LeadAR Class 20 Culminates in Regal Celebration

by Lisa Davis - November 18, 2024

LeadAR Class 20 bid a fond farewell to its 18-month journey in regency style with a brunch and ceremony on Nov. 15, 2024, at the Castle on Stagecoach in Little Rock.

Access Program. 

LeadAR Class 20 participants gathered with family, friends, and supporters to celebrate the culmination of their leadership development journey that included statewide visits, national and international study tours, and the implementation of a leadership service project.

Leading a leadership service project is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact while fostering community growth, unity, and resilience. Here is the list of LeadAR Class 20 graduates and their respective service projects.

See LeadAR Class 20 leadership service projects. 

Rachel Bearden—Build a Bigger Boat

As county extension agents, we have the unique opportunity to sit at several different tables and hear several organizational goals and priorities. One thing we have noticed, especially in the agriculture community, is that many organizations have very similar goals with very similar audiences. Hot Spring County has been recognized at the state level for being unique in how well our agricultural organizations come together, especially between extension, FFA and Farm Bureau, to pursue those common goals.

In June 2024, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture hosted a training for county agents, agriculture teachers, and Farm Bureau committees on resources for agriculture awareness and partnership opportunities. This training involved speakers from across the state and chapter, county, state and national levels to share resources and experiences. There were 25 in attendance representing 12 county extension programs and eight FFA chapters.

Impact: Following the training, there was a very strong increase in the understanding of resource availability and collaboration opportunities.

Sherry Beaty-Sullivan—Backpack Project

Sherry Beaty-Sullivan completed her Leadership Service Project working with local community groups to create meals in a “feed the funnel” style project. Nutritious foods were put together for the Polk County community.

Polk County 4-H, along with Mena FFA, Mena Lioness and Mena/Polk County Rotary, worked with the Pack Shack organization for a feed the funnel event on Aug. 10. More than 100 youth and adult volunteers worked together to package more than 16,000 meals that will be distributed through the Backpack program in the Polk County school districts throughout the school year.

Impact: The 16,000 meals were distributed between the three school districts in Polk County and were sent home with youth who qualified for the Backpack program, usually youth from low-income or lower middle class with multiple kids in a household, who may go without hot nutritious meals over weekends.

The meals were distributed each weekend to those young people. The kits were easy to prepare, just add water to the ingredients and microwave. There were four servings per kit.

Chelsea Boozer—Arkansas Water Young Professionals Network

The Arkansas Water Young Professionals Network (the Network) was created by Chelsea Boozer to connect, support, train and grow Arkansas water industry young and early career professionals in an effort to support the water industry's retention and development of the water workforce. The industry is facing a wave of massive retirements due to an aging workforce. Without intentional efforts to engage the younger workforce, communities are at risk of understaffed public health institutions. That could negatively affect the delivery and collection of water and wastewater, which ultimately impacts a community’s economic development, quality of life and public health. The Network was created to fill the gap that exists with younger water workers not having access to or knowledge of professional development opportunities that exist in their field, particularly those within the state.

Impact: Since its creation, the mailing list for the AWYP Network has grown from 30 people to more than 600. Programming has expanded to four areas of the state with monthly educational programming and networking events. The network created almost a dozen leadership roles for young and early career professionals through creation of its Board and board positions. Attendance by young professionals to the annual Arkansas Water Conference has significantly increased to at least a fourth of the 2,000+ attendees being young professionals. Additionally, several of the young professionals involved in the network have risen to leadership positions at their work and within the water associations throughout the state.

Arnetta Bradford—Bringing Hope to Hope

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) was once a program at Hope High School years ago. It has since ceased. I personally felt there was a huge need for this youth development, community support and leadership engagement. We seek to make better leaders through our strategy of engaging, equipping and empowering coaches, athletes and students to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same and make better decisions in life.

Since we restarted this initiative at the beginning of 2024, it has grown tremendously. The kids are now taking on leadership roles within the group, which is incredibly rewarding. This year, they even led the prayer at the pole, showcasing their growth and commitment to leadership.

We are currently preparing for their very first event, "Hope of Fields," an evening dedicated to the entire community. This event will provide a platform for the kids to share their testimonies, worship together, and receive prayer support.

Impact: I’m proud to report that our class has expanded to over 100 kids, and their enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring! I am dedicated to ensuring that this program continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Sylvia Brown—Level Up Civic Savvy Run for Office

There are nearly 100,000 government units in the United States — everything from county governments to municipalities to independent school district governments, according to 2012 Census Bureau data. Oftentimes, the candidates in these down ballot races go uncontested and many times are uncontested for years. This enables candidates (typically incumbents) to avoid campaigning or defending their records. In 2024, Arkansas had 84% of its races uncontested. Uncontested elections are not a sign of a healthy, functioning democracy.

The “Level Up Civic Savvy Action: Run for Office” project aimed to increase awareness about the process to file and run for municipal office in Hempstead County; increase understanding about the civic engagement process and the role of everyday people; recruit three persons to file for and run for municipal office; and provide mentorship (a civic buddy) as the candidates undertake their nonpartisan campaign.

Impact:

• Recruited two new persons to file for and run as candidates for municipal office
• Media coverage in local newspaper
• Social media posts viewed over 100 times across three accounts

Harold Clark, Jr.—Haunted Fire House

This was a collaboration with the Pine Bluff Fire Department and Police Department to host a haunted house for the public at the Public Safety Building. Fire and police personnel used props, decorations and costumes to transform the ground floor of both the police and fire department into a haunted house for the public to enjoy a safe Halloween.

Impact: A new collaboration between the police and fire departments. Over 1,000 kids participated in the event.

Angelique Cooper—Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Super Saturday

I organized a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Super Saturday at the Goodwill GTech Center. The VITA program offers free tax preparation services to residents, and this event included additional resources such as free food, health screenings, estate planning, voter registration and record sealing.

Impact: Nearly 90 tax returns were filed. This event was intentionally designed to build trust in the Southwest Community, a frequently underserved and overlooked area in need of vital resources.

Meagan Davis—Legal Seminar Series

A legal seminar series designed to educate the community (primarily Polk County) on common legal issues. The series will consist of three to five legal seminars held around the community and/or through webinar focused on issues identified through stakeholder engagement and personal experience.

Impact

On Sept. 6, 2024, I taught a course entitled “Estate Planning for Small Businesses.” The course was presented by the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce and offered for free to chamber members. During the presentation, I covered basic details on estate planning, including specific considerations for business owners and succession planning. Stemming from the meeting, I assisted three community members with establishing a formal business structure and advised on asset protection.

Continued Impact

On Nov. 14, 2024, I will be speaking at a Safety Outreach for Seniors (SOS), a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Event sponsored by UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. I will be providing a one-hour presentation on the importance of estate planning and covering asset protection basics for seniors.

In January 2025, I will be teaching a goal setting course for the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. The course will be offered for free to chamber members. During the course, I will assist members in thinking through business goals, establishing a strategic plan, and offering advice on next steps for business startups.

Maddox & Davis PLLC intends to present quarterly seminars around the community as part of the community engagement prong of their five-year strategic plan. 2025’s planned seminars will include Estate Planning 101, Divorce 101, Property Dispute Basics, and Farm Estate Planning.

Jody Harris—Elkins High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni Boosters

Jody Harris chose to restart the Elkins FFA alumni booster club for her leadership service project. Through her work, she organized a shrimp boil fundraiser in October 2023 raising $1,100. A second annual fundraiser in November 2024 raised $2,000. The group sold over 80 tickets plus received donations and sponsorships.

The group also celebrated National FFA week by hosting a teacher appreciation breakfast.

Impact: Funds raised provided an opportunity to award two scholarships for graduating seniors in May 2024. The organization was able to sponsor 16 FFA members to attend the IMPACT Leadership conference in November 2024. More scholarship awards will be distributed in May 2025.

David Long—Community Engagement at Cromwell

The LeadAR service project initiative motivated David to institute a new Community Engagement Process at Cromwell. They recently had their first event from this new process--participating in the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build project at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). Next year, they plan to have multiple office-organized community service events and will also encourage individuals to find their own. This will be paid time for employees to get out into the community.

Impact: This initiative not only strengthens the company’s commitment to social responsibility but also fosters a culture of giving back, empowering employees to make a positive difference in their local communities.

Michael Mangrum—Welcome to Monette

Several years ago, a bypass was constructed around the city of Monette, eliminating the need to travel through downtown. Since that time, Michael noticed two areas on the west and east sides of town that have grown up plots of land.

To improve the areas, he identified three locations for "Welcome to Monette" signs. He contacted landowners and received approval to improve the areas. He has also met with the mayor and a local Master Gardener to assist with this project. A local welder has created the signs. Everything is in place for installation in spring 2025.

Desarae Nelson—Arkansas Association of Student Assistance Programs (AASAP) 2023 Annual Conference

The AASAP conference is an annual event where 150 TRIO professionals gather from across the state and region to network, receive professional development, and learn how to actively engage in the association to enhance their programing, project management, and compliance with the U.S. Department of Education.

Impact: The 2023 AASAP Conference provided: a service project with a food pantry, a fun-run for scholarships, professional development, networking, compliance training, and opportunities to increase programming across our state for colleges and universities with and without current federal TRIO programs. This conference allowed new professionals to learn more about the projects they work with, the history of our state, regional, and national associations, leadership opportunities, advocacy opportunities, and the impact these projects have on student academic success, community impact, and future employment opportunities for project participants. We had updates from our national and regional representatives regarding upcoming grant competitions, advocacy initiatives and events, alumni events, and how we can continue to serve our students. We recognized the association’s history, honored our TRIO Achiever and scholarship recipients, and honored our members for their years of service and contributions.

Winfrey Norton—Cultivating USDA People’s Garden Initiative Across Arkansas

https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden

Winfrey Norton has worked diligently to make sure publicly accessible gardens are easy to locate as his leadership service project. The USDA’s People’s Garden initiative connects gardens in communities across the country that produce local food, practice sustainability, and bring people together. People’s Gardens can take many different forms; they can include food-producing gardens, wildlife habitat, conservation or beautification projects, and education and training spaces.

Participants in the People’s Garden community learn from other gardeners, and share experiences, challenges, and successes. Winfrey aimed to grow the number of participants in the People’s Garden initiative across Arkansas.

Winfrey presented the People’s Garden initiative at two meetings: UADA’s County 76, or Master Gardeners advisory group, quarterly meeting on April 23 and Washington County’s monthly Master Gardener meeting on August 6. He also reached out to several gardens on social media and by email/phone. Former extension employee and gardening influencer Janet Carson highlighted the initiative and LeadAR service projects in an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/oct/18/the-peoples-garden-program-links-efforts-across/

Impact: Awareness of the People’s Garden Initiative in Arkansas increased, and several additional gardens were registered following the outreach efforts. This will help further the goal of increased public accessibility to gardens and familiarity with local growing practices.

Daniel Phillps— State Plane Coordinates System Statute Update

Daniel did the legwork to update the coordinate system state law for the 2025 session. In early January 2024, he submitted proposed language to the National Geodetic Survey for review and comment. On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, he received their comments.

On March 1, 2024, he presented his finalized version of the proposed statute update to the Land Survey Advisory Board for review. The board unanimously endorsed the proposed changes.

On March 22, 2024, he published a press release and sent an email campaign to notify stakeholders of the endorsements by the two boards. The proposal is currently under review by the Bureau of Legislative Research.

After that, the proposal will enter the legislative process, which includes finding a bill sponsor, filing, and the committee's review/vote before moving to the floor of the House and Senate. This will take place in early 2025.

Potential impact: This update introduces the Low Distortion Projection (LDP) coordinate system, allowing Arkansas surveyors to achieve greater accuracy with minimal grid-to-ground distortion, which benefits projects like those of the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It improves consistency and precision in surveying measurements, ultimately enhancing the quality of work delivered to the public. Additionally, a new statewide coordinate zone will unify Geographic Information Systems data across County Assessor offices, enabling consistent data use statewide. Overall, these changes align Arkansas’s surveying standards with other states, supporting accurate cross-state work and reducing measurement errors.

Wendell Scales, Jr.—Projects to promote agricultural education

Part One:

Wendell Scales, Jr., led the 4th Annual Arkansas Lighthouse Summer Enrichment Academy—Junior MANRRS— which USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education funded. The program is in partnership with Dr. Mosley, the assistant dean at Bumpers College, and AR CommUniversity partners Terrius Bruce, Ayanna Bledsoe, Tyrah Jackson, and Chelta Wray of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in northwest Arkansas.

This year, the four-day residential STEAM pathway program introduced 7th to 10th graders to agricultural fields and careers with an immersive, transformative experience that included the AG Leadership, Poultry Science, Precision Ag, Soil, Food and Animal Science, Fashion, and College Access!

The program concluded with a White Coat Ceremony with Ag leaders Dr. Fields and Dr. Edwards.

Part Two:

On October 24, 2024, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School's brand-new Freight Farm, a state-of-the-art, hydroponic container farm designed to promote sustainable agriculture and hands-on learning. Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Ward was able to proudly proclaim Farm to School Month during the ceremony. Additionally, he announced the School Garden Award while other schools were in attendance.

Impact: Scholars, staff, and community can utilize Freight Farms, cutting-edge technology to inspire the next generation of STEAM professionals as they explore developing reliable food systems to combat food insecurity through sustainable farm-to-school practices.

The collective projects foster a unified approach to promoting agricultural education, which can lead to increased awareness and better engagement among community stakeholders.

Christel Taylor—Project Power Coat

Project Powder-coat is a successful community service project that Christel completed with the support of Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe and Parks Director Johnny Long. Through dedicated fundraising efforts, $3,000 was raised to powder coat six picnic tables in Lockwood Park, enhancing the area for community gatherings. The newly refurbished tables provide a fantastic resource for reunions and birthday parties, making the pavilion a more inviting place for everyone. Additionally, she partnered with the Newport Lions Club to install a new sign, further improving the park's visibility and appeal.

Impact: This project not only beautifies our park but also strengthens community ties by creating a welcoming space for all to enjoy.

Priscella Thomas Scott—4-H O-Rama Review and Strategic Planning Meeting

4-H O-Rama serves as an essential platform for 4-H members to showcase their skills and knowledge across a variety of project areas through both district and state-level contests. This statewide program reaches every county, providing valuable educational and developmental opportunities for Arkansas youth.

In February, a strategic planning meeting for 4-H O-Rama was conducted, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including youth, volunteers, state and county staff, contest facilitators, and other stakeholders from across Arkansas. The purpose of this meeting was to thoroughly review the current district and state events and propose enhancements for the program over the next three years. This collaborative effort resulted in a strategic plan designed to strengthen the events and ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of 4-H members while maintaining its relevance throughout the state.

Impact: Year one, participation increased. Also conducted community service projects at each district and state event.

Dan Villamor—A Career Path to Becoming a Plant Doctor

On Sept. 9, 2024, 15 senior high school students from Springdale's Har-Ber High School participated in Dan Villamor’s leadership service project aimed at introducing them to careers in science and agriculture. The students, selected by the school's agricultural instructor, Jonathan Roberts, have shown an interest in pursuing careers in science, particularly agriculture and plant pathology.

The event began in the morning with welcome remarks from Dr. Ken Korth, chair of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and a brief overview of plant pathology by Dr. Ioannis Tzanetakis. Dr. Tzanetakis, along with Drs. Joanna Kud, Jim Correll, and Martin Egan, presented their research programs and discussed career opportunities within the field, both in academia and industry. The students then visited each of their laboratories to gain firsthand insight into their work.

Before lunch, the group toured the Rosen Center greenhouse, hosted by Brandon Wodka, who also provided information on greenhouse management. This portion of the event was added after a participant inquiry, and with the availability of the speaker, it fit into the day’s schedule.

In the afternoon, the students visited the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research & Extension Center to learn about Dr. Burt Bluhm’s research program. The visit continued at the Plant Health Clinic, where Jason Pavel showcased plant disease specimens and discussed the path to becoming a plant disease diagnostician. The event concluded at the Arkansas Clean Plant Center, where Dr. Tzanetakis provided an overview of the center’s work, especially its role in maintaining high-quality planting foundation stock and conducting quarantine operations. Drs. Bolaji and Shivani then led the students through various activities within the center’s laboratories.

Impact: The event offered valuable exposure to the field of plant pathology, an area that lacks an undergraduate program but provides numerous career opportunities in both research and industry. It also allowed students to network with faculty members, opening doors for future collaboration and mentorship.

For the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, the event served as a recruitment tool, helping to cultivate the next generation of plant pathologists. Dr. Korth has expressed interest in making this event an annual occurrence, potentially expanding to include other high schools in Northwest Arkansas.

Stacy Walley—Building for the future

The Building for the Future project is designed to give students practical experience while constructing a small home throughout the school year. By collaborating with local contractors and engaging community members, they are creating an educational environment that promotes skill development and career exploration in trades that often go unrecognized. Many students may not choose the traditional college route, but this program opens doors to job opportunities in skilled trades.

Recent Progress

• Completion of storage units: During the spring semester, students successfully built two storage units, gaining experience in construction processes. The sale of these units not only provided students with a sense of achievement but also helped fund the Tiny Home project.
• Tiny house framing: The students have made significant progress in framing a tiny house, laying the groundwork for the next phase of construction. This hands-on work helps students understand how to design and frame a house.
• Window installation: Royal Windows has generously donated windows for the tiny house. Soon, students will be installing these windows.
• Community support: A local HVAC contractor has offered to assist with installing a mini-split air conditioning unit, providing students with the opportunity to learn more about installing HVAC systems.
• Grant funding: As a result of this project, Lake Hamilton High School has received a $2,500 grant from Lowe’s, which was used to purchase tools and supplies for the build.

Impact: Students are actively involved and excited about their work. They are not only learning technical skills but also gaining confidence in their abilities. The school has been posting regular updates on their social media platforms, showcasing the students’ hard work and progress. The project is off to a great start and is already having a positive impact on the students and the community.

Anthony Whittington—Linden Park Volunteer Day

Linden Park in Hot Springs is one of the City’s 22 parks. The park, build in the late 1980s, has had some improvements throughout the years, but needed some freshening up. Anthony led the volunteer group in the painting of the soccer field bleachers, adding new shredded rubber mulch for the playground safety base, planting seven oak trees, and spreading mulch around newly planted spaded in larger oak trees.

Impact: The cleanup and improvement day at Linden Park was a tremendous success. We had a great turn out of volunteers, about 25 people showed up for the event. The improvements they made with the bleachers, rubber mulch playground safety base, planting of trees, and mulching of trees has really given this park a facelift. Since this volunteer day, we have seen increased park visitation, and more players joining our soccer leagues. We have plans for a concession stand and food truck vendors to be at the park on weekends.

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. For more information about LeadAR, visit the website or contact Robinson, jrobinson@uada.edu, or Lisa Davis, ldavis@uada.edu.