Arkansas State University-Beebe students, faculty, staff and alumni were honored at the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) 2023 Annual Conference held Oct. 8-10, in Hot Springs.
Jacob Cater of Quitman is currently seeking an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences with plans to major in broadcast journalism after completing a degree with ASU-Beebe. Cater is active on campus, serving as a leadership scholar, founding member of the Fellowship of Christian College Students, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society co-chair and a member of Turning Point USA. He is chair of the student Campus Services Council, which advises the Office of Student Life on the operations of the Campus Food Pantries, Vanguard Giving Tree, Vanguard Volunteers program, and the Student Emergency Hope Fund. Most recently, Cater was recognized as one of ASU-Beebe’s Outstanding First-Year Students.
Garth Martin received an Associate of Arts degree in 1950 from ASU-Beebe, formerly Junior Agricultural College of Central Arkansas. Martin has contributed to ASU-Beebe’s growth and success as a member of the Development Council for over 25 years. He is also a longstanding member of the Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Old State House Association and Historic Arkansas Museum. He has volunteered at the Clinton Library, St. Vincent Hospital, Meals-on-Wheels and Heifer Village. Throughout his life, Martin has encouraged students to apply themselves, maintain positivity, and engage in school activities.
Meredith Gordon is an assistant professor of biology and botany at ASU-Beebe. Gordon attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. Her research focused on the evolution of plant populations. After graduate school, Gordon worked in agriculture before joining the faculty at ASU-Beebe nine years ago, teaching biology, ecology, botany, medical terminology and environmental science. Gordon also serves as committee chair for the Global Awareness Committee, faculty advisor for the Ecology Club, and faculty advisor for the ASU-Beebe chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Dr. Connie Nowell has served 28 years as director of the TRIO programs, which includes Student Support Services and Upward Bound on the Beebe and Heber Springs campuses. She previously worked at the Department of Education and as a senior education aid. At ASU-Beebe, Nowell has served on multiple committees, including strategic planning co-chair, chair of the retention sub-committee, Shared Governance Council, and enrollment management. She was recently named program manager of the Title III Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant director. Nowell received a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas.
