Arkansas Achievers

• The Southern Arkansas University Hallman Scholarship has been awarded to two incoming freshmen women this fall. The Hallman Scholarship is funded by SAU Foundation's Cinda Hallman Scholarship Endowment and provides scholarships for incoming freshmen women in the College of Science and Engineering. The 2020 inductees are Mallory Bell of Rison and Kenzie Cowan of Foreman. Bell, a graduate of Rison High School, has a family connection to math and science. Her grandmother taught math, which Bell learned by sitting beside her grandmother in classes. Her grandfather is a structural engineer at Lockheed Martin. "As I grew up, I excelled in my math and science classes," she said. "I was talking with my counselor, and she suggested I look into engineering." Rison High played football in Hooten's Classic at SAU last August, and while playing in her school's band, Bell had a chance to see firsthand the SAU campus. "As I did more research into SAU, I knew it was God telling me this is where I need to be." Cowan, an honor student-athlete and graduate of Foreman High School, chose SAU not only because it has a strong record of preparing students for graduate school, but also because of the reputation of the Science and Engineering Department. She anticipates a great foundational education in the sciences to pursue her career. "It also helps that my sister, Kylie, is a student-athlete at SAU and has really enjoyed her time there," Cowan said. Great professors who care about their students are another reason she looks forward to her "home away from home" experience at SAU.

• Tressie Fowler, the library media specialist at Danville High School, has been named the Arkansas State Air Force Association (AFA) 2020 Teacher of the Year and the Lewis Lyle AFA Chapter 2020 Teacher of the Year. Both awards are reserved for honoring teachers for classroom accomplishments and achievements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. Arkansas State AFA President Jerry Reichenbach, Lewis Lyle Chapter President Larry Louden, and State Awards Vice President Ann Reichenbach presented the awards to Fowler in her library. Principal Kim Foster said of Fowler, "we are blessed to have such a motivating and innovative educator. Her impact on our students is immeasurable." Fowler has revamped the library from a space where students primarily checked out books to an innovative, collaborative facility wherein students are also encouraged to explore STEM subjects. Fowler helps students pursue their passions and learn more by using library materials, resources, classes and clubs. In addition to teaching at Danville High School, Fowler works as an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University where she works in the College of Education.

• Dr. Glenn Anderson, professor in the Interpreter Education program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been named chairman of the Gallaudet University board of trustees. Gallaudet University is the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

• The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women has selected Amy Hronek, a junior social work major at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, as one of its 10 scholarship recipients for 2020. The American Association of University Women empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Each recipient receives a $1,500 scholarship. After graduation, Hronek plans to pursue a master's degree in social work. In the future, she plans to work within the criminal justice system, "where she will work for better lives for those who have been incarcerated." Hronek's desire to work as a social worker stemmed from social workers who made an impact on her life by assisting her during difficult times and giving her the confidence to return to school. "Social workers strive to bring about positive change in people's lives, and I want to help people change their lives and perspectives," Hronek said. Previously, Hronek has been on the President's List and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at National Park College.

Arkansas Achievers is an opportunity to give recognition to Arkansans for their achievements.

Civilian and military achievements are accepted.

Please follow these guidelines:

Achiever(s):

1) Must be an Arkansan or have graduated from a school in Arkansas.

2) Received an award, scholarship, medal or promotion.

Pageants, deans' lists, graduations or military enlistments are not accepted.

No photographs please.

To submit an Achiever email us at [email protected] with the words "Arkansas Achievers" in the subject line.

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