16 Nov 2015 UACCM award winners recognized

University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton recognized award-winning faculty, staff and students at the Arkansas Community Colleges Conference on Nov. 4 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Outstanding Faculty of the Year award was presented to Anthony Holt. He began his teaching career as a graduate student 24 years ago when he was working toward his wildlife management degree at Arkansas State University. While continuing his master of science degree, he was asked to fill in as a lecturer at UACCM and has been there ever since.

Anthony teaches anatomy and physiology, microbiology and biology.  

Brigitte Brents, payroll officer, was awarded Outstanding Staff of the Year. Always wearing a smile, she has a great work ethic and the best attitude, going above and beyond to ensure payroll is completed on time and accurately. Prior to joining UACCM four years ago, Brents worked in banking at Regions Bank for 30 years. She has lived in Conway County since 1979, when she moved from Bavaria, Germany.

Shirley Tipton of Hot Springs was awarded the Outstanding Alumni award. Tipton is a 2003 graduate of UACCM with an associate of arts in general education. She then received a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Central Arkansas and a master of science degree in education from Henderson State University. She is a licensed K-12 art teacher and has worked for the Horatio School District since 2006. While at UACCM, she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is a current member of Arkansas Art Educators. She was vice president of the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association and served on the Horatio City Improvement Committee, in addition to countless other efforts to enhance the arts in her community. Recently, she was hired as the Advanced Art/AP Art Teacher at Hot Springs High School.

Academic All-Star award winner Natalie Prall of Conway found UACCM to be the right choice and place for her to excel academically after graduating from a small high school. Her community involvement includes volunteering with a food drive for a local shelter and helping to empower young girls at her former high school. She is currently pursuing an associate of arts degree. Her future plans include pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy to help others recover after a serious injury. As UACCM’s Academic All-Star, she was offered a scholarship to a four year state university upon completion of her associate degree.