New Employees at UACCM

Front, from left: Andy Newton, Anthony Holt, Gina Guess-Welsh, Maranda Rios-
Blanchard, Aaron Spivey
Middle, from left: Leslie Gomes, Kira Grant, Lynn Baker, Janie Wagner, C.C Hogan,
 Thomas McLeod
Back, from left: Darren Jones, Jacob Ward, Patrick Dodgen, Mike Thompson, Leroy
 Gattin, Richard Ates

Several new faculty and staff members recently began work at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. According to Leanna Everhart, Director of Personnel at UACCM, 19 new employees filled either new or vacated positions at the College. New employees include:

Richard Ates of Houston is the newest member of UACCM Campus Police. Ates comes to the area with his wife Carmen after graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Texarkana College and serving more than 20 years in law enforcement in Texarkana.  

Lynn Baker of Perryville has been named personal, academic, and career Counselor at UACCM. Baker is a graduate of Hendrix College, and she has more than 10 years of experience in higher education counseling. She lives in Perryville with her husband, the Rev. David Baker. 

Danna Crook of Conway is the new Reading Instructor at UACCM. Crook received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and has worked as an part-time faculty member at UACCM for the past four years. She lives in Conway with her husband Curt and children Joshua and Mackenzie. 

Patrick Dodgen of Casa is one of the newest members of the maintenance team, and he brings several years of relevant maintenance experience to UACCM.

Leroy Gattin of Maumelle is the new UACCM Librarian. Gattin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and his master’s degree from the University of Missouri. He lives in Maumelle with his wife Martha. 

Leslie Gomes of Conway is the new Math Lab Supervisor at UACCM. Gomes received her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics and her Master’s Degree in Math Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She was a former math instructor at both UACCM and Pulaski Tech. 

Kira Grant of Vilonia is the new UACCM Professional Services Secretary. Grant recently graduated from UACCM with an Associate’s Degree in Business Office Technology. She lives in Vilonia with her dogs Buddy and Maggie Lou. 

Gina Guess-Welsh of Conway is the new Document Imaging Secretary. Guess-Welsh received her Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, TV, and Film from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She lives in Conway with her husband Mike and her dog, Boo. 

C.C. Hogan of Morrilton is the new Career Pathways Curriculum Specialist at UACCM. Hogan graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a former middle school teacher. She lives in the area with her husband Paul and her children Vaughn, Emma, Caroline, Clark, and Greta. 

Anthony Holt of Perry has been named Developmental Biology Instructor at UACCM. Holt earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management and his Master’s Degree in Biology from Arkansas State University. He has more than 10 years of teaching experience and has two children, Julie and Corey.  

Darren Jones of Conway is the new Vice Chancellor for Student Services at UACCM. Jones received his Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Marketing from Southern Arkansas University and his master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He lives in Conway with his wife Alice and daughters Ella and Ruby. 

Thomas McLeod of Conway is the new Developmental Mathematics Instructor at UACCM. McLeod graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Central Arkansas. He has two children, Shaun and Laurel. 

Tamela Montjoy of Atkins is the new Childcare Giver at the Earle Love Child Study Center on the UACCM campus. Before beginning at UACCM, Montjoy served as a substitute teacher for Pre-K through grade 5 for more than six years. She resides in Atkins with her husband Eddie and her children Zachary and Sarah. 

Andy Newton of Casa is another new member of the UACCM maintenance team. He brings more than 10 years of experience in industrial, commercial, and residential maintenance and repair. Newton lives in Casa with his wife Sue and his children Gordon, Andrea, Lora, and Stephanie. 

Maranda Rios-Blanchard of Morrilton is the new Career Pathways Counselor at UACCM. Rios-Blanchard received her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and her Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. She lives in the area with her husband Dane and her sons Rowan and Grant. 

Aaron Spivey of Morrilton is the new Coordinator of Community Outreach at UACCM. Spivey is a graduate of UACCM with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing, and he has several years of management experience. He lives in Morrilton with his wife Kurtsy and his children Lizzie and Mitchell. 

Mike Thompson of Cleveland is another new maintenance team member. Thompson is a graduate of Wonderview High School and he has two daughters, Carrie and Amelia. 

Janie Wagner of Casa is the new Community Outreach Secretary at UACCM. Wagner is a graduate of Petit Jean College with an associate’s degree in business office technology. She lives in the area with her husband Gary and has four children, Tracy Cody, Melissa Everhart, Michael Wagner, and Adam Wagner. 

Jacob Ward of Russellville has been named the Coordinator for Information and Public Relations at UACCM. Ward is a recent graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Public Relations, and he lives in Russellville with his dog Laney.