NEW FACULTY AND STAFF FOR FALL

The fall semester has begun, and on board the exciting year ahead, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton has some new employees who have joined us on the journey.

In the Nursing Department, Amanda Beaver adds to the team her 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. She has worked in various intensive care units, post-anesthesia care units, and perioperative settings. Also, for five years, she managed a hospital-based hyperbaric/wound care clinic. Amanda holds an Associate of Science in Nursing from Lousiana Tech University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Women's University. Additionally,she is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Nursing Education. Originally from Oklahoma, Amanda now resides in Greenbrier where she enjoys the outdoors. She said, "I am excited to join the faculty at UACCM and merge my years of clinical knowledge with curriculum standards. This is a fantastic opportunity!"

Joining the Biology Department faculty is Robert Clark. He is currently teaching Fundamentals of Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II. He previously taught the same subjects at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri. Robert recently moved back to his hometown of Conway. He received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Robert said, "I'm really excited to be back in Arkansas and working at UACCM. It is a great college and great opportunity for me professionally and personally!"

Michael Dequeant adds his expertise to the Chemistry Department as a Chemistry and Science Instructor. In anticipation of the fall semester, Michael said, "I am anxious and excited about being a part of UACCM." He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree from Louisiana State University and a Doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Miami. Michael worked at DePauw University from 2006 to 2007 and at Hendrix College from 2007 until earlier this year. He now lives in Conway.

Liz Lane is the new Human Resources Assistant. She lives in Dardanelle. Liz is a May 2013 graduate of UACCM and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business degree with an emphasis in Business Office Technology while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Liz was named the 2013 UACCM Academic All-Star. She also won first place in Business English and Word Processing and fifth place in Business Communications at the 2013 Arkansas Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference. She went on to place eighth in Word Processing at the national conference in Anaheim, California this summer. Liz said, "I am thrilled to be an employee at UACCM. From the moment I walked onto campus as a student, the faculty and staff have made me feel at home at UACCM. I can't think of another place which I'd rather work."

Becky Martin also joins the Nursing Department team this year. Becky is a Level Two Nursing Coordinator and Instructor. She now lives in London in Pope County, but her hometown is Houston, Texas. She is a Registered Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital in the labor and delivery unit and at the Arkansas Children's Hospital. She loves fishing, gardening, and traveling. Becky said, "I am absolutely loving my co-workers and the family here at UACCM."

Keith McKnight, a native of Morrilton, is an Instructor of Auto Collision Repair. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision Repair Technology and is Automotive Service Excellence Master Certified in Collision Repair. "UACCM is a great place to work," said Keith. "I look forward to having an influence in the lives and education of my students."

Joining the Drafting Department faculty is Jayson Millheim. Morrilton is his current home and hometown. Jayson received both his Associate of Applied Science degrees in Drafting and Surveying from Petit Jean College in 1997. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. He brings 11 years of computer-aided drafting experience to UACCM and received his teaching licensure in August 2013. He previously worked at Coreslab Structures in Conway. Additionally, he has worked at Crafton Tull in their Little Rock office and at Russellville Steel. He was also a substitute teacher at South Conway County School District. Jayson said, “It is a great honor to be able to teach in the same program that allowed me to start my career back in 1998.”

Greg Parks is a Visual Communications Instructor. He currently lives in Oppelo, is a Morrilton native, and is a Disney fanatic. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from UCA. Greg has worked as an artist at BSW Advertising, a youth pastor and college pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Magnolia, and a youth pastor at First Landmark Baptish Church in Bentonville. Greg said, "I love working at UACCM! It is a wonderful experience that I am thankful to have."

The Department of Academic Achievement welcomes Denise Pote back to UACCM as an Instructor. She and her husband currently live in Little Rock. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional and Technical Writing and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Mediation, both from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Training Systems with a focus on Educational Technology and Adult Education from UCA. She has worked as a writer since 1994 for various organizations including ALLTEL Information Services (formerly Systematics), ALLTEL Communications, and HP Enterprise Services. She taught Composition I at UACCM from 2002 to 2003 and Composition I and II along with Technical Writing at UCA from 2005-2008. "So far, I have enjoyed seeing UACCM’s big heart for its students and education," said Denise. "I am excited to be working in Academic Achievement and appreciate all of the guidance I have received from my fellow instructors."

A third addition to the Nursing Department faculty is Carolyn Flowers Tucker. She grew up in Newport, but her father, who is from Center Ridge, brought her to the Conway County area often as a child. She recently moved to Morrilton from North Little Rock. "I am very, very happy to be here," she said. "My dad used to bring me here when I was little, never thinking I would someday live here." Carolyn became a Licensed Practical Nurse shortly before she went on to complete her certification for Registered Nursing. She worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for 23 years and also lived and worked in Hawaii from 2004 to 2006. Recently, she got an Oncology Nursing Certification and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. She is currently working on a Master's degree in Nursing at UAMS.

UACCM faculty and staff are excited to have these new employees as part of the team. If you see them around campus, welcome them and introduce yourself! For more information about who makes up the faculty and staff of UACCM, visit the employee directory at www.uaccm.edu.

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