ACC

09/24/2026

🌟 The people behind Arkansas’s community colleges make all the difference. Today, we’re proud to recognize Drew Davidson and Rhonda Loper the 2026 University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awardees.

Drew was born and raised in Batesville, where he attended UACCB as a student before transferring to Lyon College to study biology. He went on to study the impact of aging on the brain, earning his PhD in Cell Biology from Tulane University. As a fellow of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, he studied the cellular basis of learning at the University of North Carolina. Throughout his research career, he always kept one foot in the classroom. As a believer in and beneficiary of the community college mission, he returned home to Batesville in 2024 as biology faculty at UACCB.

Rhonda Loper serves as the Director of Institutional Research at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, bringing nearly three years of service to the role. Beyond her primary responsibilities, she champions campus culture as president of the Staff Senate and leader of the Caring Campus task force. Rhonda’s higher education career includes over a decade at Delta State University. She holds a Master of Science in Community Development, is an accomplished public speaker, and is a devoted wife to Everette, an ordained minister. Together, they cherish family life with their children and three amazing grandbabies.

09/23/2026

🎓 Behind every successful student are educators and staff who care deeply about their work. Today, we celebrate Amanda Rhodes and Chelsey Turner, winners of the 2026 South Arkansas College Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards.

Amanda is the program director and instructor for SouthArk’s Criminal Justice program. She is dedicated, dependable, and constantly works to improve her program by working with college personnel and her advisory committee. She loves to teach, she loves her students, and she consistently goes above and beyond to help them succeed. When she’s not teaching, she volunteers as a SkillsUSA advisor, manages the page for SouthArk’s Secondary Technical Center, and is very involved with college committees and councils. Amanda is always ready to assist with any issue that arises. She can be counted on!

Chelsey Turner has served as Director of Library and Academic Support since 2023, providing strategic leadership for library operations, distance learning, tutoring services, and academic instructional support for faculty and staff. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she actively co-sponsors community education initiatives and contributes to a variety of campus programs. She is dedicated to enhancing campus operations and strengthening teaching and learning support across the institution. Through her tireless efforts, collaborative spirit, and impactful leadership, Chelsey has made significant contributions to SouthArk. She is highly deserving of this award.

09/23/2026

When students arrive on campus, they bring with them the full weight of the barriers they face every day. They may have an empty refrigerator, a childcare gap that threatens class attendance, and fears about not being able to pay rent. Addressing those stressors is the difference between a student who finishes and one who disappears.

In Part 3 of our series, we turn to how supportive services like childcare, transportation, and financial assistance help keep students enrolled, focused, and moving toward completion, even when life is working against them.

Read the full article here:

When students arrive on campus, they bring with them the full weight of the barriers they face every day. They may have an empty refrigerator, a childcare gap that threatens class attendance, and fears about not being able to pay rent. Addressing those stressors is the difference between a student w

09/22/2026

🎉 We’re proud to recognize two exceptional individuals from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas whose commitment makes a lasting impact on students and their community. Scott Gunem – 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member and Wesley Barringer – 2026 Outstanding Staff Member.

Scott Gunem exemplifies excellence in teaching through his dedication to student success, engaging instruction, and ability to connect with diverse learners. He creates a welcoming environment that builds confidence and promotes meaningful learning for concurrent, traditional, and non-traditional students. Students consistently praise his teaching and support. Beyond the classroom, Scott serves PCCUA through committee work, campus involvement, and outreach to concurrent high school students. His professionalism, reliability, and commitment to the college make him highly deserving of Outstanding Faculty recognition.

After major personal challenges, Wesley Barringer made the courageous decision to transform his life through education. He embraced every opportunity available, serving in roles ranging from PCCUA mascot to resident manager, always demonstrating dedication & professionalism. Today, Wesley serves as PCCUA’s Registrar’s Asst. & is valued in our campus community. During a period of departmental illness, Wesley became the sole employee staffing the Registrar’s Office, single-handedly maintaining daily operations & service to students. Known for his kindness, dependability, strong work ethic, & commitment to others, Wesley consistently exceeds expectations & strengthens every team he joins.

09/21/2026

🏆 Excellence deserves recognition! Help us congratulate Caroline Smith and Kim Lovelace, the Ozarka College 2026 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award winners.

Caroline Smith is an outstanding Allied Health educator whose dedication to student success, excellence in teaching, and commitment to Ozarka’s mission make her truly deserving of this honor. Known for her compassion, high standards, and unwavering support for her students, she has made a lasting impact both in the classroom and across the campus community. Through her leadership and passion for healthcare education, Caroline continues to inspire and prepare future healthcare professionals to serve the Ozarka College service region with excellence.

Since 2021, Kim Lovelace has served as Director of Off-Campus Operations for Ozarka College’s Mountain View campus, continuing a distinguished career dedicated to student success and institutional growth. Throughout her tenure, she has led admissions, student engagement, recruitment, outreach, housing, and grant-funded initiatives, including Career Pathways. As Ozarka College’s first Tech Prep Coordinator, she helped countless high school students begin their college journeys early. Kim’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on Ozarka College, its students, and the communities it serves, making her truly deserving of the Outstanding Staff Award.

09/18/2026

👏 Today, we’re proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the National Park College family! Jason Armitage and Tylor Clark this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards.

Jason Armitage has dedicated more than 30 years to educating the next generation of automotive technicians at National Park College. A graduate of NPC’s automotive technology program, he returned to his alma mater in 1993 and has since helped students develop the technical skills, professionalism and work ethic needed for successful careers. Armitage combines hands-on instruction with real-world problem-solving, preparing students to excel in the workplace. A respected campus leader and chair of the college’s Curriculum and Academic Committee, he is known for his dedication to student success, industry partnerships and excellence in technical education.

Tylor Clark serves as Learning Management System Administrator at National Park College, where he has supported student and faculty success for more than eight years. An NPC graduate, Clark earned his Associate of Arts degree in 2017 before joining the college as an IT support analyst. He manages the college’s Brightspace Learning Management System and has led improvements that enhance accessibility, communication and engagement while streamlining processes for faculty and staff. Known for his positive attitude, collaborative spirit and ability to solve complex challenges, Clark is a trusted campus resource whose work helps create a more effective and supportive learning environment for all.

09/17/2026

🎉 Today we honor Lisa Vaughn and Lisa Haggard, recipients of the 2026 ASU Mid-South Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards! Your dedication and achievements continue to inspire future generations.

Lisa Vaughn serves as a CNA Instructor at ASU Mid-South. She demonstrates a consistent, unwavering commitment to her students. Her classroom is not simply a training environment. It is a foundation for transformation. She does not only tech the technical competencies required to earn a Nursing Assistant certification but also models the values that define healthcare professionals; compassion, service, problem-solving, and leadership. Lisa wholly embodies the mission of ASU Mid-South by enriching lives through education, creating pathways to sustainable careers, and helping break generational cycles by equipping students with the tools for success. She truly is outstanding!

It is extremely rare to find someone who truly embodies the temperament, character, and talent required for a role in human resources, but Lisa Haggard is one of those exceptional individuals. Lisa is both professional and genuinely pleasant in her interactions. People often leave conversations with her feeling like they’ve gained new insights, whether that’s about themselves, their work, or the institution as a whole. Her heart for people and care for this institution are apparent to anyone who spends even a little time with her. Lisa’s constant, outstanding performance and dedication to her role are certainly worthy of acknowledgement.

09/16/2026

🌟 We’re shining a spotlight on two remarkable individuals from UA Rich Mountain who go above and beyond every day. Congratulations Stephen Moody and Lindsey Drewry for being named the 2026 UARM Outstanding Faculty and Staff Members.

Stephen has served as UARM’s Welding Instructor for 12 years and is widely respected by students, faculty, and staff for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to student success. During his tenure, he has led significant growth in the welding program, increasing student completion rates and expanding the welding lab from eight stations to fifteen. He also introduced portable welding units to provide students with hands-on experience in both indoor and outdoor welding environments. Under Stephen’s leadership, students regularly excel at SkillsUSA competitions and graduate prepared for successful careers in Arkansas industries, oil fields, and shipyards along the Atlantic Coast.

Lindsey Drewry has served UARM for seven years and is currently the Director of Financial Aid. Beginning her career at the college as a Financial Assistant, she has advanced through hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving students. Lindsey is known for her kindness, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of financial aid processes. She works tirelessly to help students and families navigate the challenges of paying for college and maximizes the impact of foundation scholarships to ensure students in need receive the support they deserve. Her compassion, work ethic, and expertise make her an invaluable asset to UARM and its students.

09/16/2026

Arkansas ranked #1 in certificate and workforce credential completion among states that participated in the recent Richmond Federal Reserve Survey of Community College Outcomes, which broadened the definition of success to include these types of credentials.

In Part 2 of our series, we will dig deeper into how community colleges are preparing students for work.

Read the full article here:

As we previously stated, Arkansas ranked #1 in certificate and workforce credential completion among states that participated in the recent Richmond Federal Reserve Survey of Community College Outcomes, which broadened the definition of success to include these types of credentials.  In

09/15/2026

Arkansas community colleges are leading the way in helping students complete short-term certificates that can move them into the workforce quickly.

In the Richmond Federal Reserve’s 2025 Survey of Community College Outcomes, Arkansas ranked #1 in short-term certificate completion rates among participating states.

This matters because many community college students are not following a traditional four-year path. They are pursuing focused training that can lead directly to a career.

Read our three-part Workforce Development Month series to see how Arkansas community colleges are redefining what student success looks like and preparing Arkansans for work. https://www.arkansascc.org/news/arkansas-workforce-story-pt1