio + Design Center anchors the redevelopment of a large tract of Fayetteville along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. He also secured over $90 million in software and equipment gifts for Fulbright College during his tenure.

A-State ahead is forming around that approach to students:

AND HE’S A CREATOR

Chancellor’s Residence, a step which was delayed by water damage discovered over the summer, and taking in the wide range of Homecoming and fall semester traditions at A-State.

working together, being inclusive of all and helping everyone improve.

Shields played a pivotal role in the creation of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society, serving as the founding director of the interdisciplinary research center. Building upon his previous experience as the associate director of the Fulbright Institute of International Relations, the Blair Center became an established resource for programming, curriculum, research and polling for the state and region.

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ITN

IN THE NEWS

6.27.22

A-State’s students in Phi Beta Lambda, which is becoming Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate Level, earned 13 awards at the national conference in Chicago.

The A-State chapter is the largest in the nation for the fifth straight year.

8.21.22

A-State head women’s soccer coach Brian Dooley picked up his 250th career victory when the Red Wolves defeated Central Arkansas 3-0 in Jonesboro.

5.7.22

Former Chancellor Damphousse conferred an honorary doctoral degree

5.14.22

A-State women’s track and field team captured its third consecutive SBC championship, and second straight SBC Triple Crown.

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upon one of America’s great singer/ songwriters, women of letters, and historic preservationists, Rosanne Cash at the May 2022 commencement.

8.27.22

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The Red Wolves from Campus Querétaro met Texas Wesleyan’s Rams in Fort Worth to compete in the Global Clasico, the first international football game for A-State’s Mexico team.

4.28.22

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Reed Middleton of Marianna accepts the 2022 Wilson Award from Perry Wilson, great-great-grandson of R.E. Lee Wilson, for whom Arkansas State University’s highest award for a graduating student is named.

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4.28.22

Seven exceptional Arkansas State University students were named Distinguished Service Award (DSA) winners for 2021-22. The DSA recipients were recognized during Convocation of Scholars as the institution’s most outstanding graduates based on their record of leadership, scholarship and citizenship.

Pictured L-R: Blake Moore, Anna Handloser, Molly Grace Williams, Reed Middleton, Jackson St. Pierre, Keyon Atkins, and Sydney Wofford.

8.17.22

The Faculty Association recognized 28 individuals who were selected for inclusion

9.8.22

Led by gains in most attendance categories, A-State

on the Distinguished Faculty Wall of Honor,

announced one of its largest total head-count fall semester

during the fall Faculty Conference.

enrollments with 14,109 students after the 11th day census.

4.20.22

Milkin Educators?

Hall of Honor?

Olivia Schmidt? Golf?

Pres. Scholars Mexico Grad

5.9.22

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers (IEEE) student chapter competed

Arkansas State University students earned 44 awards, including six general excellence awards, at the Arkansas

in underwater robotics at the R5 Green

College Media Association’s annual spring convention and awards banquet.

Technologies Conference in Houston.

5.18.22

After leading the Arkansas State women’s track and field team to its third straight Sun Belt Conference outdoor title, A-State Director of Track and Field and Cross Country, Jim Patchell, has once again

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3.29.22

been named the league’s Women’s Outdoor Coach of the Year.

Inaugural Dr. J.D. Kelly Memorial Scholarship recipients are Holly Farrah (center left) and Aubrey Triplett. They are congratulated by Dr. Lauren Schack FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 0 9

Clark (left), music chair, and Dr. Kelly Damphousse, former chancellor.

COVER STORY

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KIND OF A BIG SHOT

T

he small town of Fordyce, Ark., is known for producing many big names in the

world of football, and one “Big Shot.”

Names like Jimmy “Red” Parker, six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection Kevin Williams and 11-year NFL veteran Raylee Johnson. Its high school football field is named after legendary coach and Fordyce native Paul “Bear” Bryant. To get there, one must drive down Larry Lacewell Lane, named after the winningest football coach in Arkansas State University history – the “Big Shot.”

Lacewell died May 17, 2022, at age 85, leaving behind a remarkable football legacy that was dotted with success at every level of his career. The winningest football coach in Arkansas State University history with 69 victories, he became head coach in 1979 and led the program for 11 seasons before leaving to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee. Even after his time at A-State, he remained an ambassador for Arkansas State University and called Jonesboro his home for the remainder of his life.

“We were fortunate that we were able to live in Jonesboro in our 20s, our 40s and in our 70s said Criss Lacewell, his wife of 54 years. “It’s very rare to coach at one school twice, then to spend 11 years at the same school. It became a home for us and when he retired, we had a home to go home to.”

Lacewell actually came to Arkansas State for the first time as an assistant coach in 1960-61 – his first full-time job after serving as a graduate assistant in 1959 under Bryant at Alabama. When he returned to Jonesboro in 1979, he also served as director of athletics and guided the program’s move from Division I-AA to Division I-A, which is now known as FBS, or Football Bowl Subdivision, the highest level of collegiate football competition. While serving as athletics director, Lacewell was behind fundraising efforts that resulted in the construction of a new football administration building and practice fields, and state funds were obtained for the construction of First National Bank Arena as well.

But it was his success on the football field at Arkansas State that Lacewell is most known for during his time in Jonesboro. In addition to his 69 victories, Lacewell led the football team to two Southland Conference titles and four straight appearances in the Division I-AA Playoffs, including the 1986 national championship game.

“The legendary coach and my very good friend, Larry Lacewell, made history at Arkansas

VOICES

State University as our winningest coach ever,” former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe told the A-State athletic department when Lacewell passed away. “A gifted football authority 1 2 – VO I C E S

and athletic director, Larry was a consistently steady voice for his

State to Southland conference championships in 1985 and 1986 and

young charges, and an inspiration and example to all. He touched the

a league record of 14-2 over the four-year span. During the 1984-87

lives of countless people of all ages and was a respected mentor and

seasons, Arkansas State also posted a mark of 23-1-1 when playing

encouraging motivator, endowing future generations with guidance

at home. Lacewell was also named the American Football Coaches

and expertise.”

Association Region 5 Coach of the year following the 1985 and 1986 seasons.

The 1985 and 1986 Southland Conference Coach of the Year, Lacewell coached five first-team all-Americans, 23 honorable mention AP

Wide receiver Fred Barnett, who was drafted in the third round of

All-Americans and 24 All-Southland Conference selections during his

the 1990 NFL draft and selected as a member of the A-State 1980’s

time as head coach at Arkansas State. He also saw 13 of his A-State

All-Decade team, and the 2014 A-State All-Centennial Team, also

players go on to compete in the NFL, and 18 of his players have since

said that Lacewell’s leadership was a common theme in the success

been inducted into the A-State Hall of Honor.

of the team and in players’ lives after football.

Lacewell was also inducted into the A-State Hall of Honor in 1987,

“My professional career was a direct reflection of who you were as

and his name was added to the football program’s Ring of Honor,

a coach,” Barnett said, when speaking of Lacewell at his memorial

which recognizes the greatness of Red Wolves football through

service. “When I look at the success of some of my ex-teammates,

the induction of the school’s finest players and coaches, in 2001.

that came from the way you were and the way you coached.”

Lacewell’s name is one of just 15 recognized in Arkansas State’s elite Ring of Honor, located on the façade of the west side of Centennial

“He taught a lot of those (life lessons) by example,” added Langford.

Bank Stadium.

“He would teach us that every day in the locker room and on the practice field, we were learning life lessons that would carry us

Dr. Tim Langford, a 2007 inductee into the Ring of Honor who lettered

through anything, and not just football. That was ultimately what

from 1980-83 and led A-State in passing all four seasons while

made him successful as a great coach and allowed him to develop

earning both All-Southland Conference and Academic All-Southland

great players. More importantly, he was able to develop men who

Conference accolades, said at Lacewell’s memorial service that

were successful in life.”

behind his tough exterior, he had a huge heart.

In the years leading up to his time at Arkansas State, Lacewell’s “He was one of the smartest men I have ever known,” said Langford.

career began to take off when he landed the job of defensive ends

“As a leader, he was able to be demanding but at the same time

coach at Oklahoma in 1969. He was named defensive coordinator in

let you know that he cared about you as a player and a person.

1970, and in 1973 teamed up with Sooner head coach Barry Switzer

Education was big with coach – it was number one. He taught us to

and through the 1977 was part of six Big Eight championships, two

love and respect each other and he taught us to love ASU and give

national championships (1974 and 1975) and an incredible 37-game

back to our school.”

winning streak.

Arkansas State’s unprecedented playoff run under Lacewell began

He returned to Jonesboro as a volunteer defensive adviser the week

in 1984. For four consecutive seasons, the then-Indians reached

of the 1978 season opener and helped head coach Bill Davidson lead

the playoffs, never lost in the first round and advanced to the

A-State to a 7-4 record and a share of the Southland Conference

championship game in 1986. During that time, Lacewell led Arkansas

league title. Arkansas State led the SLC in all defensive categories

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during the 1978 season and finished seventh among the nation’s major colleges in total defense. In November of that same year, he was named head coach at Arkansas State.

Lacewell left Arkansas State to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee, where he spent two seasons and helped the Volunteers to the Southeastern Conference championship in 1990 and a victory over Virginia in the Sugar Bowl.

In 1992, he took a spot on football’s biggest stage. The Big Shot was named director of college scouting for arguably the biggest name in professional football, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII that same season and then repeated as champions the following season.

When fellow Arkansas native and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was searching for a head coach following the second Super Bowl title, Lacewell was instrumental in convincing Jones to hire Switzer as head coach. Under Switzer, the Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl in January of 1995, resulting in a third championship ring for Lacewell and the team.

“He left an indelible impression on the people he shared his life with,” said Jones at Lacewell’s memorial service. “I couldn’t have drawn an individual up that had prepared himself, that had more basic love for the game, that had more understanding of people and more understanding of the attributes of football. He was not only important, but he was essential to how we (the Cowboys) evolved.”

Lacewell was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, and following his retirement from the Cowboys in 2005 was honored by the Arkansas General Assembly. In 2018, A-State football established the Larry Lacewell Most Valuable Player Award in his honor. The award is presented annually to the most valuable player on the team whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence on the football field and in the classroom, the utmost character and integrity on and off the field, demonstrated leadership with a strong work ethic and commitment to his teammates, and the undying will for victory.

The Red Wolves football team is sporting a decal on its helmets during the 2022 season with the initials “LL” to honor Lacewell.

When Lacewell left Arkansas State for Tennessee he said, “I hope I leave Arkansas State better than when I found it – and it was good when I found it.”

He did, and the footprint he left on Arkansas State University and its football program will remain large – as large as the “Big Shot” who left it.

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Click to watch the Lacewell Celebration event

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An athletic administrator with a highly decorated past and a family man

Through 15 years with the Crimson Tide, he worked as the primary media

thrilled about the community, Jeff Purinton has spent the past half year

contact for Alabama football before moving into the upper administration

since his appointment as vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics

of one of the preeminent college athletic departments in America. He

meeting with the community and listening to the Red Wolves fans.

had reached the level of executive deputy director of athletics under

“I’ll be out in the stands talking to fans,” Purinton said. “I’m excited to

Greg Byrne, also serving as the sport administrator for football, before

come to a new place with new challenges.”

accepting the A-State position. He had worked his way through the ranks having previously held the titles of deputy AD (2019-21), executive

His first road trip to Arkansas State’s longtime regional rival Memphis

associate AD (2018-19), senior associate AD (2015-18) and associate

gave him a chance to see the hundreds of Red Wolves fans that

athletics director for football communications (2007-15) titles during his

gathered at the official tailgate co-sponsored by the A-State Alumni

time with the Crimson Tide.

Association.

During his career, Purinton has successfully helped promote four “The fans really care about Arkansas State athletics,” he said. “And it’s

Heisman Trophy winning campaigns. Along with Weinke at Florida State,

not just one sport. They love them all and it seems like everybody has the

he was part of three more, Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry and DeVonta

connection to Jonesboro. You see so many Red Wolves shirts and flags,

Smith at Alabama along with a Campbell Trophy winner in Barrett Jones

and the way they paint the windows across town, it’s very special.”

also at Alabama. He worked 12 bowl games during his time with the Seminoles, and then six national championships with the Crimson Tide.

From rooming with Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke to becoming a regular golfing partner of Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden,

His introduction to Jonesboro confirmed to him what his colleagues

Purinton’s early career working in athletic media relations led to work

around the country had told him: this position had the potential to be

with the Orange Bowl then to the opportunity to join the University of

something special.

Alabama heading up communications for the recently arrived Nick Saban.

1 6 – VO I C E S

“When I walked into that room, I didn’t think that many people would

“I’ve been keeping a notebook of things from meetings with the head

show up just to hear me speak,” he said. “With the cheerleaders and

coaches, and we’ve been working on some changes in our game day,”

band, I really appreciated that welcome, especially for my family to

he said.

show Julie and the girls how much people care about Arkansas State.”

Using the achievements of Purinton’s past institutions as a blueprint, his Purinton and his wife Julie have two daughters, Jillian and Josie.

notebook should translate into a road map to success for all programs

With their move to Jonesboro complete and settling into a new home,

at Arkansas State. His experience, talent and vision for the future of Red

Purinton has found great connections between the family’s last home

Wolves athletics was obvious to ASU System President Charles Welch,

town and Jonesboro.

who expressed complete confidence in A-State’s new vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics shortly after he was hired.

“It’s like Tuscaloosa in it’s a town where folks who went to school here, made a connection to the town and maybe they left, but they

“From the very first conversation I had with Jeff, I knew that he was

come back,” he said “It becomes a place they come back to where

someone who would elevate our program to unforeseen heights,” said

they want to raise kids or have their grandkids back here when they

Welch. “Jeff’s experience, combined with his incredible relationship

retire. People talked about it in the hiring process to us, but when we

skills and his network across the nation, made him an exceptional

got here and talked to people in the community you can really see it.”

candidate for our position. Jeff has literally overseen every aspect of a premier athletics department, and every single person I talked with said

As the fall sports continue at A-State, Purinton begins to settle into

it is his time to run his own department. I am thrilled that department is

new projects.

ours, and I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes for our university.”

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 1 7

Click for video to meet Jeff Purinton

OC

ON CAMPUS

10.1.22

Click for video

Colten Sedman of Jonesboro and Sydney

8.21.22

Stauffer of Belleville, Ill., were crowned as

Students gathered on Heritage Plaza Lawn for food, fun

2022 Homecoming King and Queen prior to

and games at the Student Activity Board’s Beach Bash.

A-State’s 45-28 victory over ULM.

8.20.19

A-State rugby kicked off their season by hosting.....

8.24.22

8.26.22

to showcase their products and organizations to A-State’s students.

Courtyard for Grillin’ on the Grass.

Student groups and local businesses staffed booths on Heritage Plaza lawn

Honors students gathered in the Living-Learning

10.1.22

Students elected to the 2022 Homecoming Court were (from left), Joe Waleszonia, a senior from Jonesboro; Matthew Land, a junior from Marion; Carlee Bird, a senior from Manila; Grace Ouellette, a senior from Bryant; Colten Sedman, a senior from Jonesboro; Sydney Stauffer, a senior from

8.30.22

Faculty and students met to learn more about programs

Belleville, Ill.; Jessica Hiley, a senior from Marion; Sara Ledesma, a senior from Jonesboro; Caleb

available to all students through the College of Liberal Arts

Thomas, a junior from McGehee and Harrison Pait, a junior from Jonesboro.

and Communication.

9.29.22

9.27.22

theme of Music Shuffle, featured more

throwback arcade for Homecoming Week’s Roller

than a dozen floats.

Rave – We Rock, You Roll skating rink party.

The 2022 Homecoming Parade, with the

The Red WOLF Center was transformed into a

1 8 – VO I C E S

8.20.22

Students enjoyed food, games and music as Welcome Week got underway with Party with the Pack.

S nom

9.26.22

8.12.22

Click for video

Students competed for awards in the Student Activities Board’s Music Legends Lip Sync Battle.

Click for video

9.1.22

Student spirit was on display at

Provost Alan Utter presided

Centennial Bank Stadium for the

over Summer Commencement,

annual Order of the Pack

which returned to FNB Arena.

preseason pep rally.

Click for video

Click for video

8.25.22

8.23.22

and local businesses offering discounts and giveaways.

Centennial Hall for this year’s Silent Disco dance party.

Always a favorite Welcome Week event, students filled

A-State students enjoyed a night of fun on Main St. with games

9.1.22

Students celebrated the beginning of the fall semester and football season at the annual Order of the Pack pep rally.

8.25.22

Alumni from A-State’s National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations returned to campus to meet with current

9.1.22

students at an NPHC retreat.

Students celebrated their bids to A-State’s men’s fraternities on bid day.

8.20.22

Students gathered on the turf at Centennial Bank Stadium to celebrate their bids to

9.26.22

A-State’s national theatre honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, took first place in the Music Legends Lip Sync Battle.

Scan for mination video

A-State’s sororities.

8.21.21

Current student Keragan Gordon celebrates with her mom, Mandy Gordon ‘09, at NPC Bid Day. FA L L 2 0 2 2 1 – 19 3

Click for video

The Arkansas State University Alumni Association and Student Philanthropy Council teamed up to reveal the 2022 recipients of the Emerging Young Alumni Award. This is the second year of the recognition program for Arkansas State’s young alumni, their professional accomplishments, and their

Click for video

Lindsey Bowman ’10

Erin Gibson ’13 ’18

Lindsey Hawkins Bowman, a native of

Erin Gibson of Jonesboro graduated in

Jonesboro, earned a Bachelor of Science

University Honors in 2013 with a Bachelor of

in marketing in 2010. She began her career

Science in Education in English, then later

in bank marketing, worked in nonprofit

earned a Master of Science in Education

fundraising, and a private marketing firm

in educational leadership. She has been a

in Southern Illinois. Bowman eventually

classroom teacher since 2013, teaching a

returned to her home state where she

variety of grade levels in secondary English,

worked in real estate sales, but her

as well as a teacher-leader in her former

independent marketing consultant business

school district, Riverside High School. This

was growing quickly. After concluding there

fall, Gibson is transitioning to a different

was a need for a full-service marketing

form of instruction by facilitating advanced

agency in Northeast Arkansas, she started

placement language and composition to

The Polish Agency in 2020.

students across the state of Arkansas through Virtual Arkansas, a division of Arch

The company has grown from one to

engagement with the university.

six employees, assisted by interns each

Individuals designated as Emerging

Ford Educational Cooperative Services.

semester from the marketing, strategic

She also has served in education in another

Young Alumni are those who have

communication and graphic design programs

way, as a breast cancer survivor. She was

made significant contributions to

at A-State. In mid-2021 Polish moved into its

recognized as a Susan G. Komen Honorary

A-State, their profession or their

newly-renovated building, which features

Survivor and named as a certified global

community. The five individuals

the #polishpinkwall, a backdrop destination

educator for the Know Your Lemons

were recognized at the Emerging

for many influencers, photographers and

Foundation, as well as volunteering with

Young Alumni Awards luncheon

passersby, in downtown Jonesboro. Bowman

the St. Bernards Women’s Council. Gibson

and her husband, Derek, also an alumnus,

and her husband Ryan, also an alumnus,

are the parents of three daughters.

have a daughter.

Sept. 15 at the Cooper Alumni Center. Get to know the five award recipients for 2022 through these brief profiles:

Know someone who should be considered for next year’s award? Visit AStateAlumni.org and look under “groups” for nomination information.

20 2 – VO I C E S

Click for video

Click for video

Click for video

Bethany Hines ’11 ’12

Tyler Vanderpool ’07 ‘08

Mark Wiggins ’07

Bethany Hines, who lives in New York City,

Tyler C. Vanderpool of Los Angeles is a

Mark Wiggins earned a Bachelor of

is a producer for CNN Special Projects,

trial attorney with the law firm of Rosen

Science in biological sciences and a

focusing on sponsored content for television

Saba, LLP. He primarily represents

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2007 before

and digital platforms. She began her career

individuals and corporate clients in

completing Air Force Officer Training

in journalism at KAIT-TV in Jonesboro.

personal injury, labor and employment,

School. After graduation from UAMS

After joining CNN in 2012, she worked on a

class action, entertainment and business

College of Medicine in 2011, Capt. Wiggins

variety of shows, including Morning Express

disputes. Consistently recognized as a

completed a residency in family medicine

with Robin Meade and Weekend Express.

“Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine,

at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in 2014, and

She also produced for past HLN programs,

he recently was named as one of this

was assigned as a C-130J flight surgeon

including “Dr. Drew on Call,” “Raising

year’s “Up and Coming 100” attorneys

at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

America with Kyra Philips,” and “HLN

in Southern California. In 2020, Tyler

After Dark.”

obtained a record-setting $25.6 million-

Wiggins deployed to Niamey, Niger, and

dollar jury verdict on behalf of a teenager

was awarded Flight Surgeon of the Year

Hines earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in

who was severely injured in a city-owned

for U.S. Air Forces in Europe in 2016, He

comunication studies with a minor in radio-

crosswalk.

promoted to major and was assigned

television in 2011 and a Master of Arts in

to Little Rock Air Force Base, where he

communication studies in 2012. In addition to

A native of Jacksonville, Vanderpool

completed his service, earning an Air

her love for journalism, Hines is passionate

earned a Bachelor of Arts in

Force Achievement Medal, Air Force

about music, singing with bands in Atlanta

communication studies and a Bachelor of

Commendation Medal, and Air Force

and New York.

Arts in philosophy in 2007, followed by a

Meritorious Service Medal. Wiggins

Master of Arts in communication studies

began practicing with St. Bernards

She also is a children’s book author, adjunct

in 2008, all at A-State, where he was

First Care in Jonesboro and is a clinical

professor for The City University of New

on the award-winning debate team. He

preceptor for NYIT College of Osteopathic

York, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa

obtained his law degree from Loyola Law

Medicine. He and his wife, Sandra, have

Alpha Sorority, Inc.

School. He and his wife, Heather, have

three children.

two sons.

S PR FAILNLG2 022022 2 – – 2 12 3

Are you following Arkansas State and the A-State Alumni Association?

Watch for more questions and spread our #WOLVESUP message about your alma mater.

SOCIAL MEDIA SOUNDBOARD

2 2 – VO I C E S

/AStateAlumni

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 2 3

FEATURE STORY

2 4 – VO I C E S

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 2 5

FUND-RAISING EFFORT UNDER WAY TO BRING CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES TO JONESBORO

VOICES

I

magine visiting Jonesboro for an Arkansas State University football game and getting the opportunity to hear rare, spine-tingling howls from the most critically endangered wolves in the world.

The Red Wolves for Red Wolves initiative at A-State has established a $5 million fund-raising goal to take the university and its alumni to new heights in support of the American Red Wolf. Its goal is creation of the American Red Wolf Conservation & Research Center (ARWCRC) at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro.

Fewer than 260 red wolves remain in the world, with only 15-20 living in the wild in North Carolina. The Red Wolf Species Survival Plan – a collaborative conservation and breeding program involving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the American Zoological Association – is looking to A-State for expansion of the captive population and serving an important national role in education, research and awareness for the species native to Arkansas and the southeastern United States.

Progress toward development of the ARWCRC continues with investments of $575,000 toward the goal. Financial support includes: • A $300,000 grant from Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission that will be used for city park improvements associated with the project, which will help meet the A&P mission of promoting tourism and producing a positive impact on Jonesboro businesses.

• Two grants totaling $158,000 funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and awarded by the Conservation Centers for Species Survival for construction costs associated with new fence enclosures, which will help the agency achieve its goal of doubling the nation’s red wolf population.

• Private gifts of $117,000, including a $50,000 contribution by national wildlife conservation leaders Dale Weiler and Loti Woods of Weiler Woods for Wildlife in Tryon, N.C., and a $50,000 gift by A-State Distinguished Alumnus John Bobango (‘78) and his wife, Lisa, of Germantown, Tenn.

Additionally, Weiler Woods for Wildlife recently donated its original “Just Settling In” sculpture, which has been on loan and on display at Bradbury Art Museum, to A-State for permanent display. A casting of the sculpture is featured in an educational display at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center on campus.

“Our vision for this facility is lofty, and we’re grateful for these generous early commitments of support to help us move forward,” said Dr. Tom Risch, vice provost of research and technology transfer at A-State, who is involved in national red wolf conservation efforts. “This is an extraordinary undertaking not only for the benefit of 2 6 – VO I C E S

national red wolf conservation, but also for students and faculty

“We still have a lot of work to do to raise the funds for this project

who want to embrace this opportunity for wildlife ecology education

through private gifts and corporate sponsorships,” said Hankins,

and research.”

who is leading fund-raising efforts. “Investments in this center will result in significant benefits to a critically endangered species

Preliminary plans, subject to fund-raising efforts, call for a

in need, while also enhancing A-State growth and economic

5,600-square-foot education and operations facility and six highly

development in Northeast Arkansas.”

secured fence enclosures on 10 acres to oversee at least 12 red wolves from the existing population managed by the national Red

Hankins noted that A-State’s work in red wolf conservation has

Wolf Species Survival Plan program.

specifically attracted the support of new benefactors such as Weiler and Woods, who had no previous connections to the

USFWS support for A-State’s work in red wolf conservation has

university. The couple’s $50,000 gift to the ARWCRC follows their

been considerable, Risch said. In addition to grants for red wolf

contribution of $25,000 in January 2020 to establish the Weiler

enclosure construction expenses, the federal agency has

Woods Red Wolf Conservation Scholarship.

designated the university’s Arkansas Center for Biodiversity Collections as the national specimen bank for blood and tissue

“We are excited to be supporting the Red Wolf Conservation

samples.

& Research Center both financially and by donating Dale’s red wolf sculpture,” Woods said. “This project has a special place in

Student members of Red Wolves for Red Wolves actively promote

our hearts because it will educate the public about these iconic

American red wolf conservation on campus and have made multiple

American native animals, expand the breeding capacity for

trips to the Endangered Wolf Center near St. Louis to volunteer in

rewilding red wolves all while using art to spread awareness.”

various service projects.

Weiler’s original 200-pound alabaster stone sculpture “Just Settling “The ARWCRC is expected to establish Jonesboro as a national

In” depicts a red wolf with her pup. It has been temporarily on

ecotourism destination for visitors,” said Jeff Hankins (’87), vice

display at Bradbury Art Museum and will be permanently featured at

president for strategic communications and economic development

the new red wolf facility as part of a planned endangered species art

for the Arkansas State University System and past president of the

collection. The couple’s website – weilerwoodsforwildlife.com – and

A-State Alumni Association.

artwork promote conservation of endangered species.

“We’re creating a unique national research and conservation

Bobango, a longtime supporter of A-State, is chief manager

laboratory for our students and faculty that could also have a $60

of Memphis-based law firm Farris Bobango PLC. He is past

million economic impact on Northeast Arkansas tourism over the

international president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

next decade,” Hankins said. “Potential students and travelers are looking for unique experiences, and this center will create one.

“It’s been a joy to be an advocate for Arkansas State across the

The American red wolf is an iconic and important species in the

country through the years,” Bobango said. “Lisa and I love the

ecosystem, and it just happens to also be A-State’s beloved mascot.

benefits of this red wolf conservation project. From conservation

We’re uniquely positioned to escalate red wolf education, research,

to education to regional economic development, A-State is playing

awareness and population with a collaborative development.”

a critical role in a national project. We’re proud to be part of this initiative.”

Hankins said the proposed center involves multiple entities, including the City of Jonesboro, Jonesboro A&P Commission, the USFWS, the

Interested donors, sponsors and supporters for

Red Wolf SSP, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Endangered

A-State’s red wolf conservation projects may

Wolf Center in St. Louis, the Little Rock Zoo. Each partner brings

contact Hankins for more information at

valuable resources, contributions or expertise, he added.

jhankins@AState.edu or (501) 660-1004.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 2 7

Click for video

AE

ALUMNI EVENTS

10.1.22

Fans at the Alumni Association’s pregame tailgate enjoyed food and fellowship prior to A-State’s 45-28 victory over ULM.

Click for video

8.20.22

Alumni Association members hand out water to students and families at NPC Bid Day.

4.19.22

Howard Slinkard ’69, Tracey Carvell ’92, and Rich Carvell ’91 at the alumni pre-game gathering before the A-State vs. Arkansas baseball game.

7.15.22

Many Red Wolves gathered in St. Louis to tour the Endangered Wolf Center and learn about the conservation efforts.

5.5.22

Ashley Wang ’11 and Regina Moss ’90 at Red Wolves on the Rooftop at the ASU System office in Little Rock.

9.13.22

7.14.22

Wolves Up from the Little Rock welcome reception for

Joann ’57 and Murray Sullivan ’57 and friend at

Chancellor Todd Shields and VCIA Jeff Purinton.

the St. Louis Cardinals pre-game party.

2 8 – VO I C E S

9.15.22

5.5.22

2022 Emerging Young Alumni recipients, Bethany Hines ’11 ‘12, Tyler Vanderpool ’07 ’08, Dr. Mark Wiggins ’07, Lindsey Bowman ’10, and Erin Gibson ’13 with Alumni Association

Former A-State football players at Red Wolves on the

president Peggy Wright and Chancellor Todd Shields.

Rooftop at the ASU System office in Little Rock.

Click for video

9.17.22

Alumni and friends at the A-State vs. Memphis

3.15.22

tailgate. Over 500 alumni & friends gathered to cheer on the Red Wolves.

Current License2Howl scholarship recipient, Molly Findley, with family, including grandfather and former

4.19.22

12.10.19

Pancakes and PJs?

Paul Carter, Ryan Moore ’01, and

Chicago Bears linebacker Jerry

Jeffrey Higgins ’10 at the alumni pre-game

Muckensturm ’76 enjoy the Alumni

gathering at JJ’s Grill in Fayetteville before

Association’s annual Bark at the Park.

the A-State baseball game vs. Arkansas.

9.30.22

Dr. Gilbert Fowler ’71, Rhonda Strickland ‘81 and Ashlee Strickland-Lucas representing the late Herman Strickland Jr. ’81, and Chad Niell ’91 were honored as A-State’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni during Homecoming Week.

9.11.21

3.3.22

Antwaun Sanders ‘10, Dr. Pat Walls ‘80,

10.1.22

Angela Austin ‘00 and Jamie Caradine ‘78

Fans gathered at The Social in Jonesboro to watch A-State in the

at theof alumni andgraduating friends tailgate Memphis.

Members the 1972 classvs. gathered on

2022 Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Championships.

campus during Homecoming Week for their 50th reunion.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 2 9

Click for nomination video

The Arkansas State University Alumni Association recognized its three 2022 Distinguished Alumni in October at the Homecoming game.

The honorees are Dr. Gil Fowler, of Jonesboro, Chad Niell of Jonesboro, and Harman W. Strickland Jr. of Memphis. Each one has attained an outstanding record of professional and civic achievements, as well as giving loyal support to A-State. This is the 39th year the association has recognized the university’s most distinguished alumni, selected from nominations submitted by the public.

A list of previous honorees, along with the nomination form, is

Fowler received a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1971 at A-State, where he was commissioned into the Army through the ROTC program. He earned a master’s at Ole Miss and a doctorate at Southern Illinois, both in journalism, and later graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

After teaching in Mississippi and Illinois, Fowler was a television reporter before joining A-State’s faculty as assistant professor in 1978. He quickly earned promotions to associate, then full professor. He also served as interim dean of the Honors College, Graduate School, and College of Communications during a career spanning 43 years.

Fowler obtained grants to fund more than 25 student enrichment trips to the Middle East, where he also recruited students to attend A-State. More recently he became president and founding director of the American Business Leadership Institute, working with students and businesses in Pakistan.

His involvement with professional organizations included numerous leadership roles, such as national president of the Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honor society, national president of the Western Social Science Association, and national vice president and board member for Phi Kappa Phi honor society. The Arkansas Press Association named him Arkansas Journalism Educator of the Year in 2019, and he was named to A-State’s ROTC Hall of Heroes.

He and his wife Carolyn have two children, Barry Fowler (wife Sarah) and Kara Fowler.

available at AStateAlumni.org/DA. 3 0 – VO I C E S

Click for nomination video

Click for nomination video

A 1991 graduate of A-State with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Niell’s remarkable business success has been recognized nationally and statewide.

Strickland earned his bachelor’s degree in management in 1981, then later completed a master’s degree in finance at the University of Memphis.

A Marine Corps veteran and former sales trainer for a Fortune 100 company, Niell started his primary business, Tiger Correctional Services, with five employees. Now the multimillion-dollar company employs more than 250 people in 21 states. The company develops multiple software applications that supports first responders and law enforcement including E-911 systems, jail management software and financial management software for tracking inmate money.

Before his untimely death in 2020, Strickland enjoyed a long career in the Memphis banking community, where he was known for his generous mentorship to those who sought his counsel. He was senior vice president when he retired from a 34-year career with First Tennessee Bank (now First Horizon), then he joined Pinnacle Bank and served as senior vice president for five years. He also was an instructor at the Barret School of Banking.

His long list of community service activities includes serving as board member for the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Jonesboro Economic Development Corp. and the Downtown Jonesboro Association. His philanthropic interests include the Family Crisis Center and the American Red Cross Northeast Arkansas chapter, which he served as chairman.

Strickland’s extensive record of public service included the board of Lemoyne-Owen College, the Urban League, Benjamin Hooks Institute, Rise Foundation, and the foundations of Arkansas State University and Southwest Tennessee Community College.

At A-State, Niell is a 1924 sustaining life member of the Alumni Association, a Legacy Society inductee, a board member for the Beck Center for Veterans, a member of the Red Wolves Foundation and 1200 Club, and a board member for his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha.

He annually provides a scholarship to a marketing major in the Griffin College of Business. His children are Audrey Niell, Branston Niell and Nathan Niell.

He served as president of the Strong-Turner Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association and led funding efforts for several endowed scholarships benefitting A-State students. Strickland received numerous awards for his civic and community contributions, with perhaps the most significant being the scholarship endowed in his memory by friends and former associates.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and their two daughters, Ashlee Strickland-Lucas (husband Marlon Lucas), and Aryn Strickland, and several family members. His family accepted the Distinguished Alumnus Award on his behalf.

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FEATURE STORY

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FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 3 3

SPOCS TEAM SAVORS JOY OF RESEARCH MISSION WITH NASA

A

s a SpaceX rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on July 14, seven Arkanas State University students watched anxiously, knowing their work was on board and headed to the International Space Station (ISS). SpaceX’s 25th cargo

resupply mission (CRS-25), included supplies to the ISS along with SPOCS projects prepared

by A-State and Stanford.

The launch was literally the high point of the students’ work that began in earnest in the fall of 2020. Their proposal to NASA’s Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science (SPOCS) program was selected and funded with a $20,000 NASA grant. The biology and engineering majors began planning their proposal for the competitive program several weeks prior to their presentation, made online during the height of the pandemic.

The interdisciplinary SPOCS team has seven members: Benjamin Whitfield of Little Rock, an electrical engineering major and team leader; Katherine Willis of Blue Springs, Mo., Claire Greene of Conway and Hannah Seats of Brookland, who are biological sciences majors; and Landon (Pablo) Perdue of Brookland, Mason Rhodes of Benton, and Jacob Oster of Bay, who are mechanical engineering majors.

NASA TV aired a live interview with Whitfield and Greene, representing the SPOCS team, just minutes prior to the launch.

Project mentors Dr. Maureen Dolan, associate professor of molecular biology, and Shea Harris ’06 ‘09, outreach coordinator for Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State, derived lots of professional satisfaction from their experience with the A-State SPOCS team.

“As a graduate student I had the opportunity to be involved in an experiment that ran on STS93, Columbia in July 1999,” Dolan recalled. “That was pretty cool and certainly engaged my love of space. However, to be on the other side of such a journey as a mentor and experience this through the eyes and awe of the next generation of our scientists is so much better, no comparison.”

Titled “Microgravity Environment Impact on Plastic Biodegradation by Galleria mellonella,” the SPOCS team’s goal was to discover the ability of waxworms to degrade plastics in space.

The ISS experiment could help provide answers for a more sustainable environment on earth and in future, long-term space travel.

“The successful launch and deployment of the A-State SPOCS module to the ISS will have a lasting impact on Arkansas Biosciences Institute’s (ABI) outreach program,” Harris predicted. “K-12 students interested in space sciences to sustainability will benefit from knowing they can gain valuable experiences like these, right here in Jonesboro.”

VOICES

The team made final preparations for their experiment in the labs at Kennedy up until they handed off their experiment to mission managers.

3 4 – VO I C E S

“They all have multitasked on this project and all team members

Oster: This experience has been good in teaching the entire team how

have been involved in most all aspects,” Dolan emphasized. “Each

real projects get done. I want to work in this industry, and being one of

member took lead on various aspects of the project, from designing

the main leaders for this project I think I will show future employers that I

and conducting waxworm preliminary experiments, to the experimental

can work in and lead in a team environment well.

prototyping and build of the housing unit, leading curriculum development for citizen science and outreach activities, to social media management.”

Whitfield: I think the experience has exposed me to a lot of a lot of fields I didn’t know about. Research is an intricate process I never would

A-State’s (SPOCS) project was among five selected nationally by NASA’s

have understood otherwise, and I learned all about printed circuit board

Office of STEM Engagement to be carried out over two years in 2021-22.

production, both in-house and commercial.

Throughout the project development, the SPOCS team spent lots of

Greene: This project had a large impact on not only my view of research,

time adjusting to make the experiment fit within NASA’s required size,

but my future career plans. I found a passion for science AND outreach. I

time and budget constraints. The number of specimens they could

want to go to graduate school now and find ways to incorporate outreach

carry out in a nanomodule (10 by 10 by 15-centimeters) was limited.

into my career.

The experiment will be returned to Earth after a month on the ISS, then the SPOCS team will analyze the results and reach their conclusions, a

Willis: This involvement is truly invaluable when applying to graduate

process that should take another month.

school for the continuance of education of any kind, but especially for me as I am pursuing a career in research. I have truly honed the skills to start

“The support from our community, including too many A-State faculty and

off right away in a laboratory setting.

staff to thank by name, is what has made this project so much fun for our team, for our citizen scientists at Nettleton STEAM and Blessed Sacrament

Seats: I am planning to go to medical school to become a physician, so

Schools in Jonesboro, and for everyone who has a love for space.”

I know the problem solving and critical thinking skills I have gained from this project will be very beneficial throughout my future career.

Voices asked the students about their experience preparing the SPOCS project and working with NASA. Here’s what they said:

2. Each member of the team had a specific area of responsibility in the SPOCS project. How would you describe your particular involvement?

1. You have been involved in research with the SPOCS project for several months. What value do you think that experience will be in

Willis: I was primarily involved with the biological research and

terms of your future plans, whether it be graduate school or a career?

development of the laboratory-grade colony we grew in order to complete these prelaunch experiments and ensure quality specimens for the

Rhodes: My research experience with NASA and Arkansas State

module that went to the International Space Station. I also was a key

University has directly impacted my career, in my belief. My eyes have

member in the creation and employment of the citizen science activities

been open to the wealth of opportunities NASA provides, and I think it

and experiments we completed with our K-12 citizen scientists from local

influenced my opportunity to intern at Goddard Space Flight Center this

elementary schools.

summer.

Rhodes: I had a huge emphasis on the design aspect of engineering. I, Perdue: I think the value of this experience lies mainly in the expanded

alongside other engineers, mocked up potential designs for the payload

interdisciplinary work done with individuals outside of my sphere of

then modified each design to take the best aspect of each mockup to one

learning. This has greatly helped with communication of ideas and

completed model.

compromises with projects. Whether I decide to go to graduate school or into the industry, the skills I’ve learned will translate into a more

Seats: As one of the team’s biology majors, my main role has been to

productive workspace.

help grow and maintain our colony of waxworm larvae. I also designed a preliminary experiment for our team to run to help optimize the temperature for our experiment.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 3 5

Perdue: I have been very involved in the citizen science aspect of the project, helping organize our efforts to encourage the younger generation, and inspire them to be excited about science. I also have acted as an intermediary between the hard biology and engineering, as I used to be a chemistry major, and helped with brainstorming and development of experimental design and experimentation.

Oster: As the lead engineer, I have been responsible for the design of the module that is inside the NanoRacks enclosure. I have also been responsible for the flight software that is used while on station.

I have also acted as honorary biologist and helped take care of the worms and sort them for experiments.

Whitfield: I was on the team to make sure the experiment could be documented. The worms went into the box, and the box could go into space, but without the soldering, lights and sensors, we would have had no idea what occurred while the experiment was happening.

Greene: As a team biologist, I was responsible for the care of our colony and designing experiments to determine what environment, temperatures, diet, etc. would be optimal for our on-station experiment. It was definitely a team effort.

4. How would you describe your feelings as you saw SpaceX/NASA CRS-25 lift off from Kennedy Space Center, carrying the experiment which you helped develop?

Perdue: The only way I’ve been able to describe seeing this launch has been “indescribable.” There was a massive sense of relief and joy seeing it actually launch, knowing there will be no more delays and this is it. This was intermixed though with a great sense of awe at seeing this marvel so close, and feeling the engine roar through us. This was followed by the longest and greatest sense of giddiness I have ever experienced, shaking everyone’s hands, hugs, cries of joy as we got to meet some of the individuals actually involved in sending the rocket up. Overall, I would not trade this experience for anything, from the headaches and long hours of work, to the delays and crazy schedules. The memories made with our team and are ones that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Greene: While this was my first launch viewing ever, I had the privilege of knowing what this rocket held. I felt enormous pride for being able to call myself a member of this team and overjoyed that we had actually made it this far. I feel reassured that science is the field for me and that the research community is one that I want to be a part of. Without the faculty and resources at A-State, none of this would be possible.

Willis: I was so excited waiting for the launch from our VIP viewing area I literally couldn’t control it.

I was bouncing up and down from all the happy, nervous energy flowing through my body. The launch was surreal; I couldn’t believe I wasn’t dreaming. The realization that the worms had truly become astronauts was so full of pride, my fellow biologists and I started hugging and crying.

Seats: The feeling of watching our research go up on that rocket was indescribable. I was crying happy tears to see two years of our hard work finally pay off.

3 6 – VO I C E S

Scan to see feature on the SPOCS launch

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 3 7

Rhodes: I’m not quite sure words can accurately describe the feelings

Oster: As of the day before launch, the coolest thing has been actually

I felt as I saw CRS-25 leave Earth. The culmination of two years of

being able to work at Kennedy Space Center. Seeing the experiment

work with some of my best friends finally coming together in this one

come together for the final time was incredibly validating for the entire

moment was truly an unbelievable experience. I felt as if my journey as

team. It has been a culmination of almost two years of incredibly hard,

an engineer truly reached its first milestone, and I cannot wait to see

stressful and rewarding work.

what the future holds for me as well as the rest of my team.

Whitfield: Watching the finished product of something I made and Oster: Watching a rocket launch is always an amazing thing, but

designed WORK was absolutely awesome.

watching one with your experiment on board was completely different.

I knew at that point that something our entire team had worked so

Willis: The most fun aspect of this project was meeting all these like-

tirelessly on for two years was finally coming to fruition.

minded students that eventually became some of my best friends in the world that I know will last past this experiment and past college.

Whitfield: There was a feeling of prideful satisfaction when the rocket launched. It was my first time seeing a rocket launch in person, and it

Mentors Harris and Dolan

was unique and surreal. It was the culmination of a once-in-a-lifetime

have their own positive

opportunity, and I stood around for 15 minutes stunned at not just our

reflections on the

achievement, but the achievement of sending a vehicle to space.

experience for these future A-State alumni.

3. There was lots of work involved for SPOCS, but what will you “This project serves as

remember as the coolest or most fun aspect of the project?

an example of the quality Rhodes: The ability to have touched and created an object that

of students we have at

launched into space as early as an undergrad has been a life-changing

A-State and the opportunities

experience. I would never thought in a million years I would have this

ABI provides these students

opportunity, and I am forever grateful for it.

to perform impactful, exciting research early in their

Perdue: One of the coolest parts for me was the first time we had an

academic journeys.”

outreach event with Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, and Nettleton

Harris noted.

STEAM. Watching the kids excitedly get to work on the engineering

Maureen Dolan and Shea Harris

competition I had worked on and apply things from our talk was

Dolan added, “The experience these students had as undergraduates

wonderful to see. The creativity in their final designs and how invested

in scientific method and research design is so incredibly amazing, and

they were in the testing was shocking to me at the time and amazed me.

to culminate with the experiment running on the ISS . . . wow! We are so very proud of this team of students. It has truly been the greatest

Greene: The Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy. It was the most

privilege and honor in my career to date to be a part of their journey with

awe-inspiring building I’ve ever been in. To see a rocket that close felt

this A-State SPOCS team.

like a privilege.

“To help these students apply the scientific method, to optimize variables Seats: The coolest part of the project, aside from having the

for ensuring a sound experimental design, and sharing in their trials

opportunity to attend the launch, was having two NASA employees as

and challenges they faced, to get this project to Kennedy Space Center

mentors to help us along the way. They were so kind and always happy

and ultimately the ISS, is priceless. Knowing that Shea and I have been

to discuss our research, how we could improve our experiment, and

a small part in something that each one of these students will take into

opportunities for internships or careers at NASA. They even continued

their respective careers . . . it just doesn’t get better than this as science

to meet with us long after they were no longer required to.

educators.”

3 8 – VO I C E S

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 3 9

CLASS NOTES 1950s

The Honorable Rice ’57 and Carlena VanAusdall ’56 – Celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 4, 2022.

1960s

Jim Gilliam ’60 – Celebrated 35 years with Shelter Insurance in Clinton, Ark.

Andrew Wargo ’64 – Was one of six individuals inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

1970s

Bobby Caldwell ’70 – Was appointed to the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors.

Dr. Bob Smalling ’70 – Received the 2022 Lifetime of Excellence Award from the Arkansas Optometric Association.

Thomas Hill ’72 – Was featured in a University of Oklahoma Black History Month article about

being the first Black athletics administrator while employed there from 1989-1993.

Sharon Keathley ’78 – Authored a novel, Colors of Hope, as part of her Olivia Samuels mystery series.

Kerry Noble ’74 – Was reelected to his fourth term as a member of the Farmington School Board in Missouri.

Ron Carroll ’75 – A-State’s assistant athletics director for sports medicine was reappointed to the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Maj. Gen. Elder Granger ’76 – Was named one of the NACD Directorship 100: Directors.

Rusty Starr ’76 – Published his first novel, Hoxie, which is set in Arkansas.

Col. Katherine Brown ’77 – Honored by the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands for courage, confidence, character, professional and personal success, and making a lasting impact in the community.

Kathy White Loyd ’77 – Appointed to the Women’s Taskforce by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Sharon Konecny ’79 – Was elected to the Stuttgart school board.

Ronnie

Williams ’79

– Wrote and

published

Markham

Street: The

Haunting Truth Behind the Murder of My Brother, Marvin.

1980s

Cindy Wilkins ’80 – Was named 2022 Ginner of the Year by Southern Cotton Ginners Association.

Dave Gier ’83 – Was the winner of the 2022 Ditson Conductor’s Award for the advancement of American music from Columbia University.

Dr. Len Frey ’84 – Was recently elected president of the Jonesboro Economic Development Corporation.

4 0 – VO I C E S

Rick McKenzie ’85 – As managing broker of the Crye-Leike office in Jonesboro, along with his wife, Tanya ’95, and daughter, Morgan Turner ’13, make up the McKenzie Team, which was recognized as Crye-Leike’s top producing team in Arkansas by Transactions for 2021.

Dr. Jim Washam ’86 – Was named dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University.

Dr. Kim Anderson ’87 – Was named Benton, Ark., school district superintendent.

Greg Harton ’88 – Was named the Arkansas Press Association’s recipient of the FreemanGreenberg Award for editorial writing during the Tri-State Convention in Memphis. Harton works for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Keith Perkins ’88 – As a pilot, he donates flights to transport people in need of medical care at no cost, and advocates for everyone to get involved in giving back.

Rob Roedel ’89 – Joined the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation Board of Directors.

Thomas Hill ‘72

1990s

Trent Broussard ’91 – Was named assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Williams Baptist University. He will direct the university’s touring choir, the Williams Singers, the NEA Chorale, and serve as a member of the music faculty.

Col. Katherine Brown ‘77

Allen Williams ‘92

Paul Hindman ’94 – Was

promoted to

senior vice

president and

chief regional

lending office

in the

Jonesboro area for First Community Bank.

David Handwork ‘93

Katina Ray ’96 – Was named superintendent of the MarvellElaine, Ark., School District.

Johnathan Reaves ’96 – Was reelected to a two-year term as president of the Board of Directors of the Public Media Journalists Association.

William McLean ’94 – Was appointed associate vice chancellor for faculty relations at Arkansas State University.

Dr. Chevron Ergle ’97 – Was installed on the Arkansas Optometric Association Board of Directors as adviser to the board.

Scott Roper ’91 – Was named City of Jonesboro’s new code enforcement director.

Shannon Kincade ’92 – Was promoted

to vice

president of

general

merchandise

for Harps

Foods Stores.

Allen Williams ’92 – Was named executive vice president, market president for the Jonesboro region for First Community Bank.

Jackson Balentine ’93 – Hired as chief credit officer at FNBC. He will oversee credit risk management and loan operations for the almost $700 million asset lender.

David Handwork ’93 – Received the United Commercial Energy Partners 2022 Meritorious Service Award recipient by APPA.

Patrick Tucker ’94 – Was named Marked Tree, Ark., 2022 Citizen of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Pharis Smith ’95 – Was named superintendent of White County Central School District in Judsonia, Ark.

Staci Koehler Lindblad ’97 – Has released a book about her Panama relocation story, Is Panama Your Paradise?

A Gringa’s Tale.

Michael Orf ’97 – Was named dean of academic affairs at Missouri State University-West Plains.

Andrea Bruner ’96 –

The former

managing editor of The Batesville Guard was

featured in the spring semester Dr. Joel Gambill Distinguished Speaker Series, hosted by the School of Media and Journalism at A-State.

She retired from The Guard in 2019 but continues to freelance.

Tracey Cook Owens ’97 – Was named superintendent of the Cedar Ridge School District in Newark, Ark. Jared Bassham ’98 – Was selected as Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy director.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 4 1

Katina Ray ‘96

Jared Bassham ‘98

Voices Magazine welcomes Class Notes submissions from alumni. There are three ways to submit information: STANDARD MAIL: Class Notes Editor Voices Magazine P.O. Box 1990 State University, AR 72467 -------------------------------------------EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu -------------------------------------------ONLINE: AStateAlumni.org/ClassNotes

Randy Bearce ’98 – Appointed

market

president of

Farmers and

Merchants \ Bank. He will

oversee the retail and lending operations of the expanding Jonesboro market.

Owen Brickell ’98 – Along with wife Jennifer ’99, was chosen as the 2022 Stone County Farm Family of the Year.

Holly Smith ’98 – Was named the vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville.

Jeramy Stephens ’98 – With National Land Realty in Little Rock received the Realtors® Land Institute 2021 Land Realtor® of America Award.

CLASS NOTES CONTINUED Kendra Adams ’99 – Was named a 2022 Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award winner.

Trent Brown ’99 – Joined FNBC as senior vice president – Northeast Arkansas loan manager, bringing over 20 years of banking experience.

Stephanie

Lunsford Clay ’99 – Played

the role of

Madame in

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s

“Cinderella”

at the Forum

in Jonesboro.

Colin Hall ’99 – Began a new job in June as senior technical analyst NTT Data.

Tara Key ’99 – Was named principal of Cathedral Elementary School in Wisconsin.

Col. Trey Lawrence ’99 – Was promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army during a ceremony at the National Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, Ga.

4 2 – VO I C E S

Jodi Leeker ’99 – Was appointed the new director of behavioral health at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

Blake Swindle ’99 – Was named chief operating officer at AgHeritage Farm Credit Services.

Ebony Blevins ‘00

2000s

Ebony Blevins ’00 – Working in cyanotype to create realistic print images, Blevins had artwork on exhibit at Hearne Fine Art.

Amber Martin ‘02

Brian Fowler ‘04

Lee Caldwell ’02 – Was named principal of Visual Performing Arts Magnet School in the Jonesboro School District.

Dwight Ford ’00 – Was promoted to executive vice president, chief lending officer for First Community Bank.

Nick Fisher ’02 – Was named boys basketball coach at Lamar Junior High.

Jeff Mascagni ’00 – Was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as the CFO of Central Arkansas Water.

Michael

Miller ’00 –

With nearly

22 years of

service in the

Little Rock

police

department, Miller was promoted to assistant chief over the field services bureau.

Amber Martin ’02 – Was promoted to director of the Counseling Center at A-State Wayne Bell ’03 – Was promoted to equal opportunity and Title IX case manager at the University of Arkansas.

Brian Fowler ’04 – As the CEO of Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Fowler was recently featured in Arkansas Money & Politics.

Cassandra Hill ’04 – Was appointed as board member to the S.H.I.F.T. Family Outreach Center.

Shawn Jackson ’04 – Was named the head varsity football coach for Cadillac Vikings high school in Michigan.

Fred Chism ’03 – Was appointed vice president of network strategy at American Health Plans.

Christopher Toler ‘08

Emily McGee ’07 – Was named vice president of nursing for St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Tyler Vanderpool ’07 – Was named as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine for the fourth year in a row and recognized as one of this year’s “Up-and-Coming 100” attorneys in Southern California by the same publication.

Josh Ford ’08 – Was appointed to the Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Joseph Simmons ’04 – Was named head girls basketball coach at Green Hill High School in Tennessee.

Cassidy Morgan ’05 – Was named senior human resources manager for The Greenbrier Companies for Arkansas, Missouri and Texas locations.

Sach Oliver ’03 – Was named Arkansas’ Trial Lawyer of the Year and named as new Trial Lawyer Association president.

Tyler Vanderpool ‘07

Grant Harbison ’08 – As director of bands at The Academies of Jonesboro High School, Harbison received one of the national Milken Educator Awards.

Dr. James Hertzog ’01 – Was installed on the Arkansas Optometric Association Board of Directors as president-elect.

Danny Ward ’01 – Was promoted to the role of project management branch chief for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

Sara Osment ‘05

Dr. Jennifer Bouldin ’04 – Was named interim dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics at A-State.

Evette Allen-Moore ’08 – Was hired as assistant dean for diversity, equity & inclusion at NYITCOM at A-State.

Sara Armstrong Osment ’05 – Was named Valley View Public Schools assistant superintendent.

Dr. Joe Sugg

’05 – Was

installed on

the Arkansas

Optometric

Association

Board of

Directors as immediate past president.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 4 3

Jillian Colvard Pounders ’08 – Was named Teacher of the Year for Cabot Public Schools in 2022.

Christopher Toler ’08 – Accepted a position as plant controller for Owens Corning in Fairburn, Ga.

CLASS NOTES CONTINUED Dr. Logan Jones ’09 – Was appointed dean of the College of Business at Ferris State University.

Spencer Morris ’10 – Was named national Trooper of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, State and Provincial Division in March 2022. In April 2022 Morris was named the National Trooper of the Year by the American Association of State Troopers.

Marcus Jones ’09 – Was named assistant principal at Visual Performing Arts Magnet School in Jonesboro School District.

2010s

Shawn Oates ’10 – Began a new job with Google in New York as a program lead.

Dr. Lena Awar ’10 – Has joined the medical team at St. Bernards HeartCare Center as an interventional cardiologist.

Stephanie Hale ’10 – Was named the NEA specialist and Arkansas regional director for SmartData Dashboard.

Lindsay Hall ’10 – Received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Dr. Shannon Hutson Marsden ’10 – Joined Ozarks Healthcare Family Care in West Plains, Mo.

Emily Hirsch Jordan ’11 – As a literacy and social studies teacher at Hackler Intermediate school in Mountain Home, Jordan was accepted into two Arkansas Department of Education grantfunded programs.

Dr. Kimberly McFall ’11 – As associate professor of curriculum and instruction at Marshall University, McFall received a Fulbright Scholar Award to work in Poland at the University of Wroclaw.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Mary Wills ’11 – Was named assistant principal at Dickson Elementary School in Tennessee.

Casey Worlow ’11 – Has joined the staff of Jonesboro Unlimited.

She will serve as director of talent attraction.

Phillip Butterfield ’12 – Was promoted to vice president in the Stephens Inc. private client group.

He is one of the youngest in the firm to achieve this promotion.

Michael A. Barnes ’13 – Joined the HunterMaclean business law firm as an associate in the firm’s Corporate Practice Group.

Nicole Spurlock Fontenot ’13 – Received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) at A-State in May. Kindra Hovis ’13 – Named superintendent for the Shoals Community Schools in Indiana.

Margaret Campbell ’12 – Was the winner of the LSUS Regional Scholars Forum graduate poster presentation.

Bradley J. Kolwyck ’12 – Was inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry.

Erika Loveless

’13 – Was

included in

the Marquis

Who’s Who

publication

for her successful career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Andy McCall ’13 – Named the next Greeneville Middle School assistant principal in Tennessee.

Donald Reyes ’11 – Was named new Loyola (New Orleans) men’s basketball coach. Reyes is the first Black head coach in program history.

Mitch Rouse ’11 – Was appointed secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services by

David Utley ’12 – Was named head baseball coach at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro.

Trey Outlaw ’12 – Was named head football coach and athletic director at Arkansas High in Texarkana.

4 4 – VO I C E S

Cameron Robinson ’13 – Named men’s head basketball coach for

Bowman Wraps Up Memorable Career

After serving more than 46 years in the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Gina Bowman retired from Arkansas State University in May.

South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado.

Ashley Sims ’13 – Was recently featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as the CFO of Rock Dental Brands, where she is responsible for the financial performance of 95-plus multispecialty dental clinics.

Chayna Adams ’14 – A teacher at Pearl River Central High School in Mississippi, won one of the Milken Educator Awards.

Dr. Michelle Miller ’14 – Was named principal at Fayetteville, Ark., High School.

Sharika Nelvis ’14 – Was inducted into the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame.

She is a four-time All-American and former national champion.

Following her graduation from Arkansas State in 1976, Bowman began her career in intercollegiate athletics as an assistant sports information director. She quickly became a trailblazer in her field as one of the first Division I-A female sports information directors in the nation. In 1994, Bowman added the title of assistant athletic director for media relations and added the responsibility of serving as the department’s senior woman administrator until 2002. She continued her work in sports information through 2008, working with 35 different head coaches and eight athletic directors. At some point during her 32 years in athletics, Bowman served as the primary media contact for every sport at Arkansas State University with the exception of baseball.

Continuing as a pioneer in her field, Bowman served on the first NCAA Certification committee during 1995-96 for Gender Equity, Minority Issues, and Student-Athlete Welfare. In addition, she was a committee member of the Sun Belt Conference track and field, football, NCAA Post Graduate District scholarship, and NCAA Scholarship groups.

She served as a key member of A-State’s mascot retirement group when the university adopted the Red Wolves as its official mascot and was a member of the Centennial Committee for the university’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2009.

In 1998, Bowman received the university’s Outstanding Service Award, in 2001 was the recipient of the Sun Belt Conference’s Quarter Century of Service Award, and was added to the Arkansas State Staff Centennial Wall of Honor in 2010. In 2021, she was named an Honorary Letter Winner by the Arkansas State Letterman’s Club.

Immensely popular with the student-athletes during her time in athletics, she earned new popularity with students after transferring to University Communications, where she became known as #Regina on social media. During times of winter weather, students waited eagerly for Bowman to announce via A-State’s Twitter account that classes were canceled, prompting hundreds, if not thousands, of posts referencing her as #Regina – the beloved source of snow days and other cancellations.

Chad Pitts ’14 – Was named assistant superintendent of the Sheridan, Ark., School District.

Erika Roberts ’14 – Works as the first X-ray tech at the first Walmart to offer X-ray and lab.

Gabe Roberts ’14 – Was recently interviewed for Arkansas Talk Business and Politics about investing in the city of Jonesboro’s future.

Gina Bowman ‘76 (seated, left) was joined at her retirement reception by many of her former sports information co-workers including Phareta Calkin ‘78 (seated, right) and (standing, from left) Jeff Hankins ‘87, Pam Bennett Young ‘92, Sunnie Ewing ‘91, Jeff Reed ‘82, James Barr ‘95, Van Provence ‘07, Scott Costello ‘90 and Jerry Scott.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 4 5

CLASS NOTES CONTINUED Lisa Williams ’14 – Was named principal of Rogers, Ark., High School.

Sammie Cribbs ’15 – Was named president and CEO of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center.

Hallie Frederick ’15 – Was named chief resident of the Oklahoma State University Internal Medicine program.

Marco French ’15 – Received the Milken Educator Award for creating a culture of excellence for educators and students for the 21-22 school year. French is the principal of Queensborough Leadership Academy in Shreveport, La.

and transportation director of San Leandro, Calif.

Booker Mays ’15 – Was named director of the Red WOLF Center at A-State.

Dr. Jeannie Sauls ’15 – Was named assistant principal for Corinth High School in Mississippi.

Britney James Hart ’15 – Was named business teacher at McCrory, Ark., schools.

Curt Ivey ’15 – Was named principal at Cherokee Middle School in Springfield, Mo.

Sheila Marquises ’15 – Appointed as the first female engineering

Pete McBride ’16 – Was named the men’s head basketball coach for Branson High School in Missouri.

Michael Dease ’16 – Was named principal of Marlboro County High School in South Carolina.

Jarrett Powell ’16 – Joined the Washington Regional emergency department, where he provides care for patients with acute illnesses and injuries.

Dr. Aaron Tollett ’16 – Was featured in Health News Today for his work with Bell Vision Center in Nashville, Ark.

Tommy Wells ’15 – Was named Pershing K-8 principal in Springfield, Mo. Joe Haynes ’16 – Was named teacher and coach at Capital City High School in Jefferson City, Mo.

Dr. Alyssa Weyer ’15 – Was named chief resident of the Internal Medicine program at The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center.

Claire Garrett ’15 – Named principal at Washington Elementary in Fayetteville, Ark.

Sydney Belew

’16 – Was

inducted into

the Women in

Industry, The

Communications

Group’s weekly series honoring women nationwide across multiple industries.

Matthew Johnson ’16 – Was named director of the Ross Collins Career and Technical Center in Meridian, Miss.

Josh Killian ’16 – Was named principal of Southside Elementary in Siloam Springs, Ark., School District.

Stacie Wood ’15 – Began her position as the Alma, Ark., High School assistant superintendent on July 1.

Hunter Brock ’17 – Became a stockholder for Arkansas-based Cromwell Architects Engineers after serving as the chair of the Central Arkansas chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Christopher Davis ’17 – Was named manager of product and strategy for Dreamville Records.

Mark Anderson ’16 – Is the new assistant principal at Spring Garden Middle School in Missouri.

Fredi Knighten ’16 – Joined the NFL Cincinnati Bengals as offensive assistant.

Danielle Lester Arrington ’16 – Was presented with a 2021 Roaring10 award by the Clemson Young Alumni Council. Danielle is the director of talent acquisition for Clemson University.

Daniel McAdoo ’16 – Was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as the CFO of Hytrol Conveyor Co. in Jonesboro.

4 6 – VO I C E S

Ian McGaughey ’17 – Was named the new Yuma County administrator in Arizona.

Hallie Frederick ‘15

Logan Meurer ’17 – A third-year medical student at NYITCOM at A-State, was honored with a Distinguished Medical Student Award from the College of American Pathologists.

Patrick Nalley ’17 – Was named director of the Henrico County, Va., Division of Recreation & Parks.

Tyler Woods ’17 – Joined the parks commission to help expand opportunities to Greenwood, Ark., residents.

Colton Batten ’18 – Received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from NYITCOM at A-State in May.

Sheila Marquises ‘15

Danielle Arrington ‘16

Rebecca Evans ’18 – Was promoted to principal at Mark Twain Elementary in Missouri.

Kellen Davis ’18 – Was named executive director of the Leadership Greater Little Rock program by the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

Darby Sparks ’18 – Received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from NYITCOM at A-State in May.

Joseph Inman ’18 – Was named vice president of operations at Revolution Medical Centers.

Rayna Kingston ’18 – Was hired as a listener engagement specialist for KASU.

Mae Lewis

’18 – Was

featured in

the Texarkana

Gazette for

her work in

keeping people in safe, clean homes while they become self-sufficient.

Nathan McCrary ’18 – A social studies teacher at St. Joseph High School, Conway, Ark. was named boys soccer coach.

Batool Mraiyan ’18 – Received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from NYITCOM at A-State in May.

Todd Beaulieu ’18 – Was named the 2022 Eisinger Teacher of the Year as an English teacher at Capital City High School, and was and was chosen as a Regional Teacher of the Year by the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center.

Daniel McAdoo ‘16

Chris Odom ’18 – Signed to play for the NFL Cleveland Browns.

Amy Scroggins

’18 – Was

named high

school

principal for

Cole County

R-1 School District in Russellville, Mo.

Emily Vallandingham ’18 – Was named principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Missouri.

Sydney Wendfeldt ’18 – Finished as first runner-up in Miss Arkansas 2022.

Christopher Davis ‘17

Ashley Ehrhart ’19

Justin Felix ’19 – Signed a contract extension with the independent minor league baseball team, Evansville Otters for the 2022 season.

Kendra Hall ’19 – Received the Lizzie W. Coleman Outstanding Educator Award in 2022. Was also named teacher of the year in 2019 at Coleman Middle School in Greenville, Miss.

Jamal Jones ’19 – Joined the Pulaski Academy athletics coaching staff.

Nathan Baggett ’19 – Was named the recipient of the 2022 Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship give by the Arkansas Optometric Association.

Lane Campbell ’19 – Was named Valley View, Ark. High School boys’ basketball coach.

Julie Coon ’19 – Was appointed assistant principal at the Early Learning Center in Missouri.

Karagon Henard Prestidge ’19 – Was named mortgage originator for First Community Bank’s home lending division.

Sidney Sizemore ’19 – Joined Monticello Dental Care as a dental hygienist.

Ashley Ehrhart ’19 – Was crowned Miss Oklahoma USA in spring 2022.

`

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 4 7

Jennifer Fairchild ’19 – Was named the incoming principal of Butterfield Trail Elementary in the Fayetteville, Ark., School District.

Michelle Snow ’19 – An APRN at the WRMC Breast Care Clinic, became certified to assist patients as certified tobacco treatment specialist for lung cancer prevention.

CLASS NOTES CONTINUED

Jamie Williams ’19 – Was hired as athletic director for Opelika City Schools in Alabama.

Faith Carr ’20 – Joined the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce as business connection specialist.

Tyler Duncan ’20 – Signed with the Ottawa Titans baseball team in April.

2020 - present

Mattison Griffin ’20 – Was featured in the Washington County Enterprise-Leader publication for being an interpreter for Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.

Brooke Buckner ’20 – Was hired at THV11, Little Rock’s CBS affiliate, as a reporter.

Cori Keller ’20 – Hired as client account services coordinator for CJRW advertising agency.

Caitlyn Lyerly ’20 – Joined the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music.

Daniel Bailey ’20 – Was promoted to assistant principal at White Knoll Middle School in South Carolina.

Kellen Blanchett ’20 – Was named University of Tennessee assistant director of development – major gifts.

Blake Harris ’20 – Was named principal of Fort Loudoun Middle School in Tennessee.

Danielle Henkel ’20 – Was named head coach of the women’s and men’s tennis teams at Howard Payne University.

Erin McDonough ’20 – Was named executive director of First Tee-Phoenix, a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps children and teens build strength of character through the game of golf.

Sarah Sodoma ’20 – Signed with the San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer League.

LY N M O S E L E Y H U B B A R D ‘ 9 2 Evelyn (Lyn) Paris Moseley Hubbard served 21 years as a faculty member and as a clinical coordinator in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at A-State. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, Hubbard discovered her passion, radiologic technology, and completed Emory University Hospital’s radiography program and mammography training under the man considered to be the “father of mammography,” Dr. Robert L Egan.

She began her career with the American Cancer Society and National Institutes of Health, contributing to a major project that helped establish the effectiveness of screening mammography for early detection of breast cancer. Upon retirement, she was named emeritus associate professor of radiologic sciences. Survivors include her husband Ted, two children and their families.

4 8 – VO I C E S

Dr. Linwood Whitten ’20 – Was named the inaugural assistant vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cleveland State University.

Makenzie Williams ’20 – Was crowned Miss Greater Little Rock 2022 and competed in Miss Arkansas, making the top 15.

Kristopher Adams ’21 – Was named director of the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit by the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Barry ’21 – Was named assistant principal at Rolla Junior High School in Missouri.

Krishnan Collins ’21 – Was named sports editor of The SentinelRecord in Hot Springs, Ark..

Faith Carr ‘20

Austin Hood ’21 – Was named head coach for Enterprise Yellow Jacket baseball in Mississippi.

Reed Middleton ’21 – Was hired as a commercial bank examiner in Jonesboro by the Arkansas State Bank Department.

Joseph Traylor ’21 – Graduated from the FBI National Academy in June.

Mallory Jordan Black ’22 – Was hired as the marketing director for the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Brittany Joiner ’22 – Graduated in May from A-State with her education specialist degree in school psychology.

Danielle Henkel ‘20

Dr. Linwood Whitten ‘20

Peggy Preis ’22 – Graduated in May with her bachelor’s degree.

Anna Strack ’22 – Was hired as an events coordinator at the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tamra Lashelle Washington ’22 – Won the LSUS Regional Scholars Forum undergraduate oral presentation.

Joseph Traylor ‘21

Randy Veach – Was one of six individuals inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Jalicia Wyatt – Was featured in the Stuttgart Daily Leader in a community profile about how’s she’s dedicated her life to helping others and founded Y.O.U. Revamped, LLC (Yearning to Overcome Uncertainty by being Revamped).

Alumni

Robert Accord – Was promoted to vice president of pharmacy for Harps Foods Stores.

Roderick Ray – Was named assistant principal at Darlington High School in South Carolina.

Dr. Brenton Hicks – Opened More Life Chiropractic office in Kansas City, Mo., in the spring of 2022.

A LTA B U R N S ’ 5 9 , ‘ 6 0 Alta Burns, emeritus assistant professor of physical education, concluded her A-State career in 1996. She served on the faculty two times, 1961-64 and 1967-96, for a total of 32 years. Burns earned her BSE degree in physical education at A-State, and her MA degree at George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, also in physical education with an emphasis in dance.

Known for her teaching specialty in dance technique, she often conducted workshops and demonstrations in dance, exercise and weight control for various groups. She also was adviser to the Dance Club. Among her many awards, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreations and Dance (AHPERD) Southern District recognized Burns in 1999 with its Honor Award for professional achievements. Survivors include three children and their families.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 4 9

Brittany Joiner ‘22

Tamra Washington ‘22

IN MEMORIAM CLASS OF 1954 Mildred Gerdes CLASS OF 1957 Jim Keith Zetta White CLASS OF 1958 Arlene Fielder Bob Johnson CLASS OF 1959 Alta Burns James Danley Jerry Haynes Thurman Nuckles CLASS OF 1960 Carolyn Bowers Edward Pruiett

CLASS OF 1961 Edna Anderson Bill Houston Markham Howe Helen McGee Bob Meeks Roland Roach Martha Wagner CLASS OF 1962 Marvin Hagaman Jim Henderson George Lasater Sharon Porter Lena Priest Morris Ridge

CLASS OF 1964 Martha Bahr Wayne Clark Bill Jones Preston Williams

CLASS OF 1969 Jim Essman Marion Meredith Tom Richardson Ginni Yeargain

CLASS OF 1965 Eugene Elphingstone Woody Martin

CLASS OF 1970 Curtis Davis Pat Looney Ron Matlosz Larry Rose

CLASS OF 1966 Marshall Humphries CLASS OF 1967 Mickey McSpadden CLASS OF 1968 Grover Blagg R W Lyerly Woody Matthews Bo McAllister Eileen Schneider

CLASS OF 1963 Jimmy Gordon Robert McBryde Judy McCain Louis Slankard Bill Starling Curtis Strange

JIMMIE LOU FISHER Jimmie Lou Fisher of Paragould, who attended Arkansas State University and later graduated from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, State and Local Government Program, made her career in civic leadership. She served as Greene County treasurer for several years before then-Gov. Bill Clinton appointed her State Auditor.

She continued her public service after being elected State Treasurer and serving from 1981 to 2002, the year she was nominated and was a candidate for governor. Her lifetime awards included the Arkansas Democratic Party Gressie Carnes Award in 1979, the George C. Douthit Freedom of Information Award in 1989, and the Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership Lindy Boggs Award in 2009. She is survived by a brother, three sisters and their families.

5 0 – VO I C E S

CLASS OF 1971 Donnie Brooks Wayne Wagner CLASS OF 1972 David Adams Charlotte Lee Jerry May Terry Thomas

CLASS OF 1973 Frances Allison CLASS OF 1974 Ross Johnson CLASS OF 1975 Katherine McCracken CLASS OF 1976 Gerald Adams Claudia Brown Deborah Caspall CLASS OF 1977 Rodney Echols Earl Gunn Floyd Parnell CLASS OF 1978 Thomas Clarke Hector Cuellar James Martin

CLASS OF 1981 Cindy Morris Brett Smith Sandra Stanley CLASS OF 1982 Raymond Boyles CLASS OF 1983 Roland Morris Mack Ramsey Lisa Richardson CLASS OF 1984 Donald Bearden Henri Chappell Tammy Phillips Larry Wiles CLASS OF 1985 Mary Spradlin

CLASS OF 1989 Norma Bell Brian Lagomarcino CLASS OF 1991 Martin Ferguson David Freeman CLASS OF 1992 Carolyn Carman Lyn Hubbard CLASS OF 1993 Shari Simino CLASS OF 1997 Sherie Wallis Marilyn Wilson CLASS OF 2001 Linda Ivie Scot Tyler

CLASS OF 1987 Joey Lemay

MARKHAM HOWE ‘61 Markham Howe of Little Rock, who retired from administrative leadership at A-State, was a 1961 alumnus in agriculture. Following a 33-year career in community and public relations with Entergy-Arkansas (then AP&L), he became associated with A-State in several capacities, serving as a guest lecturer and adviser to the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, instructor in journalism and public relations, then executive director of university relations. He retired from the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves as a colonel.

Among his many civic contributions, Howe led Civitan International as president. He also served on the A-State Alumni Association board, was co-founder of an advocacy group for the journalism and public relations programs, and was a Legacy Society member. Survivors include his wife, Gayle, their three children and their families.

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CLASS OF 2002 John McFarland CLASS OF 2003 Russell Hancock Debra Thompson CLASS OF 2005 Chiquita Holt Ginger Wood CLASS OF 2009 Jane Breite CLASS OF 2010 Jonathan McCoy CLASS OF 2011 Michael Kennedy CLASS OF 2022 Anquntio Lewis

welcome to

O U R PAC K 1

WOLF PUPS & MARRIAGES

Dr. Michael ’02 ’10 and wife Megan

9

Alyson Williams Meadors ’12 and

Miles ’12 welcomed the birth of their

husband Cory welcomed their

daughter Isla in March 2022.

fifth child and first girl, England Valora Meadors in August 2021.

2

1

2

Taylor Williams Kaloghirou ’08 and husband Robert welcomed their

10 Emily Hirsch Jordan ’11 – Became

daughter, Stella, in March 2021.

engaged to Michael Clayton. They plan to marry in November 2022.

3

Emily Mantz Williams ’08 and husband Bradley welcomed their son

11 James Kjorlaug ’11 – Was featured

Brooks in January 2022, joining big

in the NWA Democrat Gazette with

sister Whitney.

wife Krista on how helping others is what brought them together.

3

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Rachel Smith-Ogilvie ’08 and husband Court welcomed their son Christopher in January 2021.

5

5

welcomed their second daughter.

13 Colea Shyree Blann ’14 married

married Mario Williams in March 2022

Raymond Omar Long in June 2022 in

and became a blended and blessed

Conway.

family of 10.

6

14 Aaron ’13 and Sara Doss Caldwell ’14 6

7

7

Elizabeth Kirksey Williams ’09

12 Mac Gaskin ’12 and wife Tori recently

8

Leigh Anna Schaaf ’10 and husband

welcomed their daughter, Emerson, in

Nic welcomed their daughter, Gentry,

August 2021. She joins her older

in December 2021. She joins big

brother Cannon (6) and older sister

sisters, Laila (8) and Collier (6).

Adeline (3).

Lauren Gaines Skeen ’10 and husband

15 Lauren Bingham Smith ’14 and Ross

Mike welcomed their daughter Audrey

Smith ’12 welcomed their second son

Elizabeth in April 2022.

Boone Stratton Smith in June 2022.

Bingham Smith is his proud big

8

Allison ’11 and Matthew Doss ‘12

brother.

welcomed baby number four, Archie in June 2022. He joins big sister

9

16 Garrett ’14 and Britney James

Charlotte (6), and big brothers,

Hart ’15 – welcomed a baby boy,

Brooks (4), and John Parker (1).

Jackson, in October 2021.

10

5 2 – VO I C E S

share your N E W S

Send us your announcements and high-resolution photos.

Submissions are included as space permits. Class notes may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium.

A STAT E A LU M N I . O R G / C L A S S N OT E S

17 Bekah Hickman ’15 and Derek Herring became engaged in St. Louis. Both are current A-State staff members.

18 Jordan Howington Stramiello ’15 – moved to Little Rock after a Sunday night newscast on Sept. 30, 2018. That week she was introduced to

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her now husband, Mike. The rest is history.

19 Stefan ’18 and Mackenzie Phares Simons ’18 welcomed their first child, Rhett, in October 2021.

20 Tristan Arquitt ’19 married Brady Dowler in June 2022, at the Crossing in Paragould, Ark. 21 Emily Grace Fitz ’20 married Dr. Joshua Noland Hagood in May 2022.

22 Kayle Myers ’20 became engaged to her high school sweetheart, Fraiser Palmer, following graduation. They are to be married in November 2022.

23 Shelby Thompson Roberts ’20 and husband Grant Roberts ‘17 married in January 2022.

24 Emily Doggett Taylor ’20 married Justin Taylor in August 2021.

25 Sarah May Flowers ’21 married Cody in September 2021.

S UFA MLMLE2R0 2 0 2 2 0– –5 34 3

VOICES

WAW

WOLVES AROUND THE WORLD

Future Red Wolves giving a Wolves Up from Destin, Fla. Wolves Up from Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National

Amy Hyman ‘16 - Representing her

Austin Burnett, son of Jesse ‘05 and Lindsay Burnett ‘05,

Park, Montana. Natalie Rogers ‘10, Joseph Rogers ‘11,

Red Wolves and love of yoga in

Brown Woodard, son of Jared ‘01 and Lindsey Woodard ‘03,

Ryan Blankenship ‘09, Anna Blankenship ‘12

St. Genevieve, Mo.

and Ben Bettis, son of Andy and Chelsea Bettis ‘07.

Taylor Gee ‘14 giving a Wolves Up all the way from Greece.

B.D. ’72 and Brenda Tiner ’73 at Omaha

Katie Pruitt ‘21 and her father Ken in

Beach in Normandy, France in June 2022.

front of a beautiful fountain in Italy.

Freddie Bowen ‘88 and Kristi Anderson-Bowen ‘90 enjoyed a Carnival Cruise to Key West and Cozumel.

Wolves Up from Van ‘06, Katey ‘08, Sandra ‘81 and Bill Provence ‘67 from Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.

Jake ‘02 and Lindsey Crafton ‘03 had the experience of a lifetime when daughter Landry threw out the first pitch, son Lennox was the public Smith Strobbe, son of Brett ’07 and

address announcer for the day, and daughter

Sarah Strobbe ’07, giving a Wolves Up

Layla was chosen as a “fan of the game” at a

from Hardy on Memorial Day.

recent St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

5 4 – VO I C E S

Wolves Up from Allison McElroy ‘93 in Venice, Italy.

New Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, Jeff Purinton, giving a Wolves Up

Alumni staff member Carissa Griffin

all the way from Scotland at the 150th Open

and husband Steve meeting Robin

at St. Andrews.

Roberts at GMA in New York City.

A pack of Red Wolves as part of a tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Scott Richards ‘99, Paul Holmes ‘73, Steve Metzler ‘75, Betty Moad ‘74, Tommie Holmes ‘72, Nonie Wiggins ‘83, Wayne Wiggins ‘87, and Amy Luevanos.

Matt Hubbard ’07 at the 150th Open at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Wolves Up from these A-State students and alumni as they compete in Miss Arkansas.

Wolves Up! Fellow Red Wolves in Madrid in Plaza Majora during the festival Las Isidoro. Hayden Griffin ‘13, Bonida Poynor, Daniel Mayer ‘10, Morgan Mayer ‘11, Nonie Wiggins ‘83, Wayne Wiggins ‘87.

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 5 5

LET’S HOWL! Hey Pack, it’s time to make a little noise.

On second thought, let’s make a lot of noise

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have for recruitment.

Please talk up the pack in your circle and help us identify future Red Wolves.

Our alumni have great success stories to share.

Visit: AStateAlumni.org/ReferARedWolf

We’ll take it from there.

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 870.972.2782 ASTATE.EDU/ADMISSIONS

5 6 – VO I C E S

THE LA ST WORD

LINDSAY BURNETT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS

Click for video

Greetings from Cooper Alumni Center.

The fall 2022 semester is well underway, and the 2022-23 academic year is shaping up to be a year of change and promise at Arkansas State University.

As summer ended, A-State welcomed its new chancellor, Dr. Todd Shields. On August 15, Shields became the university’s fourth appointed chancellor and the 14th individual to lead Arkansas State.

He is committed to the mission of A-State, and our future is bright with his leadership. Many of you have had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Shields and our new Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, Jeff Purinton, at meet-and-greet events hosted across the state, and both were on hand at many Homecoming events earlier this fall. You can read more about both in this issue of Voices.

about Arkansas State.

Homecoming was a huge success as we put most thoughts of the pandemic behind us for the first time since 2019. Students packed events held on campus during the week, we welcomed the Class of 1972 on the 50th anniversary of their graduation from A-State, and honored Dr. Gilbert Fowler ’71, Chad Niell ’91, and the late Herman Strickland Jr. ’81 as our 2022 Distinguished Alumni. The Red Wolves capped off the week by defeating Louisiana-Monroe 45-28 in the Oct. 1 football game, and Colten Sedman of Jonesboro and Sydney Stauffer of Belleville, Ill., were crowned as Homecoming King and Queen prior to the game.

Enrollment at A-State is at a near-record high. Showing gains in most attendance categories, Arkansas State’s enrollment topped 14,000 students for the fall semester, the first time the university has reached that mark since 2018. The total headcount of 14,109 was just 35 short of the all-time high, set in fall 2017. Much of that growth was found in first-year students, and our retention rate of 77.6% of first-year students returning for their second year was the second-best in history.

As Arkansas State continues to grow, it is vital that we, as alumni, help to strengthen our alma mater. There is no better recruiting tool for Arkansas State University than the experiences and success of its graduates. We hope that you will continue to inspire those planning to continue their education to look at A-State as not only an option, but the best option. The success of our institution is a result of the success of our students and graduates, and we encourage you to share your experience with others.

Until next time, Wolves Up!

VOICES

FA L L 2 0 2 2 – 5 7

Alumni Advocacy Loyalty to A-State doesn’t end at graduation.

There are several ways in which you can keep up-to-date on A-State.

1 follow Follow us on social media to learn the latest from campus.

2 attend University events reach across a broad platform of interests and are a great way to take advantage of what A-State has to offer.

3 join Become a member of the A-State Alumni Association. If you’re already a member, consider 1924 Sustaining Life Membership.

4 recruit Be an A-State advocate with friends and family. Bring students to campus for sporting or arts events and show them A-State is a great place.

5 give Your charitable investment, whether through annual gifts or a planned estate gift, will ensure the success of other A-State students.

P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED