ACC Announces 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award Winners
Where do Arkansas's nurses, teachers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders get their start?
For many, it started at their local community college.
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes graduates from Arkansas's community colleges who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, leadership, and service to their communities. Nominated by their colleges, these honorees represent the life-changing impact of community colleges across our state.
Their stories are proof that extraordinary futures can begin close to home. From healthcare and education to business, public service, and beyond, these alumni are making a lasting difference in Arkansas and inspiring the next generation of students to follow in their footsteps.
Meet the Outstanding Alumni Award recipients and learn how Arkansas community colleges helped shape their journeys.
Melissa Arledge - Arkansas Northeastern College
Melissa Arledge is a proud Arkansas Northeastern College alumna and dedicated educational leader. During her 17 years of service to ANC, she has played a key role in expanding Early College opportunities for high school students and strengthening partnerships with area school districts. A recipient of the 2017-2018 Eugenia C. Hale Distinguished Service Award, Melissa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success and institutional excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University and currently serves as Vice President for College and Career Readiness, helping students achieve their educational and career goals.
Debbie Elgen - Arkansas State University - Beebe
Debbie Elgen is a respected business and community leader whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact across White County and beyond. A graduate of ASU-Beebe, she serves as a financial advisor with Edward Jones and has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the Searcy Chamber of Commerce, White County Community Foundation and the ASU-Beebe Board of Visitors and Development Council. Elgen is the recipient of several honors, including the ASU-Beebe Citizenship Award, Searcy Chamber Small Business of the Year and Emerging Business of the Year. Her leadership, service and commitment to education continue to positively influence the community.
Johnny Washington - Arkansas State University Mid-South
Johnny Washington exemplifies a spirit of perseverance, integrity, and professional excellence that merits recognition. After graduating from ASU Mid-South, Johnny earned his bachelor’s degree in mid-level education from UCA and his master’s in school administration from U of A. He began his career as a junior high teacher and has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities over the years, serving as a basketball coach, Dean of Students, and currently as Assistant Principal at Marion Seventh Grade Academy. In each role, he has demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to student success, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Brooke Grissum - Arkansas State University – Mountain Home
Brooke Grissum is receiving this award in recognition of her professional achievement, leadership, and continued commitment to her community and alma mater. A past Student Ambassador at ASUMH, Grissum currently serves as Interim Director of Admissions and Recruiting at ASUMH. Grissum also continues to give back through active alumni leadership as Vice President of the ASUMH Community Collective (formerly known as the Alumni Association) for the past two years. In addition, remains deeply involved in community service and outreach efforts. Grissum exemplifies the values and mission of ASUMH while continuing to make a lasting impact on the region.
Danica Brown - Arkansas State University – Newport
Danica Brown is a spring 2026 graduate with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate of Arts degree in General Education. At ASUN, she was a Blue Coat Leader, played on the ASUN Aviator softball team, and earned NJCAA All-Academic Team honors for 2024-2025. Danica participated in the ASU System Student Leadership Program, volunteered at Newport Elementary, and obtained Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. Currently, she coaches a youth softball team and works at Tadpoles restaurant. She plans to pursue a teaching degree at the University of the Ozarks while continuing to play softball for the Lady Eagles.
Eric Gaither - Arkansas State University Three Rivers
He has given back to ASUTR students, taking time to share his research passion and to encourage them to find their own. He implemented programming for the Arkansas Protect Act. Gaither serves on many committees and projects to better communities and further research, such as: Apprenticeship Experience of Justice -Involved Individuals in Arkansas: Barriers to Success, Arkansas Inmates at Risk of Suicide report, and Improving Client Services Through Science & Practice: Assessing the Arkansas Division of Community Correction's Reentry Program, which was published in the American Parole and Probation Association.
Emma Bergman - Black River Technical College
Since graduating from BRTC, Emma has launched multiple agriculture and retail businesses. She has The Little Blue Market, a local farmers market and cafe; Knotts Creek Farms, a Vital Farms egg contractor; and Bergman Farms, a livestock and hay operation managed alongside her husband. Along with running multiple businesses, Emma is also known for always giving back to her community. Not only does she provide area farmers and vendors with retail outlets, she also gives back through sponsorships, donations, and volunteer work. Emma is also an active member of the Skaggs Church of Christ. She is married to Luke Bergman and they have two children, Bonner and Lily.
Jason Kuhn - National Park College
Jason Kuhn’s connection to National Park College spans more than 25 years, from his time as a student to his continued service as a community partner and advocate for student success. A lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Kuhn earned his Associate of Arts degree from NPC in 2000 before completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Henderson State University. He built a successful career in the food service and hospitality industry and has spent the past 11 years with Compass Group/Chartwells, where he serves as area director for Arkansas. Kuhn also serves on the advisory board for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA Pulaski Technical College.
Kimberly Kay - NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Kimberly Kay is a strategic leader in museum operations, serving as Senior Manager of Retail and Guest Services at the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas. She has led a full transformation of the museum’s retail operations, growing revenue to four times its original level through data driven systems, strong financial controls, and mission aligned merchandising. Her role has expanded to include oversight of guest services, event rentals, and the development and launch of new food and beverage initiatives, helping create sustainable earned revenue streams and meaningful guest experiences.
Courtney Selph - Ozarka College
Courtney Selph is a 2010 graduate of Ozarka College with an Associate of Science in Education. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas Tech University and currently serves as District STEM Coordinator for Izard County STEM School District. A National Board Certified educator and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Courtney has spent 15 years creating innovative, hands-on learning opportunities for students and helping lead her district to become the first in Arkansas to earn STEM Model School designation across every campus.
Major John Smith - Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Major Smith, a PCCUA graduate with an AAS in Nursing, serves as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist & Element Chief for the Center for Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. He advises clinical care at the Department of War’s largest Level I trauma hospital, supporting medical readiness and worldwide contingency operations. During deployment as Chief Nurse Executive for the Expeditionary Medical Squadron, he established its first case management program, increasing follow-up care by 75% and reducing unnecessary clinic visits. Recognized by Secretary of War Hegseth for exemplary leadership, Major Smith is a distinguished Phillips alumnus.
Miranda Bryan - South Arkansas College
Miranda Bryan is an educator and business professional whose career reflects a strong foundation at South Arkansas College. After graduating from Junction City High School in 2013, she enrolled at SouthArk, earning an Associate of Arts and a Certificate of General Studies in 2015 while making the Dean’s List each semester and serving as a Student Ambassador. She worked extensively across Student Affairs, especially in Financial Aid, developing a commitment to student service. She later earned BBA and MBA degrees from Southern Arkansas University, where she now teaches business courses and has earned multiple awards as an academic advisor.
Dorothy Ritchie - Southeast Arkansas College
Dorothy Ritchie is a 2013 graduate of SEARK’s Radiologic Technology program. As a student she received the academic excellence award for having the highest GPA in the program. After graduation she was employed by Dr. Paul Davis as a Rad Tech. In 2020 she returned to SEARK College as an adjunct in the Radiology program. Dorothy consistently demonstrates excellence in her teaching, leadership, and student support. She embodies what it means to be an outstanding alumni and educator. Her contributions elevate the program, inspire students, and strengthen Southeast Arkansas College’s reputation throughout Jefferson County and beyond.
Adam Bailey - Southern Arkansas University Tech
Adam Bailey is Site Director for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Camden, Arkansas, leading over 1,180 employees supporting seven Department of Defense production programs. Appointed in September 2024, he has more than 19 years of experience in manpower and financial management, operations, supply chain, and negotiations. He holds a BBA in Management from Henderson State University and an Associate of Arts from SAU Tech. Bailey supports STEM outreach, serves on community boards, and was named to Arkansas Business 2023 40 Under 40.
Renae Mize-Douillard - University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
Renae graduated from both the Practical Nursing and the Registered Nursing programs at UACCM. She began teaching in the nursing department at UACCM in 2017 while pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Registered Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (online program). Renae has continued to work in the field of nursing on weekends while being employed by UACCM as a full-time nursing instructor. She has successfully balanced being a wife and mother of two young children while working full-time, taking on a part-time job in the field, and pursuing additional education.
Mason Sillivan - University of Arkansas Cossatot
Mason Sillavan is a 2024 graduate of the Industrial Maintenance program at UA Cossatot. During this time Mason earned numerous certificates and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Mason works as a Level II Maintenance Millwright at Weyerhaeuser Dierks Lumber, where he advanced from serving as a student intern. Mason was featured on the cover of Arkansas Next Pros magazine as one of 13 young trailblazers reshaping the Arkansas workforce through Weyerhaeuser’s partnership with Be Pro Be Proud. In addition to his career, he serves as a volunteer firefighter, a role he has held since age 16, and is committed to hard work, growth, and serving his community.
Dorene Mosier - University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
Dorene Mosier has dedicated more than two decades to serving individuals with developmental disabilities through Rainbow of Challenges. Since joining the organization in 1999, she has held several leadership positions and currently serves as Vice President of Residential Services, overseeing multiple residential programs across southwest Arkansas. Known for her compassion, leadership, and advocacy, Dorene has made a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers as an Area Director for Special Olympics, coaching athletes and coordinating events across the state. Her service and leadership make her a strong representative of UAHT’s values.
Jennifer Leatherman - University of Arkansas Northark
Jennifer serves as a Director at J.B. Hunt Transport, leading teams focused on product strategy, technology innovation and revenue solutions. With more than two decades of experience in transportation, supply chain, and technology leadership, she has successfully driven organizational transformation and process improvement initiatives across J.B. Hunt and FedEx Freight. After Northark, Jennifer continued her education at John Brown University earning both her MBA in Leadership and Ethics and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. She is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She resides in Rogers with her husband, Daniel and four children: Baker, Brody, Ellie & Bennett.
Jennifer Maune - University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
UA-Pulaski Tech proudly recognizes Chef Jennifer Maune for her outstanding achievements in the culinary arts. Inspired by her grandmother’s kitchen, she pursued her passion at UA-Pulaski Tech, earning degrees in Culinary and Pastry Arts with the highest honors and national recognition. She later became a runner-up finalist on FOX’s MasterChef and advanced her training in France at Le Cordon Bleu and Ecole Ducasse. In fall 2026, she will open her flagship restaurant, Restaurant Fleur, in downtown Little Rock bringing her journey full circle and giving back to her community. UA-PTC is incredibly proud of our alumni and their accomplishments, and we look forward to experiencing Restaurant Fleur.
Nicholas Dunn - University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
A graduate of UARM, Nicholas has built an impressive career at Mena Regional Health System, where he has served for 22 years. He began his career as a technician and, through hard work, commitment, and continuous growth, advanced to his current role as Director of Information Technology. Nicholas’ journey exemplifies the value of perseverance, lifelong learning, and servant leadership. His accomplishments serve as an inspiration to current students and fellow alumni alike.