Couples: Jamie and Michael Stacks

Jamie and Michael Stacks, married 23 years, have a love for family and education. She is the superintendent of the Wonderview School District in Conway County, and he is the assistant superintendent and athletic director at Quitman Public Schools. (Mike Kemp photo)

HER    Jamie Stacks

Native of: Damascus.

Where did you grow up: Bee Branch.

Education: Bachelor’s degree and master’s/PhD candidate, the University of Central Arkansas.

Job: Superintendent for the Wonderview School District.

Why did you choose your vocation: I chose to be an educational leader.

Parents: Windell and Helen Hutchins, Bee Branch.

Years in education: 29, including 10 years in the Mayflower School District and 11 years in the Pribilof School District, St. Paul Island, Alaska.

Hobbies/special interests: Reading, travel, our children.

How would you describe yourself: Hard worker, independent, loyal and committed to education.

What is one thing people don’t know about you: I worked at AETN and received  Production of The Year for a documentary on Hattie Caraway.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Relaxing by the pool with family.

What is your motto: If God brings you to it, He will see you through it.

What do you enjoy most about living in the 501: I enjoy the small, rural communities that I live and work in because of the caring, loyal people. Even the Conway area feels like an extension of home.

HIM    Michael Stacks

Native of: Damascus.

Where did you grow up: Bee Branch.

Education: Bachelor of arts from the University of Central Arkansas; master’s from the University of Alaska Southeast; and education specialist, UCA.

Job: Assistant superintendent and athletic director at Quitman Public Schools.

Why did you choose your vocation: I chose to be an educational leader because I saw the impact ineffective leaders can have on our students and schools. I wanted to have a positive impact.

Parents: Tommy and Susan Stacks, Damascus.

Hobbies/special interests: Landscaping, tinkering with computers, working on the farm and spending time with family,

How would you describe yourself: Hard worker, honest and driven.

What is one thing people don’t know about you: I grew up on a dairy farm and milked cows through high school. It will teach you how to work!

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Playing in the yard and on the farm.

What is your motto: Success comes through hard work and determination.

What do you enjoy most about living in the 501: The close knit support from all the communities.

THEM

Residents of: Damascus.

How we met: We grew up in the same community.

Children: Savannah and Stormy.

Pets: Simon and Cartman.

Family activities enjoyed together: Dinner and movies, and travel.

More information: One thing that makes us unique is we are administrators in different, small districts. Our districts often compete in athletics which can be stressful. Add that our daughters played for Conway Christian School and that made for some interesting competitions. When we aren’t competing, we were all loyal Bulldogs, Daredevils and Eagles.