11 Sep 2023 UACCM names outstanding alumni of the year
MORRILTON — The University of Arkansas Community College at Arkansas (UACCM) is proud to announce that Bill Zellner has been named UACCM Outstanding Alumni of the Year.
Zellner was a member of Petit Jean Vocational-Technical School’s first student body in 1963 and part of the school’s first graduating class in 1964. He enrolled in the Appliance Service class and excelled as a student, which allowed him to complete the course in six months rather than the standard 12 months. As a result of his work ethic and aptitudes, Zellner taught the class for several weeks while his instructor, Bill Holcomb, was on sick leave.
After graduating from Petit Jean Vo-Tech, Zellner began work as an appliance service technician. He started a small business, Zellner’s Appliance Service, in 1967 and with his wife, Judy, opened Zellner’s Appliance and TV in 1971 on Front Street in Conway. The company continued to grow and would move to Oak St., before moving to its current location on Harkrider.
Zellner’s Appliance and TV celebrated its 50th anniversary of being a family-owned business in October 2022. The store sells all major appliances and consumer electronics and has appliance refinishing and repair, as well as TVs. Zellner’s offers well-known brands.
The mom-and-pop business has been able to compete with the big-box stores due to its outstanding customer service, prompt delivery, and reliable repair technicians. Zellner’s son-in-law, Chris McDonald, has joined the business and is focused on updating the store with an enhanced website and computerized inventory software. Zellner has entered retirement, but Judy can still be found working at the store.
Zellner currently serves on the Faulkner County Senior Wellness & Activity Center Board and has served on the Faulkner County Council on Aging Board of Directors for 28 years. He previously served on the Greenbrier School Board for 15 years and the Central Baptist College Board of Directors for five years. He is a past recipient of the Greenbrier Citizen of the Year by the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce and has continually been active in his church and the community throughout his adult life.
