Henderson Magazine

HENDERSON MAGAZINE FA L L 2 0 2 2

HENDERSON-NYITCOM PRE-MED PATHWAY

Medical school with no MCAT required

TOGETHER, WE’RE REDDIE Homecoming, fall events schedule

CAMPUS NEWS

Renovations at Caddo Center, Barkman

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIE NDS OF HE NDE RSON S TATE UNIVE RSIT Y

Inside HENDERSON MAGAZINE FALL 2024

Features 04 HENDERSONNYITCOM PRE-MED PATHWAY 07 FALL EVENTS CALENDAR

Departments 08 ALUMNI NEWS 10 CAMPUS NEWS

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14 REDDIE ATHLETICS 16 ALUMNI UPDATES

Connections

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Facebook.com/hendersonstateu

Twitter.com/hendersonstateu

Flickr.com/getreddie

Instagram.com/hendersonstateu

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B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S

Christy Clark Steve Eddington Price Gardner Gary Harpole Jerry Morgan Paul Rowton Robert G. Rudolph, Jr. A S U SY S T E M P R E S I D E N T

Dr. Robin Myers

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CHANCELLOR

Dr. Trey Berry VICE CHANCELLOR OF MARKETING & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Tina Hall VICE CHANCELLOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Josh Kee ALUMNI SERVICE S DIRECTOR

Amber Bailey-Brownlee DESIGNER

Pooi Yin Chong CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Fellers Stacey Howard Audrey Nowlin Casey Pearce David Salley

Contact HSU Office of Alumni & Development 1100 Henderson Street HSU Box 7540 Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001 870.230.5352 hsu.edu/alumni alumni@hsu.edu

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Please send address corrections to Database Administrator alumni@hsu.edu

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HENDERSON, NYITCOM AT A-STATE PARTNER FOR PRE-MED PATHWAY Arkansas students now have a unique pathway to medical school, thanks to a new agreement between Henderson State University and New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) in Jonesboro.

The Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway will allow Henderson State students majoring in natural sciences (pre-med track) to gain acceptance to medical school at NYITCOM at A-State without taking the MCAT, provided they meet specific academic and program requirements.

“There are many obstacles that exist for students who want to attend medical school, and those obstacles can be especially significant for those coming from rural or underserved backgrounds,” said Shane Speights, D.O., dean of NYITCOM at A-State. “This unique PreMed Pathway provides a clear and welldefined track for students who know they want to go to medical school. This is a huge win for not only our two institutions, but also for aspiring doctors throughout Arkansas, and most importantly the communities they will serve once they become physicians.”

The Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med Pathway begins with freshmen enrolled

at Henderson for Fall 2024. New application cycles will open in subsequent fall semesters for incoming freshmen.

Classes for the bachelor’s degree in natural sciences (pre-med track) will be taught in-person by Henderson and NYITCOM professors on the Henderson campus in Arkadelphia.

Applicants must reside in the state of Arkansas, have a combined SAT score of at least 1100 or ACT composite score of at least 26, have a high school grade point average in the top 10% of the applicant’s high school class, and successfully interview with the admissions committee for the Henderson-NYITCOM Pre-Med

Pathway during the spring semester of their freshman year at Henderson and with the medical school admissions committee during their junior year.

“Henderson State is thrilled to provide a direct path to medical school for future Reddies,” Dr. Trey Berry, Henderson chancellor, said. “No other institution in the state currently provides this opportunity, and we are grateful to NYITCOM at A-State for partnering with us to expand student access to medical school admission in Arkansas.”

For program requirements and application information, please visit hsu.edu/premed.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP NYITCOM at A-State opened in 2016 through a private/public partnership between Arkansas State University and New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York. NYITCOM at A-State operates in Wilson Hall on A-State’s Jonesboro campus and was created with a pointed focus of training physicians to address the growing shortage in Arkansas and the region. NYITCOM’s Jonesboro location is accredited for 115 medical students per year.

Henderson State University joined the Arkansas State University System

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in 2021, and because of NYITCOM’s partnership with A-State, NYITCOM and Henderson State soon thereafter began exploring collaboration opportunities.

For the past two summers, NYITCOM at A-State has hosted a session of Project H.E.A.R.T., the med school’s medically themed summer camp, in Arkadelphia to make the program more accessible for high school students in Southwest Arkansas and to invite prospective Henderson State students to the university’s campus.

Additionally, NYITCOM at A-State

Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry, from left, NYITCOM at A-State Dean Shane Speights, and Henderson Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Talisha Givan

is delivering population health courses to undergraduate students on the Henderson campus.

SHANE SPEIGHTS, D.O. Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Arkadelphia and graduated from Arkadelphia High School. My mother was an elementary school teacher, and my father worked and owned the local Southwest Sporting Goods store. I received my bachelor’s in business administration/ management from Henderson State.

I then attended Arkansas State University on the pre-med track and was accepted to Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri, where I completed my doctorate in osteopathic medicine. I attended residency at the UAMS Northeast Family Medicine Residency Program in Jonesboro and then completed an AOA Fellowship in Health Policy. I am board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, and I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

My parents still live in Arkadelphia as do my two brothers Sloan and Scott and their families. I live in Jonesboro and am married to Cheryl Hinck Speights.

We have four children – Abby, Jacob, Parker, and Xavier, and son-in-law, Kyle Hass, and new grandson, Harvey.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your current career?

Like many high school graduates of that time and even today, I had many interests after high school but wasn’t quite sure how they would lead to a specific career. I started as a computer science major and then switched to business computer science and ultimately business administration/management.

During my time at Henderson, I had the opportunity to take an EMT course (which fulfilled all my required PE credits!) that sparked my interest in the medical field. I went on to take the paramedic course, and upon graduation decided to work full-time as a paramedic until I could identify what my ultimate career path would be.

While working in Hot Springs and living in Arkadelphia, I met my future wife who

happened to be the Associate Dean of Students at Henderson, Cheryl Hinck.

About a year after we were married, I decided to go back to school full-time and we moved to Jonesboro where I attended Arkansas State University.

Honestly, there was a point early in my career where I wasn’t sure how I would incorporate my Henderson business education into the field of medicine. That quickly changed when I became an attending physician at UAMS involved in clinic management and program finances. Moving on, I leaned heavily on my degree when I held the position of Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for St. Bernards Healthcare System in Jonesboro. Today, as the Dean of the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, I absolutely leverage my prior coursework as I oversee a campus with 100+ employees, 480+ medical students and a multimillion dollar annual budget.

Were there any specific classes or professors that had a significant impact on you?

I realize that wisdom typically comes with age, but it’s embarrassing how ignorant I was when I think back to the outstanding professors that helped shape who I am today.

My advisor Dr. Alan Wright was the first that comes to mind. He had a calm, rational demeanor with significant insight that a 20-year-old trying to find his way needed. I very much enjoyed Dr. Ramona Akin’s classes, especially at the senior level. We had small group, interactive discussions that made you think. I appreciated her probing questions that didn’t really have a “right” or “wrong” answer. Of course, I can’t forget Dr. Bob Fisher. He had a way of captivating the class with his personal lecture style. When you were in his class, you didn’t realize you were learning.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Paul Hankins. Paul has been a staple of the Henderson community for many, many years and has provided mentorship and

feedback to generations of students at critical times during their young, formative time at HSU. I feel fortunate to have been one of those students.

What motivated you to pursue the Pre-Med Pathway partnership with Henderson?

Arkansas ranks 46 out of 50 in terms of number of physicians per capita. We are among the worst states for maternal mortality, infant mortality, premature deaths, mental health illness, and we struggle in reading scores, math scores, and median household income.

The data is clear that having more physicians in your community raises the health, education and economic prosperity of the area they serve.

We struggle in our state with getting physicians where needed in rural and underserved regions. NYITCOM at A-State was created to help fill that workforce shortage. Part of the problem is recruiting people who want to live in areas of need. National research tells us that the most successful approach is to recruit students from those targeted areas with the intent that they go back there after their education and training.

Henderson State University admits diverse students from a broad geographic area, mainly from communities where healthcare needs are great. It was a perfect scenario for us. That is exactly the pipeline we are looking for. NYITCOM at A-State is mission driven in that we want to create change in the health and well-being of those living in rural and underserved communities in Arkansas, the Mississippi Delta region and beyond.

It will take generational commitments, like this, to see that change happen.

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TOGETHER, WE’RE REDDIE! Dear Alumni and Friends, The fall semester is off to an exciting start! We introduced a new generation of Reddies to many of the Henderson traditions that you know and love—including the Pine Tree Assembly, learning the Alma Mater, and many Welcome Week activities. Please know that the Reddie Spirit is alive and well!

“Together, We’re Reddie!” is not just the 2024 Homecoming theme, it is an invitation for all alumni and friends to return home to Henderson. We would love to see you on campus this fall. You will read about many of the great things happening at your Alma Mater in this edition of Henderson Magazine, and we would love for you to experience this progress in person.

We have planned a variety of events for alumni and friends. I want to personally invite you to check out the calendar and come home to Henderson. Additional event details will be shared at hsu.edu/alumnievents in the coming weeks.

I hope you will join us as we celebrate “Alma Mater, Henderson” together.

We are Reddie to see you this fall!

Dr. Trey Berry Chancellor

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FALL 2024 CALENDAR

For registration and event updates, please visit hsu.edu/alumnievents or call 870.230.5352.

Alumni Legacy Pinning and Tailgate

September 21, 3:30 p.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells All 2024 legacy scholarship recipients, their immediate family members, and Reddie license plate purchasers are invited to the Alumni Legacy Pinning and Tailgate. Freshman or transfer students starting in Fall 2024 whose parents, grandparents, siblings, stepparents, or step-grandparents graduated from Henderson also are invited to participate.

HSU All-Greek Alumni Reunion

September 21, 4 p.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells Save the date for the HSU All-Greek Reunion on September 21 at 4 p.m.

Alumni Band Day

September 21, 11:30 a.m., Evanson Band Room and Carpenter-Haygood Stadium Showband alumni are invited for lunch, rehearsal, and game day performances.

Contact band@hsu.edu for info.

Hall of Honor Weekend

Friday, October 4, Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony, 6 p.m., Garrison Center Ticket information will be shared at hsusports.com.

Saturday, October 5, Tailgate Parties, 10:30 a.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells Football Alumni Reunion, Swim Alumni Reunion, Track Alumni Reunion, and Women’s Basketball Reunion

Murphy USA Classic Tailgate

October 19, 11 a.m., Memorial Stadium, El Dorado Alumni and friends, make plans to join us for a fantastic day of food, fellowship, and football. The Murphy USA Classic Tailgate, presented by Southern Bancorp, begins at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium in El Dorado, followed by game kick-off at 2 p.m.

Henderson Homecoming

Friday, October 25 • Black Alumni Chapter Banquet, 6 p.m., Garrison Center • Class of 1957-1961 Football Reunion, 6:30 p.m., Fish Net • Black Alumni Chapter Friday Night Social, 9 p.m., Clark County Fairgrounds Saturday, October 26 • College of Business Reunion, 9 a.m., Mooney Hall • Golden Reddies, 10 a.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells • Tailgate Party, 10:30 a.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells • Class of 1968-1970 and Class of 1973-1975 Football Reunions, 11 a.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells • NPHC Greek Show, 7 p.m., Arkansas Hall • Black Alumni Chapter Saturday Social, Community Family Enrichment Center, 8 p.m.

ROTC Alumni Tailgate and Military Appreciation Day

November 9, 11 a.m., Alumni Tents at Duke Wells ROTC alumni and veterans are invited for tailgating at 11 a.m. before the football game versus Southwestern Oklahoma State. ROTC alumni, veterans, and recipients of ROTC scholarships will be recognized during the game.

Battle of the Ravine

November 16, 1 p.m., Carpenter-Haygood Stadium Save the date for the 97th Battle of the Ravine! Visit hsusports.com for info.

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD, “H” AWARD, AND YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Henderson honored six outstanding alumni at the Alumni Association’s annual awards banquet on April 12.

Distinguished Alumni awards were presented to Charles Payne, Chris and Debra Wewers and the late Eula Thomas.

Nathan Goodnight received the “H” Award, and the Young Alumni Award was presented to Kassadi Seidenschnur.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Charles Payne is known around campus as Mr. Reddie. He is a 2007 Hall of Honor inductee, a member of the H Club committee, has served on the Alumni Board, and is a member of the Spirit of the Reddies Alumni Chapter. Payne is the oldest living Reddie letterman and the only four-year, four-sport letterman in the history of Reddie athletics.

Eula Thomas earned her master’s degree in community and family counseling from Henderson, where she also was a counselor and instructor of oral communications. Thomas served as a sponsor for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Confederation of Black Students Association. She was past president of the Arkadelphia Women’s Development

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Council and was the first minority female member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Debra and Chris Wewers have consistently supported their alma mater, including endowed scholarships that support education and business students. Debra received a bachelor’s degree in education with an early childhood emphasis in 1993 and a master’s degree in education in 1995. Chris graduated in 1992 and is the chief financial officer for Citizens Bank. He is a member of the School of Business Advisory Board and is chairman of the Henderson State University Foundation Board.

the senior vice president within the Correspondent Division of SouthState Bank Corporation. Goodnight serves on the Henderson State University Foundation Board and chairs the finance and investment committee.

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

“H” AWARD

Nathan Goodnight is a 2005 Henderson graduate who has played a pivotal role in developing strong community banking markets nationwide. He is

Kassadi Seidenschnur graduated with a middle school math and science education degree in May 2010.

Now in her 14th year in education, Seidenschnur teaches library class and reading for students in grades kindergarten through fifth at Hurricane Creek Elementary. In 2023, she was named Bryant Public School’s Teacher of the Year and was a state semi-finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HALL OF FAME, YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD, AND BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Henderson’s College of Business inducted businessman Billy Bunn into its Business Hall of Fame on April 18. Banker Lori Ross was honored as the Young Alumni inductee, and HCJ CPAs & Advisors, under the leadership of Henderson alumnus Brent Sharpmack, was honored as Business of the Year.

Billy Bunn, who was born and raised in Arkadelphia, attended Henderson after graduating from Arkadelphia High School in 1970. In 1989, Bunn and his wife, Kathie, formed Bunn Builders Inc. and began building single-family residential homes. He soon started constructing and managing multi-family housing units.

Lori Ross serves as the Arkadelphia President of Citizens Bank. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Henderson and completed her Master of Business Administration degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Co-founded by Johnny Hudson, a distinguished alumnus of Henderson, HCJ CPAs & Advisors evolved from Hudson and Cisne, and is now under the leadership of Henderson alumnus Brent Sharpmack. HCJ provides accounting, tax and audit services to a diverse clientele across Arkansas and beyond.

MEET JOSH KEE, VICE CHANCELLOR OF DEVELOPMENT My name is Josh Kee, and I am thrilled to join Henderson State University as the new Vice Chancellor of Development. I grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas, where my mom was a dedicated teacher, and my dad worked for a regional chemical company. I graduated from Magnolia High School and pursued a degree in coaching at Southern Arkansas University on a choir scholarship.

My career in development and alumni relations was inspired by my own experience as a recipient of a donor-funded scholarship. This scholarship allowed me the opportunity to pursue a higher education, opening doors that I might never have been able to experience otherwise. This personal journey instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of philanthropy and the awareness of the sacrificial investment of others so that I could pursue my dreams.

What continues to fuel my passion for this field is having the opportunity to build lasting relationships with our stakeholders and witness firsthand the profound impact that our work has in the lives of our students.

Being a part of this transformative work, seeing students achieve their dreams and potential through the support of our generous partners, is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling and that motivates me every day.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a dedicated, caring, and resilient community of alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students. I am excited to be a part of a university committed to the success of our students and look forward to working with an alumni base that is poised and passionate to move our university forward. I appreciate the chance to work together to make a difference in the lives of our current and future students. Together, we can achieve great things for Henderson State University.

I look forward to meeting Reddies throughout the weeks and months ahead, and would welcome the opportunity to visit with alumni and friends about connecting their interests with opportunities at HSU. Please contact me at 870.230.5350 or keej@hsu.edu.

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CADDO CENTER CELEBRATES OFFICIAL REOPENING WITH RIBBON CUTTING The official reopening of the Caddo Center was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on June 6. A series of Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) grants funded this multi-year renovation project. The Caddo Center is the home of admissions and is the meeting point for campus visits by prospective students. Financial aid, housing, and advising are now located in Caddo Center, which also includes exhibit space for the Hodges Collection of Native American Artifacts.

ALUMNI, FRIENDS INVITED TO VISIT RENOVATED BARKMAN HOUSE Renovations are complete at Barkman House, thanks to an $850,000 grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Work included new roofing, repair of all wood on the exterior of the building, insulation and duct repairs, painting, and structural repairs. Barkman provides offices for Henderson Foundation, alumni and development, and marketing and communications. Alumni and friends are encouraged to visit when in the area!

ANCRC GRANTS TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS AT RUSSELL FINE ARTS, SMITH, AND MOONEY Russell Fine Arts, Smith Hall, and Mooney Hall will soon receive upgrades, thanks to grants totaling $1.9 million from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC).

Russell Fine Arts (RFA) opened in 1964 and is the home to Henderson’s music department and digital media production’s podcast studio. Harwood Recital Hall, the music department’s primary performance venue, will be renovated, along with Evanson Band Hall and the choir room. New flooring will be installed throughout RFA, along with fresh paint.

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Grant funds for Smith Hall will cover costs to replace and repair mechanical and electrical elements, including the cooling tower. Smith Hall has served Henderson as a primary residence hall since its completion in 1965.

Mooney Hall, which houses the College of Business, Henderson Police Department, and Student Health and Wellness, will receive a new roof and exterior repairs, including the cleaning and repair of the building’s facade.

“Our partnership with ANCRC has produced significant and rewarding results for the Henderson campus.

What they have done for us has been truly transformational,” Dr. Trey Berry said. “Thanks to the ANCRC, we are preserving historic structures on the campus that will benefit our students for years to come.”

Work on these projects will continue through the 2024-2025 academic year.

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HENDERSON TO CONTINUE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE PROGRAM Henderson will continue offering a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice for current and future students. In May 2022, Henderson announced that criminal justice would be part of its teach-out plan for financial exigency; however, the university has decided to continue offering the degree due to two key factors— available career opportunities and student interest in the program.

“One of the most sought-after degrees from prospective students is criminal justice,” Lacy Dunn, dean of the College of Performing Arts and Social Sciences, said. “There are many job opportunities in a wide range of career paths for students with this degree in both the public and private sector—including law enforcement, the legal system, corrections, and more. We are thrilled to be able to continue to offer this program for our current and future Reddies.”

For information, please visit hsu.edu/criminaljustice.

HENDERSON JOINS BOWEN SCHOOL OF LAW PATHWAYS PROGRAM Henderson has partnered with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law to offer qualified students a direct path for law school admission.

Qualifications: • Earn a bachelor’s degree from Henderson with a grade point average of 3.40 or higher • Score 154 or higher on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) within the previous five years.

• Demonstrate good character and have no issues that would hinder admission to the bar.

• Meet application deadlines and requirements established by the Bowen School of Law. For information, please visit hsu.edu/lawschool.

ECHOES OF 1914: RESTORING THE HISTORIC BELL The Historic Bell is being restored and will be reinstalled on South Lawn before Homecoming 2024. Originally located in Old Main, the Historic Bell rang to summon help during the fire on February 3, 1914, which marked the birth of the Reddie Spirit. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Bell stands as a lasting symbol of the Reddie Spirit, echoing through generations of alumni,

students, and future students.

Thank you to the alumni and friends who have donated to this project! Your generous support is being matched up to $5,000 by the William Harold Sturgis Trust. Reddies interested in supporting the bell restoration or other campus projects are encouraged to contact Josh Kee, Vice Chancellor of Development, at keej@hsu.edu.

TEACHER ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP OPEN TO UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE STUDENTS Undergraduate and graduate education students attending Henderson are now eligible for the Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship, which provides up to $6,000 for tuition and program fees each semester. The university signed an agreement with the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE), making both undergraduate and graduate education majors eligible to apply.

The scholarship was created to help the state retain teachers in its public schools. For each year a student receives the scholarship, the student

is required to teach in an Arkansas public school.

For information or to apply for the next round of funding, visit sams. adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ATA. Dr. Charlotte White-Wright, dean of Teachers College, said Henderson also was approved to offer the T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood scholarship for its early childhood majors who teach at a licensed childcare center for at least 20 hours per week. For information, visit arkansasearlychildhood.org/teach.

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SHOWBAND OF ARKANSAS TO DEBUT NEW UNIFORMS IN FALL 2024 New uniforms are on the way for the Showband of Arkansas. The uniforms are versatile and can be worn in formal or more casual styles depending on weather and the occasion. Band alumni will notice design elements that are inspired by uniforms from across the decades.

Thank you to the alumni and friends who supported the purchase of new band uniforms through designated donations to the HSU Band Fund and to a matching grant from the William Harold Sturgis Trust!

HENDERSON PARTNERS WITH CHI ST. VINCENT TO RECEIVE $761,200 NURSING GRANT Henderson has received a $761,200 grant to help train more nurses.

The grant was awarded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for the Arkansas Linking Industry to Grow Nurses (ALIGN) program. CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs is providing a health care partner contribution, with a 2-1 match by the state for every dollar contributed.

“We would like to thank Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, and Director Stephanie Isaacs of Arkansas Office of Skills Development for this opportunity to enhance nursing

education at Henderson State,” said Dr. Trey Berry. “This grant will allow us to expand not only the number of nursing students and instructors in our program, but also the quality of that education through equipment updates and other improvements.

“We also would like to thank CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for their partnership in the grant and for their continued friendship with Henderson in all areas of nursing education,” Berry said.

“We could not do what we do without their relationship.” For information, please visit hsu.edu/nursing.

DAWSON COOPERATIVE, HENDERSON HOST ESOL INSTITUTE FOR ARKANSAS TEACHERS Henderson presented an English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Institute in July which provided Arkansas educators an opportunity to earn 12 graduate credits and apply for an ESL Endorsement.

“The ESOL Institute is a tradition in Southwest Arkansas in which Henderson State University partners with Dawson Educational Cooperative to provide a sixday intensive learning opportunity,” said Dr. Holly Cothren, associate professor

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and director of the ESOL Institute at Henderson.

Participants received a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition and fees and one administration of the ESOL Praxis. The ESOL Institute provided the equivalent of 80 hours of face-to-face or synchronous training, and four courses addressing Second Language Acquisition, Teaching People of Other Cultures, Second Language Methodology, and Second Language Assessment.

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HENDERSON OFFERS SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE ENDORSEMENT ACADEMY Henderson hosted a Special Education Resource Endorsement Academy in July to prepare public school educators licensed in P-4, K-6, 4-8, or 7-12 English/ language arts, science, or math to teach students with exceptionalities in inclusive

settings. The Academy includes the week-long summer academy, five online courses, and one Saturday session during fall 2024 and spring 2025.

“The academy is fully supported by a grant from the Arkansas

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, meaning there is no cost for participants,” said Dr. Glenda Hyer, academy director.

“The grant covers all attendees’ tuition, fees, books, and lodging.”

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WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM PLACES SIXTH AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

SETH DUTTON TAKES HELM AS HENDERSON STATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR Seth Dutton joined Henderson State as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics on April 1.

During nearly five years at his alma mater, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Dutton helped move the needle in a big way for the Savage Storm through his fundraising and community engagement efforts. As Senior Associate Athletic Director, Dutton was solely responsible for generating revenue through ticket sales, corporate partnerships and philanthropic giving.

Under Dutton’s leadership, Southeastern exceeded all revenue goals and set records in multiple revenue generating areas, including ticket sales for men’s basketball and football. Dutton signed the largest corporate partnership contract in school history in 2022, which included naming rights for the basketball and volleyball courts, and helped implement giving campaigns which led to the construction of a student-athlete nutrition center, a state-of-the-art weight room and turf training facility, as well as major overhauls to the Savage Storm’s volleyball facility.

For information about athletic sponsorship opportunities, please contact Seth at 870.230.5072 or duttons@hsu.edu.

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Henderson State’s women’s golf team captured its fourth consecutive Great American Conference Title, third straight Central Region Championship and placed sixth or better nationally for the second consecutive season in 2023-2024.

Fifth-year senior golfer Allie Bianchi was named the 2023-2024 GAC Female Athlete of the Year. Bianchi was the GAC’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and is the first student-athlete in the history of the conference to win four different end-ofthe-year awards.

Bianchi also was named First Team All-American. Freshman Lily Nelson was tabbed as a Second Team All-American.

MEN’S GOLF TEAM NOTCHES FIRST APPEARANCE AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Henderson State’s men’s golf team ended the 2023-2024 season as Great American Conference Champions for the third consecutive year, runners-up at the Central/ Midwest Regional Tournament and 12th at the program’s first appearance at the National Championships.

Miller Harris earned All-Tournament Team honors with a tied for 6th place finish individually with a 54-hole score of 5-under 208.

During the regular season, the Reddies won two events and saw seven Top 5 placements while setting new team and individual records.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CAPTURES FIRST GAC TOURNAMENT TITLE The last time the Henderson State women’s basketball team was crowned conference tournament champions was in 2003-2004 when they won the Gulf South Conference. Now, the Reddies are the 2023-2024 Great American Conference Tournament Champions for the first time in program history after defeating No. 6 seed Southwestern Oklahoma State 71-55.

Brynlee Huggins and Jadah Pickens’ performances earned them AllTournament honors, while Ashley Farrar was named Tournament MVP. Huggins finished the tournament with 35 points on 12-of-25 shooting, while Pickens averaged 16.3 points per game for the tournament, and Farrar recorded 54 points and 20 rebounds in three games.

During the regular season, Farrar became the leading scorer in the program’s history.

LAMAR TAYLOR WINS HEAT, SETS NATIONAL RECORD AT 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES Lamar Taylor made history July 30 when he became the program’s first athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. Representing the Bahamian national team, Taylor made both Henderson and his country proud.

Competing in the 100-meter freestyle event at Paris La Defense Arena in Paris, France, Taylor won Heat 5 with a final time of 48.84 seconds. In doing so, the Freeport native broke his own Bahamian national record for the event (49.33 seconds).

Overall, Taylor finished 26th out of 79 competitors, missing out on a semifinal qualifying spot by less than half of one second. Since the heat, Taylor has received praise for his performance from fans in both the Bahamas and the United States.

RED WAVE ROLLS TO FOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, 21 ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS The Red Wave swam to a historic week at the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships with 21 All-America selections, seven new school records and four National Championships.

Kiara Pozvai became the first female National Champion in Red Wave history, winning the 100-yard freestyle National Championship with a time of 48.88.

Lamar Taylor took the top spot in the men’s 100 free National Championship at 42.64.

Taylor, Jack Armstrong, Jase Pinckney and Patryk Dabrowski captured the 200 free relay National Championship with an NCAA Division II record time of 1:16.50 and followed that victory with the 400 free relay National Championship.

SUPPORT HSU ATHLETICS AT HSUSPORTS.COM/ DONATE

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BIRTHS Patrick (‘20) and Kamri (‘20, ‘22) Matthews, daughter Maura Eloise Matthews, June 5, 2024.

Justin and Blair (‘17) Nutt, son JonDavid Carrol Nutt, June 24, 2024.

Ralph Jr. (‘13) and Alexis (‘16) Taylor, son, Ralph Edward “True” Taylor, III, June 19, 2023.

Eric (‘14, ‘17) and Kayla (‘14) Gomance, son, April 14, 2023.

La’Tiffany (‘17) and Leo Kemp Sr., son, Leo Kemp Jr., July 15, 2023.

Chelsea (‘15) and Zach Oliver, son, Bo Beckett, daughter, Brooks Gracen, July 17, 2023.

Shelby (‘21) and Joven Rebadomia, daughter, Taum Jo, August 28, 2023 Hunter (‘14, ‘16) and Emily Lively, son, Hudson Kent, January 29, 2023.

WEDDINGS

Brandi (‘17) and Jordan Meyers, daughter, Everleigh, January 5, 2023.

Darah Calico (‘19) married Robert Kolbicka on April 30, 2024.

Fantasia Beavers (‘18) and Robert Wells, son, Kemauri Leeanthony, June 14, 2023.

Trayce Mitchell (‘03) married Timothy Aldred on August 26, 2023.

William (‘18) and Courtney (‘18) Guffy, son, Axl, daughter, Ruth, February 11, 2023.

Mesha Leeper (‘16, ‘19) and Buford Dickens, son, Jru Ares Lamar Dickens, April 14, 2023.

Madison Banister (‘23) married Turner Pentecost (‘21) on June 3, 2023.

Eric Brown (‘19) married Lindsey Roy on April 22, 2023.

Marsaius Cheatham (‘19) married Erika Roberson on August 19, 2023.

Jamish (‘17) and Jerald Smith, daughter, Nomi, July 1, 2023.

Katie Clifton (‘21) married Andrew Hayes on May 20, 2023.

Cambri (‘19) and Christopher DeLeo, daughter, KayLynn, June 2, 2023.

Jamish Franks (‘17) married Jerald Smith on March 24, 2023.

Sidney (‘21) and Alex McCollett, son, Kai Brooks, April 27, 2023.

Ke’Ahna Parker (‘21), son, Naki, May 14, 2023.

Davion Williams (‘10) and Katlyn Jones, son, Davion Williams Jr., September 28, 2023.

Miles (‘14) and Abby (‘14) French, daughter, Mary Claire, April 3, 2023.

Peytyn (‘19) and Tyler Daniell, daughter Andie Rae, August 9, 2023.

Brittany (‘09) and Demond Strickland, daughter, Denim Brielle, July 6, 2023.

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Jasmyn Gordon (‘22) married Xavier Compton on January 23, 2023.

Shellie Grice (‘01) married William Crenshaw on June 17, 2023.

Alvin Johnson (‘11) married Shalonda McCoy on March 25, 2023.

Haley Polk (‘18) married Taylor Austin (‘17) on June 23, 2023.

Haley Starkey (‘21) married Tolman Vo (‘22) on May 28, 2023.

Brittany Williams (‘13) married Bo Stevenson on August 23, 2023.

HENDERSON MAGAZINE

Thomas R. Johnson (‘52), 94, of Little Rock, AR - August 26, 2023

Quinnie E. Gilchrist (‘62), 87, of Mountain Home, AR - November 22, 2023

Mary T. Middlebrooks (‘49), 96, of Dickinson, TX - August 30, 2023

Thomas Edwin Landfair (‘34), 89, of Hot Springs, AR - February 29, 2024

Gerald T. Francis (‘63), 82, of Benton, AR December 15, 2023

1950s

Robert A. Langley (‘51), 94, of Monticello, AR - January 24. 2024

Larry J. Fincher (‘63), 84, of North Little Rock, AR - September 23, 2023

William H. McCollum (‘50), 93, of League City, TX - October 12, 2023

Rex Lawrence (‘64), 82, of Glenwood, AR - April 3, 2024

IN MEMORIAM 1940s

Ronald Anderson (‘59), 86, of Benton, AR September 20, 2023 Robert L. Atha (‘55), 84, of Hot Springs, AR - November 7, 2017 Conrid Clyde Berry (‘53), 92, of Queen City, TX December 14, 2023 John William (Bill) Bolton (‘54), 91, of Huntsville, AL - July 9, 2024 Helen Elizabeth Brown (‘50), 94, of Little Rock, AR - August 14, 2023 Anne E. Buchanan (‘56) 85 of Naples, Texas - March 29, 2021 Patsy Lou Burke (‘50), 86, of Glenwood, AR September 25, 2023 Ruth Burke (‘54), 93, of Canadian Lakes, MI September 28, 2023 Margaret Jo Dean Chambliss (‘50), 94, of Pine Bluff, AR September 25, 2023 Martin L. Crow (‘51), 92, of Prairie Village, KS - August 27, 2023 Gary G. Daniel (‘56), 91, of Minden, LA October 23, 2023 Gene Fletcher (‘57, ‘59), 91, of Arkadelphia, AR - January 1, 2024 Alton Burnell Goodrum (‘57), 89, of Austin, TX - August 23, 2023 Iris A. Grisham (‘56), 88, of Hot Springs, AR - August 20, 2023 Leo Johnson (‘53, ’58), 92 of Searcy, AR - January 14, 2024

James D. Nelson (‘58), 88, of Little Rock, AR - March 14, 2024 Tomie Jo Price (‘55, ‘66), 98, of Hot Springs, AR - August 10, 2023 Neva Sesser Sullivan (‘52), 94, of Richmond, KY - July 6, 2024 Jimmy D Wasson (‘57, ‘62), 90, of Bismarck, AR - June 9, 2024 Jimmy N. Yancey (‘52), 93, of Longview, TX October 30, 2023

1960s

Woody W. Jolley (‘64), 81, of Little Rock, AR - August 8, 2023 John H. Moore (’62, ’66), 83, of Magnolia, AR - August 5, 2024 Jewell D. Hughes (‘60, ‘69), 95, of Sheridan, AR - October 1, 2023 Thomas Miles Wells (‘61), 84, of Elkins, AR December 26, 2023 Janis Kay Fore, (‘62), 82, of Niceville, FL February 19, 2024 Edward L. Hays (‘62), 84, of Garland, TX January 13, 2023 Bruce G. Ingram (‘62), 83, of Hot Springs, AR - January 20, 2024 Ronald Clark Duke Sr. (‘62), 84, of Hot Springs, AR - March 26, 2024

Gerald D. Poe (‘64), 87, of San Antonio, TX September 29, 2023 Robert Lee (Bob) Burns (‘66), 80, of Magnolia, AR - June 18, 2024 Margaret A. Dawson (‘66), 79, of Little Rock, AR - December 5, 2023 Franklin M. Hurst (‘66), 80, of Hot Springs, AR - August 8, 2023 Wanda L. Kinnaird (‘66), 98, of Bismarck, AR September 18, 2023 Terry M. Lee (‘66), 79, of Smackover, AR - April 30, 2023 Newman E. McGee (‘66), 86, of Little Rock, AR September 21, 2023 Wayne Edward Ridout (‘66), 80, of Prairie County, AR - February 19, 2024 Ronald Burch (‘67), 80, of Little Rock, AR - May 26, 2024 Wilda S. Brazeale (‘67), 79, of Sparkman, AR September 12, 2023 Mary J. Carver (‘67), 93, of Malvern, AR October 21, 2023 Jerrell Eugene Harry (‘67), 78, of Fort Smith, AR - August 11, 2023 Frances Ann Barre (‘68), 77, of Little Rock, AR - March 13, 2024 Vicky T. Cowart (‘68), 77, of Bentonville, AR December 4, 2023

ALU M N I U PDATE S

Walter Claybourne Dillard Jr. (‘68), 78, of Owasso, OK - August 9, 2023

Ellen B. Randall (‘71, ‘78), 86, of Memphis, TN - October 7, 2023

Cathryn A Coston (‘79, 81), 66, of Little Rock, AR - January 3, 2024

Jefferson S. Whitehead (‘95), 50, of Conway, AR - December 10, 2023

Linda Sue Richardson, 73, of Cabot, AR November 17, 2023

Lydia Evanson (‘68), 77, of Arkadelphia, AR - April 19, 2024

Dorine Clark Inman (‘72), 87, of Little Rock, AR - February 15, 2024

Michael Steven Glenn (‘96), 75, of Bryant, AR. - June 30, 2024

Bryan Withers, 54, of North Little Rock, AR February 23, 2024

Paul White Harris (‘68), 80, of Asheville, NC January 26, 2024

William “Bill” G. Riley (‘72), 73, of Benton, AR - September 29, 2023

Audrey Jeanie Newcomb Goodwin (‘79, ‘92), 78, of Hot Springs, AR - September 9, 2023

Elizabeth Fulmer (‘97), 65, of Arkadelphia, AR - February 12, 2024

Thomas “Tom” Porter Wolfe, 55, of Bella Vista, AR - March 29, 2024

Myra M Hurt (‘68), 75, of Tallahassee, FL - August 26, 2023

Edwin Williams (‘72) 90 of Benton, AR - June 19, 2024

Steven F. Ledbetter (‘97), 63, of Hot Springs, AR - June 12, 2024

Ava Dalana Young, 72, of Amity, AR- October 1, 2023

Dennis W. Miller (‘99), 70, of Sterling, LA February 12, 2024

Faculty and Staff

2000s

Lydia Evanson (‘68), 77, of Arkadelphia, AR - April 19, 2024

James M Jones (‘68), 77, of Benton, AR December 17, 2023 Zetha Virline Nutt (‘68, ‘77), 85, of Little Rock, AR - October 8, 2023 Don R. Thompson (‘68), 78, of Arkadelphia, AR November 21, 2023 Anita M. Rogers (‘68), 83, of Conway, AR November 13, 2023 Caryl Joy Young (‘68), 81, of Hot Springs, AR - March 2, 2024 Peggy Ann Formby (‘69), 78, of Hot Springs, AR September 14, 2023 James C. Johnson (‘69, ‘75), 76, of Benton, AR - January 25, 2024 Michael A Litwa (‘69), 77, of Little Rock, AR December 8, 2023 Olivia Bradley Smith (‘69), 98, of Camden, AR - August 5, 2023

1970s

James R Holt (‘73), 73, of Fordyce, AR - May 4, 2024 Everett Arlie Jones (‘73), 77, of Prescott, AR - September 2, 2023 Phyllis J. Hill (‘74), 84, of Malvern, AR November 29, 2023 Mary H. Kuhn (‘74), 80, of Lake Charles, LA September 26, 2023 Sharon A. Johnson (‘75), 76, of Pearcy, AR - November 20, 2023 Pamela D. Mills (‘75), 76, of Glenwood, AR September 23, 2023 Donna Gail Muldrew (‘75), 69, of Little Rock, AR - December 17, 2023 Apache L. McKinney (‘76), 85, of Arkadelphia, AR - January 23, 2024 Pamela L. Davis (‘77), 68, of Diana, TX - August 24, 2023 Mary Jane Dove (‘77), 67, of Benton, AR December 1, 2023

Virginia C. Bourne (‘70, ‘74), 71, of Fayetteville, AR - January 13, 2024

John Allen Gross (‘77), 70, of Texarkana, AR - April 24, 2024

Joseph R. Gassaway (‘70), 74, of Van Buren, AR - September 4, 2023

Elma E. Stringer (‘77), 95, of Pine Bluff, AR - October 2, 2023

Ladell F. Pittillo (‘70, ‘74), 74, of White Hall, AR - August 6, 2023

Diane Ettleman (‘78), 89, of Benton, AR March 28, 2024

George Thomas Grant Jr. (‘71), 82, of Dumas, AR - September 15, 2023

Betty Tidwell (‘78,’85), 78, of Saffell, AR January 10, 2021

James C. Williams (‘79, ‘80), 76, of Tyler, TX - October 31, 2023

1980s

Gary Dale Davidson (‘80), 65, of Lowell, AR - August 24, 2023 Mary L. Shields (‘80), 82, of Cabot, AR October 27, 2023 Elizabeth E. Stephens (‘80), 92, of Hot Springs, AR - September 11, 2023 Kathryn Ann Lijewski (‘81, ‘83), 85, of Hot Springs, AR - March 19, 2023 Reginald Vintz Powell (‘81), 88, of Little Rock, AR - July 8, 2024 Shari L Bryan (‘82), 63, of Alexander, AR. - June 18, 2024 Thomas R. Coleman (‘88), 56, of McCaskill, AR - September 29, 2023 Terrence Anthony Brown (‘89), 56, of Memphis, TN - May 21, 2024 Bruce Moore (‘89), 57, of Little Rock, AR - October 14, 2023

1990s

Alegre Hallouche Chancellor (‘90), 80, of Miami, FL December 21, 2023 William “Bill” Cope (‘90), 61, of Greenbrier, AR - January 21, 2024 Kyle F. Preston (‘90), 58, of Texarkana, TX November 27, 2023 Jattice Marie Mullins (‘93, ‘05), 74, of Norman, AR - October 4, 2023

Lance Leland Felix (‘00), 47, of Hot Springs, AR September 20, 2023 Margaret Ann Bittick (‘00), 84, of Fort Smith, AR - April 5, 2024 Gladys Leeper (‘05, ‘24), 59, of Arkadelphia, AR - February 13, 2024

2010s

Denise Brown Cordova, (‘16), 59, of Arkadelphia, AR - August 4, 2024 Blake H. Lambert (‘10), 35, of Brookland, AR November 4, 2023

2020s

Eduardo M. Ortiz (‘20), 25, of Arkadelphia, AR November 25, 2023 Brian S. Skinkle (‘22), 64, of Hot Springs, AR - October 21, 2023 Haven Presley Hughes (‘22), 22, of Little Rock, AR - January 16, 2023

Former Students Davalene S. Burch, 94, of Louisville, KY January 17, 2024 Helen Faye Parker, 94, of Ashdown, AR September 6, 2023 David Hampton Pryor, 89, of Little Rock, AR - April 20, 2024

Denise Brown Cordova (‘16), 59, of Arkadelphia, AR - August 4, 2024

Frances Janette Bagwell, 83, of Arkadelphia, AR - March 21, 2023 Conrid Clyde Berry (‘53), 92, of Queen City, TX December 14, 2023 Angie Boyt Greer, 83, of Little Rock, AR - January 9, 2023 Eduardo M. Ortiz (‘20), 25, of Arkadelphia, AR November 25, 2023 Tonya Oaks Smith, 50, of Ruston, LA - April 4, 2023 Doyle Wallace, 92, of Arkadelphia, AR January 27, 2023 Lamar Watkins, 90, of Arkadelphia, AR - May 5, 2023 Woody W. Jolley (‘64), 81, of Little Rock, AR - August 8, 2023 Johnny Freemon Hill, 68, of Arkadelphia, AR - November 4, 2022

CLASS NOTES 1940s

Barbara Hubbard (‘48) was celebrated by the Las Cruces, New Mexico community for her role in the entertainment industry.

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ALU M N I U PDATE S

Charles Payne (‘49, ‘59) received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the HSU Alumni Association in April 2024.

1960s

Mitchell Burnett (‘68) was sworn in as interim Justice of the Peace for District 8 in Hot Spring County.

1970s

Mike Myers (‘77) was named Interim Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bancorp.

1980s

David Humphrey (‘82), whose 36-year career as a sports journalist included management stops at the Austin AmericanStatesman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Orange Leader, and the Malvern Daily Record, has retired.

Scott Keller (‘82) recently participated in the Arkansas Senior Olympics.

Tracy Duke (‘83) recently participated in the Arkansas Senior Olympics and won the 60-64 discus event.

Greg Morrison (‘83) was recognized with inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. Dana Tuggle (‘85, ‘95) retired from the Arkadelphia Public School District after 27 years of service.

Michael Beard, MD (‘87) joined UHC Medical Staff at White Hall (West Virginia) Medical.

Kecia Lee Fells (‘87, ‘92) was named the Little Rock School District Crystal Award Teacher of the Year.

Billie-Jean Lee (‘87) was hired as Principal of the Plano West Senior High School.

Bruce Moore (‘89) was honored posthumously with a section of Arch Street in Little Rock being renamed “Bruce T. Moore Way.”

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Annette Scoggin (‘89) will be inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Annette started a new job with Auburn University as the Director of Gear Up Achieve.

1990s

Shannon Holcomb (‘92) started a new position as Insurance Producer at Chase.

Laura Riddle (‘92) was hired as Director of Instructional Technology at Henderson State.

Chris Wewers (‘92) joined Citizens Bank as Chief Financial Officer.

Kevin Downing (‘94) retired from the Bentonville School District.

Thelma Forte (‘94, ‘01, ‘07) was hired as Principal at Arkansas Middle School in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Kristi Brown (‘97, ‘05) was named the Assistant Superintendent of the Liberty-Eylau School District.

Corey Cooks (97, ‘04) was named 2023-2024 Timber Ridge Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Andy Neel (‘97) was promoted to Fire Chief for the City of Arkadelphia.

Brian Sims (‘98) was inducted into the 2024 Benton Athletic Wall of Fame.

Susan Smith (‘98) was named Chief Executive Officer of Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness.

Darin Landry (‘99, ‘02) was named Superintendent of the Fountain Lake School District.

HENDERSON MAGAZINE

2000s

Bobbie Lee (‘01, ‘22) was named Director of Student Services at Henderson State.

Lori Ross (‘01) received the 2024 College of Business Young Alumni Award.

Zach Bledsoe (‘02, ‘05) received the 2024 Service Award of the Year from the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Brandy Sweeden Dixon (‘02, ‘05) started a new position as Director of Event Sales at Little Rock Marriott.

Melissa Greenslade (‘02) was named Interim President of the Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale.

Lloyd Jackson (‘02, ‘06) was named superintendent of the Texarkana Arkansas School District.

Robin Jones (‘02, ‘11, ‘24) was named the Arkadelphia High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Brent Sharpmack (‘02, ‘03) received the 2024 College of BusinessBusiness of the Year Award at Henderson State.

Nathan Goodnight (‘05) received the “H” Award from the HSU Alumni Association in April 2024.

Terrance James (‘05) graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Master of Health Administration degree.

Johnny Arnold (‘06, ‘08) was hired as Principal at Arkansas High School in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Andy Brakebill (‘06) was hired as the Lady Jackets’ Basketball Coach at Sheridan High School.

Ashlee Dixon (‘07) was named Director of Greek Life and Student Engagement at Henderson State.

Anna Espinoza (‘07, ‘17) was named Director of Education Foundation and Partnerships at Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District.

Cory Oglesby (‘07) was named Head Girls Soccer Coach at Abilene High School.

Melissa Starkey (‘08) was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Award at Central Baptist College.

Phillip Runyan (‘03) was promoted to Director of Clinical Services and Business Development at Therapeutic Family Services.

Jennifer Cunningham (‘09,’14) was promoted to Executive Dean of the Texarkana campus at the University of Arkansas Hope - Texarkana.

Nicholas Williams (‘03) became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., in Spring 2024.

Sarah Hutzel (‘09, ‘14) was named the 2024 National Park College Outstanding Alumnus.

Kirk Benson (‘04) was hired as Defensive Coordinator and Head Strength Coach at Siloam Springs School District.

Jason Williams (‘09) received the Catherine Hanley Class of 1912 Rising Star Award for his work to mitigate health disparities in the Black community, for showing outstanding promise in health care, and for bringing honor to the Vanderbilt degree.

Thomas Smith (‘04) joined Community First Trust as General Counsel of Trust and Wealth Management.

2010s

Joshua Jackson (‘10, ‘13) was named Teacher of the Year at Arkadelphia High School.

Nick Finley (‘10) was the 2024 Sporty Carpenter Award recipient.

Kassadi Seindenschnur (‘10) received the HSU Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Achievement Award in April 2024.

Cynamon Johnson (‘13, ‘24) was named Associate Director of Nursing at BHMC-HSC. Miranda Seranno (‘14), (‘16), (‘19) was hired as Assistant Principal of Nashville Primary School in Nashville, Arkansas.

Shareka Maner (‘15, ‘17) was named Head Women’s Basketball Coach for Yavapai College.

Eryc McCaslin (‘15) was hired as Head Football Coach at Ashdown High School.

Shae Rogers (‘17) started a new position as Senior Pricing Analyst with the NFI. Carrie Stanley (‘18) was named the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services and Admissions at Henderson State.

Alex Anthony (‘19) started a new position as a First Officer at Envoy Air. Telvin James (‘19) received the Fall 2023 University of Louisiana at Lafayette 100 Adjunct Instructor of the Year Award and the 2024 C. Shaw Smith New Professional Award at the National Association for Campus Activities Conference.

2020s

Logan Dahlke (‘20) started a new position with the Sheridan Public School District as an 8th and 9thgrade basketball coach.

ALU M N I U PDATE S

Kristen Washington (‘21) started a new position as a Legislative Administrative Assistant at the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research.

John Brotherton (‘23) coauthored a paper titled “A First Report of Hibiscus mutabilis (Malvaceae) from Arkansas,” which was published in the floristics and taxonomy journal Phytoneuron.

Justin Haire (‘23) was named Head Baseball Coach at Ohio State University.

Keontae Larry (‘23) was named Running Back and Defensive Back Coach at Mineral Springs High School.

2025 Alumni Awards Nominations

Update Your Information

Do you know an outstanding graduate or friend of Henderson State University? Nominate them for the 2025 HSU Alumni Awards and help us celebrate their contributions. For information and the criteria for the Distinguished Alumni Award, “H” Award, and Young Alumni Achievement Award, visit hsu.edu/alumniawards. Submit nominations by September 30 at hsu.edu/alumninomination.

Alumni and friends, Henderson is on the move, and we don’t want you to miss a thing! From exciting advancements to upcoming events, there is always something going on at your Alma Mater.

Make sure you stay in the loop by updating your contact information today at hsu.edu/update.

THANK YOU, ALUMNI & FRIENDS!

Because of your generous support, Henderson Foundation will award more than a half million dollars in student scholarships for the third year in a row! Thank you to the individuals, families, alumni chapters, private and public foundations, and corporations who make this possible.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS!

You can make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting HSU.EDU/GIVE or by mailing your donation in the envelope provided in this magazine. Thank you for your support of Alma Mater, Henderson!

HSU.EDU

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