UAM Magazine

CH A NCELLOR ’S | MESSAGE

Saying goodbye

is never easy. As I prepare to step down as chancellor and

look back at my time on campus, I will treasure the moments and the friendships that have made UAM such a special place for Judy and me. It has been my privilege to lead this institution and I am forever grateful for the support I have received from alumni and friends. You are, and always will be, dear to my heart. While it’s easy to dwell on the past, I have always looked ahead to the next challenge. We still have much to accomplish before Judy and I leave in January. We are working in concert with members of the legislature to secure funding for a new Science Center, a much-needed addition to our academic program. Our science graduates continue to distinguish themselves by achieving high acceptance rates into medical and professional schools. We are also busy preparing for a campus visit from the Higher

On The Cover: Jack and Judy Lassiter prepare to step away from UAM, but not from the community they call home!

Learning Commission in October. I am confident that the hard work

For information, you may contact:

of our faculty and staff in preparation for the accreditation visit will

Julie Barnes ‘00, Director of Alumni Services P.O. Box 3520 Monticello, AR 71656 (870) 460-1028 barnesj@uamont.edu

result in a positive review from the HLC. As always, the fall semester is packed with activities and I would encourage you to visit the campus. We will honor three outstanding alumni at Homecoming when we present the Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit to Bill Lawrence and Jeff Wardlaw and the Continuing the Connection Award to Ronnie McFarland. The UAM Sports Hall of Fame will induct the late Angela Meadough, as well as David Stover, Kevin Parker, Jamie Tucker, and Corwin Elliott. I am also proud of UAM’s role in securing a new industry for the city of Monticello. We recently sold 84 acres east of Monticello to the Monticello Economic Development Commission to be used as the site of a new wood pellet biomass energy company that will bring new jobs to this region of the state. As Judy and I prepare for a new chapter in our lives, we are happy to be staying in Monticello. We decided a long time ago that this wonderful community is indeed our home. We hope to continue to see many of you when you visit the Monticello area. Best Wishes and Thanks,

Linda Yeiser, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and University Relations (870) 460-1028 (office) (870) 460-1324 (FAX) yeiser@uamont.edu If you want to find out what’s happening on campus, or want to contact us about something significant that’s happened in your life, check out our website at www.uamont.edu. When you reach the UAM home page, scroll down and click on Alumni & Development. Let us know what you think. We welcome your suggestions! Parents, if your son or daughter attended UAM and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Thank you.

Jack and Judy

Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair

Secretary-Treasurer

Paul Griffin ‘95 / Monticello

Amanda (Abbott) Ware ‘84 /

Angelia Clements ‘96 / Little Rock

Jerrielynn (Moore) Mapp ‘75 / Monticello

Vice Chair

N. Little Rock

Jennifer (Mann) Hargis ‘07 / Monticello

Randall Risher ‘89 / Houston, Texas

Donney Jackson ‘92 / Monticello

Steve Rook ‘ 86 / Mena

Beverly (Holloway) Reep ‘81 / Warren

Directors

FEATURES Autumn 2 0 1 4

VO LU M E 2 2 • I S S U E 1

YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN When Jack Lassiter steps down as UAM Chancellor in January, he leaves a legacy of achievement at a place he’ll always call home.

THIS ISSUE

IFC

Chancellor’s Letter | Campus News |

Homecoming Schedule | Centennial Circle |

24 | 29

Foundation | Technology Sports |

Alumni Spotlight | Alumni News |

Friends We’ll Miss |

UAM MAGAZINE is published three times a year by the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM Alumni Associa-

tion, and the UAM Foundation Fund.

Alumni Honors

Hall of Fame

Top Faculty

Jim Brewer, Editor

Ronnie McFarland, Jeff Wardlaw and Bill Lawrence will be honored at Homecoming.

The UAM Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014 features four All-Americans.

Dr. John Hunt is the 2014 Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award recipient.

Director of Media Services (870) 460-1274 (office) (870) 460-1974 (fax) brewer@uamont.edu

Autumn 2014 1

Tappe Heads Southern Region of NAUFRP Dr. Phil Tappe, dean of the School of Forest Resources and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center of the UA Division of Agriculture, has been elected chair of the southern region of the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP). Tappe will serve as chair for a two-year term which began in July and will also serve on the NAUFRP’s executive committee. Tappe has served as dean of the School of Forest Resources, Arkansas’ only school of forestry, and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center since 2011. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. from Clemson University.

Milstead To Lead International Debate Assoc. Keith Milstead, assistant director of debate and forensics, has been appointed president of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA). Milstead is the organization’s sixth president since its founding in 1997 and the second UAM faculty member to hold the office. The IPDA is an interscholastic debate association that began in the southeastern United States but has spread across the country and internationally. In the 2013-14 academic year, nearly 1,000 competitors attended and debated in 32 IPDA tournaments in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Continued on page 4 2 UAM Magazine

C A MPUS | NE WS

HLC Sets October Visit Reaccreditation Visit Completes Two-Year Process

he planning began in 2012 for what must be considered one of the most important moments in the life of any institution of higher education. From October 20-22, a team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) will be on the UAM campus to conduct a comprehensive review of all university programs to determine whether or not the institution will be granted reaccreditation from the HLC. Faculty and administrators have been working non-stop for the past two years to prepare for the visit. The preparation includes completion of an in-depth written self-study that examines all aspects of the campus. Accreditation means that the university adheres to rigorous academic standards that assure the value of all degrees. UAM is currently completing a 10-year accreditation period. “I am confident that because of the hard work of our faculty, staff and administration, we will receive a positive review from the accreditation team,” said Chancellor Jack Lassiter. “I’m not sure anyone outside of higher education understands or appreciates the amount of work required for the accreditation pro-

cess. I want to commend all those who have taken a leadership role in something that is absolutely vital to the continued success of the institution.” According to University catalogs, the North Central Association (now HLC) recognized the institution’s junior level classes in 1928 under President Frank Horsfall when the institution was still known as Arkansas A&M College. Full accreditation of senior college work culminating in a baccalaureate degree was achieved April 14, 1940, under President Marvin Bankston. According to Dr. Donald Holley’s book, Celebrating a Century of Opportunity, the next major NCA review was in 1966. After interim reports, the institution received a five-year renewal of accreditation in 1970. Following Arkansas A&M’s merger with the University of Arkansas in 1971, Dr. Claude Babin led the institution through one more accreditation visit in 1976. In August 1980, UAM was accredited for five years and in 1985, the institution received a 10-year accreditation which was renewed in 1995 for an additional 10 years. UAM achieved accreditation for 10 more years under Chancellor Lassiter in 2005. The university has also received accreditation for a number of individual academic programs, including teacher education (the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), forest resources (the Society of American Foresters), music (the National Association of Schools of Music), nursing (the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), and social work (the Council on Social Work Education).

SOUTHERN MANIFESTO A document created to stop the racial desegregation of the South by members of Congress, popularly known as The Southern Manifesto, is the subject of a new book by Dr. John Kyle Day, associate professor of history. The Southern Manifesto: Massive Resistance and the Fight to Preserve Segregation (http://www.upress. state.ms.us/books/1678), chronicles the efforts of southern congressional delegations to fight the civil rights movement and the landmark Supreme Court decision which declared separate-but-equal public school systems unconstitutional.

RUSSELLVILLE RECEPTION On June 26, Bill and Doris Lawrence of Russellville opened their home to UAM alumni from central Arkansas for a reception with a view. As the sun set over Lake Dardanelle, alumni and friends enjoyed music by members of the UAM Jazz Band while renewing old acquaintances.

On The DECK

(From left) Bill and Doris Lawrence with Judy and Jack Lassiter.

UPDATE

Chancellor Lassiter gives alumni and friends an update on the university.

TEAMMATES

(From left) Former All-American tackle Charlie James visits with Bill Lawrence.

WATCHING THE SUNSET

(From left) Joellen Beard, LeAnne Bird, Linda Yeiser, Matt Whiting, Paul Smith, and Betty Wright. Autumn 2014 3

Oregon and Washington. Milstead served as IPDA’s executive secretary from 2011 until his appointment as president in April. He officially assumed the office on June 1. A native of Shreveport, La., Milstead joined the UAM faculty in 2010. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in speech communication from Louisiana State University-Shreveport and a master of arts degree from UA-Little Rock.

Faculty Member, Author, Historian Retires Dr. William Shea (below), a noted author, Civil War historian, and professor of history retired recently from the UAM faculty after 40 years service to the university. “Dr. Shea will be sorely missed,” said Chancellor Jack Lassiter. “He was an outstanding classroom instructor and a scholar who cared deeply about his profession.” Shea holds a doctorate from Rice University and is the author of a number of Civil War books, concentrating on the conflict in the trans-Mississippi theater. His books include Pea Ridge: Civil War in the West, and Fields of Blood.

C A MPUS | NE WS

International Winner Red Hawk wins 2014 Poetry of the Sacred competition

r. Robert Moore, a member of the UAM faculty who writes under the pen name “Red Hawk,” has won an international poetry competition. The acclaimed poet captured the grand prize at the 2014 Poetry of the Sacred competition sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Relations, a part of the Institute of Contemplative Practice based in Louisville, Ky. The competition drew entries from 34 states and four foreign countries. Red Hawk’s winning poem, “What Worship Is,” will be published in Parabola magazine, a two-time winner of the FOLIO Award for editorial excellence. “Parabola brings together some of the foremost writers and thinkers of the time to explore timeless themes of human existence through the wisdom of sacred traditions,” said Moore. What Worship Is At dusk, Cousin John is driving home when a rabbit darts in front of his car and is thrown, tumbling and spinning, into the tall grass beyond the shoulder. Now here is where John emerges from the pack of ordinary brutish humans and assumes a form we barely know: he stops the car, pulls off to see

what harm he has done. I don’t know anyone else who would have stopped; he finds the rabbit broken and thrashing but not yet dead in the tall grass, goes to his trunk for a hammer, returns and finishes what chance started. Then with the claw part, he digs a shallow hole and puts the body in, returns, drives home heavy with sorrow, feeling remorse, having performed his humble sacrament to make right what has gone wrong in us; we have forgotten who we are and what we must do.

VOLUNTEER LEADER Dr. Robert Ficklin (right), an associate professor of forestry, was recently selected to receive a Volunteer Leadership Award from the Ouachita chapter of the Society of American Foresters. Ficklin was honored for his volunteer work with the SAF. A member of the forestry faculty since 2002, Ficklin holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. With Ficklin is Joe Friend representing the Ouachita SAF. 4 UAM Magazine

Autumn 2014 5

What’s New!

C A MPUS | NE WS

Bed Races and Pep Rally Alumni and friends are invited to come watch the first ever UAM bed races with the annual Homecoming pep rally to follow at Cotton Boll Stadium on Thursday, October 9 at 4 p.m.

Alumni Lawn Party All alumni and friends are invited for food, fun and music. We will honor the newest recipients of the Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit and the Continuing the Connection Award. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 10 from 6-8 p.m. on the lawn of the chancellor’s home. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served free of charge. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the promenade of the library.For information, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at (870) 460-1028.

Homecoming Schedule ‘14 New events highlight our traditional autumn festival

and friends are invited to attend this traditional celebration to reminisce with A&M/UAM African-American Alumni. Contact: Shay Gillespie, African-American Alumni Association, at (870) 723-3582. 10:00 a.m. – Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority (Gamma Zeta Chapter) Reunion Breakfast, University Center Gallery Room. There will be a silent auc-

Thursday, October 9, 2014

tion to raise money for the Special Olympics.

4:00 p.m. – Homecoming Bed Races and Pep Rally,

Contact Julie Barber, Alpha Sig representative,

Cotton Boll Stadium. 6:00 p.m. – Cotton Blossoms Volleyball, Steelman Field House. 5:00 p.m. – Sports Hall of Fame Reception, Home

at (870) 329-6754. 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Weevil Tailgate Parties, Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adjacent to Weevil Pond.

of Judy and Jack Lassiter, 471 University Drive.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – “Welcome UAM Alumni”

All alumni and friends are invited to meet the

tent, Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adja-

newest members of the Sports Hall of Fame.

cent to Weevil Pond.

6:00 p.m. – Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, Uni-

11:00 a.m. – Kappa Alpha Fraternity Reunion,

versity Center Green Room. Please join us as

Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adjacent to

we celebrate five former, esteemed athletes

Weevil Pond. Contact John David Herren, KA

as they are officially inducted into the UAM

representative, at (870) 501-2254.

Sports Hall of Fame. Tickets are $35 per per-

11:00 a.m. – Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity Reunion,

son. Proceeds benefit the UAM Sports Hall of

Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adjacent to

Fame. For tickets, contact the Department of

Weevil Pond. Contact Jayson Sandine, Sig Tau

Athletics at (870) 460-1058.

representative, at (870) 820-4156. 12:00 p.m. – A&M/UAM Track and Field – Cross

Friday, October 10, 2014

Country Alumni, Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Alumni Lawn Party, Chan-

Row adjacent to Weevil Pond.

cellor’s Home, 471 University Drive. Free of

12:30 p.m. – Weevil Walk of Champions and

charge. In case of inclement weather, the event

Homecoming Parade, Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr.

will be held in the library promenade.

Tailgate Row adjacent to Weevil Pond. 2:30 p.m. – Pre-Game Ceremony, Willis “Convoy”

Face Painting Join us at the “Welcome UAM Alumni” tent for face painting, balloons, and have your photo made with the Boll Weevil mascot on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our special guests will be members of the Class of 1964, who we encourage to join us and reconnect with classmates. For more information, contact Alumni Affairs at (870) 460-1028. 6 UAM Magazine

Saturday, October 11, 2014 – Judy & Jack Lassiter Day

Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium. The pre-game show will feature the 2014 Homecoming Court

8:30 a.m. – A&M/UAM Lettermen’s Breakfast,

and Coronation of the Homecoming Queen.

Indoor Practice Facility Room 107. All former

3:00 p.m. – Homecoming Football Game Kick-off,

Boll Weevil and Cotton Blossom letter winners

Willis “Convoy” Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium.

are invited to this reunion. Tours of the Indoor

Come support the Fighting Boll Weevils as

Practice Facility will be provided. For informa-

they take on the Harding Bison.

tion, contact Matt Whiting, Department of Athletics, at (870) 460-1758.

Halftime – UAM Marching Band and Special Recognitions, Willis “Convoy” Leslie Cotton

9:00 a.m. – A&M/UAM African-American Alumni

Boll Stadium. The Pride of Southeast Arkansas

Reunion Breakfast, University Center Capitol

marching band, plus a tribute to Judy and Jack

Room; Tickets are $20 per person. Alumni

Lassiter and the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees.

Homecoming Parade This year’s Homecoming Parade will be part of the Walk of Champions. Join us on Saturday, October 11 at 12:30 p.m. at Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adjacent to Weevil Pond as we welcome The Pride of Southeast Arkansas marching band, student floats, the 2014 Homecoming Court, and the fighting Boll Weevil football team.

Track and Field – Cross Country Reunion All alumni and friends affiliated with the A&M/ UAM Track and Field – Cross Country programs are invited to this special gathering at 12 noon at the Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row adjacent to Weevil Pond. Contact Matt Whiting, Department of Athletics, at (870) 460-1758.

Salute to Jack & Judy

THE PARADE MOVES TO SATURDAY!

The annual Homecoming Parade is being moved from its traditional Thursday afternoon time to Saturday at 12:30 p.m. as part of the Walk of Champions. This year’s parade will feature student organization floats as well as the 2014 Homecoming Court.

Saturday, October 11 has been designated Judy & Jack Lassiter Day in appreciation for their 10-plus years of service as UAM’s first family. The Lassiters will be honored by The Pride of Southeast Arkansas marching band with a special halftime salute at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium. Autumn 2014 7

GO I N G H O M E | FE AT U R ES

Home Is Where The Heart Is After 10-plus years as chancellor, Jack Lassiter and his wife, Judy, say goodbye to UAM, but not to the community they’ve grown to love.

Author and playwright Thomas Wolfe once famously said “You can’t go home again.” Jack and Judy Lassiter never took that advice and the University of Arkansas at Monticello will be forever grateful. The Lassiters first came to UAM in 1977 as a young justmarried couple, beginning a love affair with a school and a community that has lasted nearly four decades. They left twice but kept coming back, and when Jack steps down as UAM’s chancellor on January 5, 2015, the couple will stay in Monticello. “This is home,” says Judy. “It just feels like where we belong.” “This is a very welcoming place,” adds Jack. “Our kids grew up on campus. They consider this home even though they don’t live here. We like the people we’ve worked with, like the people of the community. We feel like this is the right place to spend the rest of our lives.” Jack Lassiter’s journey from east Texas to Monticello mirrors the struggle faced by generations of UAM students. Born in Waco, Texas, he grew up in Greenville about 50 miles northeast of Dallas, the son of Zelda and Harold Jackson Lassiter, Sr. His father worked as an electrician on military fighters for Ling-Tempco-Vaught and volunteered to go to Thailand during the Vietnam War to service the planes because it meant less expense for the government and more money for his family. Zelda was a housewife who cared for Jack and his little sister, Vanessa, who was born with a congenital heart defect when Jack was seven. When Vanessa was three she had to have open heart surgery, becoming one of the first pediatric patients of famed heart surgeons Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley. Continued on page 10

8 UAM Magazine

LIKE FAMILY

The Lassiters have always felt a special kinship with UAM students.

Autumn 2014 9

GO I N G H O M E | FE AT U R ES The hospital stay lasted nearly 20 days and combined with the surgery, left the Lassiters with a staggering medical bill. “The first three years of Vanessa’s life, before she had heart surgery, was a really tough time for Jack,” explains Judy. “He couldn’t have any friends over because she couldn’t be exposed to any germs. They had to be really careful with her. Anytime Jack got sick, or caught a cold at school, they had to shut him up in his room.” Vanessa’s surgery was successful and meant a normal life (she just retired at 61 after a long career as a high school teacher in Greenville), but the medical bills forced Zelda to get a job. It took more than 20 years to pay the bill. When Jack graduated from Greenville High School, he didn’t have a lot of college options. He was admitted as a probationary student at East Texas State University in Commerce, the first in his extended family to attend college. “I don’t want to tell you what I scored on the admission test,” he says, smiling at the memory. “They let me come to school, but I had to take a set of 12 hours and if I didn’t pass them, I got to go home. Back then, they had a 3.0 system and I made a 1.0 my freshman year. I eventually got my GPA up to a 3.1 when they switched to a 4.0 system.” Lassiter graduated from East Texas State (now Texas A&M-Commerce) with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1968 and earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from East Texas in 1969. After trying his hand in retail business, Jack decided to go back to school to pursue a doctorate and make higher education his career. In February 1976, Jack was a doctoral candidate at East Texas State and an adjunct 10 UAM Magazine

instructor at Richland Community College in Dallas when he met an attractive blonde at a party in Commerce. Judy Harp was a guidance counselor in the Dallas suburb of Garland. Eleven months later, on New Year’s Day 1977, Jack and Judy eloped. It wasn’t love at first sight, at least not for Judy. “Back then Jack smoked. My dad smoked

and I hated it,” says Judy. “That was a big turnoff. But we wound up talking late into the night. He got my phone number, called me, and I cooked dinner for him. I always tell people he married me because I had a job and knew how to cook.” The couple had been married eight months when a job came open at a small school in southeast Arkansas. “I was working while Jack was finishing his doctorate and teaching an adjunct class,” says Judy. “I think he felt bad that he

was not being a bread winner, so he decided to apply for some jobs before he actually finished his dissertation. It was terrible because we kept getting all these rejection letters. We were trying to live on one little teacher’s salary. He’d sent out all these resumes and all these letters of interest for jobs we’d seen in The Chronicle of Higher Education back before the internet. Everyday the mail would come and . . . sorry, sorry. Oh, he was getting so discouraged.” When he was offered a position as director of the Learning Development Center at UAM, Jack jumped at the opportunity although Judy had some doubts. “I had always lived in cities,” she says. “I grew up in Amarillo, which is about the size of Little Rock, and we lived in Dallas when we married, so I had some reservations about coming to a small town.” As the Lassiters drove east, then north through the thick pine forests of north Louisiana and southeast Arkansas, Judy, who grew up in the barren Texas panhandle, was stunned by what she saw. “I remember saying, ‘My gosh, Jack, the trees grow right up next to the road.’ I couldn’t believe it. I never dreamed there were this many trees in the world. And water. We didn’t have any lakes in the panhandle. Growing up I never knew anyone who had a fishing pole or a boat.” Jack spent the next year directing the Learning Development Center while completing his doctorate, then accepted a position as dean of college and student services at Wharton (Tex.) County Junior College. In 1980, he returned to UAM as vice chancellor for university relations and student services, beginning a 17-year stay on the Monticello campus. As vice chancellor, Jack maintained a hectic schedule, attending

student functions all over campus. He was also instrumental in the creation of the UAM Foundation Fund, the university’s private fundraising arm. In 1993, he became UAM’s chief academic officer when he accepted the position of vice chancellor for academic affairs. In 1997, thenUA System President Alan Sugg chose Lassiter to lead Gateway Technical College into the UA system as the UA Community College at Batesville, a post he held for four years before joining the central administration staff in Little Rock as executive vice president of the UA System. When Fred Taylor retired in 2004 as UAM chancellor, the UA Board of Trustees selected Lassiter as the institution’s 11th chief executive officer. His impact was immediate and lasting. “I wanted to create a learning, living and working environment that was better than what I found when I got here,” he says. “That’s what’s guided me for the last 10 years.” One of Lassiter’s first goals was the creation of a Master Plan for the renovation of older facilities and the creation of new ones. In concert with a team of architects, the university created a plan that included: • the renovation, restoration and landscaping of Weevil Pond as well as the creation of a donor walk; • extensive renovation of classroom buildings, including Willard, Wells and Sorrells Hall; • construction of the George H. Clippert Forest Resources Annex, a 15,000-square foot addition as well as the renovation of the existing forestry buildings; • construction of an indoor practice facility for athletics, the marching band and intramurals; • renovations to Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium, including the installation of chairback seating and an enlarged and modernized press box; and, • renovations to both the baseball and softball complexes. Continued on page 12

SHERIFF PETE, CHICKENS AND A 10 DOLLAR WEDDING The tale of how Jack and Judy Lassiter got married is a story worth telling, but first, some background. Each had been married once before and the idea of a big wedding was beginning to lose its appeal as their January 1, 1977, wedding date approached. The logistics of getting the grandmothers and other relatives to the same location combined with the other details convinced Jack and Judy that they should elope. Some of Jack’s fraternity brothers had tipped him off to a place in Oklahoma where they could get married in a hurry so on New Year’s Day Jack and Judy drove north across the Red River to Durant, Okla., to find Sheriff Pete. (Neither of them remember the officer’s last name.) Let Judy take the story from here: “Sheriff Pete told us to come on up. We were supposed to be there at 10 a.m. Some man had to come from home to the hospital to do a blood test before we could be married. When we got to the Sheriff’s office, Sheriff Pete calls the man who’s going to do the blood test and he tells the sheriff, ‘Well, can you wait til halftime?’ He was watching the Cotton Bowl. “Sheriff Pete drives us to the hospital, we get a blood test and everything turns out okay. Then the sheriff has to take us in his patrol car over to Atoka, Okla., which is in the next county. The county clerk from Atoka takes marriage licenses home on the weekend and sells them out of her dining room. So we drive to Atoka to this woman’s house. Sheriff Pete gets out and knocks on the door but there’s no one home. He says, ‘Oh, I bet she’s at the nursing home visiting her mother.’ So he gets back in the car and drives us to the nursing home. Pretty soon, here comes this little lady sashaying out and we go back to her house. She opens this book and fills out all the paper work, then says, ‘Now honey, there’s some turquoise jewelry down there at the other end of the table if you’re interested. She’s trying to sell me jewelry to go with the license.” It gets stranger . . . “On the way back from Atoka to Durant, Sheriff Pete has arranged for a retired Assembly of God minister who lives somewhere between Atoka and Durant to perform the ceremony. We get to his house and there are chickens and roosters running around the yard. So we go in the house and he asks Jack if he wants the long service or the short service. Jack says ‘What’s the difference?’ And the preacher says $10. Jack says ‘We’ll take the short one.’ So we got married in the retired minister’s house but before he started, he called to his wife. ‘Momma, come in here.’ So his wife came in and played the piano and signed as a witness and we got married. It took us all day. We went to Lake Texoma for our honeymoon and that’s how we got started.”

12 2014 11 Autumn

GO I N G H O M E | FE AT U R ES

THROUGH THE YEARS . . .

. . . showing his skill with a hula hoop at the annual faculty-staff party, as a young vice chancellor for student affairs, and as UAM’s chief academic officer.

12 UAM Magazine UAM MAGAZINE

Lassiter has also overseen the renovation of residence halls, including the massive makeover of Bankston Hall. In 2006, leading to the university’s centennial celebration, Vice Chancellor for Advancement Linda Yeiser suggested the creation of a Centennial Circle Campaign to raise $1 million for an unrestricted endowment. Today, the center of campus is anchored by the Centennial Clock Tower, built with university funds, to honor the school’s first century and acknowledge the 100 donors who gave $10,000 each to create the endowment. The completed endowment now funds nearly $50,000 annually for special projects. Curriculum changes under Lassiter’s watch include the creation of online master’s degrees in coaching and creative writing, upgrading existing programs and trimming others to make sure most undergraduate degrees are now 120 hours and can be completed in four years. “We changed the perspective of the institution in terms of broadening what we offer to students,” he says. “We can take students all the way from technical certificates to master’s degrees.” One of Lassiter’s most popular achievements has been the creation of a big-time tailgating atmosphere prior to Boll Weevil football games and the institution of the Walk of Champions. A typical football Saturday at UAM now includes from 300 to 400 tailgating fans around Weevil Pond with the smell of barbeque in the air. But perhaps the most important change under Lassiter is an intangible one. “When I became chancellor there was a true town and gown separation,” says Jack. “Judy and I worked hard to get the university involved in community activities and to open our campus to the community. We wanted to foster a relationship with the community.” Consider it done. “In my opinion, the relationship Jack and Judy have built between the campus and community is going to be his lasting legacy,” says George Harris, president of Commercial Bank of Monticello and an Arkansas A&M graduate.

“They have created a welcoming atmosphere that makes people, not just in Monticello, but all over southeast Arkansas, feel like they’re a part of the university.” Lassiter’s accomplishments in his decade as chancellor are even more remarkable when you consider he suffered a stroke five years ago that left him without the use of his left hand. “It hasn’t slowed him down,” says Judy, choking back tears at the memory. “I really think so much credit goes to the people that work here and live here who have been so kind and so supportive.” In his 28 years on the UAM campus, Lassiter has always shared a special bond with the institution, its mission as an open admissions university and with the students with whom he readily identifies. “I was one of them when I went to college,” he says. “When I say I was the first in my family to attend college, that extends to my mother’s nine siblings and their children. No one in the entire Johnson family – that was my mother’s maiden name – had ever attained a college degree. My dad only had two brothers and none of them had ever attended college, nor their children. “I really do understand what our students are going through. When I first went off to college, I felt like a lost fish in a big ocean. I guess that’s why I have always felt a special kinship with our students and why I am such a firm believer that institutions like this one play such an important role in higher education.” As the Lassiters step away from the campus, they plan to travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren, but Monticello and UAM will always be home to this pair of expatriate Texans. “When Jack worked at the system office in Little Rock, we went to the (Arkansas Repertory Theatre) one night,” remembers Judy. “We were waiting for it to start and he looked around and said ‘Look at this whole place full of people and I don’t know a soul.’ That really bothered him. Jack’s a people person and he likes to see people he knows. That’s why we’re staying in Monticello. It just feels like home.”

UAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first family

The Lassiters say goodbye to the University after nearly four decades on campus.

Autumn 2014 13

A LU M N I H O N O R S | FE AT U R ES

BILL LAWRENCE

RONNIE MCFARLAND

South arkansas boys Bill Lawrence, Ronnie McFarland and Jeff Wardlaw share a common background. They’re all from south Arkansas and they all have fond memories of their time as students at UAM.

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JEFF WARDLAW

Bill Lawrence and Ronnie McFarland were teammates and roommates as undergraduates at Arkansas A&M College in the early 1960s, so it’s only fitting that they be recognized together by their alma mater. Lawrence, a Russellville businessman, and McFarland, a Searcy insurance executive and guiding force behind the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, will be honored along with State Representative Jeff Wardlaw of Hermitage by the University of Arkansas at Monticello during the university’s 2014 homecoming celebration. Lawrence and Wardlaw will receive the 2014 Alumni Awards for Achievement and Merit while McFarland will receive the Continuing the Connection Award for keeping alive the connection between UAM and Arkansas A&M. The awards will be presented at the Alumni Lawn Party at the chancellor’s home October 10. Bill Lawrence has been a success at almost everything he’s tried in life – a two-time all-conference football player at what was then Arkansas A&M, a teacher, coach, school administrator, and since 1984, a highly successful businessman.

His only failing – the man can’t throw a javelin. Lawrence was a four-year starter in the defensive backfield for head coach Red Parker from 1962-65, a glorious time for Boll Weevil football. From 1963 to ’65, A&M won 24 games, lost 5, tied 1 and won two Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championships. One spring during Lawrence’s off season, he and Ronnie Higgins were chatting when they were approached by Harold Steelman. Steelman was an assistant coach on Parker’s staff and the head track coach, and that day he had a problem. He was about to take his track team to a meet but needed someone to throw the javelin. Lawrence and Higgins had never thrown a javelin, but they had seen one leaned against a corner of the football locker room and decided to give it a try. How hard could it be, reasoned Lawrence. “Neither one of us had ever thrown one of those things, so when we get to the meet, we’re asking anyone we can find to tell us how to throw it,” remembers Lawrence. “They told us how to take the crossover step and how to release it, so I thought I was good to go. I did the approach and crossover like they told me and let it go, but instead of going straight, it went dead right. As I was watching it fly through the air toward the scorer’s tent, the only thing I could think to yell was ‘Fore!’ The javelin narrowly missed a group of meet officials, who decided Lawrence’s javelin days were over. “That was probably a good decision on their part,” says Lawrence, laughing at the memory. Javelin aside, not much has gone wrong in Lawrence’s life. He left A&M after the 1965 football season to play for the Savannah Chiefs of the North American Football League, a fledgling minor league that served as a farm system for the NFL. Lawrence was leading the league in interceptions after six games when he received an urgent message to call his father. “We had played Tampa that afternoon and didn’t get back until late,” says

Lawrence. “I had a message that my dad had called at 2 a.m., so I knew it was serious.” Lawrence didn’t have a phone in his apartment, so he drove around Savannah until he found a pay phone. “Son, you’ve got to get back here and get in school or you’re going to get drafted,” said Lawrence’s father. Lawrence immediately packed his bags, said goodbye to minor league football and drove non-stop to Monticello. School was already in session and Lawrence should have been too late to enroll, but Dean of Students John Downey Jones pulled some strings and got Lawrence back in school. Lawrence graduated in 1967 with a B.S. in physical education and a minor in social studies, then took a job in the Hope school system as a teacher and coach. “If you were pursuing a degree in education or medicine, or had a job in those fields, you could keep from going to Vietnam,” Lawrence says. The job in Hope was the first in a series of teaching and coaching jobs for Lawrence. After two years in Hope (where he coached future Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in eight grade gym class), Lawrence moved to Little Rock to coach at Westside Junior High. A year later, he became the offensive line coach at Little Rock Central. When busing began in 1971, coaches and teachers were also shifted to different jobs in the district, with Lawrence landing at Booker Junior High where he coached future Arkansas All-American and NBA star Sidney Moncrief. Lawrence finished his master’s degree in education from Henderson State in 1972 and left coaching behind, accepting a position as an elementary school principal in Strong. He met his future wife, Doris, on a blind date, while working in Strong and the couple were married June 14, 1974. In 1975 he became principal at Gillette High School, moved to Wheatley as superintendent in 1979, then took a similar post at Hampton in 1982. In 1984, Lawrence made a drastic career change, leaving education behind to go into private business. A McGehee native, Lawrence

wanted to return to his roots in southeast Arkansas, and when the opportunity to purchase a business in his hometown became available, he jumped at the chance. Delta Pest Control was a small regional operation with just four employees. Lawrence took his teacher savings, borrowed the rest and bought the business. Thirty years later, Delta Pest Control is the second largest company of its kind in Arkansas with 42 employees and offices in Little Rock and Russellville. The company’s growth didn’t come without some sacrifices. Bill and Doris lived in a 12-by56-foot trailer with no heat while the business was getting off the ground. Lawrence didn’t draw a check from the business for three years while the couple survived on Doris’ $12,000 a year teaching salary at Gillette. “We ate a lot of deer meat, fish and ducks,” says Lawrence. “Whatever I could kill.” Lawrence’s hard work and willingness to sacrifice paid off handsomely as the business grew. In 1995, the couple moved to Russellville where they live in a expansive home overlooking Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River valley. Today, Delta Pest Control has a $1.75 million payroll and counts among its clients Acxiom Corporation, the University of Central Arkansas, and Lawrence’s alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Lawrence still holds fond memories of his days at UAM, most of it centered around the camaraderie and friendships built while part of a winning football team. “That was a really special time,” he says. “Living in the dorm with the guys. Back then we had a curfew and very few people had cars, so we spent a lot of time in that dorm just talking, telling stories, pulling pranks, really getting to know each other. A lot of those guys are still my friends to this day.” One of those guys is Ronnie McFarland, whose first contact with Lawrence came when McFarland’s Warren Lumberjacks played Lawrence’s McGehee Owls. McFarland Continued on page 16 Autumn 2014 15

A LU M N I H O N O R S | FE AT U R ES and Lawrence didn’t much like each other as Ronnie accepted a position as principal at his entry into politics, waiting patiently for fellow UAM alum Gregg Reep to be termfootball opponents but became best friends in Watson Chapel Elementary School. In 1978, McFarland left education behind limited, leaving the District 8 seat open. college. “That was the best thing about A&M,” says and took over a Farm Bureau Insurance Wardlaw entered the race and won, and has McFarland. “The friends I made living in the agency in Searcy. Thirty-six years later, he’s been re-elected twice. dorm, the relationships I made with people never regretted the move. “I just felt like it was A 2002 UAM graduate with a degree in who will be my friends for the rest of my life; something I should do,” he says. “It turned out agriculture with an animal science emphasis, not just students, but coaches and people in to be a great decision.” Wardlaw places health care and education at town. I still have great relationships with McFarland was recently honored by the the top of his priority list. He is a firm believer Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the in pre-K education and a passionate spokesman people I met at A&M.” When McFarland came to A&M in Meritorious Service Award for his 18-plus for vocational education. “I made it a priority to 1962, he thought he was a help secure more money for vo“That was the best thing about A&M . . . the rebasketball player. He spent cational education to get people his freshman year on the lationships I made with people who will be my ready for jobs,” he explains. basketball team before coach friends for the rest of my life . . . ” “There are lots of jobs out there Leslie Beard pulled him aside. going begging because we don’t “Coach Beard called me in one day and said years of service on the Hall of Fame executive have enough people trained to do them.” ‘Ronnie, you need to play football,’” says Mc- board. He is one of four former Boll Weevils Wardlaw serves on numerous committees currently on the board and he’s never lost his in the House, including the Committee on Farland. McFarland became a football standout love for his alma mater. Education, the Committee on Public Health, playing in the same defensive backfield as McFarland ’s roots in south Arkansas Welfare and Labor, the Committee on InsurLawrence, earning All-AIC honors in 1966. and at UAM run deep. His father, Ned, his ance and Commerce, and the Arkansas State He still remembers his favorite game, a 28-28 mother, Eloise, and his wife, the former Betty Game and Fish Oversight Committee. He tie with Arkansas State Teachers College (now Lou Maxwell, all attended Arkansas A&M. is also a member of the Joint Committee on UCA) and its legendary quarterback, Bobby “When we go home, we’re Betty Lou and Energy and a part of the Arkansas Legislative Tiner. The Weevils erased a 28-7 fourth quar- Ronnie Mac,” says McFarland. “You know, I’ve Council, where he participated in Joint Budget lived in Searcy for a long time, but I’ll always Committee budget hearings. ter deficit to gain a tie that felt like a win. “Tiner called me 15 years ago and wanted be from south Arkansas.” Between farming, running a business, and me to write all his insurance,” says McFarland. Jeff Wardlaw also has deep serving in the legislature, Wardlaw maintains “Bill and I laugh about it. It’s the only time roots in south Arkansas. A Hermitage native, a hectic schedule. He and Brittany both spend Wardlaw farms 200 acres of produce and 100 time at the offices of Mallard Medical Supply, either of us ever got close to him.” McFarland graduated from A&M in 1967 acres of hay no more than a quarter mile from which sells durable medical equipment. Wardwith a bachelor of science degree in education, his parents’ home. He lives there with his wife law got into the business by accident. Looking then stayed on campus for a year as a graduate of 10 years, Brittany, and their three children. for more income to augment his farm operaassistant on the staff of Boll Weevil Coach He also owns and operates Mallard Medical tion, he accepted an invitation from Jonesboro Bill Calaway. A year later he joined Ronnie Supply, LLC in Warren and is preparing to businessman Joe Simpson to become a partner Carter’s staff at Monticello High School and begin his third term in the Arkansas House in his medical supply business. Wardlaw in 1970 became the Billies head coach, a posi- of Representatives, representing District 8, ended up owning the company, sold it, then which includes Bradley and Calhoun counties bought it back in its current version. tion he held until 1976. After six seasons at Monticello High, along with parts of Union and Dallas counties. Wardlaw’s future includes a possible run McFarland was feeling a little frustrated and Wardlaw was attracted to politics at an for the Senate when Eddie Cheatham is term looking for something new when he was of- early age for one simple reason. “I’ve always limited, but until then he is concentrating on fered a chance to follow his late father into been drawn to the idea of helping people,” he making his business a success and living up to school administration. Ned McFarland was explains. “I wanted to do it for a long time, an honor that caught him by surprise. “When the principal at Banks High School when he since childhood really.” Then, with a laugh, they called me and told me about the (alumni) died in 1966 en route to Livingston, Ala., to he adds “I believe in long-range planning.” award, I didn’t think I deserved it,” he says. “I’m watch his son play football. Ten years later, Wardlaw spent nearly eight years planning very appreciative and hope I can live up to it.” 16 UAM Magazine

CORWIN ELLIOTT

Hall of Fame Corwin Elliott, Jamie Tucker, David Stover, Kevin Parker, and the late Angela Meadough thrilled us with their exploits on the diamond, gridiron and basketball court. Now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of the Hall of Fame.

ANGELA MEADOUGH

JAMIE TUCKER

DAVID STOVER

KEVIN PARKER

Autumn 2014 17

S P O R T S H A L L O F FA M E | FE AT U R ES a second team All-American in 1999, earning the designation from the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings. During his four-year career, he set numerous records, including career doubles (37), doubles in a season (18), and career triples (14). He blasted a UAM career record 34 home runs and set the single season record of 14 in 1999. He also holds the career and single season records for runs batted in (147 for his career and The late Angela Meadough, and was twice selected first team 60 in 1999). Kevin Parker, Corwin Elliott and All-AIC and All-NAIA District He had the second most hits baseball stars Jamie Tucker and 17. in a season in 1999 with 80, David Stover comprise this year’s “Angela was the best I ever the same season be batted an Hall of Fame selections. The Hall coached at drawing fouls and getastounding .500 (80 hits in 160 of Fame induction dinner will be ting to the free throw line,” says at-bats), also a school record. He held on Thursday, October 9 at 6 Alvy Early, who coached Meawas first team All-Gulf South p.m. in the John F. Gibson Uni- dough and is currently UAM’s Conference and All-South Reversity Center. Tickets are $35 softball coach. “She just had a gion in 1999. each and may be purchased David Stover was the by calling the Department “Angela was the best I ever coached at of Athletics at (870) 460- drawing fouls and getting to the free throw best pitcher of his era and 1058. Proceeds from ticket line. She just had a knack for it. She was a one of the best in school history. From 1971-74, he sales are earmarked for great, great player . . . ” compiled a career earned the UAM Sports Hall of run average of 2 .24, a Fame. Meadough earned first team knack for it. She was a great, great ing attempts (40 vs. Henderson school record, while recording All-America honors from the player and a wonderful individual State), single-season rushing 285 strikeouts, also a school yards (1,616), 100-yard rushing mark. National Association of Inter- and she left us too soon.” collegiate Athletics (NAIA) in Kevin Parker is one of six games in a career (19) and a season As a freshman in 1971, Stover 1992 after receiving third team UAM football players to be se- (8), 200-yard rushing games in earned honorable mention Allhonors in 1991. One of the most lected as a first team All-Amer- a career (3), and career rushing NAIA District 17 honors and was a second team All-AIC selection. prolific scorers in school history, ican. Parker became the school’s touchdowns (36). Meadough played two seasons fourth first team All-American Elliott was named an honor- In 1972 he batted a team high for the Cotton Blossoms after in 1992 when he anchored the of- able mention All-American in .364, struck out 111 batters, and transferring from Odessa (Tex.) fensive line for a Boll Weevil team 2001 by d2football.com and was honorable mention All-AIC. Junior College. In two years, that averaged 259.3 rushing yards Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. In 1973 he posted an ERA of 1.96 Meadough set records for free and 26.4 points a game. The 2,593 He earned first team All-South and followed that with a 1.97 in throws made in a season (304 in yards is still the fifth best rushing Region honors in 2001 and sec- 1974. As a senior in ’74, Stover 1991-92) and career free throw season in school history. Parker ond team honors in 2002. He posted an 8-3 record with a 1.97 percentage (.806, 546 of 677). was the Boll Weevils’ starting was named to the All-Gulf South ERA and 114 strikeouts while In two seasons she scored 1,414 left tackle in 1990, ’91 and ’92, Conference second team in 2001 earning first team All-AIC and All-NAIA District 17 recognipoints and averaged 24.8 points protecting the blind side of quar- and the first team in 2002. a game, dished out 298 assists terback Bryan Trucks and clear- Outfielder Jamie Tucker was tion.

A two-time women’s basketball AllAmerican, a first team football AllAmerican, and the most prolific running back in school history highlight the class of 2014 chosen for induction into the University of Arkansas at Monticello Sports Hall of Fame.

18 UAM Magazine

ing the way for running backs Undra Holman, Roy Watkins, and Wayne Denman. “I was very fortunate to play with Kevin most of my career,” said Trucks. “He made my job a lot easier. I never worried about Kevin picking up his block and it gave me confidence to stand in the pocket just a little longer knowing Kevin was on my backside.” Corwin Elliott’s UAM records are almost too numerous to list. The diminutive Elliott used a low center of gravity and strong leg drive to rush for a school record 3,820 yards from 1999 to 2002. He holds or shares 13 individual school rushing records, including career rushing attempts (755), single season rushing attempts (302), single-game rush-

AN UNQUENCHABLE SPIRIT Gene Norton has a unique gift. “People who spend time around him feel blessed,” says his mother, Betty Norton. “That’s a rare thing.” When Gene was in a Little Rock hospital in 2008 recovering from spinal surgery, doctors and nurses didn’t want him to leave. “He asked one of his doctors one day when he could go home,” remembers Betty. “His doctor said, ‘Gene, you can’t go home. We’re not going to let you. You make us all feel too good!” Gene Norton is 46 years old and has special needs. He lives with his parents, Marvin and Betty, in Monticello. Gene is confined to a wheelchair, the result of a spinal injury and two surgeries, but the setbacks haven’t crushed his spirit. In fact, it is that spirit that will be recognized by the University of Arkansas at Monticello in October when Gene Norton will become the 10th recipient of the UAM Spirit Award, given annually to an individual who best exemplifies the spirit of Boll Weevil and Cotton Blossom athletics. The award will be presented as part of the UAM Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. Gene and his parents are at every home basketball and volleyball game, seated in their front-row seats at Steelman Fieldhouse. Players, coaches and fans make it a point to stop for a handshake

and a smile from Gene. “He’s just one of those people who makes you feel better,” says Chris Ratcliff, UAM’s director of athletics. “He’s been through so much in his life, but he always has such a great attitude. And he is our biggest fan.” The Nortons rarely miss a home game, and if they do, there had better be a good reason. “When it’s raining real hard, we have a hard time taking him because we’ll get soaked trying to get his wheelchair out of the van and into the gym,” says Betty. “One time we told him we couldn’t go and he said, ‘But they’re counting on me to be there.’” The Nortons began taking Gene to UAM athletic events in 2001, shortly after Mike Newell was named men’s basketball coach. Newell bought a house across the street from the Nortons and met Gene when he happened by to borrow a tool. “He asked Gene if he liked basketball and of course Gene said he did,” remembers Betty. “Coach Newell gave him a schedule and a shirt and told him that all three of us could come to the games and sit in seats he would provide. That’s how it started.” Since then, Gene and his parents have become fixtures at Boll Weevil and Cotton Blossom games. During that time,

Gene has gotten to know players and coaches and they’ve gotten to know him. In 2008, when Gene was in the hospital in Little Rock, Ratcliff, who was the women’s basketball coach at the time, took his team to Little Rock to see Gene on their way to the Gulf South Conference basketball tournament in Mississippi. The out-of-the-way trip should have been an inconvenience, but the players loved it, crowding around Gene’s bed and leaving the attending doctors and nurses speechless. “They had never seen anything like it,” says Betty. UAM holds a special place in the Nortons’ heart. “Everyone out there, from the people who take up tickets to the coaches and players, have been wonderful to us,” says Betty. “Why, Chancellor (Jack) Lassiter even offered to take us to the basketball tournament on the university bus.” The Nortons, who have two other children – son Joey and daughter Terry Funderburg – spent 18 years taking Gene to hospitals and clinics trying to find the cause of his condition and received a variety of answers. “I used to wish we could know what was really wrong with Gene, but our son, Joey, asked me why,” says Betty. “He said ‘Just look at the lives Gene has blessed.’” Autumn 2014 19

20 UAM Magazine

H O R N A DAY O U T S TA N D I N G FACU LT Y | FE AT U R ES

Making Up For Lost Time

John Hunt is an unlikely college professor. A native of Paron, a tiny unincorporated community in rural northwestern Saline County, Hunt graduated from Paron High School in 1977 and lasted less than a year at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before dropping out. “I wanted to chase girls and party,” says Hunt, laughing at the memory. “I was very successful at one and not so successful at the other.” Hunt eventually drifted into the auto parts business, managing several NAPA stores in Little Rock, but knew he wasn’t fulfilling his potential. “I always regretted not finishing college,” he says. With the support of his wife, Sarah, Hunt went back to UALR and earned a degree in biology in 1996. In 1999, he received a master’s degree in zoology from Auburn University and earned a Ph.D. in biology, also from Auburn, in 2004. He was 44 years old when he accepted his first full-time teaching job in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ten years later, Hunt is the winner of the Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award, presented annually to UAM’s top faculty member. “I’m very proud to be recognized for doing what I love,” says Hunt, “but this is really an award for the whole department. A lot of this award is based on the success of our premed program, which is successful because we have a fantastic faculty. Jeff Taylor is the best biochemist in the state. Our physicist, Juan Serna, is second to none. Our microbiologist, Mary Stewart, is outstanding and we’ve got a fantastic dean in Morris Bramlett who is crazy supportive of the pre-med program and pre-med students. This is recognition of the

Dr. John Hunt whole math and sciences school.” Affable and easy-going, Hunt tends to downplay his teaching success, but his colleagues aren’t shy about singing his praises. “John is an outstanding teacher and an accomplished scientist,” says Bramlett. “We have an incredible group of faculty in math and science and John is a big reason for the success of our program. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.” Hunt teaches three to four classes and one or two labs each semester in a variety of subjects, including Introductory Biology, Principles of Biology II, Comparative Anatomy, Evolution, Mammalogy, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Environmental Science as well as their corresponding labs. He also teaches an occasional special topics course, such as the one he just completed in the Bahamas in marine ornithology. Hunt loves biology, drawn to the subject after taking up bird watching which led him to study the biology of birds and then the biology of everything. “I thought I was going to be a chemist when I first went to UALR,” says Hunt, “but the more I studied biology, the more it fascinated me. It’s the basis of all life.” His enthusiasm for biology is part of what Hunt says is necessary to be an accomplished teacher. “Obviously, you have to know your subject,” says Hunt. “But you also have to love your subject. Students can tell if you’re excited by what you’re talking about. I use Juan Serna as an example. Physics is hard and boring for most people, but he makes it exciting because he enjoys it, so his students appreciate it. I try to do the same thing. I love what I teach and I love talking about it.” Hunt says his experience as a nontradi-

tional student has made him keenly aware of the obstacles and challenges his students face. “It really hasn’t been that long since I was in their place,” says Hunt. “A lot of times in academia, we lose sight of the fact that kids have real lives and real problems. It also helped me understand the importance of good academic advising because in 1977 at UALR, they had no one to advise me and I took the wrong classes and got bored and confused, which led me to drop out. Had I had good advisors, I might have stayed.” Hunt’s decision to come to UAM was a simple one. “I needed a job and they gave me one,” he says. “I really wanted to work in Arkansas. I’m from Arkansas. It’s my home.” UAM’s size has a number of advantages for an aspiring college faculty member, says Hunt. “This job is a great job for an academic,” he says. “We’re small. We know our students, know their strengths and weaknesses. Every student who comes in my classroom, I get to know their name, I know what they’re interested in, what their goals are, and I can relate to a lot of them.” “That’s why John’s a great teacher,” says Bramlett. “He has a real connection to his students and they sense it. That’s a rare quality.” The Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award was created in 2010 by a donation from Dan and Charlotte Cruce Hornaday. Both Hornadays are graduates of Arkansas A&M and have many fond memories of the outstanding faculty that mentored and advised them through graduation and on to very successful careers with Exxon. Earnings from the investment of the principal of the endowment are used annually to provide a medallion and a cash award to the recipient. Autumn 2014 21

CEN T EN N I A L CI R CL E | F O U N DATI O N

CENTENNIAL CIRCLE We made it! Thanks to your generosity, we recently reached our goal of 100 donors pledging $10,000 each to create the Centennial Circle Endowment of $1 million.

Mike & Susan Akin Joe Bob & Missy Allaire Hoyt & Susan Andres Elizabeth (Libby) Annulis Barbara & Claude Babin Pervis (P.J.) Ballew (by Pervis & Mary Nell Ballew) Mike & Patsy Berry John Falls Bowen (by William H. & Constance Bowen) Prof. Alaga H. & Myrtle I. Boyd (by Robert & Faye Boyd) Marty & Erma Brutscher The Bulloch Family - Bud, Carole, Liz, Sarah Kelton & Betty Busby Paul R. & June Webb Carter James & Sue Cathey Steven L. Cathey M.D. Dr. Tim & Paige Chase The Centennial Class of 2009 Jesse & Ernestine Coker In Honor of Quentious A. Crews 1955 – NAIA Football AllAmerican (by Jim & Rhonda Crews Woodruff) Crossett Alumni & Friends Van & Eula Mae Cruce (by Dan & Charlotte Hornaday) Drew County Extension Homemakers Council Dumas Alumni & Friends David B. & Nancy Kyle Eberdt (by Bobby & Kimberly Eberdt Edmonds) Searcy Elrod, Trustee & Frances Elrod Anthony W. & Cathy H. Fakouri Victor Felley, Ark. A. & M. Trustee (by Wayne & Mellie Jo Owen) 22 UAM Magazine

First National Bank of McGehee Frazer Family Jean C. & Oscar F. Frisby Lewis & Wanda Gardner - Lone Star Station / Boll Weevil Café (by Lewis & Rhonda Gardner) Barbara Blanks Gathen (by the UAM African American Alumni Association, family & friends) Jerry, June, Jay & Judd Gibson Lisa & Cliff Gibson John W., Martha (McDougald), John, Jr. & Mark Gibson Diane Suitt Gilleland Rev. Shay & Mrs. Sherrie Gillespie Dwight & Linda Teague Goodwin (by Randy Risher, Mark Risher and Roger Teague) John DeWitt Halstead (by Harry E. “Pete” Halstead) William A. & Bobbye A. Dunigan Harrison Jim & Betty Jo Hardy Hercher Frank D. Hickingbotham Dan & Charlotte Cruce Hornaday John & Nora Hornaday (by Dan & Charlotte Hornaday) President Frank Horsfall & Margaret Vaulx Horsfall (by Dr. & Mrs. Gordon D. Gates) Stephen W. Huselton, Sr. – Sigma Tau Gamma Herb & Cheryl Hutchison Dr. Louis J. & Carol West James Jane & Bobby Jelks J. Chester Johnson

Dr. Carl Briner Johnston Jordan Family - James T., Bonnie, Terry, Jerry & Cindy Don E. & Joyce M. King Donnie & Charlotte King Curtis W. Kyle, Jr. Judy & Jack Lassiter Sandra Joy Nimitz Lawhon Bill & Doris Lawrence Bob & Freddie Lee Robert & Louine Selman Leech / David, Jimmie Jo & Deborah Jo Leech / Charles & Sarah Leech Rob & Carla Leonard – MBSF (by friends) The Carl F. Lucky, Jr. Family Carol & Weaver L. Majors Gerald & Sue Majors Kenneth, Sharon & Jennifer Mann Dot & M.L. Mann Bryan & Dr. Sue S. Martin Dr. Betty A. Matthews Allen & Dana Maxwell Thomas V. & Sarah Beth Burchfield Maxwell Gene & Harriette Mazzanti / Vernon & Harriette Brooks Noel Waymon McDaniel (by Noel A. McDaniel & Marlene Ballard) Julian W., Sr. & Jean Mettetal (by Wayne Mettetal, Sherry Mettetal Woods, Ted Mettetal, Mike Mettetal, and Mary Ellen Mettetal McAllister) Kim Lloyd Mitchell Moffatt Family - Walter, Jr., Wells, Ruth, Minnie May & Pattie

Lamar G. Moore Jim Neeley Donetta F. McGriff, RN (by Ray & Misty Paschall) D. John Nichols J. C. & Carolyn Crain Nichols Jeff & Sallie Owyoung R. David & Loyce Ray (by Dr. & Mrs. B. Alan Sugg) Richard & Eddye Ann Reinhart Jeffrey Hunter Reinhart, MD Randy & Neela Risher In Honor of Jamie Troy Rochelle (by Dr. and Mrs. Sean Rochelle) Bennie F. Ryburn, Sr. & Virginia M. Ryburn (by Commercial Bank & Trust Co/First State Bank of Warren) Dr. & Mrs. Harry L. Ryburn Margaret Horsfall Schadler & Harvey Walter Schadler Johnny & Linda Smith Tom & Dianne Springer G. Warren Stephenson Jean & Alan Sugg Ted D. & Jack D. Thompson Union Bank & Trust Company Joseph Wallace Trust Joy Ann Waterfield (by Sandra J. Lawhon) The Wilson Family – Frank, Delores, James, Karla, Jeff, Harrell, Holley, Jeremy, Rachel, Tyler, Megan & Brad Terri Wolfe - Beth Thurman Jimmie & Linda Yeiser

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

FINAL NAMES

Linda Yeiser, vice chancellor for advancement, and Chancellor Jack Lassiter stand next to the Centennial Clock Tower after the final donorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names were inscribed.

Waterfield, Lawhon and Leech were the final names added to the Clock Tower.

FINISHING TOUCHES

A workman uses a sandblaster to etch the final names of the Centennial Circle on the Clock Tower.

Autumn 2014 23

EN D OW M EN T S | F O U N DATI O N

ENDOWMENTS (Endowments as of August 15, 2014) Weldon B. Abbott Endowed Scholarship / Mrs. Betty S. Abbott, Dr. and Mrs. Weldon S. Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. H. Lavon Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. Howard P. Taylor, and Ms. Mary Ross Taylor James Edward and Joy Dell Burton Akin Award / Mrs. Joy Dell Burton Akin Alumni Achievement and Merit Scholarship / Recipients of the Alumni Achievement and Merit Award Alumni Association Scholarship / Alumni Association Board of Directors Hoyt and Susan Andres Endowed Scholarship / Hoyt and Susan Andres Arkansas Seed Dealers Association Scholarship/ Arkansas Seed Dealers Board of Directors William R. and Katie B. Austin Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. William R. Austin, Jr. Barbara Murphy Babin Scholarship / Dr. Claude Babin and Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Babin Dr. Claude H. Babin Scholarship / Mr. & Mrs. Hunter Babin, Former Students, Faculty and Friends Baker Family Natural Resources Scholarship / Terrell and Sheila Baker K. Michael Baker Memorial Scholarship / School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Former Students, Family and Friends Marvin and Edna Moseley Bankston Scholarship / Bob and Louine Selman Leech C. H. Barnes, Jr. Football Scholarship / Tommy Barnes, Family and Friends Robert Orum and Fernande’ Vicknair Barrett Scholarship / Family Earl and Kathleen Baxter Memorial Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Earl Baxter Beard Nursing Scholarship / Mr. Arthur R. and Mrs. Bettie Beard Pate Leslie and Faye Beard Scholarship / Mr. Paul R. and Mrs. June Webb Carter Major Thomas E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Coker and Coker Book Account Fred K. Bellott Music Gift Fund / Dr. and Mrs. Fred K. Bellott Fred and Doris Bellott Music Endowed Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Fred K. Bellott *Henry (Mike) Berg Scholarship / Mrs. Helen Berg Dr. Van C. Binns Scholarship - Nursing / Mrs. Evelyn Hogue Binns Dr. Van C. Binns Scholarship - Pre-medicine / Mrs. Evelyn Hogue Binns Birch-Johnson Endowed Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. J. Chester Johnson John Falls Bowen Scholarship / Mr. Bill Bowen and members of Battery B of the 206th Coast Artillery C. Alton Boyd Jr. Memorial Scholarship / Barbara Boyd Ruth G. Boyd Scholarship / Dr. Scott Boyd Dr. Scott Boyd Memorial Scholarship / Friends and Former Students Fay Brann Accounting Scholarship / Mrs. J. F. Brann

24 UAM Magazine

Richard “Dick” Broach Wildlife Management Scholarship / Southern Pulpwood Co., Mrs. Nancy Clippert Broach, Mrs. Maxine Clippert and Mr. David Clippert B. R. “Bobby” Brown Scholarship / Mr. B. R. “Bobby” Brown and Consol, Inc. Gene Brown Memorial Baseball Scholarship / Family and Friends George R. Brown Professorship / The Brown Foundation, Inc. George R. Brown Graduate Assistantship - Fellowship in Forest Resources / The Brown Foundation, Inc. Joe Brown Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Marty and Erma Brutscher Debate/Forensics Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Brutscher Mary Claire Randolph Buffalo Scholarship / Mr. Harvey Buffalo Jimmy Lee Buford Memorial Scholarship / Agriculture Technology Dept. Advisory Committee, UAM College of Technology - McGehee Montre Bulloch “Angel” Endowed Nursing Scholarship / William C. Bulloch and Family Eugenia H. (Moss) Burson & Jack D. Burson Scholarship / Family and Friends Jeff Busby Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Verna Hobson Cahoon, Elizabeth Coleman Cochran and Cornelia Coleman Wright Scholarship / Tom and Julia Coleman Family G. William and Verna Hobson Cahoon Scholarship / Tom and Julia Coleman Family Alvin and Raye Carter Education Scholarship / Mr. Dale W. Carter and Mr. Robert Ira Carter Paul R. and June Webb Carter Scholarship / Mr. Paul R. and Mrs. June Webb Carter Paul R. and June Webb Carter - Drew Central High School Scholarship / Mr. Paul R. and Mrs. June Webb Carter James P. Cathey Endowed Business Scholarship / Brooks and Lesa Cathey Handly Centennial Circle / 100 Special Friends Chair of the Division Scholarship - Nursing / Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kluender Chamberlin Wildlife Scholarship / Mr. H. H. Chamberlin Hank Chamberlin Memorial Scholarship / Family, Friends, Former Students, Associates and Colleagues Marjorie Lamb Chamberlin Music Scholarship / Family and Friends Anthony T. and Faye Chandler Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Anthony T. Chandler, Family and Friends George H. Clippert Endowed Chair in Forestry / Mr. and Mrs. George H. Clippert, Mr. David H. Clippert and Mrs. Nancy Clippert Broach George H. Clippert Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. George H. Clippert Coker Alumni Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Coker and Coker Book Account Ernestine Coker Endowed Music Scholarship / Dr. Jesse M. Coker Jesse and Ernestine Coker Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Coker Dr. Jesse M. Coker Distinguished Service Scholarship / UAM Foundation Fund Board of Directors

Thomas C. and Julia Hobson Coleman Scholarship / Tom and Julia Coleman Family Suzanne Cooke Memorial Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cooke Steve Crowley Forestry Scholarship / Mr. James H. Hamlen Van and Eula Mae Cruce Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday James Gordon Culpepper Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students and Friends Hazel Owen Dahms and Angie Faye Owen Waldrum Nursing Scholarship / Estate of Hazel O. Dahms O. H. (Doogie) and Patsy Darling Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Darling Boyce Davis Award / Mr. Randy Risher Troy and Betty Davis Endowed Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Andy Davis, and Mr. and Mrs. Kent Davis C. W. Day Scholarship / Day Farms, Inc., Danny Day, Sr. Family, Raymond Day Family, Rickey Day Family, Sue Day Wood Family, William Day Family Dean’s Scholarship - Forest Resources / Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kluender Harry Y. Denson Scholarship / Family, Friends and Former Students Gregory Alan Devine Memorial Scholarship / Marion and Fern Devine Dr. Gene R. Dillard Education Scholarship / Mrs. Gerry Dillard, Family and Friends Peggy Doss Endowed Education Scholarship / School of Education Faculty/Staff and Mr. D. John Nichols John Dougherty Choral Scholarship / Senator Jimmy Jeffress, Senator Gene Jeffress, Former Students and Friends Drew County Extension Homemakers Endowed Scholarship / Drew County Extension Homemakers Council Drew County Extension Homemakers Endowed General Award / Drew County Extension Homemakers Council David B. Eberdt Scholarship / Mrs. Nancy Eberdt Susan Phillips Echols Memorial Endowed Scholarship/ Ronald K. Echols, Family and Friends Vance W. Edmondson Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Vance W. Edmondson Dr. Albert L. Etheridge Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students and Friends Hampton and Minnie Etheridge Scholarship / James and Mary Sawyer, Stacey and Helen Toole, T. D. and Joy Howell, R. M. and Rose Etheridge, Hampton and Marie Etheridge Jennifer and Rick Futrell Endowment for Football Student Athletes / Jennifer and Rick Futrell Drs. Glen and Mary Jane Gilbert Endowed Scholarship / Drs. Glen and Mary Jane Gilbert, Family, Friends and Former Students Wayne Gilleland Golf Scholarship / Dr. Diane Suitt Gilleland and Friends Shay Gillespie Phi Beta Sigma Leadership Scholarship / Family and Friends of Mr. R. Shay Gillespie Gilliam Family Farm Scholarship / Barbie Gilliam Johnson and Lou Ann Gilliam Sales

EN D OW M EN T S | F O U N DATI O N Classie Jones-Green African-American Alumni Scholarship / UAM African-American Alumni Association, Family and Friends Harold J. Green Scholarship / Harold J. Green Bill Groce, Jr. Scholarship / Family and Friends Willie Katherine Coody Groce Scholarship / Estate of Willie Katherine Coody Groce Edward and Veronica Groebner Computer Information Systems Operations Support Endowment / Dr. James F. Roiger Joseph Martin Guenter - Sigma Tau Gamma Scholarship / Sigma Tau Gamma Alumni E. Shermane Gulledge Non-traditional Scholarship / Dr. Dexter E. and Mrs. E. Shermane Gulledge Izella Ruth Gulledge Scholarship / Dr. Dexter E. and Mrs. E. Shermane Gulledge Annette K. Hall Scholarship for Music / Mr. Barry Hall Annette K. Hall Graduate Studies in Education Scholarship / Mr. Barry Hall Barry Hall Endowed Scholarship / Mrs. Annette Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Cleatous J. Hall and Mrs. Audrey Blasingame James S. Hancock Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship/Mrs. Carolyn Grubbs Hancock, Mrs. Hilda Hancock Malpica and Mrs. Becky Hancock Crossett Susie Hargis Nursing Endowed Scholarship / Charles Hargis Arthur A. Harris Vocal Endowed Scholarship / Mrs. Annette Hall, Family and Friends Helen Harris Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Harris, Division of Music, and Friends Hani and Debra Hashem Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Hani Hashem Charles G. Hawkins Memorial Scholarship / Family and friends Dr. Ann Haywood Scholarship / Dr. Cecil Haywood, Former Colleagues, Friends and Students of the School of Education Cecil C. Haywood Scholarship / Dr. Ann Haywood, Friends and Former Students of the School of Education Henry G. Hearnsberger, Sr. Forest Resources Scholarship / Mrs. George H. Clippert Mrs. Henry G. Hearnsberger, Sr. Nursing Scholarship / Mrs. George H. Clippert Paul and Leone Hendrickson Endowed Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Paul G. Hendrickson, Sr. Frank D. Hickingbotham Scholarship / Mr. Frank D. Hickingbotham William and Anna Hill Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. William T. Hill Iris Sullivan Hipp Nursing Scholarship / Ms. Sally Hipp Austin, Ms. Sheila Nichole Austin and Mr. Hank E. Williams Robert L. Hixson Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Wilburn C. Hobgood Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students and Friends Benjamin and Jerri Whitten Hobson Scholarship / Tom and Julia Coleman Family Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Hornaday Unrestricted Endowment / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Charlotte Cruce Hornaday Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday

Dan and Charlotte Hornaday Agriculture Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Dan and Charlotte Hornaday Computer Information Systems Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Dan & Charlotte Hornaday Debate & Forensics Endowment / Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hornaday Dan and Charlotte Hornaday Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Dan and Charlotte Hornaday Music Excellence Fund / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday Dan and Charlotte Hornaday Residence Life Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hornaday James A. Hudson Scholarship / James A. Hudson Memorial Foundation Mr. Jim Huey Scholarship / Family, Friends and Colleagues Henry B. Humphry Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Lamar Hunter Scholarship / The Reinhart Family Lamar Hunter Veterans and National Guard Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Coker and Coker Book Account Dean and Mrs. James H. Hutchinson Endowed Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jackson James H. and Elva B. Hutchinson Scholarship / Estate of Dr. James H. Hutchinson, Jr. Dr. C. Lewis and Wanda W. Hyatt Endowed Scholarship / Mrs. Charlotte Hyatt McGarr & Mr. C. Lewis Hyatt, Jr. Indoor Practice Facility Endowment Maintenance Fund/ Estate of Quentious Crews Brigadier General Wesley Jacobs Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Coker and Coker Book Account Veneta E. and Louis Richard James Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Louis J. James Loran L. Johnson Endowed Scholarship / Mississippi Marine Corporation and other individuals known as “Loran’s Boys” Virginia M. Ryan Jones Memorial Nursing Scholarship / Dr. C. Morrell Jones and Family and Friends Donnie D. King Endowed Scholarship / Donnie D. King Kingwood Forestry Scholarship / Proceeds from sale of Lake Monticello maps Robert C. Kirst Agriculture Scholarship / University of Arkansas at Monticello Agriculture Alumni Society Grady and Myrtle Burks Knowles Scholarship / Mrs. Myrtle Burks Knowles Timothy Ku Scholarship / Mr. Lawrence A. Ku and Mr. Albert Ku Victoria Ku Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students, Friends and Family Curtis W. Kyle Family Scholarship / Mr. Curtis W. Kyle, Jr. Curtis W. Kyle, Sr. Forestry Scholarship / Mr. Curtis W. Kyle, Jr. Fred H. Lang Forestry Scholarship / Mrs. Elizabeth S. Lang Leslie Larance Elementary Education Award / Family and Friends Randall Leister Scholarship / Friends A.D. and Nellie Leonard Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Leonard Willis “Convoy” Leslie Scholarship / Former Teammates, Former Football Players and Members of the Arkansas National Guard Gerald and Sue Majors Endowed Scholarship / Trinity Foundation Kenneth, Sharon and Jennifer Mann Endowed Business Scholarship / Kenneth, Sharon and Jennifer Mann

Robert W.D. Marsh Scholarship / Mrs. Demaris Marsh Gary Marshall ‘Mars Hall’ Award / Alice Guffey Miller and Friends Martin-Wiscaver Endowed Scholarship / Dr. Jesse M. Coker Mathematics Scholarship / Anonymous Mathematics and Physics Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students and Friends Betty A. Matthews Women’s Athletics Scholarship / Dr. Betty A. Matthews J. M. Matthews Scholarship / Mrs. J. M. Matthews, Sr., Ms. Jane Matthews Evans and Mr. Jim Matthews Tommy Matthews Athletic Scholarship / Tommy and Pat Matthews, Bynum Matthews and Ann Matthews Jones Virginia Lee Maxwell Memorial Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Maxwell and Family Pauline J. and Zach McClendon, Sr. Scholarship / Union Bank & Trust Company Elizabeth Culbertson McDaniel Scholarship / Mr. Noel Waymon McDaniel and Mr. Noel A. McDaniel Noel Waymon and LaFran H. McDaniel Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Noel Waymon McDaniel James and Nellie McDonald Scholarship in Memory of Michael Stapp / Chicot Irrigation, Inc.-Lake Village, James and Nellie McDonald, Glen and Beverly Rowe, Rick and Linda Rowe, Mike and Cindy McDonald Paul C. McDonald Memorial Scholarship and Fund for Academic Excellence / Ms. Betty McDonald, Dr. James McDonald, Mr. Garrett Vogel and Dr. Betsy Boze Thomas McGill Scholarship / Mr. Thomas W. McGill Thomas McGill Forestry Scholarship / Mr. Thomas W. McGill Cecil McNiece Family Scholarship Fund / Family Willard G. Mears Estate Scholarship / Willard G. Mears Trust Miller Sisters Scholarship - Education / Miss Jessie W. Miller Miller Sisters Scholarship - Science / Miss Jessie W. Miller Minnie May Moffatt Business Scholarship / Miss Minnie May Moffatt Pattie Phenton Moffatt Vocal Music Scholarship / Trust of Pattie Phenton Moffatt Ruth and Wells Moffatt Forestry Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Wells Moffatt Walter A. and Myrtle Wells Moffatt Scholarship / Family

Dr. Walter A. Moffatt, Jr. Scholarship / Miss Minnie May Moffatt and Miss Pattie Phenton Moffatt Monticello High School Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship / The MHS Class of 1965 Monticello Life Underwriters Scholarship / Monticello Association of Life Underwriters William E. Morgan-Weevil Pond Endowment / Estate of William E. Morgan Juanita Louise Moss Scholarship / Family and Friends Kermit C. Moss Scholarship / Family and Friends Robert H. Moss Endowed Scholarship / Family and Friends William D. Moss Scholarship / Dr. Steven C. Moss P. E. and Melba Munnerlyn Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Munnerlyn D. Anita Murphree Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship / Mr. Samuel Light Charles H. Murphy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship / Deltic Timber Corporation

Autumn 2014 25

EN D OW M EN T S | F O U N DATI O N Jim Neeley Scholarship / Mr. Jim Neeley D. John Nichols Scholarship / Mr. D. John Nichols and Mississippi Marine Corporation Loyal V. Norman Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sowell Velma Ashcraft Norman Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sowell Dale Oliver Forestry Scholarship / Mr. James H. Hamlen Al Peer Kappa Alpha Psi Leadership Scholarship / Family and Friends Merle and Deloris Peterson Scholarship / Merle and Deloris Peterson, Friends and Associates in the Dumas, Arkansas, Community Phi Sigma Chi Memorial Award / Phi Sigma Chi Alumnae and Friends Earl K. Phillips Math & Sciences Endowed Scholarship / Mrs. Patricia Phillips B. C. Pickens Endowed Scholarship / B. C. Pickens Trust Bub and Beulah Pinkus Scholarship / The Pinkus Family Emeline Killiam Pope, Sally Pope Wood, and Velma Wood Powell Scholarship / Estate of Velma Wood Powell John Porter and Mary Sue Price Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. John Porter Price R. David Ray Debate and Forensics Scholarship / School of Arts and Humanities, Former Students and Friends Russell R. Reynolds Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Russell Reynolds, Family and Friends Randy Risher Fitness Scholarship / Mr. Randy Risher and Friends Raymond O. & Loretta J. Roiger Chi Iota Sigma Scholarship / Dr. James Roiger James Roiger Computer Information Systems Scholarship / Dr. James Roiger James F. Roiger Endowed Fund for Library Acquisitions / Dr. James Roiger Ross Foundation Endowed Scholarship - Forestry / The Ross Foundation Ross Foundation Endowed Scholarship - General / The Ross Foundation James A. and Mabel (Molly) H. Ross Endowed Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Don H. Ross, and Mr. and Mrs. James A. Ross, Jr. Calvin V. Rowe Award / Mr. Calvin V. Rowe Bennie F. Ryburn, Sr. Scholarship / Family and Friends Cecil R. Scaife Scholarship / Mrs. Cecil Scaife and Children Thomas Robie Scott, Jr. Scholarship / Mrs. Opal Scott, Mr. Thomas Scott III, Mr. Michael Robert Scott and Mr. Phillip Roland Scott Elwood Shade Forest Resources Scholarship / Mr. Elwood Shade Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas Scholarship / Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas Herman C. Steelman Scholarship / School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Former Students and Friends Harry H. Stevens Nursing Scholarship / Bradley County Medical Center *Roy and Christine Sturgis / The Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust Fred and Janice Taylor Scholarship / Friends of UAM Jack H. Tharp Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Tharp Carolyn Hibbs Thompson Chemistry Scholarship / The Don Thompson Family and Thompson Electric Co. Horace E. Thompson Scholarship / Members of United Commercial Travelers, Family and Friends George and Betty Townsend Journalism Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. George E. Townsend 26 UAM Magazine

George E. Townsend Mass Communication Scholarship / Mr. George E. Townsend UAM Alumni and Friends Endowed Scholarship / UAM Alumni and Friends UAM Campus Scholarship / UAM Faculty, Staff and Friends UAM Forestry Alumni Scholarship / UAM Forestry Alumni Richard Wallace Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Lee Wallick Band Scholarship / Dr. Paul A. Wallick, Sr., Friends and Former Band Students Dr. Paul Allen Wallick, Sr. Scholarship / Family and Friends Peggy Wallick Scholarship / Dr. Paul A. Wallick, Sr., Family, Friends and Former Students Webb/Carter Scholarship / Mr. Paul R. and Mrs. June Webb Carter Bill and Marilyn Webb Forest Resources Scholarship/Mr. and Mrs. Kent Webb and Monticello Church of Christ Maurice and Minnie Chambers Webb Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Bill Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Kent Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Banwarth West-Walden Family Scholarship / Dr. Louis J. and Mrs. Carol West James Robert Weih Family Eagle Scout/Gold Award Endowed Forest Resources Scholarship / Robert and Marilyn Weih George White Golf Award / Family and Friends James M. White Memorial Scholarship / Deltic Farm & Timber, Inc., Family and Friends James M. White Professorship / Deltic Farm & Timber, Inc., Family and Friends John W. White Forestry Scholarship / Estate of Trannye O. White Sara Horn Wigley Memorial Scholarship / Sam Wigley Family, and Charles and Donna Bell Family **Larry Willett Endowed Scholarship / Family, Co-workers and Friends Samuel A. Williams Scholarship / Mr. Sam W. Denison Earl Willis Scholarship / Family, Friends and Drew Central Alumni Anne Wilson Scholarship / Family and Friends Dr. George F. Wynne, Sr. Scholarship / Mrs. Matilda Wynne Dr. David M. Yocum Family Endowed Scholarship / Dr. David Yocum, Jr. and Mr. David Yocum, IV Madge Youree Scholarship / School of Education, Family and Friends *Held by UAM **Held by the UA Agricultural Development Council

Future Endowments Arkansas SAF / Ouachita Society of American Foresters & Arkansas Division of Ouachita Society of American Foresters Dr. Ed Bacon Scholarship / Ms. Isabel Bacon Coach Tommy Barnes Memorial Endowed Scholarship/ Dr. Seth and Scarlett Barnes Kelly Bashaw Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Bramlett Scholarship / Dr. and Mrs. Morris Bramlett Stephenson-Dearman Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. “Chuck” Dearman, Jr. Pat Grider Southeast Arkansas Veteran’s Scholarship / Eric Grider

Jay and Laura Davis Hughes Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hughes Jo Hutchinson Jackson and Charles E. Jackson Education Endowed Scholarship / Deborah Jackson Thornhill, Jimmie Jo Jackson Leech, Dr. Charles E. Jackson, Jr. and Lucy Jackson Cyphers Jack Jordan Golf Scholarship / Friends Dr. Kathy Brown King and Family Endowed Graduate Scholarship / Dr. Kathy Brown King and Family Judy and Jack Lassiter Endowment for Students / Randy S. Risher E. Wesley McCoy Scholarship / Ouachita-Saline Surveying and Mr. Mike Miley Ernest and Mary McFarland Scholarship / Mary I. McFarland Arhia Raymond Melton and Mildred Richardson Melton Scholarship / Estate of W. F. Chumney Monticello Rotary Club Scholarship / Monticello Rotary Club Rison High School Scholarship / Jasper Calaway, Rison Business Community and Friends E. R. ‘Bob’ and Sara Wall Scholarship / Sara Wall, Family and Friends Robert W. Wiley Endowed Scholarship / Family and Friends

Life Insurance Christopher L. Johnson/ Mr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Johnson Phillip Pierini / Mr. Phillip Pierini Tim Pruitt / Mr. Timothy R. Pruitt Gus “Bubba” Pugh, Jr. / Mr. Gus “Bubba” Pugh, Jr. Guy “Butch” Sabbatini, Jr. / Mr. Guy “Butch” Sabbatini, Jr.

Charitable Remainder Unitrusts Mr. and Mrs. Carroll E. Walls, Sr. Mr. Kim L. Mitchell and Ms. Joyce A. Mitchell

Annual Awards/Scholarships Hunter Bell Memorial Scholarship / Mr. and Mrs. Jim Manning Commercial Bank Business Award / Commercial Bank Farmers Grain Terminal Award / Farmers Grain Terminal Georgia-Pacific Crossett Paper Operations Award / Georgia-Pacific Ralph McQueen Business Award / Ralph McQueen & Co. Jewell Minnis Award / Jewell Minnis Trust Lucille Moseley Memorial Scholarship / Family and Friends Linda Pinkus Scholarship / Mr. Lester Pinkus, Lee Pinkus and Ladd Pinkus James and Venie Powell Award / James and Venie Ann Powell Fund A. O. Tucker Memorial Scholarship / Mrs. Glenda Carol Tucker Baker UAM Institute of Management Accountants Scholarship / UAM Student Chapter of the IMA Wallace Trust Scholarship / Wallace Trust Bob White Memorial Foundation Scholarship / Bob White Memorial Foundation

CLU B D O N O R S | F O U N DATI O N

INDIVIDUAL DONORS The UAM Foundation donors list includes alumni, friends and other contributors whose gifts were received January 1 – August 15, 2014. Please report any corrections to Linda Yeiser at (870) 460-1128 or yeiser@uamont. edu

Unity & Movement Club $2,500 or more Mr. William H. Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Alvy Early Mr. Phillip and Dr. Laura Evans Mr. and Mrs. Rick D. Futrell Mr. Lance L. Gasaway Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gibson Mr. and Mrs. John W. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. William A. Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Hornaday Mr. Stephen W. Huselton, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Herb Hutchison Mr. and Mrs. Bobby E. Jelks Mrs. Barbie Gilliam Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Donnie D. King Dr. and Mrs. Jack Lassiter Ms. Sandra J. Lawhon Mr. and Mrs. Bill K. Lawrence, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lee, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Davis S. Leech Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leech Mr. Samuel C. Light Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Mann Dr. Betty A. Matthews Dr. Stephen C. Moss Mr. Lester Pinkus Mr. and Mrs. Randall S. Risher Dr. and Mrs. Sean C. Rochelle Mrs. Lou Ann Gilliam Sales Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy A. Sparks Ms. Beth Thurman Mr. and Mrs. Scotty Watkins Ms. Terri Wolfe Dr. and Mrs. Jimmie Yeiser

Galaxy Club $1,000-$2,499 Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bob Allaire Dr. and Mrs. Michael Fakouri Mr. John B. Frazer Dr. and Mrs. Dexter E. Gulledge Mr. and Mrs. Jay L. Hughes Ms. Dolores Jones Mrs. Jane Lucky Mr. and Mrs. Gerald W. Majors Ms. Angela Marsh

Mrs. Robin McClendon & Mr. Tom Wingard Mrs. Debbie McKnight Mr. and Mrs. Kent McRae Ms. Ann J. Neeley Dr. James F. Roiger Dr. Thomas P. Springer Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wilson Mr. William M. Winstead

Emerald Club $500-$999 Dr. J. Morris Bramlett Mrs. Patricia B. Akin Dr. and Mrs. F. David Chambers Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Chao Mr. and Mrs. David G. Funderburg Mr. and Mrs. George T. Harris Mr. William (Hud) Jackson Mr. and Mrs. W. Brad Koen Mr. and Mrs. Jim Manning Hon. and Mrs. Eugene Mazzanti Mr. and Mrs. Hardy P. Peacock Mr. and Mrs. Curt W. Preston Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Pruitt Dr. John W. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Carl C. Roebuck Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Ryburn III Ms. Carol B. Slaughter Mr. Dean Steinke Mr. Ted D. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Whiting, Sr.

Loyalty Club $200-$499 Ms. Cynthia L. Adair Mr. and Mrs. Whit Barton Dr. Gregory A. Borse Mr. James L. Brewer Ms. Jacqueline D. Bryant Mr. and Mrs. John Bullock Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Burch, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Carlson Ms. Susan Danner Mr. and Mrs. Andy Davis Mr. and Mrs. T. Kent Davis Ms. Susan Decan Ms. Memorie S. Dickson Mr. and Mrs. Bennie R. Dunlap Mr. Edward Eaves Ms. Martha Ellis Ms. Christine L. Felts Mr. and Mrs. Byron A. Galloway Mr. Dan Gibbs Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Glover Dr. Robert S. Graber

Mr. and Mrs. H. Randall Green Mr. and Mrs. Rogie Greenway Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Halstead Mr. and Mrs. Werner Haney Mr. John R. Harmon Ms. Lynn Harris Mr. and Mrs. Don Hartley Ms. Marla Harvey Mr. Phillip D. Herring Mr. Rommie Hodge Dr. and Mrs. Louis James Mr. Richard Johnson Dr. Carl B. Johnston Mr. Jay S. Jones Mr. Mark Kaufman LTC(Ret) and Mrs. Kelly M. Koonce Mr. Scott R. Kuttenkuler Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Leonard Mr. John B. Lillard Ms. Lucilla Loya Mr. and Mrs. Chris E. Marhenke Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert McCallie Mr. and Mrs. John.C. McFarland Ms. Alice Guffey Miller Mr. John T. Nannemann, Jr. Ms. Shelly North Mrs. Joyce O’Neal Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Patrick Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Preston, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris R. Pruitt Ms. Linda F. Rushing Ms. Mary Ann Rushing Mr. and Mrs. Paul Russell Mr. Del A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smykla Mr. Mark Tiner Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Tipton Ms. Shela F. Upshaw Mr. and Mrs. William C. Wisener

Century Club $100-$199 Mr. and Mrs. Mike Akin Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Archer Ms. Melanie Arthur Ms. Julie A. Barnes Mr. Timothy Beckham Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Boyd Ms. Lolli Burgner Ms. Sandra K. Campbell Ms. Patti J. Carter MHS Class of 1965 Dr. Marsha Clayton Drs. Lloyd and Peggy Crossley Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Davis Mr. and Mrs. Fred Denton Mr. Harvey Detillieux

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Dunn Ms. Patricia A. Ewens Mr. and Mrs. Mickey R. Findley Ms. Terri L. Fleming Ms. Gail Fox Mr. Wally Fraser Ms. Paula Gathings Mr. and Mrs. C.C. (Cliff) Gibson III Mr. and Mrs. Whitney Gordon Maj. and Mrs. Eric J. Grider Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Guenter Ms. Sherry M. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Darren Hartness Dr. Nan T. Haug Mr. and Mrs. Jack Henderson Mr. Calvin Hill, Sr. Ms. Dartha Hodge Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Hogg Mr. and Mrs. Ed Horvath, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. B.J. Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Mark R. Karnes Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Manees

Mr. Jeffrey C. Martin Mr. Quinton L. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Neeley Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Pennington Ms. Lou Ann Pitchford Mr. Max T. Ray Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Reinhart Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Ross Mr. and Mrs. William F. Ross Mr. and Mrs. Charles Savage Mr. Danny M. Shedd Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith Mr. and Mrs. Timothy H. Smith Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stark, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Cody Wall Mr. and Mrs. James W. Willis Ms. Patricia L. Withers Mrs. Kay Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. Harvey L. Young

Business/Corporate Donors Arkansas Crop Protection Association Arkansas State Plant Board Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union Baker Finance Clearwater Paper Commercial Bank and Trust Co. Community Communications, Co. Deltic Timber Corporation Dolores’ Family Pharmacy Employers Staffing Services, Inc. ExxonMobil Foundation First National Bank of McGehee First State Bank of Warren Frazer, Inc. Georgia-Pacific H.B.H. Enterprises K & K Veterinary Supply

KPMG Foundation Leesco, Inc. Martin Knee & Sports Medicine McQueen & Co. Ltd. Monticello Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Price Services, Inc. Society of American Foresters Southern Ag Resources Southeast Chapter of ASCPA State Farm Insurance Companies Texas Instruments Tri-W Logging, Inc. UAM Institute of Management Accountants Union Bank & Trust Company Wells Fargo Foundation

ARE YOU AN AMAZON.COM SHOPPER? If so, you can help UAM too! Just log in to smile.amazon. com and select University of Arkansas at Monticello as your charitable organization. Then, when you shop, always log in through smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to UAM. (smile.amazon.com has the same products, prices and service as the regular Amazon.com, and you use your same account to log in.) Autumn 2014 27

Lassiter Endowment The Judy and Jack Lassiter Endowment for Students was created earlier this year by Randy S. Risher to honor Chancellor and Mrs. Lassiter. Once it reaches endowed status, the earnings will be used for the additional support of UAM students and student organizations. All expenditures will directly benefit students. If you would like to honor the Lassiters by making a gift to this future endowment, please make your check payable to the UAM Foundation Fund and mail to P.O. Box 3520, Monticello, AR 71656.

Tommy Barnes Honor A bust of the late Tommy Barnes will be unveiled on Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Indoor Practice Facility. The event is open to the public. Lance Gasaway’s pledge to the UAM Foundation Fund will pay for the bronze bust created by nationallyknown sculptor David Deming. Barnes is UAM’s winningest football coach with more wins (69) and more seasons (13) as head coach than anyone in school history. Gasaway starred at wide receiver for the Boll Weevils from 1982-85.

FOU N DATION | NE WS

Weevil Walk Gets Longer Donor Area To Extend Around East Side Of Weevil Pond

eevil Walk is getting longer. Vice Chancellor for Advancement Linda Yeiser recently announced plans to expand the length of the donor walk to add 12 large stones that may be engraved to the donor’s specifications. The stones and surrounding bricks will extend well beyond the current donor walk area, which ends along the south side of Weevil Pond. The added donor area will extend along the east walk adjacent to tailgate row with more room for future expansion. The tax-deductible gift is $1,500 to sponsor a stone. Persons interested in purchasing a stone should contact the Office of Advancement at (870) 460-1128 for more information.

NEW GIFTS Endowments and gifts to provide aid in numerous areas The UAM Foundation Fund has received a number of recent gifts which will benefit everyone from agriculture students to football players to music students. The endowments will generate earnings which will be used in accordance with the gift agreement. Endowments use only a portion of the earnings generated and none of the principal so that the initial gift will continue to grow. The recent gifts include: • Jennifer and Rick Futrell Endowment for Football Student Athletes – established by Jennifer and Rick Futrell. This fund will provide additional support for UAM football student athletes. • Gilliam Family Farm Scholarship – established by Barbie Gilliam Johnson and Lou Ann Gilliam Sales to honor the legacy of their parents, Eugene Frank “Gene” and Dorothy Lou “Dot” Ford Gilliam. The scholarship is for a junior or senior enrolled fulltime in the UAM School of Agriculture, with first preference to a student who graduated from a Desha or Drew County high school. • D. Anita Murphree Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship – established by Samuel Light to memorialize his mother, Anita Murphree. This scholarship is for a full-time student of any major, with first preference to a student who graduated from a Monticello high school. • A Young Chang baby grand piano from the estate of Dr. Robert M. Farrar, Jr., in memory of Mrs. Mary Eugenia Sizemore Farrar and Dr. Robert M. Farrar, Jr.

SANDRA LAwHON DONATION

Sandra Lawhon of San Diego, Calif., (left) and Sandra Campbell, director of library, with part of the collection of paintings Lawhon donated to the University. 28 UAM Magazine

TECHNOLOGY | NE WS

Equipment Purchase Georgia Pacific Gift Helps Electromechanical Instrumentation

Certified ServeSafe Trainer

he UAM College of Technology-Crossett received a $6,000 donation from Georgia Pacific to purchase equipment for the college’s two-year Electromechanical TechnologyInstrumentation program. This is one of several donations that Georgia Pacific has made to the college to enhance the program’s training of students for high-wage, high-demand industrial maintenance jobs. The program has continually enjoyed a high job placement rate which falls between 85 and 90 percent

each year. The entry-level wage for most graduates going to work in the field ranges from $20 to $28 per hour even without prior experience. “We are extremely thankful for the regional business and industry support we have received for this high tech program,” said Linda Rushing, vice chancellor of the Crossett campus. “Our graduates are highly recruited by industries in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and our instructors are known in the field for the quality instruction they provide to our students.”

NATURE NIGHTS

topics such as black bears, bats, birds, and how to make deer antler jewelry. The classes are scheduled for the second Monday of each month and will be held on the McGehee campus. Children will make something each class to bring home. Admission is free but space is limited. Contact Amanda Kuttenkuler at (870) 460-2108 or kuttenkulerA@uamont.edu to reserve space.

“Nature Nights,” noncredit community education courses in partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will be offered September through December at the UAM College of Technology-McGehee. The classes, which are open to all ages, include

Lisa Kelley, a member of the hospitality faculty at the UAM College of Technology-McGehee, is now a certified ServeSafe trainer. ServeSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association. The program is accredited by ANSI and the Conference for Food Protection. ServeSafe certification helps to ensure that people who are working in the food service industry have the most up to date information on industry standards and regulations. Anyone who works in food service and preparation is eligible to take the course. Classes can be set up at varying times and locations to help meet the needs of the industry.

MORE PARKING Growth creates greater need Students at the UAM College of TechnologyCrossett are enjoying a new parking lot that was completed just in time for the Fall 2014 semester. The new concrete lot provides an additional 32 parking spaces. The need for this parking lot and the one completed in Fall 2011 was due to the campus’ increased enrollment. “Lack of parking for our students is a good problem because it reflects increased enrollment,” said Linda Rushing, vice chancellor for the Crossett campus. Another completed project on the Crossett campus is a new electronic sign at the campus’ main entrance.

Autumn 2014 29

27 Named All-Academic By Great American Conference A total of 27 UAM studentathletes were included in a list of 476 to earn Great American Conference All-Academic honors for the 2013-14 year. The list was released recently by the league office. The UAM softball program led all GAC softball teams with a total of 11 All-Academic selections. The baseball team followed with five and women’s basketball had three honorees. The football, men’s basketball and men’s golf teams had two representatives each, rounded out by one honoree for the volleyball team. The women’s cross country team had three representatives, two of which also lettered in softball.

McGee, Early Named To Preseason All-America Team UAM placekicker Jamie McGee and defensive back Mike Early have been selected to the USA College Football Preseason All-America team. McGee broke school and GAC season records for field goals made with 17 last season and became the first UAM placekicker to earn postseason All-America honors. He was also first team All-GAC and Daktronics All-South Region. Early was an All-GAC Honorable Mention selection at cornerback in 2013 after ranking fifth in the league in interceptions. The Denham Springs, La., native totaled 36 tackles, four interceptions and 12 passes defended. He also returned kicks and punts for 350 yards, including an 88-yarder vs. Southern Arkansas, the second longest in school history. 30 UAM Magazine

SP OR T S | NE WS

New Coach In Town Kyle Tolin To Lead Basketball Program

yle Tolin is the new men’s basketball head coach at UAM following a decade-long assistant coaching career at Oklahoma Baptist University. Tolin, the 15th head coach in school history, comes to Monticello after helping Oklahoma Baptist reach 14 straight NAIA national tournaments during his 10 years as a coach and four years

as a student-athlete. The 2010 Bison team won the NAIA national championship, while the 2002 and 2012 teams finished as national runners-up. During that span, the team’s record in the national tournament was 30-12. The 2010 national championship team finished with a record of 34-2. Tolin helped OBU attain the highest winning percentage of any four-year university in Oklahoma. The Bison won three straight Sooner Athletic Conference titles from 2010-2012. Tolin has coached and recruited two NAIA national players of the year, three Sooner Athletic Conference players of the year, six SAC defensive players of the year, 10 All-America honorees, 19 All-SAC selections and two academic All-America honorees.

NAMING RIGHTS The tailgating area around Weevil Pond, a favorite autumn destination for UAM fans for the past decade and one of the most picturesque tailgating spots in college football, will have a new name in 2014. The UAM Department of Athletics recently auctioned off one-year naming rights to Tailgate Row for the 2014-15 sports season. Commercial Bank and Trust of Monticello placed the winning bid and has elected to name the area adjacent to Weevil Pond “Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row.” Bids were accepted online from June 1-August 1 and the proceeds from the auction will go to support the athletic department’s greatest need. UAM Athletics would like to thank all who participated in this year’s auction, and looks forward to welcoming fans to Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr. Tailgate Row during the upcoming sports season. Pictured from left are George Harris, president of Commercial Bank and Trust of Monticello, UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter, Bennie F. Ryburn, Jr., Bennie F. Ryburn, III, Athletic Director Chris Ratcliff, and Matt Whiting, assistant athletic director.

SP OR T S | SCHEDULES

2014 Boll Weevil Football Schedule Sept.

6 EAST CENTRAL OKLAHOMA*

Monticello