Arkansas State University-Beebe students, faculty, staff and alumni were honored at the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) 2024 Annual Conference held Oct. 13-15 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Academic All-Star Award recipient Carter Blackmon is currently seeking an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, with plans to major in biology after completing his degree with ASU-Beebe. Blackmon is active on campus serving as a student leader, a founding member of the Knights of the Round Table Chess Club, a member of TRIO Leadership Council, the Student Government Association’s Warren Harshaw Diversity Committee and president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A committed servant and scholar, Carter maintains a 4.0 GPA and serves as the Student Government Association’s president for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Outstanding Alumni Award recipient Andrew Bell earned two associate degrees from ASU-Beebe in 2008. While a student, he received the 2007 Academic All Star Award and the 2008 ASU-Beebe Heber Springs campus outstanding student award. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University and then obtained a master's degree in genetic counseling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Bell now directs genetic counseling at Baptist Memorial Hospital, expanding genetic services regionally. He serves on several academic boards. Bell, his wife Dr. Sarah Bell, and their six sons enjoy outdoor activities and family time in Jonesboro.
Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, Kendall Casey, is a master instructor in computer-aided drafting and design and the program director for the Career Education Division. With 20 years of dedicated service, Casey holds an associate degree in CADD from ASU-Beebe, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology and a master's degree in geographic information systems. Renowned for his commitment to student success, Casey dedicates extensive time to answering questions, providing advice and assisting with career placement. "Through teaching and advising, I strive to make every interaction a positive experience for the student so that they can achieve their best," Casey said.
Outstanding Staff Award recipient Andrea Cole was recently promoted to associate vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement. While serving as the development officer/major gifts, she spearheaded the fund-raising efforts last year for the Centennial Bank Gymnasium renovation and naming the Jeannie Lindsey Basketball Court. Beyond her normal duties, Cole coordinated the largest alumni reunion to date, the annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Total Solar Eclipse event for each campus. She also co-chairs the lecture concert series, manages the Vanguard Mini-Grant program and provides guidance to the Development Councils for Beebe and Heber Springs campuses. Cole is past president of the Beebe Chamber of Commerce and serves on the ACC Conference Advisory Board. Cole consistently strives to lead ASU-Beebe toward excellence.
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