Pearce Named ASU-Newport Softball Coach

Jeremy Shirley

Arkansas State University-Newport is proud to announce the appointment of Kevin Pearce as the new Women's Softball Coach for the upcoming softball season. Pearce, a native of Newport, Ark., brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked for ASUNewport for 12 years as a Career Coach, Student Recruiter and Community Engagement Coordinator.

Pearce is a former three-sport athlete at Newport High School. He played baseball at Williams Baptist College before graduating from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in 2002.

Pearce has 11 years of softball coaching experience where he’s mentored players of all ages. His impressive track record includes four years as the Newport Junior High Head Softball Coach, where he led the team to a 34-4 overall record in his last two seasons. Pearce also spent four years coaching at Newport High School, where he served as Head Coach for two years and led the team to Regionals for the first time in a decade. In addition, Pearce founded the Newport Junior High softball program in 2016 and a softball travel organization based out of Newport in 2020.

Pearce’s dedication to youth sports earned him the Hometown Hero Award in 2019 for his volunteer work with the youth of Jackson County. He is also known for his 13 years as the radio play-by-play announcer for Newport High School, earning the Sully Award in 2022.

“I am certain that Kevin will be an aspiring coach for softball players and a great ambassador for ASUN,” said Dr. Johnny M. Moore, Chancellor of ASUNewport. “His commitment and passion

Merchants and Planters Bank Announces Promotions

Tara Salinas

Merchants and Planters Bank is pleased to recognize the growth and expansion of their organization and the need for greater leadership that comes with it. To fill this need, the bank proudly announces the promotion of seven of their staff members.

Leslie Lowery has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Financial Officer. Leslie celebrated her twenty-fourth anniversary with Merchants and Planters Bank in August of last year. She has experienced many changes in the banking industry and has led Merchants and for the game, along with his love for the university, is a winning combination that will build a competitive softball program and support our efforts to ensure student success.”

Pearce lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his wife Shannon and three daughters, Kathryn (19), Charley (5), and Annabeth (7 months).

Planters through numerous innovations and acquisitions. In addition to her executive management responsibilities, Lowery also serves as Information Security Officer, Secretary to the Board, and Vendor Management Officer. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lyon College and is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking.

Thelma Welch has received a promotion to Senior Vice President. Welch has a wealth of experience in numerous facets of the financial industry, but she has spent the majority of her forty-year banking career as a lender of agricultural, business, and personal loans in the Jackson County market. Her natural aptitude for helping others makes her a trusted lender and a mentor to her team.

Thelma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott College.

Elizabeth Canard has been promoted to President of the Tuckerman market. Elizabeth began her career with Merchants and Planters Bank thirteen years ago and has been a lender and a leader in the Tuckerman market for three years. Elizabeth has made a positive impact in Tuckerman because of her lending expertise and the genuine love she has for the community. She is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking and serves as Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors.

Waverle Doyle has been promoted to Vice President – Compliance and CRA Officer. Waverle has worked in lending and compliance at Merchants and Planters for ten years and has over twenty-four years of experience in the finance industry. In addition to her management duties, Doyle is responsible for ensuring the organization follows all mandated rules and regulations. She is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking and is an ICBA Certified Community Banker Compliance Officer.

Sue Gates has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and BSA Officer. Sue has an extensive twentyfour years of experience at Merchants and Planters Bank and has excelled in a variety of roles. Currently, Gates manages the high-volume Newport office on Highway 67. She is a valued member of the organization, serves on numerous committees, and is an ICBA Certified Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Professional.

Laci Cameron has been promoted to the Assistant Information Technology Officer for Merchants and Planters Bank. Laci started working for the bank in 2015, after receiving her Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Networking and Computer Hardware from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Laci ensures that all bank data is securely protected and is relied upon daily by her co-workers to assist them with their hardware and software issues. Cameron is also certified in Networking Software.

Ann Ring has been promoted to Assistant Cashier in the Newark market. Ann began her career with Merchants and Planters Bank in 2013 and has over twenty-two years of experience in the banking industry. Ring’s exemplary customer service skills coupled with her attention to details make her a key member of the Newark team.

Laverne Hurd celebrated her 95th birthday in January with friends and others in Salem recently. Hurd is a consumer of Network of Community Options, Inc., which is based in Batesville. She loves playing bingo, going to the Salem Senior Citizens Center with her friends, and eating catfish. Up until a few years ago, she was still attending The Martin Center, a day treatment program for adults with developmental disabilities, and she also loves to socialize and visit with friends, said her Direct Support Professional, Betty Andrews.

Jim S. Gowen, Jr., President and CEO of Merchants and Planters congratulates all staff members. “I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and professional potential of each of these team members. They represent our organization with integrity and are invested in the success of our bank and our community. I’m always pleased to promote from within the organization because it opens the door for others to excel and allows us to add new members to our M&P family,” says Jim.

M&P Community Bancshares, Inc. currently has assets estimated around $330 million and is the holding company for Merchants and Planters Bank and M & P Insurance Services in Newport. Merchants and Planters Bank has offices serving the communities of Batesville, Southside, Newark, Newport, Tuckerman, Swifton, Searcy, McCrory and Des Arc. N