UAFS Bell Tower Alumni Magazine Fall Winter 2019

Bell Tower The

The magazine of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

BEGINNING TOGETHER Future so bright they had to wear shades

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The Bell Tower

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BOOKISH: UAFS student Taely Dedmon stands with book shop owners Jennifer Battles, ’96, and Sara Putman.

features

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Everyone’s beginning and destination are different, but everyone starts somewhere.

Dr. Terisa C. Riley, new chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, began her tenure with a whirlwind of activities and an epic cast of characters, and she let us accompany her!

Many obstacles stand between single parents and the college degree they need to change their lives. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship fund and UAFS are ready to keep things moving in the right direction.

Since the programs were founded, students in the Dental Hygiene and Imaging Sciences programs consistently have scored high on boards and moved into jobs seamlessly.

Your Story Starts Here

Money Matters

Programs of Excellence

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

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Hello, Fort Smith

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UAFS MISSION

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UAFS prepares students to succeed in an ever-changing global world while advancing economic development and quality of place.

THE BELL TOWER Fall/Winter 2019 Volume 10, Number 2 The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith CHANCELLOR Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D. CONTRIBUTORS Judi Hansen, Rachel Rodemann Putman, Sage Mackin PHOTOGRAPHERS Rachel Rodemann Putman, Heli Mistry, Elliot Nemeth, CarolAnn Stargis ART DIRECTOR John Sizing, www.jspublicationdesign.com

On Campus

Community

Alumni

2 The Chancellor’s Letter 3 Cub Camp 4 iPad Launch

10 CAST Reaches Out 11 The Great Moffett Cat Caper

28 JD Clayton Does it His Way

STEM students started the semester with a fully loaded iPad 5 Lion Pride Pantry

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Food-insecure students have a new resource on campus

Athletics

6 Textbook Share 7 Pardon Our Dust

Pendergraft undergoes changes

UAFS drone to the rescue Shop Alumni Dental Outreach Maymester in Bulgaria Territorial Arkansas

16 Living Boldly: Katie Beineke 17 Running Lions Excel 17 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

A logistics expert by day and a musician at night, Clayton seeks independence 29 Class Notes 31 Legacy Scholarships

A growing endowment means three legacy scholarship students this year

The Bell Tower is published semi-annually by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913, for friends, faculty, and alumni of the university. Tel.: (877) 303-8237.

Email: alumni@uafs.edu. Web: belltower.uafs.edu.

Send address changes, requests to receive The Bell Tower, and requests to be removed from the mailing list to alumni@uafs.edu or UAFS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913.

LETTERS ARE WELCOME, but the publisher reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Space constraints may prevent publication of all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Send letters to belltower@uafs.edu or The Bell Tower, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913.

Views and opinions in The Bell Tower do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine staff nor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Contents © 2019 by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

32 Quan “Jason” Ho

A UAFS grad finds fame on television in Vietnam FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 1

FROM THE CHANCELLOR Dr. Terisa Riley

Poised for Success The new school year is always a new beginning, dynamic and life-changing, whether you are a new student, a new faculty or staff member, or a new chancellor.

This new academic year has certainly changed my life. I am excited to be affiliated with a university with this quality, this dedication, and this amazing support from the community. I already love the students who are so grateful to have this

wonderful education and meaningful interactions with faculty members who are passionate about their specialties and passionate about sharing their knowledge with others.

In this issue of The Bell Tower, you will learn about several new beginnings.

None is more uplifting than those experienced by single parents who want to change their lives and their children’s lives. Helping them set that new trajectory are the amazing people at Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. The people there think it’s not enough to help someone with tuition, so they provide encouragement, strategic advice, and a

shoulder to cry on if that’s what’s needed.

We are so proud of the students in this program that, if they come here, we will increase their SPSF scholarships by 25 percent.

Students entering the College of STEM this fall have some new technology to start the year: Each entering student received an iPad, preloaded with the apps and programs they need for their classes.

The iPads allow them to use the power of mobile devices to improve learning both in and outside of the classroom.

In Health Sciences, renovations underway to give returning students their own new beginning. Several changes are underway to make the Pendergraft Health Sciences Center more studentfriendly. Two new pieces of equipment will enhance the already excellent Dental Hygiene and Imaging Studies programs.

Every school year comes with new motivations and new challenges. That’s what makes the first weeks so much fun. By November, students are mastering the discipline they need to make it through to the end of the semester.

We have done so much, and there is still so much ahead. Thank you for being partners in the new beginning at UAFS. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

DR. TERISA RILEY EDUCATION Doctor of Philosophy in higher education administration with a minor in research methodology Saint Louis University Master of Arts in higher education administration University of Missouri – Columbia Bachelor of Arts in communication University of Missouri – Columbia Governor’s Executive Development Program University of Texas – Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs National Police Institute Warrensburg, Missouri

EXPERIENCE Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and University Administration Senior Vice President for Fiscal and Student Affairs

Terisa C. Riley

Vice President for Student Affairs Texas A&M University – Kingsville Assistant Vice President for Student Services/Dean of Students

UAFS will be a national model for preparing students for workforce mobility through education and professional development while serving as the thought leader in the region.

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Director of Operations and Judicial Affairs (Dean of Students) Saint Louis University

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UAFS VISION

University of South Dakota – Vermillion

Freshmen Orientation CUB CAMP

Let’s Get This Thing Started!

During the summer before they start classes, Cub Camp participants have a chance to learn their way around campus – figuratively and literally.

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ON CAMPUS

MOBILE READY: Dr. Linus Yu helps Elizabeth Wilson, a junior information technology major and a Lion Bytes service tech, set up her new iPad as part of the Lion Launch Pad initiative.

STEM iPad Launch Successful

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UAFS Technology Services were on hand to assist students with device setup and management and workflow navigation to ensure students can begin using their iPads immediately and effectively.

“They made it super easy for us to set up, and I’m really glad they were able to offer us this user-friendly experience,” said Sarah Schneider, who is majoring in mathematics with teacher licensure.

Ryan Lee, a systems analyst

with UAFS Technology Services, assisted students.

“The system allows us to share resources with students, including enterprise apps purchased by the university for student use, and it enables us to manage and protect the iPad if it ever becomes lost,” Lee said.

While Apple and university technology staff will continue to assist the university with iPad needs, three student workers will serve as the frontline of support through the Lion

Bytes program.

Elizabeth Wilson, a junior information technology major, said the opportunity to participate in a service position would help her as she enters the workforce.

“Helping others will help me in my career,” she said, “and I know in the IT field I’ll have to work my way up, so the opportunity to provide support on the Apple devices will be a great experience.”

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First-year students in the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) began their first year as Lions with high-tech alternatives to textbooks and No. 2 pencils.

Thanks to the Lion Launch Pad initiative, 285 STEM students received a brand-new iPad as part of a comprehensive rollout of the newly integrated devices.

Experts from Apple and

Food Insecurity ON CAMPUS

A Chance to Grab a Bite To answer food insecurity issues among students, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith cut the ribbon on the new Lion Pride Pantry, a wooden box filled with nonperishable food items for those who need a little help.

The pantry, which stands in the greenway between

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A granola bar or a box of ramen noodles can really make a difference to a student who might be struggling or have food insecurity. – Jordan Dart, SGA president the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Old Gym along Kinkead Avenue, opened Aug. 23 as representatives from the Student Government Association, university administration and student support staff cut a ribbon.

Jordan Dart, president of the Student Government Association, explained the inception of the idea.

“As members of SGA, we’re constantly trying to find ways to make our students’ experience better, to make campus better, and to have creative ideas,” she said. “I’m thankful to the SGA who came before me who worked really hard on this idea and approved the funds to make this food pantry box possible.

“A granola bar or a box of ramen noodles can really make a difference to a student who might be struggling or have

HUNGER FIGHTERS: Dr. Dave Stevens, dean of students, and Kim Tomlinson, advising coordinator, push a cart full of donations for the Lion Pride Pantry.

food insecurity,” Dart added.

Donations include peanut butter, canned soups, granola bars, crackers, pasta, canned beans, and other foods that don’t require refrigeration.

“We take pride in all students, and we want every single student to feel valued, respected, welcomed and cared for,” explained Dr. Terisa Riley, UAFS chancellor, who cited national statistics that estimate 20 percent of college students will face food insecurity in a given year.

“For our students with food insecurities, it extends far beyond hunger,” she said.

“Students whose stomachs are

rumbling can’t pay attention.

Students who don’t know where they will get their next meal or whose food is not nutritionally sound or fulfilling are unable to concentrate due to the stress they’re under.”

“Truth be known, faculty and staff from across campus

SUPPORT: Rosa Johnson makes sure the pantry stays full.

for years have been providing students with granola bars, apples, and other little snacks to help them get through the day,” Dr. Dave Stevens, dean of students, told supporters. “The Lion Pride Pantry is just an extension of that generosity.”

The UAFS Student Government Association allocated the funds for the initial installation of the pantry.

UAFS associate professor and woodworker Dr. Erik Carlson built the box. UAFS Advising Coordinator Kim Tomlinson and the staff of the RAWC will help maintain the pantry, collect donations, and keep the pantry stocked.

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ON CAMPUS Reference Books

Need to Borrow a Book?

The Boreham Library has worked with the Student Government Association and campus faculty to create The Textbook Share Project. The library has textbooks for 25 high-enrollment general education courses that students can borrow for three hours at a time. The books can leave the library and be checked out again if needed.

Sharable textbooks are available for courses including Biological Science, English Composition I and II, Humanities through the Arts, American National Government, and Probability and Statistics.

Although UAFS remains the

Nationwide students can expect to pay $1,200 for books and supplies per year.

TEXTBOOK SHARE: Students can save some money by borrowing textbooks from the library.

giving may be easier than you think.

There are ways you can support the university today while still providing for your family and preserving your assets for retirement.

Office of Planned Giving

For more information on how to create a lasting legacy, please visit uafslegacy.org or contact us at 479-788-7033.

Request your free guide to planning your will and trust.

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most affordable college in Arkansas, the university continues to look for ways to help students who struggle financially. The Textbook Share Project is one way to lighten the load. Nearly half UAFS students don’t buy texts before the semester begins for financial reasons.

Updates ON CAMPUS

Pardon Our Dust Changes are under construction in the Pendergraft Health Sciences Center, all to make things better for the 300 or more students who work and study in the building every day.

“We are pretty excited about some of the changes,” said Dr. Ron Darbeau, interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences.

“We want to make this building even better for the students who come here to learn.”

The change kicking up the most dust right now is swapping the locations of the break room and the Health Sciences Learning Resource Center, said Dr. Lynn Korvick, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences and interim executive director of nursing.

The current break room has a couple of vending machines, three round tables, and 12 chairs. That’s insufficient for the number of students who may spend their days in the building.

Although students use the

students want to study, we can find them an empty classroom.

There is space for everything.”

So the bookshelves have come down in the LRC, and plastic sheeting has gone up.

Adjacent to the LRC, another change is underway. Soon the College of Health Sciences will have a separate advising center. Previously the advisor had an office in the dean’s suite, which meant that all students in Health Sciences would have to pass through that office.

The new advising center promises to increase confidentiality for students seeking advisement while decreasing traffic through the dean’s suite.

The birthing room for nursing students is also getting a facelift. The current room lacks space for students to watch high fidelity simulations, so a watching room is being added. And there will be more to see. The School of Nursing has a new baby for its simulations.

“The baby responds in a

LOUNGE: Renovations are underway to create a larger break room in the Pendergraft Health Science Center.

definitely a two-hand operation and a messy one at that.

The water dispensers made for bottles, operational with one hand, simplify the process and radically reduce the chance of shooting water up your sleeves

and all over the floor.

Finally, something for those dependent on their mobile devices: Seating areas and other locations around the building will have charging stations to ensure students stay connected.

HELI MISTRY

Increasing student demand and decreasing print resources made trading spaces an easy call.

Learning Resource Center for studying, having expansive space for books and print publications is less pressing now that e-books and other online sources are more common. And, Korvick said, the library is just across the lawn providing books and more study space.

“This building is very accommodating to changing student needs,” she said. “If we find a time when more than 12

very lifelike way to a number of birthing conditions,” Korvick said. “This baby can simulate many obstetrical and neonatal complications.”

A final change, less noticeable to visitors than to the students who inhabit the building is the plan to add some dispensers for water bottles.

Trying to fill the reusable water bottles many students carry at traditional water fountains is

FILL’ER UP: A student request, bottle filling stations are being added to the Health Sciences Center.

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YOUR STORY STARTS HERE

A backward glance, a smile over the shoulder, And then a decisive step into the glowing tomorrow

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NEW BEGINNINGS

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COMMUNITY Helping Seniors Remember

PARTNERS: Max Johnston, center, shows off oversized nuts and bolts created by a 3D printer for Alzheimer’s patients at Methodist Village’s Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. Accompanying him are Dr. Ken Warden, from left, dean of the College of CAST, Melissa Curry, CEO of Methodist Village, UAFS Chancellor Terisa Riley, and Carol Smith, business Development director for Methodist Village.

young lives at a garden or with pets, but on the job, operating heavy equipment and putting their hands to work.

For those residents, Curry envisioned a potential partnership with UAFS. She asked Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the UAFS College of Applied Science and Technology, if he could facilitate the creation of a few sets of 3D-printed nuts and bolts that would be reminiscent of work they might recall from their youth.

Warden worked with Max Johnston, assistant professor

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of Computer Graphic Technology at UAFS, to design 20 sets of large-scale, lightweight nuts and bolts that were 3D-printed with soft plastic in visually stimulating colors.

As Curry finished a tour of the facility, she led Riley, Warden, and Johnston into a room filled with laughter and a table stacked with disassembled objects. “This is an Alzheimer’s resident who loves to ‘fix’ things,” Curry explained with a smile. As Johnston opened the box, presenting his creations, the resident beamed. “He was

the first to use the nuts and bolts, immediately gravitating toward them, filling his pockets with them for future objects that may need fixing,” Curry added. “These have already been an incredible blessing to him and will be to many others in the years to come.”

“I was honored to meet the resident for whom the nuts and bolts were initially created,” said Riley, “and incredibly impressed seeing the intentionality of Max Johnston’s design in action.”

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Thanks to a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and Methodist Village Senior Living, Alzheimer’s residents can now enjoy a new variety of recreational items to enrich their days.

Faculty in the UAFS College of Applied Science and Technology’s 3D printing lab worked with Methodist Village CEO Melissa Curry to develop a set of nuts and bolts created on a 3D printer to aid residents’ cognitive stimulation.

“The faculty at UAFS are deeply skilled, both as educators and as experts in their fields,” said Dr. Terisa Riley, chancellor of UAFS. “It’s exciting to see our mission as a comprehensive regional institution fulfilled in their commitment to serving the citizens of the River Valley through innovative partnerships like these.”

Curry explained the care that goes into selecting items, explaining, “When planning for our Alzheimer’s Special Care Community, we knew it was important to have the right sensory stimulation.”

Throughout the facility, Curry demonstrated experiential centers for painting, gardening, fishing, cooking, and more, all designed with deep intentionality to support memory care residents.

Though the Alzheimer’s Center attempted to replicate sensory activities every patient could relate to, there are many patients who hadn’t spent their

Drones On Call COMMUNITY

PURRFECT RESULTS: Before the day was done, the Moffett Cat had food and drink before, we imagine, she took a nap.

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The Great Moffett Cat Caper When historic flooding hit the Greater Fort Smith region, UAFS students and staff alike pitched in to help, filling sandbags and carting belongings out of threatened homes. The university also participated in a small rescue – small that is unless you were the cat on the hot tin roof.

A small feral cat, you see, was trapped on the hot, corrugated metal roofs at the stockyards in Moffett, surrounded by water as far as the eye could see, without a drop to drink. So the unsung heroes in the Unmanned Aerial Systems program in the College of Applied Science and Technology sprang into action.

It was impossible to effect an

air rescue since no one expected the little mouser to allow herself to be captured by a drone and lofted above the spreading waters of the Arkansas River cat-in-the-cradle style.

So Garry Cude, electronics technology and unmanned aerial systems instructor, and David Pollman fashioned a small basket to tote water and food to the famished feline; then they used a small drone launched from the Garrison Avenue Bridge to deliver the rations to the cat’s rooftop accommodations. What the tabby thought about her room service was not known, but onlookers agreed it was the cat’s meow.

ROOM SERVICE: Drone (left) delivery to our feline friend (right).

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COMMUNITY Shop Alum

Shop Small. Shop Local. Shop Alumni.

AGAIN THIS YEAR, WE OFFER FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION the option to do at least some of your Christmas shopping with UAFS alumni entrepreneurs.

If you are looking for a gift for a business associate or an intimate setting to raise a glass with some friends, UAFS alumni have you covered. Food, drink, trendy boutiques, books, and holsters are all available. If you still aren’t sure what that guy or gal who has everything wants, may we suggest a gift certificate?

Once the holiday crush is behind us, we’ll all be looking for some bright lights in the new year. Remember your alumni friends then, too. Some coffee, a good read, and someone to finally fix that annoying cracked cell phone screen: May your 2020 bring you everything you need.

BOOKISH Jennifer Battles, ’96, and Sara Putman.

LOCATION: 115 N. 10th Street, Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-434-2917; bookishfs.indielite.org

Bookish loves local authors and building the reading community. This November it will feature weekly author events.

Browse for a good book and get

Hand-crafted and meticulously roasted, the coffee and other drinks pair well with madefrom-scratch pastries.

GADGET GRAVE Cole Thornton ’06 LOCATION: 4900 Rogers Ave., Suite 103i, Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-431-6091; GadgetGrave.com

Instead of replacing that glitching phone completely, why not have a local team of professional technicians fix it? Gadget Grave will have its biggest savings of year on Black Friday, Nov. 29; Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30; and Cyber Monday, Dec. 2.

CHAPTERS ON MAIN Debbie Foliart, Alan Foliart, and Christian Westbrook, ’18 LOCATION: 816 Main Street, Van Buren CONTACT INFO: 479-471-9315; ChaptersonMain.com

CARROT DIRT Jessica Parker, ’09, and Brandon Parker, ’09 LOCATION: 4300 Rogers Ave., Suite 32, Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-222-6625; carrotdirt.com

It’s not often eating is both delicious and healthy, but Carrot Dirt accomplishes just that with its completely plant-based drinks and food. Along with in-house smoothies and juices, Carrot Dirt offers special-order holiday pies and desserts. This

holiday season, bring a new tradition to the table.

to know the authors!

SOUTH 28TH BOUTIQUE

FORT SMITH COFFEE COMPANY

Naomi Lee, ’17 and Constance Elmore, ’14 LOCATION: 4300 Rogers Ave., Suite 54, Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-719-2019; South28thBoutique.com

Kaity Gould ’09 and Gabriel Gould, ’08 LOCATION: 1101 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-226-2437; FortSmithCoffeeCo.com

If you have a hard-to-shop-for young lady who wants to set trends, not follow them, check out the unique and chic at South 28th Boutique.

Escape the cold this winter and stop in for a hot cup of coffee. Fort Smith Coffee Company launches its winter menu for the holidays this December.

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When you are shopping on Van Buren’s historic Main Street, stop by Chapters on Main, for a good new or vintage book, and a hot cup of chocolate or coffee or tea, or a latte, or a snack – you get the idea; the coffee bar is as varied as the bookshelves.

CORE PUBLIC HOUSE Jesse Core, ’96 LOCATION: 701 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith CONTACT INFO: 479-755-6633

Core Public House is the perfect place for a drink after work or before a show at the Conven-

Dental Outreach Sometimes life gets hectic in the Dental Hygiene department, but that’s just because the department and its students are so engaged with the community.

Charmaine Stuteville, executive director – Dental Hygiene, explains some of what the students do.

“We provide a community service with the clinic here (on campus),” she said. “We have two full days a week in the fall and three and a half days in the spring where we see patients.”

That’s not all.

“Students provide treatment in internships at the Community Dental Clinic in the spring for three hours a week. We also participate in sealant clinics, children’s clinics, free extractions days, and free oral cancer screenings with the Reynolds Cancer Support House.”

In addition to appearing at health and wellness fairs, the students and faculty participate in several community services events. The department also hosts continuing education programs on campus for the local dental community.

WISH LIST: Santa, who stopped by the Little Lions Meet Santa alumni event last year, will do some of his shopping with UAFS alumni.

“We all just got back from the Arkansas State Dental Hygienists Association,” Stuteville said. “Michelle Perez was our first national student delegate from this program to represent District 6, which

tion Center. Why not take a friend for a holiday libation?

CRYO FORT SMITH Bridget Thompson,’03 and Brian Thompson LOCATION: www.CryoFortSmith.com

Recover, relax, rejuvenate.

Mobile cryotherapy, compression, and red light therapies are available.

CLINGER HOLSTERS Chris Tedder, ’10 LOCATION: cs@ClingerHolsters.com CONTACT INFO: ClingerHolsters.com

If you choose to carry, choose to carry in comfort. Although Clinger Holsters doesn’t have a storefront, on the website, buyers can see holsters in a variety of styles and at a variety of price points. Many holsters are available in two days, all within 10 days.

Fort Smith Popcorn Comp.

encompasses seven states, at the national meeting in Louisville, Ky.,

Casey Millspaugh,’11 LOCATION: FortSmithPopcorn.com CONTACT INFO: 479-441-9533

in June. Two faculty members joined her there.”

With the help of a grant to support and purchase supplies, February’s Extraction Day brought students, professionals, and patients from across the community together to bring relief to 150 patients.

Look for the distinctive black bags in area venues or place an order online. Whether the person you are shopping for is a Dill Pickle or a Strawberry Frosting, the perfect gift awaits.

In addition to UAFS dental hygiene, pre-dental, nursing, surgical technology and radiation technology students, faculty, and administrators, volunteers from the River Valley Dental Association, the dental community, medical students from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, pre-dental students from the University of Central Arkansas, and dental assisting students from Vista College participated.

And if you are going to be visiting the Shops at Brick City – and you know you are – be sure to check out these alumni businesses.

“It was a huge success!” Stuteville said. “We provided more than $80,000 in dental work that day.”

Community members who can take advantage of the services offered by the Dental Hygiene program also benefit from some state-of-the-art equipment.

At the end of the last school year, the Dental Clinic added six

NIXXA’S CHIC BOUTIQUE, boutique and photography, Kendra Tedford, ’19 SCARLET ROSE, boutique, Nicole Woodyard EXPRESSIVE DESIGNS BY BJ, school spirit wear, Brenda Morris, ’86 and Jeff Morris, ’96 BRICK CITY is at 3215 S. 74th St. in Fort Smith; facebook.com/BrickCityShops

new lights and 15 new operator chairs for the clinic, thanks to support from the UAFS Foundation.

A new panoramic X-ray machine will not only allow imaging of a patient’s entire mouth in one shot, but it also will make imaging the mouth possible for patients who cannot open their mouths or have bone or tissue abnormalities that make it hard to insert dental films into their mouths. The new machine also will have images available for viewing sooner. A new training manikin will improve evaluation of students work in using the Xray.

“UAFS not only provides the clinic for student learning. It also provides a great service to our community,” Stuteville said.

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COMMUNITY Home and Abroad

When Fort Smith Was the Wild West

COLLABORATION: Amber Hall, from left, a senior biology major, Shaun Williams, a senior international business major, and Nicole Phillips, a junior business administration major, at the top of the Plovdiv Roman Amphitheatre.

Students Seek Sustainability Solutions small guesthouses and learned about the challenges of balancing biodiversity conservation and the preservation of economic livelihoods.

“Bulgaria has shown me the importance of preserving your culture, investing in local producers, reducing your impact on the environment, appreciating nature, and so much more,” said Nicole Phillips, a junior business administration major from Houston. “I now see that, even though I am only one person, my actions can make a difference.”

Students on the trip represented the College of Business; the College of Health Sciences; the College of Communication, Languages, Arts, and Social Sciences; and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Also accompanying the group was Dr. Tyler Fox, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville.

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ROCK OUT: Dr. Georgia Hale, UAFS provost, kept time while Squirrel Brain Gravy performed at the opening reception of “Territorial Arkansas.”

Arkansas Territory resources of the Arkansas State Archives to local communities throughout the state.”

Presentations through the month featured Catherine Forman-Gray, Cherokee Nation history and preservation officer; Billy Higgins, UAFS associate professor of history; and Tom Wing, UAFS assistant professor and director of the DrennenScott Home.

BAND LADY: The Squirrel Brain Gravy band encouraged onlookers to become music makers at the opening reception of “Territorial Arkansas.”

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In May, 11 UAFS students had the educational experience of a lifetime during an International Studies Maymester course in Bulgaria, under the guidance of Dr. Svetla Dimitrova, assistant professor of sociology at UAFS. The students focused their studies on sustainable development through the course offered by the Myles Friedman Honors Program.

The group visited 11 cities and villages, touring UNESCO World Heritage sites and protected areas and meeting with government officials, environmental and public health organizations, and business leaders to learn about how they are working toward achieving the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals.

The group visited places as diverse as the Black Sea Coast, the Strandja Nature Park, and Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. In Strandja Nature Park, the students stayed in

The Boreham Library at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith hosted the traveling exhibit, “Territorial Arkansas: The Wild Western Frontier,” in September. The exhibition told the story of the Arkansas Territory.

The traveling exhibit consists of 15 panels that explore the history of Arkansas Territory though the collections of the Arkansas State Archives, the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives in Powhatan, and the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives in Washington. An opening reception featured a performance by the Squirrel Brain Gravy band.

“I am very pleased that the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith could share this exhibit with visitors and the community,” stated Dr. Wendy Richter, director of the Arkansas State Archives. “Created to commemorate the bicentennial of Arkansas Territory, this exhibit allows us to bring the incredible

ALUMNI LEGACY

SCHOLARSHIP Support future Lions with a gift or memorial in honor of a loved one to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

admissions.uafs.edu/lionsshare For more information contact Rick Goins, director of Alumni Affairs, 479-788-7026 Prospective students who are the spouse, sibling, or child of an alumnus are eligible to apply.

ATHLETICS Living Life in a Bold Way

Assistant AD Shows Student Athletes What It Means to Previve

In September of 2017, that strength was put to the test, when doctors told Beineke that she carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation. The mutation meant she had an 87 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 54 percent lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, the disease that took her mother’s life when Beineke was just 14.

“I was not prepared to hear those results,” said Beineke. “I thought I was eliminating the

Ultimately I realized that knowledge is power and I should take advantage of modern medicine.

— Katie Beineke

possibility of it being genetic.

I never thought I would be facing this reality.”

When Beineke moved to Fort Smith, she discovered the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance, where she was embraced in her grief at her mother’s loss and found new avenues to help others. It was through Beineke’s efforts on behalf of RVOCA that she learned about genetic testing.

“In the beginning, I didn’t want to know if I had a mutation,” Beineke said. “It’s a lot to process emotionally, but ultimately I realized knowledge is power and that I should take advantage of modern medicine.”

She sat down with a genetic counselor, reviewed her family history, and sent off a blood test.

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16 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

CAROLANN STURGIS

Katie Beineke uses her experience as a former student athlete to empower UAFS athletes to be their best in sports competitions and the classroom, and she uses a recent health challenge to teach them how to live life.

As the assistant athletic director at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Katie Beineke built her career creating environments where both coaches and student-athletes could thrive.

“I know how unique the experience is as a former collegiate athlete myself,” Beineke explained. “I know how dynamic and life-altering it can be, so I strive to make a difference in our students’ lives, serving day in and day out to ensure their experience as Lions is the best it can be.”

Beineke attends student practices and camps, works every game, and accompanies her teams to every tournament, encouraging and supporting them every step of the way.

“Katie means so much to me,” said Rachel Williams, a UAFS volleyball player from Mesquite, Texas. “She’s the first face I see when I walk into the athletics office, and she inspires me every day. She’s the epitome of the woman I aspire to be.

She’s strong, independent, beautiful, and she has a true joy we should all strive to have.”

“The next logical step after processing that I had the mutation was to set up a meeting with a genetic counselor to create a plan of action. She sat me down and took two hours explaining and breaking down my results for me.”

Though initially the pair planned to monitor her health every six months, Beineke quickly realized that wouldn’t work. After her first MRI, she decided to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy at age 30.

“After seeing what my mother went through fighting cancer, I knew that if I had the opportunity to decrease my chances, I had to take it. The statistics showed that the surgery would reduce my 87-percent chance of developing breast cancer to less than 1 percent.”

“There’s no way to prepare mentally,” said Beineke, “but I found solace in the communities I’d built with RVOCA and FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.)” Following other women her age who were both cancer survivors and cancer “previvors” gave her perspective.

“You’re so attached to your breasts,” she said with a smile.

“So much of our identity as women is wrapped up in this part of our bodies, so much of our beauty and self-acceptance, but when I saw these women who had gone through the [mastectomy] process living their lives with such exuberance and passion, I felt comforted. I had a moment, surrounded by people

Running Over the Line

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith cross country teams kicked off the fall 2019 season with a perfect showing in the Fort Smith invitational.

RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

Senior Kandace Young set the pace in the women’s

like me, where I realized that I could do it.”

After deciding to proceed with the mastectomy, Beineke faced another task: informing her work colleagues.

“I was so lucky to have the support of my UAFS family,” she explained. “The way they supported my health decisions meant the world. I have a boss who fully supported my time away and empowered me on this journey, and my colleagues were behind me all the way.”

“I never feared that I might have to choose between my health and my career,” she said.

“I had utter support, true, genuine support, and that’s powerful. That’s what makes UAFS special.”

In November 2018, doctors performed the surgery, and following a month’s recovery, she was ready to get back to work.

“My family was my caregivers, and my sweet stepmom was a rock star to whom I will forever be grateful,” she said. “And my dad is truly the strongest person I’ve ever known.”

A year out from the surgery, Beineke says she’s found a new normal. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I am healthy, and I don’t have to worry.”

She is still considering options to face her increased risk of ovarian cancer. “Doctors recommend removal of the ovaries and complete hysterectomy by age 40,” she explained.

As fall sports geared up, student-athletes flocked to her office, more amazed than ever at her strength, asking advice and leaning in to learn from a woman who inspires then.

— Rachel Rodeman Putman

five-kilometer competition, earning individual honors with a time of 20:52. Freshman Kari Sosa and Junior Morgan Fagen finished second and third with respective times of 22:01.01 and 22:20.08. Senior Cami Hedstrom finished fourth with a time of 22:31.3 while Freshman Megan Thompson rounded out the field at fifth finishing with a time of 22:58.6.

Senior Will Phillips earned the individual title in the men’s eight-kilometer competition running the race in 28:30.2.

Freshman Shad Cates and Senior Oliver Perez finished second and third with respective times of 30:08 and 30:22.4. Freshman Nathaniel Gonzalez finished fourth with a time of 31:19.2 while Alfredo Gallegos, also a freshman, finished fifth with a time of 31:33.5.

Four Enter Hall of Fame On April 14, UAFS welcomed four new members to its Lions Athletics Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at the Stubblefield Center.

The 2019 Hall of Fame Class is Sonny Weems, a former men’s basketball player; Heidi Luks-Stojanovic, a former volleyball player; Mary Beth Sudduth, a longtime athletics booster, friend of the program, and former university administrator; and Louis Whorton, former women’s basketball coach.

Fan-favorite Weems, ’06, was known for his flying dunks but also shone as a defender.

He played for the Lions from 2004-2006, and as a sophomore he was ranked the No. 1 junior college player in the country

by Rivals.com and Street & Smith’s magazine. He played two seasons at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, and he played professionally for the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Luks-Stojanovic, ’13, led UAFS to an 87-15 overall

win-loss record and a 32-4 regular-season record against conference opponents over three years at NCAA Division II level. “She sets the bar for all others and is arguably the best player ever to wear a UAFS uniform and play in the Heartland Conference,” said UAFS volleyball coach Jane Sargent.

Suddeth has been a friend of the athletics department for more than 20 years, working behind the scenes to support players with meals, snacks, and honors and contributing financially to help make UAFS golf and tennis realities. The former administrator was a key figure in the institution’s move

from a community college to a four-year university.

Whorton, who studied at Westark Community College starting in 1971, coached the Lady Lions basketball team for 30 years, starting in 1986.

During 23 seasons at the junior college level, he compiled a record of 538-195 for an average of 23 wins per season. His junior college teams had 16 20-win seasons and six 30-win seasons.

He led teams to an Arkansas JUCO Conference championship, three Arkansas State Tournament championships, seven Bi-State East Conference championships, and seven Region II championships.

FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 17

HELLO FOR

SELFIE: New Chancellor Terisa C. RIley marks her time with the Student Alumni Association with a photo.

18 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

RT SMITH W

hen Dr. Terisa C. Riley, UAFS’s new chancellor, appeared on campus, she was wearing heels, but mere mortals trying to keep up with her are advised to wear their running shoes. In her first two months on campus, she addressed the faculty and staff, members of the class of 2023, other students, alumni, the UAFS Foundation Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and moms and dads bringing their suddenly grown-up children to campus.

FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 19

THE BLUES: Even the sky is UAFS blue when Dr. Riley steps out on campus.

Dr. Riley likes to interact with students and community members.

Every day allows her to meet new people willing to share their visions of the university and its role in the community.

“The community support for UAFS is really special. People are proud to have an affiliation with a university with this quality, these faculty members, with these awesome students. ” —Dr. Terisa C. Riley 20 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

She also wants to know what they see for the future. Whether she is talking to the combined faculty and staff, the UAFS Foundation Board of Directors, or the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Riley asks for buy-in to the university’s mission. And she asks for ideas about how the university can reach more potential students and better fulfill its obligations to the students already enrolled.

“I am so excited when I see the new year unfolding and consider all the people committed to our students’ success.” —Dr. Terisa C. Riley WELCOME HOME: Dr. RIley entered into the festivities on Move-in Day, sharing experiences parent to parent.

FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 21

Single parents often juggle work, child-rearing, and classes.

But they don’t have to do it alone as long as the Single Parent Scholarship Fund and UAFS are there to help.

Helping single parents to earn a degree changes everything

MONEY MATTERS Everybody agrees it’s not about the money, but in truth the money is important.

Most single parents who want to improve not just their own lives, but the lives of their families through education need some help. They need lots of help, but being able to pay tuition is the vital first step.

So let’s start there.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is there to help.

The River Valley region covers Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, and Johnson counties. Students, who all participate in interviews with volunteer evaluators, can receive $900 per semester if they attend full-time and $450 if they attend half-time.

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is also there to help. SPSF students who attend UAFS and maintain a 2.5 grade point average will get an additional 25 percent from the UAFS Foundation. Once students receive the scholarship, they can reapply every semester.

“Once you’re in, you’re in,” said Abbie Taylor Cox, development manager. “You get first access to resources; you get first pick. We wrap around you all the way through. Just keep your grades up.”

That brings us to the really important stuff: the way SFPS wraps around students and loves them through the program.

“To me, it’s about the relationships,” said Sandra Nelson, program

SPRING FALL| |SUMMER WINTER 2019 2018 THE BELL TOWER 25 23

Sometimes You Need a Do-over Carrie Terry spends her days working as a community impact coordinator at the United Way of Fort Smith Area. Then she goes home to take care of her four children, 8, 10, 11, and 15. Each comes with the full complement of kid things: sports, dance, band, homework, and social life. After they go to bed, Terry has time to rest and take care of herself. She does that by catching up on her homework as she completes a degree at UAFS. That’s not the only time she does homework; she also does it on weekends and during ballgames.

With understatement, she said, “It takes a lot of time management.”

This is Terry’s second swing at getting a degree. She started right out of high school and continued even after she got pregnant. She soon realized she didn’t have enough time with her daughter when she was working full time and going to school. So she dropped out of college.

But her grandmother always told her she needed a degree, and with the encouragement of her boss Eddie Lee Herndon, president of Fort Smith’s United Way, and the support of Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, she’s making good on that wish.

She already has completed an associate degree and is working on a bachelor’s degree.

She grew emotional recently when asked what she might want to tell donors who support the scholarship fund.

“I would say it’s important to believe in us,” she said as her eyes filled. “It’s important that you can see the potential in someone we can’t even see in ourselves.”

Even with the false starts, Terry is proud of the life she is modeling for her children. “’Never give up,’ I tell them. ‘Even though bumps happen, you can still follow through.’”

manager. She’s in charge of “all things student,” Cox said.

“We interview all the students every year in the fall,” Nelson said. “They come in looking like they’ve lost their best friend; they have little or no self-confidence. Within that year, there is such a change. They start gaining confidence in their abilities. Whatever in their past stole their pride, we give it back.”

Single parents working for degrees often have to overcome psychological or emotional barriers as well as economic ones.

“A lot of the single parents have been told they are less,” Nelson said. “They’ve been told repeatedly that they are too dumb or too old or it’s just too hard. It’s hard, all right, but not too hard. They need to want it, but if they are willing to work, we’re willing to help them.”

Thomas Howard, a 32-year-old UAFS student with a 4-year-old daughter, agrees they are willing to help.

“They are there to support me,” he said.

“The most important part of the scholarship is having that support and knowing I could call Abbie at any time for any reason. She would help me get through anything.”

Carrie Terry, a 35-year-old mother of four also attending UAFS, said the scholar-

Whatever in their past stole their pride, we give it back.

— Sandra Nelson

24 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

FRIENDS: SPSF award recipient Carrie Terry said she and Sandra Nelson touch base every week.

ship money helped her buy a laptop and pay tuition for her summer courses. But she also said she talks to Nelson “at least a couple of times every week.”

She also has lots of other help, from her sister, her children’s father, and a supportive fiancé.

“There’s no way I could do it on my own,” she said. “My daughter even helps me with my homework.”

DADDY’S GIRL: Thomas Howard credits help from SPSF and from his parents for his ability to work, study, and raise his daughter Analeigh.

I Want to Make My Daughter Proud Thomas Howard loves spending time with his 4 (almost 5)-year-old daughter Analeigh doing things like eating pizza and ice cream. They also have been to the River Valley Nature Center, and as a special He also works at Gadget Grave, and he’s finishing a degree in marketing. It’s a haul. “I couldn’t do it without my parents,” Howard

Fund gives Howard a special pride.

“The scholarship recognizes the hard work by other single parents and me, facing the obstacles of trying to work and go back to school

said. “It’s like my mom is her mom.”

At Gadget Grave he covers a territory that takes him from Northwest Arkansas to Poteau to Booneville. But when he’s in the

ELLIOT NEMETH

“I’m the guy who can talk to the everyday customer in a way they can understand,” he said, knowing exactly how valuable that skill is.

Going to school with the help of the Single Parent Scholarship

treat, they went to Destin, Fla., this summer.

Nelson said she typically talks to students at least once a month, sometimes more often.

“I know what resources are available at the different campuses so that I can direct students to tutoring. With UAFS students, I make sure they get connected with services for nontraditional students. We are fortunate to have (UAFS Dean of Students) Dave Stevens on our board.”

This semester 31 students at UAFS received the Single Parent Scholarship. Those who keep their GPAs at 2.5 or above will get the match, which Nelson said sometimes comes as a nice surprise.

Nelson talks about an SPSF student success. “She wanted a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing): single parent, food stamps, HUD (housing assistance) the whole nine

store, he fills a very special niche.

and still care for your child. I want to be the kind of father (Analeigh) will be proud of.”

yards. Now she works in a big hospital and just broke ground on a new home. Stories like that make the difference.”

Cox agrees.

“It’s not just what this program does for the students; it’s what it does for the whole community. It has a multi-generational effect.

Their children say, ‘We always have food now. We always have a lunch to take.’ We help them in their job search, and that makes them more likely to stay here.

“These single parents are healthier, and their children are healthier.

“It changes everything.”

SUPPORT: Abbie Cox and Thomas Howard discuss the trip Thomas and Analeigh took before the semester started.

SPRING FALL||SUMMER WINTER 2019 2018 THE BELL TOWER 25

G

raduates of the dental hygiene and imaging sciences programs know what it’s like to be No. 1.

“Graduates in those programs achieved yet again this year a 100 percent pass rate that is the result of the consistent excellence of their programs,” said Dr. Ron Darbeau, the interim dean of the College of Health Sciences.

This is no outlier.

“The pass rate on the national boards reflects the strength of our program,” said Angie Elmore, executive director – Imaging Sciences. “Students are not just passing the board examination with the minimum score, but their scores are well above the national average. This is a reflection on the quality of our students as well as the quality of the program.

It also shows current and prospective students that we provide them with the education they need to be a successful radiographer.”

Dental hygiene students are equally successful.

“We have had 100 percent success rate on the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination since the first graduating class in 2001,” said Charmaine Stuteville, executive director – Dental Hygiene. “Our students are all employed by the time they receive their licensure in the state of their choice.”

“Not only do we have program of excellences, but we also have programs with high retention and a high passrate,” said Dr. Lynn Korvick, the associate dean of the College of Health Sciences.

PROGRAMS E

26 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

Dental Hygiene and Imaging Sciences Students Start with an Advantage

of EXCELLENCE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

“In academia, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

The explanation is simple, Korvick said.

“Our faculty are dedicated to student success.

They invest in our students, and because of the size of the programs, they can reap the benefits of a competitive entrance. So you not only have students who want to be successful, you have students who have already demonstrated success. We really do get to select from the best for a strong cohort of students and dedicated faculty. That is a recipe for success.”

Dedicated faculty is important, but cutting edge equipment also helps give students an advantage on board exams and in job placement.

To keep up that standard, both Dental Hygiene and Imaging Sciences are getting new equipment.

Imaging Sciences is getting a C Arm digital radiography machine, a portable X-ray machine that can be especially useful in an operating suite, Korvick said.

“Both the surgical tech and radiography programs will use it,” she said.

The dental hygiene students will now be able to learn how to use a panoramic machine with hands-on experience. The machine can capture a patient’s entire mouth in one image.

ADVANTAGE: Students in imaging sciences and dental hygiene benefit from a strong faculty and up-to-date equipment.

SPRING FALL| |SUMMER WINTER 2018 2019 THE BELL TOWER 25 27

ALUMNI

SOUND CHECK

Logistics, with a Side of Tunes

and connections.

Clayton attributes his ability to move to the next level to his marketing degree from UAFS. “From where I’m at right now, I owe everything to UAFS,” he said.

PEACEMAKER: Alumnus JD Clayton, ‘18, brought his style of music to the Peacemaker Festival this summer.

By his senior year, Clayton knew many community leaders and mentors to guide him along the way. In fact, he still gets breakfast with his mentor from the UAFS Mentor Connections Program. In mentor connections he was teamed with marketing whiz Jeremy May and advertising executive Fred Williams.

His long term dream is to start his own record label where he can manage and produce his own music and sign on other artists. And he doesn’t limit that to musicians alone. He wants a place where artists, including writers, photographers, and videographers can work within same company.

“I’m not in any realm to be teaching people,” he said. “But I could probably type up a pretty good guideline of what I did to get where I’m at, and maybe help others achieve the same thing I did.”

Clayton not only wanted to establish himself as an artist but help others following in his footsteps.

“To any artist, I’d say, it’s really, really hard, and it’s supposed to be hard,” he said. “If it wasn’t “A lot of artists that are

hard, everybody else would be

JD Clayton has come a long way

based in Fort Smith that directly

from watching his dad strum

manages transportation and

independent, like Chance the

able to do it. So you have to do

guitar and sneaking to play his

logistics for some of the largest

Rapper, were able to reach

your absolute very best every

sister’s piano.

companies in the U.S. His job at

global fame, but there’s a lot of

single day, wake up and grind

Propak enables him to maintain a

independent artists that will never

it out.”

“Smoke Out The Fire,” and he

regular income while developing

be able to do that because they

recently performed in the 2019

his art. His trips home let him keep

just don’t have the infrastructure

many festivals as he can, starting

Fort Smith Peacemakers Festival.

one foot in Fort Smith and one

in their business to reach that

locally and then branching out. He

foot in Music City.

many people,” he said.

planned to perform at the Outlier

In 2018 he released his EP

When he isn’t creating or

As he moves forward with his

To develop that infrastruc-

’18, works in Nashville, Tenn., at

art, Clayton is determined to re-

ture in the music industry, he

Propak Logistics, a company

main an independent musician.

explained, artists need marketing

28 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

Festival in downtown Fort Smith.

— Sage Mackin

HELI MISTRY

performing music, Clayton,

Clayton plans to perform at as

News & Notes ALUMNI

Drop Us a Line

Denver Museum of Natural His-

married Lindsay

Andrews, ’14,

Please take a moment to tell

tory (1990-1998), was honored by

Wright on Aug.15,

announced their

your former classmates and us

colleagues and former students

2019.

engagement and

what’s been going on since you

from around the world in person

Jacob Atchley, ’09, is

plans to be married

left UAFS, Westark, or Fort Smith

and via video when he retired as

a senior IT developer

Junior College. Tell us about your

Willis McDonald IV senior and

at Firebend.

Nycole Oliver, ‘10, was selected

job, your family, your hobbies,

founding curator of the Draper

Bridget (Bowen) Thompson, ’03,

as one of the Arkansas Center

your adventures, your plans –

Natural History Museum, in

with her husband, Brian Thomp-

for Nursing’s 40 Nurse Leaders

whatever you want to share with

Cody, Wyo., on Dec. ’14, 2018. In

son owns Beach Bum Tan and

under 40 for 2019. The recogni-

other alumni.

retirement he will hold the titles

CryoSpa Fort Smith. She also

tion identifies, celebrates and

Feel free to include a photo

of senior scientist and curator

owns BPW Payroll Service in

encourages exemplary dedica-

(highest resolution, please). Then

emeritus at the Draper and will

Van Buren.

tion and leadership in the nursing

make sure we have your full name

continue to conduct ecological

Tara Muck, ’03, was included on

profession.

now, the name you used when

research in Greater Yellowstone

the Talk Business and Politics

Daniel Fudge, ’12, finished his

you were here if it’s different,

during summers. He and his wife,

Forty under 40 list.

Ph.D. in political science at the

and the year you graduated or

Penny, will spend winters in their

Brandon and Jessica Parker,

University of Mississippi at Oxford

attended classes. Email your class

home near Lake Fort Smith.

both ’09, plan to open a second

where he works as an instruc-

note to alumni@uafs.edu or mail

location of their business Carrot

tional assistant professor.

it to Alumni Affairs, UAFS, P.O.

1990s

on April 5, 2019.

Dirt Organics at Heritage Vil-

Kaci Singer, ’12, and Jake Collins

Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913.

Shawna Burgess, ’98,

lage on the Arkansas Colleges

Or stop in to see us in the office

has joined Arvest

of Health Education campus at

exchanged wedding

at Grand Avenue and Waldron

Bank as a business

Chaffee Crossing.

vows in Fort Smith on

Road.

development of-

DJ Hurlocker, ’08, was named

ficer in the Business

creative director for The Richland

Serena Her, ’17, graduated with

July 13, 2019.

1970s

Resource Center in the Arvest

Group, a digital marketing and

a master’s degree in human re-

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Preston, ’72,

Tower.

design company in Fayetteville.

sources workforce development

formerly a tenured professor of biology at UALR (1982-1989),

2000s

2010s

and chairman of Zoology at the

Rham Nick Cunningham, ’01,

Lauren Brown, ’18, and Brad

from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in May. Hannah Meadows, ’17, has joined OK Foods

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Preston

as a corporate marketing strategist.

Chukwukere Ekeh, ’15, has written and published a digital children’s book, “Dreams Bigger than a Bathroom Window.” It can be downloaded at smashwords.com/books/ view/935343.

Nina Vu Matlock, ’17, and her husband, Matthew, welcomed their first daughter, Magnolia Vu Matlock on May 2, 2019.

Sierra Bryant, ’12, and her husband, Brent, welcomed twins, Lavyn Emerson Buckler and Jace Buckler on May 4, 2019.

FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 29

ALUMNI News & Notes

Albert Spanel, ’18,

design at New Mexico State

MBA from Harding

promoted to machine learning

married Courtney

University in Las Cruses in 2012.

University in May.

engineer at Nielsen.

Vines on May 4,

She is pursuing a master’s degree

Ashley Hill, ’10,

Timothy Walthall, ’17, is now

2019.

at Georgia State University in

graduated with a

office manager at AeroCare Hold-

Lindsey Dillard, ’18,

Atlanta where she teaches the

master’s degree in

ings, Inc. He also is pursuing a

graduated with

graphic design survey course.

reading from Northeastern State

master’s degree in organizational

a master’s in ac-

Chance Locklear, ’14, completed

in Tahlequah, Okla.

leadership at Evangel University

counting from

his final exam and is now working

Allie Wilson, ’16, started in a

in Springfield, Mo.

the Kelley School of Business at

as a CPA at Lawrence, Schluter-

new position as Ambulatory

Kayla Kamp, ’14, accepted a

Indiana University in May and

man, & and Schwartz.

Sales Representative at MedLine

position as a planning analyst at

moved to New York City to work

Carlos Ceron, ’15, was named the

Industries.

ArcBest.

for Ernst & Young. She mar-

UAFS School of Education Out-

Steven Stone, ’19, started in a

Sarah Balow, ’18, has joined the

ried Chase Kamden Boyd, ’17,

standing Alumnus. In fall 2019,

new position as a graduate assis-

staff of the Future School of Fort

on June 29, 2019. Chase Boyd is

he will be an assistant principal

tant at the University of Arkansas

Smith as an adjunct professor of

a programmer analyst at Pace

at Butterfield Trail Middle School.

at Fayetteville.

personal finance for the 2019-

Industries.

He taught math at the Northridge

Logan Emery, ’17, is a new Farm-

2020 academic year.

Valentina Caver, ’10, completed

Middle School.

ers Insurance business owner.

Annsley Garner, ‘15, graduated as

a bachelor’s degree in graphic

Spencer Hart, ’15, received his

Kimberly Sayavongsa, ’12, was

Dr. Garner from the UAMS School

AND THE WINNERS ARE

the scholarships of $500 per semester. Students continuing at the

Legacy Endowment Grows

university next year can apply for the scholarship again.

T

“We want to show how much we value our alumni, what they did here, and what they have done for the community since they gradu-

he University of Arkansas — Fort Smith Alumni Association

ated,” Alumni Director Rick Goins said. “Helping their family members

awarded three $1,000 scholarships through the Alumni Legacy

get the same great education is the goal of this scholarship.”

Scholarship Endowment this year.

Because of a growing endowment, the UAFS Foundation was able

The biggest annual fundraiser for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship is June’s Roarin’ on the River Low Country Shrimp Boil, an extravaganza

to make three awards to students related to previous graduates of the

of Cajun cooking, outdoor bean bag rivalry, and long-term friendship

university from any era.

and networking. This year’s event raised $20,000, Goins said.

Luke Cravey, below left, Courtney Oliver, and Charles Shue received

“We are proud of the money we raised and proud we were able to award three scholarships this year,” Goins said. “But we had 57 legacy applications and only three scholarships. I’d like to see the number of awards come closer to the number of applications.”

To learn more about the Alumni Legacy Scholarship endowment, please contact the Alumni Association at (479) 788-7920.

30 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

News & Notes ALUMNI

of Medicine in May

account manager at Weldon,

Pointe Insurance in Fort Smith.

teaching seventh and eighth

2019. She will do her

Williams and Lick.

Shanice McFerran, ’16, has

grade math for Alma School

residency in anesthe-

Lisa Roam, ’13, is a law clerk at

accepted a position at Waldron

District.

sia at UAMS in Little

Arkansas Legal Services.

Public Schools as a middle school

Austin Smithers, ’18, is teaching

Rock.

Kaitlin Holland, ’19, is a graphic

band and general music teacher.

history at Mena High School.

Nawar Hudefi, ’15,

designer at The Richland Group.

She will assist with the Waldron

Brayden McKeown, ’19, is a

graduated as Dr.

Kayley Corley, ’17, is a legislative

High School Band.

special education teacher at Belle

Hudefi from UAMS

correspondent for Rep. Bruce

School of Medicine in

Westerman, Fourth District of

Christopher Howard, ’15, is associate

May 2019. She will do

Arkansas, in Washington, D.C.

general counsel

Emerson, both ’16,

her residence in vascular surgery

She earned a masters of public

with Zoe’s Kitchens

welcomed their

at Baylor Medical Center.

service and administration de-

in Plano, Texas.

daughter Amelia Ann

Suzi Emery McClain, ’10, of

gree from Texas A&M University

Daysi Rosales, ‘17, is marketing

Jenny Lind was a state finalist

in May. While at UAFS, Kayley

campaign and CX project lead at

for the 2019 Kathy Cox

served as a John Paul Hammer-

ArcBest.

Constance and Kent

Elementary Educator Merit

schmidt Fellow in the office of

Jade Vinson, ’13, is an advance

Elmore, both ’14,

Award from the Professional

Third District Rep. Steve Wom-

practice nurse at Camp Interven-

announced the arrival

Oklahoma Educators Foundation.

ack.

tional Pain and Associates.

She is a pre-K teacher at Keota

Katie Kidwell, ’12, is a clinical

Irvin Martinez, ’15, is a benefit

daughter FInnlee, on Aug. 8,

Elementary School in Oklahoma.

specialist with Medtronic in Fay-

administrator at Tyson Foods.

2019, at 7 pounds, 15 ounces,

She received her award at the

etteville. She is engaged to marry

Ben Smith, ’14, is in business

19.5 inches.

Excellence in Education Awards

Jordan Donmoyer.

development at CaseStack.

Lachelle Rolandelli, ’16, became

Banquet at The Petroleum Club

Kenny Whitehead, ’16, joined

Raven Crowden, ’13, is a human

engaged to Kaleb Warden on

in Oklahoma City.

Hubbs, Belcher, and Company in

resources generalist at the Area

Aug. 19 at Roxborough State

Irvin Martinez, ’15, is a benefits

Van Buren as a partner in 2019.

Agency on Aging.

Park, outside Littleton, Colo.

administrator at Tyson Foods.

He was included in NWA Business

Naomi Showl, ’12, is a project

Stephanie Longley Waack ’12,

Brian Williams,

Journal’s Fast 15 for 2019.

management engineer at ArcBest

was recently promoted to

’05, and wife

Katie Burgess, ’17, was rec-

Technologies.

assistant LPG controller – NEMA

Chelsie Williams

ognized as one of the top 20

Jake Waddle, ’10, is a data scien-

US at ABB.

welcomed Cora

Novice Teachers in Oklahoma.

tist at Firebend.

Djorde Stojanovic, ’19, is a staff

Michelle Wil-

She teaches 10th grade English

Justin Cowgur, ’10, is a senior re-

accountant at ArcBest.

liams on May

and coaches varsity and junior

plenishment manager at Walmart.

Connor Johnson, ’18, is an

28, 2019. She was 7 pounds, 14

high cheer at McAlester Public

Grant Gash, ’16, is teaching sev-

insurance agent for AFLAC.

ounces and 21 inches.

Schools.

enth grade math at Will Rogers

Brittany Potts, ’15, was promoted

Ashley Reed, ’11, has been

Hayden Payne, ’14, is a recruit-

Junior High School.

to branch manager at J.B. Hunt.

promoted to vice president of

ment staffing coordinator at

Katherine Kallman, ’18, is teach-

Christopher Wemmerus, ’17,

Citizens Bank & Trust in Van

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in

ing sixth and seventh grade math

has accepted a position as a

Buren, and she is the commercial

April.

at Jacksonville Middle School in

reconciliation accountant 1 at

loan officer at the Alma branch.

Blake Hansen, ’14, was promoted

central Arkansas.

Arvest Bank in Lowell.

She has attended the Arkansas

to chassis manager II at J.B. Hunt.

Dejah Stephens, ’10, was named

Daniel Scamardo, ’19, is a bank

Bankers Association and the

Tilisa Anderson, ‘16, has ac-

a regional finalist for Arkansas

operations specialist for Celerit

Consumer Lending School. She

cepted a new position as virtual

Teacher of the Year. She teaches

Technologies in Little Rock.

serves on the Abilities Unlimited

librarian with Ashford University,

fifth and sixth grade language

Kallie Tanner, ’14, completed her

board.

a totally online university based

arts and social studies at Orr

master of public administration

LaTonya Loredo, ’15, is a

in San Diego starting in July 2019.

Elementary in Fort Smith.

degree at the University of

customer service supervisor at

Markie Dean Garner, ’19, is teach-

Morgan Kratts, ’17, a UAFS

Arkansas at Fayetteville in August

Spartan Logistics.

ing English at Siloam Springs

admissions officer earned a mas-

2018. She works as a project

Bre Grady, ’18, is a traveling

High School for the upcoming

ter’s degree in higher education

manager for Garland, Texas.

surgical technologist at Fusion

academic year.

– adult learning from Southern

Medical Staffing.

Austin Fleer, ’19, is a commercial

Arkansas University.

MacKenzie Mullikin, ’18, is an

accounts manager with Cross

Taylor Grizzle Smith, ’13, is

Point Center in Fort Smith.

Victoria and Dustin

Emerson on Aug. 16, 2019, at 7 pounds, 15 ounces.

of their first child,

FALL | WINTER 2019 THE BELL TOWER 31

ALUMNI News and Notes

ALUMNI NEWS

Grad Seeks Love on Asian TV

W

celebrity status in the capital of his home country, Ho arrived at UAFS eager to grow as a person and experience all that higher education and America had to offer.

“It was UAFS that gave me the opportunity to study abroad, and that to me was a life-changing experience.

For the first time in my life, I was able to see what the other side of the world was like with my own eyes, experience and interact with new people in different languages,” Ho said.

“The four years that I was at UAFS, I became more confident, more open to new possibilities and more ready to voice my opinions. Being exposed to both my own and a new culture really

32 THE BELL TOWER FALL | WINTER 2019

prepared me for everything that life has to offer.”

When he isn’t on television, Ho uses his graphic design education daily in his work as a senior digital designer and photographer in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. “It’s dynamic and ever changing. Being a creative, repetition is my worst fear, so being in an agency allows me to do something different each passing day.”

Working in the advertising field, Ho has encountered limitless new opportunities and challenges, taking them all in stride. “The possibilities are endless,” he said.

“Jason was an exceptional and conscientious student and designer,” added Colin

McLain, department head and associate professor in Art and Graphic Design at UAFS. “He took pride in the work he did, handled critical feedback well and strived for constant improvement in his work.”

“At UAFS I was able to be a part of a community far bigger and more meaningful than I had ever hoped for,” Ho said. “I’m proud that I now have stories to tell, memories to cherish, friends to remember and a place where I can be thankful for helping me discover my true self.”

The full episode of the show can be viewed at: https://youtu. be/-w6bEkNzhDo

RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

hen Quan “Jason” Ho began his studies at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in 2013, he told friends his exceptional English skills were thanks to not only his voracious desire to learn, but also his love of American television. Now Ho is the star of a Vietnamese reality television show.

During the latest episode of Who Is That?, Ho’s talent and confidence earned the affection of the female lead, Mai Suong. “She is the muse of my creation,” said Ho, after having earned a bouquet and a green light for an elaborately choreographed sword performance.

Though he is now earning

CELEBRATION TIME: Jason receives his degree at UAFS.

Giving may be easier than you think.

There are ways you can support the university today while still providing for your family and preserving your assets for retirement.

For more information on how to create a lasting legacy, please visit uafslegacy.org or contact us at 479-788-7033.

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Office of Planned Giving

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ALWAYS A LION: HOMECOMING FEBRUARY 24-29

RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

REUNITE: Watch for information about this year’s homecoming reunion and the special reunion for members of UAFS’s Panhellenic societies.