THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
v oic es
FALL 2014, VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
ALLISON FAMILY GIFT SEE PAGE 21
Let ‘em hear ya HOWL! One of the first events of A-State’s fall semester is the Order of the Pack pep rally to induct the freshman class of students into the Red Wolves family. Here, members of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority show their Pack Pride in Centennial Bank Stadium during Order of the Pack.
in this issue: 10 90 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED
FEATURES:
18 100 YEARS OF A-STATE ALUMNI
20 NCAA RECOGNIZES BOWLING’S FOOTBALL
21 ALLISON FAMILY GIFT APR SUCCESS
04 STUDENT PROFILE PROFILES:
06 CAMPUS PROFILE N’Deea Lee
08 ALUMNI PROFILE Terry Mohajir
John Woodside
02 MY VOICE DEPARTMENTS:
Rich Carvell, Jr., President ASU Alumni Association
28 THE LAST WORD
Beth Smith, Executive Director of ASU Alumni Association Click to see 2014 sorority members receive their bids
voices | 01
In this digital issue, click where you see
to view a video.
my voice: RICH CARVELL, JR. ‘91
vo ices The Magazine of Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association EXECUTIVE EDITOR - BETH SMITH EDITOR - DIANA MONROE
For the past year, I have had the honor to serve as the president of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Our mission is to support Arkansas State University and its mission to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and enrich lives. As president, I have the privilege during commencement to induct the new graduates into the
DESIGN - MARY R. WILLIAMS
PRINTING - A-STATE PRINTING SERVICES
ASU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - RICH CARVELL JR. '91
VICE PRESIDENT - CHARISSE QUARLES CHILDERS '88
SECRETARY-TREASURER - MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76 PAST PRESIDENT - CHARLOTTE LUTES RAZER ‘86
Alumni Association. As I witness the recognition of their years of work and successful effort to complete their degree, I am reminded of some great achievements we have experienced this year. • For the third consecutive year, we have admitted the most academically talented freshman class in our history. • We have broken ground on a satellite campus in Mexico and are pursuing a College of Osteopathic Medicine for the Jonesboro campus. • US News and World Report ranked the online MBA program within the College of Business as one of the top 15 in the country. • The football team won a second consecutive bowl game, the women’s basketball team won a conference title and the bowling and rugby teams advanced to their national championships. • The Alumni Association awarded more than $80,000 in license plate scholarships to incoming freshmen and current students. When you live in Arkansas and make the
CHANCELLOR - DR.
JOHN BAINE '97
JOY BAXTER MURPHY '92
RUSTY CHAMBERS '89
MELANIE BRYANT POSEY '00
BRANDI HINKLE '98
PAUL ROWTON ‘98
LYNN SITZ HOWERTON '90
BOB SCHOENBORN ‘67
BOB MCCUISTON '65
STEVEN SIGSBY '72
JOE MILES '74
MARK WEBB '89
RICK MILES '78
NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS '83
BRANDON MORRIS ‘70
MIKE WILLIAMS '92
DALE MORRIS '70
PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ‘96
TIM LANGFORD ‘84 - EX OFFICIO TIM HUDSON
VICE CHANCELLOR - DR. JASON PENRY, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
decision to have the official Red Wolf license plate, you drive to help these students succeed. • The building debt on the Cooper Alumni Center was paid off after only five years. Now, the Cooper Alumni Center truly belongs to the alumni of Arkansas State! • This year will mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the ASU Alumni Association in 1924. Join us Homecoming Weekend as we celebrate this in true 1920s style! These achievements and so many others serve as a humbling reminder to me of the proud legacy of Arkansas State. Please know I am doing my very best to sustain that legacy for future graduates. You can join me in this effort by becoming a 1924 Sustaining Life Member of the Association. This special program will ensure the Alumni Association can provide programming for alumni and will support the Cooper Alumni Center. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 870-972-2586 or alumni@astate.edu for more information. Go Red Wolves!
Rich Carvell, Jr. President, ASU Alumni Association
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - BETH SMITH ’82
DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ’05 DIRECTOR, ANNUAL FUND - ELAINE POYNTER ’01
DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ’05
DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
Voices is published three times a year by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Subscriptions are available through membership in the A-State Alumni Association. Single issues are available for $6 each. Editorial offices are located in the Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our telephone number is (870) 972-2586 and our fax number is (870) 972-2039. MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES ASU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467
WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org
EMAIL: alumni@AState.edu
A
s a friend or alumnus of A-State, you know what it takes to become a Red Wolf.
With our highest-caliber student body ever, multiple conference championships and our groundbreaking research, we exemplify what it means to lead the way in higher education.
We want your help in identifying the next generation of Red Wolves, those students who are eager to discover themselves and their life’s passions. Your role is simple. Drop us a line or give us a call with contact information for a high school student you believe should be a part of Red Wolves Nation. We’ll take it from there.
Call 870.972.2782 or email us at Recruitment@AState.edu
EDUCATING LEADERS | ENHANCING INTELLECTUAL GROWTH | ENRICHING LIVES
student PROFILE N’DEEA LEE
Learn more about N’Deea Lee’s A-State experience here: fall 2014 | 04
A
rkansas State University senior N’Deea Lee of Pine Bluff wasn’t
During her time as an A-State student, Lee has held leadership positions in
necessarily searching for a scholarship opportunity. Her mother was––
several organizations and activities on campus, including national
for N’Deea’s younger sister.
communications coordinator for the National Residence Hall Honorary, junior representative in the Honors College Association, general manager of
“My mom came across this opportunity and said I should apply, so I did,” Lee
audio production at KASU and news director for Red Wolf Radio, the
explained. “They let me know I was selected in late April of this year.”
student-run internet radio station.
Lee was named this year’s recipient of the LIN Media 2014 Minority
“As soon as I could, I was given the chance to get involved with ASU-TV
Broadcast Scholarship and Training Program, an award that is given to a single
during my first semester of freshman year,” Lee said. “I continued to work
recipient in the U.S. each year. In addition to the scholarship award, Lee, a creative media production major in the College of Media and Communication, earned handson broadcast training this summer at WPRI-TV, a CBS affiliate located in Providence, Rhode Island. She also received $10,000 in scholarship
with them until I became more involved with the
“THERE WERE SOME
R E A L LY AWESOME
PROFESSORS WHO
funds for her senior year.
WERE REALLY
“While the media industry continues to evolve at
INTERESTED
a rapid pace, our scholarship and internship
IN MY CAREER.”
radio sector of the college. I am so glad to have had the preparation and practice to prepare for this moment.” She is also one of this year’s recipients of the ASU Alumni
Association’s
‘License
to
Howl’
Scholarships. Lee’s selection as the LIN Media scholarship recipient was based on her academic achievement, passion for broadcasting and digital mediums, and her strong desire to contribute to the overall advancement of the industry, the company
program furthers our commitment to attracting
said. Upon her successful completion of the
future leaders and promoting diversity in the
summer training program and graduation from
workplace,” Vincent L. Sadusky, LIN Media president and chief executive
Arkansas State, she will be assigned a full-time position at LIN Media.
officer, said in a release. “Our recipients have high aspirations and we are pleased to provide them with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and
“We are pleased the industry continues to recognize outstanding A-State
experience.”
students from our college like N’Deea,” said Dr. Brad Rawlins, dean of the College of Media and Communication. “We are eager to hear of her summer
Lee said she chose Arkansas State not only because of the reputation of the
experiences as the fall semester continues.”
College of Media and Communication, but as a result of her visit to the campus.
Rawlins urged those interested in learning more about the programs available in the College of Media and Communication to access the college’s website,
“There were awesome professors who really were interested about my career,”
AState.edu/College/Communications.
Lee said. “A-State made me feel like I was family and I was home.”
Catching up …with Sharika Nelvis Learn more about the honors, nominations––oh, and her graduation, since the June 2014 issue.
voices | 05
PROFILE TERRY MOHAJIR ‘93
fall 2014 | 06
W
hen he was hired as Arkansas State University’s new athletics director, Terry Mohajir ’93, was asked why he was interested in the job.
“This is my alma mater,” he said, “and this is a perfect time to do special things at Arkansas State.” Now, almost two years to that day, with the observance of the Alumni Association’s and A-State’s football both having achieved major milestones, what could be more fitting than sitting down with the AD who played football and is an alumnus. Here is what we asked and how Mohajir responded. What do you remember most about your first day as a student at Arkansas State University? To be candid, I remember all the girls on campus that had big hair. (Laughs). You asked the question; I answered it. What is your favorite memory from playing in (what is now) Centennial Bank Stadium? Probably when we opened up my senior year, when the stadium opened with the east-side expansion. If I remember right, I think we had 27,000 people there and it was a great night.
“THIS
Please complete this sentence for those alumni who haven’t been back to campus in more than five years: You’ve got to come home to Arkansas State because … …we need you to be a part of our program and our university. In coming back to campus to work for your alma mater, what has brought you the most personal satisfaction thus far? Seeing the university leadership with an outstanding vision, and a willingness to go beyond what anybody would have ever thought of. It makes me proud to have two great higher-ed administrators leading this university in Dr. Hudson and Dr. Welch; the foresight and vision (they possess) to build a strong university has made me very proud.
IS MY
ALMA MATER... AND THIS IS A PERFECT
TIME TO DO
SPECIAL THINGS AT ARKANSAS STATE.”
Who was the faculty mentor who had the greatest influence on you as an A-State student? I had several, Dr. Jay Sugg was my faculty mentor and I love that man dearly. He was a great influence in shaping my career and my major. A couple of other people who I really liked a lot and who were very good to me were Dr. Darby; I thought he was a great faculty member and thought a lot of him. And, obviously Dr. Sam Gennuso, because he was very involved in athletics and was very supportive of our program.
What do you believe is your most intriguing challenge as AD in the here and now? The challenge we all face is building the program. Building facilities and building the budget is really what we need to do in order to build long-term growth and success. What would the majority of A-State fans be surprised to learn about you?
I don’t have a lot of hobbies, but there’s one thing I enjoy. I love watching musical theatre–community theatre and performing arts. Theatre and performing arts is really a neat experience for a young person, and it has a lot of teamwork qualities. I love to see people with extreme talent be successful. What is the best way for alumni and friends to have a positive impact on A-State students and student-athletes? Stay involved and give back to the university that helped you get a degree.
What was the most helpful lesson you learned from them? I will tell you, from Dr. Sugg, I learned candor, which I thought was a great lesson––how to be candid. He taught me a lot about being direct.
What line of work would you like to attempt if you weren’t in athletics administration? Private equity or investment banking.
You’ve shown your willingness to be a fan while maintaining a certain amount of decorum that’s required for your position as AD. What has been the most fun thing you’ve personally done in trying to enhance the fan experience? The purchase of the new video board in Centennial Bank Stadium I think will be one of the better parts of the game day experience for our fans.
In five years, Arkansas State University will be … …top of mind for everyone in this state and regionally because of all the great work our leadership has demonstrated.
profile extra: One of the great things about having alumnus Terry Mohajir as athletics director––he’s as big a Red Wolves fan as the rest of us! See what he did following each touchdown during last year’s home-opener against UAPB.
voices | 07
alumniPROFILE JOHN WOODSIDE ‘36
fall 2014 | 08
F
ormer Arkansas State football and basketball player John A. Woodside came back to the campus of Arkansas State University in
June, spending part of his day visiting with A-State officials and members of the local media at the Convocation Center.
Q & A Session with John Woodside Why did you choose to come to Arkansas State? My mother was on the original faculty for Arkansas State. V.C. Kays hired her because she could teach Latin and Greek and that was the main reason I decided to come here. I also had to choose a school that wasn’t very expensive because
Records indicate the 98-year-old alumnus is the school’s oldest living
I didn’t have much money.
letterman. Woodside was born in Jonesboro in 1916 and was the first member of his family on his mother’s side to be born a U.S. citizen after his
How did you get involved in sports at Arkansas State?
parents emigrated from Cheltenham, England, to the United States in 1889.
I love to play games and I hated to work. In high school, I played any sport I could.
He grew up in Thomasville, Mo., where his parents, John C. and Mable
I was a halfback in football and a forward in basketball. I played four years in
Woodside, were instrumental in establishing Thomasville High School in
both sports and I wouldn’t say I was very good at either, but I just loved to play.
When I came to Arkansas State I went out for football and I also played basketball.
1921. His mother was one of the first faculty members at the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School (the predecessor of Arkansas State)
What are some of your favorite memories from your playing days?
when V.C. Kays recruited her to teach Greek and Latin at the school in 1910. After finishing high school, he came to Arkansas State as a 16-year-old; he started school as a second grader and completed the fourth and fifth grades in the same year. He moved in with his grandparents who lived in Jonesboro and began as an agriculture major, but eventually switched to chemistry after taking a
We played our basketball games at the armory and this time of year when it warmed up, the floors would sweat
“I WAS A PRETTY
and it was just as slick as glass. I was a pretty good shot at
GOOD SHOT
days. I would have loved for there to be a three-point shot.
AT BASKETBALL, BUT THERE WERE ONLY TWO POINTS IN THOSE DAYS.
I WOULD HAVE LOVED
sophomore chemistry class. During his time at
FOR THERE TO BE
Arkansas State he also competed in football
A THREE-POINT SHOT.”
and basketball from 1932-1936.
basketball, but there were only two points in those
Was it common for student-athletes to play multiple sports back then? In those days, we played multiple sports. There were several of us that played basketball and football, but there were a couple of basketball players that only played basketball. Did you have a favorite sport back then? I really didn’t have a favorite sport, but if I had to pick,
Following graduation, Woodside earned his master’s degree while working
it would have been baseball. I played five games for the baseball team in my
for a company outside of Stillwater, Okla., in 1942 and that spring he
senior year in 1936, but we didn’t have baseball before that in my time here.
married and took a new job in Kansas with Spencer Chemical. In 1965, he was sent to Kuwait by Gulf Oil which had bought out Spencer and then to
What was the campus like back then?
Spain three years later. In 1971 he retired from Gulf, but received a job
The campus had the armory and the dairy barn. The administration building
offer from Occidental Petroleum and spent the next few years in Saudi
burned down in 1931 and it was being rebuilt when I came here. Our first
Arabia before coming back to Houston in 1975. He worked at several
lessons were in the dairy barn. The chemistry department was on the second
different locations before retiring in 1981.
floor and the administration was on the first floor.
Woodside now resides in Lufkin, Texas, and in 1990 he and wife established
Why did you create the scholarship endowment and want to give back to
the Mable Symons Woodside Memorial Scholarship Endowment in honor
Arkansas State?
of his mother and her commitment to students she taught over the years.
This is where I went to school. Each student should give back to their university,
Since the endowment’s inception, it has assisted more than 50 Missouri
even if it’s just $10 a year so there will be scholarships and money for younger
students in receiving their education at Arkansas State and has reached the
people coming in because scholars need that money. The people on this
$1 million level.
scholarship do very well in school and in life after Arkansas State.
profile extra: Here’s what you do when you have the oldest living A-State letterman visit campus. Throw him into the media pool and watch him swim the waters of his own news conference.
voices | 09
fall 2014 | 10
Since 1984, the Arkansas State University Alumni John W. Allison
Anas Al-Rasheed
Frank M. Angelo
Virginia Baker
Wayne Baker
Jake Bell
G. Robert Blanchard
Jerry P. Bookout
Jerry W. Bowen
Charlotte Bradbury
Association board of directors has selected award recipients from nominations submitted by fellow alumni and the public. Selection of nominees is based on community service, professional achievement and service
John W. Allison (1998) Business '69
Jahnae Harper Barnett (1995) Business '66
CEO of Home BancShares, a multi-bank holding
President of William Woods University. Also recipient
company. Provided the largest individual gift to the
of honors from College of Business.
Athletic Department in 2014.
Pauline Bartholomew (1999) Arts and Sciences '52
Anas Al-Rasheed (2007) Communications '91
Poinsett County educator, Arkansas Retired
Former Kuwaiti Minister of Information. First international
Buddy Gene Beck (2005) Arts and Sciences '59
Frank M. Angelo (1988) Agriculture '39
Entrepreneur with interests and patents in security management. Founder of the Beck Pride Center at A-State.
CEO of Angelo Manufacturing. Community leader,
to A-State. In celebrating the 90th anniversary, the board chose to focus on the previously honored Distinguished Alumni of A-State, coincidentally 90 to date, and reflect on their
Teachers Association offi cer, 4-H leader.
graduate to be named as Distinguished Alumnus.
volunteer and A-State scholarship philanthropist.
Mike D. Beebe (1989) Arts and Sciences '68
Wayne F. Baker (2009) Agriculture '55 and Virginia Robinson Baker (2009) Education '45
First A-State alumnus to be elected Governor.
First joint recipients of Distinguished Alumni honors.
Distinguished career in law and as a member of the
Business leaders and philanthropists in Northeast
Arkansas General Assembly.
Arkansas.
Betty Stanley Beene (1998) Communications '68
Rosalie Gorham Barber (2008) Education '60 MSE '68
Former CEO for United Way of America. Champion for women’s leadership issues nationwide.
Former national offi cer and volunteer for Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and professor emeritus of A-State.
Jake Bell (2009) Fine Arts '74
George Evans Barker (2010) Fine Arts '55
A leader in the stage design and production management for many of Broadway’s most successful shows.
Maj. Gen. (ret.), two-time Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, philanthropist, volunteer.
accomplishments and service to the university.
Read more about all 90 distinguished alumni at AStateAlumni.org
Sandra Curtiss Cherry
Steve Clark
fall fall 2014 2014 || 12 12
Darrell H. Cooper
Asa A. Crow
Niel Crowson
Rosalie Gorham Barber
George Evans Barker
Jahnae Harper Barnett
Pauline Bartholomew
Buddy Gene Beck
Mike D. Beebe
Betty Stanley Beene
Addison M. Bradford, Jr.
William T. Branch
Larry L. Brewer
Darrell L. Broadway
Bobby Caldwell
James W. Callaway
William ‘Bill’ Carter
G. Robert Blanchard (1987) Agriculture '51
William T. Branch (1986) Arts and Sciences '64
William Neal 'Bill' Carter (2011) Business '61
Chairman of WRB Enterprises. Community leader
Urologist and surgeon by training, a leader in medical
Organizer of the Johnny Cash Music Festival and
in Tampa and former president of Greater Tampa
organizations at the local, state and national level.
former attorney for the Rollings Stones. Also served
Chamber of Commerce.
Community volunteer in Tampa, Florida.
as secret service agent in JFK administration.
Jerry P. Bookout (1987) Arts and Sciences '55
Larry L. Brewer (2002) Business '51
Sandra Curtiss Cherry (2001) Arts and Sciences '64
Original sponsor for legislation to elevate A-State
President of Brewer Brothers Oil Company and
Co-founder and former executive vice president of
to university status. Leader in Arkansas General
Chairman of the board of First National Bank in
Marketing for Aromatique. One of the volunteer
Assembly for 30 years.
Paragould.
leaders in the establishment of the ASU System campus in Heber Springs.
Jerry W. Bowen (1997) Agriculture '64
Darrell L. Broadway (1994) Alumnus, no degree
Steve Clark (1985) Arts and Sciences '68
Served as assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs
Optometrist and civic volunteer in Marked Tree.
under President Clinton and director of the
Helped organize the fi rst Indian club and served as
Former Attorney General of Arkansas, one of the
National Cemetery System.
president in 1962.
highest elected offi ces held by an A-State graduate in the state government.
Charlotte 'Chucki' Bornhoft Bradbury (2011) Business '75 MBA '76
Bobby Caldwell (2005) Communications '70
Statewide champion of the arts and volunteer
CEO of East Arkansas Broadcasters, Inc. Past board
Darrell H. Cooper (2000) Arts and Sciences '64
leader of the Arkansas Art Center. The Bradbury
member of the National Association of Broadcasters
Chairman of Fernco, Inc. Book author and
Gallery on A-State’s campus is named in her
and past president of the Arkansas Broadcasters
philanthropist. In 2003 he and his wife made the
honor.
Association.
largest gift the Alumni Association has ever
Addison M. Bradford, Jr. (1984) Arts and Sciences '39
James W. Callaway (2007) Business '68
Attorney, community volunteer in Dallas, Texas.
Distinguished career in telecommunications,
Asa A. Crow (1993) Arts and Sciences '61
One of three to receive the fi rst Distinguished
serving at all levels of Southwestern Bell and later
Prominent physician and community volunteer in
Alumni Awards presented.
AT&T. Led the acquisition of AT&T by
Paragould. Served at all levels of medical advisory
Southwestern Bell.
boards in Arkansas.
received to establish the Cooper Alumni Center.
Darrel Cunningham
Bob Earwood
Stephen W. Edwards
Robert L. Ferralasco
voices voices || 13 13
Jack Fleischauer
J. Roy Fogle
Danny Ford
Gene C. Foreman
Charles E. Frankum
Joel T. Gambill
Michael L. Gibson
Maj. Gen. Elder Granger
Bobby L. Hogue
Marilyn Hummelstein
Marlin D. Jackson
Gary W. Jones
William H. Keedy, Jr.
Shelvy Haywood Keglar
Julia Riggs Langford
Niel Crowson (2012) Agriculture ‘75
J. Roy Fogle (1988) Education '57
Maj. Gen. Elder Granger (2008) Arts & Sciences '76
President and CEO of E.C. Barton and Co. Held
Economic development executive and founder of
Deputy Director of TRICARE, a Department of Defense
leadership positions in economic development
the National Educational Institute for Economic
activity that operates the military health system.
initiatives at the local and state level.
Development.
Terry W. Gwin (1985) Education '67
Darrel Cunningham (2013) Communications '60
Danny Ford (2013) Business '72
Former president of Sigma Broadcasting, Arkansas’
President and CEO of Glen Sain Motors. Past chair
the Gwin Scholar Award that is presented annually
largest broadcast employer at that time. Leader in
of Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association and
to the top male and females athletes.
radio and television market development in the state.
the Arkansas Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission.
Bob Earwood (2008) Business '80
Gene C. Foreman (1990) Communications '56
President of Earwood Contractors and long time
Former Managing Editor of The Philadelphia
Community leader in medical education and
volunteer for A-State. Past president of the Alumni
Inquirer. Pulitzer Prize juror and board member of
programs for fi ne arts.
Association, Indian Club and ASU Foundation.
the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
Real Estate developer in Dallas, Texas. Established
Ray H. Hall, Jr. (1994) Arts and Sciences '67 Physician and founder of NEA Medical Clinic.
Sherland Hamilton (2006) Business '61
Stephen W. Edwards (2004) Business '75
Charles E. Frankum (1991) Alumnus, no degree
President of GES, Inc., which owns and operates
A pioneer in introducing new surgical techniques.
Farms. Provided the lead gift for the Hemingway-
supermarkets in Arkansas. Past chair of the
Colleagues considered him to be the surgeon’s
Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center.
Arkansas Economic Development Corporation.
surgeon.
Robert L. Ferralasco (2000) Business '49
Joel T. Gambill (2010) Communications '65
Emeritus professor of business. Led the development of
Emeritus chair of the A-State Department of
Little Rock. Recognized leader in state and national
curricula leading to state and national certifi cation
Journalism, Arkansas Press Association
medical associations.
and very involved in the Sigma Pi chapter.
outstanding educator and recipient of their highest
Owner of Crockett Oil Company and Crockett
Russell D. Harrington, Jr. (1987) Arts and Sciences '66 Retired president of the Baptist Hospital System of
honor, the Distinguished Service award.
W. Wayne Hartsfield (2002) Agriculture ’56
Michael L. Gibson (1997) Business '68
Banker, past president of the Arkansas Bankers
President of the western region of Regions Bank overseeing operations in Arkansas, Louisiana,
Trustee of the Judd Hill Foundation. Former board
Commerce.
Texas and Memphis, Tenn.
member for Arkansas Community Foundation and
Jack Fleischauer (2003) Alumnus, no degree
the Baptist Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Association and the Arkansas State Chamber of
Howard J. Hicks (1998) Arts and Sciences '37 Editor of the fi rst ‘Indian’ yearbook, banker, insurance and oil executive, former administrative aid to the Texas House of Representatives.
fall 2014 | 14
Terry W. Gwin
Ray H. Hall, Jr.
Sherland Hamilton
Russell D. Harrington, Jr.
W. Wayne Hartsfield
Howard J. Hicks
Thomas L. Hill
Kathy Brittain Loyd
Charles F. Luter
Steve McFerron
Jerry D. Mooney
Douglas E. Moore
Harry Truman Moore
Beverly Nix
Thomas L. Hill (1989) Education '72
Shelvy Haywood Keglar (1991) Arts and Sciences '70
A-State’s fi rst Olympic athlete, former coach at the
President of the Midwest Psychological Center, Inc.
One of the U.S. Army’s most highly decorated
U. S. Military Academy at West Point and member
Recognized leader in professional organizations
offi cers from the Vietnam war, with more than 50
of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
related to counseling at the state and national level.
awards for heroism and meritorious service.
Bobby L. Hogue (1996) Agriculture '61
Julia Riggs Lansford (2010) Fine Arts '62
Harry Truman Moore (1997) Communications '69
Insurance executive. Served two terms as
Emeritus professor of music. Recipient of the Arkansas
Past president of the Arkansas Bar Association,
speaker of the House of Representatives in the
Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime achievement.
the fi rst A-State graduate to be elected to this
Arkansas General Assembly.
Marilyn McCracken Hummelstein (2006) Education '74
Douglas E. Moore (1994) Agriculture '59
position. Leadership in a number of law related
Kathy Brittain Loyd (2003) Business '77
organizations.
Named by Forbes magazine to Top 25 American
Beverly Nix (2012) Business ‘87
Community volunteer that has led the Chamber of
Business women in 2001. Founded Rural Sourcing,
Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way and former
Inc., and established the Horizon Institute of
CEO of SHARP, Inc., Community volunteer and
National President of Junior Auxiliary.
Technology at A-State.
leader in healthcare and economic development. Along with her family, established the Bill and Alice
Marlin D. Jackson (1985) Agriculture '58
Charles F. Luter (1999) Business '66
Nix Petting Zoo at A-State.
Arkansas banking executive and former State
Longtime Arkansas bank executive and A-State
Bank Commissioner. Served on the board of the
volunteer. Served on the steering committee for
Roy Ockert (2013) Communications '67
Department of Higher Education.
Arkansas State’s fi rst capital campaign.
Emeritus editor of the Jonesboro Sun. Past
Gary W. Jones (1991) Communications '67
Steve McFerron (2008) Business '71 MBA '74
president of the Arkansas Press Association. Established a scholarship to assist students who serve as editor of The Herald.
Founder of Jones Productions, a leader in video
Retired bank executive and past president of the
production nationwide. Specialty area is the
Alumni Association. Held leadership positions in a
cinematography of IMAX movies.
number of local organizations, including the
Frank W. Oldham, Jr. (1991) Business '67
McAdams-Frierson Chair of Banking.
Long time bank executive that served as chairman of
William H. Keedy, Jr. (2007) Education '69
the Bank Administration Institute based in Chicago.
Retired football coach who was selected 17 times
Jerry D. Mooney (2000) Business '75
as conference Coach of the Year. Long time
Founder and CEO of VHA Long Term Care, which
R. Wayne Oldham (1984) Arts and Sciences
volunteer for A-State Athletics.
grew to the nation’s largest management company
Founder and CEO of Southern Hospitality
for nursing homes and related projects.
Corporation which operated a number of franchise restaurants. Popular motivational speaker and musician in Nashville.
voices | 15
Roy Ockert
Frank W. Oldham, Jr.
R. Wayne Oldham
James W. Pardew Jr.
R. Stanley Peebles
J.B. Penn
Bill Phillips
Howard Slinkard
Berl S. Smith
C. Calvin Smith
Eugene W. Smith
Eugene L. Stillions, Jr.
Debbye Turner-Bell
Mildred Vance
James W. Pardew Jr. (1996) Communications '66
Bobby B. Porter (1984) Business '56
George Kenton Sisler (1995) Arts and Sciences '64
Former U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria. Also served as
Former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division
Only A-State alumnus to receive the Medal of
Deputy Assistant Secretary General of Operations at
at Fort Bragg. Also served as director of Military
Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by
(NATO) North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Personnel Management for the Offi ce of the
the United States government.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, U.S. Army in
R. Stanley Peebles (1993) Business '69
Washington, D.C.
Howard Slinkard (2012) Arts and Sciences ‘69
Former managing partner of the Little Rock offi ce
Ann Lucas Pugh (1989) Arts and Sciences '67
Attorney and longtime volunteer working to
of KPMG. Also served as president of the Arkansas Society of CPA and the Council of the American
Currently presides over the Domestic Violence
Arkansas. Active with the legal community has
Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants.
Court in Memphis, Tenn. Formerly a Judge for the
served on a number of statewide committees.
establish a presence for A-State in Northwest
General Sessions Criminal Court and assistant city
J. B. Penn (2001) Agriculture '65
prosecutor for the City of Memphis.
Berl S. Smith (1996) Business '38
Chief economist for John Deere and Co., former
Charles L. Rasberry (2004) Communications '56
Served as legal counsel for Arkansas State from
Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Emeritus professor of the department of radio and
Former chairman of the Arkansas Supreme Court
television. Recipient of the Arkansas Broadcasters
Committee on Professional Conduct.
Bill Phillips (2005) Business '72
Association Lifetime Member Award.
President and owner of Phillips Management and Consulting Service. Past co-chair of the U.S.
Stephen C. Reynolds (1995) Business '68
Olympic Committee in Arkansas and pro football
Retired president and CEO of the Baptist Memorial
player for the Denver Broncos.
Health Care System. Recipient of the Distinguished
Also the fi rst Presidential Distinguished Professor
Service Award from the Tennessee Hospital
of Heritage Studies.
Jim Pickens (2003) Business '59
1948-92, working with six different presidents.
C. Calvin Smith (2004) Arts and Sciences '70 First African-American faculty member at A-State and author of numerous books related to history.
Association and past delegate for the American Hospital Association.
Eugene W. Smith (1992) Arts and Sciences '52 Eighth president of Arkansas State University. Tenure
the Arkansas Department of Economic
Noah S. Sechrest (1999) Business '56
includes the establishment of the fi rst doctoral
Development and chaired the committee that
President of West Memphis Petro, Inc., and past
program and the expansion of the Dean B. Ellis
selected Red Wolves for the mascot.
board member of the National Association of Truck
Library to be the largest university library in Arkansas.
Former executive with Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Power & Light. Also served as director of
Stops. Long time member of the Arkansas Parks Recreation and Travel Commission.
fall 2014 | 16
Jim Pickens
Bobby B. Porter
Ann Lucas Pugh
Charles L. Rasberry
Stephen C. Reynolds
Noah S. Sechrest
George Kenton Sisler
Millie Caldwell Ward
Alonzo D. Williams, Sr.
Dr. F. M. Wilson
Bobby G. Wood
Randy Woodard
John Woodside
William H. Wyatt
Eugene L. Stillions, Jr. (1985) Agriculture '56
Dr. F. M. Wilson (2009) Arts & Sciences '48
Former Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics of the
Longtime A-State supporter who has served as a
European Command based in Stuttgart, Germany.
team physician from 1965-1980. Established the
A distinguished military career with numerous
Wilson-Wisdom Nursing Scholarship.
citations, retired as a Major General.
Debbye Turner-Bell (1998) Agriculture '86
Bobby G. Wood (2007) Business '53 Brigadier General with a 33-year military career in
Holds a doctor of veterinary medicine. Previous host
the Arkansas National Guard. As a member of the
of PBS series “The Gentle Doctor” and CBS “The Early
General Assembly secured funding for the Dean B.
Show.” Named Miss America 1990 with a successful
Ellis Library, Convocation Center and other
career as an international motivational speaker.
buildings on campus.
Mildred Vance (2001) Education '46
Randy Woodard (2011) Business '75
Pioneer of Arkansas’ approach to early childhood
President and co-owner of Cache River Valley
education. Created A-State’s Demonstration
Seed. Established a scholarship for the College of
School and wrote the federal grant that created
Agriculture in honor of Joe McAlister founder of
the campus’ Daycare Center.
the company.
Millie Caldwell Ward (1994) Communications '76
John Woodside (2003) Arts & Sciences '36
President of Stone Ward, a public relations and
Chemical plant executive in the U.S., Spain, Kuwait
marketing company in Little Rock. Selected by
and Saudi Arabia. Established a scholarship in
Adweek magazine as one of the “Women to Watch”.
memory of his mother, one of the fi rst faculty members on campus.
Alonzo D. Williams Sr. (1994) Arts and Sciences '73 Gastroenterologist and founder of the Strong-
William H. Wyatt (1990) Arts and Sciences '38
Turner Alumni Chapter at A-State. Also co-founded
Agricultural leader and community volunteer.
the Cameron Scholarship for African American
Served as interim president of ASC when the offi ce
students.
was vacant.
voices | 17
B
eginning with what would become Arkansas State University’s first game in the early part of the last century to the Red Wolves’ thrilling 23-20 GoDaddy Bowl victory over Ball State in 2014, Arkansas State has a storied football history. From F.T. Parks, who led A-State in that first game in 1911 to current head coach Blake Anderson, let’s take a look at the history of the Red Wolves. From 1912 to 1917 A-State had six straight winning seasons before not fielding a team in 1918 because of World War I. Arkansas State enjoyed six more winning seasons before again pausing the program from 1942-44 for World War II. The program was resumed under the leadership of J.A. “Ike” Tomlinson in 1945, but he handed the head coaching duties off to Forrest “Frosty” England after one season. Coach England led A-State to seven winning seasons from 1946-53 and was responsible for A-State’s first bowl victory, a 46-12 victory over Camp Breckinridge in the 1951 Refrigerator
fall 2014 | 18
Bowl. All in all, he led Arkansas State to four total bowl appearances, helped the program register its first undefeated season in 1953 (8-0-2), and coached A-State’s initial first team all-American selection in running back Richie Woit. Woit still owns four school records, including career rushing yards (3,947) and touchdowns (57). Arkansas State would go through four coaches and register three winning seasons from 1954-62 before Bennie Ellender was named head coach in 1963. During his second season, Ellender led A-State to its second undefeated season (7-0-2), and he went on to record a total of six winning seasons as head coach. His last season was the most memorable, as he led Arkansas State to its third undefeated season and a perfect 11-0 record in 1970. A-State went on to play in the Pecan Bowl and recorded its second bowl victory with a 38-21 win over Central Missouri. Ellender coached six different first team all-Americans, including Bill Bergey, A-State’s highest draft pick ever (Second round, 31st overall pick in 1969 NFL Draft). Ellender would prove to be a tough act to follow, but Bill Davidson was up to the challenge. Davidson took over in 1971 and posted back-to-back 7-3 seasons in 1973 and 1974 before leading A-State to its second perfect season at 11-0 in 1975. The Indians beat 10 of their 11
opponents by 17-plus points, with the closest game being a 14-9 win at Cincinnati. Davidson would go on to lead A-State in back-to-back 7-4 seasons in 1977 and 1978 before giving way to Larry Lacewell. Davidson coached six different first team all-Americans, including offensive guard Ken Jones, who received the honor from three different publications. Lacewell would go on to lead Arkansas State for 11 seasons and to a high level of success at the Division I-AA level. A-State made its first appearance in the playoffs in 1984 and advanced to the second round in both 1984 and 1985 before a magical 1986 season. The Indians recorded 12 wins, the most in a single season in school history, and advanced to the I-AA championship game before falling to Georgia Southern 48-21 to finish as the national runner-up. The Lacewell era ended after the 1989 season and saw a total of five first team allAmericans, including 20-year NFL veteran Ray Brown. Arkansas State transitioned into Division I-A in the early 90s and notched its first winning season in 1995 (6-5) under John Bobo. Steve Roberts took over the program in 2002, and in 2005 led A-State to its first bowl appearance (a 31-19 loss in the New Orleans Bowl) since transitioning to Division I (now FBS). Roberts was also
responsible for leading A-State to one of its most impressive triumphs, an 18-14 victory over Texas A&M in 2008 in the program’s inaugural game as the Red Wolves. The current streak of eight years with a player selected in the NFL draft started in 2007 under his watch. In 2011, Hugh Freeze led the Red Wolves team to its first 10-win season and undefeated conference record since joining the FBS. A-State went to the GoDaddy.com Bowl and hired Gus Malzahn before the 2012 season. Malzahn led A-State to its second straight SBC championship and invite to the GoDaddy.com Bowl. The Red Wolves went on to defeat #25 Kent State 17-13 in the bowl game; A-State secured its first bowl win since 1970 and its first victory over a ranked opponent since joining the FBS. The success continued into 2013, as Bryan Harsin took over and led the Red Wolves to a 7-5 record, third straight SBC championship, and third straight appearance in the (now) GoDaddy Bowl. A-State would win the bowl game over Ball State 23-20 after Ryan Carrethers (2014 San Diego Chargers fifth-round draft pick) blocked the potential game-tying field goal as time expired. Again, A-State gained a new head coach, when Blake Anderson took over the program after the season and looks to have a strong 100th season of Arkansas State football.
voices | 19
“People have done a great job here. But I’m going to work on this place. We want to be on the cutting edge of what offensive football is. Being physical on defense is what has won championships for years. We want to win championships.” –– A-State Head Coach Blake Anderson
Read about the players selected to the all-centennial team
T
he Arkansas State women’s bowling team was publicly recognized by the NCAA in May for
achieving a multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR) that ranks among the top 10 percent of all bowling squads in the nation. The NCAA made a public recognition announcement as part of the 2014 NCAA Division I Academic Performance Program (APP), and the Red Wolves were among four other programs highlighted for demonstrating a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within women’s bowling. A-State posted a perfect 1,000 score in each of the last four years to achieve a perfect multiyear APR of 1,000 as well. Louisiana Tech, North Carolina AT&T State, Tulane and Vanderbilt were also recognized with A-State for the four-year period ending in the 20122013 academic year. “It is an honor to recruit kids who are not only great athletes, but also great students,” said A-State head bowling coach Justin Kostick. “Scoring a 1,000 is an example of what well-rounded people we’ve been able to recruit and bring into our program.” A-State, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation for a large part of the 2013-14 season, collected a schoolrecord 91 regular-season victories and made its seventh consecutive appearance in the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championships. Kostick was named the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Division I Coach of the Year for the second time of his career, while junior Sarah Lokker became the Red Wolves first NTCA Player of the Year. Click to see Coach Kostick talk about being No. 1 in the country and perfect in the classroom
fall 2014 | 20
Representing five generations of his family who are Arkansas State University alumni, Johnny Allison ’69 announced during an afternoon news conference on Tuesday, August 26 he would invest $5 million toward expanding Centennial Bank Stadium on the A-State campus. It is the largest personal gift commitment in A-State athletics history. “This has been on my bucket list for a long time,” Allison told the assembled group. A-State Athletic Director Terry Mohajir ’93 presented Allison with a framed Red Wolves football jersey with the number 26, which was Allison’s number when he played for Arkansas State. The Centennial Expansion is the most ambitious renovation in the 40-year history of A-State’s football stadium. Along with improvements for fans in the west concourse, including new restrooms and food service areas, the new façade will include an overhaul, and enlarge the stadium’s media area into a comprehensive 35,741-foot space for fans. The stadium’s face will be redesigned to include 42 loge boxes, 20 suites and 300 club seats. “This is a monumental occasion for A-State, made possible by one of our most successful and recognizable alumni,” Mohajir said. “We’ve taken a major step today in our mission to strengthen our brand and provide first-class facilities for our student- athletes and fans.”
fall 2014 | 22
voices | 23
helmets and heels
watering hole
Click to see the Helmets and Heels “hype” video
JULY 29, 2014
Click to see more about Move-In Day
AUGUST 16, 2014
fall 2014 | 26
johnny cash boyhood home opening
AUGUST 16, 2014
Click to see Rosanne Cash’s comments from the ribbon cutting
Click to see Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Restoration
the last word: BETH SMITH ‘82 BS, ‘03 MA E XE CUT IVE E DIT OR smitty@AState.edu
Dear Friends, As you can see from this issue of VOICES, we have lots to commemorate in 2014 at Arkansas State University … 40 years of Centennial Bank Stadium, 50 years since the opening of the Carl R. Reng Center, 100 seasons of football and of course my favorite, we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Alumni Association. How fortunate we are today that in 1924 the first 13 graduating classes knew the relationship they had with their alma mater was much more than just classes and time spent on campus. They knew that for this school to continue to develop it would need the support of alumni and they founded the Alumni Association on those principles. Although the association is marking a 90-year anniversary, A-State didn’t have a full time director of Alumni Relations until 1985, when Tom Manning ’58 assumed that role. Prior to Tom’s appointment to the full-time position, the duties were handled as part of other job responsibilities. Several individuals who have been a key part of Arkansas State’s success, Dr. F.W. Plunkett, Ray H. Hall, Sr., and Dean Robert Moore, all guided alumni relations. Long before the Internet and smart phones, these individuals drove the streets of Arkansas and dialed rotary telephones, recruiting students and calling on alumni to grow the prestige of the campus. You may be among those students. Our goal to strengthen A-State remains the same. In that way, 2014 looks exactly like 1924. Happy Anniversary to all of you and I hope you will make plans to join us for activities on Homecoming Weekend, October 3-4, especially the big 90th anniversary celebration. Details are available at AStateAlumni.org/90th. Cheers!
Beth Smith Executive Director
fall 2014 | 28
Click to see the 2014 Homecoming theme video
Monday, September 29
Saturday, October 4
Lecture/Concert Series - J Lemos & D Fox 7:30 p.m. • Fine Arts Recital Hall • 870.972.2037 A-State Theatre Dept. - "Mother Courage" 7:30 p.m. • Fowler Center Drama Theatre • 870.972.2781 Homecoming Step Show 7:00 p.m. • Convocation Center • 870.972.2055
College of Business Alumni Homecoming Breakfast 9:00 a.m. • Convocation Center, Hames Room • 870.972.3035 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Business Meeting 10:00 a.m. • St. Francis River Room, Student Center • 601.979.8841 All-Alumni Campus Walking Tour 11:00 a.m. • east side of Student Union • 870.972.2586 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Scholarship Award & Outstanding Alumnus Award Brunch 12:00 p.m. • Spring River Room, Student Center • 601.979.8841 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Tailgate 1:00 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 601.979.8841 College of Nursing & Health Professions Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony 2:00 p.m. • College of Nursing & Health Professions • 870.972.3112 College of Education and Behavioral Science Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony 3:00 p.m. • College of Education & Behavioral Science • 870.972.3057 Honors College Association (HCA) Homecoming Tailgate 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. •Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2308 PTA & PT Alumni Tailgate 3:00 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium • 870.972.2896 Arkansas Science Festival Tailgate College of Sciences & Mathematics 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.3079 Alumni Association All-Alumni Tailgate 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586 College of Humanities & Social Sciences Tailgate 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.3973 College of Agriculture & Technology Tailgate 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2085 College of Media & Communication Tailgate 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2468 A-State Choir & Choir alums - sing National Anthem TBA • Centennial Bank Stadium • 870.972.3053 A-State vs. ULM 6:00 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium Pre-game: Homecoming Royalty Announced Halftime: 90th Distinguished Alumni Recognized Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Mardi Gras Party 10:00 p.m. • 501 Club • 601.979.8841
Tuesday, September 30 Reng Student Union 50th Anniversary Open House 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. • Reng Student Center • 870.972.2055 A-State Theatre Dept. - "Mother Courage" 7:30 p.m. • Fowler Center Drama Theatre • 870.972.2781 Evan Lindquist Legacy Exhibit Noon to 5 p.m. • Bradbury Gallery • 870.972.2567
Wednesday, October 1 Who-Dat Wednesday All Day • Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Facebook • 601.979.8841 A-State Theatre Dept. - "Mother Courage" 7:30 p.m. • Fowler Center Drama Theatre • 870.972.2781 Evan Lindquist Legacy Exhibit Noon to 5 p.m. • Bradbury Gallery • 870.972.2567
Thursday, October 2 A-State Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m. • Fowler Center Riceland Hall • 870.972.3053 Homecoming Bonfire “Yell like Hell” Spirit Competition 8:00 p.m. • 870.972.2055 Corner of University Loop East and Honors Avenue
Friday, October 3 Class of 1964 Golden Anniversary Reunion 10:00 a.m. • Convocation Center, Hames Room • 870.972.2586 Family Friendly Series - “Arc Attack” 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. • Fowler Center Riceland Hall • 870.972.2781 90th Anniversary Celebration - Alumni Association 6:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586 A-State Rugby Meet and Greet 7:00 p.m. • Brickhouse, Downtown Jonesboro • 870.680.4089 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter All White Affair 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. • ASU Pavilion • 601.979.8841
For updated information, visit AState.edu/Homecoming. voices | 29
NONPROFIT US Postage PAID
Permit 62
Jonesboro, AR
P.O. BOX 1990 • STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
history:
From Sept. 18, 2004: Surrounded by state officials and members of the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees, A-State alumnus and Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe cuts the ribbon to open the Arkansas Biosciences Institute during a ceremony on Bookout Circle.
Our students talk about the impact A-State faculty have on their lives