Tech Action Winter 2011 John Ed Chambers III continues a family tradition of service to Arkansas Tech. See pages 4-5.
Col. Carl Baswell inducted into Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5.
Tech Action
Hall of Distinction: Our best and brightest This issue of Tech Action includes the announcement of three new members of the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction — James Bibler, Dr. Jack Hamm and Lyndall Stout.
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Tech Action
Higher education is truly a life-changing experience, and the achievements of these three individuals are further proof of the opportunities that are available to graduates of Arkansas Tech. The Hall of Distinction, which inducted its first class in 1965, provides our university with a chance to recognize excellence within the Tech Family. Upon the addition of three new inductees this spring, there will be 168 members of the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction. If you know someone whom you believe is a candidate for the highest honor that Arkansas Tech can bestow upon an alumnus, here are some guidelines to keep in mind when preparing a nomination. There are five categories for induction: Distinguished Alumnus, Distinguished Service, Distinguished Alumni Service, Outstanding Young Alumnus and Distinction in Intercollegiate Athletics. Nominations may be made by any graduate, any current or former member of the faculty or administration of Tech, any currently enrolled full-time student at Tech or any member of the Hall of Distinction.
tech
Nominations may not be made by a family member of the nominee. No incumbent member of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff or administration is eligible for nomination for any category of the Hall of Distinction. Nominations must be made in writing and delivered to the Office of Alumni Services of Arkansas Tech University by Oct. 1 each year. Hall of Distinction inductees are selected by the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees, and the induction ceremony takes place at spring commencement each year. For complete details and a nomination form, please visit www.techties.atu.edu. You will read more about Mr. Bibler, Dr. Hamm and Ms. Stout in the spring 2011 edition of Tech Action. In the meantime, enjoy this issue of the magazine, remember to keep us updated when you have a change of address and always feel free to drop by the Alumni House at 1313 N. Arkansas Ave. in Russellville and say hello.
Angela DeWitt Bonds ‘95 Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Association Board of Directors President: Jim Murphy ‘71
President-Elect: Shirley Drewry Dodd ‘59 Brenda Metcalf Hipp ‘63 12/13
Philip Alexander ‘89 12/11
Raymond Molden ‘96 12/11
Doug Brown ‘06 12/11
Cara Hammond Witherspoon ‘78 12/11 Steve Pfeifer ‘71 12/12
Steve Kesner ‘77 12/13
Jimmy Cunningham ‘75 12/11
John Carter ‘02 12/12
Kendall Tabor ‘89 & ‘92 12/12
Tayler Melton ‘10 12/13
Robert Ford ‘86 12/11
Molly Fleming ‘09 12/12
Angie Wyatt ‘03 12/12
Todd Sweeden ‘76 12/13
Dixie Gossett ‘70 & ‘74 12/11
Leslie Miller Harris ‘08 12/12
Katherine Nunn Bowden ‘54 12/13
Jim White ‘78 12/13
Tommy Johnston ‘91 12/11
Ronda Hawkins ‘92 12/12
Sue Chiolino ‘68 12/13
Vickie Yates ’79 & ‘89 12/13
Ann Irwin ‘83 12/12
Brian Bass, Ozark Campus Rep.
catch up with an old friend today www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action, Volume 47, No. 1. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations Angela DeWitt Bonds Coordinator of Young Alumni Alison Parks Coordinator of Alumni Communications and Activities Kelly Thornton Bostick Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
Editorial Committee Angela DeWitt Bonds, Jayne Jones, Julie Nebben Morgan, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner publications/creative Services Felisha Weaver Asst. Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
Cover Photograph Steve Newby Contributing Photographers Steve Newby, Liz Chrisman, Felisha Weaver, Ashley Schurtz, Pam Cooper E-mail address alumni@atu.edu Web site www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action is published quarterly by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801. It is sent to alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff of Arkansas Tech University. We welcome manuscripts and photographs from our readers. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your originals returned. Parents, if your son or daughter attended Tech and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Address updates can be submitted to the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Services by calling (479) 968-0242 or by sending e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Alumni News
Bibler, Hamm, Stout chosen for top honor Arkansas Tech will add three new members to its Hall of Distinction during spring 2011 commencement ceremonies at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, May 14. James Bibler will be inducted under the Distinguished Alumnus category, Dr. Jack Hamm will be inducted under the Distinguished Alumni Service category and Lyndall Stout will be inducted under the Outstanding Young Alumnus category. Selection for the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction is the highest honor that the university can bestow upon an alumnus. James Bibler After starting out as a lumber stacker, Bibler rose
Jack Hamm Hamm graduated from Tech in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in applied mathematics (1968) and a Ph.D. in mathematics (1972) from the University of Missouri at Rolla. Shortly after attaining his terminal degree, Hamm joined the mathematics faculty at Arkansas Tech. He remained for 36 years, rising to the rank of dean of the School of Systems Science (1982-2001) and vice president for academic affairs (2002-08). Upon his retirement, Hamm became the first faculty
through his family’s company and became president of Bibler Brothers, Inc. in Russellville at the age of 33. The company became a division of Great Northern Nekoosa in 1973, but 13 years later Bibler purchased all of the stock in Bibler Brothers, Inc. His action saved the mill and the jobs of those who worked there. From 1986-98, Bibler led major renovations of the mill, brought state of the art equipment online and oversaw the construction of a new office facility just south of the mill on Arkansas Avenue in Russellville. Bibler sold 90 percent of the company to Freeman Brothers, Inc. in 1998, but he remains active in the business.
member in Arkansas Tech history to receive the title of Distinguished Professor. Lyndall Stout Stout has been nominated for three Emmy awards as a local television anchor and reporter during a career that has included stops in Denison, Texas, Little Rock and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She was recognized by the Arkansas Press Association for outstanding documentary reporting. Today, Stout is back in her native Oklahoma and working as the host and senior producer for SUNUP, a weekly agriculture television program that airs on public broadcasting stations throughout the state.
James Bibler
Dr. Jack Hamm
Lyndall Stout Winter 2011
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Cover Story
John Ed Chambers
John Ed Chambers II
John Ed Chambers III
A FAMILY TRADITION Chambers continues legacy of service to Tech 4
Tech Action
His family ties make him an important link to Arkansas Tech University history. His business acumen and knowledge of the area make him a valuable leader for Arkansas Tech today. His position as chairman of the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees in 2011 will allow him to help shape the future of an institution that has leaned on his family for guidance for more than eight decades. When John Ed Chambers III was appointed to the Tech Board of Trustees in January 2007, it continued a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of Arkansas Tech. The story began in 1925, about the same time the school’s name changed from the Second District Agricultural School to Arkansas Polytechnic College. That was when Judge John Ed Chambers of Danville was first appointed to the board of trustees. He continued on the board until 1937, and Judge Chambers served on the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees again from 1939-53 and from 1955-63.
During those nearly four decades of involvement, Judge Chambers helped Arkansas Tech transition from a small agricultural school to a modern college. None of the decisions he made more dramatically affected Arkansas Tech than when he nominated and championed Joseph W. Hull to become the eighth president of Arkansas Tech in 1932. Judge Chambers had previously been instrumental in bringing Hull to Danville to teach agriculture, and when Tech needed a new president there was no doubt whom Chambers wanted for the job. “My grandfather saw the vision that Dr. Hull had much beyond Danville,” said John Ed Chambers III. “It was an unbelievable step for him to go from teaching agriculture in Danville to serving as president at Arkansas Tech. My grandfather had great belief in Dr. Hull and his abilities. Dr. Hull was a great man, a great promoter and I’m very proud to have known him. “I still remember little things Dr. Hull would say, like ‘you build a sidewalk where the students want
to cross. I don’t try to make them go anywhere.’ He was a marketing person, and I felt like he catered to the needs of the students.” Hull remained president at Arkansas Tech until 1967. He is the longest-serving president in the history of the institution. He served long enough, in fact, to work with the second generation of the Chambers family on the Tech Board of Trustees. John Ed Chambers II was first appointed to the board in 1965. He served in that capacity until 1967, and again from 1987-88. The family tradition continued in 1994 when John Ed Chambers III was suggested for a spot on the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees by Jim Pledger and Gov. Jim Guy Tucker made the appointment. Chambers’ first term on the Tech Board of Trustees was defined by the Strategic Plan of 1995, a document that called for Arkansas Tech to utilize shared governance between administration and faculty and moderately selective admissions standards to grow the university in a thoughtful and deliberate way.
Cover Story As a result, enrollment at
“I think it’s the same reason my
“The endowment was set up
Arkansas Tech increased 131
grandfather served and the same
such that we could send anywhere
percent from 1997-2010.
reason my father served,” continued
from 10-15 kids each year to
Chambers. “Arkansas Tech was the
Arkansas Tech,” said Chambers. “It
school for this area then, and I think
was set up for people who needed
it still is today.”
it, and it was designed for people
Chambers also aided in the planning of two landmark facilities on the Arkansas Tech campus — the Ross Pendergraft Library and
who showed a desire to stay, fight it Chambers is joined on the 2011
Technology Center and the Doc
Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees
Bryan Student Services Building.
by Leigh Whiteside of Russellville, Charles Blanchard of Russellville
Chambers’ term ended in 1999
and Tom Kennedy of Little Rock.
and that could have been the end of the story, but Gov. Mike Beebe
“The people who serve on the
appealed to Chambers to consider
board are generous with their time,
another appointment on the Tech
and they are people who care
Board of Trustees in 2007.
about the future and the welfare of Arkansas Tech,” said Chambers.
Chambers, who serves as
“They want the very best, and it’s
chairman and chief executive officer
easy to work with people like that.
for Chambers Bancshares, Inc., was
And when you have a leader like Dr.
unsure if his schedule would permit
Brown, it makes you want to work
such a commitment. Arkansas Tech
to support his vision.
President Dr. Robert C. Brown was able to help convince him.
“Serving on the board is a lot like being a coach — you’ve got to have
out and graduate.” The Chambers family’s dedication of time and resources to Arkansas Tech University was immortalized in February 1966 when Chambers Cafeteria was dedicated on the Russellville campus. Equally lasting on the Arkansas Tech campus will be the example of leadership set by the Chambers family. “I don’t see anything but good things in the future for Arkansas Tech,” said Chambers. “It will be tougher, but the tough get tougher when things are really bad. I think
“Everybody’s time is precious,
a good team,” continued Chambers.
and when times are tough you have
“And you need a good quarterback.
less time,” said Chambers. “When I
Our quarterback is Dr. Brown, and
because of its budgets, so we will
was first appointed to the board this
he really puts together a lot of great
have to work harder in getting
time I told Dr. Brown I wasn’t sure if
people who are so easy to work
donations for scholarships and
I could give him the time he needed.
with.”
other needs.
the state will be more stressed
He told me, ‘Johnny, your county needs you to help us. You know the
The Chambers family tradition
“I think with the vision that’s
people and the banking industry,
at Arkansas Tech also includes
been established, I don’t see why
and you can help us with that
a long track record of generous
Arkansas Tech won’t continue
knowledge.’ Being able to sit down
financial support for the university.
to grow,” continued Chambers.
with him helped me understand how
That support has included gifts for
“Leaders are graduating from
these young people need our help to
scholarships for students in the
Arkansas Tech University. It’s a
make sure they have the resources
Chambers family’s beloved Yell
place you can love, respect and
they need.
County.
want to help.”
Wilburn honored for service to board Dean Wilburn of Harrison, outgoing chairman of the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees, was recognized by Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown during the board’s regular monthly meeting at the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center on Thursday, Jan. 20. Wilburn (photographed, right) received a plaque in appreciation of his decade of service to the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees. Brown also presented Wilburn and his wife, Kathy, with lifetime passes to intercollegiate athletics events at Arkansas Tech. Mr. Wilburn served on the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees from 2001-2011.
Winter 2011
5
Alumni Feature
“This is Where My Roots Are” Four decades later, Brown earns degree Larry Brown rushed for a school-record 3,603 yards as a member of the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys football team from 1968-71. His combination of power and speed made him a star for the 1971 Wonder Boys, perhaps the greatest team in Arkansas Tech football history. But all of the rushing yards, the championships, the adulation — none of it compared to one 30-yard walk that Brown made on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010. Four decades after his last game as a Wonder Boy, he rose from his chair on the floor of Tucker Coliseum and went to the podium to receive his Bachelor of Professional
6
Tech Action
He went out alone on a snake hunt one afternoon,
Studies degree during fall commencement ceremonies at
choosing to leave his cell phone behind because he only
Arkansas Tech.
intended to be gone for a few hours.
They were the most meaningful 30 yards in a long and improbable journey for the man known during his playing
Three days later, he was found semiconscious under a mesquite tree.
days as the ‘Marianna Mauler.’ He had left his interior light in his truck on, which “I’m elated,” said Brown a few days before receiving his
drained his battery and left him stranded 30 miles
degree. “I run with the alumni and I know all the alumni,
from civilization with no means of communication or
but I want to actually be a graduate of Arkansas Tech.
transportation.
There are so many people who have been so supportive of me, and they’ll be there at graduation. That’s what makes
Brown was airlifted to a hospital in time to save his
you so proud. I’m 60 years old, but I still had the fortitude
life, but he had no blood flow to his left leg. It had to be
to go ahead and do it. I think it’s a carry over from my
amputated, and he was fit with an artificial leg.
early days.” It marked the third time in life that Brown had to learn The fact that Brown returned after four decades and
how to walk.
earned his degree is impressive. The fact that he is alive to do so could be described as a miracle.
Brown was 7 years old when he dropped a bag of marbles and ran into the road to retrieve them. He was
Brown suffered heart attacks in 1996 and 1999. After his second heart attack, doctors had to replace the
struck by a car. Multiple broken bones took his ability to walk.
femoral artery in his left leg. He not only recovered and walked again; he grew By September 2002, Brown was back to his favorite free-time activities of hunting and fishing.
strong enough to gain a football scholarship to Arkansas Tech.
Alumni Feature
“I’m the oldest out of nine kids,” said Brown.
He moved on to a career with the Arizona
“Growing up, if the food ran out and I was still hungry,
Department of Corrections. He worked in that field for
my mom told me to get up and cook it. Because I had
more than two decades and eventually attained the
to work so hard after I had the injury as a kid, I got so
positions of unit captain and chief of security.
strong physically and so mentally tough. I wanted to be competitive, and I had to work to get there.”
For most, the hunting accident would have been too much to overcome.
After playing as a freshman on the 1968 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference champion Wonder Boys, Brown rushed for a team-leading 1,118 yards in 1969.
Surviving 108 degree heat for three days with no shelter and little water was difficult. The physical therapy and emotional struggles that followed the
He averaged 5.8 yards per carry the following season
amputation of his left leg were even more trying; so
and led the 1970 AIC champion Wonder Boys with 1,192
much so that they caused him to consider ending his
rushing yards.
life.
In 1971, Brown’s team-high 990 rushing yards helped the Wonder Boys finish with an overall record of
But just as was the case 40 years earlier, Arkansas Tech and Russellville provided Brown with a safe haven.
12-1 and reach the NAIA national championship game. He returned to Russellville, and surrounded by the Arkansas Tech won the AIC title for the third time during Brown’s four-year career. Brown entered the U.S. Marines after completing his football eligibility with the Wonder Boys. He returned
support of friends and former teammates such as Jim Murphy, Brown started a new life. He began enrolling in the courses necessary to complete his degree at Arkansas Tech in 2008. Winter 2011
to Arizona, where he had spent time as a youth, and began working in the copper mines.
“It was a lot easier the second time around based on what my attitude is and what my focus is,” said Brown. “I was a young kid back then with an ability to play football. Those memories brought me back here. There are a lot of traditions at this school, and I hope we can keep those instilled in people. I felt it the first time I came here as a junior in high school. That’s what compelled me to come here.” And it was that same love for Arkansas Tech and for the Arkansas River Valley that drew Brown back there. “I knew before the accident with my leg that I wanted to retire in Russellville,” said Brown. “The people here in this community have always been supportive, and it’s always been heartfelt. I still have a lot of great friends that have supported me, and I talked to (Arkansas Tech President) Dr. (Robert C.) Brown about coming back to school. “I had taken some classes at a university in Arizona while I lived out there and I could have finished up there, but it was so much more meaningful to graduate from Tech because this is where my roots are and this is where I wanted to be.”
7
Alumni News
Alumni Board welcomes eight new members Eight individuals have been elected to serve a three-
The Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Board of
year term on the Arkansas Tech University Alumni
Directors consists of 25 non-compensated members
Association Board of Directors.
representing both the Russellville campus and the Ozark campus.
Those elected in voting via the fall 2010 edition of Tech Action magazine will serve on the alumni board from January 2011 through December 2013.
Major responsibilities for alumni board members include supporting the mission of the Tech Alumni Association and the university, aiding in the cultivation of
The newest members of the alumni board are:
private donations to the university and attending between three and four meetings per year.
*Katherine Nunn Bowden of Russellville, Class of 1954 *Sue Chiolino of Russellville, Class of 1968
Jim Murphy of Russellville is president of the Arkansas
*Brenda Metcalf Hipp of Little Rock, Class of 1963
Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors for 2011, while
*Steve Kesner of Fort Smith, Class of 1977
Shirley Drewry Dodd of Russellville is the president-elect.
*Tayler Melton of Yellville, Class of 2010 *Todd Sweeden of Russellville, Class of 1976
For information about nominating an alumnus for
*Jim White of Rogers, Class of 1978
service on the alumni board, call (479) 968-0242 or send
*Vickie Yates of Pottsville, Class of 1979 and 1989
an e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Jones to chair Cattlemen’s Beef Board Arkansas Tech University alumnus
8
Tech Action
According to the Cattlemen’s Beef
Tom Jones was elected 2011 national
Board, the beef checkoff program
chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef
was established as part of the 1985
Board during the Cattle Industry
Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1
Annual Convention and Trade Show in
per head on the sale of live domestic
Denver, Colo., Feb. 2-5.
and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported
A third generation farmer, Jones
beef and beef products.
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture business from
Funds are used to increase demand
Arkansas Tech in 1982.
for beef through promotion, research, consumer information, industry
He and his family produce cattle
information, foreign marketing and
and hay in Pottsville. As chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Jones
producer communications. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is perhaps best known for
will lead a group of 106 committee members appointed
the “Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner” advertising campaign
by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and responsible for
that it launched in 1992.
overseeing the organization’s $80 million annual beef checkoff program.
In addition to his work with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Jones is also in his second term as secretary/
“My goal without any equivocation is for people to have more than enough confidence in this checkoff so
treasurer for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He has served on the AFB board for eight years.
that when this industry makes a decision to make the checkoff better, producers will know it’s a valid program
Jones’ service to his alma mater has included a term as
that they can support,” said Jones in a news release from
president of the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Board
the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
of Directors.
Today’s Tech
Trustees extend president’s contract Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robert C.
“Every board member was 100 percent positive in
Brown is under contract to maintain the position he has
their comments about Dr. Brown,” said Dean Wilburn,
held since 1993 through June 30, 2013, following action
who served on the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees from
by the Tech Board of Trustees on Thursday,
2001-2011. “We’ve got the best university and college
Dec. 16, 2010.
president in Arkansas. All you have to do is look at where this university started 17 years ago and where it is
The board voted unanimously to extend Brown’s
today to see that we have the right person for the job.”
contract by one year upon completion of its annual evaluation of his performance as president.
Brown’s tenure has also seen the addition of a satellite campus in Ozark and the move to NCAA
Arkansas Tech has added 45 academic programs
Division II athletics.
of study, made a $180 million investment in its infrastructure and awarded more than 17,000 degrees under Brown’s leadership.
“I am very gratified and appreciative of the confidence the Board of Trustees has placed in me and my administration,” said Brown. “The good results we
Enrollment at Arkansas Tech has increased by
have achieved are the result of collaboration by the
131 percent since 1997 to its current figure of 9,814
outstanding faculty, administration, staff and student
students, and Tech has posted a school record
body at Tech. We are all convinced that the best days of
enrollment in each of the past 12 years.
our university are in the future.”
Norton, Woods accept new leadership roles Two veterans of the Arkansas Tech University faculty
The student body selected Norton as Arkansas Tech
were appointed to leadership positions within the
professor of the year in 2006-07. She was promoted to
university in recent months.
associate professor that spring.
Dr. Hanna Norton, associate professor of journalism
Norton served as president of the faculty senate in
at Arkansas Tech, was promoted to assistant vice
2008-09. At spring commencement in 2009, she was
president for academic affairs.
presented with a Faculty Award of Excellence in the teaching category.
Norton had previously served as head of the Department of Speech, Theatre and Journalism. In her
Woods joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 2000 as
new role, she will oversee expanded distance learning
an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate
initiatives at Arkansas Tech.
professor and granted tenure in 2006, and in 2009 he received the Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence
Meanwhile, Dr. Jeffrey Woods was named head of the
in the scholarship category.
Tech Department of History and Political Science. Founder and director of the Arkansas Digital History Woods, associate professor of history at Arkansas
Institute, Woods has authored two books: “Richard
Tech, served as interim head of the department during
Russell, Southern Nationalism and American Foreign
the 2010 spring and fall semesters.
Policy,” which was published in 2007; and “Black Struggle, Red Scare: Segregation and Anticommunism
Both of their appointments followed a nationwide
in the South, 1948-68,” which was published in 2004.
search. Woods holds a bachelor’s degree from the University Norton holds three degrees from the University of
of Kansas (1992), a master’s degree from the University
Georgia. She earned her Ph.D. in 2001 and joined the
of Arkansas (1994) and a Ph.D. from Ohio University
Tech faculty as an assistant professor later that year.
(2000).
Winter 2011
9
Today’s Tech
Centennial Convocation set for April 29 As Arkansas Tech University concludes its centennial celebration, the 100th anniversary of the school’s first academic year will be recognized at the Centennial Convocation on Friday, April 29. The convocation will begin at 10 a.m. in Tucker Coliseum. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Arkansas Tech held its first day of classes on Oct. 26, 1910, and the first academic year in school history came to an end in spring 1911.
The choral piece, “Doors of Daring,” was composed by Andrea Ramsey, a member of the Arkansas Tech Class of 2000. “Celebration” was written for band by Philip Parker,
The convocation will be a celebration of the first 100 years of Arkansas Tech and a time to look forward to the
who serves as associate professor of music at Arkansas Tech.
century to come. Alumni and friends are also reminded about the Other events scheduled for that weekend include
centennial time capsule that is being planned this spring.
baseball games between Arkansas Tech and Harding at Tech Field in Russellville, softball games between
10
Tech Action
“Students, faculty, staff, alumni and university friends
Arkansas Tech and Christian Brothers at the Chartwells
are asked to submit suggestions for items to be included
Women’s Sports Complex and a combined band and
in the time capsule,” said Julie Morgan, on-campus
choir concert.
coordinator for the Tech Centennial.
The concert, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 1,
For more information about the closing events of the
will include the premiere of two commissioned pieces in
Arkansas Tech Centennial, contact Morgan at
recognition of the Arkansas Tech Centennial.
jmorgan@atu.edu or (479) 968-0332.
Girl Scouts pick Blondin for annual award Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, chancellor of Arkansas Tech-Ozark
Blondin joined the Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus
Campus, has been honored by the Girl Scouts-Diamonds
administration in 2004. She was elevated to the position of
of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas for her contributions to
chancellor in 2006.
the field of education. Enrollment at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus has Blondin was one of four individuals recognized at the
increased by 435 percent since Blondin joined the staff
organization’s Women of Distinction 2011 gala on Jan. 27
in 2004. Her leadership has allowed Arkansas Tech-Ozark
in Fort Smith.
Campus to develop new academic programs that meet the specific needs of the area that it serves.
According to the Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas organization, the Women of
Blondin volunteers with the United Way of the Fort
Distinction awards are designed to “honor outstanding
Smith Area board, the St. Edward Mercy Hospital Board of
women for their contributions to their communities and
Advisors, the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas
who inspire girls to live life to the fullest and to make the
River Valley Area Council (ARVAC) and Keep Van Buren
world a better place.”
Beautiful.
Today’s Tech
Cohoon stepping down as dean, will teach The longest-serving faculty member in the history of
“It has been my privilege to serve as dean of the
Arkansas Tech University is returning to the classroom
School of Physical and Life Sciences and later the
on a full-time basis.
College of Natural and Health Sciences for a total of 23 years,” wrote Cohoon in his memo to Watson.
Dr. Richard Cohoon, who has served on the Arkansas
“One of the most pleasant aspects of this service has
Tech faculty since 1960, will step down as dean of the
been working closely with the senior administrators
Arkansas Tech College of Natural and Health Sciences
of the university, my fellow deans, several excellent
on June 30, 2011, and return to duties as professor of
department heads and many of the faculty.
geology beginning July 1, 2011. “I look forward to focusing more of my energy, Cohoon has been dean of what is now known as the College of Natural and Health Sciences for 23 years.
professional knowledge and abilities on the study and teaching of geology,” continued Cohoon. “I especially look forward to teaching classes in mineralogy and
He submitted the request for his change of
petrology during the 2011-12 academic year.”
assignment to Arkansas Tech Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John Watson on Dec. 3, 2010,
Watson said that a national search for a new dean
and it was approved by the Tech Board of Trustees on
of the Arkansas Tech College of Natural and Health
Thursday, Dec. 16.
Sciences will begin during the spring 2011 semester.
Colleagues bid Duncan a happy retirement Dr. Georgena Duncan,
A professor of history
professor of history at Arkansas
at Arkansas Tech, Duncan
Tech University, was honored
returned to the classroom
for her 35-year career at
in July 2009 following her
Arkansas Tech University with
resignation as dean.
a retirement reception at Witherspoon Hall on Tuesday,
She also accepted a special
Dec. 7, 2010.
assignment with the Office of Academic Affairs in conjunction
“We’ve been colleagues
with the English as a Second
for a long time,” said Dr. John
Language Academy at Tech at
W. Watson, vice president for
that time.
academic affairs, following the presentation of a plaque
“Georgena has meant a lot to
to Duncan. “I’ve enjoyed my collaborations with you
me,” said Dr. Jeff Woods, associate professor of history
and enjoyed working with you. I wish you the best in
and head of the Department of History and Political
retirement.”
Science at Arkansas Tech. “She was the second person I met when I came to Tech, and she has always been
Duncan joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 1975.
warm and welcoming. I am very indebted to her.”
She served as dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Arts and Humanities (then known as the School of Liberal and Fine Arts) from 1996-2009.
Although she is retiring from full-time teaching, Duncan will continue to assist Arkansas Tech in its ESL Academy.
“There are so many of us who are here because Georgena hired us,” said Dr. Micheal Tarver, dean of the
Duncan holds a baccalaureate degree from the
Arkansas Tech College of Arts and Humanities. “I am
University of Arkansas and a doctorate from the
very appreciative of the guidance you have given us.”
University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.
Winter 2011
11
Today’s Tech
COMPASSION WITHOUT LIMITS
Tech students far exceed goal for ‘Helping Halls’ program What would you say to a group of young people who made a decision to give of themselves, give of their time and give of their energy just because they wanted to? Families in need in the Arkansas River Valley had a simple yet heartfelt two-word response to that question during the 2010 holiday season — thank you. Arkansas Tech University students donated 400 food kits to help the less fortunate during the fourth annual Helping Halls program. Resident directors from the Arkansas Tech Office of Residence Life helped distribute the food to those in need at the Salvation Army location on Weir Road in Russellville on Monday, Nov. 22. “We all wanted to cry when the food came in,” said Lt. Ashley Robinett of the Salvation Army. “A week and a half ago our food pantry was empty. Now we have enough to
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Tech Action
feed the people counting on this food for Thanksgiving and Christmas.” At $11 per kit, the gift represents a $4,400 donation from the pockets of Arkansas Tech students to the community.
Staff members from the Salvation Army collect turkey, ham and chicken to complete each set. “It is a blessing to be able to provide this food to those who need it,” said Lt. Josh Robinett of the Salvation Army. “I came back from a board meeting and food was
The kits include many of the staples of a holiday meal — turkey gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing,
everywhere. It was great to see the kids from Arkansas Tech do that for our community.”
boxes of mashed potatoes, canned cranberries, pie filling, pie crust and marshmallows.
The Helping Halls program began in 2007 with a donation of 123 food kits. That number grew steadily in
Every residence hall on campus met or exceeded its
2008 (176 food kits) and 2009 (235 food kits).
goal for the program. Jones Residence Hall, which had a goal of 19 food kits and collected 80 food kits, was the winner of a competition to see which hall could donate
The goal for 2010 was to collect at least 200 food kits and attempt to match the 2009 total.
the most. “It seems each year that we think we will not be able to “I was shocked by the amount of food we collected,”
top the previous year’s total, especially after an awesome
said Melanie Skocy, a graduate assistant from Channahon,
year in 2009 with 235 food kits,” said Kevin Solomon,
Ill., who helped oversee Helping Halls 2010 for the
assistant director of housing at Arkansas Tech. “To gather
Arkansas Tech Office of Residence Life. “I think it shows
400 sets is truly amazing. Helping distribute the food is a
how much pride Arkansas Tech students have in the
great way to end Helping Halls because our student staff
Russellville community and how willing they are to help
members get great satisfaction from delivering the food
the community. It was amazing to watch students take $20
and receiving personal thanks from the people who really
bills out of their pockets and give them to this effort.”
need this gift.”
Today’s Tech
BEST IN REGION Tech’s Nutt Hall earns honor Nutt Hall at Arkansas Tech University has been named the 2009-10 residence hall of the year in its region by the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). Residence halls on college and university campuses in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and the country of Mexico were eligible to win the award. Nutt Hall at Arkansas Tech was selected based upon its residents’ involvement in their building, their campus and their community during the 2009-10 academic year. “I believe that it was the philanthropy shown by the
Nutt Hall provides on-campus housing for 338
residents and the number and quality of the programs
Arkansas Tech students each semester. Originally
offered by the resident assistants that distinguished Nutt
known as Summit Hall and constructed in 2002, it
Hall from the other nominees,” said Gwen Young, area
was re-named in honor of Arkansas Tech benefactors
coordinator in the Arkansas Tech Office of Residence Life.
John W. Nutt and Joie Thompson Nutt in 2007.
Tech Hoops for Heart program tops in state
Arkansas Tech University physical education
The Hoops for Heart event at Arkansas Tech last
students were recognized at the Arkansas Association
spring raised the most money of any such program on
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
any college campus in Arkansas during the 2009-10
(ArkAHPERD) Conference in Little Rock in November
academic year. Approximately 5,000 schools participate
2010 for organizing the most successful collegiate
in Hoops for Heart to benefit the American Heart
Hoops for Heart program in the state.
Association on an annual basis.
Winter 2011
13
Development Corner
Class of 1960 remembers a fallen friend 1960. The year when John F. Kennedy won the
Capt. Cartwright made the ultimate sacrifice for our
Presidency, the laser and a heart pacemaker were invented,
country when his duty took him to Vietnam. A combat
Cassius Clay won his first match, OPEC was formed, and
fatality, Captain Cartwright was the only graduate from the
the United States announced that 3,500 American soldiers
ROTC program at Tech to die in Vietnam.
were going to be sent to Vietnam. “The Jim Cartwright Memorial Fund will help ease the That was the world into which the graduating Class of
hardships of veterans of current wars in establishing new
1960 entered, and in many cases, their journey after Tech
lives through education,” said Class of 1960 member Bill
was defined by the Vietnam War.
Harmon. “It will provide temporary loan assistance for those who have applied for Veteran Educational Benefits to
With that in mind, the Class of 1960 memorialized
attend Tech but are awaiting those benefits to begin.”
fellow classmate Jim Cartwright with a reunion gift to Jim Cartwright Arkansas Tech Class of 1960
the Arkansas Tech Foundation when they gathered to
Members of the Class of 1960 were recognized at
celebrate the Class’ 50th anniversary at Tech’s 2010
Homecoming as “Alumni Gold” and were presented a
Homecoming.
certificate and gold letter opener from Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown, as well as a notebook of
Jim Cartwright of Mountainburg, a business
class information and memorabilia.
administration major at Tech, served as Cadet Major of the ROTC Brigade during his senior year, and was
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Tech Action
The Class Reunion committee of Major General (Ret.)
commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army
Bill Harmon, Dr. Hilda Turner, and Dr. Robert Edwards
upon graduation.
planned reunion activities with the Alumni Office.
IN MEMORY/HONOR OF (October 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011) The following individuals made gifts to Tech in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one In Honor of Bill Abernathy Faye Abernathy In Memory of Heartsill and Polly Bartlett Bill and Suzanne Harmon In Honor of Kenneth Bowden Bill and Suzanne Harmon In Memory of Firman Bynum Travis and Lou Adams Bill and Suzanne Harmon In Honor of Sarah Cotton David and Dana Moseley In Memory of Joyce Dempsey Travis and Lou Adams Agnes Alford Marshall and Betty Cole Betty Lienhart Johnny and Julie Morgan David and Dana Moseley In Memory of Nona Dirksmeyer Carol Martin In Memory of Michael Duran Fabricio and Karen Duran In Memory of Samantha Hale Mike and Shauna Donnell In Honor of Bill and Suzanne Harmon Johnny and Julie Morgan In Memory of Sam Hindsman Ferne Shinn Anderson In Memory of Jim Ed McGee Johnnie and Carolee Hamilton
In Memory of Sandra Hodges James Collins John Gilbreath Ernest and Jamie Hodges Carol Martin Robert and Dorothy Northup Bob and Judy Taylor James and Lea Witt In Memory of Harlan McMillan Richard and Mary Cohoon David Garrett Johnnie and Carolee Hamilton Bill Pullen In Memory of Lena Rexinger Dolores Beene In Memory of Selma Smith Bill and Suzanne Harmon In Memory of Elgin Spence Johnny and Julie Morgan David and Dana Moseley In Memory of Christina Stinnett Joann Hays Bobby and Linda Rush In Memory of Audrie Stonecipher Johnny and Julie Morgan In Memory of Thomas Tate Barbara Tate In Memory of Roy and Mary Taylor Mary “Doy” Branch In Memory of Mike “Bear” Womack Nelda Womack
Development Corner
Class of 2011 collecting for gift to Tech The Class of 2011 Gift Committee has officially kicked off its spring campaign. The mission of the Class of 2011 Campaign is to heighten students’ awareness of the Tech Loyalty Fund prior to their graduation. The Class Gift Campaigns, established in 2005, encourage students to reflect on what the generosity of others has meant to them. The hope is that today’s Tech students will begin a tradition of giving so tomorrow’s Tech students can enjoy the same benefits they have received. The Class of 2010 raised more than $1,800, the largest gift in the five-year history of the program. To date, the senior class program has raised $7,000 for the Arkansas Tech Foundation.
Photographed are the following members of the Class of 2011 Tech Loyalty Fund Committee: (back row, from left) Lydia Grate, Keyvan Sierra, Gentry Tubbs and
Class of 2011 Committee members were selected in early September and spent last fall developing an
Tesa Murray; (front row, from left) Travis Flowers, Dana Florian, Brad Gwatney and Danielle Jolie.
educational campaign on philanthropy and the Tech Loyalty Fund. This year, the committee chose “Invest in the Now” as its the slogan.
Also part of the committee but not photographed are: Laura Beth Anderson, Lade Lamina and Jenny Vining.
Members are asking their classmates to make their first gift of $20.11 to Tech. High participation by
For more information about participating in the Tech
the class rather than a specific dollar amount is the
Loyalty Fund, visit www.atu.edu/givetotech or call
principal goal of the campaign.
(479) 968-0405.
Tech Tourists making plans for busy 2011 The Arkansas Tech University Alumni and Friends Travel Group has planned four trips for 2011. The travel group is open to any alumnus or friend of Arkansas Tech. For more information about how to become involved, call Dana Moseley, director of gift planning, at (479) 964-0532.
Just as the weather starts to heat up at home, the Tech Travel Group will seek cooler temperatures during the “Northern National Parks” tour July 29-Aug. 5
The Tech Tourists will begin their travels on April 1 by staying close to home for a tour of Garvan Woodland
(photographed). Stops will include Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.
Gardens in Hot Springs. The 2011 travel season will conclude Sept. 25-Oct. 4 The group will head to London and Paris for an eightday trip beginning April 7.
with a tour of Spain. The adventure will include visits to Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.
Winter 2011
15
Class Notes Marriages
Cassie Cothren White (HEPE ’06) and her husband,
Brandon Keith Holland (BIOL ’07) and Sarah Nicole
Nick, a daughter, Alexandra Brooklyn, May 6, 2010.
Freeman (NURS ’09) were married Dec. 18, 2010.
Alexandra has one sister, Jennifer Nicole.
Elizabeth Lopez (ECED ’09) and Maverick Dunn
James “Mike” Wilkins (AGBU ’06) and Whitney Heflin
(ALUM) were married Oct. 2, 2010.
Wilkins (ECED ’07), a daughter, Emily Ann, Dec. 5, 2010. They live in Russellville.
Christopher Martin West (MGMT/MKTG ’09) and Megan Rebecca Middlekauff were married July 24, 2010.
Joshua S. Brown (HEPE ’07) and his wife, Robin, a son,
They live in Conway.
Tucker Carlton, Nov. 8, 2010. Joshua is a coach and teacher at Star City High School.
Chance Kendall Wright (NURS ’09) and Kalie Laine Knight were married Oct. 16, 2010. Chance is employed
Kim Dyer McCormick (MLED ’07) and her husband,
at Northwest Medical Center. They live in Fayetteville.
Rustin, a son, Remington Shane, Jan. 21, 2011.
Births
Ian Nelson (’08) and his wife, Joanie, a son, Reid Henry, Dec. 3, 2010. Reid has a brother, John (6).
Matt Pinkerton (COMP SCI ’96) and Briana Rich Pinkerton (COMP SCI ’97), a son, Mattix Christopher,
Stefanie Poole Turner (ECED ’08) and Kyle Turner
Nov. 7, 2010.
(ALUM), a daughter, Tinley Paige, Dec. 27, 2010. They live in Pottsville.
J.W. Stratton (ECON ’01) and Christa Stratton (ECED
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’02), a daughter, Ruth Ann, Jan. 18, 2011. Ruth Ann has
Nathan McElhaney (MECH ENGR ’09), a daughter, Ella
two siblings: Eli (6) and Mary Margaret (4). They live in
Claire, Dec. 29, 2009.
Russellville. Tech Action
1940s
Stephen Banning (HEPE ’02) and Maranda Banning
Martha Spillers Newton (’40) celebrated her 90th
(ALUM), a son, Ryan Clark, Aug. 18, 2010. Ryan has
birthday with a reception at the Russellville Depot on
one sister, Paige (4). Stephen is a health and physical
Jan. 29, 2011.
education teacher and coach at Clarksville Junior High School. He recently earned a master’s degree in
Frances Bollinger Burleson (HOME EC ’41) and Clay
educational leadership from Harding University.
Burleson (ENGR ’42) celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at their home in Kerrville, Texas, on Jan. 19,
John Carter (ECON ’02) and his wife, Erin, a son, Jayce Cole, Nov. 23, 2010. Melissa McMinn Freeman (ACCT ’03) and her husband, Jeffrey, a son, Aaron Jeffrey, Nov. 15, 2010. They live in Dover. Stephanie Parker Duffield (INST ’05) and Luke Duffield (ALUM), twin daughters, Stella Jane and Audrey Claire, June 28, 2010. Jeremy Ragland (HIST ’05) and his wife, Laura, a son, Trenton Charles, June 25, 2010. Lori Gray Kirtley (ECED ’06 & M.Ed. ’08) and her husband, Carl, a son, Keaton Gray, Jan. 15, 2011. Keaton has a brother, Cale (2).
2011.
1950s Patsy Marshall Kerley (BUED ’59) has volunteered with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kan., for 17 years. Elbert “Tom” Townsend (POL SCI ’59) is retired from the U.S. Air Force and from teaching. He and his wife, Margrette, celebrated their wedding anniversary on Dec. 18, 2010.
1960s David Snellings (MATH/PHYS SCI ’62) and Betty Niemeyer Snellings (ART EDU ’62) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 5, 2010. David is retired from Arkansas Nuclear One and the Arkansas Department of Health. Betty is a retired school teacher.
Class Notes Jack Wood (MUED ’63) has become an amateur civil war historian since retiring in 2001. Jack volunteers at the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Va. Delvin Williams (HIST ’64) is retired from the U.S. Marines and Sundstrand Aerospace. He buys and restores classic automobiles, some of which he sells and some of which he keeps for his personal collection. John Gibson (ACCT ’66) is president and chief executive officer of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway County Economic Development Corporation.
1970s Roger Wattam (MUS ’70) has become an accomplished amateur tennis player during his retirement years. Roger is a member of two local tennis teams that have advanced to regional play in Hilton Head, S.C., and Mobile, Ala., this spring. He also aids his wife, Pat “Prissy” Wattam (MUED ’73) in her real estate business. Leo Knoernschild (FISH/WLDLF ’71) retired Nov. 1, 2010, following a 39-year career with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a field biologist in the Piney Creek Wildlife Management Area in Pope, Johnson and Newton counties.
Richard Petronis (BUS & ECON ’66) was selected as Kappa Delta Rho fraternity advisor of the year for
David Toward (HEPE ’71) retired from the
2010. Richard is a professor of business at Tarleton
Hillsborough County School System (Fla.) after 34
State University (Texas), where he teaches business,
years as a teacher, coach and administrator. He
employment, and international business law at the
and his wife, Cindy, live in Tampa, Fla. They have a
graduate and undergraduate levels.
daughter, Sherry, and a grandson, Dylan.
Winter 2011
17
Class Notes Bob Sivils (MUED ’72) and Glenna “Dee” Daniels Sivils (ELED ’72) retired in Sallisaw, Okla., after 38 years of teaching. They celebrated the birth of their fifth grandchild on Dec. 18, 2010. Pat “Prissy” Jones Wattam (MUED ’73) was selected to receive the lifetime achievement award from RE/ MAX International during the real estate company’s convention in Las Vegas in March 2011. John Clark (RPA ’74) is chief executive officer and general manager of the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, N.M. He also serves as national director of the Boy Scouts of America High Adventure program. His wife, Janice Clark (’72), works with the Philmont Staff Association and helps with their four grandkids. David Shinn (PSY ’75) is dean of transfer education at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill. John Peacock (HEPE ’77) is assistant superintendent of the Whitehouse Independent School District (Texas). He is married with four grandchildren.
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Tech Action
Leila Alston (MED TECH ’79) was elected president of The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for 2011. She lives in Little Rock.
1980s Jerry Evans (RPA ’81) joined the sales team at Cogswell Motors in Russellville. He has previously worked in sales and management during an 18-year career at Cogswell Motors. His wife, Jeania Standridge Evans (ELED ’83), has taught at Center Valley Elementary School in Russellville for 29 years. Deborah Qualls Lewis (BIOL ’81) received the 2010 Olav Smedal Conservation Award in recognition of her work as curator of the Ada Hayden Herbarium at Iowa State University and her expertise in the flora of Iowa. Mary Jean Thompson Daniel (ELED ’82) was promoted to head start director for Community Services, Inc., in Garland County. Susan Byler Antonetti (MUED ’83) was appointed wind ensemble coordinator and instructor of flute for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her husband, John Antonetti (BIOL ’84), is an educational consultant for Colleagues on Call. Mary Bane Lackie (JOUR ’84) relocated to Islamabad, Pakistan, where she serves as chief of party for a USAID-funded higher education project.
Class Notes Sarah Martin Bankhead (ELED ’85) was nominated
Jamie Teal (ENGL ’99) and her family moved to Taif,
as a spotlight employee by the staff at Lyon Magnet
Saudi Arabia.
Elementary School in Waukegan, Ill. Sarah is in her third year as assistant to the principal at the school. Previously, she was a classroom teacher for 22 years. Karen Hayre Brown (PSY ’85 & HIST EDU ’04) and Kenny Brown (ECON ’88) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25, 2010. They have two children: Katelyn and Kendall. Cara Kinzey (ECON ’89) is an information technology supervisor for Home Depot in Atlanta, Ga.
1990s
2000s Josh Jones (HEPE ’01), head football coach at Magazine High School, and D.J. Crane (HEPE ’01), head football coach at Danville High School, met in the 2010 Class 2A state championship game. Magazine won 48-20 to capture its first state title. Barry Reed (HIST EDU ’01) was named director of the Ashdown campus for Cossatot Community College. Geron O. Morgan (ACCT ’03) was promoted to manager for BKD LLP in Houston, Texas.
David Kemp (’90) retired from the Russellville Police Department after more than 20 years of service. He
Ryan Ritchie (ECON & MGMT/MKTG ’03) began a new
accepted a position with Hewlett-Packard in Conway.
career opportunity as a management consultant with alt.Consulting in December 2010.
Marcilla Smith Croslin (ELED ’91) and her husband, Mike, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on
Brad Burl (ART ’04) will serve as the first principal of
Oct. 19, 2010.
the Pine Bluff Lighthouse Charter School.
Dr. Linda Kondrick (M.Ed ’92) was president of the
Eli Drinkwitz (HIST EDU ’04) served as an assistant
Mid-South Educational Research Association in 2010.
coach for the Auburn University football team that captured the Bowl Championship Series national
Burke Larkin (JOUR ’94) was elected to the Russellville
championship on Jan. 10, 2011.
City Council. Burke works as vice president for real estate development firm Real Practices, Inc.
Brad Wear (’04) was named 2010 Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year. He completed his
Staci Carroll Lucius (PSY/REHAB SCI ’94) was named
service as Yell County Judge last year.
director of physician practice management for 12 hospitals by Health Management Associates.
Doug Brown (EAM ’06 & M.S. EMHS ’09) was honored by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
Katie Davidson Raines (BUAD ’97) was hired by
for his support of the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the
Friendship Community Care in Russellville as vice
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.
president of adult services. She and her husband, James, have two children: Hanna (12) and Zac (8).
Stephen Rogers (M.S. CSP ’07) began his new duties as assistant director of residence life at Southern
Tosha Belford Bradley (BIOL ’99) accepted a
Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in January 2011.
position on the information systems faculty at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.
Cathryn Gaines (HEPE ’08) was named 2010 dance teacher of the year by the Arkansas Association for
Amber Brady (MGMT/MKTG ’99 & ACCT ’04)
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
became senior accountant for P.A.M. Transport in Tontitown in November.
Jeremy Ashcraft (MGMT/MKTG ’09) signed a contract to play for the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League.
Cynthia Smithson (ELED ’99 & M.Ed. ELED ’06) was named assistant principal for the Booneville School
Amanda Woods (ART ’09) is employed by Northwest
District in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.
Arkansas Community College.
Winter 2011
19
Obituaries
tech
Friends We’ll Miss
Paul F. Hogan (AGRI ’38) died Jan. 22, 2011. A veteran of
Jimmy Baskin (’59) died Nov. 7, 2010. He served as a
the U.S. Army, Paul served in World War II and earned the
military police officer for 20 years and then performed
Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the
security inspections of chemical, nuclear and biological
European-African Middle-Eastern Theatre Ribbon with
warfare installations on behalf of the U.S. Department of
five bronze campaign stars. He retired from the service
Defense for an additional 20 years. Jimmy retired in 1999.
in 1962 and entered the private sector. He was director
He lived in Atlanta, Ga. Jimmy was 76.
of personnel services for Tyson Foods at his retirement. Paul lived in Russellville. He was 93.
Raymond Hershel Mackey (BUAD/MKTG ’59) died Jan. 16, 2011. He was a teacher from 1959-91. The final 28
George Deane Holderby (ENGR ’40) died Dec. 7, 2010.
years of his career were invested as a middle school
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, George established Holderby
science teacher for the Wentzville School District (Mo.).
Engineering, Inc., in 1961. The consulting firm remained
Raymond served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean
in operation until 2006. George lived in Annapolis, Md.
War. He lived in Shiloh, Ill. Raymond was 80.
He was 91. Merlin Bee Bullock (’61) died Nov. 1, 2010. He was a William Hashbarger (‘50) died Jan. 30, 2011. He served
long-time field representative for the Arkansas County
in World War II with the U.S. Army and was awarded the
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He
Purple Heart Medal. Bill worked for the U.S. Army Corps
was lead singer for a band named Merlin Bee and the
of Engineers for 30 years. He was resident engineer
Stingers that played together for 25 years. Merlin lived in
for operations and maintenance of the Arkansas River
Stuttgart. He was 74.
Navigation System from Little Rock to the Oklahoma
20
Tech Action
state line for 18 years. Bill was also a past mayor of
Nadine D. Hicks Simmons (ELED ’61) died Dec. 18,
Russellville, where he lived. Bill was 86.
2010. Nadine taught third grade at Dwight Elementary School in Russellville from 1961-85. She lived in
Bob Miller (’51) died Jan. 25, 2011. Bob served in World
Russellville. Nadine was 85.
War II and the Korean War. Between his time as a medic in the U.S. Navy and his years in the U.S. Army Reserves,
Dr. Joyce Micklewright Dempsey (’62/FMR FACULTY)
Bob gave 42 years of military service to his country. He
died Nov. 21, 2010. Joyce taught English at Arkansas Tech
retired at the rank of Colonel. He was also a coach,
from 1964-97. She lived in Russellville. Joyce was 75.
teacher and principal for the public school system in Memphis, Tenn., for 30 years. Bob lived in Hernando,
Reginald Walker Talley (BIOL ’70) died Feb. 6, 2011.
Miss. He was 82.
Reggie served in the U.S. Navy and had a career as a county extension agent. He lived in Hazen. Reggie was
Thomas J. Davidson (’56) died Dec. 25, 2010. Tommy
69.
served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and co-founded Tommy Davidson Trucking Company
Linda “Bird” Bacon Chancellor (ELED ’72) died Oct.
in 1956. He co-owned the company until 1994. Tommy
19, 2010. She was a primary school teacher, counselor,
lived in Russellville. He was 79.
assistant principal and principal during a 30-year career in education in Russellville, Cedarville, Gentry and North
Carrol Lynch Ward (’58) died Dec. 9, 2010. Carrol began
Little Rock. Linda lived in Santa Monica, Calif. She was
his career as a teacher and basketball coach at Timbo
66.
High School. Later, he was a corporal with the Arkansas State Police from 1964-88 and sheriff of Van Buren County
Carolyn Jean Carter Doyel (ELED ’73) died Nov. 15,
from 1988-92. Gov. Beebe appointed him to serve on the
2010. Carolyn was a teacher and center director for the
State of Arkansas Criminal Detention Facilities Review
Arch Ford Educational Service Cooperative in Plumerville.
Committee. Carrol lived in Clinton. He was 74.
She lived in Little Rock. Carolyn was 59.
Obituaries
Lake Allan Lewis (FISH/WLDLF ‘74) died Jan. 23,
Dr. David H. Long (FMR FACULTY) died Dec. 25,
2011. Lake began his career with the Arkansas State
2010. He was a member of the psychology faculty at
Parks Department and the Arkansas Game and Fish
Arkansas Tech University from 1974-99 and served as
Commission. For the past 20 years, he worked for the
head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences. David
United States Fish and Wildlife Service at Felsenthal
lived in Loveland, Colo. He was 78.
National Wildlife Refuge. Lake lived in Hamburg. He was 59.
Dr. Harlan Luther McMillan (FMR FACULTY) died Jan. 10, 2011. Harlan served on the biology faculty
Becky Tucker (’81) died Nov. 1, 2010. Becky worked in
at Arkansas Tech from 1969-92. He was instrumental
the laboratory at Millard-Henry Clinic in Russellville for
in the creation of the university’s nursing program
the past 10 years. She lived in Russellville. Becky was
during his time as dean of the School of Arts and
50.
Sciences from 1972-78. Harlan held the title professor emeritus of biology from Arkansas Tech. Harlan lived in
Marshall Karnes Hoge (HIST EDU ’97) died Nov.
Russellville. He was 84.
4, 2010. Marshall was an all-conference offensive lineman for the 1994 Arkansas Tech University football
Marilyn Bocksnick (ALUM/FMR STAFF) died Dec. 13,
team, which won the final Arkansas Intercollegiate
2010. Marilyn worked in the Arkansas Tech Department
Conference championship. His professional career
of Physical and Life Science for 26 years. She earned
saw him serve in education, shipping and real estate
a master’s degree from Tech while working at the
appraisal. Marshall lived in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. He was
university. Marilyn lived in Atkins. She was 68.
36. Eldon Franklin Coffman Sr. (ALUM) died Nov. Dr. Martha Nann Clark Dowell (FMR FACULTY) died
29, 2010. Eldon was twice appointed an Arkansas
Dec. 24, 2010. She served on the physical education
Supreme Court Special Justice. He was chairman of
faculty at Arkansas Tech University from 1968-2000.
the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission
Martha served as president of the Dames Club at
from 1996-2003. He was a partner at Daily, West, Core,
Arkansas Tech, and she sponsored the Phi Mu sorority
Coffman and Canfield in Fort Smith, where he lived.
chapter at Tech. Martha lived in Maumelle. She was 77.
Eldon was 82.
Winter 2011
21
Tech Athletics
Great American Conference to debut in 2011-12 The new NCAA Division II athletics conference that Arkansas Tech University and eight other institutions will form in 2011 will be known as the Great American Conference. The name of the new conference was announced via press release on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010. Arkansas Tech University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, East Central University, Harding University, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southern Arkansas University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University will be the charter members of the Great American Conference. According to a joint statement from the member institutions’ presidents and chancellors, the name was chosen to “reflect the diversity of the league’s geographic regions, from the Mississippi Delta of southeast Arkansas to the plains of western Oklahoma.”
22
The Great American Conference will begin competition Tech Action
in fall 2011. All sports are scheduled to compete for a conference title during the 2011-12 academic year and teams will be eligible for NCAA postseason play. The chief executive officers of the nine member institutions announced on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, that they intended to apply to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for permission to create a new NCAA Division II conference.
“The intent of the conference is to group together similar institutions in terms of budgets and goals,” said the presidents, chancellors and directors of athletics from the nine institutions in a joint statement in July. “Furthermore, the conference is intended to be made up of universities that field an intercollegiate football program. Our most important goals in this new endeavor are to limit time away from class and limit our travel costs.” Will Prewitt, who previously served as the associate commissioner of the NCAA Division II West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, has been hired to serve as the Great American Conference’s first commissioner. “I grew up around small college athletics,” said Prewitt in a radio interview with KWKK 100.9 FM in late October 2010. “It’s something that I’ve been around virtually since I was big enough to walk. Small college athletics can be so important in a place like Russellville, Ark., Magnolia, Ark., or Ada, Okla. I can’t imagine a more exciting professional opportunity than this one.”
Von Lienen named volleyball All-America Sarah Von Lienen has become the fourth All-American in Arkansas Tech University volleyball history.
Arkansas Tech completed the 2010 campaign with an overall record of 31-5 and a GSC mark of 11-1. It was the sixth 30-win volleyball season in Tech history.
Von Lienen was named to the 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association NCAA Division II All-America team as an honorable mention selection.
Von Lienen, a 6-foot-2 senior middle blocker from Lakeland, Tenn., finished her senior season with 406 kills and 91 blocks. Her .341 hitting percentage ranked third in
She joins Stacy Burnett-Mallett (1991), Dong Mei Cui (1997) and Ningning Liu (2002) as the only All-America
the Gulf South Conference. She was also third in the GSC in kills per game (3.76).
volleyball players from Arkansas Tech. The Golden Suns are coached by Kristy Bayer, who The award capped one of the greatest seasons in Tech volleyball history.
became Tech’s all-time leader in career volleyball coaching wins during the 2010 season.
Alumni Office
You Might Ask Yourself: What are these? Have you seen one of these on publications and wondered “what’s this?”
TECH TIES CODE
The images you see to the right are QR (or quick response) codes. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR code causing the phone’s browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL. The Alumni Association is leveraging this technology on publications to quickly connect alumni and friends to our TechTies home page and to our Facebook page for further information about the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association and events.
TECH ALUMNI ON FACEBOOK CODE
Different smartphones and carriers have different applications to read QR codes. A list of applications/software is available at: http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/ For IPhone users, some popular Free QR apps are RedLaser, Qrafter and Pic2shop.
Winter 2011
I would like to make a donation to the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in honor of __________________________________________________:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in memory of _________________________________________________:
$__________
Please make checks payable to the Arkansas Tech Foundation and write Alumni Scholarship in the memo field of the check. Donations may be mailed to the Arkansas Tech Foundation, 8820 Tech Lane, Russellville, AR 72801
Name_________________________________________________ Tech major and year ___________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
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Graduated or attended (circle one)
let us hear
Spouse’s Name_______________________________________ Tech major and year ____________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
Graduated or attended (circle one)
Mailing address________________________________________ City__________________________ State_____ Zip __________ Telephone____________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Occupation: His________________________________________________ Hers __________________________________________ News: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mail class notes to Tech Alumni Office, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801 or e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
from you
Tech Action Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House 1313 North Arkansas Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Volume 47 No. 1
Back to School: Alumni pitch in during final exams When you’re having a tough week, an encouraging word and a donut can go a long way. Kelly Davis, Howard Ritchie
That’s the philosophy behind the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association’s ongoing project to provide refreshments to Tech students during final exams week
Shirley Drewry Dodd
at the end of each semester. The following alumni and friends turned out to help during final exams for the fall 2010 semester: Chareen Austin, B.J. Bayer, Larry Brown, Mark Burns, Cass Capen-Housley, Linda Clarke, Kelly Davis, Shirley Drewry Dodd, June Drain, Wayne Drain, B.J. Dunn, Claire Dunn,
Bill Eaton
Shanna Turney, Courtney Farris
Steve Pfeifer, Blair Sipes
Bill Eaton, Courtney Farris, Baldy Faulkner, Melissa Hall, Bill Harmon, Linda Boggs Higgins, Dan Lovelady, Donna Mixon, Jim Murphy, Steve Pfeifer, Sherry Nordin Polsgrove, Lindsey Martin Riedmeuller, Howard Ritchie, Linda Edwards Rush, Blair Sipes, Kendall Tabor, Shanna Turney, Meagan Votteler, Johnna Bradley Walker, Patricia Wood and Angela Wyatt. For information about how to volunteer for the
Johnna Bradley Walker, Kendall Tabor
Claire Dunn, B.J. Dunn
Lindsey Martin Riedmeuller, Linda Boggs Higgins
alumni donuts program, call the Arkansas Tech Alumni
Linda
Office at (479) 968-0242 or send e-mail to
Edwards
alumni@atu.edu.
Rush