SouthArk Foundation Annual Report

South Arkansas Community College

2017 FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT

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South Arkansas Community College Foundation

ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 A Message from Our President 3 Foundation Director’s Letter 4 Board President’s Letter 5 Incoming Foundation Board Directors/Retiring Directors 6 Outdoor Expo 6 Foundation Recognized with State Alfie Award 8 Outdoor Expo Sponsors 9 Process Technology Program Sponsors 10 Donor and Scholar Luncheon 10 John Douglas of TV’s Mindhunters visits SouthArk 11 SouthArk Celebrates 25 years 11 Welcome Alumni!

12 El Dorado Chemical Company 13 Cornerstone of the College: Charlie Thomas 15 What’s Blooming in the South Arkansas Arboretum 16 Give the Gift of Knowledge 18 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards 19 Outstanding Student of the Year 20 Alumni Spotlight: Sonia Barker 21 Shining Faculty: Kensel Spivey 22 Ground Broken for Advanced Manufacturing Training Center 23 Morgan Selected as 2016-17 G. Thomas Baumgardner Student’s Choice Award Recipient 23 An Evening with the Stars 24 Green-ovation and Techno-vation 26 Statement of Financial Position 27 Donor Roll

A

MESSAGE FROM OUR

PRESIDENT

Our 25th anniversary

support the college in developing a knowledgeable, safe and prepared workforce for the manufacturing industry.

Our four major strategic initiatives are aligned with the pursuit of institutional excellence at South Arkansas Community College: Pathways (Foster student success through pathways to completion), Communication (Strengthen connections through communication and partnerships), Campus Culture (Broaden a campus culture of respect and awareness of individual needs, abilities and potential) and Student Experience (Enhance the student experience).

Transformation of academic programs continues through a new initiative called Guided Pathways, which creates clear routes to degree completion or transfer so that SouthArk students can plan their schedules for their entire academic programs in advance. They will better understand program requirements, with milestones marked along the way to monitor academic progress. In addition, the institution is investigating club sports, community service opportunities and the possible addition of student housing in the future.

These additions truly would transform the student experience on our campus and in our community.

has been a time for reflection and celebration, but also a time to put in place our plans for the future of the college. The next five years are laid out in our new facilities master plan as well as our strategic plan, called Transformational Journey: 2017-2022.

Just as our region is experiencing transformational changes through the Murphy Arts District and new and expanding businesses and industries, so is the college. SouthArk is responding to area workforce needs by developing new programs in culinary arts, hospitality and entertainment technology, as well as expanding training to support the wood products, chemical and manufacturing industries in our region.

Transformation continues on campus with the second phase of renovations to the historic McWilliams House on our West Campus. A third and final phase will be bid soon, with construction to begin this year. The Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center construction project is expected to be finished in April. This project truly has been a collaboration of multiple partners that

Our success and achievement is accomplished collaboratively as a team with many partners focused on a common vision.

As you can see in this report, the SouthArk Foundation Board of Directors support our efforts to achieve our strategic goals and vision. Through the interest, support and generosity of donors and benefactors like you, the foundation is able to provide scholarships and support for college projects and programs to enable SouthArk’s continued growth and advancement into the future. We thank you for your interest in the success of our students and for your ongoing support of SouthArk!

Dr. Barbara R. Jones SouthArk President

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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OUR HISTORY

The South Arkansas Community College Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt Arkansas corporation reactivated in 1996 which is governed by a group of community members who represent the positive leadership of the community. These directors seek to obtain gifts and grants needed beyond the scope of tax-based funding, and to manage and expend these items for the development of South Arkansas Community College. SouthArk Foundation funds are distributed to benefit and advance the College, and for the encouragement and assistance of its students and faculty.

OUR PURPOSE

The purpose of the SouthArk Foundation is to aid, strengthen, and further the educational, literary, and scientific work and services of South Arkansas Community College by seeking, receiving and distributing gifts, bequests and donations, and to account for and manage assets submitted to the Foundation on behalf of South Arkansas Community College and the residents of its service area.

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ANNUAL REPORT

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This past year has been an outstanding year for donor contributions to the SouthArk Foundation. Generous gifts from benefactors have provided incredible support that helps many students reach their aspirations of attaining a quality education.

Your donations to the Foundation help students grow in their academic careers so that they may graduate and go to work. For each dollar we receive, students get one step closer to achieving the American dream of going to college. With student access and completion as major keystones of our college, we provide an accessible pathway to prepare students for the workforce, where they become hardworking, dedicated citizens in our community. Donor gifts help in preparing students in this highly competitive world through support for scholarships, high-tech classrooms, and state-of-the-art learning facilities.

We are grateful for your continued gifts in helping to change lives so that students may become productive workers who provide for their families. The efforts of the college are made possible through the philanthropic support of individuals, businesses, and corporations. On behalf of the SouthArk Board of Directors, our faculty, staff, and students, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your support of education in south Arkansas – you are making a difference!

Cynthia Reyna SouthArk Foundation Director

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

The South Arkansas Community College Foundation Our vision is to make South Arkansas Community College exists to build leadership, scholarship and partnerships the cornerstone of lifelong teaching and learning in our by increasing donor support, rewarding excellence, and community. elevating the stature and importance of the College locally, regionally and nationally.

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South Arkansas Community College

is proud to have celebrated its 25th anniversary this past year. The SouthArk Foundation board of directors celebrates this milestone, along with the college, through our commitment in supporting college initiatives, both short-term and long-term.

As we focus on planning for the future, we are excited and honored that so many individuals and companies in our region have joined us in providing support for student scholarships, innovative learning programs, capital projects, and much more. Our students and community have benefitted from the William R. and Cacilia Howard Heritage Plaza, a beautiful green space in the center of campus where they can study, visit with friends, and enjoy the south Arkansas outdoors. In the spring, we are looking forward to the completion of the Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. This facility will provide industry-led and industryspecific education that is critical for a trained and competent workforce.

The Foundation board of directors is now set to plan for the future by creating a road-map that will lead us to reach even greater goals that will benefit our students for years to come. An education at SouthArk enriches students’ lives by providing an affordable, attainable, and quality education. Our directors recognize that you, our benefactors, are the key to helping us to accomplish our mission and make our vision a reality.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

Greg Withrow SouthArk Foundation Board President

FOUNDATION

Greg Withrow President

Dr. Carolyn Langston • Emeritus

Robert L. Robinson, IV Vice-President

Lee Morgan

DIRECTORS

Rodney Landes, Jr. Treasurer

David Skinner

Judge Robin Carroll Secretary

Dale Smart

Dr. Kristi M. Elia

Jeff Teague

Wayne Gibson

Shari Terry

BOARD OF

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ANNUAL REPORT

2017 INCOMING DIRECTORS

Jose Covas

Craig Mobley

Joseph L. Hamlin

Robert D. Hanry

2018 INCOMING DIRECTORS

Scott M. Street Medical Center of South Arkansas

R. Brett Williamson Murphy Offices, LLC & The Murphy Foundation

Many Thanks

to Our Retiring Directors

Jay Helm

Melissa Jerry Robert Rupp

Jim Tidwell

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OUTDOOR EXPO TITLE SPONSOR

Apex Redi-Mixed Concrete Company

$3,000 LEVEL OUTDOOR EXPO SPONSORS

The Winthrow Family

Nexans Amercable

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Eldorado Chemical Company

$2,000 LEVEL OUTDOOR EXPO SPONSORS

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK

LANXESS

$25,000 LEVEL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM DONOR

CANFOR

$7,500 LEVEL

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM DONOR

GEORGIA PACIFIC

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ANNUAL DONOR & SCHOLAR LUNCHEON The Foundation brings together scholarship contributors with scholarship recipients each spring. It’s an opportunity for those who generously donate funding for student educational use to put faces with names – and for those students to thank their beneficiaries in a personal way. Donors enjoy hearing students’ stories and students like to share their academic progression. Many thanks to donors who support our students through financial assistance.

John Douglas, “World’s Top Expert on Criminal Profiling” and writer for new Netflix TV Series “Mindhunter”, was the SouthArk Lecture Series speaker in October.

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ANNUAL REPORT

Mr. Douglas with local enforcement from the FBI and the El Dorado Police Department

South Arkansas Community College celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2017. We have grown from about 90 full-time employees to more than 150; from fewer than 1,000 credit students to about 1,500; and from two dozen degree and certificate options to 58.

WELCOME ALUMNI FRIENDS!

STAY CONNECTED!

We invite everyone who has attended SouthArk to keep in touch – bring us up to date on life after SouthArk! Stay informed on news about your college. We will keep you posted about special events, new programs, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Register at www.southark.edu/giving-to-southark-2/alumni SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY The philanthropy of El Dorado Chemical

has been evident in almost every project that the SouthArk Foundation has conducted in its recent history, from annual events to major fundraising campaigns.

The company provided funding for the Health Science Center and William R. and Cacilia Howard Heritage Plaza. Support for the annual SouthArk Outdoor Expo has come both in terms of monetary giving and in-kind contributions such as security and meals. The college’s latest major construction project, the Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center—due to open later this year—has benefited not only from the company’s funding and in-kind equipment donations, but also from its input and vision.

“El Dorado Chemical employees always have assisted with the Outdoor Expo, and also served on program advisory committees, mentored students during internships, advised on equipment, and even assisted with the recent installation of rail at the College’s Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center,” SouthArk president Dr. Barbara Jones said.

Plant manager Greg Withrow is the SouthArk Foundation Board president, and prior to that, was chair of the Gifts Committee. He joined the board in 2010 and immediately showed strong support for college efforts. Ever since, Withrow has led the way in obtaining major gifts from industry donors as well as individuals.

“With Greg’s leadership, El Dorado Chemical is a committed benefactor and we honor its commitment, quality of service and devotion to excellence for higher education,” Foundation director Cynthia Reyna said. “We are grateful for the company’s extensive and intensive support. After having worked with Greg for years, I have seen what an ardent believer he is for education and training. He is a

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ANNUAL REPORT

tireless volunteer and has spent endless hours, along with his team over the years, serving as committee chair and volunteering for the Outdoor Expo. Greg is the epitome of a visionary and effective leader. He gets things done.”

Jones called Withrow and El Dorado Chemical “extraordinary” partners with the college.“Greg Withrow has been a tremendous supporter of SouthArk, our students, and our programs and initiatives,” she said. “He led the Foundation to expand the SouthArk Outdoor Expo and fundraising efforts. He and his team at El Dorado Chemical have contributed not only funds, but their time, knowledge and expertise to support the college.”

For his part, Withrow said that El Dorado Chemical has a rooting interest in the success of SouthArk, and of its students.

“Partnering with SouthArk is part of El Dorado Chemical’s long-term goals to help develop the next generation of chemical and maintenance technicians,” he said. “The site completed an $850 million upgrade in 2016, and has a long and robust future. Having qualified talent in our community to hire is critical to our success.”

“The philanthropy of our company goes back to the basic beliefs of our leadership. We have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life in our community which helps our community become a better place to live for all of us.”

He said that he sees a strong connection between volunteerism and personal happiness.“Volunteering our time and talent helps the individual grow personally while helping our neighbors and community,” he said. “Employees who are able to participate seem to care more about each other and our community. This benefits the morale and culture of our facility.”

CORNERSTONE OF THE

COLLEGE

Seldom has anyone in our community given the gift of education and opportunity for learning by building a college from its very inception.

Charlie Thomas has a long and cherished history with South Arkansas Community College. A charter member of the South Arkansas Community College Foundation and a founder of the College, Charlie Thomas retired in 2017 from the College board of trustees and the Foundation board of directors, having served on both boards since their beginning. He helped lead the campaign to merge Oil Belt Technical College and Southern Arkansas University-El Dorado Branch into SouthArk, and following the establishment of the College in 1992, the board of trustees elected him as the board chair.

Judge Robin Carroll, long-time Foundation board member, best describes Charlie’s contributions to SouthArk by saying, “If SouthArk had a Mount Rushmore, Charlie Thomas would be the first face they chiseled on it. There is no way to overstate his contribution to the past, present, and future of the College.” His exemplary leadership and philanthropy for SouthArk has enabled us to facilitate access, opportunity, and success for students.

In 2015, Charlie was recognized by the College with the Spirit of SouthArk award, a prestigious accolade honoring those who have fully embraced and developed the College over many years through exemplary personal and professional accomplishments, commitment, and service. Charlie’s dedication to promoting educational excellence in south Arkansas will positively impact students and their families for generations to come. The College, the Foundation, students, and all employees will forever be grateful to Charlie for his exceptional generosity in support of education.

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What’s Blooming at the

SouthArkansas

Arboretum?

As you enter the Arboretum, you will see that this place is a beautiful, natural habitat for azalea trails, bouquets of bright flowers of all colors, and butterfly gardens along winding trails under green umbrellas of pine and oak.

A state park operated by the College, located on property provided by the El Dorado School District, and cared for by the dedicated advisory committee volunteers, the Arboretum is a place where you can enjoy listening to the birds while strolling through the trails year-round. Open to the public throughout the year, it brings in individuals, children, and families who explore its 13 acres of trees, plants, flowers, and fauna.

We invite you to join the Friends of the Arboretum, a special group that is dedicated to keeping alive and vibrant the Arboretum’s natural beauty. Our goal is to preserve for generations the Arboretum’s abundant woodlands, various species of mammals, reptiles and birds, and aquatic life in the beautiful ponds.

You can be a friend to the Arboretum by providing a gift for its perpetual care. Your support will help us to preserve for generations its beauty for all of us to enjoy.

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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GIVE GIFT OF THE

KNOWLEDGE WHY GIVE?

• To support fees and tuition for scholarships and books.

• To support faculty and staff in using high-technology teaching tools and creating a unique teaching environment

WHERE DO I DESIGNATE MY GIFT?

• Scholarship, major building projects, special college initiatives. Listed below are some of our funds you may support.

HOW DO I MAKE MY GIFT?

• Fill out enclosed giving card. Easy credit card pay at southark.edu/giving.

LEAVE A LEGACY

Planned giving provides you with the opportunity for maximizing tax benefits while making it possible for you to give a charitable gift that will benefit our students, academic programs, and major projects.

Individuals and families may become members of the Heritage Circle by committing special gifts to the Foundation. By including South Arkansas Community College in your estate plans, regardless of your income level or age, you can make a tremendous difference for generations to come.

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ANNUAL REPORT

SCHOLARSHIPS

Alpha Xi Endowed Scholarship Jennifer Baine Endowed Scholarship Dr. Kenneth Bridges Scholarship Robert R. Brown, Jr. Scholarship Steve Cameron Endowed Scholarship Choral Scholarship Cornerstone General Endowed Scholarship Charles E. Cowger Endowed Scholarship El Dorado Civitan Golden Door Endowed Scholarship El Dorado Jaycees Endowed Scholarship Health Sciences Endowed Scholarship William R. and Cacilia Howard Endowed Scholarship Island Memorial Scholarship James Family Endowed Scholarship Langston Endowed Scholarship Omazel Lawson Endowed Scholarship Living the Dream Scholarship Jodie Mahony Endowed Scholarship Mabel and Emon Mahony Endowed Scholarship Michael Mahony/BancorpSouth Endowed Scholarship Medical Center of South Arkansas/ Betty White Endowed Scholarship

MORE FUNDS

Academic Career and Achievement Program Cultural Activity Finance and Administration Activity G. Thomas Baumgardner Students’ Choice Endowed Award Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Heritage Circle Planned Giving Howard Heritage Plaza Endowed Support Innovation Endowed Mini-Grant

YOUR GIFT

WILL TRULY MAKE A

DIFFERENCE!

James M. Moore, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Neely Endowed Scholarship Dr. Kermit Parks Public Service Endowed Scholarship E. W. Pickering Endowed Scholarship Mabel Stratton Powell Endowed Scholarship ProMed Ambulance Scholarship Dora J. and John G. Ragsdale, Jr. Endowed Scholarship REACH (Receiving Education Achievement Close to Home) Scholarship Lucy Ring Academic Excellence Endowed Scholarship Lucy Ring Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship Shirley Jean Hicks Russell African-American Family & Friends Scholarship Simmons First Bank Endowed Scholarship SouthArk Employee Club Endowed Scholarship Jo An and Charles T. Skinner Endowed Scholarship Melba Tatom Nursing Endowed Scholarship William Jammillous (Jay) Terry Scholarship Charlie Thomas Scholarship Jonathan M. Warren Memorial Scholarship Dr. Ben T. Whitfield Endowed Scholarship

Lecture Series Phi Beta Lambda Travel President’s Circle Skills USA Travel South Arkansas Arboretum SouthArk Library Endowed Student Emergency Student Services Activity Vision Care

Contact Cynthia Reyna at foundation@southark.edu or call 870.864.7130

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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Arkansas Community Colleges & SouthArk Employee Recognition

OUTSTANDING FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENT AWARDS

Kristi Lowery

Outstanding Alumna of the Year HOPE Landing, Inc. President CEO, and Occupational Therapist

Casey Wilson

Tim Johnson

Outstanding Professional Member of the Year

Division of Career and Technical Education Faculty Member of the Year

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ANNUAL REPORT

Genevieve White Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year

Christy Wilson

Division of Liberal Arts Faculty Member of the Year

ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGES OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF THE YEAR It’s been a long journey from her native Mexico, but over a period of more than 20 years, Dioseline Guzman-Mancera has grown and succeeded in ways that she never imagined were possible.

The 2016-2017 South Arkansas Community College Academic All-Star couldn’t even speak English when her family moved to the United States. She was 10 years old, and the oldest of five children. The language barrier “was one of the many obstacles I had to overcome,” Guzman-Mancera, now 32, said. She credits her parents with instilling successful virtues in her and her siblings. “They have also taught us to always trust God and be thankful every day for the good and the bad things, because a lot of the times the bad things are what makes us stronger and wiser,” she said.

She went through the public school system, graduated from Magnolia High School and married. Together, she and her husband built a successful commercial lawn service business, Pecas Lawn Care. She handles the bookkeeping.

Guzman-Mancera, though, wanted to learn more, so she decided to go to college and seek an accounting degree. “At first I was very scared to go back to school, because I had been away from school for almost 10 years,” she said. “My first semester at SouthArk, I knew I was going to be OK

because everyone was very nice and all my teachers were very friendly and always willing to help. A lot of the times [they] go out of their way to see the students succeed. When it has to do with my education, I can say that coming to SouthArk was the best decision I ever made.”

At SouthArk, Guzman-Mancera flourished, being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa (an academic honor society for twoyear colleges), the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). She was the president of PBL—a student business organization—during her final semester as a SouthArk student in fall of last year. She also received an Outstanding Academic Student award in college algebra and in accounting, and placed second in both business communications and in social media projects at the PBL state conference. She graduated with honors with a certificate in general studies in 2016 before completing an associate’s degree in liberal arts and graduating cum laude in 2017.

“My mom and dad taught me and my siblings that we should always work hard and to be the best we can be in everything that we do,” she said. She since has transferred to Southern Arkansas University, carrying with her a full-tuition scholarship to complete a bachelor’s degree—and she intends to be the first in her family to do so. With a bachelor’s degree, Guzman-Mancera said, “The sky is the limit!”

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

SONIA BARKER

South Arkansas Community College has a friend at the Capitol in Little Rock in State Representative Sonia Barker.

A 1987 graduate of Southern Arkansas University-El Dorado—one half of the two institutions that merged to form SouthArk just over 25 years ago—Barker went on to become a local school teacher. She has continued in that profession ever since, keeping her “day job” even while serving in the Arkansas Legislature. She was elected to represent District 7 in fall of 2016.

“I value a good, strong education for everyone because I believe everyone needs and deserves one,” she said.

“Education is fundamental to advancement and stability in all areas of life: society, civility, philosophy, government, etc. No member of society should be without an adequate education, and optimally all would choose and have access to exceptional educational opportunities.”

at home and work part-time. “I also received great direction from a wonderful adviser, Donna Hendricks, as well as a transfer scholarship in the field of my choice that I would not have known about nor been able to take advantage of on my own,” she said. “I would say that what I liked best was the size of the classes and how personal my first experience with college learning was. I always felt like each professor, adviser and administrator was truly concerned about my education and my accomplishing all that I could in my time there.”

Barker went on to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from SAU. She is a member of the American Association of Teachers of French. She received a 2017 Arkansas State Chamber Business Matters Leadership Award. Her other state It’s fitting, of course, that Barker serves on the committee obligations are membership on the Aging, Legislature’s Education Committee, something that Children, Youth and Military and Legislative Affairs Barker said has brought her an even greater appreciation Committee; the Workforce Education Excellence Task for what those in her field accomplish. She teaches Force; and the Legislative Advisory Council for the oral communications, English, arts and drama at Southern Regional Education Board.

Smackover High School, where she also is the tennis coach. Previously in her more than 20 years of teaching, “I would say the biggest hardship I have had to overcome she also taught English and French. is being a shy introvert,” Barker said. “If you had told me when I was younger that I would be a high school teacher, “I chose to be a high school English and French teacher a Sunday school teacher of adults and because as long as I can remember, I have been interested a state representative, I would in language, writing and even grammar,” she said. “I have never believed you. God watched my grandmother, who was an elementary has truly blessed me with teacher, as well as an aunt who was an English and French opportunities and even teacher, and saw how much they enjoyed sharing subjects pushed me into areas of about which they were passionate, but also helping service to enable me to students expand their understanding and knowledge overcome that shyness as well as their options for their future. Their positive and reluctance to experiences as educators played a part in drawing me in speak up and be in to a career I had always thought I would love.” front of others.”

Barker speaks positively about her experiences at SAUEl Dorado, which she chose because she wanted to live

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ANNUAL REPORT

SHINING FACULTY:

KENSEL SPIVEY Kensel Spivey stays busy. An adjunct faculty member at SouthArk for much of the last decade, she teaches classes in sociology. Her day job is managing rehabilitation for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. And she also is a City of El Dorado alderperson representing Ward 3.

These demands for her time are just part of her calling, she said, “to live my life to its full potential each and every day.

My mission is to go through life with a smile on my face with no regrets, because I know that I have done my best.”

A lengthy list of accolades testifies to this, including a Delta Sigma Theta Community Leader Award, Junior Elk Herd No. 473 Community Person of the Year, a STAND Leadership Award, a South Arkansas AfricanAmerican Historical Society Community Award, and an NACCP Community Award.

She is a member of the local Salvation Army Board, the Southwest Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act Board and the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition Board, among others.

Spivey is a 2002 graduate of El Dorado High School, a 2006 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in human development, a 2008 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a master’s degree in sociology and a 2010 graduate of University of Arkansas-Little Rock with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.

During her years as an instructor, she said, “I have made many valuable connections with students and teachers.

The impact you have on a student’s life can make a world a difference when they know that you truly care about their education and success.”

Spivey, who was the first African-American woman ever elected to the El Dorado City Council, said “I will seek to learn, understand, help those who are in need, and to always give unselfishly. My mission is to be humble, respectful and always caring.” SouthArk is indeed fortunate to have Kensel as a faculty member.

“

I have made many valuable connections with students and teachers.

The impact you have on a student’s life can make a world a difference when they know that you truly care about their education and success.

”

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Ground Broken for Advanced Manufacturing Training Center The Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center is a shining example of what can be accomplished when many stakeholders, both public and private, band together for a common goal. In this case, that goal is to provide a facility for training needed in the local industrial manufacturing sector.

The training center is named in memory of Charles A. Hays, who passed away in 2015. Because his career and legacy started with construction and welding, his family has chosen to honor him by contributing to the SouthArk Advanced Manufacturing Training Center to give other people who have the desire to better themselves a place to start that process.

Ground was broken on the East Campus in March of 2017.

Due to be open this spring, the center will have training space for advanced welding, process technology, industrial technology, and rail-car and tanker loading. It will be home both to credit and non-credit programs.

Right: Members of the Hays family turn the first dirt for the new center in memory of Charles A. Hays.

Below: Charles A. Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center donors pose with shovels at the ground breaking.

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“We recognize the relationship between a skilled workforce and economic growth, and believe that our investment in this facility will yield long-term success in the future economic development of south Arkansas,” Foundation board President Greg Withrow said.

“The project has had broad local industry input and support,” SouthArk president Dr. Barbara Jones said. “The increased need for multi-skilled technicians for the workforce in the region have helped to drive this project.”

Additional support has come from donors, grants, and companies who have donated equipment and services: Delta Regional Authority, U.S. Economic Development Administration, State of Arkansas General Improvement Funds, Delek/Lion Oil, El Dorado Chemical Company, TrackWorks, Martin Transport Inc., Lanxess/Great Chemical, the City of El Dorado, Tetra Technologies, Inc. and GeorgiaPacific, and Union County for their support.

Morgan selected as 2016-17 G. Thomas Baumgardner Students’ Choice Award Recipient The G. Thomas Baumgardner Students’ Choice Award, established by Dr. Kermit Parks, recognizes outstanding college faculty through a student vote. Mr. Baumgardner, a long-time resident of El Dorado, retired from Con-Agra Foods in 1992. He was active in community affairs and served on numerous boards. In addition to serving as a SouthArk Trustee, he taught classes at the college from 1981 to 1995.

This prestigious award is presented annually to a SouthArk faculty member who is selected as the most helpful, supportive, and responsive to students’ needs. Math instructor Vernita Morgan was selected for the 2016-2017 academic year. In their comments, students praised Morgan “because she goes above and beyond to make sure that we are understanding what we are being taught” and “because she made learning math fun and exciting”. Winners receive a $500 check to be used for faculty academic support in their teaching labs and classrooms.

★

★ ★

Award recipient Vernita Morgan poses with Dr. Kermit Parks.

A reception, heavy appetizers, and auction of dinners will be among the festivities at An Evening with the Stars, honoring a Friend of the College and Distinguished Alumni.

★

The SouthArk Foundation Board of Directors biannually celebrates the accomplishments of its “Stars” – people who have helped make the College vibrant and solid.

★

★

★

Thursday, April 12 • 6:30 p.m.

We are honored to present John Milam as Friend of the College, along with Distinguished Alumni Kristi Lowery, President and CEO of Hope Landing, and Bruce Butterfield, Mustard Seed Wealth Management partner.

El Dorado Conference Center with music afterwards at the Griffin

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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GREEN-OVATION

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& TECH-NOVATION

Two SouthArk programs received financial support for their curriculums

in the form of an Innovation Mini-Grant award from the Foundation.

The Community Education department was awarded The Innovation Mini-Grant fund targets unique funding for their backyard gardening program and efforts for classroom experiences brought by for Camp Lotsafun earth science activities.

SouthArk faculty and staff for the benefit of student learning, and encourages progressive thinking and Also selected for this award was the SMART-On teaching techniques. program, which used their funding for the purchase of headsets for their online technology learning.

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The independent audit of the South Arkansas Community College Foundation, Inc. was prepared by the firm of Evers, Cox, and Gober, P.L.L.C. The complete audit for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2017, is available at the Foundation office and website.

JUNE 30, 2017 ASSETS

Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $343,677 Pledges receivable, current portion 47,231 Prepaid expenses 6,126 Investments 2,562,212 Total Current Assets 2,959,246 Fixed Assets, at cost Computer software 6,365 Property and equipment 2,975 9,340 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 9,340 Total Fixed Assets 0 Other Assets Pledges receivable, non-current portion 136,150 Antique furniture 2,410 Total Other Assets 138,560 $3,097,806 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities Accounts payable Funds belonging to others Refundable advances Total Current Liabilities

$6,525 60 31,525 38,110

Net Assets Unrestricted 1,936,442 Unrestricted - Board designated 30,000 Temporarily restricted 1,093,254 Total Net Assets 3,059,696 $3,097,806

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ANNUAL REPORT

YOU CAN BE

A PART OF MAKING

A DIFFERENCE

in the lives of students through your generous giving. We recognize the cumulative gifts of our lifetime giving supporters through these Giving Societies.

HERITAGE SOCIETY $300,000 + First Financial Bank William R. Howard

PATHWAY SOCIETY $100,000 - $299,999 Anonymous Donor Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Estate of Norris C. Taylor, Jr. El Dorado Chemical Company Charles A. Hays, Jr. and Gae Hays James Family Dr. Carolyn and Ralph Langston

VANGUARD SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999 BancorpSouth Georgia-Pacific Corporation LANXESS Solutions U.S. Medical Center of South Arkansas

CORNERSTONE SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999 Apex Redi-Mixed Concrete Company James and Charlotte Baine Canfor Southern Pine, Inc. City of El Dorado Adam Choate Walter and Beth Compton Cooper Standard Automotive Corporation for National and Community Service Betty Cowger Delek/Lion Oil Company El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission Entergy - Union Power Station

Murphy Oil Corporation Drs. Jennifer and Kermit Parks Lucy Anne Ring Trust Simmons First Bank Charlie and Camilla Thomas United Way of Union County

Murphy Foundation Murphy USA Potlatch Deltic Timber SHARE Foundation

Entergy Arkansas Herb and Lanatter Fox Phil Herring Tom and Mary Ann Loftin/Loftin Construction Co. John Milam/Milam Construction Nexans AmerCable William C. Jr. and Deborah Nolan Mrs. William C. “Theodosia” Nolan, Sr. TETRA Technologies, Inc. Union County Community Foundation Union County Department of Human Services Greg and Lucy Withrow

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY $10,000 - $24,999 John and Charlotte Abbott Edwin and Diane Alderson Alpha Xi Chapter, ESA Anonymous Foundation Anonymous Family Foundation John S. and Martha Beebe Claude A. and Glynn Calahan Clean Harbors Environmental Services Cleve Blagg Pickering Trust Walter and Susan Cowger El Dorado Civitan Club El Dorado Development Corporation El Dorado Jaycees El Dorado Roofing and Construction ESCO Electrical Services, Inc. GBMc & Associates John and Carolane Hays/Hays Rental Dr. Barbara and Rick Jones Dr. Steve and Clara Jones

KEYSTONE SOCIETY $2,500 - $9,999 Albemarle Foundation Alice-Sidney Oil Company AT&T Burton’s H&H Maintenance Butch Atkins/Atkins Electric Company John and Jennifer Baine Phillip Ballard Dr. Tom and Jeanne Baumgardner BCS, Inc. Dr. Ken and Lynn Bridges Jay and Andrea Brooks Dr. Lura and James Brown C P & P Construction Steve and Celeste Cameron Dr. Val Cantu Judge Robin Carroll Sam Chamberlain Dr. Michael Chikeleze Steve and Janet Cousins Cross Roofing and Sheet Metal Henry Culbreth Claiborne and Elaine Deming John and Beverly Dews Vicki de Yampert Diploma Nurses of Arkansas Dwayne and Elizabeth Dugal DuPont

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ANNUAL REPORT

“

Dr. Kathleen Matlock Don D. Montgomery Jim and Judy Moore Wade and Susan Neely Ken Kelley/ProMed Ambulance Chesley and Bibba Pruet John G. Jr. and Dora J. Ragsdale Regions Bank Dr. Henry B. and Georgia Rogers Joyce Rutledge/Rutledge Properties Jo An Skinner Smackover State Bank Ruth M. Smith The Systems Group Jeff and Sara Teague/Teague Auto Group Shari and Steve Terry Willie and Brenda Terry Dr. Ben T. and Adell Whitfield Dr. David M. and Martha Yocum

John and Laurie Eckart El Dorado Fifty for the Future Dr. Kristi Elia Express Way Stores Evers, Cox and Gober P.L.L.C. Dessie Ford Frac-N-Vac Tanks, Inc. Wayne and Connie Gibson Brenda Ginger Glenn Mechanical George and Anne Haefner Donna Hendricks Hepco, Inc./Lawrence Waschka Dr. Alice Hicks

My first job was in a pediatric ICU. I often saw the flight crews bring sick children. I knew that I wanted to be a flight medic. SouthArk helped me make that dream a reality!

- Lucy Penney

”

KEYSTONE SOCIETY (continued)

Raymond and Patsy Higgins Ideal Management Co., Inc. Gwenda Island Dr. Ben and Sherrel Johnson Dr. Tim Kirk Rodney Landes, Jr. Langley Properties, LLC Scott Larkin Joffre and Pat Long/LBP, LLC Mac’s Tree Service Nick and Virginia Macchiarolo George and Sandra Maguire Alice Mahony Michael E. Mahony Martin Resource Management Corporation Louise Massey Vernie and Jane Meador Melvin’s Discount Pharmacy Mobley Industrial Services Julia Mobley John Ed and Gordene Moore Dr. Robert M. and Diane Murfee Mussop, Inc. Terry and Angie Norman/Nortran, Inc. Paula O’Connor Panda Energy International, Inc. Pete and Renee Parks Maurice Peel Plum Creek Timber Company Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects

Brian Price Cynthia A. Reyna Jack and Jane Reynolds Robert Reynolds/Shuler Drilling Dr. George Roberts Michael Roberts Benjamin and Elizabeth Robinson Leigh Anne and Robert L. Robinson, IV Rotary Club of El Dorado Drs. Michael and Pam Schonefeld Dr. Steve and Michelle Smart South Arkansas Arts Center Ann Southall June Southall Southern Bancorp Southern Design & Mechanical Southwestern Bell Kyle Swift Jim and Julie Tidwell Trotter Auto El Dorado, LLC Union County Judge Mike Loftin United Insurance Agency, Inc. Kenny and Dinah Van Hook/Van Hook Tires Odie Vaughn El Dorado Wal-Mart Supercenter Dr. Steve and Judy Ward Lewis and Carol Whatley Knox and Judie White Dr. Jessie Wrenn John and Beverly Yocum

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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PLATINUM SOCIETY $1,000 - $2,499

All-Star Recycling Dr. Elaine Allen Carl Amason Anthony Forest Products B & B Contractors Rodney Bartchy Gary and Patricia Bates Richard and Nella Bidwell Oliver Borden Sue Bowman Robert R. Brown, Jr. Peter and Cherie Buletza Jerry and Ginger Bullard Drs. James and Susie Bullock Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. C. A. Duncan, Inc. Ernie and Becky Cagle Dr. J. C. and Pat Callaway CES Machinery and Fabrication Chem Treat, Inc. Chisenhall Nestrud & Julian, P.A. W. L. Cook/William P. Cook and Associates Margaret Compton Compton, Pruet, Thomas & Hickey Jose and Schelley Covas Veronica Creer Keitha Davidson Delta Press Developmental Disabilities Provider Association Dixie Air Corporation Ted and Lyn Drake Robert and Jane Dudley El Dorado Glass and Mirror Co., Inc. El Dorado Kiwanis Club El Dorado Water Utilities Evers Electric Company, Inc. Kevin and Claudia Fitzgerald Melinda Hays Gatheright Diane Gilleland Helen Griffith Jim and Doris Hackney Lathan and Donna Hairston Shelton and Victoria Harden Randy Haynie Chris and Anne Hegi Mark Hudson Dean G. Inman Melissa Jerry Randy and Glenda Jerry Stephanie Johnson Mel and Susan Jordan Robert F. and Sue Kelley

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ANNUAL REPORT

“

SouthArk equipped me with the tools that I would use in my approach toward my academic career. I developed my nevergive-up attitude at SouthArk, and it is still is with me today.

- Thomas Allgood

”

Curtis A. and Sarah Kinard Francis Kuykendall Helen Landes Roger Landes Lawrence Electric Lincoln Heritage John and Susan Lowery Jodie and Bettie Anne Mahony Mangum Contracting, Inc. Richard and Vertis Mason Madelyne M. and Edward C. McCarty Rachel McKinney Jack and Jerry McNutt Cynthia Meyer Robert Merkle Carol S. Mitchell Debra Mock Murphy Motors Charles H. Murphy, III NAACP Nabholz Construction Services Betty Linda Nolan Tamara O’Gwin Dr. Marc and Patti Parnell Dr. Lynn Persyn Bobby Pierce Pilgrim’s Pride Dr. Allan and Janey Pirnique Larry Powell George W. Price Dr. Terry Puckett Robert and Wanda Ragsdale

PLATINUM SOCIETY (continued)

Dr. Alan Rasco Kent and Janet Rice John A. Riggs M. Maurice Rogers James Roomsburg Mike Ross Drs. Jack and Janet Ryan Securitas Security, Inc. Phoebe Sellers Dr. John Simpson David and Renee Skinner Setpoint Integrated Solutions South Arkansas Human Resources Association South Arkansas Telephone Company, Inc. Storey’s Floor and Carpet, Inc. Holly Sturgill SWAPDD, INC. Stan and Linda Sweeney John and Cathe Talpas

Veronda Tatum The Diamond Agency Randall M. and Sylvia Thompson Sidney and Karen Todd TopCor Services Carey Tucker Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez Tyson Foods, Inc. Kimberly Vaughn Ian Vickery Dr. Susanne Wache Kevin Waldrum Mike and Linda Warren Bob and Charlotte Watson Genevieve White Fred Williams Lauri Wilson Mary Ellen Wilson

GOLD SOCIETY $500 - $999

Dr. Wayne and Doll Elliott Robert and Virginia Ellzey Enterprise Products Fairview Community Development Association First Bank of South Arkansas Sam Fulco Shirley Garison Amy E. Garner Bert Giller Janis Givens Jay Glass Grace Railroad Contractors Gusher Lodge No. 560 Bruce Hankins Catherine Harrell Mayor Frank Hash Dr. Ed and Sylvia Henley Gretchen Henry Sandra Hildebrand Barbara Hogg Brenda Holmes Janice Hughes Hunt, Guillet & Associates Corbet Lamkin James B. Larsen Valerie Lewis Long Brothers Oil Company, LLC Long’s Roofing & Sheet Metal Charles Lovett Magnolia Specialized Services, Inc.

4R Marketing Larry W. Andrews Beryl Anthony Mary Pat Cook Anthony Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Aurelle Water Association B.H. & M. Oil Mike Beebe Billy and Judy Blann Jay Bradford Art Brown Jeanette Brown Dr. D’Orsay and Karen Bryant Beth Burns Bruce and Melissa Butterfield Natalie Callaway O. Worth and Janis Camp David Carty Carol & Witt Stephens Charitable Foundation Dr. Susan K. Chappell Columbian Chemicals Company Dr. Sterling Claypoole Gerald and Belinda Cook Frank DiCristina Duckwater Services, LLC Bobby J. Edmonds El Dorado Forward Jason Ellen Scott Ellen

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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GOLD SOCIETY (continued) James W. and Sandy Matheney Denny McConathy Carroll McGarity Tammi McKinnon McLarty Companies Jesse McWilliams Dottie Medlin Tandy Menefee Pamela A. Mulligan Brenda Murphree Madison and Suzanne Murphy Mustard Seed Financial Roslyn Nipper Grace Palculict Charles “Ricky” Palmer Charles Pepper Nelson Post Puska’s Machine Shop Mary Kathryn Reaves Anita F. Reisdorff Bob Risor Laura Rogers Preston Rogers David Ross Leslie J. Sauer

SILVER SOCIETY $250 - $499 David Alphin Dr. Carlos Anaya Scott Andrews Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Linda Bates Berry and Associates Dr. Mickey Best Karen Boykin T. C. Brasher Jeffery T. Brown Robert Brown Janice Bush James A. Buttry Pete Carroll C & F Construction Helen Clyde Marvin Cole Heather Crake Venie Craig Edward Crowe Jay Dickey Kerlin Drake Mike Dumas

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ANNUAL REPORT

Dr. Steve and Mary Jo Scott Sewell Oil Company Dennis and Jane Shackleford Sherman Brothers Trucking Harriet A. Silverman Dr. Scott and Patty Simpson Elgier Sims Dale and Jenny Smart Teresa C. Smith Sports Alley Bill H. Stovall, III TDS Erectors Randle and Judy Tomlinson Trio Production Company, LLC Paul Waschka Watco Companies, LLC Steve Wells John White Sherri Whitehead Nancy Whitmore Mary Jo Williams Christy Wilson David Wilson Ray and Jayna Winiecki Lena Wood Don Zimmerman

Martha Dunn Deborah Edney Erwin & Company, P.A. Janene Fogle Dr. Daniel G. Ford Dr. James and Genevieve Fouse Jo Ellen Frost Garner and Dunham, CPA Ginny Garner Nita Green David Griffith Linda and Louis T. Hall, III Charlie Hankins Susan Hanson Jo Harrison Carolyn Hart Judge Susan and Joe Hickey Dr. Raymond Higgins Dr. Curtis Hill Barbara Howell Dr. Edwina Hunter John Ingram, Inc. Dorine Inman

SILVER SOCIETY (continued) Barry Jeffery Sheila Jones Alvin Kelly Tonya Kendrix Mrs. Frances Landers Cal Ledbetter Barbie Luther Dewayne and Donna Mahurin Tom Mangum Kenneth Mann Tim Massanelli Ellen J. McGowan Rudy Moore Vernita Morgan Debra Moring David Murphy Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Lonnie Nelson New Olive Branch Baptist Church Bobby and Joanne Newman Betty Owen Terry Patterson Benny C. Petrus Diane Pieroni David Pryor Dr. Thomas Quinn Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. William Rainer Linda Rathbun Dan Redmond Annelyssa Reynolds Ralph Reynolds Lynda Richardson Becky Riggs Sheila Risher Marguerite Rodgers

Johnnie Roebuck Michelle Rogers Heather Rowe Kathryn Schopfer Virginia Self Elizabeth Shaddock Matthew Shepherd Drew Sheppard Dr. Jim and Cecile Sheppard Billye Shofner Sims Mortuary, Inc. Alma Slatten Elizabeth Spencer Betty Stinson Sweet Home Baptist Church Systems Spray-Cooled Equipment Company Melba Tatom Floyd and Rina Thomas Denver Thornton Chris R. Thyer Todd’s Arkansas Service Company J.D. Trimble, Jr. Dodie Vestal Kathy Waldrop Kanyetta Wansley Jim Warnock Bobby Warren Gloria Brooks Weisenberger Shirley Wells Mary Lynn Whitfield Doyle Williams Jeffrey Williams J. T. Williamson Benny Wilson Al Witte Rose M. Young Young’s Funeral Directors

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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P.O. Box 7010 - 3698 East Main El Dorado, AR 71731-7010

U.S. Postage PAID Permit Number 2 El Dorado, AR 71730 Non‐Profit Organization

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P.O. Box 7010 El Dorado, AR 71731

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34

@SouthArkCC

P.O. Box 7010 - 3698 East Main El Dorado, AR 71731-7010

/southarkcc

U.S. Postage PAID Permit Number 2 El Dorado, AR 71730 Non‐Profit Organization

@southarkcc

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