2024 Outstanding Community College Alumni Honorees
Arkansas community college students completed more than 18,749 college credentials in 2023. These are often in high-demand, high-wage careers that support the backbone of the state’s economy and well-being – such as nurses, protective service workers, early childhood teachers, plumbers, welders, and more.
Every year, ACC member colleges nominate an outstanding alumnus for statewide recognition. We are proud to announce this year’s outstanding community college alumni awardees.
Ryan Perkins, Arkansas Northeastern College
arkansas northeastern college
Ryan Perkins of Blytheville earned his associate degree from ANC and continued his studies through the College's University Center. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Science Degree in Education Leadership, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership Degree. He began his career at ANC as Education Coordinator, then Dean for Arts & Sciences before being named the Vice President for Instruction in 2023. Before his work at ANC, Mr. Perkins worked in public schools as a teacher and then as a building administrator. He is passionate about helping students, and his personal experiences allow him to relate to many under-served students.
Andrew Bell, Baptist Memorial Hospital
arkansas state university beebe
In 2008, Andrew Bell earned two associate degrees from ASU-Beebe, where he received the 2007 Academic All-Star Award and the 2008 ASU-Beebe Heber Springs campus Outstanding Student Award. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University and then obtained a master's degree in genetic counseling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Bell now directs genetic counseling at Baptist Memorial Hospital, expanding genetic services regionally. He serves on several academic boards. Bell, his wife Dr. Sarah Bell, and their six sons enjoy outdoor activities and family time in Jonesboro.
Joseph CabaY, Army Corps of Egineers
arkansas state university mid-south
After completing a bachelor's degree from Lambuth University, Joey Cabay opened his own business - a ServiceMaster franchise specializing in residential water and fire damage. A few years later, he came to ASU Mid-South to enroll in Welding classes and soon lived and breathed welding. Joey was part of a class project that fabricated a water purifier for the people in an African village to have clean, safe drinking water. This past year, the Army Corps of Engineers selected Joey to speak in Washington DC to Congress about the importance of their work around the Mississippi River. Joey serves on our Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee and teaches adjunct welding classes.
Stetson Painter, State of Arkansas, House of Representatives
arkansas state university mountain home
Rep. Stetson Painter is serving his first term in the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 3 which includes portions of Baxter and Fulton County. He serves on the House Education Committee and the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee. He earned his associate's degree from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home in 2011. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Criminology and his Master of Public Administration from AState. Rep. Painter is a member of the Army Reserves and is active with the Baxter County Republican Committee and the American Legion. Rep. Painter resides in Mountain Home with his wife and young daughter.
Rebecca Foster, Bad Boy Mowers & Intimidator
arkansas state university newport
Rebecca Foster graduated from ASU-Newport in 1999 with an AA in Liberal Arts. She also completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rebecca and her husband, Robert, started their career in the fireworks industry, operating several large stands in Newport and surrounding states. In 1989, they opened their first tire store, and through hard work and creativity, they founded companies such as Bad Boy Mowers and Intimidator Industries. They have been generous supporters of philanthropic efforts in Independence and Jackson County areas, including ASU-Newport. Rebecca and Robert reside in Batesville, Arkansas.
Yessenia Gonzales, Arkansas Department of Transportation
Arkansas State University - Three Rivers
After graduating ASUTR (COTO) in 2018, Yessenia attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed two internships with the Arkansas Department of Transportation; one in Construction and the other in the Bridge Division. After this experience, she decided to pursue a Master's in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in structures. She received an Achievement Award for participating in the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program. After graduating, she went on to work for the Arkansas Department of Transportation at the NWA-Satellite office as an Engineer, and she is currently working towards obtaining her Professional Engineer's License.
Elizabeth Kimble, Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
black river technical college
Elizabeth Kimble, a 2009 Hoxie High School, and Black River Technical College graduate has significantly impacted Arkansas through her dedication to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. After earning her Associate of Arts from BRTC in 2011 and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and management from Arkansas State University, she embarked on a career that has seen her promote conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. As an education program specialist at Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, she has focused on empowering women and engaging the broader community through skill-building activities and public education. Her contributions have been widely recognized, including awards like the “Champion of Women” and the “R3 Award” from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Additionally, she served on the Black River Technical College Agriculture Program Advisory Committee from 2021 to 2023, helping to shape the future of agricultural education in Arkansas.
Sarah Hutzel, Arvest Bank
national park college
Sarah Hutzel is the senior vice president of commercial lending at Arvest Bank. She was a senior credit analyst and served as the chair of the credit analyst peer group for the four-state bank group. An alumna of National Park College Career Academy, she earned degrees in liberal studies from NPC and business administration degrees from Henderson State University, supported by scholarships. Hutzel chairs Ouachita Children's Services, co-founded the Hot Springs Women's Leadership Alliance, and serves on several educational and community boards. Her leadership extends to mentoring in banking and education, earning her recognition in civic and professional circles.
Cheryl Payne Laramore, REtired from Arkansas Freightways
north Arkansas college
Cheryl Payne Laramore was the first student to enroll in what was then North Arkansas Community College in 1974, and she was awarded the first scholarship. She worked in the Registrar's Office and became the first student body president. Cheryl had a 38-year career in Financial Management, culminating with 27 years as a consultant for the Department of Defense as a strategic cost analyst, with her company, CS2, Inc., providing cost/benefit analysis of alternatives for missile defense and space systems required to address anticipated future technologies and threats.
Karen Reynolds, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, Co-Medical Director, Piney Ridge Treatment Center
northwest arkansas community college
Karen Reynolds began her career in health care when she was only 14 years old and has over 30 years of experience in various areas of patient care. In 2015, she received Community Bank's Hero award and was named to the top 40 Women in Arkansas Business by First Security Bank. She was the 2020 American Association of Nurse Practitioners Arkansas nurse practitioner advocate of the year. She has received numerous other nursing award nominations. Karen has received numerous other awards throughout the years. Most recently, she was named the Women's Foundation of Arkansas' Top 100 Women of Impact.
Leslie Walker, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
ozarka college
Leslie is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in the Asthma Program at Arkansas Children's Hospital as well as an Adjunct Instructor for the UAMS Cardio-Respiratory Care Program. Since graduating from Ozarka, Leslie has gone on to earn an Associate's degree in Registered Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Cardio-Respiratory Care, and a Master of Science in Respiratory Care; she plans to begin her Ph.D. in 2025. Leslie also has the Neonatal and Pediatric Specialty (NPS) credential and still maintains her RN license. Leslie and her husband, Dakota, expect their first child this December.
Amy Green, Deputy Prosecutor for the First Judicial District of Arkansas
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
As Deputy Prosecutor for the First Judicial District of Arkansas, Amy Green is also co-founder of Ridge City Roasters, Helena's first small-batch specialty coffee roastery and tasting room. After practicing law in Las Vegas, Green returned to her hometown in 2010, serving as County Attorney for Phillips County, Elaine City Attorney, Lexa City Attorney, and representing children in the Arkansas foster care system. She is a certified co-parenting instructor and certified attorney ad litem. When not practicing law or roasting coffee beans, Green enjoys international travel, Arkansas road trips, hiking, and cooking meals for her big, blended family.
John Jameson, Principal of El Dorado High School
South Arkansas College
Mr. Jameson began his educational journey at South Arkansas College in 2008. Initially majoring in Business, he quickly changed to Education, where he found a love for teaching and learning. After completing the partnership program between SouthArk and the University of Arkansas at Monticello and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, Mr. Jameson started his career as a social studies teacher and coach in the El Dorado School District. While teaching and coaching, he pursued and completed a Master of Science in Educational Leadership at Henderson State University. Mr. Jameson has served as a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Vice Principal, and he was recently promoted to Principal of El Dorado High School. When he is not at El Dorado High School, Mr. Jameson spends time with his wife, Morgan, and his two children, Judge and Milo.
Roy Gober, Southeast Arkansas College
southeast Arkansas college
Roy Gober worked for the Pine Bluff Police Department for 12 years. During that time, he also pursued an Associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology from SEARK College, graduating in 2016. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. Then, using his training as a member of the state police Internet Crimes Against Children task force, he pursued and earned a Master's degree in Cybersecurity from Grand Canyon University. When the position of Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity came open at SEARK it was an easy transition back to teaching and training. Roy loves fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.
Vincent Mills, Smackover Public Schools
southern arkansas university tech
Vincent Mills graduated from SAU Tech in 2013. At his graduation he was recognized for Outstanding Performance in Teacher Education. He then received a full scholarship to attend SAU. He received his Bachelor of Science Education in 2015, followed by a Masters of Education in Gifted and Talented programs in 2017, and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership in 2020. He taught math and science for 6 years at Camden Fairview Intermediate School and then accepted the position as Assistant Principal at Smackover High School in 2021. He contributes his success to SAU Tech and the faculty who encouraged him to continue his education.
Adrienne Beck, Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research
university of Arkansas community college at morrilton
Adrienne is a 2007 of Wonderview High School and 2009 honor graduate from UACCM. She received a transfer scholarship to Arkansas Tech and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Adrienne served in the Americorps Program before working as a fundraiser with Heifer International in Little Rock. She enrolled in the graduate program at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2016 with a Master's Degree in Public Policy. Adrienne started her career at the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research in October 2016 where she serves as a legislative analyst specializing in Public School Finance.
Arwen McDaniel, UA Cossatot
University of Arkansas Cossatot
Arwen McDaniel began her journey with UA Cossatot as a student of occupational therapy assistance and graduated in 2016. In 2017, she began guest lecturing. Three short years later, she accepted a full-time teaching position as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for UAC, which she describes as "coming home." Arwen says that working for UAC has been an honor. Her philosophy of teaching includes learning by doing and the just right challenge. Intrinsic motivation and self-responsibility are also keys in her teaching approach. She will graduate in December with a master's degree in occupational therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Lisa Teer, EmpowerING Arkansas Therapy Services, INc.
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
Lisa Teer's journey is truly inspiring. After graduating from UAPTC and transferring to UALR, she pursued her passion for helping others. Lisa's major was in Business and PR Marketing. This eventually led her to a different path - social work. Her dedication to helping others led her to fund Empowering Arkansas Therapy Services, Inc. The support and encouragement she received from her professors at UAPTC played a significant role in her success. Lisa actively contributes to the community by providing services at the Pulaski County Trauma Processing, CSI Academy, by helping adults in detention. Lisa also serves on the Foundation Board of Directors at UAPTC. Lisa's nomination is well-deserved.
Taylor Rook, AcxioM, LLC
University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
Taylor Rook has lived most of his life in Arkansas and spent most of his formative years in Mena. He earned his Associate of Applied Science from the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in 2013 and then transferred to UA Fort Smith. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He is currently employed at Acxiom LLC as a solutions developer and has accomplished many things. Taylor and his team have been recognized for their leadership and substantial client impact. He plans to get his Master's in either business or cybersecurity eventually.