Madison Driver receives her degree as the 100,000th Arkansas State University graduate with Chancellor Kelly Damphousse and Alumni Association President Dale Morris. Driver received her degree in exercise science and both of her parents, Ami ’09 ’13 MSE ’14 MSE, and Cris are also A-State alumni.
ON THE COVER
Pat Keel ’97 is chief financial and administrative officer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. In this issue, we profile Pat and learn how she has helped guide the hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click for a video looking back at Commencement and A-State’s 100,000th graduate.
MY VOICE
JON CARVELL ‘04, ‘13 SAFETY OFFICER EMERGENCY MANAGER
The past year gave all Red Wolves a new outlook on health, social interaction and life itself. Arkansas State University gave me the opportunity to serve our alma mater during a pandemic, and while it has been quite the task to say the least, I would not wish to be in the middle of a disaster at another institution or with a different group of people. Those who know me as A-State’s emergency manager often express sympathy with the position I am in dealing with everything related to COVID-19 on our campus. I am more than grateful for those feelings, and I am always sure to tell those who bear them that they are probably more empathetic than they think. That is because they are often custodians, teachers and healthcare workers. They are people who come face-to-face with the public on a daily basis and those whose lives are completely uprooted by the realities of coronavirus. They are our servant leaders, and it is no large stretch to extend that moniker to the rest of us. All that really takes is wearing a mask. At the risk of sounding cliché, we are in this together, and everyone I know in the thick of it with us has stepped up and masked up with their Wolves Up. If I listed all those who should be thanked, I would inevitably miss someone. So thanks to all the Red Wolves: - Who wrote the pandemic plan we adapted for COVID-19 and provided multiple opportunities for us to exercise it over the years - Who organized our medical team in years prior and to the team itself for coming together in this time of need, all while continuing to serve our students - Administrators who guided us into the unknown and made tough decisions based on the best information we could give them - Who taught, coached or served students and the public face-to-face, and for the hard work they put in to make sure those things could be done as safely as possible - Who cleaned quarantine rooms, delivered food to the campus residents who required isolation, installed new signage and created COVID-19 classroom seating layouts - And those who volunteered to offer the services listed above and more when they saw their colleagues become overwhelmed. The outstanding individuals who responded to this pandemic for our university are too many to list because they are all of us. They are all of you. Many of you have done these same things with your businesses and within your organizations to keep things moving as best we can. Thank you for your continued support. Now, there is one more group to thank. As I type this, a collaborative effort of academics, administrators, volunteers, event managers, healthcare students and support staff who polished plans and made possible the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic for A-State employees. I joke in our planning meetings that there is not much for me to do because the professionals on this team are so good at what they do. But it is true. They know what they are doing because they have done this before only in different form. After all, what is a walk-in vaccination clinic at First National Bank Arena, but a drive-thru clinic combined with a polling location, both of which we undertook mid-pandemic and learned great lessons from just months ago. The end is in sight, folks. Don’t let up. Keep hammering away at this virus in whatever way you can, and rest assured that your university will do the same.
VOICES
Click for video on our COVID-19 vaccination clinic
INSIDE 6
WINTER 2021 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2
FEATURE STO R I E S
1 6 – JOS HUA LEA D S FA M I LY
LEGACY ON TH E R OA D TO S UCCES S
2 2 – A -STAT E A LU M N I A D D A RT IST IC FL A I R TO DOWNTOWN J ON ESB OR O
22
16
3 0 – A -STAT E’S P I PEL I N E TO T HE NAT ION ’ S M I L I TA RY BEST: HONO R I N G TH E NAT IONA L R OTC H A L L OF FA ME’S NEWEST M EM B ER S 3 6 – BU TCH JONES N A M ED TO LEA D RE D WOLV ES FOOT BA LL ___________________________________
COVER STORY
0 6 – A N EVEN KE EL : A -STATE
A LUMNA HEL PS G U I D E ST. JU DE
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36
SHA RE YOUR N E W S
3 8 – CLA S S NOT E S
4 3 – BIRT HS A ND M A R R I AG ES
T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R KA N S A S STAT E U N I V E R S I TY A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N 0 2 – VO I C E S
VOICES MAGAZINE OF THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE EDITOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 EDITOR - VAN PROVENCE ‘07 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - GINA BOWMAN ‘76, TOM MOORE ‘73, ‘91, DR. BILL SMITH
DESIGN - MARY REED MELTON ‘04
S NA P S H OTS
PHOTOGRAPHER - TRAVIS CLAYTON PRINTING - CORNING PUBLISHING COMPANY
0 4 – I N T HE NE WS
1 4 – ON CAMPUS
2 8 – ALU M NI E VE NTS
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - DALE MORRIS ‘70 VICE PRESIDENT - PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ’93, ‘96 SECRETARY - JOHN BAINE ’95, ‘97 PAST PRESIDENT - NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS ’83, ’09, ‘12
4 6 – WO LVE S AR O UND T HE WO R LD
BOARD MEMBERS JESSICA BAKER ‘07
___________________________________
A LU M N I SP OTLIGHT
1 2 – AR KA NSAS STATE ALUMN I A S S OCIAT ION
H ONO R S 2020 DISTING UIS HED A LU MNI
2 6 – FIVE OUTSTANDING GRADUATES HONORED AS EMERGING YOUNG ALUMNI OF 2020
41 – FAMILIAR FAC E S PART O F NEW
COACH ING STAFF
MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76
ERIC BLACKWELL ‘01
JULIE MATTHEWS ‘94
JASON BROWN
MICHAEL MILES ’02, ‘11
JAMIE CARADINE ‘78
RICK MILES ‘78
CHARISSE M. CHILDERS ’88, ’91, ‘01
BRANDON MORRIS ‘08
JENNIFER STOUT COLE ’00
JOY MURPHY ‘92
JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80
NATALIE ROGERS ‘10
BILL HARRIS ‘93
NEKIA SLATER ‘14
RICHARD HARTNESS, SR. ’68
SHELLEY LUNBECK TUSTISON ’04
JARED WOODARD ‘01
CHANCELLOR - DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT DR. ERIKA KRENNERICH CHUDY ‘98, ’00, ‘20
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 DIRECTOR, ANNUAL GIVING - TARA TOWNSEND THOMASON ‘97
___________________________________
DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05 DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
M Y VO ICE
0 1 – J O N CARVE LL
Voices is published two times a year by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Subscriptions are available through membership
SAFETY OFFICER EMERGENCY MANAGER
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.
T H E L A ST WO R D
MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
4 9 – L INDSAY BUR NE TT
VOICES A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 0 3
EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
ITN
IN THE NEWS
9.16.20
Chancellor Kelly Damphousse (left) is joined by CPA Dudley Bowdon (right) to welcome Dr. Steven Muzatko as inaugural holder of the H.B. Foster Bowdon Chair of Accounting in the Neil Griffin College of Business.
10.10.20
Red Wolves enjoy a moment of celebration during their
1.19.21
50-27 victory over in-state rival Central Arkansas.
More than 75 A-State students, faculty, staff and retired faculty came together to provide 1,085 vaccinations for COVID-19 to employees on campus.
Click for video
10.28.20
Congratulations to the St. Pierre family, A-State’s 2020 Family of the Year. The St. Pierre family was nominated by Jackson St. Pierre of Jonesboro, a junior biological sciences major with an emphasis in pre-professional studies. His parents are Lee St. Pierre ‘93 and Angela St. Pierre ‘92. 0 4 – VO I C E S
10.31.20
Physical distancing was part of each A-State football game in 2020, and the Sound of the Natural State Band was no exception as members were distanced and masked up to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Following a gift from Hytrol Conveyor Co., the Hytrol Materials Handling Laboratory was established on the A-State campus during the spring 2019 semester.
10.28.20
The Red Wolves claimed their third all-time Bubas Cup championship and their first since 1997-98. A member of the Sun Belt Conference since 1991, A-State also earned the honor in 1994-95.
Click for video
11.10.20
Coach Brian Dooley guided the Red Wolves women’s soccer
12.14.20
A team of students, the A-State Science Support
program to a 10-2-1 overall record and a 7-0-1 mark in
System, learned their proposed experiment in the
conference play. A-State won its first regular-season Sun
Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science
Belt Conference championship under Dooley and put together the best finish in program history. The team poses in Orange Beach, Ala., during the 2020 SBC Championships.
(SPOCS) project was selected by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement as one of five nationally to be carried out on the International Space Station in 2022.
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 0 5
COVER STORY
0 6 – VO I C E S
A
shining example of success for non-traditional college students, Pat Keel ‘97 was a working mother at Northeast
Arkansas Rehabilitation Hospital when she returned to
“Operationally, I partner with others in the organization to evaluate how we are using our financial resources and identify opportunities for financial improvements. My goal is to enable
Arkansas State University in the 1990s to finish her degree. Now,
clinicians and researchers to do their best work as well as
she’s the chief financial and administrative officer and an executive
continue to strengthen processes on an ongoing basis. It is also to
vice president at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
ensure our patients receive the highest level of service while they are here.”
As the only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, St. Jude relies heavily on
Fulfilling the responsibilities of her role requires her to wear multiple
donor funding to achieve founder Danny Thomas’ vision that “no
hats as both CFO and CAO, and Keel said she feels fortunate that
child should die in the dawn of life,” and a major role of Keel’s is to
her days at the hospital are rarely the same. St. Jude has more
make sure the hospital has the financial resources to meet that goal.
than $1 billion in construction projects scheduled over the next five years, and Keel monitors each of those projects, while also
“As the CFO, my role is to ensure the organization has adequate
teaching leadership classes, participating in strategic planning
financial resources to accomplish the mission, and to identify
meetings, developing financial projection models, and, her favorite,
financial risks and work to mitigate those risks,” Keel said.
mentoring young leaders.
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 0 7
A N E V E N K E E L : A - S TAT E A L U M N A H E L P S G U I D E S T. J U D E
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the results of what we do – the children,” Keel said. “Since its opening in 1962, St. Jude has advanced cures and treatments for cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening diseases. Some of our former patients are in their sixties, thriving today as grandparents and great-grandparents. It is just miraculous.” Keel credited her time at A-State as being influential in developing the ability to lead the hospital in so many facets of its operation. “My time at Arkansas State University prepared me in my career and more specifically for my position at St. Jude, not just through gaining the technical accounting knowledge but also how to work with teams, develop relationships and juggle multiple, competing priorities,” Keel said. “I learned to ask for help when I needed it, make course corrections when I got off course, and most importantly, developed solid critical thinking skills to solve complex problems.” The need to solve complex problems was taken to a new level as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep the globe in early 2020. The hospital’s supply chain director retired in March, leaving yet another role for Keel to fill until the interim director arrived 30 days later. “Initially, my role during the pandemic was dramatically different,” Keel said. “I was the logistics leader in the St. Jude Incident Command Center, the central hub for decision making during the COVID-19 crisis. I was responsible for ensuring we could source key personal protective equipment to keep our patients, families and staff safe. This required working with our buyers to identify alternative vendors, ensuring they were thoroughly vetted and validating the supplies were legitimate when they arrived. “I also participated in small groups developing new processes to zone the campus to protect the clinical staff, patients and families,” she added. “We had to change many processes related to how we received supplies, which vendors would be allowed on campus, how patients and families as well as staff would access the campus and how we would clean areas, especially if we had a COVID-19-positive patient or family member. I also helped most of my direct departments make the transition to remote work.” After the first two months of the pandemic, she moved to more of a monitoring mode over many of these duties, a role that continues today as spikes in cases and the rate of positives require that the hospital make adjustments to its practices. She also advocates for “masking up” to protect the children and those who care for them. The unique trials presented by the pandemic are many. A constant challenge is providing the personal protective equipment needed to keep staff, patients and families safe. Guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control change frequently, sometimes daily, and zoning the campus to keep clinical areas insulated and protected from COVID-19 is an ongoing responsibility.
VOICES
Keel said she initially chose Arkansas State because her hometown university made it 0 8 – VO I C E S
affordable to work and go to school. “It took me a long time to find my passion so I had several gap years. I then returned with more focus and drive.” That drive led to her amassing more than 30 years of experience in managing hospital financial operations. She held leadership positions at University Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she served as chief financial officer and senior vice president, at Good Shepherd Health System in Longview, Texas, and also at CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System, also in Shreveport. In addition to her Bachelor of Science in accounting from A-State, she also holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. Keel is also a William G. Follmer Bronze award recipient in HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association), and in December 2015, she was named to Becker’s Hospital Review list of 130 women hospital and health system leaders to know – an honor that has been repeated five consecutive times. In January, she was named by Forbes magazine as one of the best non-profit CFOs of 2020. As a student at Arkansas State, Keel said she enjoyed watching A-State compete in football, volleyball, women’s and men’s basketball, and tennis. Most of her accounting classes were held at night, were small, and often included the same students. “The group of students were very special and from a wide variety of backgrounds,” she said. “It was great going through the classes together and I had two really great faculty members in Dr. Coy London and Patricia Toney-McLin.” Now, as an alumna of Arkansas State University and an employee at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she’s certainly aware that A-State’s Up ‘til Dawn organization is consistently among the nation’s leaders in campus fundraising for St. Jude. “Truthfully, everything about Arkansas State is a source of pride for me,” she said. “It’s a great school with great leadership, and it’s part of my foundation and roots. I love that students these days not only focus on their education, but they also give back to the St. Jude kids.” Keel’s immediate family consists of one son, Jonathan, and his wife Ally. Keel enjoys traveling, attending sporting and cultural events, gardening, cooking, cycling, hiking, tennis, music and reading, saying, “I really like variety in my work and life.”
QA AND
with student Allysa Weaver, executive director of A-State’s Up ‘til Dawn board What is the most rewarding part of being involved with Up ‘til Dawn? The connections. Between the board, the ambassadors, the advisers, and the relationships we cultivate with sponsors it’s the most rewarding blessing. Fundraising is great but being away from the hospital we do not really see the fruit of our labor firsthand. For me getting to watch those around me grow in their skill sets, become better leaders, and cultivate a passion for the mission of Up ‘til Dawn is better than any dollar sign. How many years have you been on the Up ‘til Dawn board? As a freshman and sophomore I was a participant with Up ‘til Dawn and the last two years I have been on the executive board. Four years total, two years leading. Why did you get involved with Up ‘til Dawn? I fundraised for St. Jude when I was in high school, but I was naive to the true impact St. Jude was making. When I got to college I met Bailey Owens ‘19 who was on the executive board. She encouraged me to participate, so I jumped at the opportunity. My sophomore year she was the executive director and really pushed me to apply for the board, and now here I am. I am thankful for the legacy she left because otherwise I would not be as involved and be as passionate as I am about the mission of St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn. Arkansas State is one of the national leaders for colleges in supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Do you think there is an awareness of this on campus, and what does this distinction mean to our students? I think that Up ‘til Dawn as a whole is misunderstood on campus. The branding makes it very hard to be personal to people, but our heartbeat this year is awareness – for the mission, for the meaning, and for what St. Jude does for others. As a person who has been actively involved with Up ‘til Dawn, the distinction is valuable and important. It definitely goes to show how hard past boards have worked to get our campus invested with Up ‘til Dawn. We hope to keep that going this year as well. What is your goal for Up ‘til Dawn this year? Our fundraising goal set by St. Jude is $100,000, but personally I have set the goal to aim for $106,000. I would love to see A-State break a record this year of exceeding more than we have ever raised. Otherwise, our goal is to bring the mission of St. Jude to the community of Jonesboro. Most people in Jonesboro who are avid St. Jude lovers are unaware that there is a student group right under their noses that fundraises for the kids. Our theme and heartbeat this year is “Hometown Throwdown” and we are striving to partner with local businesses and sponsors to bring awareness to the many small businesses in Jonesboro. We want to do everything we can to equip our town to help us in return, especially after the course of the pandemic and the tornado. We as an organization want to do any and everything we can to bring a new kind of fire to the mission of St. Jude.
A-STATE REMEMBERED
1 0 – VO I C E S
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 1 1
Click photo for nomination video
The Arkansas State University Alumni Association recognized its three 2020 Distinguished Alumni in September, even though the Homecoming game and most associated activities had to be canceled. The honorees are Charles Kruse of Dexter, Mo., Anderson Neal of Texarkana, and Paden Neeley of Lewisville, Texas. Each one has attained an outstanding record of professional and civic achievements, as well as giving loyal support to A-State. This is the 37th year the association has recognized the university’s most distinguished alumni, selected from nominations submitted by the public. A list of previous honorees, along with the nomination form, are available at AStateAlumni.org/DA.
Kruse, a fourth-generation family farmer, is retired from an 18-year tenure as president of the Missouri Farm Bureau. He also served as a member of the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors and one of four persons on the American Farm Bureau’s executive committee. A Stoddard County native, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy in the College of Agriculture in 1967, and later completed a master’s at the University of Missouri. He received gubernatorial appointments to the University Missouri Board of Curators and as director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to the 19 member “President’s Council on Rural America,” and President George W. Bush appointed him to the “President’s Trade Advisory Council.” He also enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard, from which he retired as brigadier general with 26 years of service. Active in numerous civic and business interests, Kruse serves on the A-State College of Agriculture’s advisory council, a member of Central Bank Holding Company’s board, which operates 13 banks with a presence in seven states, and a member of the Southeast Health board and executive committee that oversees more than 50 care locations. He and his wife Pam are parents of two adult sons, Scott and Ben (deceased).
Click for acceptance speech
Click photo for nomination video
A longtime member of the Arkansas Air National Guard, Neal was commissioned in 1989 and served in numerous assignments, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel before retirement. He was deployed multiple times, including tours of duty in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, other NATO countries, and during 9/11, and received numerous commendations for his dedicated military service. An Augusta native, Neal earned his Bachelor of Science degree in plant science in 1978 and went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a soil conservationist. Progressing through a 37 1/2-year career, he retired as deputy director of USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach. For more than 30 years, Neal has been very involved in the programs of the Strong-Turner Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association. He has served in numerous capacities, dedicating his efforts to recruiting and retaining Black students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State. He also has assisted the Black Student Association in many ways, and helped establish and continues to support the annual Black Alumni Reunion. In memory of his late wife, Marietha Goodwin-Neal, a Brinkley native and A-State alumna, he endowed a scholarship fund to assist outstanding A-State students with completing their education. Their Click for adult daughters are Miranda (Brian) acceptance speech Green and Mylia Neal.
Click photo for nomination video
Neeley is retired from a longtime career at the University of North Texas, where he was recognized numerous times for his excellence as an educator. The author of numerous textbooks and materials in public accounting, 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 honor in 2006. A native of Hardy, Neeley earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program at A-State, serving in the National Guard and active duty during the Berlin crisis. He later completed a Ph.D. in accounting, the first awarded at the University of Arkansas. While teaching at UNT, he also was founding director and president of the Professional Development Institute, a nonprofit center providing career development programs and courses such as oil and gas accounting, CPA review, and IRS training. He has established two scholarship endowments at A-State. The first, in business administration, is in memory of his mother, Orthany Dekker, a longtime business office employee at A-State. The other, in education, is in memory of his wife, Patricia Cross Click for Neeley, also an A-State graduate. acceptance speech
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 1 3
OC
8.7.20
Baily Gibson is all
ON CAMPUS
smiles under her mask after receiving her diploma at the August 7 Commencement, the first ceremony held in the football stadium since 1986.
Click for video of spring and summer 2020 Commencements
12.4.20
Spirit squads continued to “Mask Up” and practice physical distancing as basketball season began at First National Bank Arena.
8.20.19
A-State rugby kicked off their season by hosting.....
8.20.20
1.12.21
Advisers and student leaders from the Student Government Association, the Student Activities Board, Volunteer A-State and Fraternity and Sorority Life executive boards
Megan Hiles, Chase Cottrell and Kali Koelling enjoy
were on hand to film an informational video to promote to students the importance of
the weather outside the Reng Student Union on the
wearing face coverings upon returning to campus for the fall 2020 semester.
first day of classes for the spring 2021 semester.
Click for fall 2020 Commencement video
8.7.20
Jamal Jones and Kellen Blanchett, members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, celebrate receiving their diplomas at graduation.
12.20.20
One new graduate gets a special congratulations from her service dog after receiving her degree at the December Commencement ceremony.
10.10.20
A-State’s 2020 Homecoming Court consisted of (L to R): Blaze Cantrell, Blake Moore, Paige McCord, Morgan Blankenship, Queen Alexa Floyd, King Keyon Atkins, Megan Gunnels, Will Smith, Makayla Sprinkle, and Rashad Kirksey. Little Mr. A-State was Jett Baker, son of Jon and Jessica Baker of Jonesboro, while Little Miss A-State was Averie Bey Ferrell, daughter of Doug and Lai Ferrell of Jonesboro.
10.13.20
Jadecee Glover and Madysen Jackson staffed a candy apple bar at the
10.10.20
SAB’s Midterm Madness event, designed to help students de-stress during
Verrell Foltz ’50 and his wife Roberta attended his 75th consecutive
midterms. Midterm Madness also included make-your-own aromatherapy jars, a yoga session, food, and intention bracelets with positive sayings.
homecoming game. During that time, Roberta has only missed one game.
9.10.20
Members of the Up ‘til Dawn board partnered with Gamble’s Shop Local Park with a movie night to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Members of the board were Banks Harris, Keyon Atkins, Carlee Bird, Allysa Weaver, Noah Brown and Graylin Kelly.
9.25.20
Alexa Floyd of Batesville was crowned Homecoming Queen at the Red Wolves Got Talent event. Alexa is a biology/pre-med major and represented Chi Omega.
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 1 5
FEATURE STORY
1 6 – VO I C E S
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 1 7
J O S H U A L E A D S FA M I LY L E G A C Y O N T H E R O A D T O S U C C E S S
S
ometimes it takes a while to realize what one wants to do as a career. But,
for Mary Lee Joshua it was a no-brainer. The 2005 graduate of Arkansas State University has always been involved in the ethnic hair care business and
has introduced her brand empire to the world. So, it just makes sense that her path to a successful profession lay in front of her. Her grandfather was Ernest P. Joshua Sr., the prominent founder of the well-known JM Products and CEO of the Isoplus® hair care line. The storied entrepreneur from North Little Rock was posthumously elected into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2007. “My family has always been involved in the Black hair care business,” said Joshua, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. “We owned a business and I grew up thinking that someday it would be mine. But my grandfather died in 2005 and the family had to sell the company.” Those were tough times for Joshua. But she persevered and began perfecting her brand for a new generation, pursuing a new hair care venture through the formation of a new company. “All of our life’s savings were drained trying to save the business,” she continued. “We were all left without a job and career and so were over 150-plus employees. It was a lot,” she said. “I’m actually in the process of having ‘My Story’ re-written, as we’re re-branding and launching into Walmart. I’ve realized that people are very interested in my story with all its highs and lows and perseverance.” Despite the initial issues, financial or otherwise, Mary Lee had a vision to give customers the quality and variation in hair care that they deserved at an affordable price for all. “My mother, Marty, my aunt Mary (Marty’s twin), and I decided to start our own company and began exploring names, colors, labels, ingredients and other related issues,” continued Joshua. “The company soon developed and everything started falling into place.” The trio had more than 40 years of experience among them in the hair care business. So, the motivated threesome created M3 Cosmetic Labs and went to work. In 2010, NexSheen Arganics® was born. Sadly, Mary Lee’s mother, Marty, passed away in 2015 and her aunt Mary retired from the business, leaving Mary Lee to run M3. Her
VOICES
father Michael and her brother Michael Jr. joined the company to offer support and help continue to build the family legacy. 1 8 – VO I C E S
She was also armed with her degree from A-State and the knowledge of running a business while studying in the Neil
“They believed in me and pushed me to be the best I could be. . .
Griffin College of Business.
I wouldn’t be where I am
“Arkansas State is so important to me. I was in the College of
without Arkansas State
Business and we had courses where we had to build marketing and sales plans for different products. These courses helped
University. The university gave
to give me confidence and helped me to manage a team and a
me a well-rounded education as
budget as well as marketing the products.”
well as access to helpful
Joshua was a consistent Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List
extracurricular activities that
student during her Arkansas State days. She minored in
empowered and uplifted me.”
marketing and held many campus leadership positions as well as tackling an extensive list of student and community
- Mary Lee Joshua
involvement activities. She served as president of the Student Activities Board and oversaw a budget of more than $90,000.
and her team are focused on providing quality haircare, and
Additionally, she was president of the Marketing Club and
they have been able to fill a necessary void in both the U.S.
served as a senator in the Student Government Association.
and Africa, quality haircare at an affordable price.
She was also named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
The past 10 years of hard work are paying off with some retail distribution and attention giving her company a chance on
Arganics® is built on what Mary Lee calls a “Magic Marriage
shelves in over 250 stores.
of Oils,” a blend of extra virgin olive oil and Moroccan Argan oil. The light weight oil blend helps to repair damaged hair,
“We’re also very excited because Walmart has picked up the
improve moisture and restore shine and luster. The brand soon
product, and went on sale on their shelves in January 2021,”
developed and everything started falling into place.
exclaimed Joshua.
“We developed a line catered to all different hair types and
Mary Lee Joshua is fulfilling her dream, and she gets to do so
textures, including beard care. The products are designed to
with her father and brother by her side. With her experience
infuse the hair with much needed oils, vitamins and minerals/
and knowledge about hair care, she names her alma mater
nutrients without weighing it down.”
along with the help of mentors, professors and administrators including her adviser Christy Valentine ‘92, ‘01 MBA, a former
Mary Lee and her team believed in marketing their products
marketing instructor, and Dr. Clint Relyea ‘84, ‘86 MBA, ‘05
the old-fashioned way — grass roots word of mouth and
Ed.D., a former instructor in management, as key elements to
organic sharing. Under Mary Lee’s leadership, the company
her company success.
has thrived and expanded across the nation and worldwide. Arganics® is now distributed throughout the continent of
“They believed in me and pushed me to be the best I could
Africa, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
be,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Arkansas State University. The university gave me a well-rounded
There are almost 10 items in the U.S. range of NexSheen
education as well as access to helpful extracurricular
Arganics®, but over 20 items in the South African range. Mary
activities that empowered and uplifted me.“
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 1 9
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Watch for more questions and spread our #WOLVESUP message about your alma mater.
SOCIAL MEDIA SOUNDBOARD
2 0 – VO I C E S
/AStateAlumni
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 2 1
Six A-State alumni were chosen last summer to contribute to a creative project in Downtown Jonesboro, the Art House Selfie Wall, a collection featuring works of art on the brick wall at the corner of Main and Monroe Streets. On any given day, couples, groups and individuals can be found in front of the murals, posing for selfies and photos with friends. A-State alumni Matt Ball, Angie Jones, Beau Jones, Shannon Lamb, Cam Robinson and Braden Walls all contributed to the project, and we spoke to each artist about what inspired them and how their time at Arkansas State University helped shape their talents. 2 2 – VO I C E S
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? With the selfie wall theme in mind, I wanted to create a mural that couples would gravitate to on a date, an engagement pic, special occasion. I never dreamed the hearts would be so popular with everyone else. The simplicity of the hearts allows it to represent whatever you wish, and each wall is designed to fit within a smart phone screen. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My first declared major was art, and as things sometimes happen during your freshman year, my major changed several times before I landed in the nursing program. But, my time spent in art classes - visual, musical, and theatrical - at A-State shaped my love for art and the ongoing desire to create it. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? I am not a full time artist. I have been an advanced practice nurse for nearly 18 years. I received my doctorate in nursing practice at A-State in 2017 and I now run a weight management program with NEA Baptist Clinic. I reconnected with my art after my children were grown and I found I had the time. I never dreamed it would come this far, but it is so much fun.
Instagram:
@angelajonesart
Website:
arthousedowntown.com
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? At the time I had a brand called “Ready to Fly” in which my logo was from a self-portrait painting I made of myself as a small cherub. I added him to the mural on the bottom right. I wanted to paint a sky so I thought, “Why not add in some cherubs and I can tie my brand into the mural that way?” Considering that it’s meant for selfies I made the cherubs in sort of an arch-shape, pointing their bows inward so when people stand there it looks like the cherubs are shooting at them. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? Honestly, if it wasn’t for A-State I may not even be an artist. It wasn’t until I went to A-State that I found what I truly wanted to do which was make art. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? Not yet, but it’s something I have been highly considering lately. I am a full-time graphic designer, and paint whenever I have free time. I also just started up my new brand, “Crooked Flower,” so I’ve been making some new shirts, hats, etc. for that.
Instagram: WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 2 3
@agramofbraden
Website:
bradenwalls.com
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? My piece was inspired by my love of optical illusion and surrealism. All my works represent something personal to me, but I like how they can be ambiguous and have different interpretations for other people. This particular piece to me is about life but it could mean something completely different to someone else. For this mural, I had to get measurements and then convert them from feet to inches and vice versa on a scale model sketch. Then actually transfer the sketch to the wall and mark the measurements. It was time-consuming but worth it to get the perspective right. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My time at A-State helped me be able to see art in a wider spectrum. I came in as a self-taught studio artist and I studied graphic design, which I really didn’t know much about. The more I learned about design and visual art techniques the more I was able to understand and consider them in my own work. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? No, I am the social media specialist/graphic designer for the Mayor’s office.
Instagram: What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? I really wanted to incorporate my hopes for the future of the NEA art scene. I included the Greek Muses to symbolize the importance and inspiration of all art forms; music, dance, visual arts, written word etc. The red portion of the painting is symbolic of the red string of fate which normally signifies a tie between soulmates, but I wanted to incorporate it as a tie between the artistic disciplines and the community. The central white umbrella was incorporated to serve as a safe place for people to be as they watch the world change. Change is scary, but often it serves to improve people’s circumstances. Similarly, the addition of the arts to any community can only serve to enhance the lives of all who have the opportunity to see it. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My time at A-State was invaluable, especially now that I’m teaching. I’m teaching my kids to critique, and it’s really amazing to look back and remember what it felt like to be acknowledged by your peers, and to learn that your opinions are valuable. Experiences like that are just a reminder of how my professors and classmates prepared me to think outside the box and be more confident in my decision-making. Being an artist has always been important to me but I feel like the information I gained from my time at A-State has really supplemented my life and my own personal art practice. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? I am not a full time artist, but I recently took a job as the high school art teacher at Paragould High School. As I get to understand the needs of young artists, my own skills will only improve as I try to keep up with them.
Instagram:
@shann.lamb
Website:
shannlamb.com
2 4 – VO I C E S
@camrobinsonart
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? A few things I considered in the making of this particular mural were subject, color scheme, and composition. I knew the mural should be an image that most people could relate to. I also wanted an image of simple beauty, transcendence, and with a positive symbolic history. I painted a small canvas of monarch butterflies covering the entire surface of the painting a few days before I was asked to be a part of this mural project. The butterflies, as the subject for my mural, just seem to fit. I relied on the fundamentals of color and design that I studied at A-State, to create an illusion of space. This is achieved by rendering the butterflies smaller, darker, and muted in the center of the mural, while as we move to the outer edges the butterflies become larger, lighter, and brighter. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? Arkansas State University has had a profound impact on me as an artist. During the pursuit of both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the faculty and staff in the Art + Design department were knowledgeable and supportive. As a young undergrad student, it was exciting to be exposed to so many new and interesting concepts, where graduate school was about refining my skills and studio practices. A-State is where I found what I want to do in life and where I learned the skills necessary. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? I make art every day. I recently finished four paintings, commissioned by a Jonesboro business. For the last few years, I have also worked as an art instructor with L. E. A. P., an art education program through the Foundation of Arts and in conjunction with Abilities Unlimited.
Instagram: What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? As soon as I found out I was selected for the mural, I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like. I felt that I needed to come up with something that was photo worthy, because after all…everyone is looking for their next Instagram photo. My signature lip paintings have become recognizable to many, so I knew that incorporating that design into this mural was the way to go. How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? While I took several art classes in the art program, it was actually the classes in the advertising/marketing field that helped me get to where I am now. Learning how to take my creative side, market it and brand myself led me to where I am today. I’m just getting started, but I have plans to move and make my name known outside of Arkansas as well. My art style has more of a contemporary feel which I think belongs in a bigger city. Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? Yes, I am a full-time artist. It was a career choice many told me I should stay away from, and just to have as a side gig…but it ended up all working out. It is what you put into it. I think when you find your talent and work hard at it, success will eventually follow.
Instagram:
@beautox_art
Website:
beautoxart.com WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 2 5
@mattheweball
Website:
matteball.com
The Arkansas State University Alumni Association and Student Philanthropy Council teamed up to reveal the 2020 recipients of the Emerging Young Alumni Award. This is the second year of the recognition program for Arkansas State’s young alumni, their professional
Graycen Colbert Bigger ‘09
G. Kyle Fulton, M.D. ‘09
Bigger, an economic developer and communications specialist, serves as executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (NEARIA) and assistant vice president of community development for Farmers and Merchants Bank. Through NEARIA, she provides technical assistance to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations, helps build mutually beneficial public-private partnerships, and leverages arts and culture to spur economic growth and improve quality of life in a multi-county area.
Fulton, who received a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2009, earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2013 and completed pediatrics training with the LSU and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. He practiced medicine as an assistant professor of pediatrics, caring for children while teaching pediatrics residents and medical students for three years
accomplishments, and their engagement with the university. Individuals designated as Emerging Young Alumni are those who have made significant contributions to A-State, their profession or their community. The five individuals were recognized at the Emerging Young Alumni Awards luncheon Sept. 18 at the Cooper Alumni Center. Get to know the five award
She is a White Riley Peterson Fellow and was recently named to the Arkansas Business 40 under 40 recognition program. Bigger holds a Master of Arts in art business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York as well as bachelor’s degrees in photojournalism and the history of art from Arkansas State in 2009. Bigger and her husband, A-State alumnus Alex Bigger ‘08. ‘09 MBA, reside in Pocahontas.
recipients for 2020 through these brief profiles: 2 6 – VO I C E S
He completed a craniofacial pediatrics fellowship this year with the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital before returning to the New Orleans hospital as medical director of the craniofacial team. He specializes in the treatment of children born with craniofacial anomalies. Fulton also serves as medical director and faculty adviser for LSU Medical School’s Camp Tiger, a day camp run by first-year medical students for area children with special needs. He has received multiple recognitions for service and achievement, including A-State’s Wilson Award in 2009.
Laura Choate Nick ‘02
Austin Sandy ‘16
Adam Watkins ‘06
As Garver’s corporate communications leader, Laura Nick leads its in-house communications team with branding, strategic marketing, and internal communications for the North Little Rock-based engineering firm and its 800 employees across 13 states. Since joining the firm in 2011, she created the firm’s competitive recruitment program; developed GarverGives, the company’s employee-driven charitable giving program that prioritizes STEM partnerships; and spearheaded Garver’s multistate centennial year celebration.
Sandy, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design in 2016, began his career as digital marketing manager at KAIT-TV. Selected for Raycom Media’s marketing leadership program, he became audience development and brand manager at KLTV 7 in Tyler, Texas, where he has overseen news promotions since 2018. He also is vice president of marketing for Tyler Civic Theatre Center, a board member for the East Texas chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and a member of the Lone Star EMMY chapter. Earlier, Sandy was on the boards of Camp Quality Arkansas and the NEA chapter of American Advertising Federation, and was involved in the Foundation of Arts. He has received advertising recognitions from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association and American Advertising Federation. A member of The Sound of the Natural State marching band for five seasons, he was drum major for four. He served as a Chancellor’s Ambassador and was in the Honors College.
A 2006 A-State graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Watkins advanced his career preparation with a Master of Social Work degree in 2011. He currently serves as executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional AIDS Network (NARAN), with which he has been associated for 15 years. Through this organization he has worked for several years with A-State’s Department of Social Work to make arrangements for a student internship opportunity. He also serves on the department’s Community Advisory Board, and is board chair for the campus Wesley Foundation.
Nick serves on the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, is a member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, and serves on the steering committee of Women Empowered for the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. She was named to Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40, is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas (Class XI), and was most recently selected for Arkansas Money & Politics’ inaugural Future 50 Leaders. A Beebe native, she is a 2002 graduate of A-State’s School of Media and Journalism.
In his spare time the native of Jonesboro plays percussion instruments with his church’s praise band, and he is an avid fan of Red Wolves sports. His wife Laura ‘19 and his parents, Jeffrey ‘81 and Gay Watkins, are all A-State alumni. Know someone who should be considered for next year’s award? Visit AstateAlumni.org and look under “groups” for nomination information.
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AE
ALUMNI EVENTS
12.8.20
Melanie Lassonde Carpenter ’91 displays her wreath, made at the Culture at the Cooper wreath-making class.
DECEMBER 2020
Austin and Allie Burnett, son and daughter of Jesse ’05 and Lindsay Burnett ’05 had virtual pictures made with Santa, sponsored by the A-State Alumni Association.
10.25.20
President of A-State Alumni Association Dale Morris ‘70 congratulates Paden Neeley ‘56, Anderson Neal ‘79 and Charles Kruse ‘67. (See article on page 12)
DECEMBER 2020
Jett and Jaxon Baker, sons of Jon ’09 and Jessica ’07 Baker, had virtual pictures made with Howl, Mrs. Claus, Santa and Scarlet. 2 8 – VO I C E S
10.15.20
Jemar Clark ’16 dropped by the Gameday Button Blitz at the Recovery Room.
10.15.20
10.15.20
Student Mackenzie Thomas enjoyed time at the
Barista Clayton Crump showed
Recovery Room, a sponsor of Gameday Button
his Red Wolves spirit at the
Blitz prior to the Oct. 15 home football game.
Oct. 15 Gameday Button Blitz.
2.10.21
LaGanzie Kale ’03 spoke about KLEK radio’s impact in Jonesboro during one of the Alumni Association’s Lunch and Learn virtual information sessions.
10.15.20
Lee Brun displays his button from the Oct. 15 Gameday Button Blitz.
9.18.20 12.10.19 Austin Sandy ’16, Laura Nick ’02, Kyle Fulton ’09, Adam Watkins ’06 and Graycen Bigger ’09
Pancakes and were recipients of the 2nd annual Emerging Young Alumni Awards. (See article on page 26)PJs?
12.8.20
More than a dozen were on hand for the Culture at the Cooper wreath-making class, conducted by Zach Jones ’17, owner of The Bearded Bouquet. WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 2 9
FEATURE STORY
3 0 – VO I C E S
H
eroism, valor, leadership, commitment, sacrifice, honor
June 10, 2016, at Fort Knox, Ky., including Col. (Ret.) Buddy G. Beck,
and duty.
Col. (Ret.) Douglas E. Moore, Dr. Eugene W. Smith, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James E. Simmons, Ambassador James W. Pardew Jr., Lt. Col. John
A pair of heralded Arkansas State alumni were inducted into the
Lewis, Capt. Felix P. Settlemire and Col. (Ret.) Ray A. Clardy.
national Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Hall of Fame in Fort Benning, Ga., in September. The two — of A-State’s six two-
In addition to Granger and Barker, the remaining four two-star major
star major generals — are Maj. Gen. George Barker and Maj. Gen.
generals from A-State are Lynn Hartsell, Bobby B. Porter, James E.
Elder Granger.
Simmons and Eugene L. Stillions Jr.
“Arkansas State University ROTC has played an integral role in
The one-star brigadier generals are Bradley Cox, John Geis, Wendul
developing some of the Army’s finest officers, producing over 16
G. Hagler II, Lynn Hooper, Keith A. Klemmer, David L. Smalley, Frank
generals since its inception in 1936,” noted Lt. Col. Joseph Loar,
J. Toney, Kevin L. Vines, Ernest R. Webster and Bobby G. Wood.
professor of military science. The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Eight A-State alumni were proudly part of the inaugural induction
centennial celebration. The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the
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A - S TAT E ’ S P I P E L I N E T O T H E N AT I O N ’ S M I L I TA R Y B E S T — H O N O R I N G T H E N AT I O N A L R O T C H A L L O F FA M E ’ S N E W E S T M E M B E R S
VOICES
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC alumni who have made lasting significant contributions to the nation, the Army, and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program. Granger and Barker are grateful to be a part of this fraternity and proud that they launched their careers in the military science program at A-State. Both are now retired from military service and enjoyed successful civilian careers thanks to their academic educations. Elder Granger “It is a humbling, grateful and divine honor to be inducted into the national ROTC Hall of Fame since so many worthy individuals’ military careers had his or her start or beginning at Arkansas State and other universities’ ROTC programs,” said Granger, who also enjoyed a professional medical career as part of his military training. “I became interested in medicine when I was in junior high school and did a research project on sickle cell anemia,” said Granger. “While in high school, I had the honor of visiting the research lab of one of the world experts in the evaluation and treatment of sickle cell diseases, Dr. Lemuel Diggs at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and the co-founder of St. Jude Research Center. I was trained and served in the Army National Guard as a combat medic prior to my acceptance in the Arkansas State ROTC program as a three-year scholarship recipient.” A native of West Memphis, Granger earned a bachelor of science degree in zoology (cum laude). While in college, his honors included superior freshman cadet, a military history award, distinguished military student, distinguished military graduate and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. After serving his time as a combat medic, he received his doctor of medicine degree in 1980 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He was commissioned as an Army officer and held several leadership positions, including division surgeon of the fourth infantry division in Fort Carson, Colo.; commander, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany; commander/command surgeon, European regional medical command/7th Army, Heidelberg, Germany; commanding general/command surgeon, 44th Medical Command/XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; and commander, Task Force
3 2 – VO I C E S
44th Medical Command and Command Surgeon for Multinational
like I did in the military as an enlisted soldier on active duty that we
Corps-Iraq, in Baghdad, Iraq.
as a nation must continue to focus on what we have in common.
“Arkansas State and the ROTC program provided me an excellent foundation for a blessed and upward-mobility career and life that has not stopped even after my 38 years of military service.” - Maj. Gen. Elder Granger Granger worked as deputy director of TRICARE, a Department
“Uplifting and providing real and equal opportunities for all have
of Defense (DoD) field activity responsible for operating the
more power and value than our racial or other background
health care provider for the U.S. Military health system. He
differences. Finally, Arkansas State and the ROTC program
was responsible for TRICARE health and medical resources,
provided me an excellent foundation for a blessed and upward
supervising and administering TRICARE programs, funding and
mobility career and life that has not stopped even after my 38
other resources. Granger directed a staff of more than 1,800 people
years of military service.”
and an annual Defense Health program budget of $22.5 billion with oversight including the effective provision of high-quality,
Granger is married to Brenda W. Granger and they reside in
accessible health care for 9.2 million beneficiaries worldwide.
Centennial, Colo. They have a son Elder Granger II, an attorney, and a daughter Eldesia L. Granger, MD.
He received more than 30 military and community service awards including the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity man of the year;
George Barker
Outstanding Young Men of America; the Department of Defense
A 1955 graduate of A-State with a degree in music, it was Maj.
Superior Service Medal; U.S. Army Legion of Merit with Three Oak
Gen. George Barker’s participation in the ROTC program that led
Leaf Clusters; and Bronze Star medal.
to his outstanding career in the military. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in field artillery upon graduation. He was
In addition, he was selected as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2008,
twice awarded the Department of the Army Distinguished Service
along with his induction into A-State’s ROTC Hall of Heroes. He
Medal.
was the featured speaker at the 2008 spring commencement and is the namesake for the Maj. Gen. Elder Granger M.D. Scholarship.
“Joining this esteemed group of National ROTC Hall of Fame
He praised Arkansas State for making available key success
inductees is an honor. I am grateful to have been nominated and
factors that impacted his life, saying, “At that time, Arkansas State
to have my life of military service recognized,” he said.
offered a small academic environment where the professors got to know you and you got to know your professors or instructors
“Arkansas State was a great fit for me. Studying in the music
very well; it is an excellent academic environment; providing a
department helped me develop good study and practice habits.
proactive racial relationship environment under the administration,
Hours of refining my musical skills taught me persistence.
faculty, students and student organizations where I learned just
Participating in ROTC provided the structure and leadership training I needed as a young man and helped me to ignite that spark of potential. “ “The community at Arkansas State also offered me the chance to broaden social skills. Those early years helped me build confidence in myself to become a leader in the military and to continue my life of service with the American Cancer Society.” His active duty and reserve assignments from 1955 to 1978 include
Click for video of the 2020 Hall of Heroes
battery officer, 16th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Headquarters 2nd Armored Division Artillery and aide-de-camp, 77th Infantry
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 3 3
F O W L E R C E N T E R AT 2 0 : A RT T H AT I N S P I R E S , M U S I C T H AT M OV E S , T H E AT R E T H AT T H R I L L S .
“The community
Division as executive officer and battery commander of B Battery, 6th Battalion, 31st Field Artillery. He also served
at Arkansas State
as the headquarters commandant, secretary of the General Staff and director of personnel and administration, 301st
also offered me the
5th Battalion, 5th Field Artillery.
chance to broaden social skills. Those early years helped me to build confidence in
Support Brigade. He later served as the commander of the 7th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery and commander of the
Barker’s next assignment was the deputy chief of staff for personnel and administration of the 77th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) in January 1979. In September 1982, he was appointed chief of staff of the 77th and served in that position until June 1983 when he was selected to command the 353rd Civil Affairs Command and was promoted to brigadier general on February 20, 1984. Barker was selected as commander of the 77th ARCOM in December 1984 and was promoted to major general in August 1986. During this period, he also served as a member of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee, Department of the Army.
myself to become
Upon completion of his four-year command
a leader in the
position of assistant deputy chief of staff
assignment, Barker was appointed to the Mobilization & Reserve Affairs Department
military and to
of the Army, individual mobilization
continue my life
retirement date of Aug. 15, 1991, concluding 36 years of service.
of service with the
His military education includes the completion of the basic and advanced field artillery branch courses, civil affairs
American Cancer
the Armed Forces National Security Management, and the U.S. Army War College.
Society . . .It has
During his career, the general has received the following awards and decorations: Distinguished Service Medal
been my privilege
Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service
to serve my country as a soldier in the United States
Army and I will
remain a soldier for life. ” - Maj. Gen. George Barker
augmentee in Washington, D.C., during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served in this position until his mandatory
and transportation advanced officer courses, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, The Industrial College of
with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. Barker recently completed service as a trustee of the Army War College Foundation at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., and currently serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Circle at Arkansas State University. He is the chairman and a founding member of Arkansas State’s Beck Center for Veterans national advisory council. He was honored as a distinguished graduate of Arkansas State and was also inducted into the Arkansas State University ROTC Hall of Heroes. Prior to his civilian retirement, Barker held two major positions with the American Cancer Society, CEO of the New York City division of the American Cancer Society and later the national executive vice president for international development. “It has been my privilege to serve my country as a soldier in the United States Army and I will remain a soldier for life,” he concluded. General Barker has two daughters Marisa Barker and Nadia Barker. He lives in South Carolina with his wife, Dr. Pamelia S. Phillips. 3 4 – VO I C E S
A R K A N S A S S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
This is where it all began in 1909 by meeting the regional needs of our agriculture community. 100 years later, as a Carnegie R2 University we’re equipping students, faculty and staff through educational and research opportunities. We’re partnering with national corporations and local industries to better serve and prepare our students for their future careers. We’re providing scholarships, internships and study abroad opportunities to provide rich experiences that shape futures. ASC to A-State ... A place we’ve all called home.
The place where it all started for more than 100,000 alumni.
ALUMNI THAT WERE...
Click to see our #AStateMade commercial
Butch Jones has taken the program reigns as the Red Wolves’
years to lead Tennessee to back-to-back nine-win
31st all-time head football coach, following the departure of Blake
seasons, and he led Cincinnati and Central Michigan
Anderson to be head coach at Utah State.
to four conference championships over a six-year period. Butch has also worked with one of the most-well-respected coaches
Not only does Jones bring 11 years of head-coaching experience
in history in Nick Saban the last three years at Alabama. Our
at the NCAA FBS level after previous stops leading programs at
candidate pool was fantastic, but following extensive and positive
Tennessee (2013-17), Cincinnati (2010-12) and Central Michigan (2017-
conversations with Butch, while also looking at his winning history,
09), he also spent the last three seasons (2018-20) working as part of
coaching and leadership abilities and vision for our program, we
Nick Saban’s staff at national champion Alabama.
became confident he was the clear choice to be our next head coach.”
Jones is very appreciative of the A-State alumni who support the
Jones was formally introduced during a news conference Dec. 16 in
athletes and the football program, and he is looking forward to seeing
the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center.
Red Wolves fans filling Centennial Bank Stadium once again. “It is truly an honor and privilege to be the head football coach at During his 11 seasons as a head coach, his teams combined to win
Arkansas State University,” said Jones. “It is a position that I take
four conference championships, played in eight bowl games and
great pride in, and I look forward to connecting with our student-
finished ranked in the AP Top 25 five times. He coached a combined
athletes to build upon the strong tradition of excellence both on and
77 all-conference honorees and 27 NFL Draft picks, including All-Pro
off the field of play. I am extremely grateful to Terry Mohajir, Dr.
selections Alvin Kamara, Travis Kelce and Antonio Brown.
(Kelly) Damphousse and Dr. (Chuck) Welch for trusting me to be the caretaker of Arkansas State football.”
“Butch Jones’ outstanding record of success at both the G5 and P5 levels is evident, and we’re excited to having him leading our football
In addition to working as a special assistant at Alabama this season,
program into the future,” said Terry Mohajir, former vice chancellor
he also was an offensive analyst for the program in 2018 and 2019 as
for intercollegiate athletics. “He is the only coach over the last 12
it compiled a combined 25-3 record.
3 6 – VO I C E S
“I am thrilled that Butch Jones has agreed to be our next head football
seeking someone who could inspire trust of our student-athletes, his
coach,” said Arkansas State University System President Dr. Charles
staff, our campus community, and our alumni and fans.
Welch. “Butch brings significant winning experience at the both the G5 and P5 level. For the past three years, he’s been an integral part
“Most importantly, I wanted someone who could accept my
of one of the best college football programs in America. As Butch
challenge to win with integrity. Coach Jones convinced me that he is
detailed the coaching staff he would bring, and the plan he would
the right person to lead our football program.”
implement for our program, we were convinced that he was the right choice to be our head coach.”
Jones took over the Tennessee program after spending the 201012 seasons as Cincinnati’s head coach. The Bearcats compiled a
Prior to Alabama, Jones spent a five-year stint at the University
23-14 record in his three seasons while also winning the Big East
of Tennessee, collecting 34 wins and leading the Volunteers to
title in 2011 and 2012. Jones was named the league’s Coach of the
bowl wins three times. He inherited a program that hadn’t won a
Year after Cincinnati’s 10-win season in 2011, while also earning the
bowl game since 2007 and proceeded to direct the Vols to three
same honor from CBSSports.com in 2012 after his squad captured its
consecutive bowl game victories for the first time in over 20 years.
second consecutive bowl victory and finished in the Top 25.
Focusing on the complete student-athlete, Jones helped mentor over
Other stops in recent years include head coach at Central Michigan
200 academic all-conference winners and 100-plus academic honor
from 2007-09, and wide receivers coach at West Virginia from 2005-
roll recipients while in Knoxville. Under his direction, every academic
06. A 1990 graduate of Ferris State University, he was a two-year
record in Tennessee history was broken with 85-plus players earning
football letterman.
their degrees. Jones and his wife, Barb, are the parents of three sons – Alex, Adam “My goal in this hire was to find someone who demonstrated a plan
and Andrew.
to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity for success at A-State,” said Arkansas State University Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. “I was WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 3 7
CLASS NOTES 1950s
Larry Wilson ’56 – Larry retired from Brown Insurance in 2020.
1960s
Andrew Wargo ’64 – Andrew was inducted into the 2021 Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in January 2021. While at Arkansas State University, he was part of the Sport Parachute Team that won the 1964 National Collegiate Championships.
Richard Hartness Sr. ’68, MA ’78, MA ’14 – Richard published a book, Someday You’ll Know, in August 2020, and is a current board member of the A-State Alumni Association.
1970s
Dr. Joe Johnson ’70 – Joe, known as the Las Vegas “Rock Doc,” announced his retirement in December 2020. Dr. Jane Gates ’73 – Jane was named interim president of Connecticut College System in November 2020. Thomas “Gary” Hudson ’75 – Gary retired as CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville in December 2020, after leading the bank for the past 11 years.
1980s
Michael Lewellen ’83 – Michael received the William W. Marsh
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in November 2020. Dr. Beatrice Reed MSE ’83 – Beatrice was appointed to the Arkansas State Board of Optometry in May 2020, by Governor Asa Hutchinson.
National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 4 conference in November 2019. Alec Farmer ’86 – Alec was named to the EC Barton and Company board of directors in December 2020. Nancy Everitt ’87 – Nancy, the CEO of HEOPS, a firm that enables the nation’s best health plans to scale their business through outsourced services, was featured in October 2020, on The Health Storm.
Carol Langston ’85 – Carol is the director of public affairs at Galveston College in Galveston Island, Texas, and was named communicator of the year at the 3 8 – VO I C E S
1990s
Chad Heritage ’91 – Chad was named program director for Kix106 & 98.9 The Bridge in Memphis in September 2020.
Ryan Underwood ’91 – Ryan was named one of Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders by Arkansas Business Publishing Group in October 2020. Jason Ball ’92 – Jason was named vice president and news director at KTLA-TV in Los
Dr. Joe Johnson ‘70
Angeles. He is also host of The News Director’s Office, a podcast about local media and its importance.
Michael Lewellen ‘83
Susan Vowels ‘97
Susan Vowels ’97 – Susan was named executive director of the Cleburne County Community Foundation in November 2020. Susan Beasley ’98 – Susan was named to the list of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in October 2020.
Suzanne Allen ’94 ’00 ’16 – Suzanne was named to the list of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in October 2020. Jonathan Davis ‘94 – Jonathan was named chief operating officer of FirstHealth of the Carolinas system in December 2020. Susannah Marshall ’94 – Susannah was appointed as commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Department by Governor Asa Hutchinson in September 2020. Penny Toombs ’95 ’06 – Penny was named director of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in September 2020. Tamika Jean-Baptiste ’96 – Tamika was named keynote speaker for Ventura County’s 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Observance in California in December 2020. Jeremy Lewis ’97 ’18 – Jeremy was named superintendent of the Highland School District in Arkansas in December 2020.
Amanda Herget ’99 ’01 – Amanda was named to the list of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in October 2020. Neely Camp ’00 – Neely was named to the list of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in October 2020. Kasey Holder ‘00 – Kasey was named to the list of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in October 2020. Sylvia McDaniel Roland ’00 – Sylvia was named president of the Americus Kiwanis Club for 2020 after teaching in public schools in Arkansas, Florida and Georgia for 19 years.
2000s
Eric Blackwell ’01 – Eric was named manager of government affairs at NRG, Inc. in Houston in December 2020. He will be managing the PAC and Texas government relationships.
Eric Blackwell ‘01
Emily Devereux ’02 ’06 – Emily was honored with the outstanding doctoral student award for the 19-20 academic year by the College of Business and Public Management at West Chester University. She started working for the University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing as director of proposal development.
Bianca Phillips ’02 – Bianca was named to Memphis Business Journal’s 40 under 40 2020 class.
Lindsey Brown Woodard ’03 – Lindsey was named cocoordinator of the Guide By Your Side program for Arkansas Hands & Voices in 2020.
Chris Prothro ’05 – Chris was named head baseball coach at Eastern Kentucky University in October 2020.
Courtney Rowe ’05 – Courtney was named director of strategic communications and engagement for President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 Response Team in December 2020. Jessica Camp ’06 ’10 ’18 – Joined the A-State College of Nursing and Health Professions as Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield endowed professor in November 2020. Jeramy Pappas ’06 – Jeramy began his new position as director
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 3 9
Tiffny Calloway ‘07
Mitchell Nail ‘07
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
of digital marketing and strategy with OU-Tulsa in April 2020. Tiffny Calloway ’07 – Named director of operations of The Delta Population Health Institute in November 2020. Lauren Dowless Cherry ’07 MPA ’08, DOT ’19 – Lauren received her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree and is now working for The Learning Center in Jonesboro as an occupational therapist. Mitchell Nail ’07 – Mitchell was named media relations manager for St. Bernards Healthcare in July 2020. In his role, Nail oversees St. Bernards’ external communications with members of the press and the general public. S. Anthony Childress ’08 – Anthony curated an exhibit highlighting the professional career of Pauline Pfeiffer, second wife of author Ernest Hemingway, for the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center at Piggott. Currently, the exhibit is housed at the University of Missouri at Columbia’s Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, Pfeiffer’s alma mater.
CLASS NOTES CONTINUED
Jervonne Newsome ‘09
Lindsay Malatesta ’08 – Lindsay is now a board certified neurologist after passing her exams in 2020. She has accepted a job at Vanderbilt University.
Lane Pruitt ’08 – Lane was named to the Arkansas Business 40 under 40 2020 class. Graycen Bigger ’09 – Graycen received the Emerging Young Alumni award from the Alumni Association in September 2020. She was also named to the Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 2020 class and named one of NEA Women in Business by NEA Talk Business & Politics in 2020. Jervonne Newsome ’09 – Jervonne was recognized as one
Katie Beineke ‘11
Latasha Moore ‘14
of Dallas’ Top 50 Women Lawyers by the National Diversity Council in August 2020. Allie Rouse ’09 – Allie was named director of planned giving for Arkansas Community Foundation. Her nonprofit experience includes work with the Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance, the World Disaster Management Community College in Kanana, South Africa, and Partners for Inclusive Communities in Little Rock.
Amy Wills ’09 – Amy was recognized by The Communications Group as a Newest Women in Industry Inductee in November 2020.
Brennon Gurley ‘15
2010-Present
Katie Beineke ’11 – Katie was named senior associate athletic director and Title IX deputy coordinator for athletics in 2019 at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Dillon Burks ’11 – Dillon completed his pediatric residency at UT Houston Health and Science Center in December 2020. He obtained his M.S. in cellular physiology and molecular biophysics from UAMS in 2013, and his M.D. from UAMS in 2017.
Meredith Hale ’14 – Meredith was named the director of development for CareLink, Central Arkansas’s Area Agency on Aging in July 2020.
Latasha Moore ’14 – Latasha won the Emerging Minority Business
Tyler Zuber ‘17
Haley Stotts ‘18
Award from the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce in September 2020. Brennon Gurley ’15 – Brennon won his first Emmy award for reporting as part of the morning newscast at KLTV in Tyler, Texas in September 2020. Bethany Anderson ’16 - Bethany joined the Navy in 2018 to gain relevant experience to accompany her M.S. in disaster preparedness and emergency management from A-State. She is currently stationed onboard USS Donald Cook DDG-75, and as a Cryptologic technician 2nd class, is responsible for signals and communications intelligence and analysis of foreign adversaries. In 2020, she was awarded the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin.
O B I T UA RY – N E I L G R I F F I N , B E N E FACTO R O F T H E CO L L E G E OF BUSINESS, PROVIDED HISTORIC GIFT Neil Griffin, ‘48, of Kerrville, Texas, namesake of the Neil Griffin College of Business, died June 27. After fighting for his country in World War II, Griffin returned home to Arkansas and resumed his education. Like many of the veterans who took advantage of the GI Bill, Griffin worked hard to earn a college degree, in business administration, and prepare himself well for a highly successful career. After his years in professional accounting, he moved into banking, investment banking, and service as CEO of two publicly held corporations. In semi-retirement, he kept highly involved in philanthropic activity and angel investing with emerging industries. In 2018, A-State announced Griffin’s historic gift of $10 million, the largest individual gift to an academic program, to endow a range of scholarships, professorships and enhancement funds for the operations of the College of Business. The ASU Board of Trustees renamed the college in his honor. His passion for others and for education was evident in his gifts, not only to Arkansas State, but to other colleges, universities and philanthropic causes. Arkansas State University bestowed upon Griffin the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, in recognition of his contributions to higher education and his generous philanthropic support, during the Spring Commencement in May 2018. Among his many survivors are his wife, Gena, and his son, Richard. 4 0 – VO I C E S
Click to see Neil Griffin’s story as presented at the ceremony for the naming of the Griffin College
Familiar Faces Part of New Coaching Staff While the naming of new A-State head football coach Butch Jones will certainly bring many new faces to the Red Wolves program, two Arkansas State University alumni will be part of Jones’ initial staff.
1st Lt. Juan Martinez ’16 – Juan, a soldier with 994th MDVSS, is a licensed radiologic technologist in the civilian sector who volunteers at U.S. Military Hospital-Kuwait every weekend to perform X-rays and CT scans on patients needing medical imaging. Martinez’s volunteer service provides relief to the hospital staff while maintaining his medical imaging skills, as well as patient care quality. Tyler Zuber ’17 – Tyler, former relief pitcher for the Red Wolves, made the Opening Day roster for the Kansas City Royals in June 2020. Nathan Bailey ’18 – Nathan was recognized by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board in 2020 for his invention of The Bailey Patch and design of the Original Pink Polytube. He is the founder and CEO of Waterbug Irrigation, LLC, which he founded in January 2017, while he was also a full-time student at Arkansas State University. Christien McClaughlin ’18 – Christien was promoted to assistant financial center manager at Simmons Bank in Jonesboro in 2020. Robert Morris ’18 – Robert received his Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and Master of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in December 2020. Haley Stotts ’18 – Haley was named First Security Bank of Jonesboro’s business development and marketing officer in January 2021.
A-State graduates Brandon Joiner ’12 and Ryan Aplin ’12, both standouts on the field who led the Red Wolves to Sun Belt Conference championships during their playing careers, will fill key roles on Jones’ staff during his first year at the helm of the football program. Joiner will coach the defensive line for the third consecutive year after filling the same position prior to the 2019 season. A familiar face at A-State, Joiner was a two-year letterman for the Red Wolves from 2010-11 and helped lead the program to the 2011 Sun Belt Conference championship while being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. He spent three seasons at A-State as a graduate assistant coach (2016) and in a defensive line quality control position (2017-18) before being elevated to a full-time coaching role. During that time, Joiner helped lead the program to the 2016 Sun Belt Conference championship, three consecutive winning seasons and a trio of bowl-game appearances. The Killeen, Texas, native earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arkansas State University in 2012. One of the most decorated players in Red Wolves history, Aplin was a two-time Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2012 when the Red Wolves won back-to-back league titles. He now returns as A-State’s running backs coach after spending the 2020 season as co-offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky and helping lead the Hilltoppers to a berth in the LendingTree Bowl. Following his playing career at A-State, he made coaching stops at Auburn (2014-15), North Alabama (2016, 2018-19), UT Chattanooga (2017) and WKU. The former quarterback still holds the school records at Arkansas State for career total offense (12,514 yards), completions (906) and passing yards (10,758), while his 67 touchdown passes stand as the second-most. Aplin earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Arkansas State University in 2012, and is a native of Tampa, Fla. WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 4 1
share your N E W S
CLASS NOTES CONTINUED
Send us your announcements and high-resolution photos. Submissions are included as space permits. Class notes may be edited for length and clarity, and maybe published in any medium.
Spenser Sullivan ’18 – Spenser graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon University School of Law in December 2020.
Landen Crancer ’19 – Landen passed his CPA exam in 2020 and is now a licensed CPA.
A STAT E A LU M N I . O R G / C L A S S N OT E S
Zach Curren ’19 – Zach was appointed to serve as fire chief for the Napa City Fire Department in Napa, Calif., in December 2020. Sarah Handloser ’19 – Sarah was accepted to the UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles in May 2019. Steve Rice ’19 – Steve launched a podcast to highlight the Arkansas stories of non-native transplants in March 2020. In the first six months, The Landing Pad Podcast has featured guests from five continents, over a dozen countries and dozens of states across the country. Brenda Awuah ’20 – Brenda graduated from A-State’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in August 2020 after an intense 13 months. She later passed her NCLEX with the minimum amount of questions.
Megan Bright ’20 – Megan received the Alpha Lambda Delta Graduate Fellowship to pursue graduate study and was accepted by the veterinary medicine school at Mississippi State University in September.
Dr. Linwood B. Whitten ’20 – Linwood was inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry in September 2020. Cliff Mullis – Cliff was named to the Arkansas Business 40 under 40 2020 class. 4 2 – VO I C E S
welcome to
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WOLF PUPS & MARRIAGES
1
Aaron Townsend ’07 – Aaron and his wife Amanda welcomed daughter Ameliah Rayne in December 2020.
2
Rachel Bednar Chambers ’09 – Rachel and her husband Joseph, welcomed son Trace Lambert Chambers in April 2019.
3
Jocelynn Soenksen Graham ’10, Matthew Graham ‘10 – Jocelynn and Matthew welcomed daughter Parker Graham in March 2020.
4
Allison Howard Powell ’10, Lance Powell ’11 – Allison and Lance welcomed their son, Lennox Layne Powell in December 2020.
5
Natalie Sigsby Rogers ’10, Joseph Rogers ’11 – Natalie and Joseph welcomed their daughter, Clara Jade Rogers, in January 2021.
6
Trenna Lauhon Barker ’11 – Trenna and her husband Dillon welcomed son Tillman Robert Barker in March 2020.
7
Lauren Overman Carter ’11 – Lauren and her husband Ben welcomed son Brooks Daniel Carter in October 2020.
8 Jordan Cornelison Kallsnick ’11 – Jordan and her husband Kyle welcomed son Konnor Scott Kallsnick in September 2020.
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 4 3
9
Courtney Bolin Peters ’13, Andrew Peters ’12 ’15 – Courtney and Andrew welcomed daughter Charlie Joanna Peters in September 2020.
10
Cara Prichard Knight ’14 – Cara and husband Jordan welcomed their daughter London Mae in December 2020. Cara and Jordan were married in June 2018.
11
Laci Stewart Black ’17, Tyler Black ’15 – Laci and Tyler welcomed daughter Saylor Kate in December 2020.
12
Laura White Brooksbank ’17 – Laura married Aaron Brooksbank in June 2020 at the Annesdale Mansion in Memphis.
13
Destiny Quinn Pienaar ’17 ’18, Rudolph Johannes Pienaar ‘16 – Destiny and Rudolph were married in August 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro.
14
Christien McClaughlin ’18 – Christien married Mariah McClaughlin in October 2020.
15
Madeline Prestidge ’18, Thomas Ragland ’19 – Madeline and Thomas were engaged on A-State’s campus in front of the Memorial Arch in June 2020.
VOICES
IN MEMORIAM CLASS OF 1936 Mr. John Woodside CLASS OF 1943 Mrs. Helen Weir CLASS OF 1948 Mr. Neil Griffin Mrs. Janie Sullivan CLASS OF 1949 Mrs. Neva Ballard Mr. Jim Wallace CLASS OF 1950 Mr. Harry Darby Mrs. Mary Nash CLASS OF 1951 Mr. Bob Blanchard Mr. Jake Durham CLASS OF 1952 Mr. John Karnes CLASS OF 1953 Mr. Don Cook Dr. James Jones Mr. Clarence Lacny Mr. Harry Park Mr. Paul Ripley Dr. Wayne Shelton CLASS OF 1954 Dr. Gary Thomas CLASS OF 1955 Mr. Max Decker Mr. Terrell Hinds Mr. Homer Simpson Mr. Carl Williams CLASS OF 1956 Mrs. Laverne Foster Mr. Herbert Heffington Mrs. Joan Laster Mr. James Miller Mrs. Jane Miller Mr. Jordan Needham Mrs. Nellie Wilson CLASS OF 1957 Mr. Darrel Arnold Mrs. Ruth Carson Mr. Bobby Damon Mr. Wilfred Hester Mrs. Jeannine Taylor CLASS OF 1958 Mr. Millard Allison Mr. William Arnott Mr. Jim Barton Mrs. Jo Drum Mr. Bobby Goodman Mr. Frank Huckaba Mr. Garnet McDaniel Mr. Benny Moore Dr. Don Roberts Mr. Larry Taylor Mr. Kelley Webb CLASS OF 1959 Mr. Johnny Broadway Mrs. Carmelita Ferguson
Mr. Gerald Marlar Mr. John Neel Mrs. Clara Taylor CLASS OF 1960 Mr. Bob Abernathy Ms. Shirley Book Ms. Wanda Carroll Mr. George Fritts Mr. Al Jackson Mr. Joe Jenkins Mr. Darryl Roberts Ms. Mary Lou Wood CLASS OF 1961 Mr. Larry Baker Mr. Garland Dye Mrs. Shirley Foust Mr. Homer Hallett Mr. Lloyd Langford Mr. Tommy Reed Mrs. Peggy Wood CLASS OF 1962 Mr. Ralph Buhrmester Dr. Jim Johnson Mrs. Joyce Shull Mrs. Ruthie Ward Mr. Bob White CLASS OF 1963 Mrs. Barbara Baughn Mr. Kenneth Clark Mr. Carroll Goodin Mr. Jack Goodman Mr. Donald Jenkins Mr. Ben Reed Mr. Leland Southard Mr. James Trout Mrs. Norma Wood CLASS OF 1964 Mr. Jim Frakes Mr. Dickie Kennemore Mr. Don Mothershed Mr. Harrison Thomas Mr. Ray Tweed CLASS OF 1965 Mr. Henry Hutchins Mrs. Fae Madden Mrs. Peggy Port Mr. Lonnie Taylor Ms. Mary Willey CLASS OF 1966 Mr. Dick Clifford Cmd. Billy Condra Mr. Jerry Guiltner Mrs. Gloria Hemenway Mrs. Ruth Robinson Mrs. Glynda Stewart Mrs. Sylvia Vicain CLASS OF 1967 Mrs. Mignonne Flagg Mr. Gordon Freeman Mrs. Cathy Hagler Mr. John Jennings CLASS OF 1968 Mr. Jerry Beal
Mr. Wayne Hill Mr. Richard Provost CLASS OF 1969 Mr. Galen Adams Mrs. Sara Clevenger Mr. L.D. Gibson Mrs. Elizabeth Wells CLASS OF 1970 Mr. James Creecy Mr. Tom Franzen Mr. Tommy Thompson Mr. Randy Trim CLASS OF 1971 Mr. Robert Christian Mrs. Margrett Dixon Mr. Dennis Gibson Mr. Sonny Hildebrand Mr. Stephen Johnson Ms. Linda Koubek Mr. Joe Rankin Mrs. Sue Smith Mrs. Mary Wallace CLASS OF 1972 Mrs. Letty Burton Mrs. Imogene Cowley Ms. Rita Crabb Mr. Phil Ducker Mr. Bill Grisham Mr. Marquis McGuire Mr. Dewayne Miller Mr. Bill Phillips Mrs. Paula Spurlock CLASS OF 1973 Mr. Charles Brown Mrs. Alma Clemmer Mr. Michael Clippard Mrs. Karen Gambel Mrs. Genie Harrell Mr. Reggie Keith Judge Jim Kyle Mr. Loye Lawrence Mr. David McDaniel Mr. Paul Midkiff Mr. Robert Smith CLASS OF 1974 Mrs. Karen Cathey Mr. Clyde Hancock Mr. Johnny Jones Mrs. Minnie Osment Mr. Chuck Stotts CLASS OF 1975 Mr. Harvey Franklin Mr. Tommy Lawrence CLASS OF 1976 Mrs. Charlotte Grant Mrs. Janice Reynolds Mr. Ted Wagnon Mr. Herb Widner CLASS OF 1977 Mr. Al Conniff Mrs. Carole Edmunds Mr. Mike Hubner Mr. John Lorick 4 4 – VO I C E S
Mr. David Rabeneck Ms. Donna Rodery Mr. Bill Shadle Mr. Curtis Singleton Ms. Gay Vaughan
CLASS OF 1990 Ms. Leigh Boyce Ms. Sara Buckelew Mr. Mark Ramsey
CLASS OF 1978 Mr. Jerry Austin Mrs. Betty Choate Mrs. Joan Dingman Mr. Steve Ivy Mrs. Joann Maddox Mrs. Rosemary Sansom
CLASS OF 1993 Ms. Brenda Hurtman
CLASS OF 1979 Mr. Alvin Bates 1979 Ms. Melissa Gibson Mr. Rick Thompson Mrs. Lynn Tutor CLASS OF 1980 Mr. Robert Collier Mr. Thomas Hamrick Mr. Juril Henson Mr. Wayne Pickett CLASS OF 1981 Ms. Teresa Buck Mr. Raymond Staples Mr. Herman Strickland Ms. Lisa Wilder CLASS OF 1982 Mr. Andrew Crosswait Mr. Jim Harris Mrs. Donna London Mrs. Glenda Parkinson Mr. Charles Weathers CLASS OF 1983 Dr. Jesse Cooper Mr. Paul Ford Ms. Tamara Griffin CLASS OF 1984 Mr. Craig Cain Mr. Randy Caldwell Dr. Camilla O’Neal Mr. Roger Stokes CLASS OF 1985 Mrs. Sandy Bruce Ms. C J Highfill Mrs. Sheila Rodgers Ms. Karen White CLASS OF 1986 Ms. Ellen Couch Mrs. Joy Robertson CLASS OF 1987 Mr. Todd Gibson Mrs. Susan Greenwell CLASS OF 1988 Mrs. Alyce Gustafson Mr. Bill Moss Mr. Emmett Smith CLASS OF 1989 Mrs. Eleanor Reams Dr. Sharon Taylor
CLASS OF 1992 Mr. Gary Goss Mr. Gregory Rainwater
CLASS OF 1995 Mr. Brent Griffin Mrs. Melissa Teague Ms. Virginia Woodall CLASS OF 1996 Ms. Jennifer Bryant Mr. Reco Haggins Mr. David Kimmel CLASS OF 1997 Ms. Judit Horvath Mrs. Allison Moon CLASS OF 1998 Mrs. Amy Fairchild Mr. Ernest Harris CLASS OF 2000 Mr. Aaron Langston CLASS OF 2001 Mr. Mike Lueallen Mrs. Heather Marion CLASS OF 2002 Ms. Kelly Davis Mr. Ronald Vaughn CLASS OF 2004 Ms. Amanda Gayle CLASS OF 2007 Ms. Patricia Ochoa CLASS OF 2008 Ms. Jacquelyn Earls Mr. Wilkes East CLASS OF 2009 Mrs. Barbara Powell Mr. William Rambin CLASS OF 2011 Ms. Shaina Nicholson CLASS OF 2013 Ms. Brittney Hamilton CLASS OF 2016 Ms. Laurie Thomas CLASS OF 2017 Mr. Steven White CLASS OF 2018 Ms. Patricia Domineck Ms. Chloe Vaught CLASS OF 2020 Ms. Alicia Green
A -STAT E N OT E S PA S S I N G O F T H R E E D I ST I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I
The Arkansas State University community mourns the loss of three of its Distinguished Alumni during the past few months: John Woodside, who was named Distinguished Alumnus in 2003; G. Robert Blanchard, named in 1987; and Bill Phillips, named in 2005. Here are brief remembrances of these individuals, each of which will be remembered for their lifetime of achievements and loyalty to the institution.
JOHN WOODSIDE, 104, ASSISTED STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT John A. Woodside, a member of Arkansas State’s class of 1936, died Jan. 4 at the age of 104. He initiated and continued to build a scholarship endowment in memory of his mother, Mable Symons Woodside. Mrs. Woodside, who was hired in 1910 by V.C. Kays, was among the first faculty members at the school that evolved into Arkansas State University. The scholarship has financially assisted dozens of A-State students from the southeast Missouri area where Woodside was raised. Woodside, who was a student athlete, graduated from then-Arkansas State College with a degree in chemistry, and enjoyed a long career in the energy industry. Before retiring in 1981, Woodside served as both superintendent and/or manager of chemical plants in the U.S., Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Spain. Woodside often returned to Jonesboro to meet personally with new scholarship recipients. He believed strongly in the importance of a quality education, and encouraged the Woodside Scholars to work hard in their studies. He was a 1924 Sustaining Life Member of the A-State Alumni Association and the oldest member of the ASU Lettermen’s Club. Survivors include a daughter, Marianne Woodside of Knoxville.
G. ROBERT BLANCHARD WAS LEADER IN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY G. Robert Blanchard, ’51, died Nov. 15 at his Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, Fla. A Navy veteran, he came to A-State on the GI Bill and majored in agriculture. After an early career in agri chemical sales he joined Rozier Machinery, the Caterpillar dealer for central Florida, and rose to CEO in 1970. He pioneered heavy equipment leasing, developing a business model adopted by Caterpillar worldwide, and later was awarded a second franchise, in South Carolina. As Blanchard diversified his business interests through WRB Enterprises, he operated electric utilities in Turks and Caicos and Grenada and also pursued his interest in community banking by founding and developing the Bank of Tampa and also SouthState Bank. Deeply invested in community service, Blanchard’s long list of civic contributions included serving as president of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the University of Tampa, and a board member for the Florida Aquarium. Survivors include five children and their families.
B I L L P H I L L I P S , P O L I T I C A L C O N S U LTA N T A N D N F L P L AY E R , SERVED ON ASU BOARD Bill Phillips, ‘72, put his education and football experience at A-State to good use as he began his career playing football for the Denver Broncos. His university and professional athletic achievements made him a dual inductee into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, both as an individual and as a member of A-State’s undefeated 1970 national college division championship team. Beginning his post-football career as a sales representative for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, his success moved him up the ladder. After he was put in charge of the company’s newly formed governmental relations division, he represented its interests at the State Capitol, where his reputation for conducting business with the highest standards of honesty and integrity served him well. Phillips returned to his alma mater as a gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees, serving from 1993 to 1998. Survivors include his wife, Peggy, ‘72, and his son, Bradley. S UM 3 WI N TMEERR 22002210 –– 4 5
WAW
Taylor Arens ’14 with son Griffin in
WOLVES AROUND THE WORLD
Disney World
#AStateAlumni repping the #RedWolves! Left to right: Trenna Lauhon Barker ‘11, Shannon O’Nale Nadolni ‘11 Lindsay Howard Bennett ‘12, Kimberly Winchester Short ‘11
Alumna Courtney Hirons in Sedona, Ariz.
Dianne Tiner Logan ’69 ’74 and
Brody Eaton ’18,
her husband Darnell enjoying
Claire Eaton ’10 &
retirement in Panama City, Fla.
Fonda Eaton ’83 in Disney World
Wolves Up from Park City, Utah Left to Right: Back – Travis Cude ’00, Cameron Cude, Jennifer Cude ’02, Emily Gairhan ’05, Scott Gairhan ’02, Marsha Carwell ’05, Brett Carwell, Sarah Strobbe ’07, Brett Strobbe ‘07 Front – Parker Gairhan, Collin Cude, Smith Strobbe, Carlisle Strobbe, Lily Grace Gairhan, Bennett Carwell, Carson Carwell
4 6 – VO I C E S
Wolves Up from Bonnie Goad ‘93 and grandson Keagan Goad in Seaside, Fla.
Tara Thomason ‘97, Aaron Townsend ‘07 and Rylee Thomason, current Red Wolf in Miramar Beach, Fla.
Dione Goad ‘95
A-State alumni hiked to the top of Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains
Seaside, Fla.
National Park. Left to Right: Melanie Carpenter ‘91, Rhonda Qualls ‘91, Amanda McDaniel ‘93, Pat Farmer ‘85 and Missy McKee (friend of A-State) .
#WolvesUp from these alums on Mount Spokane in Washington. Thank you Lindsey Morris ‘04, Libby Skelton Owens, CaraKay Copes ‘90, & Blair McClanahan ‘20 for showing your #AStatePride!
Wolves up from future Red Wolves Austin Burnett , son of Jesse ‘05 & Lindsay Burnett ‘05, and Ben Bettis, son of Andy & Chelsea Bettis ‘07 from Seagrove Beach, Fla.
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 4 7
LET’S TALK. Did you know? Most Red Wolves first hear about A-State not from a brochure, poster or website, but from someone they know and trust. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have for student recruitment. Please talk it up in your circle, and help identify people you think would benefit from an A-State education. And if you already have a potential Red Wolf in your life, let the Office of Admissions know by visiting: AStateAlumni.org/ReferARedWolf We’ll take it from there.
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 870.972.2782 ASTATE.EDU/ADMISSIONS
4 8 – VO I C E S
Click to see our year in review
THE LA ST WORD
LINDSAY BURNETT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
The fall 2020 semester at Arkansas State University was like no other. Every aspect of our society has been limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, and events on campus and those sponsored by the Alumni Association are no exception. But we have adapted. We’ve established our virtual Lunch and Learn series that has proven to be extremely popular. Online gatherings have been a necessary adjustment for everyone across the globe during the pandemic, and the speakers we have presented through our Lunch and Learn series have drawn large audiences from across the nation. Our campus has adapted as well. Administrators developed a plan for physically-distanced seating at athletic events, classes have been held in-person as well as online, and thankfully, hundreds of new alumni were able to cross the stage and receive their diplomas in Centennial Bank Stadium as A-State moved Spring and Fall Commencements to an outdoor setting for the first time since 1986. Another change we have made at the Alumni Association is our method of reaching out to you as we raise funds for programs at Arkansas State. Many of you are familiar with our annual Phonathon calling campaign in which we asked our alumni to support the college or department of their choosing. We’ve eliminated Phonathon, and will use an online giving platform when seeking donations. Instead of calling, we will email and text you, our alumni, each month focusing on a different college. Your college will determine when we contact you, and I hope you will consider giving back when you receive your email and text. The university can only move forward with the support of its alumni. Additionally, A-State’s Day of Giving is scheduled for April 27. Please mark your calendars for this important date on which we will ask all Arkansas State University alumni, friends, students, staff and faculty to give back to the program of their choice. This is our university, our future, our day. #Give2AState Finally, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic. Infection and hospitalization numbers are dropping, and vaccines are more available with each passing day. Clinics held at First National Bank Arena in early 2021 resulted in more than 1,000 faculty and staff members receiving the vaccine, helping us work toward a safer environment for everyone on campus. It is my sincere hope that when our next issue of Voices is published, it will be filled with photos and details of events that have once again begun to take place on our campus. Until then, Wolves Up!
VOICES
WI N T E R 2 0 2 1 – 4 9
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