15 Mar 2026 Couple of the Month: Melanie and Jonathan Higgins
THEIR STORY:
We grew up just miles apart in small towns in eastern Arkansas. Our towns bordered one another, and our paths crossed early. I remember knowing who he was as far back as seventh grade. We shared mutual friends long before we started dating when I was a junior and Jonathan was a senior in high school. From there, we truly grew up together. We went to prom and celebrated each other’s graduations. When he left for ASU, I followed the next year, and we have been together since.
We married in 2012 during a very busy season of life — I was in graduate school while working full-time, and Jonathan was building his career. Because of that, we chose a small, intimate ceremony with only our closest family, followed by a larger reception a few months later.
Our legal ceremony was held at the Arkansas State Capitol in the Senate Chambers, which made the day especially meaningful. My dad served as Chief Counsel for the Arkansas State Senate for more than 35 years, and being married in that space, surrounded by our immediate family, was incredibly special. After the ceremony, we honeymooned in Mexico and held a symbolic beach ceremony there.
After three years of marriage, we started our family. In 2017, Jonathan accepted the position in Morrilton and the community welcomed us with open arms. We have found amazing friends, supportive neighbors and a school community we love.
HER STORY:
I am quiet at first, but warm and loyal once you get to know me. I’m hardworking and deeply empathetic, and I’ve built my career around helping those who struggle with mental health and substance use challenges. I’m a mom to two of the best boys on the planet. They are my greatest joy, and being their mom is the most important role I will ever have. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, which is one of my greatest blessings. I am so proud of our marriage and the life we’ve built together. My faith is central to who I am, and I try to live in a way that reflects that — loving people well, leading with compassion and showing up fully for my family and my community.
Native of: Little Rock
Children: Our sons are Jay (9) and Palmer (7).
Pets: We have a golden retriever named Abigail, who is 6.
Education: I graduated from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro (ASU) in 2011 with my Bachelor of Science in nursing. I earned my Master of Science in nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015 and am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Work: I work at Argenta Counseling and Wellness in North Little Rock and work remotely at Jonesboro Wellness. I work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in both places, providing psychotherapy and medication management. I absolutely love, love, love my career. It is unbelievably rewarding. I know I am in the career God wants me to be in. I feel very purposeful in my work.
Honors: Graduating with my master’s degree was a huge accomplishment!
Accomplishments: One of my biggest accomplishments is being sober for five years. While I don’t get an award for this, it is truly one of the things I am most proud of, and it’s made my life really beautiful.
Special interests: I love to run. I ran my first marathon last November. I have run multiple half-marathons. Our family is a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs! We are very into football and love watching our Chiefs play! We love going to Greers Ferry Lake in the summer and spend most of the weekends there. We also enjoy traveling. My favorite thing is for the four of us to spend time together. Family vacations are truly the thing that makes me happiest. The memories, quality time, the laughs — truly nothing better.
Church: We attend First Baptist Church of Morrilton.
favorite traditions with your kids? We love going to the lake in the summer and spend almost every weekend there. That is our favorite place to be as a family. We also try to take the boys to a Kansas City Chiefs game every year, and there is no better feeling than cheering on our favorite team at Arrowhead Stadium!
HIS STORY:
I am a proud husband and dad, dedicated to my career, and I believe in hard work and showing up for the people who count on me. I would say I’m outgoing, social and have strong friendships.
Native of: Marianna (Lee County)
Education: I graduated high school in 2006 from Lee Academy in Marianna. Then, I earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing in 2010 from ASU.
Work: I started with Farm Bureau Insurance in 2011 and was promoted to the Agency Manager for Conway County Farm Bureau in 2017.
Awards: I have received several sales awards in my career, and I am proud of each one. The insurance business has had many ups and downs over the past several years, so when you can help your clients the best you can and get recognized for it, it’s a special thing.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my boys. At their ages, their hobbies have turned into mine. I help coach their baseball and soccer teams. I love spending time with them in the outdoors, whether that is hunting back in Lee County or trying to catch a fish at the Morrilton Hunting and Fishing Club. Golf is one of my favorites, and when I grow up, I’m going to get better at it!
Community activities: We attend First Baptist Church here in Morrilton. I am a member of the Morrilton Rotary Club, the current president of the UACCM Foundation Board, a board member of the Morrilton Hunting and Fishing Club (Fish Lake), and a board member of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.
What do you love about Central Arkansas? We’ll always be rooted in eastern Arkansas — it shaped who we are and will always be close to our hearts. Living in the river valley has given us a new balance. We love the contrast of the landscape, the access to more opportunities and having more to do as a family, while still holding onto the values we were raised with. Central Arkansas feels like home for the life we are building now.
