2025 Arkansas Community College Outstanding Alumni

Arkansas community college (ACC) 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.

Joel Payne, SMS Group
Arkansas Northeastern College

Joel Payne is the Vice President of Sales and Operations for SMS-group in Arkansas. In 1989, He began his 36-year career in the steel industry at Nucor- Yamato Steel in an entry-level position.  In 2004, he was promoted to Supervisor and promoted to Department Manager in 2011. Joel managed several departments in his career spanning five states, before leaving Nucor in 2022. He later returned to Arkansas to join SMS. 

Joel took advantage of non-traditional college programs, earning two associate degrees from ANC and a bachelor’s from ASU. Joel and his wife Christen have two children and three grandchildren.

Leroy Goff, Goff, Inc.
arkansas State university - beebe

In 1961, Leroy Goff enrolled at ASU-Beebe, pursuing a degree in education. After completing two years, he then transferred to Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway (UCA). He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees and began teaching history at Jacksonville Junior High School, where he later became the vice principal. While teaching, Leroy obtained a real estate license and in 1969 established Goff, Inc. In 1974, Goff went into real estate business full time, acquiring rental property, building houses and selling real estate. After 56 years, Goff has attributed his success to offering fair, quality service to his customers.

Stephanie Thomas, West Memphis School District
Arkansas State University Mid-South

As a dedicated elementary teacher in the West Memphis School District for 15 years, Stephanie Thomas has not only excelled in her profession, but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for her students. She is deeply committed to ensuring her students are supported academically, emotionally, and socially. She is their champion and sometimes their only consistent source of encouragement. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls. Stephanie is a shining example of integrity and professionalism, leading with compassion and teaching with purpose. Her unwavering belief in her students certainly make her deserving of this award.

Shelley Korsmeier, Malvern High School
Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Shelley Korsmeier has a big heart for the community. She has worked for Malvern High School since 2010. She started out in special education and transitioned to the math department during the 2023-2024 school year.

She is super involved in every activity that Malvern hosts. She volunteers without hesitation and is known for coming early and staying late. She has a reputation for pulling out a student who needs support and investing time with them one-on-one to help them be successful. She is an advocate for students and works to ensure that each student she encounters has every opportunity to be a successful high school graduate.

Brandon Barnes, Arvest Bank/Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

Brandon graduated from ASUMH in 2014 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arkansas State University in 2016. Brandon has nine years of banking experience, owns two laundromats, and is a real estate investor and developer. Brandon is a past member of the Twin Lakes Future Fund, past-president of the Kiwanis board, and volunteers his time and talent to non-profit organizations as an auctioneer. He is a valued part of the Mountain Home High School mentorship program and sponsors the Student and Teacher of the Month at MHHS. Brandon is a business leader in our community, a devoted husband and father, and a true TrailBlazer!

Hannah Cagle, The Skin Clique
Black River Technical College

Hannah Cagle earned an Associate of Arts degree from BRTC in 2012 and graduated from the LPN program in 2013. She received her RN degree from ASU Newport and BSN from UAMS. Hannah is currently an APRN for The Skin Clique.

She serves on the Team Luke Hope for Minds Board of Directors out of Texas. She is a board member of The Growing Minds Foundation. Hannah also has a Facebook page, Lawson's Mustard Seed, that is dedicated to her son and his medical journey. Hannah is married to Josh Cagle and they have three children, Eleanor, Lawson, and Shad.

Aundrea Crary, Hot Springs Convention Center
National Park College

Aundrea Crary is Sales Manager at the Hot Springs Convention Center, with over 20 years of experience in tourism, client relations, and event development. A first-generation college graduate, she holds two degrees from National Park College and earned her bachelor's in Organizational Management from John Brown University as a non-traditional student. Aundrea is a founding board member of the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance and has served on the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade board for over two decades. She credits NPC as the foundation of her growth and brings a spirit of service, integrity, and community to every role she holds.

Dr. Lewis Villines, Harrison School District
North Arkansas College

Dr. Lewis Villines attended North Arkansas College in 1989–90. A Jasper native, he earned his bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas in 1993, a master’s from UCA in 2006, and a doctorate from Harding University in 2017. He taught high school agriculture for 14 years before serving as principal at Flippin Elementary, Huntsville High, and Rogers High. He now serves as Assistant Superintendent at Harrison School District. Dr. Villines is being recognized for his dedicated service to youth and outstanding leadership in public school administration.

Martha Cortes, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Martha Cortes was born in Durango, Mexico. She came to the US in 1994. Martha began working as a Northwest Arkansas Community College receptionist in 2002 and has served in various positions at the college. She is currently the Enrollment Specialist at the NWACC Adult Education Center. In 2007, she passed her US Citizenship test. In 2010, she received her Associates of Arts Degree from NWACC, and plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas. Martha encourages adult students to get involved in education to better their future and to pursue their dreams. Martha and her husband have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

Tanner Hoskinds, Calico Rock High School
Ozarka College

Tanner Hoskinds is the Athletic Director at Calico Rock High School. He also currently serves as head basketball and softball coach and leads his school's athletic programs with a focus on both excellence and community service.

Tanner is deeply engaged in his community. He attends Midway Baptist Church in Melbourne and actively involves his athletic programs in service projects throughout Calico Rock. His coaching achievements include a district championship title, being named 1A-2 Coach of the Year, and leading his softball team to the state finals.

Tanner was an outstanding student at Ozarka and continues to be a leader and role model in the field of education and athletics.

Sandra Bagley, Express Scripts (Cigna Health Systems)
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

Sandra Bagley began her college journey at PCCUA at age 48, earning her associate degree in two years while working full-time at AT&T. She went on to complete her bachelor’s and MBA while continuing her career. After 37 years at AT&T, she joined Express Scripts. A dedicated community leader, she serves as President of the Helena-West Helena School Board, the local Kiwanis Club, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She’s also an ordained minister and an award-winning religion columnist. Bagley credits PCCUA for laying the foundation for her academic and professional success. Her story exemplifies lifelong learning and service.

Dr. Gretchen Cobb, Arkansas School for the Deaf
southern arkansas university tech

Gretchen graduated from SAU Tech in 1982, BSE in 1990 from UALR, Master of arts in English Literature at Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2010, and Doctor of Philosophy in Composition and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Gretchen has worked at the Arkansas School for the Deaf since 2013. In her present role, she travels the state to ensure that babies up to age 5 receive the needed hearing services.This spring, 2025, she has made connections between ASD and SAUT in hopes of graduating students from ASD attending our college.

Landon Darden, South Arkansas Regional Hospital
South Arkansas College

South Arkansas College is pleased to recognize Landon Darden as the Outstanding Alumni. Landon is a 2024 graduate of the Practical Nursing program. He now works at South Arkansas Regional Hospital in the rehabilitation unit, where he received the 2025 Outstanding Nurse Award. The medical field, particularly rehabilitation, is very personal for Landon. In 2015, he was involved in a duck hunting accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. This experience ultimately led him to his passion for nursing and directly impacts the care he provides others. SouthArk is proud to be a part of Landon’s professional journey!

Danny Gumm, SEARK College and Gumm Heating and Air
Southeast Arkansas College

A 2015 SEARK College graduate, Danny Gumm enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school. After his military service, Danny enrolled at SEARK College, where he earned an AAS in General Technology and an AA in General Studies. After twenty years working in the private sector, Danny has spent the last five years, as an HVAC instructor at SEARK College. As an instructor, he cares for his students not only in the classroom but also outside of it, such as making sure hungry students have breakfast.

Recently, he passed his HVAC/R licensing exam and launched his own business, Gumm Heating and Air. Danny and his wife, Ashley, are the proud parents of Callie, Laney, Paisley, and Tristan.

Brittany McWhorter, Arkansas Legislative Audit
University of Arkansas Cossatot

Brittany McWhorter began her academic journey at UA Cossatot, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting in 2009. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at Texas A&M University – Texarkana in 2013. While in school, she gained hands-on experience as a Work Order Accountant at Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative REA. In 2014, Brittany joined Arkansas Legislative Audit, where she has spent the past decade conducting financial audits for counties, school districts, and municipalities. Now a Staff Auditor, she remains dedicated to public service and upholding accountability in government through her work across the state.

Kristina Balentine, KAIT Region 8 News
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

Originally from Smithville, AR Kristina Balentine grew up fascinated by the weather and by 10th grade she knew she wanted to study meteorology. She graduated from Hillcrest HS enrolled at UACCB where she completed an associate degree in STEM. She transferred to Mississippi State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in geosciences with an emphasis in broadcast meteorology and a minor in broadcast journalism in May 2022. Kristina completed her master's degree in geosciences, with a concentration in professional meteorology/climatology in May 2024. She was able to come back to her home region as a broadcast meteorologist that same year for KAIT Region 8 News.

Dr. Linda Jackson, United Health Group/Optum at Home/also FNP Clinicals
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

Dr. Linda Jackson grew up in extreme poverty, which led to her dropping out of school in the 8th-grade to care for her disabled brother. She would experience homelessness for five years, later becoming a CNA and earning her GED. Assisted by a non-profit group who gave her a vehicle, she enrolled in UACCM and completed her Associate of Science and Associate of Arts, all while raising 10 children. She eventually earned a BSN, Bachelor of Sociology, Master of Science in Nursing, APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC), and finally, in May 2025, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Misty Hughes, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Misty Hughes has served UAHT for over 16 years in roles including Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Director of Advising. A 2002 UAHT graduate, Misty knows firsthand the power of community colleges to change lives. Her dedication to students and passion for education have helped shape the college’s success. She leads by example, earning deep respect from colleagues through her integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Misty’s impact is felt across campus, and her journey—from student to leader—continues to inspire. UAHT is proud to recognize her as a true champion for student success and a vital part of its mission.

Wendy McDonald & Jill Schay, owners of The Croissanterie
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald met while attending UA-PTC Culinary School. Schay graduated with a baking degree, McDonald earned her culinary degree.

Their weekends were dedicated to the Hillcrest Farmers Market. A customer’s question “When are we going to get a breakfast croissant?”

Their food truck was successful. Now, they’re preparing for their biggest move yet: closing both current locations to open a larger one opening in August 2025.

McDonald’s advice? “Just do it! Can’t fail if you don’t try.” Schay adds, “You’re not going to please everybody. Take care of people and they will take care of you.”