15 Feb 2026 Keith Perkins is out to pasture

By Judy Riley

What does a lifestyle of learning, teaching and giving back look like? Keith Perkins of Lonoke lives that every day. He was destined to continue a legacy that started in a humble cotton patch in Northeast Arkansas. Both of his parents were picking cotton when his mother spotted his dad, thought he was handsome and picked quickly so she could meet him, according to family legend. That same grit was passed down to their five children. Jimmy and Betty Sue Perkins were the first in their family to graduate from high school. All five of their children were first-generation college graduates.

It is no great surprise that his life’s work continues in agriculture. His degrees are both from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, a bachelor’s in agriculture and a master’s in business administration. His career spans jobs in nearly every phase of agriculture: truck driver, heavy equipment operator, catfish farmer, diesel mechanic, research assistant and county extension agent through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA). After more than 30 years of teaching in higher education when most would retire, Perkins chose another career. He taught high school agriculture in Deer-Mount Judea (Newton County). He recently returned to Central Arkansas to teach precision agriculture at Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASU-Beebe).

Precision agriculture might sound like something more futuristic than reality. This process of integrating global positioning technology (GPS) with electronic sensors, drones and computer-controlled farm equipment is here and now in the field of agriculture. Those systems, working together, collect data to help farmers make better decisions. The advantages are legion. Farmers spend less on inputs: chemicals, water, energy, labor and equipment, allowing them to produce crops at less cost. Valuable environmental resources like water and soil are used more efficiently.

The common thread among Perkins’ jobs follows the 4-H motto “Make the Best Better.” He has helped thousands of young people do just that. And he has no end in sight. His life plays out through his advice for students. “I hope they learn that education is a lifelong experience. You have to be able to adapt as the world changes. You don’t have to be the best, but you have to do your best.”

Perkins and his wife, Renee, who is director of business operations at ASU-Beebe, have four living children. His oldest child’s death in infancy left a lasting impression on the importance of family. Their children have college degrees, following the family legacy path. Daughter Hannah teaches middle school science in Springdale and has made Keith and Renee grandparents. Dustyn is an engineer with Simmons Foods in Siloam Springs. Graycen is the director of the occupational therapy assistant program at Arkansas Tech University, and Mallory is a digital production associate at Dillard’s corporate office. “My biggest legacy is, and always will be, the success of my children. I want to be remembered as their father,” the proud dad said.

Giving back is not just performative, but bone deep. All their children live lives of service because they grew up in 4-H, (UADA’s) youth development program. Graycen and husband Kyle started volunteering at Royal Family Kids Camp for foster children. “They convinced Renee and I to help. Graycen and Kyle are now foster parents, and we are foster grandparents to two of the cutest little boys,” Perkins said.

The takeaway from this senior’s lifestyle is simple. Learn to work with and appreciate a wide variety of people. Enjoy what you do and keep doing it. Treat everyone equally and with respect. “I tell my students that everyone they meet is part of their network and can be valuable to them in many ways,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be willing to help others when given that opportunity. Every day is a blessing from God. Cherish every moment with family, friends, coworkers and students. Life is short but gets sweeter every day.”

A teenage romance in a humble cotton field yielded “high cotton” for this family and its legacy.