03 Aug 2025 Couple of the Month: Jennifer and Shawn Halbrook
HER STORY:
I am a Christ-follower, loyal wife and devoted mother, who has high expectations and is a tad blunt.
Native of: I grew up in Oppelo, which is also in Conway County.
Children: We have four children and a daughter-in-law: Cade Halbrook (wife, Jacque), Ashlyn, Hannah and Kynsleigh.
Education: I have a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance, and a Master of Arts in Economics.
Work: I started my career as a staff accountant at FedEx Freight in Harrison (Boone County), eventually becoming director of finance. I also spent time working at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith (Sebastian County) and Daymark Transportation, formerly in Russellville (Pope County). I quit work to be a stay-at-home mom. I returned to work as an adjunct economics instructor at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. Currently, I teach business courses at Morrilton High School.
Special interests: I enjoy studying the Bible, reading books, tending to my flowers and spending time with my family.
Community activities: We attend First Baptist Church in Pottsville. We attend a lot of sporting events (especially our kids’ events).
Why do you love the 501? I love the friendliness and kindness of our community. The community rallies around and helps those who are going through tough times. It is a special place.
HIS STORY:
I am curious. I believe that curiosity is the cure for complacency. I want to always be learning and growing to better serve my family and the learning community, staff, and scholars of the South Conway County School District. I want others to know Jesus as Savior and to have the peace that I have found. Faith is so important in this life.
Native of: I grew up in Morrilton
Education: I graduated from Morrilton High School, then earned my Bachelor of Arts from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science from the University of Central Arkansas.
Work: I have served as the Superintendent of Schools for the South Conway County School District in Morrilton since July 2013.
honors: I am proud to have been honored by our community as the Earle Love Business Leader of the Year in 2016. In 2024, I was the recipient of the Steve Wilbanks Award for outstanding contributions in enhancing the lives of youth by the Community Service Youth Foundation.
Community activities: I serve on the CHI St. Vincent Morrilton Hospital board, Conway County Economic Development Corporation board, Arkansas Activities Association Board and am a member of Pottsville First Baptist Church.
Special interests: Learning and sharing what I have learned.
Why do you love the 501? Morrilton is a great place to raise a family. I love that my children have relatives close by. Family and relationships with other people are the backbone of the community. Living in Morrilton is the perfect place for developing relationships with other people.
Their STORY:
We met in 6th grade and began dating in 10th grade (March 1988) until we were married. Shawn proposed on August 17, 1994, at a picnic on Petit Jean Mountain. We were married on June 24, 1995, at First Baptist Church in Morrilton by Dr. Bill Brown and Rev. LeRoy Patterson. We just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.
We both love spending time with our children and enjoying their activities. Our faith is important to us, and growing our faith is even more critical. We spend time reading the Bible together to deepen our knowledge of God’s Holy Word.
