The 2026 Academic All-Star Scholarship recipients were recognized Monday, October 12th in Hot Springs during the annual ACC Conference.
Dr. Collin Callaway, Executive Director of ACC, presented the awards during a luncheon honoring the state’s 22 Academic All-Stars. The students were awarded a transfer scholarship to any public four-year university in Arkansas to complete their bachelor’s degree. The combined total value of the scholarships is estimated to be more than $500,000.
“Today is a proud day for Arkansas.” said Dr. Callaway. “These students have earned one of the most competitive honors available, and they did it while working, raising families, and giving back to their communities. Whether these students are transferring to a four-year university or stepping directly into their careers, they leave their local community college prepared to lead. I can't wait to see where their talent and ambition take them.”
The Academic All-Star program recognizes one outstanding student from each of Arkansas’s 22 public two-year colleges. To qualify, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale while demonstrating leadership on their campuses and in their communities.
The students represent a wide range of academic and career interests and have demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, leadership and service.
The event was part of the 2026 ACC Conference, which brings together more than 500 community college faculty, staff and administrators from across Arkansas for professional development and networking. Arkansas Community Colleges represents the state’s 22 community colleges, which collectively serve more than 60,000 students each year.
Here are the 2026 Academic All-Stars and their respective colleges:
Arkansas Northeastern College - Byron Kisner
Arkansas State University - Beebe - Grace Tustison
Arkansas State University - Mountain Home - Joseph Vrechek
Arkansas State University - Newport - Averee Gilleylen
Arkansas State University Mid-South - Ella Hyde
Arkansas State University Three Rivers - Kylie Ingram
Black River Technical College - Clayton Boler
National Park College - Hunter Opoien
NorthWest Arkansas Community College - Kay Reh
Ozarka College - Clayton Fulbright
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas - Brooke Harris
South Arkansas College - Karlee Otwell
Southeast Arkansas College - Chloe Nolte
Southern Arkansas University Tech - Weston Garcia
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville - Isabella Newkirk
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton - Addison Millsap
University of Arkansas Cossatot - Colton White
University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College - LeAnthony Henderson
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana -Joe Phillips
University of Arkansas Northark -Lydia Russell
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College - Rebekah Barnes
University of Arkansas Rich Mountain - Manuela Barbosa de Souza