JobReady April Issue 2019

April


2019


A Publication of the Arkansas Department of Career Education








































































Arkansas Celebrates the Deaf Community

with Event at the State Capitol

Our Mission: To prepare a job-ready, career-bound
workforce to meet the needs of Arkansas employers.



On the cover Table of Contents


Deaf History Month is March 13
through April 15 each year and
celebrates the successes of the deaf Adult Education
community. Services for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing co-hosted an Coordinators Gain Around the State
event at the Capitol to celebrate the New Perspective Check out what the
achievements of this community in 4 5
Arkansas. Through Proverty Department of Career
More information about Deaf Simulation Education has been up
History Month on Page 6. Experience to around the state.


Living Kidney
7 Donors Honored 8 Second Annual
Welding Rodeo
During the 2019
April 2019 Chain of Life Teaches Students
About a Career in
A public information publication Awards Welding
of the Arkansas Department of
Career Education. ARCareerEd
Director Business Partners Contributes
Support Technical
Charisse Childers, Ph.D. 9 Western Arkansas 10 to Preparing
Communications Department Programs in Educators for
Chip McAfee, the ACT
Director of Communications
Kim Asther
Susan King
Caty Young Upcoming Events


[email protected]
Arkansas Department of April 22-24, 2019 April 23, 2019
Career Education FFA State Conference TSA State Conference
Three Capitol Mall Hot Springs Convention University of Arkansas
Little Rock, AR 72201 Center at Little Rock
501-682-1500 134 Convention Blvd. 2801 S. University Ave.
501-682-1509 fax Hot Springs, AR 71901 Little Rock, AR 72204
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
ARCareerEd.org

April 26, 2019 May 4, 2019

GED Top 25 Awards ACTI Benefit Softball Game
State Capitol Rotunda Bernard Holland Park
500 Woodlane Street 1207 Holland Park Road
Adult Education Little Rock, AR 72201 Benton, AR 72015
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Career & Technical Education
Office of Skills Development

3 Key Milestones in Deaf History





MARCH 13 APRIL 8 APRIL 15




March 13, 1988, Irving April 8, 1864, Gallaudet April 15, 1817, The
King Jordan became University was founded American School for
the first deaf president when President Lincoln the Deaf was founded,
of Gallaudet University. signed the charter making it the first public
establishing a college school for the deaf.
for the deaf.






Program Spotlight: Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing


ervices for the Deaf and Hard assistance extends to “educate tablets improve communication, but,
of Hearing (SDHH) exists to and encourage employers to hire according to Ketchum, new video
Senhance the quality of life for deaf or hard of hearing employees, technology can have a significant
Arkansans who experience cultural provide communication access impact as well. “With the emergence
and communication barriers due without barriers, offer reasonable of videophones, video relay
to their hearing deficit. Breaking accommodations, and provide services, and video chat apps, like
down barriers between the deaf and appropriate resources” for both FaceTime, Glide, etc., deaf people
hearing world is the goal of SDHH. employers and potential employees. can communicate more fluidly in their
Those who are deaf or have hearing Another aspect of SDHH is native American Sign Language, and
loss frequently struggle to find providing technology that can hard of hearing individuals can now
and maintain gainful employment, bridge the communication gap. see the other person on video to
independent living, and relationships, Working with other programs, like read their lips in addition to hearing
but the dedicated staff at SDHH is TAP (Telecommunications Access the other person.” These programs
committed to changing that. Program), SDHH offers the latest administrated by SDHH are designed
“I think it is important that technology that can keep deaf to assist the deaf and hard of hearing
every client of SDHH knows that and hard of hearing individuals in live independent and fulfilling lives.
when they walk through our doors, touch with family, friends, and the Since there are communication
they will be served in their first community. These two programs challenges on both sides, SDHH not
language,” said Cheryl Seymore, often work in tandem to serve the only provides a support system for
SDHH Rehabilitation Area Manager. client, TAP to supply the technology the deaf but also assists the hearing
With 13 field offices around the and SDHH to provide one-on-one in relating and understanding. The
state, SDHH can reach the majority training to the client. According program’s mission, to “provide high
of those in need with interpreters to Seymore, “It’s important for our quality, innovative services that
to facilitate communication with deaf consumers to have access to result in employment opportunities,
employers. SDHH also provides technology. With cell phones or improved quality of life, and full
vocational training to assist clients iPads provided by TAP they can inclusion in society for Arkansans
in finding meaningful and fulfilling have direct communication with their who are deaf, hard of hearing,
employment. And vocational training employers without having to rely on late-deafened, and deafblind,” is
isn’t just for the client. According to another person to place a call or take promoted and celebrated during Deaf
Holly Ketchum, SDHH Coordinator a message for them.” History Month March 13-April 15.
and Transition Counselor, Not only can phones and



3

Adult Education Coordinators Gain New Perspective

Through Proverty Simulation Experience


ducation Coordinators Speaking as himself, Gardner
experienced firsthand the said, “Once you put yourself in their
Ehelplessness and inescapability situation I don’t see how they do it.
of true poverty during a recent It’s mindboggling. And it’s frustrating
training event. Insufficiency is a because it is problem after problem
reality for many individuals and and it seems like the system puts
families in Arkansas. Without personal more problems on you. The people
experience, it is difficult to grasp the that I have to serve, I see why they
magnitude of poverty’s grip. The are upset and frustrated some
Poverty Simulation Experience is times. They have problems on top of
an immersive activity that gives problems. They get one thing under A group of Adult Education Coordinators
participants a realistic glimpse into control, and something else pops up. works together during Poverty Simulation
a life lived in poverty in Arkansas. Money is always short, and you can Experience training.
The Arkansas Department of Career never get anything done.”
Education (ARCareerEd) recently Shannon Buckner, ACE Program
hosted this event to provide Education Coordinator, played a part in the giving others insight into living without
and Training Coordinators, those who simulation. Though not a participant, resources in an unstable environment.
counsel and coach individuals who her perspective was challenged by the “What we want to see,” said
struggle with poverty daily, with a new experience. Her role was providing West, “is that people who interact with
perspective on their students. human services assistance to those clients have a better understanding
The simulation is designed to help in need. “I am learning how much red of what their needs are so they can
participants understand what it might tape is involved in getting benefits. better serve them.” She notes, “some
be like to live in a typical low-income People may be eligible, but they may circumstances are beyond the ability
family, facing daily challenges. About not be able to receive benefits until of individuals to handle them, whether
80 Adult Education staff members next month. They need help now. it is lack of food, no money for gas,
from around the state assumed This is eye-opening,” said Buckner. rent, or transportation. We should
the roles of individuals living in Nancy Loftis from the Arkansas be thinking, ‘What can we do to help
poverty. The scenarios varied. Some Adult Learning Resource Center them succeed?’”
individuals were newly unemployed, helped organize the event. “Our goal West’s facilitation concluded the
some were single parents with low is to help our new Education and simulation with a wrap-up discussion
paying jobs, others were grandparents Training Coordinators understand that required students to put their
raising young grandchildren, but all their students better. The majority of new-found awareness into practice.
were just one step away from disaster. our students are in these situations “We must assess how this applies to
Billy Gardener, from the every day.” adult education and take this learning,
Texarkana Adult Education Center, A new perspective on a student's as providers of services, and see if
played the part of a family man trying life could make all the difference in some procedures or practices are
to provide for his children. Speaking how they are received and treated. needed.”
in character, Billy said, “I can’t get “I am hoping that by walking in the As impactful as this exercise
ahead. I go to work and come home, shoes of their students, experiencing was, there were some in attendance
and there is something wrong with the money issues, the transportation who didn’t get fresh insight. One
the house. I get that taken care of issues, the time issues, the childcare participant said, “This is not shocking
and come home, and they are taking issues, coordinators can be more to me. I live in poverty now. I am a
my child away. I have to get my understanding with these problems,” single mom, and this is pretty close to
child back, but I have to work at the said Loftis. my life.” It is important to remember
same time. I can’t be two places at A Program Manager with the that it is not just students who need
one time. It’s impossible. Now my Department of Higher Education, our understanding and compassion.
employer is upset because I forgot to Monieca West, has been facilitating
call and let them know I was going to this simulation for over a decade. She
be busy. It’s just impossible.” is certified to conduct the simulation,



4

Magnolia Monticello




















El Dorado ARS Field Office Counselor Maria Rose, Monticello ARS Field Office
Angala Moss provided information during Counselor, provided information about
the Social Security Benefits Counseling for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services to
Texarkana Magnolia High School students. students and employees at the University
of Arkansas-Monticello Wellness Fair.


Hot Springs Jonesboro















The Texarkana ARS Field Office hosted Shannon Davis of the Jonesboro
a transition fair to give local high school ARS Field Office represented Arkansas
students with disabilities a look into life Rehabilitation Services at the Primetime
after high school. Over 150 students Arkansas Career Training Institute (ACTI) event hosted by Jonesboro Chamber of
and 28 vendors were present. Breakout Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students Commerce.
sessions covered topics such as money volunteered at the Caring Place of Hot
management, interviewing, and resume Springs.
building.
North Little Rock
Hot Springs
Little Rock












Steven Long, Program Coordinator for
ICAN, represented ARS at the Transition
Fair, hosted by the North Little Rock
The Hall High School CTE Department Six Arkansas Career Training Institute School District. Students from different
hosted mock interviews for students to (ACTI) students completed forklift and school districts attended the event.
help improve their employability skills. worksite safety training.


5

Arkansas Celebrates the Deaf Community with Event at the State Capitol

elebrating the contribution
of the hard of hearing and
Cdeaf communities is the
foundation of Deaf History Month,
March 13 through April 15. The
month commemorates the history
and promotes the unique culture
of the deaf community. Arkansas’
celebration was held Thursday,
March 28, at the Capitol Rotunda.
This year’s theme, Embrace,
Accept, and Overcome: A
Celebration of Success, highlights
the challenges faced by the
deaf community and the great
achievements possible with
perseverance and resolve. This
event was designed to recognize
deaf champions, acknowledge the
struggles of deaf students, and The deaf community in Arkansas celebrate their successes in honor of Deaf History
increase awareness of the deaf Month with an event at the Capitol.
community’s rich history in the
Natural State. his perseverance to graduate from lives of at least 30 young people
According to Cheryl Seymore, college were stirring. He shared his was both humbling and gratifying.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services experience having to work “doubly” Dickinson said he shares his
(ARS) Area Manager for Services hard to fit into the hearing world story with young deaf individuals,
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the strength it took not to give “to show them they can do anything
(SDDH), the celebration service up. Dickinson, now internationally and never quit because you are
had a positive impact, “I saw strong recognized for his disability- deaf.” In addition to encouraging
unity from the deaf community. I friendly designs, also described the deaf community, Dickinson
feel that through events like this what he considered his greatest believes the celebratory event was
when we recognize members of accomplishment. important for the hearing population
the community that have worked Dickinson had worked on as well. Sharing stories of success
hard to obtain a trade or career, the design of the now infamous “reminds us that we are equal with
it will ignite the desire in students Columbine Senior High School anyone around. Many times, people
and within other members of in Littleton, Colorado. He was forget that we exist and we would
the community, to pursue higher devastated to see the carnage like to be treated fairly and equally
education or a specific career.” that took place in the school in careers and our everyday lives.”
Many of the participants were and assisted the FBI in their ARS and the Arkansas
from Arkansas School for the investigation of the incident. Association of the Deaf sponsored
Deaf. As students, they could Months after the tragic events of the event in association with the
identify with stories told by keynote April 20, 1999, the FBI reported that Arkansas School for the Deaf (who
speaker, local architect John one of the reasons many students provided refreshments), UALR,
Dickinson. Dickinson’s struggles survived injury or death was due to Arkansas Department of Education,
to communicate with others at the design of the library. The airy SCOMM, Spa Area Independent
public school, his frustrations design allowed students to escape Living Services, and Goodwill
resulting from feeling isolated during the chaos. The realization Industries.
within his family, and ultimately, that his work had preserved the



6

Living Kidney Donors Honored During the 2019 Chain of Life Awards

he Arkansas Kidney Disease
Commission (AKDC) paid tribute
Tto the courage, sacrifice and
lives saved during the 2019 Chain of
Life Awards presented Wednesday,
April 3. AKDC hosts this event each
year to honor living kidney donors
from around the Natural State.
Fourteen of the more than
100,000 Americans on the national
kidney transplant list die each day
without the lifesaving surgery. That
is why living donors provide the best
hope for those waiting. Instead of
waiting for an organ donation from
a deceased donor, living donors Eleven people were honored for their gift of life during the 2019 Chain of Life Awards.
are available when the patient is
ready for the transplant. In addition
to availability, transplanted organs watched her sister get progressively then three weeks later she was back
from living donors increase the weaker from the age of 7 until she was to school and work.”
survival of the donor organ with fewer approved for a transplant when she The Willis’ story is not unique as
complications reported. was 19. Willis, a junior at Henderson one by one living donors received
In recognition of the selfless State University in Arkadelphia, had recognition for their compassion and
sacrifice, the Arkansas legislature been committed to saving her sister’s charity and told stories of family, love,
has created the Chain of Life Awards life for many years and was thrilled and dedication. Some were family
to honor donors, celebrate organ when she turned out to be a donor members, a spouse, or friends, but all
recipients, and create a platform for match. After finishing her college had the same resounding conviction—
their inspiring stories. finals for the semester, Willis headed they are glad they donated. Their
According to Lynn Franquemont, home, and both sisters had surgery reward is seeing their loved one
Director of Community Service December 26, 2018. healthy and whole.
Programs for Arkansas Rehabilitative “Sometimes I have to remind In addition to recognizing living
Services, the awards celebrate the myself what I did because I feel so donors, AKDC presented the Bob
lives saved, as well as the courage normal, but when I look at Lauren Abbott Distinguished Service Award
of those donating their kidneys. and see how far she has come, I to Dr. Prajwal Chevireddy, Medical
“The honored are those who have remember what we went through Director of East Little Rock Dialysis.
made a living kidney donation to a together,” said Willis. “I am so grateful Commended for his contribution to the
current resident of the state, typically that I had the opportunity to save her.” kidney patient community in Arkansas,
someone that they know well, a Willis’ father was on hand to Chevireddy's staff and co-workers
spouse, cousin, friend, etc.,” said see his daughter recognized for her nominated him for his compassionate,
Franquemont. donation. “She’s my hero,” said Doug conscience care of his patients and
One such award was presented Willis. “She saved her little sister’s his steady, inspiring leadership in the
to Madison Willis for her kidney life. She is amazing. She came home medical community.
donation to her sister Lauren. Willis from college to donate her kidney and




Watch AETN's broadcast of the Chain of Life
Awards Ceremony here https://bit.ly/2WVOTtV!
This video will be available to watch until May 3.






7

Second Annual Welding Rodeo Teaches Students About a Career in Welding

he second annual Welding
Rodeo, held at the University of
TArkansas in Fort Smith (UAFS),
allowed more than 50 students from
Western Arkansas high schools
to compete in a variety of welding
related categories. The purpose
of the event, hosted by students
enrolled in the Western Arkansas
Technical Center (WATC), was to
expose high school students not
already in a technical program to
the unique educational opportunity
available to them.
As part of the UAFS system, WATC
offers welding and fabrication courses
that students can attend part-time Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) welding students demonstrate the new
along with their regular high school skills they have learned in their WATC classes at the Welding Rodeo.
classes. Students like James Hill, a
junior at Alma High School, attends
regular school in the morning and classes offered through WATC. “A lot real-life skills. We make sure that
spends his afternoons preparing for of our young people don’t realize the they are employable after two years
his career. The program has helped opportunities that lay in some of the here.
Hill decide what he wants to do after technical fields,” said Ken Warden, “They get the kind of training
high school and has given him the Dean of the College of Applied here, even when they are still in high
necessary skills to find entry-level Science and Technology at UAFS. school, that prepares them for many
employment right out of high school. “[Including] the high wage jobs that different types of careers. We teach
“This is my third semester and are behind some of these programs.” arc welding, MIG (metal inert gas
I love it. I already had the basics of Sponsors and industry leaders welding), TIG (tungsten inert gas),
welding when I got here, but I wanted from around the state were present to structural and pipe welding, sheet
to learn more,” Hill said. “I wasn’t talk to high school students on-one- metal layout, and pipe welding,”
sure what I wanted to do with my life on. “We had about a dozen sponsors Dungan said. “And, all of these
before, but now I am looking for a here today, some from out of state, classes are college accredited. We
career in welding.” who came here to support what we also have a connection to some
Aside from the technical aspects are doing and talk to our kids about major local manufacturers like Trane,
of welding and fabrication, the opportunities,” Warden said. “High Lexicon, and Welsco.”
welding instructors go above and school students don’t always know The opportunities for high school
beyond to ensure the students are that they don’t have to travel out of students interested in a technical
career-ready right out of high school. state to get good paying jobs.” career in Western Arkansas are
“They make you a better person Underscoring the success of remarkable. In addition to preparing
than when you started,” Hill said. this program is Welding Instructor for career success while still in high
“They not only teach you how to weld and Certified Welding Inspector, school, students have access to the
but about the other things that are Michael Dugan. Dugan graduated latest and best technology due to the
expected of you on the job. I don’t from the WATC program himself, and strong relationship WATC retains with
know what I would be doing if I didn’t now he passes his knowledge and former students, local businesses
come here and participate in this experience on to a new generation and, motivated instructors. It’s a
program.” of students. “We take students when winning combination that benefits
In addition to the welding they are green, from knowing nothing students, manufacturers, and the
competition, high school students to knowing something,” Dugan said. community.
were able to tour the state-of-the-art “We work with them emotionally and
facility and learn about the accredited physically, and help them to develop


8

Business Partners Support Technical Programs in Western Arkansas

ollaboration with industries test and get in the door and start
and professionals is a core working, we have on-the-job training
Ccomponent of successful to help them grow in their career.”
career technical education. With Local businesses also benefit
so many major manufacturers in when they get a say in developing
their backyard, Western Arkansas a curriculum. This ensures that
Technical Center (WATC) and the students are getting practical
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith experience, along with cutting-edge
(UAFS) are taking full advantage of technology that prepares them for
the opportunity. It is proving to be the skills they will need to get hired. The Western Arkansas Technical Center
beneficial for everyone involved. It also helps businesses to fill the is located on the University of Arkansas-
Students benefit as they learn technical positions like welding Fort Smith campus. Photo courtesy of
valuable skills and make sure it is and fabricating, which are in high uafs.edu.
a good fit before they pursue it as demand.
their profession. They can decide Dale Stewart, Sales and
to go directly from technical school Estimating Manager at Fig Tree owner wants us to bring the young
into a career or continue their Steel, has been part of the generation in and train them to be
education by getting a secondary program’s advisory board since part of a strong staff of employees.”
degree. They also learn how to 2012. He has built relationships Lexicon Fabricators in Little
conduct themselves in the business with the administration and Rock, also has their eye on WATC
world and make connections that instructors. As president of graduates. Human Resources
lead to future employment. the advisory board, he is in the Representative Shannon Gordon,
WATC graduate Jessy Nichols is unique position to meet many of recruits more than 200 welders a
grateful for his technical education, the students and see their work year right out of high schools or
“I attended 2003-2005 and then firsthand. “This has been a great technical schools. She likes to
started a career in welding right experience. We have several make students aware of the option
from high school. This program graduates in our Van Buren facility they have and potential career
was life changing. I don’t know right now and wouldn’t mind having pathways in the technical field. “I
what I would have done without a few more. We like to come try to let them know the importance
this program. In 2017 I achieved through and see who is growing and and demand for technical jobs and
Certified Welding Inspector (the who is exceptional,” said Stewart. let them know they can get a job
highest welding qualification). I Finally, schools benefit from the with a company with a technical
don’t think that would have happed input of industry leaders, contacts background and make about
without the foundation I received for student jobs, and recognition the same amount of money as
from my instructors here.” as a school with a great career someone with a four-year degree
Pipe Welding Lead at Trane placement rate. Hackett’s Johnson coming right out school because
Custom Products in Fort Smith, Material Handling Shop Manager, there is shortage of technical
Tony Matlock, represented his Michael Callahan, explained the employees across the country,” said
company at a recent competition value of this relationship for his Gordon.
for local high school students at the company. “We build conveyer The collaboration of business
UAFS welding facility. Matlock, also systems, specialty machinery, that partners with technical education
a certified welder at the plant, has kind of thing. I am also on the providers is a value add for the
been where the current students are advisory board, so I work with the companies, school, and most of the
right now and knows the importance administration of the school pretty students. Spending time to those
of finding good paying local jobs. closely and we have hired several in the industry, especially those
“We want to let the community know graduates of the program. We have who once stood in their shoes can
that there are jobs locally available,” found that, skill-wise, the students provide perspective and motivation
Matlock said. “If students have were ready to step right into an that is often in short supply.
the skill to come in and take the entry level welding program. Our


9

ARCareerEd Contributes to Preparing Educators for the ACT

ducation and workforce of students [for college].” Although this
professionals met on the seems like an insignificant increase,
EArkansas State University (ASU) it could result in 88 more students
Campus in Beebe to hone their skills enrolling in college, nearly 200 fewer
in preparing students to take the ACT students requiring remedial courses
Exam and for college and career in math or English, and 107 additional
success. The ACT3: College, Career, students earning a degree within six
and Collaboration Summit provided years. Small steps, small increases
an opportunity to discuss the diverse can lead to significant progress.
needs of today’s learners and attain a Also during the Summit, National
variety of cutting edge, research-based Steering Committee Member and Sonja Wright-McMurray awards Ruthie
methods to address those needs. Associate Director for Career and Courtney as the 2019 ACT Workforce
Participants also had opportunities Technical Education Special Projects Champion.
for networking with other teachers, for ARCareerEd, Sonja Wright-
counselors, and advisors around the McMurray, recognized Ruthie Courtney one of the state’s most disadvantaged
state and industry representatives. as the 2019 ACT Workforce Champion. area. She encouraged other coaches
Charisse Childers, PhD., Director Courtney is the Internship Coordinator and coordinators to work hard on
for Arkansas Career Education and National Career Readiness behalf of our students. “It is so
(ARCareerEd) encouraged educators Certificate (NCRC) Coordinator at important to get students ready for
and coaches by sharing findings Southeast Arkansas Community- their futures. We want our students
from the latest Condition of College & Based Education Center (SEACBEC) to learn their soft skills and apply the
Career Readiness research. Childers in Warren. She works with students skills they learn in the classroom and
said, "ACT research estimates that an to prepare for the NCRC exams and take them into the field. It really helps
increase of 0.1 in state average ACT oversees 60 student interns working in them get ready for their future careers,”
score of Arkansas students could have the community. said Courtney.
a significant impact on the readiness Courtney is boots on the ground in







Arkansas Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

arch is Developmental
Disabilities Awareness
MMonth across the nation
designed to spread awareness,
promote acceptance and
celebrate the advancement of
individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. Here in
Arkansas, the Governor's Council
on Developmental Disabilities
held Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Day at the Capitol on
March 14 which included a visit
from Governor Hutchinson and an
Arkansas People First Rally on
the Capitol steps. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities celebrate Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month with an event at the State Capitol.


10

Career Education and Workforce
Development Board
Senior Management Team Hugh McDonald, Chairman, Little
Rock
Charisse Childers, Ph.D., Director Gina Radke, Vice Chairman,
Don Bellcock, Internal Auditor Sherwood
Lorna Claudio, Chief Financial Officer D. Alan McClain, Commissioner Adam Arroyos, Ph.D., Fayetteville
Otis Dixon, Chief Information Officer Joseph Baxter, Deputy Commissioner Jerry Cash, Ed.D., Harrison
Chip McAfee, Director of Communications Jonathan Bibb, Administrator/Associate Scott Copas, Little Rock
Kelly Hunt Lyon, Ed.D., Strategic Planning Commissioner, Arkansas Career Training Michael Garner, Hensley
and Development Manager Institute Stacy Gunderman, Batesville
DeCarlia Smith, Human Resources Rodney Chandler, Director of Business Troy Keeping, Marion
Administrator Engagement Steve Percival, Little Rock
Lisa A. Thompson, Personnel Manager Carl Daughtery, Chief of Field Services/ Jenifer Price, Springdale
Associate Commissioner Jeff Standridge, Ed.D., Conway
Lynn Franquemont, Director of Keith Vire, Ph.D., Fayetteville
Community Service Programs Burton Weis, Fort Smith
Charles Lyford, General Counsel Ex-Officio Members
James McCune, Chief Financial Officer Richard Abernathy, Ed.D.,
Trenia Miles, Ed.D., Deputy Director Judy Smith, Transition Director of Special Executive Director, AR Association
Bridget Bullard Criner, Associate Director Projects of Educational Administrators
Robert Treviño, Associate Commissioner Daryl Bassett, Director, AR
for Program, Planning Development & Department of Workforce Services
Evaluation Johnny Key, Commissioner, AR
Nathan Winter, Associate Commissioner Department of Education
for Access & Accommodations Maria Markham, Ph.D., Director,
AR Department of Higher Education
Angela Kremers, Ed.D., Deputy Director Mike Preston, Director,
Cheryl Wiedmaier, Ph.D., Associate AR Economic Development
Director Commission
Sonja Wright-McMurray, Associate Cody Waits, Deputy Director
Director for Special Programs Stephanie Isaacs, Associate Director




ADULT EDUCATION Lonoke Small Business Program
501-683-2341 501-676-4490 501-683-3582
GED ® Monticello Stay At Work/ Return To Work
501-682-1980 870-367-9669 501-683-6052
ARKANSAS REHABILITATION North Little Rock Services for the
SERVICES 501-833-1490 Deaf & Hard of Hearing (SDHH)
Arkansas Career Training Institute Pine Bluff 501-686-2800
501-624-4411 870-534-2404 TAP (Telecommunications Access
Field Services Offices Russellville Program)
Batesville 479-890-5751 800-981-4463
870-793-4153 Searcy Transition Services
Benton 501-268-4542 501-682-5634
501-317-1390 Texarkana CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Booneville 870-773-2807 501-682-1040
479-675-3835 West Memphis Occupational Programs
Conway 870-735-4725 Agricultural Science and Technology
501-730-9725 Alternative Finance Program 501-682-2561
El Dorado 501-296-1663 Business/Marketing Technology
870-862-5451 Arkansas Governor's Commission on 501-682-1768
Fayetteville People with Disabilities Family & Consumer Sciences Education
479-582-1286 501-682-5317 501-682-1115
Fort Smith Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission Office of School Improvement
479-755-3300 (AKDC) 501-682-1616
Harrison 501-686-2807 Skilled and Technical Sciences
870-741-7153 Assistive Technology at Work (AT@ 501-682-1271
Helena Work) State Approving Agency for Veterans
870-338-2753 501-683-3009 Training and Education
Hot Springs Business Engagement 501-324-9473
501-623-4479 501-296-1659 OFFICE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Jonesboro Increasing Capabilities Access 501-683-1152
870-972-0025 Network (ICAN) Apprenticeship
Little Rock 501-666-8868 501-682-1360
501-686-2800

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