College of Education and Health Professions 2024 Alumni Award Recipients (front row, from left) Karan B. Burnette, Michael M. Kocet, Keith A. Jones, Elise Swanson, Michael Tapee, and Heather D. Hunter. (Back row from left) Nackaman Williams, Judd Seminson, Reed Greenwood, Curtis L. Ivery, Jordan Glenn, Jennifer Ash.
The College of Education and Health Professions recently welcomed more than a dozen outstanding graduates who are making a difference in people's lives through research, teaching, leadership, philanthropy and public service.
The university held a banquet for alumni on Friday, March 8, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. The event included several new awards, including the Outstanding Public Service Award and the Dean's Circle of Care.
“Access to quality education and health care is a fundamental right and the foundation of the success of all people and the well-being of all communities,” Dean Kate Mamiseishvili said at the beginning of the opening ceremony. All of us in the faculty believe that,” he told the audience. Event. “Therefore, my heart is filled with gratitude as I celebrate the careers of our outstanding graduates, who have opened the door to brighter futures, more educational opportunities, and a better quality of life for many individuals and their surrounding communities.” is.”
While each award recipient has transformed education and healthcare in their own unique way, their stories share commonalities. They embody the values of our caring university, Mamiseishvili added. She also pointed out that each of the award recipients possesses a wealth of patience, generosity, kindness, empathy and genuine consideration.
The evening was filled with moving stories and moving tributes, including a moment when Keith Jones, who began his career in athletic training at the U of A, dedicated his award to Dean Weber. Mr. Weber, a beloved longtime head athletic trainer at the University of Athletics, passed away in February.
Before each graduate was invited to the stage to receive their award, a video was played featuring photos and details of their lives and careers.
The first awards were presented to outstanding graduates from the university's five departments and the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. (See previously published article for details on winners in each category.)
The Alumni Award winners by category are as follows:
- Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy: Callan B. Barnett, Executive Director, Partners for Inclusive Communities.
- Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods: Michael M. Kocet, Assistant Vice President for Graduate Education and Professor of Counseling, University of Colorado, Denver.
- Curriculum guidance department: Michael Tappy, Springdale Public Schools Hellstern Middle School mathematics teacher.
- Educational Reform Bureau:Elise Swanson, Senior Research Manager, Center for Educational Policy Research, Harvard University.
- Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation: Keith A. Jones, longtime head athletic trainer for the Houston Rockets.
- Eleanor Mann School of Nursing: Heather D. Hunter, Nursing Clinical Instructor and School of Nursing Online BSN Practicum Coordinator.
After the category awards, Mamiseishvili announced the university-wide winners. Among them was Nackaman Williams, recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award and director of special projects for the Walton Family Foundation. This is the university's new award, which recognizes graduates who foster a culture of caring and improve the lives of others through civic engagement, community service and volunteerism.
Mamiseishvili noted that Williams has dedicated his professional career to promoting philanthropy and improving communities across Arkansas. “Dr. Williams has made it her life's mission to provide access to opportunity for all, mentor others, and serve the underserved,” she said. Told. “Dr. Williams' caring approach to service to public schools and the delivery of innovative services is legendary. She is widely respected for her dedication to excellence and her warmth and goodwill toward all people.”
Williams' wife, Angela Williams, is also a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions. Their son, Nathan, recently graduated from college with a Master of Science in Counseling.
The university-wide alumni award winners are:
- Emerging Leaders in Education Award: Jennifer Ash, Director of the National Rural Education Research Network Center, Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research.
- Emerging Leaders in Health Award: Jordan Glenn, Chief Scientific Officer, Neurotrack.
- Excellence in Career Award in Education: Curtis L. Ivery, Wayne County Community College District President.
- Excellence in Career Award in the Health Field: Judd Seminson, CEO of Community Clinic.
- Outstanding Public Service Award: Nackaman Williams, Director of Special Projects, Walton Family Foundation.
The final award of the night was presented to Reid Greenwood, who served as Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions from 2001 to 2009 and retired in 2014 after a 35-year career at the University. . The Circle of Care recognizes individuals associated with the University who embody a culture of care at the deepest level.
“Dr. Greenwood was chosen for his steadfast role as a wise confidant, confidant, advisor, and friend as I embark on my journey as dean,” Mamiseishvili told the audience. “I can't imagine getting through the last 18 months without his kindness, advice and care.”
Professor Greenwood interviewed Mr. Mamiseishvili about his first job at the University of Alaska. “I could not have imagined at the time how much of an influence he would have on my career as I embarked on the biggest role of his life as dean,” he said. she said.
About the College of Education and Health Professions: The six academic departments in the College of Education and Health Professions prepare students for a variety of careers in education and health professions. In addition to its longstanding role of preparing educators and educational leaders, the university also trains nurses, speech-language pathologists, public health professionals, recreation and sports professionals, counselors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise scientists. I am training.
