The Arkansas State University Alumni Association celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 4 at the Cooper Alumni Center. The event brought together alumni, faculty, and friends to commemorate a century of connection, memories, and impact, marking a milestone in A-State’s rich history.
RICH CARVELL, JR.
BS MARKETING ‘91
Ten years ago, I had the honor of serving as president of the A-State Alumni Association during its 90th Anniversary celebration. We dressed up, enjoyed some “gin and jazz,” and marked a special milestone. This year, we reach an even greater one—our 100th Anniversary.
Much has changed at Arkansas State since 1924, but one thing remains constant: the Arkansas State Family. I love meeting fellow Red Wolves and hearing their stories. Where are they from? How did they find A-State? What do they remember about their first visit to campus?
I have my own story, though I don’t quite know how it began. In the early 1970s, my father returned to teach in the Department of RadioTelevision after serving in the Air Force. He was an A-State graduate, and we were coming home. I was too young to remember my first visit, but I made plenty of memories growing up here.
For a few years, we lived in the Kays Foundation housing which was located where the LLC residence halls now stand. The old dairy barn sat where the First National Bank Arena is now, and in a field out on the edge of campus rose a giant stadium complex we now call Centennial Bank Stadium. When the heavy equipment dug out the hole in the ground for the stadium, I was there throwing dirt clods at my friends as we played.
Years later, I returned as a student, joined a fraternity, and graduated in the early 1990s. My wife worked as a student aide in the registrar’s office, and we met while attending A-State. Later, both our daughters would attend and graduate from Arkansas State University.
In the early 2000s, Beth Smith asked me to serve on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association. During my years of service, we oversaw the construction of a permanent home for the Alumni Association, the Cooper Alumni Center. I often reminded myself and others that we “stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and often don’t realize it.” We were excited about the future and the possibility of a wonderful facility for the Association to call home, but I believed we needed to remember that it was built on the foundation of the work of those who came before us, many of whom will not be remembered or honored.
Like every alumnus, my A-State story is unique. Together, all our stories form the beautiful scarlet-and-black tapestry that is the Red Wolves Family. Though I may not know how my story started or how it ends, I’m confident the Red Wolves family will continue to grow and thrive for generations. Let’s honor 100 years of A-State alumni stories and look forward to the next century, full of promise. When you see me, share your story.
Go Red Wolves!
Rich Carvell, Jr.
14 – PI KAPPA ALPHA, FORMER WINNERS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF MISS ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
26 – A BOND BEYOND GRADUATION: THREE ALUMNI CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR FUTURE VET STUDENTS
32 – CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF WOMEN’S SPORTS AT ARKANSAS STATE
36 – TIM O.: THE ULTIMATE AMBASSADOR OF A-STATE, PI KAPPA ALPHA
04 – AN ENDURING VISION: THE A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S FIRST 100 YEARS
MAGAZINE OF THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE EDITOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05
EDITOR - CHRIS GRADDY ‘09, ‘13
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - BRANDI HODGES ‘03, TOM MOORE ‘73, ‘91, JEFF HANKINS ‘87, CAPT. (RET) RICHARD L. HARTNESS SR. ‘68
DESIGN - MARY REED MELTON ‘04
PHOTOGRAPHER - CARLA WEHMEYER
PRINTING - STOLZE PRINTING
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
INTERIM PRESIDENT - PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ’93, ‘96 VICE PRESIDENT - NATALIE SIGSBY ROGERS ‘10
SECRETARY - BRANDON MORRIS ‘08
PAST PRESIDENT - JOHN BAINE ‘95, ‘97
BOARD MEMBERS
JESSICA BAKER ‘07
KENT BRIDGER ‘89
JASON BROWN
JAMIE CARADINE ‘78
CHARISSE M. CHILDERS ’88, ’91, ‘01
JENNIFER STOUT COLE ’00
CLAYTON FLETCHER ‘03, ‘06
BILL HARRIS ‘93
RICHARD HARTNESS, SR. ’68
HEATH HOLBERT ‘99
JULIE MATTHEWS ‘94
ALLISON MCELROY ‘93
MICHAEL MILES ’02, ‘11
NEKIA SLATER ‘14
NONIE WIGGINS ‘83, ‘09, ‘12
JARED WOODARD ‘01
CHANCELLOR - DR. TODD SHIELDS VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENTDR. ERIKA KRENNERICH CHUDY ‘98, ’00, ‘20
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05
DIRECTOR, ALUMNI OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENTTARA TOWNSEND THOMASON ‘97
DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05
DIRECTOR, ALUMNI EVENTS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
Voices is published 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 is (870) 972-2586 and our fax is (870) 972-2039.
MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 1990
STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467
WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
Serious discussions about organizing an alumni association led to meetings, soon resulting in formation of an actual organization. It was 1924, 15 years after the creation of the First District State Agricultural School and six years after becoming a junior college. For several years, male alumni held annual Yearling and Gorilla varsity-alumni football games, as did the women in basketball. The Aggie Herald published short notes about alumni successes, marriages and deaths. On the front page of the May 3, 1922, issue, 12 years of statistics were reprinted from the 1921 Yearling annual. Of the graduates, 43% had been women and 57% men. Teaching positions were chosen by 53% of the women and 22% of the men. Most of the male graduates, 73%, had chosen agricultural positions such as teaching, plantation farm managers, U.S. Department of Agriculture extension
agents, farm journal editors, drainage district engineers, or self-employed farmers.
However, some wanted a more organized forum. Among those who led this effort was Horace “Horse” Thompson, Yearling star tackle and end, Class of 1921. Elected the first president of the Aggie Alumni, he held the office through 1926, while also a student at Fayetteville. An unsung heroine of the alumni was Dorothy Reed, their first secretary. Responsible for the “Alumni Notes” in the Herald, she reminded readers how notes could not be furnished if alumni were silent about their whereabouts and what they were doing.
In mid-April 1927, Alumni president Roy Keller announced the
beginning of “Alumni Day” at “dear old A&M” in conjunction with commencement exercises. It was to be an annual event including alumni and new graduate discussions with former classmates, teachers and local businessmen, as well as a business session followed by a banquet before relocating to enjoy an Aggie Gorillas football game. Specified aim for Alumni Day was to promote better, constructive and more prosperous citizenship for all in attendance. Later, on Thanksgiving, a similar event occurred, bringing many alumni by car and train to Kays Field cheering the “fighting Gorillas” to victory over Will Mayfield College.
Tragedy struck the campus in January 1931. The administration building fell victim to fire. Sadly, charred ashes were all that remained of the alumni records. Calls beckoned alumni to report
their graduation year, tell of post-grad experiences, and help locate “lost” classmates. By late 1932, a new administration building was completed, and the Reconstruction Finance Corp. approved a $175,000 loan for two new dormitories.
In November 1932, alongside recreating alumni files, Dolph Smith Jr., West Memphis insurance agent and alumni president (19321933), led a Depression-era two-week Craighead County Aggie alumni student-loan fund fundraiser. The campaign encouraged assistance from alumni and others, raising $9-10,000 for loans to “send deserving (area) boys and girls to the college.” Similar efforts were to follow in other northeast Arkansas counties. By month’s end 70 donors had given toward the goal. In another year, then-alumni president Bert Harb of Little Rock said he was
“agreeably surprised” at the current state of affairs and “optimistic future plans.” Harb anticipated a pre-spring commencement “drive to advance interest and loyalty among other former students.”
In 1933, the school became Arkansas State College (ASC). Adelaide Rogers, the new Association secretary-treasurer in 1934, informed everyone that the new Alumni Quarterly was available. Initially, it would be sent to the 450 former students for whom the editor had addresses, followed by other subscription-only copies. Former students welcomed the new publication.
Alumni requirement aside, U.S. Senator Hattie W. Caraway was elected as honorary president for the 1934 – 1935 school term at the executive council’s annual meeting om May 1934 and a new constitution was approved. After business was completed, the alumni-senior banquet followed with Sen. Caraway as special guest and H.E. McEwen (Class of ’17), who in fact managed Association affairs that year before officially taking the reins the next year. A major theme of the third quarter Alumni Quarterly, Jan. 11, 1935, was “location.” Only four years after the fire, requests for unknown alumni contact information continued. Other articles on new buildings, outstanding personalities, football and basketball prospects, and alumni letters finished out the edition. Tradition continued as 1935 graduates, soon to be alumni, were honored guests at the May 12 Alumni Day banquet.
In June 1938, Taylor Lindsey, then alumni secretary, announced the Association’s expansion and reorganization. Through the initiatives of Aggie high school teachers, the goal was to have an alumni unit in every Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri town with high schools answerable to a county association for oversight. The new Alumni constitution defined membership as anyone who had ever attended ASC for a short time, or taken extension work, as “associate members” of the Association. Reorganization plans were to be complete by mid-June and alumni throughout the region were encouraged to “lend earnest support and zeal” toward this new program, making it “a more vital part of the College.”
On June 10, a mass luncheon in the college cafeteria brought together representatives from St. Francis, Monroe, Lawrence, Lee, Clay, Mississippi and Phillips Counties to plan alumni organizations in their respective counties. The presence of Dr. D.F. Showalter, ASC dean, and Foster Clark, Alumni Association president, secured legitimacy for the effort, as
secretary Lindsey emceed the proceedings. President Clark covered the three objectives: obtain good students, place good graduates, and get good local support. Dean Showalter followed with comments about the faculty’s continued interest in the alumni and their willingness to be of help to the graduates from time to time. Those present heard from James DeShazo, spokesman for the first Alumni Loyalty Club formed by ASC graduates in the Dyess Public Schools in January 1938.
Encouraged by the success of the county alumni clubs, enthusiastic ASC alumni supporters of athletics organized an Arkansas State Booster Club in October 1940. They were led by Dr. O.J. Hudgins, ’34, the Club’s first president. Hudgins’ desire was to give “boys without money a chance to get an education through participation in athletics.” Alumni throughout the region were invited to follow the lead of former ASC coach Leslie Speck in Osceola (Mississippi County) and Coach McCandless in Wynne (Cross County), forming a booster club in every northeast Arkansas county.
Simultaneous with the fall 1940 Arkansas state teachers’ meeting, the ASC Alumni Association had its annual luncheon in the Continental Room, Hotel Marion, in Little Rock. After Dean Showalter gave the invocation, toastmaster-alumnus Kenneth Riddle, then manager of the Robinson Memorial Auditorium in Little Rock, welcomed everyone to the city and introduced a number of alumni speakers. William Wyatt, ASC English instructor, was Association president at the time.
By May 1943, national focus was on war with the Axis powers, the result of which was the ongoing loss of community leadership, as well as ASC college students. At the alumni annual business meeting, in the absence of president J.J. Yarbrough, first vice-president Miss Imogene Baker presided. Clarence Adams, ’38, then editor of the Jonesboro Daily Tribune, was elected president and Sen. Caraway was
1924 Horace Thompson
1925 Horace Thompson 1952 Charles Sims 1926 Horace Thompson 1927 E. Roy Keller
1928 Lawrence Reese
1929 Lawrence Reese
1930 Robert A. Sammons
1931 Robert A. Sammons
1932 Dolph Smith, Jr.
1933 Dolph Smith, Jr. 1934 Bert Harb 1935 Hattie Caraway (honorary)
Homer E. McEwen
Herman Horton 1938 Foster Clark
Imogene Baker
Buel T. Johnson
William Wyatt
Guy French 1943 J. J. Yarbrough 1944 Clarence Adams
1945 Clarence Adams
1946 Leslie (“Dukie”) Speck
Leslie (“Dukie”) Speck
Leslie (“Dukie”) Speck
Sims
Hansel T. (“Pug”) Winters
(Buddy) Meador
reelected honorary president. Business discussion centered on developing a “stronger association” and “formation of ASC booster clubs” throughout the region.
Dean Showalter, ASC president Horace Thompson’s spokesperson, shared Thompson’s “whole-hearted support” and “hope for a closer association between the alumni and Arkansas State College.” One product of this effort was publication of the Arkansas State Alumni News. On July 20, 1944, along with personal accounts of several alumni, the News reported plans to form local clubs.
Adams, in a new role as publicity director of KBTM radio station, was re-elected president for another year. “Enlarging the activities” of the Association was the topic of discussion at its annual May 1945 meeting. Through the efforts of the group’s secretary, now Mary Richmond, contact with former graduates and students was to be a priority so that they could be enrolled in their individual community clubs. Recently, clubs had been organized in Blytheville and Corning.
At this meeting, individual dues were set at $ 1 per year to cover the cost of the annual banquet. Richmond and fellow alumna Eleanor Lane, association vice president, were tasked with making plans to draw up a Constitution for consideration at the next annual meeting. Another decision was that Association office holders had to be ASC graduates, even though dues-paying former students “could (also) attend the functions.”
Leslie “Dukie” Speck of Osceola, ’35, four-year quarterback letterman and ASC football coach 1936-1939, became Alumni Association president on Sunday, May 19, 1946. Leland “Tex” Plunkett returned to campus in the fall of 1945 as a journalism instructor. He became Alumni vice-president, and publisher of all alumni publications, including the News, funded by the ASC Foundation, then headed by former president Victor Cicero (V.C.) Kays. Mary Louise Grier, ’36, cashier at the school’s Bursar’s Office, became secretary-treasurer.
Continued interest in organizing more local booster clubs created further discussion. In the late 1940s, Robert (later affectionately called “Frog”) Moore was employed as dean of students. His personal challenge was keeping up with all known graduates since the 1931 administration building fire. Even though this card file (and eventually computer file), was an institutional effort, the Alumni
Association contributed to its accuracy as new data became available, such as female graduate name changes.
Also, new to the campus was Dr. William J. Edens, ASC’s third president, in April 1946. Athletics was next on the agenda. Dorse Keller suggested every alumnus should work toward getting young athletes to attend ASC. Board of Trustees member Gordon Lamb shared how the trustees planned to contact regional high school students to promote their ASC admittance. Following Lamb, Jonesboro Evening Sun sports editor Eugene Smith summarized the school’s 1946-1947 athletic schedule. Other plans were made for a Homecoming Day dance and the organization of an ASC band.
Somewhat presumptive on the part of the State College Herald, an article appeared in the June 21, 1947, issue. The heading read “Alumni Form Organization.” The first two sentences declared, “For the first time in history of Arkansas State College, an alumni association is being organized. Never before has there been such an association here except in name (emphasis added).” What had been going on since 1924? Had the pre-war constitution been forgotten? Was the constant rotation of officers at issue? What about the occasional “alumni edition” of the State College Herald? As early graduates left, were they done with the college? Many young male students had provided labor for various campus construction projects. Perhaps focus should have been on the word “organized.” Nevertheless, on May 19, 1947, a new constitution creating a more formal organization was adopted.
According to the new constitution, anyone who had ever attended ASC was considered an alumnus. A hierarchy cloned from earlier attempts was formed. At the apex was the campus Alumni Association office with its Board of Directors still led by Leslie Speck and “Tex” Plunkett. Below the Board were 10 districts with their own club covering the 27 counties in northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. With the exception of District 8 (Craighead and Poinsett) and District 9 (Mississippi County) each district had three counties.
Each county would have its own club with representatives from clubs in the various towns and cities.
Continuity would now depend on the new secretary-treasurer Paul Hoffman, whose “fulltime job” included organizing the districts, keeping the records, and circulating the latest alumni news. In the campus office, files would be kept on every member of the Association with information about their campus offices held and where they had been since leaving ASC. A set of three membership cards was available for $2: one for the member, one for Hoffman’s office, and one for the county club where they lived. Then, as fast as the tri-county group came together, their district club would form. District 8 was first to organize.
Beginning in December 1947, the smaller-sized tabloid Alumni Chief, with Paul Hoffman as editor, was the new alumni periodical. Alumnus John Webster was make-up editor. It was published monthly and mailed to all alumni whose addresses were known. Anticipation was that the Chief would be “more varied” and “more pertinent” to members than past efforts. Stories of alumni activities, sports releases, messages from the faculty, news items concerning alumni, college and alumni announcements, alumni address lists, and other campus activities were shared.
In time, President Edens’ policies were at odds with Alumni Association directions. Edens tried to suppress the News publication, including the right to edit submitted copy. With lawyer Douglas Bradley defending the Association, what historian Dr. Lee A. Dew termed a “full-scale feud” resulted. The Association, with no business or professional links to the College, passed a resolution stating it was “an independent organization of alumni, free to criticize, to approve, to advocate change, and to do any and all other acts in keeping with the thinking of the alumni for the improvement of Arkansas State College and its various programs and activities.”
Moving the News from the campus print shop to a Paragould firm was meant to free up the group’s editorial policy. When President Edens demoted Dr. F.W. Plunkett as head of the English department and fired “Tex” Plunkett as an English instructor, the skirmish heated. The Association received “sympathetic support” from a majority of the Board of Trustees, and Edens resigned on March 21, 1951.
After the Board of Trustees hired Dr. Carl R. Reng, the Alumni Association passed another resolution. The Trustees were praised for their handling of affairs over the previous year, “heartily acclaimed” for selection of Dr. Reng, and the Association “unanimously endorsed” Reng’s announced policies toward a “strong and effective” alumni group. Proof soon appeared — an Alumni office on the first floor, east wing of Wilson Hall furnished and supported by the college.
At the May 1951 annual alumni meeting, Dr. F.W. Plunkett, in addition to his English department position, was elected Alumni Association executive director including editing duties for a new and “uncensored and unhampered” tabloid. The Alumni Chief returned to the college print shop. The new Association Constitution provided for active (students and graduates) and associate (former students, faculty and friends) members. Dues began at $ 1 per year. Still, funds were not enough to defray the Association’s debt and the Chief’s printing costs. So, alumni details were incorporated into the school’s legislative bulletin, Affairs of State.
Tentative Homecoming alumni banquet plans made in May 1951 became a reality on an October Saturday in the college cafeteria, thanks in large part to Mrs. W.W. Nedrow, cafeteria manager. A special place was set aside at the dinner and the game as an “Old Warriors” section. Several speakers praised the Alumni Association and encouraged increased membership to support the group’s purposes and programs.
In May 1953, Plunkett retired and the doublehooded mantle passed to Ray H. Hall Sr., already director of field services. Alumni membership and activities increased. Alumni provided a public relations arm within their communities and throughout the region. They supported ASC athletics. Traditionally, the alumni continued involvement at Homecoming. “Old Warriors” and their wives had special seating. Graduates from a quarter-century earlier were recognized by a pre-game luncheon and at the game. Then, following the game was a downtown reception. Director Hall was especially appreciative of a grassroots movement toward university status, supported through alumni personal time and money, as well as influence from non-alumni. From their Wilson Hall office, Hall and his secretaries managed the Association’s business affairs, including operating and student loan funds, as a free service.
During the May 1954 board meeting, dues were increased to $3 per year to cover the costs involved with sending the “Chief” and “Herald” to all interested alumni members. A lifetime membership was available at $50, or $75 per couple. After much discussion about the need for a wider geographic representation, the board size was increased from nine to 27. Mr. Hall continued his additional duty as Alumni Association executive director until 1983. During Hall’s tenure, Association president Ray L. Grigsby concluded that short-term loan funds made available to any needy ASC student were “their most important activity.”
Tom Manning, ’58, returned to campus in 1962 as news bureau chief, then director of news and information services. In 1984 he was appointed the first executive director fully devoted to Alumni Relations. Assuming his new role on Jan. 1, 1985, he inaugurated programs that became alumni traditions. After Manning retired in 1997, Beth Ashcraft Smith, ’82, who had joined Alumni Relations in 1992, assumed the executive director position.
The crowning achievement of Director Smith’s tenure was a decade-old dream come true. Early discussions between Harold Perrin, then-Alumni Association president and Dr. Eugene W. Smith, A-State president led to purchase of the “old pavilion” land for construction of an A-State Alumni Association headquarters. In May 2002, Beth Smith and Steve Owens, vice president for institutional advancement, met with Darrell and Charlotte Cooper in Flint, Mich. The Coopers gave a lead gift toward construction of the alumni-owned center. The new 1924 Sustaining Life Membership and other donations made it possible for a groundbreaking ceremony on April 28, 2005. Doors of the Cooper Alumni Center were opened on Homecoming weekend, October 2008.
After 25 years of service to Arkansas State University, Beth Smith retired in March 2017. Lindsay Harmon Burnett was named her successor in July 2017. Burnett, who had joined the Development Office in 2007, moved to the Alumni Relations Office in 2011. Many changes in leadership have taken place in the almost 18 years of her work for A-State.
Following a difficult period of virtual events and relying on digital communications during the pandemic, the Alumni Relations Office is back to operating in a normal fashion. Just in time for the Alumni Association’s 100th anniversary, Burnett led the charge to renovate the Cooper Alumni Center, which has hosted thousands of visitors since it opened in 2008. In only three weeks, the CAC received new paint, carpet, lighting and artwork, making the entire venue a more modern space for the association as it moves into its second century, holding strong with its mission to strengthen and support Arkansas State University.
5.17.24
A-State held Spring Commencement at First National Bank Arena, attended by family, friends, and A-State faculty and staff who supported the graduates on their path to academic success.
9.24.24
Members of the Cash family gathered in Washington D.C. as a statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled at the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. Cash became the first professional musician to receive a statue in the U.S. Capitol as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, representing Arkansas. A-State proudly operates the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Heritage Site in Dyess in partnership with the Cash family.
6.5.24
The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees selected Dr. Brendan Kelly to become the third president of the ASU System.
3.5.24
Hannah Rainwater (left) and Kayla Lindsey, with Colby Thompson (not pictured), won gold and silver at the American Advertising Awards, held at the Cooper Alumni Center.
12.7.23
The A-State Debate Team had a strong season, competing in three competitions and placing well in all. Members of the team are (from left) Jasmine Turnage, Alex Orvis, Coach Jonathan Smith, Harrison Cook, Rocco Hicks, and Lesleigh Sullivan.
9.5.24
Arkansas State University’s fall enrollment surged 12%, reaching a record 16,687 students.
2.29.24
Anna Cox (left), Jerry Don Burton, Elijah Templeton, Caroline Averitt, and Rachel Rudd brought home six awards for The Herald at the Southeast Journalism Conference.
2.15.24
Sangam Chudal presents his research to Landen Crancer (left) and Eric Atchison during the “STEM Posters at the Capitol” event in Little Rock.
3.13.24
Emilio Soriano Chavez (center) won first place at the Arkansas Bioinformatics Consortium for his poster, “Differential Analysis of Gut Microbial Composition and its Importance for PlasticDegrading Waxworm Larvae.”
4.13.24
The A-State women’s bowling team advanced to the championship match of the NCAA Championship for the third time in the past four seasons.
1.25.24
Zane Kenzik (left), Cody Daughertee, Grayden Fields, Carlos Mejia, and Jeremiah Hendrix advanced to the National Trumpet Competition in Texas.
2.27.24
Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt, Adrian and Brianna Rodgers, children of honoree Susan Woods Rodgers; LaGanzie Kale and Zharia Davis, representatives of honoree Qubilah Jones; Cora Martin; Rev. Dr. Ray Scales; Dr. Herman Strickland; Maj. Gen. Elder Granger; Dr. Lonnie Williams; and Dr. Calvin White Jr. were honored at the Living Legends Awards.
8.29.24
The A-State Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics secured a $1.77 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the NIH, to study how tooth decay affects overall health.
5.3.24
Graduate students Sam Messinides (left), Taylor Fiedor (center), and Monica Reusche (fourth from left) won awards at the 2024 Southwestern Association of Parasitologists in Kingston, Okla.
9.10.24
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded A-State a $200,000 grant to support Agri-STEM outreach, mentorship, and leadership for women and minorities.
10.26.24
The inaugural A-State Press Box Wall of Honor ceremony inducted eight individuals, representing over 170 years of service to A-State Athletics.
When Dan Medlock (’76) approached Dean of Students Robert Moore in 1975 with the idea of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity running the Miss Arkansas State University pageant, he wasn’t greeted with enthusiasm.
Moore was dubious and proceeded to grill him over his true intent. He imagined the Pikes using the financial proceeds for their own benefit and didn’t think fraternity guys could pull off such an event.
“Dean Moore basically laughed at us and told us we didn’t know what we were getting into,” said Tim O. Brown (’79), who was the Pike chapter president at the time. “He didn’t think our motives were pure and true. I don’t know that he wasn’t challenging us to do a good job. This told us he didn’t think we could do it. Well, we sat on it about 24 hours and that just kind of challenged us.”
The vision of Medlock and Brown for the university to be represented at the Miss Arkansas competition has endured for the past 50 years – all under the direction of a fraternity that accepted the challenge. The Pikes will present the 50th anniversary of the Miss A-State scholarship competition on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Fowler Center. It will feature not only contestants vying to compete in the 2025 Miss Arkansas event and ultimately Miss America, but also past winners and Pike alumni who have held leadership roles.
The Block and Bridal Club had stopped sponsoring the competition in 1972, so Medlock and his fraternity brothers saw an opportunity to resurrect the event. They recruited a couple of experienced pageant directors from Paragould – Patte Horner and Dr. Sylvia Richards – to assist in producing the pageant and preparing the winners for state competition. The Pikes, meanwhile, sold sponsorships, tickets and program advertising, coordinated stage production, and provided entertainment and emcees. Crowds filled Wilson Hall Auditorium for the event until 2001 when Riceland Hall at the Fowler Center opened.
A four-member Board of Directors oversees the event: Brown as business manager, Pike alumnus Jeff Hankins (’87) as executive director, Ellie Stafford Smith (’20) as contestants coordinator, and a Pike undergraduate executive director, Clayton Dawson.
“The Pikes do all the business organizational things,” Brown said, “and then the contestants work with Ellie. Jeff and I just try to teach the Pike undergraduates and keep them guided to do everything and make sure it’s done correctly. But we want them to learn how to run a business through this, and the sales and leadership experience is good on their resumes.”
“I am thankful to get to continue serving and helping prepare these incredible young ladies for the Miss Arkansas pageant as a mentor and helper to them,” Smith said. “Being Miss A-State was very special, but getting to now serve the current Miss A-State representatives takes the cake.”
The first Miss A-State sponsored by the Pikes in 1975 was Angie Brewer (‘76), who went on to win the swimsuit competition and finish in the Top 10 at Miss Arkansas. Medlock served as the first Pike undergraduate executive director.
In more recent years, A-State has awarded a $5,000 scholarship to the competition winner, who represents the university at campus and community events throughout the year and at the annual Miss Arkansas competition in Little Rock.
While no reigning Miss A-State has won at the state or Miss America levels, several former Miss A-State titleholders and alumni have enjoyed remarkable success. They include:
• Dr. Debbye Turner Bell (‘86), who was Miss A-State in 1985, was crowned Miss America in 1990 after becoming Miss Missouri. She became a veterinarian, a national television personality and motivational speaker.
• Dana Brown Shaffer, who was Miss A-State in 1988, was second runner-up to Miss America in 1991 after becoming Miss Tennessee. Today she is deputy chief and chief of staff of the Office of Engineering and Technology at the Federal Communications Commission.
• Miss Arkansas 2023 Cori Keller (‘20), who was Miss A-State in 2018, works as a physician liaison at Baptist Health in Little Rock.
“The Miss A-State state preliminary for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship is deep in tradition,” said Robin Houseworth, board member and longtime volunteer for the Miss Arkansas Pageant. “It is 50 years old and very few preliminaries in the state can hold that history. Pi Kappa Alpha was the first fraternity in the state to apply for this preliminary – which no other university can say – and to this day Pikes still hold the preliminary.
“They have given many young ladies the ability to continue or finish their education,” she added. “The Pikes have a reputation of working to prepare each winner for the state competition. Each year the Pikes work to sell sponsorships and fill a huge auditorium to capacity. Miss America has changed its face in years past, but one thing is constant: Miss A-State remains the same in its tradition, preparing her to be the best she can be, and the school’s hostess.”
Keller noted that the Miss A-State competition is part of the largest scholarship organization for women in the country.
“Due to my experiences as Miss A-State and a competitor, I was able to grow my network, grow my public and interpersonal communication skills, and fully fund my college education,” she said. “I am debt free because of my involvement in the Miss Arkansas Organization with my bachelor and master’s degrees from A-State.”
While Pike member Ryan Beaird (’10) served two terms as A-State Student Government Association president in 2008-2010, he encouraged the university to escalate its support of Miss A-State. In addition to the university’s $5,000 scholarship, Pi Kappa Alpha and sponsors provide an additional $2,150 in scholarships annually to runners-up and special award winners.
• Bailey Moses Barger (‘17), who was Miss A-State in 2016, was third runner-up to Miss Arkansas in 2016, first runner-up in 2014 and third runner-up in 2017. She is social media and communication manager for the Miss America organization.
“The university really did not do much in the early days, and we didn’t know to really ask,” Brown said. “A-State’s scholarship support today is invaluable to the event’s success. The scholarship money was not that big back when we started. It was not the driving force for the girls to compete. The scholarship has become the driving force of pageants at both the Miss A-State and Miss Arkansas levels.”
The Pikes work to keep past winners involved in the competition, Brown said. In addition to Smith having a major, ongoing role working with contestants, Keller serves as emcee annually.
Candy Trammell Lagomarcino (‘88), Angie Boyd MacFarlane, Pamela Bennett Young (‘92) and Diane Friday Freeman (‘85) have served as judges. Those returning to provide entertainment have included Keia Johnson (‘04), Sarah Hamilton-Gunther (‘14), Apple Dennie (‘20) and Chelsea Treadway Bax (‘12). Kelsey Dow Mason (‘13) assists contestants with Smith backstage during the competition.
“I’m proud to continue to volunteer with the Miss A-State competition as it provides life changing opportunities for young women year after year,” Keller said.
Brown added, “They should have a close affinity to Arkansas State by being a former Miss A-State, so I try to keep them in communication and of course through the 50th anniversary we want to try to get as many of them back, as well.”
Since its beginning, the competition has given A-State sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations the opportunity to have representation by sponsoring contestants. Those groups attend and actively support their contestants as part of crowds numbering as many as 800 at the Fowler Center each year, making it one of the largest Miss Arkansas preliminaries in the state.
“It’s been a major point of pride for the sororities to have one of their members win this competition,” Brown said. “It’s very competitive among them because when one of their members wins, it helps their recruitment.”
Freeman, who won the crown in 1982, remembers being among 16 women competing.
“I had never been in a pageant before the Tekes asked me to represent them,” she said. “I was one of three Chi Omegas competing that year. The two other girls had been in pageants before, so everyone expected them to do very well. As it turned out, the three of us won –second runner-up, first runner-up and the winner. No one expected it to be me who would win! Big surprise!”
Brown said his favorite memory over the 50 years was when the Pikes surprised him and presented his young daughter, Meredith, as honorary “junior Miss A-State.”
“She was able to present the prizes and awards to the girls, and that’s kind of special for me and to her. I guess she’s the only junior Miss A-State we’ve ever had.”
A Bono native, Barnes serves Craighead County as a justice of the peace on the Quorum Court. He received a bachelor’s degree in management in 2010, followed by a master’s degree in education in 2017 and an education specialist degree in 2019. He has worked in public education, teaching at Rivercrest Junior and Senior High Schools and Douglas MacArthur Junior High School. Since 2018 he has served as assistant director of the Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center in Jonesboro.
In 2023, he was named the Arkansas Young Democrat of the Year, he has completed two terms as president of the Jonesboro Faculty and Staff Team, served as worshipful master of Jonesboro Lodge 129, been education chair of the Craighead County NAACP, and is a member of the University Heights Lions Club. He and his wife Maggie reside in Jonesboro with their two boys.
Brogdon graduated from A-State in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He has worked for Nextivity, Inc. based in California for the past six years. He currently oversees global strategic sales for the technology company, consulting national and multinational companies on cellular, private networking and critical communication strategies.
While at A-State, Brogdon was active in Sigma Chi fraternity, Student Government Association, Student Union Advisory Council, as a Chancellor’s Ambassador and is a Red Wolves fan. He is a sixth-grade Sunday school teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church, a founding board member for the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation, and a board member for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. A love for sports has led him to be a coach for the Junior Deputy Baseball league and Arkansas United Soccer Club. He and his wife Shelby have two children and reside in Little Rock.
A 2006 A-State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health promotions, Cook has worked in the Jonesboro community in the healthcare field. She began her career as assistant director of Cardiology Associates and Clopton Clinic Foundations where she worked in nonprofit fundraising. She then spent more than a decade working as a community marketing manager for St. Bernards Healthcare. She currently works as an associate storyteller at Ascension Healthcare, capturing stories that highlight unique aspects of careers within the organization.
An active community volunteer, Cook has worked with Make-A-Wish Midsouth as a wish grantor, with the United Way of Northeast Arkansas, CASA of the fourth Judicial District, Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas, and Junior Auxiliary. While at A-State, Cook was on the A-State Dance team and served as a volunteer coach following graduation. She continues to support the university on the A-State Committee with the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, A-State Letterman’s Club Board, and Chi Omega Alumni Board and as a recruitment adviser. She and her husband Justin reside in Jonesboro with their daughter.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in theatre design and technology in 2014, Hampton moved to New York City where he works as a costume designer and associate costume designer. Hampton’s costume design credits include the Broadway performances of “Water for Elephants,” for which he is currently working, “Dancin’” by Bob Fosse, “Frozen,” and several U.S tour shows such as “Elf,” “Anastasia,” and “Oklahoma.”
Hampton is still connected to A-State, providing access to samples and materials from past productions he has been involved in, to the A-State Theatre Department. He encourages current theatre students to be involved in campus experiences and learn as much as they can through internship opportunities. Hampton and his husband live in New York with their son.
10.27.24
Grammy Award-winning artist and Arkansas native Ashley McBryde returned to Jonesboro on Oct. 27 for a special performance with the Delta Symphony Orchestra at the Fowler Center.
10.5.24
The 2024 A-State Homecoming Court was presented on Oct. 5 during the home football game against South Alabama.
4.8.24
A-State students participated in “Howl at the Sun,” an event celebrating the solar eclipse that crossed the United States on April 8.
7.25.24
The Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed A-State’s accreditation for the next 10 years, granting the university an “open pathway,” which allows it to select its own improvement projects.
10.5.24
Jonathan Schaufler and Amber Yates, both seniors from Salem, were crowned A-State’s Homecoming King and Queen.
8.6.24
A-State welcomed U.S. Sen. John Boozman (far right), U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, and U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, along with members of the Arkansas General Assembly. The group visited the College of Agriculture and the A-State Meat Lab, meeting with campus and industry leaders.
9.18.24
The Arkansas Biosciences Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking the official ribbon-cutting date in 2004.
5.6.23
High school students from around the area present project-based learning projects during the “Thrown to the Wolves” event. The event features innovative competitions, like the hit television show “Shark Tank.”
4.25.24
Dr. Carlitta Moore (left), Dr. Carmen Lanos Williams, Ian Buchanan, Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, and Dr. H. Steve Leslie received the 2024 Excellence in Diversity Awards during the Convocation of Scholars.
7.24.24
A-State surprised a group of potential students by announcing that the 2025-26 A-State Promise Plus will cover 100% of tuition, fees, and housing. Off-campus residents will get $1,500 for meals and books per semester. The university is also increasing our academic scholarships by $1,000 across the board.
4.25.24
Recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Service Awards are Natan Gomez (left), Bailey Blackmon, Khushi Singh, Perry Wilson, Garrett Partain, Ann Long, Christopher Crutchfield.
8.10.24
Chancellor Todd Shields conferred nearly 1,200 degrees from the university’s eight colleges during Summer Commencement ceremonies.
9.30.24
Students enjoyed a night of cosmic fun and stellar skating hosted by the Student Activities Board.
9.19.24
A-State officially broke ground on the new Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, made possible by a $25 million gift from the Windgate Foundation.
4.25.24
Natan Gomez was named the 2024 recipient of the R.E. Lee Wilson Award, the highest honor given to a graduating A-State student.
9.9.24
Along with increased enrollment, more students are choosing to live on campus. University Housing saw an 11.3% rise in residents this fall, bringing residence halls to 95% capacity.
9.10.24
The Kays Foundation made a $534,000 commitment to ensure future A-State veterinary students receive world-class training.
4.10.24
Dr. Lucy Barnhouse (left), Rashele Wade, Dr. Argelia Lorence, Dr. Ryan Kelly, Dr. Topeka Singleton, Dr. Jerica Rich, and (not pictured) Dr. Ryan Sullivan were honored with the 2023-24 Faculty Achievement Awards.
6.13.24
A-State Baseball welcomed Mike Silva as its new head coach and announced planned upgrades to Tomlinson Stadium.
When Dr. Harry Smith III, Dr. Wayne Whitney and Dr. Steve Eubanks heard Arkansas State University would soon launch a College of Veterinary Medicine, one thought came to their minds: They had hoped for something like this decades ago.
The three men, who completed course work from A-State in the late 1970s, became veterinarians with thriving practices across the United States. But their enduring friendship has now come full circle as they have united to establish a scholarship for students pursuing veterinary careers.
“It made too much sense not to do it,” Smith said. “We owe a lot to this place, and giving back now feels like a small way to repay all that Arkansas State has done for us.”
Eubanks and Whitney first met in Sherwood, Ark., in 1970, while attending high school together.
“We connected instantly,” Whitney said. “It was like we’d been friends our whole lives. When we got to college, this guy came along who was the missing link we never knew we needed.”
The “missing link” was Smith, who had just moved to Arkansas with his family. His father had taken a position as president of Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, and Smith sought a four-year college close to home.
“It was a bit of culture shock moving here from South Florida,” Smith said. “My dad told me to find a school in the state, and Arkansas State made a lot of sense.”
The three found each other through the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where Smith was already a member. The fraternity played a key role in helping Smith break out of his shell, a trait that would later serve him well in his veterinary career.
“I was painfully shy,” he said. “If it hadn’t been for the fraternity, I probably would have just gone to class and then back to my dorm.”
A year later, Eubanks and Whitney pledged Pi Kappa Alpha, and a chance meeting at a fraternity event became the framework for their lifelong friendship. All three had thought about becoming veterinarians at some point, but their friendship helped cement the career paths of all three and forged a brotherhood that lasts to this day.
Their time at A-State was filled with camaraderie, competition and shared experiences, from attending football games to late-night study sessions.
“There was no way I’d be the first one to stop studying on a Saturday night,” Eubanks quipped. “None of us wanted the others to outdo the other, so we often studied longer than we wanted to. I knew I wasn’t going to be the first one to stop and let these two do better than me on that next test.”
Smith added, “I don’t think I would have made it through A-State or veterinary school without them. I didn’t even know there wasn’t a vet school in Arkansas until I met these two.”
At that time, options for veterinary school were limited. The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine admitted just one student from Arkansas, while the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine also accepted a limited number. Remarkably, Smith, Eubanks and Whitney all received offers from LSU, sending the three friends on a continued journey in their studies.
The day the acceptance letters arrived, each avoided the others, fearing someone might be left out.
“The incredible part was, none of us really understood how few spots there were until maybe our last year at A-State,” Whitney said.
“Reality set in as we neared the end and maybe a little bit of panic that we weren’t going to continue this journey together. We were just having too much fun to ever consider it would stop.”
Together, they headed to Baton Rouge, living together and supporting each other through veterinary school. Smith graduated from LSU in 1982 and built a career that took him across several states before he became the owner and director of Banfield Pet Hospital in South Carolina. He mentored more than 40 veterinarians through 23 practices and retired in 2015.
Whitney, also an LSU graduate in 1982, completed a one-year internship and a three-year surgical residency at New York’s Animal Medical Center. He went on to co-found Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, a clinic later featured on Animal Planet. Over his career, Whitney co-authored several textbooks and was named a Founding Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2018.
Eubanks returned to Arkansas after graduating in 1982 and established practices in North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville. He currently owns Eubanks Animal Clinic in Jacksonville and is one of the most respected veterinarians in the state.
Each of them credits Arkansas State and each other for their success. Their experiences at A-State, especially their time in Pi Kappa Alpha, helped them grow into the men they are today.
“We challenged each other,” Eubanks said. “That kind of friendly competition is invaluable. Without it, I’m not sure any of us would have pushed ourselves as hard.”
Their shared history brought them to the decision to support Arkansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, which plans to open its doors to students in the coming years. “They’re building this program the right way,” Whitney said. “I think I can speak for all of us when I say we’re proud to be part of it.”
In addition to establishing the scholarship, the trio hopes their contribution will inspire future A-State veterinary students to form lifelong friendships as they did.
Their scholarship fund is designed to support students who show a passion for veterinary science and commitment to the community, just as they did all those years ago.
“We all remember the challenges and the joy of reaching this goal,” Eubanks said. “If we can help someone else achieve that— well, that’s a pretty amazing legacy to leave.”
As they look forward to supporting the next generation of Arkansas State veterinarians, Smith, Whitney and Eubanks hope their story will serve as an example of what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision and purpose. Their gift reflects both their gratitude to Arkansas State and their desire to give back to the community they credit for their successes.
“We’ve been blessed in our lives and careers,” Whitney said. “Giving back to Arkansas State—and helping students who want to be veterinarians—is just one way we can say thank you for everything this university has done for us.”
Smith agreed. “We hope our story encourages others to support this program and inspires future veterinarians to come out of Arkansas State and form friendships that will last a lifetime.”
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SOCIAL MEDIA SOUNDBOARD
As Arkansas State University marks the 50th anniversary of women’s sports, the 2024-25 academic year serves as a time to reflect on the legacy and growth of female athletics. The year-long celebration has already included special events such as Alumni Nights, exclusive ticket offers, and the introduction of commemorative teams for various sports.
“It’s incredible to celebrate 50 years of women participating in intercollegiate athletics at A-State,” Amy Holt, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women’s Administrator.
“This anniversary is a tribute to the generations of student-athletes who have shaped our programs, and we’re thrilled to honor their contributions alongside our current athletes.”
The journey of women’s athletics at Arkansas State officially began on Oct. 25, 1974, when Kay Woodiel was appointed as the school’s
first “coach of women’s intercollegiate athletics.” Woodiel, a recent A-State graduate, led the fledgling program in its first three sports: basketball, tennis, and volleyball. Prior to her appointment, women’s sports had existed solely as extramural activities or club teams.
Woodiel’s leadership laid the foundation for future success. In the spring of 1975, she coached the first basketball and tennis teams, and in the fall of that same year, she led the university’s inaugural volleyball team. Over her nine-year tenure, she not only built these programs but also served as the primary women’s administrator for the athletic department.
“How exciting and special that A-State is honoring the first studentathletes in women’s sports. While the support for women’s sports has grown tremendously in recent years, I believe the passion and dedication were always there,” Woodiel said. “Today’s large crowds, TV coverage, and scholarships are the result of enhanced marketing,
better facilities, and more opportunities for women. I’m sure the trailblazers who laid the groundwork will appreciate the recognition.”
Throughout the year, A-State women’s sports programs have hosted Alumni Nights, bringing together past and present players to celebrate their shared history. The volleyball program kicked off the celebration on Aug. 31 when they hosted Ole Miss in front of a packed house for their Alumni Night. Later in the fall, the tennis program welcomed back former athletes during its home tournament on Oct 26. A-State Soccer, in a joint celebration of Alumni and Senior Day, honored past and present players on Oct. 27 during their match against Old Dominion.
Looking ahead to 2025, the women’s basketball program is set to host its Alumni Day on Feb. 1. These events serve as a meaningful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their teams, celebrate the progress of women’s athletics at A-State, and inspire current student-athletes.
In addition to Alumni Nights, the university will announce special All-50 Year Teams for volleyball and women’s basketball during their respective seasons. These teams will highlight the top players from each decade and honor the athletes who have helped shape the programs into what they are today.
As Arkansas State celebrates this milestone, the 50th anniversary of women’s sports is not just a reflection of the past—it’s a reminder of the ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in women’s athletics. From humble beginnings to today’s thriving programs, the legacy of female student-athletes at A-State will continue to inspire future generations.
IN MEMORIAM
JONESBORO – Gina Bowman, ‘76, was director of media relations in the Office of Communications and Marketing for the last 14 years of her 46-year career at A-State. In addition to writing news, alumni magazine articles, and website content, she enjoyed popularity as #Regina among students who anxiously awaited the university’s weather-related closing decisions.
Bowman joined the sports information staff in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics as assistant director in 1976, after earning her Bachelor of Science in journalism. Promoted to assistant athletics director for media relations in 1994, she became one of the first female sports information directors (SID) for an NCAA Division I institution.
Highly regarded among countless athletes, she also mentored dozens of student SID assistants who went on to have successful careers in journalism and public relations.
During the university’s Centennial Celebration, Bowman was among 100 employees selected for the Staff Wall of Honor. The A-State Lettermen’s Club named her an honorary letter winner in 2021, saluting her deep loyalty to the institution’s athletic programs and personnel.
A scholarship endowment honoring Bowman and her predecessor and former colleague, Jerry Schaeffer, is being established through the Arkansas State University System Foundation, Inc., to support the SID student assistants program. Donations are accepted at AState.edu/Give.
5.7.24
Brock ’04 and Kristen Ferguson ’06 brought their boys and four-legged family member to the annual “Bark at the Park” event at Tomlinson Stadium.
12.22.23
Red Wolves gathered at the Camellia Bowl Bash at Wintzell’s in Montgomery, Ala., before A-State bowl game.
5.23.24
Alumni gather for the Howl on Wheels at the Red Wolves on the Rooftop event in Central Arkansas.
6.25.24
Alumni and their families gathered at Grants Farm to meet the Clydesdales.
10.4.24
Lance ’01 and Georgia Ramthun ’02 and Bryce ’98 and Dione Goad ‘95 gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Arkansas State Alumni Association.
5.7.24
The Alumni Association held its annual “Bark at the Park” event at Tomlison Stadium.
9.7.24
Jeffrey ’10 and Kacey Higgins ‘10 and their kids gather at the Alumni Association tailgate before the Red Wolves played Tulsa at Centennial Bank Stadium.
10.4.24
Alumni celebrated the 100th anniversary of the A-State Alumni Association at the 100-year party.
4.27.24
Alumni gathered at the Oaklawn Jockey Club for Alumni Day at the Races in Hot Springs.
12.2.23
The annual Howlidays on the Rooftop at the ASU System Office building in Little Rock is a great time for alumni to catch up for the holiday season.
6.24.24
Alumni show their Red Wolves pride with a Wolves Up from Busch Stadium during a St. Louis Cardinals game.
6.24.24
Red Wolves enjoy a pre-game gathering at Live! By Loews before a St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves game.
10.4.24
Kass Lomax ’95, Jennifer Swymn ’96 and Melanie Butler ‘97 enjoyed the 3D photobooth at the 100th anniversary of the Alumni Association.
9.5.24
2024 Emerging Young Alumni recipients Zachary J. Brogdon ‘14, Meredith Cook ‘06, Matthew C. Hampton ‘14 and Garrett Barnes ’10, ’17.
2.24.24
Arkansas State alumni gathered at FedEx Forum to watch the Grizzlies and Warriors play.
12.2.23
Future Red Wolves attended Pancakes and PJ’s for a chance to meet Santa, Howl, Scarlet and much more.
4.4.24
Travis Cude ’00 and Ryan Moore ‘01 at JJ’s Grill before the start of the Red Wolves and Razorbacks baseball game in Fayetteville.
12.22.23
Chancellor Todd Shields, VC Erika Chudy ’98 ’00 ‘20 and Murray ’57 and Joann Sullivan ’57 and their son enjoying the Camilla Bowl Bash at Wintzell’s Oyster House.
12.2.23
Provost Dr. Calvin White Jr. meets with alumni and friends at Howlidays on the Rooftop in Little Rock.
3.11.24
Lai Ferrell ’01 and daughter Averie along with Molly Shaver ‘11 gather to cheer on the Red Wolves basketball team in the Sun Belt Conference championship game.
1.20.24
The Cooper Alumni Center hosted Bubbles and Bingo, a fundraising event for the A-State Rugby team.
The name “Tim O.” resonates with thousands of college and high school students in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas from the past five decades.
His fame began simply with interaction among high school seniors selecting class rings and graduation materials from the family business, Brown’s Graduation Supplies of Jonesboro. At Arkansas State University, the legend of Tim O. evolved from Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity chapter president, to chapter adviser, to alumni relations authority, to national fraternity fame. And finally, he is always a vocal supporter of A-State and its athletics program.
But more than anything, Tim O. – officially Timothy O’Neil Brown, a 1979 Arkansas State University graduate and 1972 Jonesboro High School graduate – is affectionately known as friend, brother and ambassador to all who have crossed paths with the charismatic alumnus and leader.
“Tim O. has been a true ambassador for Arkansas State,” says Alec Farmer (‘86), a Pike alumnus and outgoing chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission. “Not only has he represented and promoted the university at high schools throughout northeast Arkansas with his family’s graduation supply business, but he has helped shape young men’s lives and maintained ties with alumni for over 45 years through his association with Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Tim O. may have had as
big an impact on Arkansas State over the last 45 years as any alumnus and deservedly was recognized for his support and promotion of the university when he was selected as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2016.”
Tim O. attended A-State from 1972-1976 and was immediately recruited by Pike chapter president John Bobango (’78) to become alumni chapter adviser. He officially served as adviser for 14 years, then became president of the national fraternity’s Arkoma Region of chapters.
“He is probably still the chapter adviser – we just do not know for sure,” jokes Bobango, noting that future fraternity leaders and alumni advisers have continued to call on him regularly for counsel. “Tim O. sees the beginning of a young man’s journey and the impact leadership development has on the young man at and after graduation. The impact Tim O. has – and we all see the results – keeps him connected to make the next young man ready to contribute to his family, friends and community.”
Keeping A-State and Pike alumni connected with one another and the university has been a passion for Tim O. He developed the Northeast Arkansas Pike Alumni Association and its events that bring together nearly 1,000 alumni annually. Events include a golf tournament, which he launched in 1979 and recently had a record attendance of 100 alumni; a poker tournament; tailgate parties for every home football game; group
season tickets for football games; and various special recognition ceremonies. He maintains an impressive list of Pike military veterans and honors them annually.
“Whatever the cause, most of us who lend our time in a volunteer capacity do so for a season,” says Patrick Haynes (‘84), former Pike undergraduate president and former CEO of the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation. “We serve the cause du jour for a limited period and then move on to new opportunities. Then there’s Tim Brown, who has served our beloved alma mater and concurrently mentored countless undergraduates for nearly a half century. I can’t fathom a more passionate servant, advocate and ambassador for all things Arkansas State. He epitomizes the words ‘lifelong loyal alumnus,’ and I’m thankful to be one of countless beneficiaries of his service.”
Tim O. meticulously manages alumni email lists by decades to keep alumni who are most likely to know one another connected and informed not only about upcoming events, but milestone career achievements and personal events.
“I realized early on that once you leave school, if you let the fire burn out, then you lose connection and don’t care anymore,” Tim O. says. “And so I realized at that time that I needed to keep the connection strong. As long as you keep the connections and the flame burning,
people stay involved. I developed a lot of alumni programs to try to keep people close.
“I’ve always had a saying that pride is knowledge. You can’t have pride in something if you don’t have the knowledge of what’s going on. I learned that doing the newsletters in the ‘70s and made sure we did two or three newsletters just keeping them up with what A-State is doing, what the fraternity was doing, the successes they were having. Obviously, email has helped us communicate a whole lot more. Once people get away and don’t know the positives, don’t know what’s happening, and not getting the news, that’s where they lose interest. The communication keeps them knowledgeable, and then of course the events bring them together.”
Tim O.’s legacy of fraternity leadership is acknowledged and awarded nationally. Since he has been involved with the Pike chapter, it has been named one of the nation’s best 15 times over the years. The Alumni Association was recently honored as one of the most outstanding in the country for a 10th consecutive year. He was named national Chapter Adviser of the Year in 1989, and in 2014 received the national fraternity’s highest honor – Order of the West Range.
“It’s no secret that Tim O.’s fraternity has been and continues to be a most fortunate beneficiary of his efforts,” Haynes says. “Between
fundraising efforts led almost exclusively by Tim, all the alumni events and a quarterly communication newsletter to the chapter’s 2,200-plus alumni, all in which he plays key roles, one can’t help but recognize the magnitude of his service. The guy is a tireless workhorse for A-State and PiKA. Fortunately for so many of us who call Tim a dear friend and who benefit so greatly from these friendships, it’s clearly a labor of love on his part.”
Tim O.’s fundraising skills developed in the late ‘70s when alumni Mike Medlock (‘73) and Dennis Zolper (‘69) – both future members of the ASU System Board of Trustees – recruited him to serve on the Delta Theta House Corp. board of directors and help raise funds. The Pikes and other fraternities on campus dreamed of building houses for their memberships, and the chapter built and opened its house in 1988.
“Every so often when I would get questions and get discouraged, they would prop me up, send me back out there,” Tim O. says. “I learned a lot from trying to raise money for the house.”
Indeed he did. Over the past two decades Tim O. has escalated efforts to build alumni support and has set up some 17 scholarships with endowments totaling almost $1.6 million. Most recently, he reached out to three A-State alumni who became veterinarians – Drs. Harry V. “Butch” Smith, Wayne O. Whitney and Steve Eubanks – and recruited them to establish the Smith, Whitney, Eubanks Scholarship to support a Pike member in the new College of Veterinary Medicine. (See related story on Page 26.)
Through the years, Tim O. has addressed hundreds of fraternity members at weekly chapter meetings with clear expectations for showing character, building leadership traits, and making good life decisions. His brothers have routinely sought his counsel or approval before making career and life decisions. And if there’s a problem?
“Yes, they come to tell me when there’s a problem,” he laughs.
“Tim O. is passionate about promoting A-State and developing men through Pi Kappa Alpha leadership programs,” Bobango says. “Tim O. has had a front-row seat watching the impact leadership development has on young men. He continues to promote and encourage all of us to support and ‘come home’ to A-State. Tim O. is always connecting all of us with other alumni regarding career, community and A-State opportunities. He’s a great example of a person who ‘pays forward’ for the next generation; however, in Tim O.’s case it’s probably three or four generations. If A-State has an Alumnus of the Decade or Century, Tim O. would be at the top of my list.”
Tim O. recalls the ‘70s and ‘80s as being “a great time for fraternities. There were a lot more freedoms, so to speak. You had what I would say was a ‘protected society.’ You take 17-18-yearold kids, and at some point in time they cross the bridge to manhood. So, in a fraternity, you were able to make mistakes, and hopefully they weren’t life threatening or career ending.
And you could learn from it with a lot of guidance from the older brothers, from the advisers, and that’s where a lot of people became very dedicated to the fraternity.”
Tim O. remains a big believer in the role of the Greek system to support not only undergraduate students, but strong alumni relations for A-State.
“It’s because the fraternity was part of everybody’s college experience,” he says. “And so that’s who the best friends are, and that’s why they come back to see those friends. And that gives them connection to the university. If they don’t have any group of friends or whatever, then you don’t have a real connection to that. So that’s extremely important to bring people back.”
He sees challenges and threats to fraternities across the country.
“I would say through the ‘90s and 2000s, you had more legal issues. You had a different clientele of student, and they became more of the ‘me society’ than the group involved society. We have continued to survive through that because of what we teach and how we develop men, but it has been different with a lot of the rules that have been put on them and a lot of the negative connotations placed on fraternities that are erroneously put out there.”
But Tim O. says the one constant that hasn’t changed through the years is the friendships that develop and last – especially among those who put a lot of energy into the fraternity as undergraduates.
“So those brothers that have come through, that have learned leadership, integrity and character – things that we teach – they still have that no matter when they went through. And I find that guys who went through in the ‘50s and ‘60s, that it’s still the friendships that they made. And then because of our events that include all areas of brotherhood, that’s helped with people’s businesses. And there are friendships that have grown to different age groups because it’s all the connections.”
Stuart Carraway (‘06), has worked with Tim O. from both an undergraduate perspective and also as a mentor while serving as alumni adviser for the past six years.
“I believe Tim O. fully incorporates the ideals of Pi Kappa Alpha into his daily business and personal life,” Carraway says. “I joined the fraternity
in 2002, and he has been the exact same person the last 20-plus years that I have known him. When I have a question, he comes back to me with an answer that includes brotherhood, responsibility and respect.
“When I was an undergraduate, I never really understood what all Tim O. did for us until I became the chapter adviser. During that time I have remembered little tidbits of what he has taught me along the way. I would not be the adviser, man, father and husband I am today without acknowledging that in some way, shape or form he has guided me to this moment and has aided with how I hold myself to a higher standard.”
Older fraternity members fondly remember the chapter’s 1948 founder, A-State professor Dr. W.W. Nedrow, and his wife Lou Nedrow, who founded the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority chapter. Tim O. has spent the last 45 years not only advancing the fraternity and maintaining alumni relations, but also paying homage to the rich history of its membership.
A focal point of the new fraternity house was the History Room, which he filled with fraternity composite photographs, vintage photographs he collected, awards and other mementos. In 2018, the room was renovated and named the John Bobango Presidential Library & Museum in honor of the A-State Distinguished Alumnus who served as international president of Pi Kappa Alpha in 2014.
While committing extraordinary time to his volunteer fraternity work, Tim O. maintained a successful business. He recently retired as president and CEO of Brown’s Graduation, a Herff Jones Company. He was inducted into the Herff Jones Hall of Fame in 2009 in recognition of his outstanding career, and Herff Jones previously recognized Brown and his company as Outstanding Man and Outstanding Company of the Year.
Raising his son, Kayce Brown, and daughter, Meredith Brown Eble, led him to scale back his Pike work for a time, but he was never far from his fraternity when in need. Kayce became a Pike in 2000, and that was a full-circle moment for Tim O. to fully re-engage.
“Whenever you think of Delta Theta and Pikes, everyone knows the name Tim O. Brown,” Carraway says, “from Pike Memorial Headquarters, A-State athletics, the campus Interfraternity Council alumni advisers, and alumni from other fraternities/sororities. Delta Theta would not be standing today, with the strength of 2,200-plus alumni behind it, ready to continue our dominance into the future without him.”
1950s Col. Thomas Blagg ’56 –His biography was published posthumously in the online Arkansas Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
LTC Fred Turner ’60 – Awarded one of the Living Legends Awards from Arkansas State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Joe Elmore ’66 – A ‘Tennessee Crossroads’ tribute show in Nashville honored Joe posthumously for his more than three decades as host.
Charlie Kruse ’67 – Named to the Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Dick Clay ’68 – Posthumously named to the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
Dr. Herman Strickland ’68 ’75 –Awarded one of the Living Legends Awards from Arkansas State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Howard Slinkard ’69 – Completed the Arkansas Graveler bike trail from Fayetteville to Jonesboro, biking 366 miles in six days.
Bobby Caldwell ’70 – Inducted into the Arkansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
David Knight ’71 – Appointed chairman of the board at Ole Hickory Pits, the company he founded. His son has since taken over as president.
Elizabeth Smith ’71 – Featured in Talk Business & Politics as one of the NEA Women in Business honorees.
Woody Sue Herlein ’72 – Recipient of the 2024 SECA Rich Scofield Memorial Scholarship Award for her outstanding career and service.
Craig O’Neill ’72 – Recognized by the EMMY Gold Circle for over 50 years of excellence in broadcasting.
Maria Sullivan ’72 – Gov. Sanders appointed Maria to the Arkansas Educational Television Commission.
Stan Jones ’73 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Top 100 Professionals list.
Rick Finley ’75 – DEA special agent honored posthumously for his sacrifice during Operation Snowcap.
Maj. Gen. Elder Granger ’76 –Awarded one of the Living Legends Awards from Arkansas State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Jerry Muckensturm ’76 –Recognized in Chicago in the fall of 2023 as an alumnus of the Chicago Bears.
Steve Warner ’76 ’77 –Received the Distinguished Educator Award for 2024-25 from the Foundation for Jonesboro Public Schools, along with his wife LaJuana.
Gary Sitzer ’77 – Selected for the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Bill Deckelman ’78 – Former Fortune 200 executive, joined the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz as a senior public policy advisor and counsel in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
Keith Glover ’78 –CEO of Producers Rice Mill, named chair of the USA Rice Federation board.
Ronnie Williams ’79 – Received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Hendrix College for his leadership in higher education.
David Pickler ’80 – Recognized as a 2024 InvestmentNews Top Advisor.
Sherry Williford ’80 – Named the Texas Broadcast Educator of the Year.
Keith Cole ’81 – Retired as executive director of the Wolf River Conservancy after serving for 13 years.
LaDawn Fuhr ’81 –Named corporate relations director of KASU-FM at Arkansas State University.
Donna Malone ’81 – Named the director of communications for the City of Jonesboro.
Sandy Alstadt ’82 – Received the Mentor of the Year award at the inaugural Recognizing Remarkable Women awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at Arkansas State University.
Cindy Edwards ’82 – Arkansas Department of Agriculture deputy secretary received the Douglass-Irvin administration award at the 2023 NASDA Honor Awards.
Loy Hamilton ’82 – Retired after 40 years of dedicated service to the Corps of Engineers.
Russ Hannah ’82 – Named Public Sector/Education CFO of the Year by Arkansas Business Publishing Group and named vice chancellor for finance and administration, chief financial officer at Arkansas State University.
Dr. Russ Jones ’82 – Named the 13th president of Arkansas Tech University.
Michelle Miller ’83 – Named to the Best Real Estate Agents 2024 list by Little Rock Soiree magazine.
Gina Winchester ’83 – Retired from A-State in fall 2023.
Kim French ’84 –Awarded the accredited Agricultural Consultant designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Dr. Len Frey ’84 ’90 – Named senior advisor for strategic initiatives and senior associate dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Arkansas State University.
Price Gardner ’84 – Named one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ influencers of the year.
Clay Sloan ’84 ‘88 – Appointed to the Arkansas Tax Appeals Commission.
Cheryl Deen ’85 – Promoted to tax principal at HCJ CPAs & Advisors PLLC of Little Rock.
Mike Mills ’85 – Celebrated 35 years with the American Woodmark Corporation and was recently promoted to vice president of logistics operations.
Carla Carson ’87 – Featured in Talk Business & Politics as one of the NEA Women in Business honorees.
Dr. Charisse Childers ’88 ’91 ’01 –Named one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ influencers of the year.
Debbie Folis ’88 – A biology teacher at Germantown High School, Debbie received the Big Day for Teachers award, presented by AutoZone Liberty Bowl in partnership with the College Football Foundation.
Hon. Mark Ferguson ’89 –Selected as the Little Rock representative of the Association of Administrative Law Judges.
Voices Magazine welcomes Class Notes submissions from alumni. There are three ways to submit information:
STANDARD MAIL: Class Notes Editor
Voices Magazine P.O. Box 1990 State University, AR 72467
EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
ONLINE: AStateAlumni.org/ClassNotes
Pamela Parkman ’89 – Selected as the school counselor of the year by the Northeast Region of the Arkansas School Counselors Association.
Monica Quattlebaum ’89 – Named vice chancellor for instruction at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
Rob Roedel ’89 – Promoted to senior director of corporate communications for Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Rev. Jerome Stockert ’89 –Named Missouri Baptist Convention director of collegiate ministries.
Cora Martin ’90 – Received a Living Legends Award from Arkansas State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Brad Edwards ’91 – Promoted to senior vice president and credit risk officer at First Security Bank.
Jeff Fore ’91 – Announced as new athletics director at Missouri Baptist.
Chris Gardner ‘91 – Reappointed to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission.
David Hershey ’91 – Spent 20 years with CBS in Dallas but is now creative director for the national cable news outlet, NewsNation.
Laura Huckabee ’91 – Named chief meteorologist for KWAM radio station in Memphis, Tenn.
Dr. Bentley Wallace ’91 ’08 –Named chancellor at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home.
Christy Clark ’92 – Featured in Arkansas Money & Politics in their Women in Architecture, Engineering and Construction feature.
Mickey Ryan ’92 –Named executive director of advancement and athletics and director of the National Bison Club at Lipscomb University.
Hon. Tommy Fowler ’93 –Named one of 60 courageous judges by The National Judicial College in celebration of the college’s 60th anniversary.
Dr. Yolanda Lawson ’93 –Installed as the 124th president of the National Medical Association.
Dr. Joby Steele ’93 – Named principal at West Plains Middle School.
Quanta Gwin Wyatt ’93 –Received the 2023 ARLA Renetta Patrick Award for outstanding school librarianship.
Dr. John Anderson ’94 –Named senior associate vice president for the Cooperative Extension Service for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Jason Hensley ’94 – Appointed vice president of operations for Premium Guard.
Dr. Wendy Likes ’94 – As the Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Likes has been selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Susannah Marshall ’94 –Reappointed as commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Department.
Julie Matthews ’94 – Appointed to the Arkansas State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters and Home Inspectors.
Bruce T. Moore ’94 – Was honored posthumously by the City of Little Rock, which renamed a section of Arch Street to “Bruce T. Moore Way.”
Barbara WilburnCovington ’94 –Won her second state basketball title coaching Marked Tree High School Boys Basketball Team.
Katrina Worsham ’94 – Received the Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Award in 2024.
Shannon Davis ’95 – Named vice chair of the Riceland Food board of directors.
Britt Davison ’95 – Promoted to manager of information technology at ARORA, a nonprofit organization in Little Rock.
Brad Doyle ’95 – Appointed by Gov. Sanders to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
Melissa Hendricks ’95 –Named vice chancellor of advancement and executive director of the UA-PTC Foundation at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College.
Sonta James ’95 – Received the Golden Excellence Award at the 2024 Inaugural Arkansas Women’s Golden Excellence Awards.
Shad Pearce ’95 – Current Arkansas State Representative named keynote speaker for Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy graduation.
Julie Robbins ’95 – Named Mangan Holcomb Partners, Team SI’s newest shareholder.
Penny Toombs ’95 – Named assistant director of A-State Heritage Sites.
Bo Tretenburg ’95 – Named vice president of lending and regional manager at AgHeritage Farm Credit Services.
April HolifieldScott ’96 –Named director of the Ole Miss’ DeSoto and Grenada campuses.
Laura Lehnen ’96 – Appointed to the board of Disability Rights Arkansas. Is currently the senior director of finance at UAFS.
Tina Paul ’96 –Named interim director for human resources partners, employee relations and workforce training at the University of Arkansas.
Bart Stark ’96 – Graduated Leadership Arkansas in 2023.
Ted Herget ’97 – Featured in Arkansas Business for the 27 years of his company, Gearhead Outfitters.
Shena Sims ’97 –Promoted to senior vice president, regional deposit and operation director for First Community Bank based in Batesville, Ark.
TJ Anderson ’98 – Named CFO of Farmers & Merchants Bank Jonesboro branch.
Beth Daniel Wilson ’98 – Hired as the economic development director for the city of Marion, Ark.
Joy Emery ’98 – Promoted to tax principal at HCJ CPAs & Advisors PLLC of Little Rock.
Melissa Harlan ’98 – Received the distinguished service award in recognition of her significant contributions to the students and resources of the Fay Jones School at the University of Arkansas.
BG Michael Henderson ’98 ’05 –Promoted to the rank of brigadier general by the Arkansas National Guard.
Tim Ingram ’98 – Named Nexstar Media Group’s new general manager in Baton Rouge.
Chris Bahn ’99 – Hired as public relations manager for The Peacock Group’s growing strategic communications team and named to the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL 24-25.
Brian Blackman ’99 – Elected president of the Arkansas Land Title Association.
Shawn Cochran ’99 – Named forest supervisor for Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.
Kimberly Dale ’99 – Featured in Talk Business & Politics as one of the NEA Women in Business honorees and was sworn in as president of the 2024 ARLTA board of directors.
Kyle Davidson ’99 – Promoted to regional market president for FNBC Bank that serves Izard, Independence, and Sharp counties.
Devona Dew ’99 –Named principal of Rosa Scott School in Madison County School District in Mississippi.
Curtis Fox ’99 – Selected to serve on the Riceland Foods board of directors.
Chrissy Garner ’99 – Featured in the Delta Business Journal for work with the tourism industry in the Delta.
Ryan Howard ’99 – Promoted to regional market president for FNBC Bank that serves Baxter and Fulton counties and South-Central Missouri.
Marc Keton ’99 – Joined AgHeritage Farm Credit Services as an Ag lending officer in the Newport branch office.
Kerri Parnell ’99 – Named a 2024 NEA Women in Business recipient by Talk News & Business
Lance Turner ’99 – Left Arkansas Business after 20-plus years as the online editor and took a position at Little Rock’s Ghidotti Communications Firm.
Cathie Cline ’00 – Appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Economic Workforce and Development.
Dr. Amanda Deel ’00 –Appointed by Gov. Sanders to Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board.
Jason Edwards ’00 ’14 ’24 –Named principal of the newly expanded K-8 SOAR Academy for Fayetteville School District.
Dr. John Lewis ’00 – Appointed vice chancellor of enrollment management & student life at Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.
Susan Altrui ’01 – Director of the Little Rock Zoo, Susan was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as an Achiever in Their Forties and one of the Influencers of the Year.
Jeff Chastain ’01 –Recently named director of communications for the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Shane Copeland ’01 – Began working as a financial aid adviser at Black River Tech.
Liz Craig ’01 – Joined Foundry Commercial’s Nashville office as vice president of retail services.
Growing up in Forrest City, Barbara Wilburn-Covington, ’90 dreamed of playing in the NBA. When a high school counselor asked her what her plan would be if she could not achieve that goal, her answer was simple: coach.
For the past 34 years, Coach Wilburn-Covington has been a fixture at Marked Tree High School, becoming one of the most successful high school boys’ basketball coaches in Arkansas.
This past spring, she helped guide Marked Tree to its sixth state championship, the second of her career, and the school’s first since 2001. However, throughout the years, it is not the wins and accolades that Wilburn-Covington remembers most but the path and people that allowed her to get there.
“I was just a wide-eyed, 17-year-old kid when I got to campus back in the 1980s,” she said. “I grew as a person in college and made lifelong friends that I still talk to. I learned a lot about who I was and who I wasn’t, and I don’t think I could have done that anywhere else.”
Wilburn-Covington, who earned bachelor’s degrees in independent studies and physical education, played four seasons on the A-State women’s basketball team and had a brief career in Germany before returning home. It was overseas, on a bus, that the framework for her journey in Marked Tree began to take shape.
“A lot of us were overseas together, and Kay Adams, who was the A-State athletic director’s sister, asked me what my plans were for when we got back. I told her that I didn’t know,” Wilburn-Covington said. “I didn’t think any more about it until after I’d been home for about a month. My phone rang, and it was Bill Davidson, the athletic director at Arkansas State, telling me that Kay was going to call me about a job at Marked Tree and he wanted to let me know that she would be calling.”
Adams, who was an administrator at Marked Tree at the time, asked Wilburn-Covington to meet her in Jonesboro to discuss the possibility of joining the faculty. After accepting the job, she began working as an assistant with the girls’ basketball team. A few years later, when the boys’ head coach left, the school district offered her the position.
“I never hesitated for a moment,” Wilburn-Covington said. “I never thought about being a trailblazer or a woman coaching boys or anything like that. I was coaching basketball, and that’s all I had ever wanted to do.”
Over the years, Wilburn-Covington has come to accept her role as a pioneer for women coaching males, but she does not dwell on it or seek recognition.
“I think it’s great because it may have opened up opportunities for others,” she said. “But it’s all about the community, and the people of Marked Tree are great. I can’t think of anywhere else I would want to be.”
Wilburn-Covington hopes that more women will receive the opportunities she has had. However, she emphasized that the most important thing is to be happy in whatever you do.
“I have fun every day,” she said. “When it’s no longer fun, that’s when it’s time to reevaluate.”
CLASS NOTES
CONTINUED
Casey Cullipher ’01 – Named chief executive officer at RiverWind Bank.
Col. George A. Hill ’01 – Assumed command of the 52nd Ordnance Group, overseeing all activeduty Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians east of the Mississippi River.
Ryan Moore ’01 – Graduated Leadership Arkansas in 2023.
Terra Van Andel ’01 – Named first director of the central procurement services division of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners in Long Beach, CA.
Laura Nick ’02 – Named chief communications officer for Garver.
Ryan Perkins ’02 – Named chief academic officer and vice president for instruction of Arkansas Northeastern College.
Andrea Rodgers ’02 – Named senior vice president of guest experience and operations for the Chicago Zoological Society.
Dr. Leslye McGrath ’03 – Elected president of the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians.
Bill Midkiff ’03 – Promoted to CEO of Greenway Equipment.
Dr. Natalie Parker-Holliman ’03 ’14 –Contributed a chapter to the Handbook of Research on Teachers of Color and Indigenous Teachers, exploring how educators can better support underrepresented students.
Joycelin Randle ’03 – Appointed senior manager of investor relations and stakeholder engagement for Southern Bancorp.
Joni Stephenson ’03 – Promoted to corporate vice president of human resources for Baptist Health in Little Rock.
Brian Thompson ’03 – Selected to serve as secretary of the Missouri Economic Development Council Board of Directors.
Dr. Jennifer Bouldin ’04 –Promoted to Dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics at A-State.
Todd Clark ’04 ‘10 – Named chief communications officer at Arkansas State University.
Dr. Jerry Floate ’04 – Hernando Middle School principal, named DeSoto County Schools administrator of the year.
Brian Fowler ’04 – The CEO of Arkansas Surgical Hospital was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics and named a Champion of Healthcare.
Holly Rogers Duval ’04 – Director of marketing and business development for The Poultry Federation was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as an Achiever in their Forties.
Shawn Jackson ’04 – Named assistant athletic director and head football coach of the Nashville Scrappers in Arkansas.
Dr. Brenda Randle ’04 – Received the Leader in Service award at the inaugural Recognizing Remarkable Women awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at Arkansas State University.
Alan Brannon ’05 –Will serve as vice president of ag lending at AgHeritage Farm Credit Services.
Joshua Brown ’05 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Top 100 Professionals list.
Jennifer Craig ’05 – Named director of leadership development for Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Kimberly Fox-Stepps ’05 – Named a finalist in the $10,000 Pitch Competition by ReMix Ideas.
Dr. Joe Sugg ’05 – Named the 2024 Arkansas Optometrist of the Year.
Nena Zimmer ’05 – Named chief reporter for Jonesboro Right Now.
Andrea Andrews ’06 – Named a 2024 NEA Women in Business recipient by Talk News & Business.
Cortney Kuntze ’06 – Sworn in as the new Fifth District Appellate Court Clerk in Illinois.
Wes Ward ’06 –Current Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture was elected president for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Mike Watson ’06 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Top 100 Professionals list.
Tim Wells ’06 – Promoted to custom-engineered solutions manager at Hytrol.
Megan Brown ’07 – Inducted into The Communications Group award-winning Women in Industry series.
Justin Crabb-Lafoon ’07 –Promoted to director of clinical services for The BridgeWay Hospital in North Little Rock.
Christopher Heigle ’07 – Named the fifth president of Arkansas Northeastern College in July 2023.
David McClain ’07 ’16 – Named to the NEA Baptist Health System Board of Directors.
Melissa McDaniel ’07 ’08 –recognized as one of Talk Business & Politics’ Top 10 Women in Business and named a 2024 NEA Women in Business recipient by Talk News & Business.
Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt ’07 ‘20 –Appointed Dean of University College at Arkansas State University and one of the Living Legends Award recipients.
Jared Smith ’07 – Appointed as an Ag lending officer for AgHeritage Farm Credit Services at the company’s Batesville branch office.
Shunqetta Cunningham ’08 –Initiated entrepreneurship program ‘Over-A-Cup’ for Black women and was recognized as one of Talk Business & Politics’ Top 10 Women in Business.
Dr. Brody Eaton ’08 – Appointed medical director of ARcare.
April Killian ’08 – Selected as Ozarka College employee of the quarter.
Dr. Lisa Lucas ’08 – Awarded American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology’s 38th annual Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award.
Dr. Evette Allen Moore ’08 –Received one of the Women to Watch awards at the inaugural Recognizing Remarkable Women awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at Arkansas State University.
Brandon Morris ’08 – Recognized as a Trailblazer at the inaugural King Awards by the ladies of Persevering Pearls serving North Pulaski.
Dr. Rachel Pool ’09 ’10 –Named dean of the Huckabee School of Education at Ouachita Baptist University.
Graycen Bigger ‘09 – Joined FNBC as assistant vice president of strategic partnerships.
Candence Brooks ’09 – Featured in Talk Business & Politics as one of the NEA Women in Business honorees.
Brandon DeGroat ’09 – Promoted to Jonesboro community bank president for Cross Bank.
Tim Hendrix ’09 ’17 – Director of Bands at Bentonville High School. His band was a finalist at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind. in 2023.
Dr. Greta Ishmael ’09 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Power Women 2023 list.
Gabriel Knight ’09 – Named the 2024 Engineer of the Year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District.
Tiffany Mosley ’09 ’14 – Appointed director of the Office of Title IX and Institutional Equity at Arkansas State University.
Chris Boothman ’10 – Promoted to vice chancellor for distance education and technology and CIO.
Sharnae Diggs ’10 – Selected to the third class of the Public Service Academy by the Arkansas Bar Association and Clinton School of Public Service.
CONTINUED
Carla Farris-Lee ’10, ’13, ’15 –Named assistant principal of Osceola High School.
Kayla Holland ’10 ’13 – Appointed dean of Business and Information Systems at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
Brian McFarlane ’10 – Named the Jonesboro city president at Southern Bancorp.
Janet McGregorLiles ’10 –Appointed to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists New Practitioners Forum Practice Advancement & Advocacy Group.
Lauren Skeen ’10 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Power Women 2023 list.
Jon Stevenson ’10, ’15 – Named director of bands for Malvern School District.
Tylee Tracer-Anderson ’10 ’18 –Appointed director of communications and marketing for the Catawba Indian Nation, the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina. She was also appointed as associate municipal judge for the town of Fort Mill, S.C.
Trenna Barker ’11 – Named North Little Rock market president for First Security Bank.
Adrienne Blackwell ‘11 – Named Alumni of the Year by ASUMH. She graduated from ASUMH in 2006.
Jessica Cooper ’11 – Won a national election to become the cardiac interventional and vascular interventional chapter delegate and vice chair for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Johnathan Haddon ’11 –Named athletic director for New Madrid County R-1 District.
Demario Davis ’11 – New Orleans Saints LB earned AP All-Pro honors for the 5th straight season.
Kyle McCarn ’11 – Selected as the new superintendent of Viola Public Schools.
Mitch Rouse ’11 – Promoted to Arkansas DHS chief of staff.
Taylor Stockemer ’11 – Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 honoree for 2024.
Ryan Aplin ’12 – Promoted to Georgia Southern offensive coordinator.
Amanda Bledsoe ’12 – Named a Champion of Healthcare by Arkansas Money & Politics.
Phillip Butterfield ’12 – Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 honoree for 2024.
Madelyn Carson ’12 – Received the Unsung Hero award at the inaugural Recognizing Remarkable Women awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at Arkansas State University.
Joe Cross ’12 – Named principal of Mark Twain Elementary at Rolla Public Schools.
Derrick Dixon ’12 – Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 honoree for 2024.
Rickey Everett ’12 – Named principal of Eagle Mountain Elementary School in Batesville, Ark.
Allison McDaniel ’12 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Power Women 2023 list.
Delana Meeler ’12 – Joined the new specialty clinic for White River Health as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Daniel Short ’12 – Is the owner and broker of True North Realty Group in Northwest Arkansas.
Elizabeth Terry ’12 – In the Top-10 running for Reader’s Digest’s “America’s Favorite Teacher” honor.
Neena Viel ’12 – Published her debut novel, Listen To Your Sister.
Matthew Hampton ’13 – Named associate costume designer for the Water for Elephants production currently on Broadway.
Blake Irvin ’13 and wife Bryanna Irvin ’14 –Awarded the inaugural Perseverance award at the DCFS Foster Parent of the Year Banquet.
Tiffany Phillips ’13 – Named Ag Teacher of the Year for Sharp Co.
LaVonda Evans ’14 ’19 – Received the P.R.O.P.S recognition from Arkansas State University.
Spencer Gay ’14 – Selected by the Arkansas High School Coaches Association to lead the girl’s East All-Star game.
Camryn Hyde ’14 – Joined Concept Agritek as executive assistant specializing in data reporting and analysis.
Renardo Marks ’14 – Selected as one of the Arkansas Money & Politics “Future 50” honorees.
Hunter Sadler ’14 – Named to the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL 24-25.
Mallory Floyd ’15 – Selected to the third class of the Public Service Academy by the Arkansas Bar Association and Clinton School of Public Service
Dr. Lauren Lefler ’15 – Joined Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare at its Covington Pike Methodist Medical Group – Primary Care in Bartlett, TN.
Nevada Mills ’15 – Named band director at Henderson State University.
Audra Brooks Titsworth ’15 –Named founding dean of the Institute for the Creative Arts, the first performing and visual arts high school in Arkansas that opened in August 2024 in Fort Smith.
William Bentz ’16 – Named superintendent of Harrison County School District in Mississippi.
Taylor Bundrick ’16 – Named assistant principal at Airport High School in South Carolina.
Dr. Zane Cannon ’16 – Joined the Baxter Health medical staff.
Tanner Grayham ’16 ’18 – Named to the 20 in their Twenties list by Arkansas Business.
Dr. Carter Lee ’16 – Joined St. Bernards medical staff at Clopton Clinic in Jonesboro.
Jason White ‘16 –Promoted to lead product management & development for network embedded security at AT&T.
Dr. Jacob Carter ’17 – Joined Baxter Health medical staff.
Sari Blackwell Harlow ’17 –Received one of the Women to Watch awards at the inaugural Recognizing Remarkable Women awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at Arkansas State University and named a 2024 NEA Women in Business recipient by Talk News & Business
Meagan Bowling Fudge ’17 –Graduated Leadership Arkansas in 2023 and was appointed to the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas board of directors.
Corey Fuhrman ’17 – Started work at Bennett Commercial Real Estate of Little Rock.
Amy Harrison ’17 – Appointed principal of Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale.
Dr. Logan Meurer ’17 – Earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Connor Poteet ’17 – Named vice president relationship manager at Rabo AgriFinance.
Morgan Rish ’17 – Promoted to senior project manager at First Service Bank of Greenbrier.
Ashley Smith ’17 – Named to the 20 in their Twenties class of 2024 by Arkansas Business
Lindsey Spencer ’17 – Named a 2024 NEA Women in Business recipient by Talk News & Business.
Dr. Max Bacot ’18 – Earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Joey Brown ’18 – Recently hired as an advanced practice registered nurse at Baptist Health Family Clinic in Cabot.
Marcia Bruno -Todd ’18 –Named Leadership Tulsa’s next executive director.
CLASS NOTES
Geoffrey Flemmons ’18 – Became owner and president of Southern Barter Exchange in Little Rock.
Chuck Heitman ’18 – Transitioned into the role of behavioral health and community relations specialist for Baxter Health in Mountain Home.
Qubilah Jones ’18 – Posthumously awarded one of the Living Legends Awards from Arkansas State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Jenn Morehead ’18 – Accepted the position of executive director of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund.
Carlee Smith ’18 – Promoted to account manager by Obsidian Public Relations.
Dalton Smith ’18 – Hired as a physical therapist at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center.
Cindy Westcott ’18 – Named vice president of customer development at Summit Utilities, Inc.
Marissa Cahill ’19 – Named to Arkansas Money & Politics Future 50 list.
Anthony Carlyle ’19 – Named head boys basketball coach for Starkville Oktibbeha School District.
Dr. Shanna Childress ’19 – Earned her medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Tyler Childress ’19 – Earned his medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Landen Crancer ’19 ’24 – Named to the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL 24-25.
Dr. Dillon Daniels ’19 –Earned his medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Thomas Hamaker ’19 – Appointed assisted director for Arkansas Boys State.
Kaitlyn Mahaffey-McGee ’19 –Selected as Magnolia Middle School’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.
Austin Petty ’19 – Promoted to project manager for McClelland Consulting Engineers’ transportation department.
Dr. Zachary Preston ’19 –Earned his medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Erica Rosenbaum ’19 – Named principal of McBride Elementary School for Springfield Public Schools.
Dr. Dylan Allbritton ’20 – Earned his medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Shelby Crosskno ’20 – Named to the 20 in their Twenties list by Arkansas Business.
Blake Grupe ’20 ’21 – Made the 53-man roster for the New Orleans Saints.
Paige Harvey ’20 – Named the 2023 recipient of the William H. Townsend Scholarship awarded by the Arkansas Optometric Association.
Sarah Jewell ’20 – Named director of Pre-K Education for the Fayetteville school district.
Cori Keller ’20 ’22 – Hired as a physician relations representative for Baptist Health in Little Rock.
Dr. Linwood Whitten ’20 – Named the vice president of student affairs at Lake Michigan College.
Mac Boyce ’21 – Promoted to advisor at First Community Financial Services.
Kent Doyle ’21 – Named superintendent of Spokane school district in Missouri.
Steven Heinsma ’21 – Joined the Fountain Hills town staff in the recreation department.
Dan Kilula ’21 ‘24 – of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was recognized for having the best student paper at the June 2023 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) National Conference.
Travis Wait ’21 – Named new director of transportation at Joplin School System.
Jessica Wiley ’21 – One of 31 educators from around Arkansas selected for the 24-25 Teach Plus Policy Fellowship.
Mallory Black ’22 – Joined St. Bernards Healthcare & Medical Group as the director of physician marketing.
Chasity Hurst ’22 – Named teacher of the year at GarrisonPilcher Elementary School.
Rheanna Branscum ’23 – New business consultant for Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas State University.
Emma Stull ’23 ’24 – Named assistant coach for the Arkansas State University bowling team.
Michael Tapee ’23 – Received the Milken Educator Award.
Megan Edgar ’24 – Recipient of the ParsonsBurnett Grant, funded by the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.
Kirstie Jett ’24 – Joined public relations firm Gambel Communications as communications coordinator.
Aidan Ridgway ’24 – Drafted in the 15th round to Old Glory DC, a professional Major League Rugby team based in Washington, DC.
Josie Roark ’24 – Named Mountain Home Junior High Girl’s Basketball Coach.
Hayden Williams ’24 – Named head football coach for Humboldt Vikings Football in Tenn.
Logan Cothern –A White County Regional Library Board member, chosen as grand marshal for the Searcy Holiday of Lights Christmas parade in 2023.
CLASS OF 1948
Mrs. Fleta Gacki
CLASS OF 1949
Dr. Bob Ferralasco
Mrs. Jennie Justus
CLASS OF 1952
Mr. Jess Bucy
CLASS OF 1953
Mrs. Carolyn Frierson
Mr. Noah Hazel
CLASS OF 1954
Lt. Col. Louis Stadler
CLASS OF 1955
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jerry Burrow
Mrs. Carolyn Cook
Mr. Marvin Green
Dr. James Wells
CLASS OF 1956
Mrs. Betty Brooks
Mrs. Lorene Hawkins
Ms. Betty Morse
CLASS OF 1957
Mrs. Diana Cate
Mr. Ronald Coleman
Dr. Perry Isbell
Mr. Octavius Smith
Col. Jess Stewart
Mr. James Willcox
Mr. Clyde Williams
CLASS OF 1958
Dr. Donald Berry
Lt. Col. Vernon Eagan
Mr. Jerald Haun
Ms. Vivian Kious
Dr. Thomas Lawson
Dr. David Wilbanks
CLASS OF 1959
Mr. Ronnie Metcalf
Mrs. Wyvon Taylor
Mr. Norman Vickers
Mr. Rudy Whiteside
CLASS OF 1960
Mrs. Agnes Bledsoe
Mrs. Joyce Fritts
Lt. Col. Farrell Lewallen
Mr. Tom Perkins
Dr. James Rowe
Mr. Billy Trail
CLASS OF 1961
Col. Joseph Crozier
Mr. Doil Dover
Mr. Bill Kinghorn
Mr. Charley Prater
Mrs. Shelby Wayland
CLASS OF 1962
Mr. Clarence Crowder
Mr. Jack Everett
Mr. Larry Jones
Mr. Aubrey Lackie
Mr. Ron Looney
Mrs. Lois Sutton
Mrs. Betty Troxel
Mr. James Wooldridge
CLASS OF 1963
Mr. Jim Bowlin
Mrs. Jane Cartwright
Mrs. Margaret Crosley
Mr. Buddy Randolph
Mrs. Bonnie Rasche
CLASS OF 1964
Mrs. Hettye Bridger
Mrs. Vera Danner
Mr. Ray Draffen
Mr. Bob Fickert
Mr. Cliff Goodin
Ms. Sandra Howard
Mrs. Vivian Kendrick
Mrs. Janis Pickle
Mrs. Jo Ann Ridout
Mr. Tommy Stoner
Mr. Bert Wright
CLASS OF 1965
Mrs. Karen Campbell
Mrs. Patricia Cassidy
Dr. Gwin Chunn
Mr. Dewayne Davidson
Mr. Jim Fowler
Mr. Daniel Freeman
Hon. George French
Mr. Coy Green
Mr. Paul Lovelace
CLASS OF 1966
Mrs. Georgia Beach
Mr. Larry Beene
Mr. Romey Brockett
Mrs. Beverly Eddins
Mr. Joe Elmore
Mr. Lyndle McCurley
Mr. Jack McSpadden
Mr. Rick Moore
CLASS OF 1967
Mr. Kenneth Allen
Mrs. Jo Ann Aubel
Mrs. Mary Anne Cruthirds
Mr. Denver Dudley
Mrs. Mary Langley
Mr. Robert McEvoy
Mr. Jerry McIntosh
Mr. Lloyd Mondy
Mrs. Gayle Nelson
CLASS OF 1968
Mr. Jerry Chilcutt
Mr. Jerry Crim
Mr. Norris Cruthirds
Mr. Vilas Elder
Mr. William Ellis
Mr. Gary Harp
Ms. Sharon Massey
Mr. Donald Patterson
Mr. Jimmy Pruitt
Mr. Tom Rowland
CLASS OF 1969
Mr. William Dent
Mrs. Ruby Garner
Mr. Bobby Hibbard
Mr. Coy Hurd
Ms. Donna Izmerian
Mr. Douglas James
Dr. Spencer Johnson
Mr. Joe Knodell
Mrs. Ura Kramer
Mr. Charlie Lafevers
Mr. Robert McKnight
Mr. Nelson Oakley
Mrs. Donna Shipman
CLASS OF 1970
Mr. Mark Brenke
Mr. Wesley Jones
Mrs. Sandra Malloy
Mrs. Sally Neel
Mrs. Janet Overstreet
Mr. Holmes Phillips
Mr. Kenneth Southern
Mr. Jody Tapp
Mr. Walter Williams
Mr. Charles Yarbro
CLASS OF 1971
Mr. Ronald Austin
Mr. Benny Bradshaw
Mr. Pat Clifford
Mrs. Peggy Crews
Mrs. Ruth Edmonston
Mrs. Dorlene Falwell
Mrs. Carol Hager
Mrs. Mary Haler
Mr. Ken Housh
Mr. James Martin
Mr. Steve McFerron
Mr. John Norman
Mrs. Barbara Phillips
Mrs. Jerrie Walden
CLASS OF 1972
Mrs.Patsy Cobb
Ms. Ginger Hurst
Mrs. Janice Jackson
Mrs. Brenda Mitchell
Mrs. Reida Robinson
CLASS OF 1973
Mrs. Peggy Alpe
Mrs. Loretta Bookout
Mrs. Sharon Bryant
Dr. Steve Bryant
Mrs. Vivian Heyl
Mr. Steve McBride
Mr. Tony Ramsey
Dr. Doug Wood
CLASS OF 1974
Mrs. Denann Clark
Mrs. Ollie Ellison
Mr. Stephen Finch
Mrs. Kathy Pearce
Mrs. Pamela Smoak
Mr. Larry Ward
Ms. Henrietta Williams
CLASS OF 1975
Mrs. Marian Eagle
Ms. Peggye Hambrick
Mr. Hoyt Hilger
Mr. James Waddell
Mrs. Karen Wooldridge
CLASS OF 1976
Ms. Gina Bowman
Mrs. Donna Curry
Mrs. Mona Heath
Mr. Marvin Hitchcock
Mrs. Sharon Holt
Mr. John Howard
MSgt. James Hunter
Mr. Lynn Luster
Mr. Carmack Sanders
Ms. Cynthia White
Mr. David Willard
CLASS OF 1977
Mrs. Harriet Boggs
Mrs. Jackie Weeks
Dr. Randy Woodruff
CLASS OF 1978
Mr. Bill Miles
Mrs. Susan Robinson
CLASS OF 1979
Ms. Kathleen Geeslin
Mr. Danny Kee
Ms. Rhonda Martin
Mrs. Margaret Ray
Ms. Patricia Seagrave
CLASS OF 1980
Mrs. Janet Gehring
Mr. Jerry May
Mrs. Myra Wright
CLASS OF 1981
Mrs. Laquita Saunders
CLASS OF 1982
Mrs. Jan Bufford
Mrs. Michell Dacus
Mrs. Denise Ellis
Ms. Hannah Freeman
Mrs. Lea Joyce
CLASS OF 1983
Mr. Barry Hutchison
Mr. Stan Smith
CLASS OF 1984
Mrs. Joan Abernathy
Mr. Rod Carmack
Mrs. Sandra Clark
Mr. Jim Clingingsmith
Mr. Michael Rash
CLASS OF 1985
Mr. Joey Austin
Mr. Kelly Batterton
Ms. Mary Blocker
Mrs. Terry Boudreaux
Mrs. Brenda Green
Ms. Sarah Richardson
CLASS OF 1986
Mr. Wade Johnson
Dr. Mike Sullens
CLASS OF 1987
Mr. David Veasman
CLASS OF 1988
Mr. Rex Harmon
Mr. Mickey Higgins
Mr. Samuel Macheak
Dr. Charlotte Power
Ms. Teresa Sailors
Mr. Alan Wood
CLASS OF 1989
Mrs. Mildred Lott
CLASS OF 1990
Mrs. Joanne Worsham
CLASS OF 1991
Mr. David Franks
Mrs. Patricia Honea
Mr. Earl Scott
Mrs. Wyzetta Titus
CLASS OF 1992
Mrs. Judy Sears
Mrs. Ernestine Towell
CLASS OF 1993
Dr. Terrence Brown
Ms. Sandy Headrick
CLASS OF 1994
Dr. Cissy Dowdy
Mrs. Anita Fender
Ms. Susan Irvin
Ms. Judy McAllister
Mr. Bruce Moore
Mr. Rodney O’Neal
Mr. Alvin Stewart
CLASS OF 1995
Mrs. Mary Kelley
Ms. Amanda Smith
CLASS OF 1996
Mrs. Glean Ferrell
Mr. Alaric Parrish
Ms. Shea Curtis
CLASS OF 1997
Mr. Greg Walter
Mr. Rennell Woods
CLASS OF 1999
Mr. Greg Adams
CLASS OF 2001
Mrs. Melba Barnes
Mr. Eric Bray
Ms. Juanita Brown
Mrs. Willean Jones-Burford
Ms. Rosemary Smith
CLASS OF 2002
Mr. Fred Shepherd
CLASS OF 2003
Ms. Linda Brady
Mr. Mark Bryant
Mr. Aaron Poteat
CLASS OF 2004
Mrs. Melissa Belcher
CLASS OF 2005
Mr. Eric McLain
CLASS OF 2006
Mr. Clarence Wright
CLASS OF 2007
Mrs. Billie Hill
CLASS OF 2011
Mr. Jefferson Holifield
Mr. Garrod Huckaby
IN MEMORIAM
CONTINUED
CLASS OF 2012
Mr. Matthew Garrett
CLASS OF 2013
Ms. Elaine Humphries
Ms. Dawn Warfield
CLASS OF 2014
Mr. John Ballard
Mr. Michael Dickens
CLASS OF 2017
Ms. Kristen Carter
Mr. Will Verser
CLASS OF 2020
Mr. Brady Bridges
CLASS OF 2021
Mr. Mathew Pruss
CLASS OF 2022
Ms. Emily Snyder
CLASS OF 2023
Mr. Jonathan Drum
NON-DEGREED ALUMNI
Mr. Michael Adams
Mr. Richard Aycock
Mr. Tom Butcher
Mr. Mike Cameron
Mrs. Frances Crews
Mrs. Susanne Harrelson
Mr. Jim Jordan
Mrs. Sally Peebles
Mrs. Kay Puryear
Mrs. Barbara Satterfield
Mr. Ken Stafford
Mrs. Jane Stepka
Mr. John Stokes
Mr. Billie Taylor
JONESBORO – A New Jersey native and World War II Coast Guard veteran, Robert (Bob) Ferralasco ‘49 of Jonesboro enrolled at Arkansas State College in 1946. After completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees and later earning his doctorate, he began his 37-year faculty career at A-State. He was named emeritus professor administrative services and chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems and Administrative Services, in the Griffin College of Business, upon his retirement in 1989.
During the university’s Centennial Celebration in 2009-10, Ferralasco was honored by the Faculty Association as one of the “First 100 Distinguished Faculty” of the institution because of his record of achievements supporting the university’s academic advancement. Ferralasco gave a century of service as adviser to Sigma Pi fraternity, which he had pledged as a student.
Ferralasco was recognized in 2000 as an A-State Distinguished Alumnus, and he was selected for the A-State Lettermen’s Club Hall of Honor. He also served 22 years on the board of the Kays Foundation, which financially supports the university in a variety of ways.
JONESBORO – Evan L. Lindquist, emeritus professor of art, dedicated his life and career to his creative work, to the art community of Arkansas, and to thousands of art students he educated and mentored as they embarked on their own careers.
A member of Arkansas State University’s Department of Art + Design faculty from 1963 to 2003, Lindquist was recognized in 2004 as recipient of the Arkansas Arts Council’s “Governor’s Arts Award” because of his extraordinary career and achievements. He was one of A-State’s most beloved faculty members.
Lindquist provided the impetus and was founder of the annual Delta National Small Prints Exhibition hosted by Fowler Center at A-State. During the university’s Centennial Celebration in 2009-10, he was honored by the Faculty Association as one of the “First 100 Distinguished Faculty” of the institution and his name was placed on the Faculty Wall of Honor.
In 2013, then-Gov. Mike Beebe appointed Lindquist to serve as the first State of Arkansas Artist Laureate. His prints are in permanent art collections worldwide.
JONESBORO – Ron Looney, ’62, brought a clever perspective to virtually every project he touched during his 35-year career as director of the A-State Office of Publications and Creative Services. Well known for his humor, he simultaneously was quite serious about seeing that his alma mater was represented properly in print.
One of the highlights of the Missouri native’s career was overseeing the design development in 2008 for the university’s newly adopted mascot, Red Wolves. His only related boast was his talent for hiring excellent graphic artists. Another career highpoint was preparation of the invitation, program and related materials for the 1995 Dean B. Ellis Library expansion dedication ceremony, which featured the sitting president of the United States.
During the university’s Centennial Celebration, Looney was one of the original 100 individuals selected for recognition on the Staff Wall of Honor. While enjoying a talent for the quickest wit imaginable, Looney’s real passion was his equestrian interests in raising, training and riding horses.
DENTON, TEXAS – Hardy native Paden Neeley, ’56, earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at A-State, where he also was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program. After active duty, including the Berlin crisis, he completed his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Arkansas. He is believed to be the first and youngest, at 25, to complete a Ph.D. in accounting at UA.
He moved to Denton, Texas, beginning what would become an acclaimed career of more than 40 years at the University of North Texas. Author of accounting textbooks, he was recognized as a Faculty All-Star Teacher in 1967 and Outstanding Professor in the College of Business in 1975. Former students established a professorship in his name in 2006.
While at UNT, he was the visionary and founding director of the Professional Development Institute, a non-profit center providing career development programs nationwide and internationally. He established a scholarship endowment at A-State in memory of his mother to benefit incoming business majors. Neeley was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2020.
WEST MEMPHIS – A passion for sports attracted Ness Sechrest, ’56, to Arkansas State University where he played football, served as president of the Student Government Association, and was designated as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program.
His entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen contributed to his success and allowed him to make a significant impact on his community. He was owner and president of West Memphis Petro, Inc., Petro Tank Lines and Flash Market, Inc.
Deeply committed to his community and state, Sechrest shared his leadership talents through numerous boards and other public services activities, including being a longtime member of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. He also was a member of the ASU System Foundation, Inc., board, and the ASU-Heber Springs Advancement Committee.
The A-State Alumni Association recognized Sechrest as one of its Distinguished Alumni in 1999, and he was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame in 2010.
1 Heather Young Talley ’06 ’08 welcomed her baby girl in 2023.
2 Christopher Hyman ’07 and wife Amy Hyman ’16 ’17 welcomed their daughter in August 2024.
3 Claire Ramsey Eaton ’10 and husband Brody Eaton ’08 welcomed their twin daughters in November 2023 making them a family of six.
4 Nicole Frey ’10 ’11 and husband Cody welcomed their baby boy in November 2023.
5 Kimberly Winchester Short ’11 and husband Daniel Short ’12 welcomed their daughter, Lillian, in May 2023.
6 Bryanna McClanahan Irvin ’14 and husband Blake Irvin ’13 welcomed their third son in June 2024.
7 Marshall McDaniel ’16 ’19 and wife Lexis welcomed their daughter in August 2023.
8 Weston McDaniel ’17 married his wife Tatum in July 2023.
9 Hanna Dailey Poynter ’17 and husband Seth welcomed their twin boys in March 2024.
10 Geoffrey Flemmons ’18 and Christian Dacus ’18 married in June 2023.
11 Jenn Morehead ’18 and husband Jeremy welcomed their second child, a son in August 2023.
12 Haley Stotts Hays ’18 married her husband Thomas in October 2023.
13 Debrath Banerjee ’19 welcomed his son in August 2023.
14 Brianna Coyle Reinhart ’19 married her husband Caleb Reinhart ’19 in July 2024.
15 Megan Ross Lee ’20 and husband Kaelob Lee ’20 married in January 2022 and welcomed their baby girl in March 2023.
LINDSAY BURNETT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the alumni relations team, we hope you’ve had a wonderful 2024! It’s been an exciting year full of events and activities, and we’re thrilled to celebrate 100 years of the A-State Alumni Association. We hope you’ve been able to join in the festivities and share your favorite moments that made your A-State experience so meaningful.
We also hope you were able to join us for our 100-year party at the Cooper Alumni Center. We celebrated with alumni, faculty and friends to commemorate a century of connection and remarkable memories. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to making even more memories in the future.
For the second consecutive year, Chancellor Todd Shields announced a record-breaking enrollment. This August, we welcomed 16,687 students for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, a remarkable 12 percent increase from last year.
In July, Chancellor Shields and Dr. Calvin White, Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, introduced an exciting enhancement to the A-State Promise Plus Scholarship. It will now cover 100 percent of a student’s tuition, fees, and housing. This update, which previously did not include housing, will ease the financial burden for families pursuing higher education.
Looking ahead, the A-State Alumni Association is excited about a spring and summer packed with events. Watch your email and social media for details on everything we have planned!
We hope you enjoy the photos and stories we’ve worked hard to bring you in this edition of Voices. It’s been fun to look back on 100 years of the A-State Alumni Association, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the next 100 years!
Until then, Wolves Up!
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