21 minute read
ALUMNI UPDATES
BIRTHS
Beau (‘16) and Haylee (‘16) Baker, son, Brooks Allen, January 6, 2022
China Banks (‘17), son, Grayson Vines, October 5, 2021
Hannah Elliott (‘20) and Denzel Walter (‘21), son, Cameron James Walter, October 9, 2021
Michaela (‘22) and Will Hampton, daughter, M’ea Rose, October 26, 2022
Myranda (‘14) and Tadarius (‘14, ‘16) Hawkins, daughter, Penelope Quinn, December 8, 2021
Austin (‘17) and Emily Hollis, son, Lawson Boe, December 10, 2021
Ashley (‘14, ‘16) and Nicole Hull, daughter, Quinn Camryn, May 17, 2022
Samantha (‘16) and Jake Jones, daughter, Kinley Renae, January 3, 2022
Rebecca (‘18) and Timothy Lee, daughter, Eliza Joon, August, 3, 2021
Dr. Hiedi (‘09) and Jimmy Mason, daughter, Holland Kate, March 28, 2022
Katie (‘16, ‘17) and Taylor Ochello, daughter, Opal “Opie” Marie, October 26, 2021
Devin (‘20) and Trevor (‘20) Pipkin, daughter, Everly Marie, June 21, 2022
Connor (‘15) and Hannah (‘14, ‘16) Rayburn, daughter, Rosie Blake, May 1, 2022
Tidameca (‘16) and Kylan Rice, son Chance L., July 14,2022
Parker (‘20) and Brennan Robertson (‘19), daughter, Presley Grey, January 27, 2022
Kimberly Robinson (‘15), son, Kingston Jamaal Coggs, December 7, 2021 Lily Schurra (‘13) and Kyle Holden, daughter, Freya Schurra-Holden, December 4, 2021
Keanna (‘19) and Jacob Slayton, daughter, Miyanna Cecelia Elizabeth, October 23, 2022
Cherith (‘14) and Ahmad Smith (‘17), son, Aden James, May 4, 2022
Kayla (‘17) and Hunter Temple, son, Samuel Lane, May 14, 2022
Maryal Vaden (‘21), daughter, Malia Brown, November 30, 2021
Meredith Welch (‘12), daughter, Parker Welch, March 12, 2022
Devin (‘15) and Kelsey West, son, Lucas Cole, October 20, 2021
Cherilyn CampbellWilliams (‘08) and Kole Williams, daughter, Kaelyn Janelle Williams, December 31, 2021
Krista (‘18) and Kade Williams, daughter, Navy Blake, November 24, 2021
Clint (‘13, ‘14) and Olivia (‘16) Wilson, son, Hayden Paul, November 17, 2021
WEDDINGS
Tidameca Bingham (‘16) married Kylan Rice on August 14, 2022.
Mariah Brown (‘15,’18) married Hiram Sumlin on October 22, 2022.
Hannah Calhoon (‘19) married Uriel Diaz (‘19) on May 7, 2022.
Rebecca Chisom (‘18) married Timothy Lee on February 21, 2021.
Cherith Cobbs (‘14) married Ahmad Smith (‘17) on July 30, 2021.
Alex Durham (‘16) married Pat Morrison on April 30, 2022. Samantha Fendley (‘20) married Trey Smith on December 18, 2021.
Teiler Ferguson (‘16) married Robert Marshall September 26, 2021.
Katie Forga (‘16, ‘17) married Taylor Ochello on May 8, 2021.
Sara Hart (‘15, ‘17) married Corey Adams on April 27, 2021.
Ruth Hegwood (‘03) married Corey Mills on October 2, 2021.
Lisa Massey (‘96, ‘11) married Jordan Bell (‘14, ‘15) on June 11, 2022.
Christine Miller (‘10) married Aaron Wages on June 26, 2021.
Zachary Noga (‘15, ‘17) married Maggie Mankin on January 15, 2022.
Ashtyn Price (‘15) married Garret Linzy (‘15) on June 11, 2022.
Nick Robertson (‘20, ‘22) married Alyssa Dixon (‘21) on May 21, 2022.
Alexandria Roles (‘20) married Chance Taylor on June 10, 2022.
Michaela Singleton (‘22) married Will Hampton on July 24,2022
Sydney Skelton (‘18) married Jordan Vance (‘17) on June 18, 2022.
Cody Sparks (‘18) married Bonnie Magee on July 2, 2022.
Callie White (‘19) married Logan Warlick (‘17, ‘19) on April 2, 2022.
Taylor Wilson (‘18, ‘21) married Halston Tart on May 14, 2022.
IN MEMORIAM
1930s
Arlene H. Rainey (‘38), 105, of Benton, AR - November 12, 2021 1940s
Rose M. Hogue (‘47), 96, of Bryant, AR - February 24, 2022
Ann L Johnston (‘49), 102, of Pine Bluff, AR - July 2, 2022
Bonnie S. Luck (‘49), 93, of Little Rock, AR - January 6, 2022
1950s
Eugene P. Burton (‘50), 93, of McKinney, TX - July 24, 2021
James E. McCowan (‘50), 95, of Austin, TX - September 21, 2021
John R. Wood (‘51), 91, of Naples, FL - August 4, 2021
Robert G. Eargle, Jr. (‘52), 93, of Grand Prairie, TX - November 19, 2021
Velma J. B. Woodall (‘52), 90, of Ruston, LA - November 1, 2021
Bennie J. Ford (‘53), 91, of Conway, AR - April 18, 2022
Gladys M. McGraw (‘53), 91, of Beebe, AR - August 22, 2022
James “Jim” F. Shuffield (‘53), 91, of Benton, AR - August 12, 2021
Huberta M. Teeter (‘53), 90, of Malvern, AR - December 31, 2021
Bobby G. Evans (‘54), 90, of Little Rock, AR - September 6, 2021
Denver L. Prince (‘54), 88, of Conway, AR - August 13, 2021
Mary A. Burns (‘55), 87, of Olathe, KS - June 2, 2021
Sara R. Bailey (‘56), 87, of League City, TX - October 11, 2021
Frances M. Danley (‘56), 87, of Siloam Springs - February 11, 2022
Gene G. Lewis (‘56), 88, of Ashdown, AR - December 3, 2021 Catherine Ann Martindale (‘56), 86, of Little Rock - July 30, 2021
Beatrice D. Robey (‘58), 84 of Pine Bluff - April 28, 2022
Mona L. Rothwell (‘58), 84, of Hot Springs - July 27, 2021
Bill A. Shirron (‘58), 85, of Benton, AR - January 21, 2022
Rodney Bell (‘59), 84, of Paducah, KY - June 10, 2022
George M. Briggs (‘59), 85 of Tulsa, OK - November 17, 2021
1960s
Virgil L. Bailey (‘60), 84, of Dierks, AR - January 2, 2022
Rex M. Easter, Sr. (‘60), 84, of Little Rock, AR - June 24, 2021
Barbara K. Johnson (‘60, ‘71), 85, of Hot Springs, AR - December 3, 2021
Don L. Moore (‘60), 84, of Hot Springs, AR - August 12, 2021
Richard S. Riley (‘60), 84, of Hot Springs, AR- June 4, 2022
Mary L. Wallis (‘61, ‘66), 91, of Magnet Cove, AR - January 7, 2022
M. Judy Morris (‘62), 81, of Little Rock, AR - March 4, 2022
Rev. O.J. Sharp (‘62), 87, of Hot Springs, AR - September 28, 2021
Wanda S. Stowers (‘62), 81, of Lonoke, AR - August 30, 2022
Betty J. Voss (‘62), 79, of Malvern, AR - December 8, 2021
Laura B. White (‘62,’76), 91, of St. Louis, MO - May 6, 2022
Paul H. Wilson (‘62), 81, of Dallas, TX - December 19, 2021
Clay S. Dedman (‘63), 83, of Sheridan, AR - February 23, 2022
Joe D. Hart (‘63), 85, of McCroy, AR - September 15, 2022
James P. Grier (‘63, ‘67), 81, of Little Rock, AR - May 19, 2022
Buel R. Wortham (‘63), 81, of Maumelle, AR - February 22, 2022
Col. Charles N. Bullard (‘64), 84, of Gurdon, AR - November 8, 2021
Mary E. Doggett (‘64), 80, of White Hall, AR - September 2, 2021
Flora H. Harmon (‘64), 101, of Hope, AR - July 28, 2021
Nancy L. Hill (‘64, ‘67), 79, of Little Rock, AR - February 5, 2022
Sandra J. Diedrich (‘65), 77, of Little Rock, AR - July 31, 2021
John D. Steelman (‘65), 78, of Bearden, AR - May 21, 2021
Carolyn J. Brune (‘66), 79, of Springdale, AR - December 07, 2021
William B. James (‘66), 78, of Hot Springs, AR - August 6, 2021
Marion W. Little (‘66), 79, of Benton, AR - February 16, 2022
Helen L. Parker (‘66, ‘70), 93, of Little Rock, AR - February 11, 2022
Donald L. Crone (‘67), 78, of Buford, GA - September 6, 2022
James A. Hamm (‘67), 79, of Camden, AR - May 5, 2021
Patricia A. Swanson (‘67), 77, of Cabot, AR - September 12, 2022
Don “The General” Campbell (‘68), 81, of Wynne, AR - November 1, 2021 S. Ray Lacefield (‘68), 84, of Newhope, AR - January 14, 2022
Harold K. Davis (‘69), 75, of Hot Springs, AR - August 16, 2021
William B. Hendricks (‘69), 78, of Camden-Fairview, AR - February 23, 2022
Ira B. Thomas, Jr. (‘69), 74, of Gurdon, AR - August 30, 2021
1970s
Donnie G. Braddock (‘71), 73, of Callahan, FL - April 5, 2022
Paul A. Bray (‘71), 74, of Malvern, AR - February 10, 2022
Tommy J. Comstock (‘71), 76, of Cabot, AR - October 9, 2021
Barry J. Crites (‘71), 75, of Tulsa, OK - June 13, 2021
Gary L. Tackett (‘71), 72, of Searcy, AR - July 27, 2021
Glenda L. Erwin (‘72), 78, of Malvern, AR - January 1, 2022
Larry D. Jester (‘72), 74, of Little Rock, AR - May 24, 2022
Raymond L. Maglothin (‘72), 89 of Birmingham, AL - October 5, 2021
David F. Morris (‘72), 71, of Hudson Oaks, TX - November 25, 2021
Robert L. Shirron (‘72), 72, of Texarkana, AR - July 26, 2022
Randy M. Sorrells (‘72), 71, of Glenwood, AR - October 6, 2021
Charles R. Francis (‘73), 69, of Hot Springs, AR - March 14, 2021
David C. Cochran (‘74), 68, of Lufkin, TX - September 7, 2021
Tacie Korbs (‘74, ‘86), 70, of Rochester, NY - June 5, 2022 Terence S. Henderson (‘75, ‘82), 68, of Hot Springs, AR - January 4, 2022
Sharon G. W. Pigeon (‘75), 64, of DeQueen, AR - May 26, 2021
John C. Studer (‘75), 72, of Malvern, AR - April 28, 2022
Joyce A. Killingsworth (‘76, ‘85), 71, of Cabot, AR - August 18, 2021
Michael P. Price (‘76), 68, of Little Rock, AR - August 13, 2021
David A. Smith (‘76), 68, of Arkadelphia, AR - September 12, 2021
Wanda F. Sharpe (‘78), 74, of Hot Springs, AR - October 20, 2021
Gloria C. Williams (‘78), 65, of Little Rock, AR - June 24, 2022
Lionel Ward (‘76, ‘79), 66, of Little Rock, AR - July 31, 2021
Velma M. Buttram (‘79), 81, of Rogers, AR - April 28, 2022
1980s
Randy D. Kizer (‘80), 63, of Benton, AR - September 30, 2021
Darlene M. Kerr (‘81), 72, of Lexington, SC - January 15, 2022
Ronald S. Reed (‘83), 69, of Sheridan, AR - October 3, 2021
Glenn E. Catlett (‘84, ‘86), 60, of Malvern, AR - March 28, 2022
Tommy J. Vestal (‘89), 70, of Little Rock - September 3, 2021
1990s
Edna Mae Lange (‘92), 75, of Seven Points, TX - February 1, 2022
Brenda O.G. Powell (‘92), 67, of Hope, AR - January 11, 2022 Virginia A. Clayton (‘93), 68, of Spring Hill, AR - May 22, 2021
Ginger D. Henson (‘94), 48, of Hot Springs National Park, AR - September 10, 2022
2000s
Mary Ellen Lowe (‘00), 66, of Camden, AR - September 07, 2021
Demetrius A. Parker (‘03), 44, of Little Rock, AR- September 10, 2022
2010s
Caleb J. Counce (‘11), 37, of Lonoke, AR - February 16, 2022
Blake R. Austin (‘13), 31, of Hot Springs, AR - September 18, 2022
Bentley S. Harvey (‘18), 28, of Dallas, TX - March 9, 2022
Former Students
Irene A. Apple, 86, of Little Rock, AR - June 9, 2022
Jonathan N. Campbell, 40, of Malvern, AR - April 28, 2022
Rev. Earl B. Carter, 95, of Sherwood, AR - July 9, 2022
Dr. Tifton “Tiff” Connor Covington, 57, of Arkadelphia, AR- June 3, 2022
Marie G. Fair, 97, of Little Rock, AR - July 28, 2021
Jimmie Lou Fisher, 80, of Paragould, AR - July 12, 2022
Eloise Fite, 91, of Pine Bluff, AR - June 7, 2022
Harry A. Fite, 95, of Pine Bluff, AR - January 29, 2022
Charles E. Foehner, III, 73, of St. Petersburg, FL - January 20, 2022
Dr. Thomas W. Gray, 98, of Greenland, AR - May 22, 2022
Don E. Hardman, 77, of Fordyce, AR - September 14, 2022 Francis C. Henley, 87, of Norphlet, AR - January 30, 2022
J. Brandon Jones, 92, of Hot Springs, AR - August 28, 2022
Harold E. Mitchell, 85, Maumelle, AR - April 13, 2022
Hannah Smith, 21, of Bismarck, AR - June 16, 2022
Robert Tebbetts, 76, of Little Rock, AR - August 30, 2022
James C. Thomas, 54, of Mabelvale, AR - April 24, 2022
Barbara F. Hunter Wasson, 83, of Arkadelphia, AR - March 1, 2022
Elva Jo Wylie, 72, of Carthage, AR - February 9, 2022
Faculty and Staff
Dr. James “Pat” Adcock, 84, of Arkadelphia, AR - September 4, 2021
Steven B. Allen, 78, of Lubbock, TX - March 29, 2022
Earl R. Fulmer, 91, of Arkadelphia, AR - June 16, 2021
Dr. James “Jimmy” Jones (‘60), 87, of Arkadelphia, AR - January 28, 2022
Dr. Michael S. Kelly, 60, of Arkadelphia, AR - May 2, 2021
Leslie “Stan” Quarles, 74, of Arkadelphia, AR - June 23, 2022
Eula E. Thomas, (‘76), 73, of Arkadelphia, AR - February 3, 2022
Bettye M. Wallace, (‘50), 93, of Arkadelphia, AR - July 26, 2022
Col. Charles “Hank” Wilson, 80, of Arkadelphia, AR - April 9, 2022
CLASS NOTES
1950s
Robert Smith (‘58) retired as Vice President of Simmons First National Bank in Pine Bluff.
1960s
Fred Nuesch (‘60) was named Sports Information Director Emeritus by the Texas A&M University System and became the first SID in system history to receive the honor.
Gerald “Tex” Entrop (‘63) is enjoying retirement in Texas after a successful career in law enforcement. Tex was honored with a Purple Heart for his valor in the line of service.
Dr. Stephen Duke (‘66) is serving as an Adjunct Research Professor with the School of Pharmacy of the University of Mississippi after his retirement from the USDA.
LTC A. Bruce Stacy (‘66) was inducted into the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame in November 2021, becoming the first person from his hometown of Malvern to receive this honor.
Dr. Dennis Watts (‘68) retired after 37 years of practicing emergency medicine.
1970s
Jerry Aday (‘72) retired after directing four nonprofit organizations, managing an oil business, serving on the Kansas State House of Representatives, and owning and operating a firearms store for 12 years.
Major Daniel Hecke (‘73) retired as Major from the United States Air Force.
2nd LTC Stephen A. Jones (‘73, ‘78) was promoted to 13A - Field Artillery Officer for the U.S. Army. Bart Ghent (‘74, ‘80) remains active as a band/ orchestra adjudicator and clinician, is a piano tuner, and serves as an audio/video engineer for many schools, churches and civic groups in the DFW Metroplex.
James Copeland (‘75) became the Executive Director of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Community Providers in Sept. 2022.
David Robinson (‘75) retired in 2020 after 41 years of teaching at the university level, including department chair for eight years.
Gary Meggs (‘77, ‘87) was named a 2020 inductee into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame, was inducted into the Four States Bandmasters Association Band Director Hall of Fame, a Grammy Educator Semi-Finalist, and remains very active as a musician.
Rick Minter (‘77, ‘78) became a Football Analyst for the University of Michigan in Feb. 2022.
Hosea Sanders (‘78) was featured in a new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie, “Christmas Again,” in Dec. 2021.
Deborah Tackett (‘78), along with her husband, are the owners and operators of Rock Hole Depot Air Bed and Breakfast in Caddo Valley.
Brenda Webb (‘78, ‘81) is entering her 45th year of teaching and is enjoying every minute of it.
Joseph McCaffrey (‘79) retired in 2020 after working with several defense contractors, teaching, and coaching at Barton/ Lexa School District.
1980s
Deborah Drake Gordon (‘81) coached for 25 years in Texas and just completed her 37th year of teaching. This is her 3rd tour with Mart ISD for a total of 25 years in the district.
Twyla Crow (‘82) retired from teaching, and her family opened a small business that she manages called 23N Farm & Horticulture in Huntsville, AR. They offer a gift shop, events, will have a future Christmas tree farm, and a pumpkin patch along with other produce.
Jerry Clay (‘83) was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in July 2022.
Karen Garcia (‘83) served on the City of Hot Springs Board of Directors and is a graduate of the Southern Leadership Academy.
Doretta Griffin (‘83) was named Administrator of the Year by ArkASPA in July 2021 and currently is the Assistant Executive Director of Crossett Housing Authority.
Carolyn Parker (‘83) retired from the Dallas ISD in December 2021 after 34 years as a Special Education Vocational Adjustment Coordinator for grades 9-12.
Julie Paxton (‘83) became a Middle School Teacher for St. Catherine of Siena School in Oct. 2021.
Coach John Ware (‘83) was named the 202021 Arkansas Junior High Boys Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Basketball Coaching Association.
Judith Davis (‘84) received a Badger Pride Award in Spring 2022 as an Alternative Learning Environment Staff member.
Col. Phil Foster (‘84) was hired as Senior Army Instructor for Arkadelphia High School in Nov. 2021.
Kevin Sander (‘84) was hired as Director for the Revenue Cycle of Morgan Financial Services in Oct. 2021.
Mary Vitro (‘84) is a National Board Certified Teacher (CTE); MOS Certified, Google Certified Educator, and was named Teacher of the Year by the Hot Springs Kiwanis.
Thomas Dozier (‘85) recently retired from the U.S. Forest Service in June 2022 after 31 years of service.
Kim Hayes (‘85) recently retired from the Texarkana ISD.
Dr. Beth Wyatt (‘85, ‘90) was promoted to Professor at Henderson in June 2022.
Judi Jenkins (‘86, ‘93, ‘08) received her Superintendent Licensure from ASU in Aug. 2022.
Natalie Alred (‘87, ‘92) is a two-time Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association/ National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men’s Coach of the Year, including the NAIA Men’s volleyball championship.
John Caver (‘87) was hired as the Blood Program Consultant for the Arkansas Blood Institute in April 2022.
George Ward (‘87) was named Operations Manager for Arrow Electronics in June 2021.
1990s
Mark Pounds (‘90) retired in July 2022 from the Ashdown School District.
Robin Welch (‘90) was named 2020-2021 Texas Middle School Teacher of the Year, 2021-2022 Texarkana ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, and the 2022 Region 8 Education Service Center, Pittsburgh, Texas, Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year.
LaTonda Williams (‘90) was named the new associate vice chancellor of human resources for UA Little Rock, overseeing the Department of Human Resources, recruitment, employee benefits and the Office of Title IX.
Bobby Loeb (‘91) was promoted from Senior Director Training to Vice President for Southwest Airlines University. He joined the Southwest Family in 1994.
Robyn Caldwell (‘91) was named Accountant for Garland County Habitat of Humanity.
V.L. Cox (‘91) opened an exhibit in April 2022 that centers around human rights and equality. “Watchfires” was featured through June 2022 at Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum.
Gail Hughes (‘92, ‘93) became Director of Graduate Studies in Education and Professor for OBU in June 2021.
Dr. Laura Riddle (‘92) was named Dean of General Education for East Arkansas Community College in Oct. 2021.
Amy Streett (‘92) was named the 2019 Teacher of the Year for the Lake Hamilton School District.
Cynthia Brunworth (‘94) became a Student Advisor for West Coast University in Aug. 2021.
Stacie Elkins (‘94) is the 2022 President Elect of San Angelo Schools Foundation.
Darrell Middleton (‘94) received a Badger Pride Award in Spring 2022 as an Alternative Learning Environment staff member.
Major Burton Furlow, Jr. (‘95) took part in the Changing of Command Ceremony in June 2021. The Special Troops Battalion 528 Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne)
was relinquished to him.
Lori Hamilton (‘95) retired in May 2022 after 27 years of teaching business and computer science in Arkansas and began work as a Family Service Worker for the Department of Child and Family Services in Sebastian County.
Jil’Lana Sheets Heard (‘95) was named one of the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year State Semi-Finalists. Heard is a Library Media Specialist, Grades 10-12, at Lake Hamilton High School and Dawson Education Service Cooperative.
Tanya Wilcher (‘95, ‘97) was named Superintendent for the South Pike County School District for the 22-23 school year.
Dana Fluker (‘96) was hired as School Disease Intervention Specialist for the CDC Foundation in December 2021.
Charlene Haynes (‘96) is now a Military Veteran of 8 years for Army Reserves & Active Duty.
Vanessa Rodgers (‘96) was named the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year for Arkadelphia Public Schools.
Grant Yaney (‘96) became Reimbursement Analyst for UAMS in March 2022.
Tonelli Hatley (‘97) was named Assistant Principal of Mesquite ISD in July 2021.
Carole Kearby (‘97) was named W.J. Clinton Elementary Teacher of the Year 2020-2021 and received her National Board Teacher Certification in Dec. 2017.
Elaine Kneebone (‘97) became President of Sunrise Rotary in Arkadelphia in July 2022 and opened her private practice of law in Arkadelphia in 2022 where she focuses on estate planning and trust and probate administration. Crystal Smith (‘97) was recently recognized as a Dallas Ft. Worth Great 100 Nurse of 2022.
Mark Anderson (‘98, ‘05) is a Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, Bronze Star recipient, Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn Veteran.
Nicole Brisco (‘98) was named National Secondary Art Educator of the Year, Texas Secondary Art Educator of the Year, Distinguished Texas Fellow, Texas Humanities Educator of the Year, SFA Educator of the Year, TRAHC Hero in Education, Professional Arts/Solo Shows and Awards.
Libra Cook (‘98, ‘02) became an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Silver Soror in Spring 2022.
Brad Evans (‘98) was hired as the Saint Jo High School Principal for the 2022-2023 school year.
DeLance Minefee (‘98), a professional actor, has performed at the Moscow Art Theatre, where Method acting originated and was featured on “Blue Bloods” in early 2022.
Laura Wilson Nguyen (‘98) was recently named Allen ISD District Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Nathan Campbell (‘99, ‘00) was appointed as Academic Program Director for Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Henderson starting in July 2022.
Renteria Fermin, III (‘99) was accepted into the 20222023 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Elevating Leadership in Academic Nursing cohort.
Dr. TaLisha Givan (‘99) was promoted to Chief Learning Officer and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Henderson in July 2022. 2000s
Amy Cooley (‘00) was awarded the SSC GEM Award for the local area, the regional area and the divisional area.
Dr. John Harris, M.D. (‘00) completed his tenth year as an Emergency Department Medical Director for US Acute Care Solutions.
Monica Hatley (‘00) wrote the book “I Love the Color Pink!: The Adventures of Laci Macasey.”
April Phillips-Perry (‘00) was named director of school-based learning initiatives and vice president and will be the project lead for the Arvest Academies of Central Arkansas.
Melissa Andersen (‘02) started with the USPS as a Postal Support Employee in Sept. 2021.
Amanda Baker (‘02) was named MedComms’s Dispatcher of the Year for the second straight year in April 2022.
Zach Bledsoe (‘02, ‘05) was hired as the Assessment Coordinator/ Instructor of Education position at Arkansas State University Three Rivers in Malvern in July 2022.
John Elkins (‘02) was named Chief Legal OfficerGeneral Counsel at Seal Solar in Sept. 2021.
Donna Morgan (‘02) opened Arkadelphia Counseling and Therapy Nov. 2021.
Dr. David M. Powell (‘02) released his book “Cather and Opera” in May 2022 by the Louisiana State University Press.
Melinda Schales (‘02) became Health Services
CLASS NOTES
Specialist for the Arkansas Department of Health in Feb. 2022.
Julie Quast (‘02, ‘04) became Assistant Principal for Lakeside Middle School in July 2021.
Harry Cross (‘03) is a former United Methodist pastor and US Army Chaplain now working on a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Season Ellison (‘03) began at BSU as an Assistant Professor and was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in August 2021. She produces the national “Voices of the Earth” short play festival, focusing on Earth-based new plays.
Nicholas Williams (‘03) is a member of Silver Moon #15, Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons of Arkansas.
Nikki Thomas (‘04, ‘09) was named Superintendent of Arkadelphia Public Schools in July 2022.
Leslie Elliott Whitefield, APRN, CPNP (‘04) was hired as a new provider in the Little Rock//Benton area for ARcare in August 2021.
Annie Abbott (‘05) was named EOC TRiO Director at Florida State College at Jacksonville in October 2021.
Blake Christenson (‘05, ‘06) was hired as a teacher and coach for Brock ISD in April 2021.
Fred Knox (‘05) was promoted from Interim CEO to Facility Chief Executive Officer of Rivendell Behavioral Health Service of Arkansas. Glenn Lansdale (‘05) released his second children’s book, “Ronnie Ain’t No Chicken,” in April 2022 as his first book under his own publishing company Brightside Publishing House.
Courtney Matthews (‘05) was named Bryant Pre-K’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.
Hollie Shepherd (‘05) serves as an Executive Board member for Arkansas Educational Theatre Association.
Kristal Nolen-Brandon (‘06) played the role of Calpurnia in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs in Spring 2022.
Robbie Byler (‘06) was named Music Teacher at Ouachita Public Schools in July 2021.
Raymond C . Lee III (‘06) was named City Manager for Greeley, CO in Jan. 2022.
Nevada Mills (‘06) was named Band Director of Malvern Public Schools for the 2022-23 Academic Year.
Shasta Anderson (‘07, ‘11) is a librarian for Angie Grant Elementary in Benton.
Kelly Burrus (‘07) was named the 2021 Wakefield Elementary Teacher of the Year and the 2021 Little Rock School District Elementary Teacher of the Year and she received her 2019 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.
Linda Cromer (‘07, ‘10) was promoted to the new NW Region Director of Crisis and Forensics Services for Atira Health in June 2022.
See a complete list of alumni updates at HSU.EDU/CLASSNOTES. We want to hear from you! Contact ALUMNI@HSU.EDU to share updates.
Henderson State University 1100 Henderson Street, Box 7540 Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001
