The document provides an overview of recent developments at the University of the Ozarks including: 1. Enrollment increases 5% to 675 students, the largest since 2003, with a record number of Presidential Scholars. 2. Olivia Fisher is highlighted as a multi-sport athlete who has excelled in basketball, tennis, and soccer and leads the conference in rebounds. 3. The university sees a jump in alumni giving to 19.6% and an all-time high of 55 chartered student organizations.

1. Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 1

2. 2 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

3. University Administration Volume 27 Number 2 Fall/Winter 2008
Rick Niece, Ph.D.
President
Steve Edmisten, MA
Executive Vice President
Daniel Taddie, Ph.D. 3 A Multi-Sport Athlete 6 Stability for Ozarks
Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs Senior Olivia Fisher has shone The University can overcome
Kim Myrick, MA in several sports at Ozarks. difficult times with help of donors.
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Jeff Scaccia, MBA
Chief Financial Officer 4 Enrollment Increases 16 Alumni News
Darrell Williams, BS Student body number sees jump Catch up on the latest news
Business Manager of eight percent over two years.
Sherrie Arey, MS
from former classmates and
Dean of Residential and Campus Life fellow alumni.
Production Staff ON THE COVER: 20 Sports Hall of Fame
Larry Isch, MS Alumni such as Zach Boatright Soccer player Marcos Gonzalez
Director of University and Public Relations and basketball player Anthony
Editor
(center) and (clockwise, from top
Porchia are latest Hall inductees.
Vinnie Tran, BA right) Ivan Quant, Julie (Ballew)
Publications Coordinator Kersey, Don Ferrier and Otto
Design and Layout
Mejia are making waves in the 21 2007-08 Donor Honor Roll
Ozarks’ many cherished
Photo and editorial contributions business world as entrepreneurs.
supporters for the 2007-08
by Tony Baldwin, Josh Peppas, Lori McBee, Meet them and others who fiscal year are recognized.
Cara Flinn, Jay Parrot, and Kimberly Pennick.
are running successful small
For more information, contact the: businesses. (Main photo by 40 In Memoriam
Office of University Advancement Abigail Wilder.) The University honors those
University of the Ozarks
415 N. College Avenue
See Story, Page 8 alumni and friends who have
Clarksville, AR 72830-2880 passed away in recent months.
(479) 979-1230; Fax (479) 979-1239
Web site: www.ozarks.edu
University Directory
(479) Area Code
Academic Affairs 979-1431
Admission 979-1227
Advancement 979-1230
Alumni Relations 979-1234
Athletics 979-1483
Business Office 979-1208
Financial Aid 979-1221
President’s Office 979-1242
Public Relations 979-1420
Registrar 979-1212
Student Life 979-1321
The University of the Ozarks does not discrimi- Biology Professor Dr. Doug Jeffries and several students took part in the Planet
nate on the basis of religion, gender, color, na- Club’s annual Tree Planting Day, held Nov. 8 on campus.
tional or ethnic origin, age, or physical handicap
in the administration of its educational policies,
programs or activities. See Other Campus News on Pages 2-5
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 3

4. Ozarks ranks in “top tier” KUOZ makes history
with election show
for 10th consecutive year November 4, 2008, was not only
For the 10th consecutive year, U of a big moment for the country, it was
O has been ranked as a “top tier” univer- a monumental moment for the uni-
sity in the U.S. News & World Report’s versity’s communications department
annual late summer publication that ana- and its educational access television
lyzes institutions of higher education. station, KUOZ Channel 6.
In the 2009 edition of “America’s While the country was electing its
Best Colleges,” released on Aug. 21, 44th president, U of O communica-
Ozarks was ranked third in the category tions faculty and students were busy
of “Great Schools, Great Prices” among producing and broadcasting more
95 universities in the 12-state South Re- than 3 hours of live election coverage
gion that are considered Baccalaureate in one of KUOZ’s biggest projects in
Colleges. It is the ninth time in the last its long history.
10 years that Ozarks has been ranked in Under the leadership of Director
the top five of the best value category. of Broadcasting Susan Edens, more
The value rankings evaluate the cost of than 25 students and other faculty
attending a college or university relative members played a role in broadcast-
to the quality of the institution, accord- ing live election coverage from Walk-
ing to the magazine’s ranking system. er Hall on campus and from a remote
In the overall rankings of the uni- spot at the county courthouse.
versities, Ozarks was tied for seventh Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North The show included segments
among 95 universities that fall in the Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia in English and Spanish, live phone-
Baccalaureate Colleges category in the and Virginia. ins, live reports from the news room,
South Region. The seventh-place rank- The top five in the overall rankings mini-live debates and discussions,
ing is the highest ever for U of O, which for the “Great Schools, Great Prices” taped interviews with students and
was ranked No. 8 in the South in 2008 category in the South Region were staff, and other special presentations.
and 2006. The overall rankings exam- Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, The show lasted from 7 p.m. until
ine such criteria as academic reputation, Claflin University in South Carolina, 10:30 p.m.
graduation and retention rates, faculty University of the Ozarks, Covenant Col- The show was the brainchild of
resources, student selectivity, financial lege in Georgia, and Alderson-Broaddus students Taylor Jacks and Allan Ar-
resources and alumni giving. College in West Virginia. royo and was a culmination of sev-
“I am proud that, once again, the Uni- The top 10 in the overall rankings for eral weeks of work and preparation
versity of the Ozarks is highly ranked in Baccalaureate Colleges in the South Re- by students and faculty members.
the South Region by U.S. News & World gion were Ouachita Baptist University, “I know this was a very valuable
Report in its 2009 publication,” said U Erskine College in South Carolina, John learning experience for all of us, and
of O President Dr. Rick Niece. “Being Brown University in Arkansas, Cov- I could not be more proud of every
ranked for the 10th consecutive year as enant College in Georgia, High Point single person who worked behind the
a top-tier university is a tribute to our University in North Carolina, Milligan scenes or on the air that night,” said
faculty, staff and students. I am equally College in Tennessee, LaGrange Col- Edens, who earned a communications
gratified that Ozarks is ranked as the third lege in Georgia, Tuskegee University in degree from Ozarks. “A wonderful
best value in the South. To be ranked in Alabama, University of the Ozarks and combination of enthusiastic students
the top five for nine of the last 10 years Florida Southern College. and talented faculty came together to
says a great deal about Ozarks and the U.S. News & World Report ranked make radio-television-video and uni-
tremendous value we are.” more than 1,400 accredited schools na- versity history. This is most definitely
The South Region consists of col- tionally in its “America’s Best Colleges” a highlight in my teaching and broad-
leges and universities in Arkansas, Loui- edition, which hit the news stands in late casting career to date.”
siana, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, August.
4 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

5. Olivia Fisher gives new meaning to
the term multi-sport athlete.
The senior from Mountain Home,
Ark., enters her senior season as one
of Ozarks’ most decorated multi-sport
athletes in recent years. She has shone
on the basketball court, tennis court and
soccer field for the Lady Eagles, garner-
ing numerous regional, conference and
school awards.
Fisher has earned all-conference
honors in tennis, soccer and basketball.
She has been a four-year starter in soccer
and basketball and was the 2007 Ameri-
can Southwest Conference (ASC) East
Division women’s tennis player of the
year, the first such honor for an Ozarks Eagles team that is attempting to bounce A biology major who plans to attend
tennis player in the school’s history. Last back from last year’s 1-24 record. dental or pharmacy school after gradua-
year she was also named the university’s Fisher has started 72 out of a possible tion, Fisher has learned to juggle a hectic
Female Athlete of the Year. 76 games for the Lady Eagles’ basketball schedule.
“I’ve always been one of those peo- team in her career. Last year she led the “It’s been tough at times trying to
ple who just goes from sport to sport, ASC in rebounding with a 9.3 per-game play all three sports and keep my grades
even in high school,” said Fisher. “I love average and also averaged 9.9 points. up, but it’s been well worth it,” she said.
being active, and I love competition.” “Olivia is a remarkable athlete with
A self-described workout fanatic, an incredible work ethic and drive,” said A Stellar Career
Fisher’s physical training routines are al- Lady Eagles Coach Christina Jost. “She
most legendary on campus. During even puts in countless hours in the gym, con-
the dog days of August, Fisher worked stantly working to improve her game.
out six days a week, often running from She also has great leadership skills. She
3-5 miles and lifting weights in the same was voted team captain by her team-
day. She hasn’t had a soda since the ninth mates, which proves the respect she’s
grade and follows a strict diet that shuns earned from the entire team.”
fast food, pizza and fried food. Fisher is closing in on 600 career re-
“I believe in the philosophy that if bounds and will likely finish in the pro-
you want it more than the next person and gram’s top five list for career rebounds
you put in the work and effort, you can despite being one of the smallest inside
defeat people who may be more talented players in the conference at 5-foot-9.
“Olivia does have a ‘nose for the Brian Sarber, a senior goalkeeper from
than you,” said Fisher. “Plus, I’ve just
ball,’ however, her desire to rebound Allen, Texas, completed a stellar soccer
always enjoyed working out and staying
and commitment to rebounding are the career at Ozarks in 2008 as he led the
in shape. There’s no better feeling than Eagles to a 14-3-4 record. The four-time
finishing a tough workout and knowing reasons she is so successful at it,” said
all-conference performer finished his
you’ve accomplished something.” Jost. “She is a very accomplished, strong career as the program’s career leader in
Fisher enters her senior season as one leader, who we undoubtedly will look to saves (375) and goals against average
of the top returning basketball players lead us this season through her drive and (.80), and was second in career shutouts
in the ASC and a key player for a Lady her never-give-up attitude.” (25) and victories (49).
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 5

6. Enrollment jumps five percent
The university saw its Fall 2008 Se- students to campus, but also in helping
mester enrollment increase by 5 percent make sure that they are successful when
over last year’s figures. they get here.”
Myrick said the incoming class in-
19.6
The university’s enrollment of 675
students is the largest since 2003 and a cludes a record 21 Presidential Scholars, Percentage of
32-student increase over 2007 Fall Se- students who possess well-above-aver- alumni giving for
mester figures. The number also repre- age ACT scores and high school grade the 2007-08 fiscal
sents an 8.5 percent increase over the point averages. She also pointed out that year, an increase over the previous
past two years. It is the university’s the university received more than 1,000 year’s mark of 18.8 percent and the
third-largest enrollment figure in the past applications for the first time. highest since 2004-05. A total of 665
15 years. “We introduced new recruitment alumni donated to the university.
The 2008 enrollment includes 195 marketing material, enhanced the Web The university hopes to increase that
first-time entering freshman, a 9.5 per- site for recruiting purposes and launched number this year. If you would like to
cent increase over 2007. The university e-mail campaigns,” Myrick said of the donate, please call the Alumni Office
also announced a 74 percent retention university’s admission efforts. “We had at 479-979-1234.
55
rate of freshmen students from 2007, a concerted application campaign for the Number of chartered
compared with 67 percent last year. first time and that definitely made a dif- student organizations
“We are very pleased with not only ference.” for the 2008-09
the increase in overall enrollment and The U of O student body includes academic year, an all-time high for
in the freshmen class, but with the re- students from 21 states, 18 countries and student organizations. Among the
tention rate as well,” said U of O Vice 48 counties throughout Arkansas. A total newer student organizations are the
President for Enrollment Management of 349 students are from Arkansas, fol- Ozarks History Club, Fellowship
Kim Myrick. “I believe that shows we’re lowed by Texas (130), Oklahoma (24) of Christian Athletes, SCM (for
doing a good job of not only recruiting and Missouri (8). strategic communication majors),
the Ozarks Recreation Club and the
Ozarks Ultimate Frisbee Club.
1,003
Total number of applications for
admission received by the Admission
Office last year, an all-time high. By
comparison, 797 applications were
received the previous year.
9.3
The average number
of rebounds per game
last year by Lady
Among the new employees at U of O for the 2008-2009 academic year are (front row, Eagles basketball player Olivia
from left) Lori McBee, development officer for athletics; Dr. Heather McFarland, Fisher. The 5-foot-9 senior from
assistant professor of speech; Sasha Edwards, housekeeping; Charlotte Teague, Mountain Home, Ark., led the
housekeeping; Janet Stover, housekeeping; Andrea Insley, housekeeping; Monica
American Southwest Conference
McClure, housekeeping; Jennie Ballinger, access services librarian; (back row, from
left) Martha Baldwin, admission counselor; Blake Rexroat, admission data coordina- in rebounds during her junior
tor; Rodnie Bohannon, residence hall director and activities advisor; Amber Willard, season last year. She has 593 career
admission counselor for Walker Teacher Education Program; Brett Stone, assistant rebounds, just 14 shy of breaking
professor of physical education; Harvey Cowell, grounds keeper; Dr. Joel Hagaman, into the program’s top 10 career
assistant professor of psychology; Joseph Leos, grounds keeper; Shaun Wiseman, rebounding list. The program’s top
men’s and women’s tennis coach; Bryan Drotar, women’s soccer coach; and Caleb career rebounder is Alicia Haney
Chrisman, grounds keeper. (1990-94), who has 892 rebounds.
6 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

7. Briefs Dr. Brian McFarland, assistant professor
of chemistry, gave an oral presentation at Ozarks hosted the annual meeting of
the Spring 2008 American Chemical So- the presidents and administrators of
ciety meeting in New Orleans. Dr. McFar- the Arkansas Independent Colleges &
land’s paper was titled, “Microencapsula- Universities (AICU) on Oct. 19-20. The
tion of Free-Radical Initiators and their Use keynote speaker for the AICU meeting
in Frontal Polymerization.” Students Alissa was U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor. Those pictured
Ferrari and Jessica Reed accompanied him include (from left) U of O President Dr.
and each gave poster presentations. Rick Niece, Sen. Pryor, U of O First Lady
Dr. William Eakin, professor of philoso-
phy and German, often explores issues of Sherée Niece and AICU President E. Kear-
Tammy Harrington, associate professor ney Deitz. The AICU is made up of the 11
philosophical inquiry in an imaginative way of art, recently had an artwork accepted to
through his genre fiction (some 70 profes- private colleges and universities through-
be part of the 2009 Arkansas Artist Engage- out Arkansas.
sionally published short stories). In 2008, ment Calendar. Artists from or living in Ar-
he questioned what it means to be human kansas were invited to submit one artwork
through the animation of a fake mummy Dewey’s Philosophy of History as a Guide
to this competition. The title of her work is
(a manikin wrapped up in knee bandages) to the International Order.” The Round
“Oriental Princess II,” and it is an intaglio
in his story “LOOB,” currently appearing Table’s theme was History and International
print. The calendar is a project of the Arkan-
in Albedo One (issue 34, 2008), one of Politics: Nations and Empires an Interdisci-
sas Governor’s Mansion Association and
Ireland’s most prominent science fiction plinary Perspective. Stone, who earned his
Arkansas First Lady Ginger Beebe.
magazines. His story “Bob and the Mer- undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. degrees
maid,” which analyzes desire and commit- from Southern Illinois University, has
Dr. Kendrick Prewitt, associate professor
ment, was sold to Realms of Fantasy, one taught at U of O since 2001.
of English, and Dr. David Strain, profes-
of the biggest magazines in that genre in the sor of English and French and the chair
U.S. (available on newsstands sometime in Joe Hoing, dean of students since 1985,
of the Humanities and Fine Arts Division,
2009). He also sold stories to a number of was inducted into the Arkansas Tech
presented papers at the southwest regional
anthologies, including New Writings in the University Athletic Hall of Distinction in
meeting of the Conference on Christian-
Fantastic #2, forthcoming from the U.K. November. Hoing was an All American
ity and Literature in early October 2008 at
offensive lineman for Tech in 1970 before
Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee,
having NFL tryouts with the Philadelphia
Okla. The title of Dr. Prewitt’s paper was
Eagles and Houston Oilers.
“Richard Wilbur Calls Us to the Things of
This World. Wilbur’s Materiality.” The title
of Dr. Strain’s paper was “Doubting Doubt:
Materiality in Richard Wilbur’s ’A Dubious
Night.’ ”
Dr. Robert Hilton, business and manage-
ment professor and chair of the Division of
Business, Communications and Govern-
ment, was recently elected as vice chair on
the board of directors of the International
Assembly for Collegiate Business Educa-
The U of O Students in Free Enterprise tion (IACBE). Hilton, who has taught at U
(SIFE) team took first place in the 2008 of O since 1984, will serve as the IACBE
Walgreens Wrangle Case Competition board’s vice chair for 2008-2009 before
held in Magnolia, Ark., in November. The stepping up to take the chair’s position dur-
group included (front row, from left) Clau- ing the 2009-2010 term. His three-year term Maribeth King, the widow of board of
dia Aguero, Daniela Chavarria, Marivi, expires in 2011. trustee member Dr. Ernest King, is rec-
Davila, (back row, from left) advisor Eric ognized during the Fall Board of Trustee
Leon, Zach Almager, Jorge Linares, Josue Dr. George Stone, chair of the Division of meeting by Dr. Wayne Workman, the chair
Lanza and Juan Paz. There were 12 SIFE Education, was invited to present a paper at of the board’s nominating committee. Mrs.
teams competing, including Louisiana the 20th annual Oxford Round Table held at King accepted a plaque honoring Dr. King,
State University, the University of Arkan- Pembroke College in Oxford, England, in who was posthumously elected to honorary
sas, and the University of Alabama. August. Dr. Stone’s paper was titled “John lifetime membership on the board.
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 7

8. Promise of Excellence Campaign:
Stability for Ozarks in Uncertain Times
Can you believe it? In less than a mains a constant key to Ozarks’ avoid-
year, October 28, 2009, to be precise, ance of the dangers posed by hard times.
Ozarks will celebrate her 175th birth- That key is the continuing philanthropic
day! There are so many amazing and support of all those who have pooled
wonderful stories about all the students their efforts and their gifts, great and
and faculty and staff members who have small, to build Ozarks into the shining
graced this institution. Some of the most beacon of educational opportunity she
inspirational are of the people who found represents today. To date, for instance,
themselves and Ozarks facing challenges Ozarks alumni came from near and far in in the University’s current $40 million
that literally threatened our school’s very difficult times. MacLean, Munger, Seay, Promise of Excellence Campaign, your
existence. Mabee, Boreham, and Walton are names combined gifts have totaled $33.4 mil-
The campus at Cane Hill (southwest revered by all friends of Ozarks, as is the lion. Thank you so much!
of Fayetteville) burned twice, once as generosity of all those who, according to We know, above all, that the same
part of military action in the Civil War. their ability, gave what they could to pro- economic problems that threaten Ozarks
The College was forced to move from tect the school and her students through threaten you. Indeed, it would be dis-
Cane Hill to Clarksville in 1891 due to thick and thin. respectful in the extreme to ask you to
competition from a relatively do more (not that we would
young, upstart competitor just decline if you wanted to). We
up the road, the University of simply ask that you first do
Arkansas. Ozarks’ primary whatever you need to protect
administrative and academic you and yours in these difficult
building, Cumberland Hall, times. Then, if you have any
burned to the ground in 1935 flexibility and are so inclined,
(see picture at right). Its re- do what you can in continued
placement, the Science Hall support of the young men and
(later named Hurie Hall), women seeking to achieve
which also housed the Col- their educational dreams
lege’s library, suffered devas- against the uncertain econom-
tating fires twice. Economic ic backdrop that they and their
and geopolitical challenges families face as well.
including depressions, re- If you are able and want
cessions, and wars also took to lend your support through
Ozarks to the brink of oblivion numer- Now the University again finds it- gifts to the Annual Scholarship Fund, a
ous times over the years. self buffeted by the economic turmoil new or existing endowment, or for any-
Yet Ozarks overcame all these chal- raging in America and around the globe. thing else, simply mail a gift to the Uni-
lenges through the sheer determination Yet, for the first time in its long history, versity of the Ozarks Office of Advance-
and perseverance of her leaders and the Ozarks finds herself facing such a seri- ment, 415 N. College Ave., Clarksville,
members of the campus communities of ous threat from a more stable starting AR 72830. You may also reach us by
the times. On-campus leadership com- point. Make no mistake, Ozarks will phone at 479-979-1230, or by email at
ing from the likes of F.R. Earle (at Cane have to react effectively to the difficult uopromise@ozarks.edu.
Hill and later at Clarksville), Wylie Lin times, but it means that the University is If now is not a good time, please con-
Hurie, Don Davis, “Prof” Smith, J.T. in a much better position to cope with tinue to send your thoughts and prayers
Patterson and many others saw the Uni- such threats. for our students’ success. They don’t
versity through. Help from off-campus Between the risks to Ozarks in the cost a thing and they make a tremendous
champions with very familiar names to past and the threats of today there re- difference here!
8 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

9. There are numerous ways to help Ozarks
“I wish I could do more to help Ozarks.” Are there special purposes my gift
should accomplish?
Those are words that accompany so Your support should be carefully
many of the gifts we receive. Every gift, planned to assure your personal satisfac-
whether large or small, simple or complex, tion. Your gift can be established as a
will help Ozarks reach its goal of $40 Mil- memorial to a loved one. You may want
lion for the Promise of Excellence Cam- to earmark your gift for a particular pro-
paign. The truth is that there are dozens gram or purpose, or simply say that your
of ways to “do more” for Ozarks’ future How should I give? gift may be applied wherever the need is
– if gifts are carefully planned. The need You might want to join our many greatest.
for careful planning becomes clear when friends who have helped Ozarks through We invite you to explore with us the
people consider the basic questions in- bequests – gifts through their wills or many sides of your own planned giving,
volved in making an important gift: What living trusts. You also could choose to the meaning your personal philanthropy
should I give? How should I give? When make a gift that reserves lifetime income can have for both you and Ozarks, and
should I give? Are there special purposes to you or a family member. Ozarks would how your planned giving can help Ozarks
my gift should accomplish? benefit in the same manner as if you had reach its goal for the Promise of Excel-
What should I give? made a bequest, but you would be en- lence Campaign. Please contact Andrea
Surprisingly, there are different tax titled to charitable deductions and other Dixon, Director of Major and Planned
results from giving different types of tax benefits today. Or you may prefer Giving at 479-979-1230 or adixon@
property. Even in these financially trou- the simplicity of an immediate gift of ozarks.edu for more information.
bled times, some people still have highly cash or property. By tailoring the form
appreciated securities. If stocks have been
owned more than one year, then donors
of your gift to fit your personal situation, Deferred gifts benefit
you can gain maximum tax rewards,
can deduct not just their original costs, maintain financial security and make a current campaign
but also any “paper profit” present in the truly meaningful contribution. We have passed the halfway
gift. Best of all, no capital gains taxes are When should I give? mark of the Promise of Excellence
due when you give securities. Real estate, Many people plan gifts at year-end Campaign at University of the
mutual funds, and other types of property to provide important tax deductions. Or Ozarks, and we are fortunate to be
offer the same advantages. At death, it they may find charitable contributions able to include deferred gifts in reach-
makes sense to leave “tax-burdened” as- most helpful in years when they have a ing our campaign goal, even though
sets, such as U.S. savings bonds and death large influx of taxable income, from a these gifts may not be realized until
benefits from retirement accounts to char- bonus, sale of a business, successful in- well after the end of the campaign on
ities, thus allowing heirs to avoid income vestment, or inheritance of taxable assets March 31, 2011.
and death taxes. Or, if you qualify, make such as savings bonds or IRAs. Large If you have planned a gift for
a gift directly from your IRA and avoid deductions are often available even if Ozarks through your will, trust or oth-
income tax on that amount entirely. you retain lifetime income from your er estate planning vehicle and you let
gift. But the most practical time to make us know about it, your gift can have
significant gifts may be through your an impact on this campaign. If you
estate plan, by means of a will, living are thinking about making a planned
trust, or beneficiary designation on a life gift to Ozarks, know that your gift can
insurance policy or retirement account. make a difference in our campaign
Such gifts are wholly revocable while and in the lives of the students that it
you are alive, may save significant taxes supports today and in the future.
for your estate, and if you let us know of Please contact Andrea Dixon,
your intentions, your gift may even help Director of Major and Planned Giv-
us reach our goal for the Promise of Ex- ing, at 479-979-1230 or adixon@
cellence Campaign. ozarks.edu for more information.
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 9

10. According to the Small Business Administration,
approximately 650,000 new small businesses are
created each year in the U.S. Yet a full one-third of those do not survive more than
two years. It takes a person of creativity, resourcefulness, high-energy and busi-
ness savvy to be a successful entrepreneur. We found several of them.
Ivan Quant ’98
Mr. Lee and Cocina de Doña Haydee Restaurants
I
van Quant credits a creativity course he took at Ozarks in 1997 taught by Business Professor Dr. Randy Hilton and Com-
munications Professor Dr. Jane Cater for sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. “The course made me think out of the box
in terms of how to approach the consumer to offer value,” said Quant. “When your business concept offers more value
than others, then the business will develop easily. But to get to that point, you have to be creative. If you are just following or
copying what the leader does, it will never take off.” Quant and his family own seven restaurants in the Nicaragua capital of
Managua. Under the company name ERQ, the Quant family owns four Mr. Lee establishments --- a Chinese fast-food res-
taurant concept that operates in food courts — and three Cocina de Doña Haydee’s — a sit-down Nicaraguan food restaurant
named for his grandmother, whose cooking skills inspired the family to get into the food business. The company employs
about 115 people. Quant, who went on to earn an MBA from Kennesaw State University after graduating from Ozarks, serves
as the operations manager of ERQ and directs all aspects of operations, policies, acquisitions and investments. Quant worked
for several multinational companies in Nicaragua before getting into his own business. “I worked for companies where poli-
cies and bureaucracies many times matter more than value creation,” he said. “I like the opportunity to deliver quick responses
to my customers’ demands.” Quant said ERQ plans to expand into other Central American countries in the near future. “The
worst thing you can do as a small business owner is get too comfortable,” Quant said. “You have to always be searching for
ways to improve and stay ahead.”
10 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

11. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dr. Johnny Dillard ’70 Zach Boatright ’04
Central Research D.Jones Tailored Collection
D Z
r. Johnny Dillard is a disabled veteran, and he is ach Boatright may be one of the university’s best
proud to give other disabled veterans an opportu- dressed young alumni. Boatright is the vice presi-
nity to work. Dillard and his son, Scott, founded dent and a partner in D.Jones Tailored Collection, a
the Northwest-Arkansas-based business Central Research in two-year-old Dallas-Fort Worth-based business that offers
1999. The business, which employs about 20 people, pro- custom-tailored suits at a fraction of what they would cost in
vides a wide variety of administrative and financial services, stores. With founding partner Drew Jones, Boatright pur-
including judgement recovery, investigative services, record chases high-end fabric, such as wool and silk, from Italy and
management and administrative support. Central Research is utilizes from 4-10 tailors in China, to produce luxury suits
currently working with several companies that work for the for customers in the Metroplex area and beyond. Custom-
U.S. Department of Education. These companies are looking made 100 percent wool or wool blend suits that can cost
for individuals who have defaulted on student loans. Central upwards of $1,500 off the rack are sold for $325, or $280 for
Research helps locate these individuals, specifically those college students. The concept was created to focus on college
who are deceased or incarcerated. “We confirm that they are students or recent graduates. “There are businesses out there
either deceased or incarcerated so that they can be taken off that do something similar, but the things that set us apart
the U.S. Department of Education’s default list,” said Dillard, are, first, the price, second, the personal attention we offer,
who earned a Ph.D. in education from Southwest University. and third, that we focus on college students,” said Boatright.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Dillard retired from active duty “Our goal was to make luxury suits available to the average
with the National Guard in 1995 as a lieutenant colonel. In college student.” Even though most of the marketing efforts
the 1990s he was diagnosed with exposure to Agent Orange, have focused on college students — the company sold 20
which he contacted during his tour in Southeast Asia. As a suits to one fraternity at Texas Christian University in Oc-
100 percent disabled veteran himself, Dillard emphasizes the tober — about 60 percent of their business comes from the
hiring of disabled veterans and currently has about 10 em- professional workplace. They sell an average 15-20 suits a
ployed in his business. Central Research was recently given month, but Boatright said the company just began concerted
a certificate of appreciation from the American Legion in marketing efforts this past summer. “We want to get our
recognition of its employment of workers with disabilities. “I college business up much higher, and that’s going to be our
served 24 years in the military, and I have a special place in focus and our niche,” he said. “A lot of time college students
my heart for veterans and veterans with disabilities,” Dil- don’t know the difference between a custom-made suit and
lard said. “There is so much discrimination these days in the one off the rack, so part of what we do is to educate them on
workforce. We’re not a charity organization, but if a disabled the difference in quality and fit. We want to give them an op-
veteran is able to do the work, we’d love to have them. We portunity to afford a nice suit or two for college functions or
hold them to the same standards as everyone else in the busi- when they start going out for interviews.” More information
ness, and they haven’t let us down.” on the business can be found at www.djonescollection.com.
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 11

12. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Otto J. Mejia ’00 Matt McCormick ’88
Otto J. Mejia L. Fotografía McCormick’s One Stop
O T
tto Mejia’s love for photography started at Ozarks he sign that hangs above the deli in McCormick’s One
when he worked as a student worker in the univer- Stop says everything you need to know about the small
sity’s Public Relations Office. “The opportunity to general store: “Cows May Come and Cows May Go
do real assignments, work with good equipment and see my But the Bull in This Place Goes on Forever.” Located in tiny
photographs displayed in print or on the Web site was a very Harmony, Ark., a few miles north of Clarksville, McCormick’s
good feeling,” he said. “That’s when my interest in photogra- store is a jack-of-all-trades of general stores. Customers can
phy really took off.” Mejia has turned his photography hobby buy anything from gasoline and overalls to light bulbs and
into a thriving part-time business, Otto J. Meija L. Fotografía, Hamburger Helper. And, there is an impressive collection
in his home country of Nicaragua. While Mejia’s full-time of Coca-Cola memorabilia throughout the store. It is also a
job is as the Nicaragua manager for the Atlanta-based health- place where locals gather and shoot the breeze on everything
care marketing company DrTango, his photography business from hunting to sports to politics. During deer season it is an
is where his passion is. Out of a small home studio, Mejia especially popular place as a check station, processing site
photographs everything from weddings to portraits and and gathering place for hunters. “Some people say it’s more
products. He has numerous magazine covers, print advertise- like a beauty parlor in here,” said McCormick, whose mother,
ments and billboards in his ever-expanding portfolio. One of Diana McCormick is a program coordinator in the U of O
the aspects of photography that Mejia enjoys the most is the Jones Learning Center. “I call it an information center. It’s
planning and setting up of the shoot. “I tend to get very tech- just a good place to come and hang out.” After graduating
nical on my shoots, and I try to challenge myself with new from Ozarks, McCormick spent 10 years working as a store
angles, composition and lighting positions,” he said. “There manager for Brookshire Grocery in Texas before a yearning to
is a special feeling when you review the shot on the camera’s return home had him exploring options. Looking for a retail-
LCD and realize that you’ve just nailed it.” Ironically, Mejia type business to purchase near Clarksville, McCormick looked
thought he would never get into wedding photography, but at the store in Harmony several times before finally deciding
it has become one of his favorite events to shoot. “I experi- to buy it. “I wasn’t 100 percent sure about it, and I think the
mented shooting weddings with a photojournalist style, and it owners were getting a little irritated with me,” McCormick
worked,” he said. “It turned out that I really liked the experi- said. “One day I was going out to look at it one more time and
ence, and people liked my style and the cleanliness of the decided to turn around. I was asking God for a sign on what to
details.” Mejia plans to slowly expand the business. “Photog- do, and I stopped at this garage sale. There at the garage sale
raphy is a very interesting and dynamic field where the tools, were these booths and tables for sale from an old McDonald’s
styles and technologies are constantly evolving,” Mejia said. restaurant that were perfect for the store.” Fourteen years later
“If you are able to stay on top of those changes, there will the booths and tables are still in the store and McCormick,
always be plenty of opportunities.” His photography can be whose house is next door, has found a perfect place for him
seen at www.ottomejia.com. and his wife Jennifer to raise their three children.
12 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

13. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Pat ’73 and Karen Hilton ’80 David Hadidi ’78
Arkansas Trike Center Hadidi Oriental Rug Company
P D
at Hilton thinks he has the answer for Baby Boomers avid Hadidi started out in the real estate business
who still want to hit the open road: motorcycle trikes. in the late 1970s, but the native of Iran was always
Hilton and his wife Karen (Qualls), a teacher at Lamar getting requests for Persian rugs. It didn’t take him
(Ark.) Junior High School, have owned the Arkansas Trike long to realize he might be on to something. “Being from Iran,
Center in Clarksville since 2006. Trikes are motorcycles that we grew up around the rug business, and we knew quite a bit
have been converted to more stable three-wheel vehicles. about Persian rugs,” Hadidi said. “People were always asking
They are a recent trend in the United States, gaining popular- us to get Persian rugs for them. It kind of started out as a hob-
ity only within the last decade. It is so new, in fact, that there by at first and then it took off.” Hadidi and his brother started
are only about six shops in the entire state of Arkansas that the rug business in the late 1970s, and they moved into its cur-
convert motorcycles to trikes. Owning a small business is rent location on Cantrell Road in Little Rock in 1984. Hadidi
nothing new for Hilton, who has operated Hilton Machine is now the sole owner of the business, which is the largest of
and Tool, Inc., in Clarksville since 1979. He still spends about its kind in the entire state of Arkansas. This past summer, he
half his time at his machine shop and half his time at his trike doubled the size of his business by adding 3,500-square-feet
business, which he runs with his son Josh. Hilton got into of floor-room space to show off the hundreds of rugs he has in
the trike business when he came across a man in Clarksville stock. Hadidi emphasizes honesty, integrity and personal sat-
who was building and selling the vehicles out of his garage. isfaction in his business relationships. He even lets customers
He promptly purchased the business and moved it to a larger take rugs home and try them out for a few days. “Little Rock
location. “This guy had a small operation, but he was always is a relatively small city, and Arkansas is a small state, so if
busy, and it just dawned on me that this was the future of you’re not selling quality rugs at a good price and if you’re not
motorcycles,” Hilton said. “Baby Boomers are getting older treating people right, word will get out and your business will
and nearing retirement, and the trikes are easier to handle, not survive,” he said. “We have to earn their trust and keep
and are safer on the roads. There are a lot of people who have it. If someone is not 100 percent happy, we take the rug back
been riding for years, but they’re getting to the age where and return their money. We want happy customers.” Hadidi
they can’t hold their bikes up. But they don’t want to give is a wholesale direct importer of the hand-made 100 percent
up riding, so the trike is the perfect compromise.” Though wool and silk rugs that come from throughout the Middle East
Hilton’s business mainly consists of converting motorcycles and Asia. He said about 60 percent of his sales come from
to trikes, he is also the lone Arkansas dealer for a new factory Arkansas and 40 percent from other states. He works closely
made trike called the Stallion by Thoroughbred Motorsports. with interior designers to help customers find the perfect rug
The Stallion is a sleek, rocket-shaped vehicle with automatic for houses and businesses. “In this business you have to be up
transmission that gets almost 50 miles per gallon. The busi- on the latest trends in rugs and in interior designs,” he said.
ness recently moved to a larger location off Interstate-40. The “A rug is very personal, and it needs to fit the person and the
Web site is www.arkansastrikecenter.com. room. That’s what we strive for.”
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 13

14. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Debbie Goodman ’80, Jan Julie Kersey ’80
Storment ’81, Doug Bryan ’87 Julie’s Perks
W
Family Shoe & Fashion Boutique hen you walk into Julie’s Perks in Clarksville, a
T
well-coifed friendly Shih Tzu named Dexter is
he Bryan siblings --- (pictured, from left) Jan, Bryan
there to greet you. And, not far behind is the store’s
and Debbie --- grew up working in their family’s shoe
owner, Julie (Ballew) Kersey ’80, who puts an emphasis on
store, starting out dusting shoes for 50 cents an hour
friendliness. “I’m a people person and owning a small busi-
and later helping customers. “We didn’t know it at the time,
ness like this fits my personality well,” said Kersey. “I can’t
but we were learning how to run a business when we were
think of anything else I’d rather be doing.” Julie’s Perks is
10 and 11 years old,” said Jan (Bryan) Storment. “We were
a small home decor, floral, gourmet food and coffee shop in
just expected to help out in the store growing up. It was a lot
Clarksville. Kersey moved the store from Greenwood, Ark.,
of fun, but it was also great experience.” The shoe store that
back to her hometown of Clarksville in 2003. “I’d been away
was started by their parents — Travis and Sandra (a 1967
from Clarksville for 23 years, and it was just time to come
Ozarks graduate) — in the mid-1970s is now operated by the
home,” she said. “I had also been in the insurance business
siblings, as well as another store, Fashion Boutique, which
for a few years before and hated it. I wanted to get back to
opened in 1984. The two stores have been successful busi-
what I loved and that was owning my own business.” Kersey
nesses in downtown Clarksville for more than a quarter of
earned a marketing degree from Ozarks, a degree that has
a century. Both Storment and Debbie (Bryan) Goodman at-
suited her well in a career based in marketing and retail. She
tended Ozarks and earned business and teaching degrees, but
served as marketing director of a Fort Smith, Ark., mall for
the pull of the family business was too much to resist. “We
several years before deciding to open her own business, one
considered teaching careers, but there is something special
of the first coffee bars in the Fort Smith area. “Marketing and
about owning and running your own business,” said Good-
advertising is so important in business, and my background
man. “I really enjoy the selling part of it, and I like people.”
has really helped me,” she said. “You have to be able to get
The siblings agree that fostering relationships with customers
your message about your business out to people. If you can’t
is the key for a small business to succeed. “People can tell
market your business successfully, you’re in big trouble.”
when you’re being sincere and when you’re truly interested
Growing up around a family of small business owners
in them,” Storment said. “The best advertising we have is
sparked Kersey’s interest in being an entrepreneur at an early
word of mouth, so you have to have satisfied and happy
age. She said she has always enjoyed the creative side of
customers.” Doug Bryan said the thing he enjoys most about
owning her own business, and she is able to put that creativity
running a small business is the control. “You don’t have to
to use in running her small gift shop. “There’s no better feel-
go through numerous channels if you have an idea; you can
ing than using your creativity to set up a display area and then
implement it right away,” he said. “You are able to try new
seeing it pay off with sales,” she said. “I like the one-on-one
ideas and get things done quicker. Of course, if things don’t
aspect of it as well. When you’re able to give someone what
work out, there’s no one to blame but yourself.”
they want and they leave happy, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
14 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

15. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Don Ferrier ’74 David Morgan ’71
Ferrier Custom Homes Morgan’s Fashions
T D
here was a time when Don Ferrier wanted no part of avid Morgan didn’t find the clothing business, it
the family business. Now Ferrier and his daughters, found him. Morgan and his wife, Deanna, own
Heather and Lacey, are happily running the soon-to- Morgan’s Fashions clothing stores in Clarksville and
be-fourth generation construction business in Fort Worth, Ozark, Ark. He has been in the clothing business for more
Texas. Ferrier has helped continue a family tradition that than 30 years, but it was almost by accident that it happened.
started in 1881 when his great-grandfather immigrated to Morgan worked for an insurance company after graduating
Texas from Scotland to help build the Texas State Capitol. with a business degree from Ozarks, but he knew he even-
Today, Ferrier Custom Homes and Ferrier Builders are suc- tually wanted to own his own business. “I just always saw
cessful construction companies that service the North Texas me working for myself, and I knew I wanted to make that
area. “I had spent every summer and holiday working for my happen,” he said. “I just wasn’t sure what kind of business it
family’s construction business, so the last thing I wanted to would be. I really struggled with ideas of what to open.” At
do when I graduated from college was to work there,” Ferrier the urging of friends and family who said Clarksville needed
said. But after a couple of years working in the admission of- a clothing store, Morgan jumped in and opened the store in
fice at Ozarks, Ferrier returned to the family business. With a the mid-1970s. “I knew very little about running a business
background in structural concrete, Ferrier soon found himself and even less about running a clothing store, but I did have
building earth-sheltered homes in Texas using concrete floors, friends in the business who I could call for advice,” Morgan
walls and roof, a new concept at the time. These homes said. “I was like a rat running through a maze, eventually he
became many of the early generation energy efficient homes. finds an opening. That was me in those first few years. I think
Staying abreast of the latest technology, Ferrier helped Ferrier a lot of it was just instincts.” The Morgans do everything they
Homes become a leader in building energy-efficient, high- can to keep up with the latest fashions and trends for their
performance homes over the last 20 years. His company, store, which sells higher-end men’s and women’s clothing.
which builds on average 6-8 homes a year, has won numerous “We go to trade shows and major markets, see what people
awards in recent years for energy efficiency. “I got into high- are wearing on TV, read magazines to see what celebrities are
performance homes by accident, and the timing was perfect,” wearing; just anything we can do to try and keep ahead of the
Ferrier said. “Our homes use about one-third less energy than trends,” Morgan said. “You have to use every means possible
traditional homes, and the extra cost pays for itself in just a to know what people are wearing now and what they will
few years. There’s been a huge shift in the demand for these be wearing in the near future. The learning process is never-
types of homes and we were fortunate to be on the right side ending.” Morgan said the key to operating a successful small
of the trend.” Ferrier’s daughters work for the business and business is having the drive. “Many people don’t realize how
will take it over some day. “They bring a fresh new perspec- demanding it can be and the long hours it requires, but it can
tive to the business,” he said. “It’s very rewarding to run a also be very rewarding,” he said. “You have to have the drive
business with your children and watch them grow with it.” and energy to make it work.”
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 15

16. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
Successful business owners share common traits
G
rowing up, I had the opportu- creative, having the ability to identify
nity to watch my grandfather, customer needs before others and being
the late John Plugge, operate able to attract the necessary resources
Plugge Brothers General Store in Hart- to satisfy those needs. The late entre-
man, Arkansas, and my parents, John preneur, Ray Kroc, of the McDonald’s
and Estella Hilton, operate Hilton Mo- Corporation is a perfect example of an
tor Company and Jamestown Fina Sta- entrepreneur who performed this func-
tion. In addition, I observed my aunts tion very well.
and uncles operate a number of small
family businesses in the area, including High School, I spent many hours with (2) An entrepreneur is a risk taker, of-
Hilton Coal Company, Inc., and Clarks- the late Dr. James W. Perrett, Chairman ten mortgaging property, taking on debt,
ville Parts Wholesale. of the Division of Business Adminis- and using available savings to supply the
After I returned to Clarksville in tration at the University of the Ozarks, products necessary to satisfy customers.
1984, my brother, Randy, and I started discussing how a college degree would An entrepreneur has an opportunity not
Hot Hits Dance Company, a DJ business help me achieve my plans for eventually only to earn a profit, but to suffer a loss
which we operated for 23 ½ years. This operating my parents’ business. as a result of taking the risk. Yet, despite
past year, I helped my wife, Dayna, start While in college, I wrote several pa- the known risks, the entrepreneur acts on
her company, Firehouse Dog Publishing, pers on leadership. It was then that I first the idea and does not quit. The late Walt
LLC, through which we sell children’s began to study the characteristics of suc- Disney, who failed in business several
fire safety books and audio books fea- cessful entrepreneurs. Fortunately, I was times before successfully launching Dis-
turing our Dalmatian, Sparkles, the fire in the unique position to not only study neyland, is the epitome of a risk taker.
safety dog. entrepreneurs, but also to observe and
As a young child, I thought all par- interact with them on a daily basis. (3) Possessing an extremely high en-
ents owned a family business. When I The following are my top 10 char- ergy level and always being “on” when
learned otherwise, I realized just how acteristics of a successful entrepreneur, at the business or in public is another
lucky I was. Each day after school I based on my personal observations and entrepreneurial characteristic. Gener-
could not wait to spend time at my par- experiences. ally positive, on the move, and happy to
ents’ business helping out in whatever meet people, the entrepreneur works at a
way I could. (1) The most important characteristic very rapid tempo and “sets the pace” for
My primary motivation for attending of an entrepreneur, in my judgment, is the entire company. My late uncle, Leo
college was to help my parents operate the ability to identify and satisfy unmet Wiederkehr of Wiederkehr Wine Cellars,
their business. As a senior at Clarksville customer needs. An entrepreneur is very Inc., taught me this important lesson.
(4) An entrepreneur has stamina and is
generally in good health. Often work-
ing long hours and refusing to get sick
accurately describes my dad. He could
not take time off from work for illness
because the work had to get done. An en-
trepreneur rarely takes time away from
the business since there is often no re-
placement for the leader. My dad never
missed a day of work due to illness; he
was always there.
(5) The entrepreneur knows the impor-
tance of repeat business and has a good
understanding of the 80/20 rule. That is,
80% of sales are derived from 20% of
16 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

17. That Entrepreneurial Spirit
the customer base. Therefore, it is very tomers. She had a way of making them
important to identify and take care of feel very special, which drew a number
the 20%. After graduation from UCA, I of our customers back to the business ev-
worked for an area community bank. On ery single day.
my first day of employment, the CEO
asked me if I understood the 80/20 prin- (7) As a leader, the entrepreneur avoids
ciple and how I thought it applied to his restrictive and coercive motivation
bank. We then discussed the 20% of his tactics, acting as a coach and spend-
customer base that I needed to focus my ing much time managing by walking
efforts on at the bank. It was a lesson that around. Gathering information, training
I will never forget. employees, offering feedback, and gain-
ing the respect of others is what success-
(6) Focusing on people, especially cus- ful entrepreneurs do. An entrepreneur
tomers, is very important. An entrepre- understands that happy employees are
neur loves to play, joke, and spend time very good for business and sales. Dr.
in the presence of others. Part entertain- John L. Green, founder of the Interna-
er, the entrepreneur understands that the tional Assembly for Collegiate Business
business is not only a place to buy and Education (IACBE) and the Association
sell products — it is a social institution of Collegiate Business Schools and Pro-
where the needs of the heart and soul are Ozarks business professors and brothers
grams (ACBSP), effectively uses this Dr. Robert (left) and Dr. Randy Hilton had
also satisfied. An entrepreneur has the leadership style. their own DJ business, Hot Hits Dance
ability to make the person in his or her Company, for 23 years.
presence feel very special. As a teenager, (8) Inspiring confidence in others is an
I loved watching my mother perform important entrepreneurial role. A viscer- gnon Sports in Toronto, personifies this
this role as she interacted with our cus- al feeling of greatness surrounds the en- trait at his hunting goods store.
trepreneur, who is passionate about the
people, the products, and the company. As a teacher, some of my favorite
Herb Kelleher, former CEO of South- conversations are with those students
west Airlines, is one of my favorite ex- who have also grown up in a family
amples of an entrepreneur performing business. I love hearing their personal
this role. stories.
On a personal level, my experience
(9) An entrepreneur is extremely com- is with small family enterprises. What I
petitive, possessing much product love about them is that the “family” and
knowledge and using that information the “business” are often indistinguish-
to quickly solve customer problems to able. Such was the case in my own fam-
generate sales. Competing to win over a ily, which left its own indelible mark on
customer’s business motivates the entre- my professional interests. I know, from
preneur, and ultimately, the entire sales first-hand experience, how small busi-
organization. I have always admired the nesses affect the family in ways that
competitive nature of the late Roland S. only a business can. The idea of every-
“Rollie” Boreham, Jr. of Baldor Electric one pulling together to accomplish a
Company and his entrepreneurial spirit. common goal means much more when
it’s family. The closeness within a family
(10) Lastly, an entrepreneur possesses because of the business is something that
Robert Hilton holds up a cut out poster of the emotional stability to handle com-
his wife Dayna that is used to promote her
cannot be replaced. I have watched and
plex situations as they arise. Exercising learned many valuable lessons through
new book, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog.
self-control, remaining disciplined in a my experiences in the family business.
The book has sold more than 8,000 copies
and is the first to be published under the
crisis situation, and letting data drive the Today, I am lucky enough to share those
Hilton’s new company, Firehouse Dog decision-making process is important to lessons with my students so they may
Publishing, LLC. the entrepreneur. Jerry Gagnon, of Ga- benefit from them as well.
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 17

18. 1960s Hole in the Wall Gang
E.L Jacobs ’60 and Dorothy
(Armstrong) Jacobs ’64 of Paris, Ark., 2009 Reunion
celebrated their 50th wedding anniver-
sary in August with family and friends. There will be a reunion for the
They were married on Aug. 29, 1958. Hole in the Wall Gang on July3-
1950s She is retired after a 35-year teaching 4, 2009, in Clarksville. For more
Donald Marts ’51 and his wife career, and he is retired from a career as information, please contact David
Patricia of Clarksville celebrated their owner-operator of Jake’s Full Service Lasater ’75 at 479-754-2550,
50th wedding anniversary on July 24, Phillips 66 and with the Herbst Shoe 479-214-0763 or dlasater@agent.
2008. They are previous owners of the Company. shelterinsurance.com.
Herald-Democrat newspaper in Clarks- T.J. “Jerry” Jones ’61 of Harrison,
ville. Ark., was honored for his volunteerism for the Deaf in Little Rock. “That led
Several alumni recently attended during the 31st annual Arkansas Com- me to a degree in deaf education,” he
the Clarksville High School 55-year munity Service Awards in July. Jones, said. “I have Professor Parks to thank
reunion. They included Sue (Patterson) who helped found Arkansas Freight- for a wonderful career.” McDonald
Pine ’57, Rusty Ratliff ’58, Joanne ways (now FedEx Freight), was also the taught at the Florida School for the Deaf
(Willett) Taylor ’60, Lorraine (Dar- recipient of the 2008 Individual Com- in the 1970s.
nell) Belote ’56, Robert Ed Farris ’57, munity Service Award by the Harrison Sue (Crouse) Endsley ’75 was fea-
Bud Horne ’57, Truman Owens ’58 Chamber of Commerce. Jones has been tured in a recent Dallas-area newspaper
and Charles Callahan ’58. active in the Salvation Army, American for her efforts in organizing a fund-
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and raising walk in Flower Mound, Texas,
Share and Care. in November to support the American
Phil Collins ’65 was featured in an Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
article in an August edition of the Rus- Endsley, whose son Ryan committed
sellville, Ark., newspaper The Courier suicide in 2000, is active in the national
for entering his 43rd year of coaching organization Out of the Darkness, which
football in Arkansas. He was the head offers support to families of those who
coach at Western Yell County in 2008. have taken their own lives. Sue and
Collins, a former standout football husband Steven Endsley ’74 live in
player at Ozarks, previously coached at Highland Village, Texas.
Pottsville, Dardanelle and Russellville.
Hartzell Jones ’66 is the deputy
superintendent for personnel for the
Springdale (Ark.) School District. He
was recently named Personnel Adminis-
trator of the Year for 2008 by the Arkan-
Several U of O alumnae took part in or sas Association of School Personnel
attended the wedding of Andrea (Dewey) Administrators. He oversees the work
DeVault ’05 (center) and Will DeVault on of approximately 2,000 employees.
Sept. 13, 2008, in Farmington, Ark. The
Ozarks group included Lindsey McCuen
’05, Melanie Barrier ’05, Chelsea Joslin 1970s
’08, Becky Stengal ’05, Kayci (Rockwell) David McDonald ’72 is the admin-
Haberer ’05, Regan Brown ’07, Miranda istrator for the Arkansas State Office
White ’04, Shelly Muston ’05, Jeanne for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. Fernando Rivera ’03 and Maria Jose Ro-
(Randall) Hale ’07, Holly Cornell ’04, driguez ’02 were married on May 31, 2008,
McDonald said he first got interested in
Coumba Peterson ’05, Leigh (Thompson) in El Salvador, where the couple resides.
deaf education when he was a student at Fernando said, “Life is definitely full of
Ledbetter ’04, and Katie Shay ’05. The
DeVaults live in Prairie Grove, Ark., and
Ozarks in 1970, and a professor, Gilbert surprises. When we were at Ozarks, Maria
Andrea works for Lindsey & Associates in Parks, introduced him to Parks’ father, and I were simply good friends. Now we
Fayetteville. who worked for the Arkansas School are married and happier than ever!”
18 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

19. and Ashleigh.
1980s Dyanna (Smith) Yarbro ’96 and
Steve Crotts ’85 married Donette
husband Lance moved from Huntsville,
Wilkins on Oct. 23, 2008, in Eureka
Ark., to Monett, Mo., in August. Along
Springs, Ark. The Crotts live in Lamar,
with being a stay-at-home mother for
Ark., where Steve is a farmer.
her son, England, Dyanna created a
John Hays ’89 is living in Hope,
line of Christian clothing and products
Ark., where he is executive vice presi-
called Inspired Designs. Her Web site is
dent for First National Bancshares. He
www.IDtshirtsNow.com.
and his wife, Tonja, have two children,
Samantha (Snyder) Carpenter ’97
Luker and Helen, and are expecting a
and husband Jeff welcomed a baby girl,
third.
Cora Stone, to the family on Aug. 8,
2008. Cora has twin brothers, Clay and
1990s Owen.
Shannon Fawcett ’91 was recently Lori (Myers) Hines ’97 recently
named the new events coordinator for became the head girl’s basketball
the Bost Foundation in Fort Smith, Ark. coach at George Walton Academy High
School in Monroe, Ga. She previously Victoria Sayarath ’06 married Dustin
She previously served as the Northwest
coached at John Milledge Academy in Seaton in Little Rock on Aug. 8, 2008 at
Arkansas Division Director for the the Legacy Hotel. The Seatons live in Little
March of Dimes. Georgia where her 2007 team finished
Rock where Victoria is in pharmacy school
Tricia Hoeffer ’91 is living in Tul- 20-7.
at the University of Arkansas for Medical
sa, Okla., where she is a store manager Britt Bauer ’98 recently earned a Sciences (UAMS).
for Sprint. master’s degree in educational leader-
Cylla Dugan ’96 gave birth to a ship from Arkansas Tech University. Counseling of Arkansas. She and hus-
baby girl, Emily Shae, on June 20, He is the principal at Butterfield Junior band Spencer are expecting their first
2008. Emily has two sisters, Brittany High School in Van Buren, Ark. child in the spring.
Dr. Angela (Wheeler) Spencer ’98 Matt Young ’01 is the principal
and husband Shawn of Edmond, Okla., at R.E. Baker Elementary school in
welcomed a baby boy, Waylon Jackson, Bentonville, Ark. He recently helped the
to the family on May 8, 2008. school dedicate a new playground.
Chris Stubbs ’98 and Christy Tonya Bell ’02 is living in Perry,
(Baker) Stubbs ’98 welcomed a daugh- Ark., where she is a direct service
ter, Taylor Grace, to the family on Oct. professional for Perry County Day
16, 2008. Services. She serves as an instructor
Dr. Bryan Bishop ’99 recently for developmentally disabled adults.
Several alumni took part in a Gradu- joined the Fort Smith, Ark., dentistry She and her husband have two children,
ate School Panel held during Family practice of Dr. Stan Udouj & Associ- Ra’Lyn and Jaric.
Weekend in October. Those who shared ates. Bishop graduated with honors Blake Kent ’02 is living in Searcy,
their graduate and professional school from the University of Tennessee Ark., where he owns and operates an oil
experiences were (from left) Andi Davis College of Dentistry. He and his wife, company, Mid-State Services. He and
’2000, an attorney in Hot Springs, Ark.; Christy, have one son, Brayden Scott. his wife, Georgia, have one son.
Dr. Jose Aldana ’99, a research associate The Bishops live in Alma, Ark. Harley Sinor ’02 and wife Amber-
at the University of Arkansas; Brittney lee of Clarksville welcomed a daughter,
Porsha (Wright) Russell ’99 and
Flinn ’08, a law student at the University Scarlett Irene, to the family on Aug. 22,
of Arkansas; Blake Rexroat ’06, a gradu-
husband Jason welcomed a daughter,
Mattie Marie, to the family on July 7, 2008. Scarlett has a sister and brother,
ate student at Arkansas Tech University;
Alissa Ferrari ’08, a pharmacy student 2008. Shiann and Cash.
at the University of Arkansas for Medical Samantha (Wood) Armstrong ’03
Sciences; Jeremey Bernard ’03, director of and husband Scott of Clarksville wel-
coaching at the Westside YMCA; and Julie 2000s comed a son, Sean Mason, to the family
(Richardson) Bernard ’03, director of stu- Jacqueline (Janson) Presley ’00 is
dent organizations and university events at living in Fayetteville, Ark., where she Continued on Page 18
the University of Central Arkansas. is a bankruptcy counselor for Credit
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 19

20. on July 9, 2008. Sean has one sister, welcomed son Issac Terry to the family
Erica. on July 28, 2008. Erin works for Phil
Maria Fernanda “Mafer” Reyna Taylor Insurance in Clarksville.
’03 married Ian Eadie recently in Spain. Kari Pridgin ’05 of Ozark, Ark.,
They are living in London, England, earned a master’s degree in instructional
where she is an energy procurement technology from Arkansas Tech Univer-
analyst. sity in December. She is teaching math
Ricky Johnson ’03 is living in Dal- at Ozark Middle School.
las where he is a supervisor for Henry John Burgess ’06 married Brittany
Schein Inc., a pharmaceuticals com- Gideon on July 26, 2008, in Orange
pany. Beach, Ala. He works as an independent
John Cooper ’04 recently took a petroleum land manager for numerous
job as video production specialist for oil and gas companies. The Burgesses
Lucy Waldo, the daughter of Mark and
university relations at the University of live in Longview, Texas, with Brittany’s
Chivon (Cogan) Waldo ’03, will celebrate
Arkansas in Fayetteville. He shoots and daughter Hallie. John writes that they
her first birthday on Dec. 10, 2008.
edits video for the university. are all avid sports fans, following the
Rachael (Marble) Schluterman Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys.
’04 is a stay-at-home mom for daughter India Judd ’06 is living in Seattle Barr on June 21, 2008, in Puerto Rico.
Katie in Fort Smith, Ark. She and her where she works as a marketing execu- The Gordons live in Plano, Texas.
husband, Adam, are expecting another tive for Calee Marketing. She trains Judith (Stacks) Little ’07 and Matt
child in January. marketing executives for the firm, Little ’05 welcomed a son, Clayton
Erin (Yancey) Rowbotham ’05 located in downtown Seattle. James, to the family on May 1, 2008.
and husband Klay of Lamar, Ark., Jared Gordon ’07 married Heather The Littles live in Clarksville.
Stay In T
ouch!
Have you recently started a new job? Received a promotion?
Welcomed a new addition to the family? Or maybe you just
haven’t been in contact with classmates in a few years. We want
to know what is going on in your life so that we can share it with
your fellow classmates in the Today magazine. Send class notes
to alumninews@ozarks.edu or go to the University’s Web site at
www.ozarks.edu and fill out the “Stay in Touch” online form.
20 Today, FALL/WINTER 2008

21. Six to receive Hines named Arkansas’ Mr. Bass
Alumni Awards Robert Hines ’06 shocked the
state’s tournament fishing community
The U of O Alumni Association when he captured the 2008 Mr. Bass
will present its annual alumni awards of Arkansas title in his rookie year on
to six people during Alumni Weekend the fishing circuit.
2009, scheduled for April 17-18. Hines, of Little Rock, won the
The Alumni Achievement Award prestigious title by amassing the most
will go to Dr. Fletcher Lowry ’52 points on the Mr. Bass of Arkansas
of Conway, Ark. The Alumni Merit tournament circuit, which ended in
Award will go to Freddia Jean Sul- July. He finished the year with 413
livent ’91 of Alma, Ark. The Young points, 40 points ahead of the second-
Alumni Service Award will be present- place finisher.
ed to Trillian ’99 of New York City. “Being a rookie, I really didn’t
And the Alumni Legacy Award will know what to expect this year, so I had
be given to David Rawhouser ’69 of very few expectations,” said Hines,
Arlington, Texas; Joanne (Willett) who works at Arkansas Rod and Reel
Taylor ’60 of Clarksville; and Kath- in Little Rock. “I didn’t have the pres-
ryn Wright ’58 of Baytown, Texas. sure of expectations, and I was able to
The Alumni Office is currently ac- sneak up on people. I have to admit Robert Hines holds up the 9.27 pound
cepting nominations for next year’s that I surprised myself. I went from largemouth he caught in a fishing tour-
awards. If you would like to nominate never fishing a pro-am tournament to nament this past summer. Hines won the
someone, please contact the Alumni winning an entire series. I had a fortu- prestigious Mr. Bass of Arkansas title
Office at 479-979-1234. nate year.” for 2008.
One of the highlights of the year
for Hines was reeling in a monster ing them. He didn’t win by just a little,
David Pridgin ’07 has relocated to largemouth bass that weighed 9.27 either. He beat them by 20 or 30 points.
Haysville, Kan., where he is employed pounds in a tournament on Lake Mill- He came out of nowhere.”
by Occidental Petroleum of Wichita, wood in southern Arkansas. It was Hines majored in business at
Kan. Occidental Petroleum Corporation part of a storybook rookie season for Ozarks and had planned to go into the
is an international oil and gas explora- Hines, who said he’s been fishing investment field. A downturn in the
tion and production company, as well since he was 2 or 3 years old. economy put those plans on hold and
as a major North American chemical “As long as I can remember, I’ve spurred his attempt at tournament fish-
manufacturer. had a rod in my hand,” said Hines, ing.
Jose Aguilar ’08 is working as an who received a gold, jewel-studded “I knew if I was ever going to do
account and financial manager for Auto- ring for winning the Mr. Bass title. it, this was the time,” he said. “My
Excel in Honduras. “I’ve worked in fishing stores and wife (Cheri) has been very supportive,
Dennel Burke ’08 is living in guided fishing trips for most of my and so I jumped in and gave it a try.”
Texarkana, Texas, where she is a dental life, so I’ve always wondered how I Hines hasn’t ruled out the possi-
assistant with Denzer-Burke DDS. would do in tournament fishing. But it bility of trying his hand at professional
Maria Christina Calderon ’08 is still surprised me to do so well in my fishing.
living in Fayetteville, Ark., where she first year.” “That’s a big step, but it’s some-
is a store manager for Abercrombie & Ronnie Everett, president of Mr. thing I’ve thought about,” he said.
Fitch. Bass of Arkansas, said Hines sur- “Winning the Mr. Bass title has defi-
Maria Duarte ’08 and Marlon prised a lot of other people as well. nitely given me the confidence that I
Clair Sharp ’08 are both working as “Nobody knew who this kid was,” can compete. I love to fish and there
Everett told the Northwest Arkansas would be nothing better than making a
Continued on Page 20 Times newspaper. “He was just smok- living fishing.”
Today, FALL/WINTER 2008 21