Alumni News

1. When did you attend Henderson and in what activities did you participate?

I attended HSU in 1990 and graduated in 1994, in 1999-2001, and again in 2006-2008 for the Educational Leadership Program. I was involved in CBS, SGA, RHA, the Angelic Voices for Christ, and I joined Arkansas Education Association.

2. What was your major? What prompted you to pursue your particular degree?

In 1990, I entered the Educational Preparation Program which was formally known as the Teacher’s College and received a BA in Elementary Education and a Minor in Social Studies. I received my Educational Leadership/Administrative Degree followed by obtaining a degree as an Educational Specialist. I have a long legacy of educators who influenced me to become an educator.  My Aunt Kaye Person is a retired K-12 Music teacher with 40 years of experience. My Aunt Thelma Nancy Runion is a special education teacher at Newport High School, and this is her 46th year in the profession. She is still teaching!  My dad retired after 38 years in the education profession. My mother completed 40 years as an elementary and middle school teacher. My younger sister, Lea Metcalf McDonald, is completing her 20th year and is the Federal Programs Director in Texarkana, Arkansas. My younger sister, Skye Metcalf Do, is completing her 10th year as a kindergarten teacher. My husband, Tracy Forte’, is completing his 29th year as a teacher, coach, and administrator.  Everyone in my family was or is a teacher in the public school system. It is a part or our legacy. I watched my parents and my family shape the future one child at a time, and I decided I wanted to become an educator to give something back to my community. 

[Read more…] about Alumni Profile: Thelma Forte’

Chris and Debra Wewers are Reddies who remain very active alumni. The couple met during freshman orientation when they were placed in the Red and Gray Line group together.

The Wewers are members of the Reddie Club who love attending football games. The Wewers support students’ academic success each year with the Christopher M. Wewers Business Scholarship for a School of Business student and a student from the Teachers College with the Debra Nutt Wewers Education Scholarship.

Chris is also Chairman on the HSU Foundation Board and the School of Business Advisory Board.

We wanted to take a moment to learn more about the couple and their experiences at Henderson that shaped their lives and how they continue to stay connected to their alma mater.

1. When did you attend Henderson and in what activities did you participate?

Chris

I attended HSU from August ‘89 through December ‘92.  I played on the HSU golf team for two years (‘89 – ‘90 and ‘90 – ‘91).  I lived in Newberry (for three long years) and I was an RA for two years (‘90 – ‘91 and ‘91 – ‘92).  I was a member of Alpha Chi. I spent a lot of time studying in Mooney and in the library (as evidenced by finishing my undergraduate degree in 3.5 years, graduating Summa Cum Laude).

Debra

I attended HSU from Aug. ‘89 through May ‘95.  I received by Bachelors of Science in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood in May ‘93 and my Masters of Science in Education in May ‘95.

2. What was your major? What prompted you to pursue your particular degree?

Chris

I received my Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting.  I’ve always loved numbers; the math clicks in my brain and optically I can see how all of the pieces play and fit together.    

Debra

My initial major was Accounting.  Before I ever took an accounting class, I switched to Fashion Merchandising, took some classes and then quickly switched to Education.

3. Why did you choose Henderson?

Chris and Debra

We chose Henderson because the school has a great reputation, it was close to home, and it was a good value.

4. What is your hometown? From what high school did you graduate and in what year?

Chris

I graduated from Hope High School in May 1989.

Debra
I graduated from Sparkman High School in May 1989.

5. What is your current occupation and your primary focus? Briefly describe what you do.

Chris

I have the privilege of serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Southern Bancorp Inc. and Southern Bancorp Bank.  My primary areas of focus are Accounting, Finance & Operations. Given that every quarter I sign our financial statements under penalty of perjury (literally, it’s on the forms we submit to the government each quarter), my job is to make sure every dollar is accounted for, every dollar is in the right place, the trains run on the right tracks at the right times and that we’re managing the company within the risk parameters as outlined by our respective Boards of Directors.

Debra

Currently I’m a fitness instructor with LA Fitness (Zumba certified, cycling and kickboxing).  As we raised our two children (Ashley – 24 and Stephen – 21), my most rewarding job has been being a homemaker.  I also was the office manager for an optometrist, an office manager for a dentist, and a financial aid officer at a university.

6. Please “chart” your education and career progression since you graduated Henderson. And what are your future plans?

Chris

Dec 92 – May 95, Management Trainee at Merchants & Planters Bank, Arkadelphia, AR
May 95 – Aug 98, Assistant to the President, Horizon Bank, Arkadelphia, AR
Aug 98 – Nov 98, President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchants & Planters Bank, Sparkman, AR
Dec 98 – Aug 99, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Community Bank FSB
Sep 99 – Jun 01, President & Chief Operating Officer, Community Bank of North Arkansas
Jul 01 – Mar 11, Chief Financial Officer, Summit Bank
Apr 11 – Jun 13, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, First Federal Bank
Jul 13 – Mar 15, President & Chief Executive Officer, First Federal Bank
Mar 15 – Present, Chief Financial Officer, Southern Bancorp Bank
My future plans are to someday ‘retire’ to the classroom.  I want to teach business law, accounting and finance at the collegiate level.

Debra
I didn’t go into teaching.  I have one of the most important jobs in the world (raising our 2 kids).

7. How has your degree benefited you in your career progression?

Chris

What I learned and what I was taught in the HSU School of Business by Dr. Louis Dawkins, Don Dodson, and Dr. Margaret Hoskins is the rock solid foundation of my entire career.  The more effort I put forth, the more effort they poured into me, challenged me, shaped me, molded me. Critical thinking, to always challenge the status quo, pay ferocious attention to the details, dress and carry yourself appropriately, be able to clearly and succinctly convey your thoughts and don’t be on time – be early.

Debra

I’m proud that I got my BSE and my MSE; however, life and family took me in a different direction, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.

8. What aspect of your degree/career most interests you and what do you enjoy most about your profession?

Chris

What I love about banking is it’s universal.  Everyone needs it, and everyone can participate in it.  I don’t know of another business where with the stroke of a pen, you can change someone’s life forever (or for multiple generations).  Helping people conduct their financial business, reach their financial goals and be good stewards of their resources is very rewarding.  Banks who operate as though we’re a commodity business will be just that, a commodity that can go away overnight. Banking is about relationships, and relationships matter, relationships with your co-workers, your customers and your communities.  Lose that connection, and you’re on a downhill slide. A wise old sage told me years ago that “Accounting is Science, Finance is Art, master the Science and then you can go paint a Picasso!”. Banking allows me the opportunity to do that.

Debra

I actually taught at the Child Service Center as a Graduate Assistant position during my Masters program.  Upon graduating, I accepted a position as a Kindergarten teacher at the Christian School located in Cornerstone Baptist Church. Complications during my second pregnancy prevented me from returning the second half of the school year.The love of staying home and nurturing my children overcame the desire to go back into the school system.  The Early Childhood Education degree helped me in so many ways with raising my children. They are both so different, and having the background in education helped both to blossom in the areas they loved as well as prepare them to tackle areas they were not so fond of. It makes me so proud to see the young adults they have become.

I think the most rewarding thing in my classes is to see how hard people push themselves. I’ve had a student tell me that the conditioning and endurance in the cycling class helped him complete a marathon.  
I think the main thing I stress is to have fun!  If you’re not having fun then chances are you won’t stick to your workout regimen.

9. Would you recommend your degree track at Henderson, and why? Any advice for current students?

Chris

Unequivocally.  To build anything that will last, it all starts with a great foundation.  If you will put forth the effort, that’s exactly what the HSU School of Business will give you, a great foundation from which to springboard into your career.  It is a competition (your competitors are all of those other students sitting around you in class). If you give average efforts, you’ll get average results. If you give great efforts, you’ll get great results.     

  Debra

I would wholeheartedly recommend my degree track at HSU to current and future students.  A solid foundation is important to having a successful career, and I received that from HSU.  My advice for current students is to pour your heart and soul into it. it is rewarding and fulfilling.

10. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you since you graduated from Henderson?

Chris

My degree and the other things I learned at HSU are an extensive part of the reason I’ve been blessed to have a successful career in banking.  What I can also tell you is that when I went to the University of Arkansas from May 94 to May 95 to get my MBA, I was better prepared than all of the other graduate students (which I believe is why I was able to complete the program with a 4.0 GPA and receive the “Outstanding Graduate Student” Award from the Walton School of Business).

Debra
As we raised our two children, my most rewarding job has been being a homemaker.

11. If someone asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? Could you share something that most people don’t know about you?

Chris  

Detailed, results oriented, matter-of-fact, committed.  If I can’t give 100% to something, I won’t do it. I’m also a rabid NASCAR fan (who doesn’t like the idea of a driving a 650 hp machine at 200 mph!).  Also, when I was in high school, I could play any musical instrument you found in the band except for the piccolo.

Debra  

Compassionate, kind-hearted, driven, a rule follower. For her fitness classes that she teaches, Debra pours hours a day searching for the one right choreography for a song for her next class.   

12. What other degree did you consider pursuing?

Chris  

Electrical or mechanical engineering.

Debra

Fashion merchandising.

13. Please list any awards or honors.

Chris

2006 – Arkansas Business, 40 Under 40

2010 – Arkansas Business, CFO of the Year
2014 – Henderson State University, Business Hall of Fame
2018 – Arkansas Business, CFO of the Year Finalist

Debra
I didn’t receive a plaque or a certificate for it, but being a great mother and a great wife is very satisfying.

14. Interesting Facts and Additional Comments:

Chris
Other factors also helped shape me, and I did all of these while getting my degree at HSU.  If you’ve ever worked as an RA (two years), if you’ve ever worked at McDonald’s (one semester) or if you’ve ever worked as a diesel mechanic (eight months and all while getting my degree at HSU), you have all the motivation you need to finish your degree.   

Also, Debra has been my rock that has been by my side for twenty-seven years, supporting me, encouraging me, challenging me and holding me accountable throughout my career.  She even stuck around after her father called me a ‘block head’ (actually what he said was “that boy’s got a good square head on his shoulders”, but it’s not nearly as funny to say it that way).

Henderson State University honored six outstanding Henderson graduates at the Alumni Awards Banquet Feb. 2.

Pam Vaughan, Barry Bryant, and Garry Glasco became Distinguished Alumni, joining an esteemed group of outstanding men and women who have received the award.

First awarded in 1972 to honor outstanding graduates, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor Henderson bestows on its graduates. Honorees have made outstanding achievements and contributions in their career, community, education, politics, social services and humanities.

“H” Awards were presented to Ross Godwin and Charlie Payne. This honor is given to alumni, friends, faculty, or staff who have given meritorious service to the university.

Krystal Beachum received the Young Alumni Achievement Award which is presented to a Reddie who is under 40 and has a notable career of personal accomplishments.

[Read more…] about Henderson honors outstanding alumni

Hosea Sanders, a highly-successful broadcast journalist from Arkadelphia, came back to Henderson State University Dec. 7 where his career began in the late 1970s. Sanders’ friend and former classmate, Greg Harris, presented a plaque to Sanders that reads: “In recognition of HSU alumnus Hosea Sanders for his outstanding career in broadcast journalism which all began at Henderson State University, right here on the air at KSWH-LP 1.0.5 FM.”

Sanders spoke to Henderson’s broadcast journalism class before the presentation. The plaque was then placed on KSWH studio wall in the Garrison Center. Sanders graduated from Henderson in 1979.

Sanders anchors the primetime newscast for Chicago’s ABC 7, provides regular reports for evening newscasts on issues important to Chicago neighborhoods, and covers key disability related stories.

He also hosts the Emmy Award winning series “Heart and Soul,” which showcases Chicago’s vibrant African-American community.

Prior to joining ABC 7, Sanders worked at TV stations in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Little Rock. He has won 12 Emmy Awards, gaining honors for live coverage, spot news, entertainment reporting, news writing, programming, and overall news achievement.

He has received more than 100 awards throughout his career from various churches, civic and community organizations for his community service.

 

 

Lisa Mundy graduated from Henderson State University in 1996 with a degree in secondary physical education. She now lives in Bryant. Mundy is an active alumna who was just recently awarded the inaugural Spirit Squad Alumni Member of the Year Award. Mundy is a great supporter of the spirit squads, and she previously supported the Alumni Association as a member of the Alumni Board from 1997-1999.

When did you attend Henderson and in what activities did you participate?

I attended Henderson beginning the fall of 1991 through December 1996. I was a member of the Dance Company, Reddie Pom Squad, Heart and Key, and a student athletic trainer for the volleyball team.

What was your major? What prompted you to pursue your particular degree?

I was a secondary physical education major, with a small stint as a double major in recreation for athletic training.  Back then, elementary physical education was an add-on, not part of the degree plan. Health was not an automatic certification field either, my minor was English.

Why did you choose Henderson?

I chose Henderson quite by accident. My plans were to further pursue dance out of state.  When auditions rolled around for the various college and universities I had applied, I was too burned out to continue.  I knew the Henderson campus, I knew Arkadelphia, and felt that it would be a great place to continue my academics after high school, with the intent of transferring out to specialize in dance. I loved it so much, I stayed!  (More of the story:  As my parents are originally from Arkadelphia, my mother’s family were Ouachitonians; my grandmother had been the director of their library for decades.  But, how things progress, my great-uncle decreed that the family would pull support from across the ravine. My generation was the first NOT to attend OBU. 

What is your hometown? From what high school did you graduate and in what year?

Bryant, Arkansas, Bryant High School, 1991 [Read more…] about Q&A with alumna Lisa Mundy

Bobby Bones, a Henderson State graduate who hosts the biggest country morning show in the United States, won the latest Dancing with the Stars competition.

Bones got his start in radio at Henderson’s KSWH. His popular program originates from WSIX in Nashville, Tennessee, and can be heard on nearly 100 country radio stations nationwide by millions of listeners.

READ MORE

 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) biochemist Billy Hudson, PhD, has been awarded the 2018 Distinguished Investigator Prize by the International Society for Matrix Biology for his contributions to the field of matrix biology.

Hudson, graduated from Henderson State University in 1962 with a degree in Chemistry. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of Henderson in 1990.The prize will be presented this month during the American Society for Matrix Biology Biennial Meeting in Las Vegas.

Hudson is the Elliott V. Newman Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt and director of the Center for Matrix Biology. The prize recognizes seminal basic science and medical discoveries by Hudson and his colleagues about the chemistry, pathology and evolution of collagen IV, an extracellular matrix protein.

The extracellular matrix binds cells together forming a functional tissue and influences cell behavior. The matrix plays important roles in organ development and function, wound repair, angiogenesis, cancer, diabetic complications, as well as tissue fibrosis and regeneration.

The prizes also recognizes Hudson’s commitment to education, particularly the Aspirnaut STEM pipeline program he and his wife, Julie Hudson, M.D., vice president for Medical Center Relations, established in 2007 and which has become a national model for training scientists, doctors and engineers, including students from Henderson. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and will accept it on behalf of my students, fellows, collaborators and Aspirnauts,” said Hudson, who also is professor of Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.

 

As executive producer of the popular 103.7 The Buzz in Little Rock, Derrell Young credits his education at Henderson State University for much of his success in the radio business.

Young graduated in 2006, earning his degree in mass media after changing his major several times.

“I can’t, for the life of me, remember my oral communications professor’s name, but I can remember what she said to me,” Young said. “She stopped me after one of my speeches and said ‘you should really think about majoring in mass media or communication.’

“The rest is history.”

But it was band camp that attracted Young to Henderson.

“The first time I visited the campus was in eighth grade, and I was hooked,” he said. “The first time I met Mr. (David) Rollins, I had no idea he would have such an influence on me.

“When I came back to try out for the band years later, the conversations between us definitely had a huge effect on me.”

After he graduated, Young  interned at The Buzz and became a part-time employee.

“I became Randy Rainwater’s producer for Drivetime Sports,” he said. “In 2012, I became the executive producer for the station. They trusted me to run things for some reason.

“I am always working toward having my own show again.”

Young said his degree “and things I learned” at Henderson are what allowed his career to progress so rapidly.

“I can honestly say that the skills I took from college were used on day one of my professional career,” he said.

When asked what he enjoys most about his profession, Young said, “You know that saying ‘find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life?’

“We basically talk and ‘work’ with sports and music. Even on days that are super busy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said. “I am literally wearing basketball shorts and a superhero t-shirt as I sit in my office listening to J. Cole while someone is arguing about Chad Morris in the hallway.

“I have the best job in the world.”

For students pursuing a mass media degree at Henderson, Young has this advice:

“You have to know that it is fun, but it is a lot of hard work,” he said. “You could say that about any career that you pursue. The thing that makes those late nights worth it is that you love what you do.”

Young describes himself as “the loud, talkative guy who is probably listening to music when you meet him. I am in a good mood 99 percent of the time.”

Young met his wife, Neffaria, while attending Henderson. They have two daughters, Kailynn and Kobie.

“I am blessed to have these amazing ladies in my corner,” he said. “I can’t imagine life without them.”

 

Henderson State University biology alumna (2014) Cynthia Holland recently defended her Ph.D. dissertation entitled “Plant Metabolic Pathways and Regulatory Networks for Aromatic Amino Acids and Hormones” at Washington University in St. Louis. 

Holland, who joined the lab of Dr. Joe Jez in the Plant and Microbial Biosciences program in 2014, has enjoyed a successful graduate career, completing her doctoral work in just 4 years.

Along the way, she coauthored at least nine research papers, including an article in the top tier journal Nature Chemical Biology. Most of her work focused on various aspects of amino acid synthesis pathways in plants.   

While a senior at Henderson, Holland spent a summer at Washington University participating in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This experience was significant in her acceptance into the prestigious Washington University graduate school program. 

Holland did undergraduate research at Henderson for two years with Dr. Marty Campbell, helping start a natural product discovery from native Arkansas plants program. Her extensive research experience, along with participation in two separate REU programs, paid off.

In 2014, she became the first ever Henderson student to be awarded (as an undergraduate) the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship, which provided stipend support for three years at a graduate institute of her choice.

This spring, Holland became a recipient of a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.  This program will provide funding in excess of $200,000 for up to three years of postdoctoral work.  In August, she will join the Georg Jander lab at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.  She hopes to use her knowledge of plant biochemistry to begin engineering plants to produce medically useful compounds.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge welcomed a new class of law clerks to the attorney general’s office for the spring semester. These law students work in various departments assisting with legal research, drafting memos and legal documents and accompanying lawyers at trials, client meetings and hearings.

Sara Renfrow, a second-year student at the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law, is clerking in the Criminal Department. She graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2016. Renfrow is from Nashville and graduated from Nashville High School in 2012.

“Attorney General’s office law clerks work closely with some of Arkansas’s top attorneys,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “This program is a great service-learning opportunity for students to be exposed to the fulfilling experience of working in the public service sector. Law clerks are a valuable asset to the people of Arkansas.”