🌟 Alum Spotlight: JW Misenheimer 🌟
When he started at South Arkansas College, he simply wanted to stay close to home a little longer—near family, friends, and familiar roots—while figuring out his next steps. But during his time on campus, something unexpected happened: a spark.
Working alongside Heath Waldrop and the SouthArk marketing team, he discovered a passion for photography, marketing, communications, video, outreach, and even the data that drives it all. That spark turned into a clear direction, guiding him to continue his education at Southern Arkansas University and opening the door to roles with Arkansas Waterways in Little Rock and later KTVE/KARD as South Arkansas reporter and sales executive.
Along the way, life got even sweeter—he met his wife at the station, and together they now have a son, Kai.
Today, he serves as the marketer and outreach coordinator for Newhaven Recovery Lodge and Newhaven Counseling, where he shares powerful stories of recovery and mental health. He’s also deeply involved in the community as Vice President of TOUCH Coalition, a Rotary member, Chamber ambassador, and former Heart of the Eagle Chairman with Scouting America.
SouthArk helped JW discover his place in this community—and we couldn’t be prouder of him and all the wonderful things he has done. 💙✨
When he started at South Arkansas College, he simply wanted to stay close to home a little longer—near family, friends, and familiar roots—while figuring out his next steps. But during his time on campus, something unexpected happened: a spark.
Working alongside Heath Waldrop and the SouthArk marketing team, he discovered a passion for photography, marketing, communications, video, outreach, and even the data that drives it all. That spark turned into a clear direction, guiding him to continue his education at Southern Arkansas University and opening the door to roles with Arkansas Waterways in Little Rock and later KTVE/KARD as South Arkansas reporter and sales executive.
Along the way, life got even sweeter—he met his wife at the station, and together they now have a son, Kai.
Today, he serves as the marketer and outreach coordinator for Newhaven Recovery Lodge and Newhaven Counseling, where he shares powerful stories of recovery and mental health. He’s also deeply involved in the community as Vice President of TOUCH Coalition, a Rotary member, Chamber ambassador, and former Heart of the Eagle Chairman with Scouting America.
SouthArk helped JW discover his place in this community—and we couldn’t be prouder of him and all the wonderful things he has done. 💙✨

Hey SouthArk students! 💙
We wanted to take a moment to spotlight an awesome resource on campus that you might not know about yet — the Career Closet! If you’re prepping for an interview or starting a new job, this is such a helpful place to start.
The closet is located in the Tech Building, Room 131, and is full of free, gently used professional clothing for students. It’s warm, welcoming, and totally here to support you as you take your next steps.
If this could help you (or a friend!), don’t hesitate to stop by and check it out. You deserve to feel confident and ready for every opportunity. ✨💼
We wanted to take a moment to spotlight an awesome resource on campus that you might not know about yet — the Career Closet! If you’re prepping for an interview or starting a new job, this is such a helpful place to start.
The closet is located in the Tech Building, Room 131, and is full of free, gently used professional clothing for students. It’s warm, welcoming, and totally here to support you as you take your next steps.
If this could help you (or a friend!), don’t hesitate to stop by and check it out. You deserve to feel confident and ready for every opportunity. ✨💼
Thank you to all those who have served!

Happy Halloween from the SouthArk Foundation! We hope you have a STAR-tling night!

🎓 Alum Spotlight🎓
We are very excited to announce John Jameson as this month's South Arkansas College Alum Spotlight!
A 2008 Smackover High graduate, John began his college journey at South Arkansas College, where he discovered his passion for education. After completing the SouthArk–UAM partnership program in 2012, he joined the El Dorado School District as a teacher and coach — and has grown through every level of leadership since!
Now, as Head Principal at EHS, John continues to inspire students just as his mentors once inspired him.
From SouthArk student to school leader — John’s story proves that great things start close to home. 💜📚
We are very excited to announce John Jameson as this month's South Arkansas College Alum Spotlight!
A 2008 Smackover High graduate, John began his college journey at South Arkansas College, where he discovered his passion for education. After completing the SouthArk–UAM partnership program in 2012, he joined the El Dorado School District as a teacher and coach — and has grown through every level of leadership since!
Now, as Head Principal at EHS, John continues to inspire students just as his mentors once inspired him.
From SouthArk student to school leader — John’s story proves that great things start close to home. 💜📚

⚡️Electric Enthusiasm at SouthArk!⚡️
The talented team at Entergy and the brilliant architects behind the design are hard at work discussing plans for the Bill Howard Ballpark, set to open in Fall 2026! 🏟️⚾
These photos give a sneak peek into the teamwork and energy driving this incredible project forward. Every conversation, blueprint, and wire brings us one step closer to a space that will bring our campus and community together in a big way! 💙💛
Stay tuned—great things are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the ballpark next fall! 🎉
The talented team at Entergy and the brilliant architects behind the design are hard at work discussing plans for the Bill Howard Ballpark, set to open in Fall 2026! 🏟️⚾
These photos give a sneak peek into the teamwork and energy driving this incredible project forward. Every conversation, blueprint, and wire brings us one step closer to a space that will bring our campus and community together in a big way! 💙💛
Stay tuned—great things are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the ballpark next fall! 🎉
Don't miss out on the SkillsUSA Car Wash Fundraiser!

Are you ready to graduate? Apply now for December Graduation!
October 10th is the deadline to apply:
1. Complete the December 2025 Graduation Application on your MyCampus account.
2. Click on the STUDENT TAB, and you will find the application in the Graduation Application section.
3. Schedule an appointment with your Advisor! Use the following link to see the list of advisors and schedule your appointment:
http://www.southark.edu/advising

Never Forget

Congratulations to our Systems Student Art Contest honorable mentions!
Congratulations to our Systems Student Art Contest winners in grades 3 through 4!
Congratulations to our Systems Student Art Contest winners in grades 5 through 6!
Congratulations to our Systems Student Art Contest winners in grades 7 through 9!
Congratulations to our Systems Student Art Contest winners in grades 10 through 12!
Want a chance to win a Yeti Tundra Cooler?
Scan the QR code below, click the link below, or come to the SouthArk Outdoor Expo on Saturday, September 6, and speak with an Army Representative to enter for your chance to win!
https://www.goarmy.com/info?iom=BXMK
Scan the QR code below, click the link below, or come to the SouthArk Outdoor Expo on Saturday, September 6, and speak with an Army Representative to enter for your chance to win!
https://www.goarmy.com/info?iom=BXMK

Apply today!
Click the following link to fill out the online application https://form.jotform.com/222775087247060
Click the following link to fill out the online application https://form.jotform.com/222775087247060

A Final (but Sad) Watermelon Wednesday Update
We are very sad to announce that this will be the end of the updates on the watermelons growing in Heritage Plaza here on campus. On Tuesday afternoon, it was discovered that someone had uprooted the vine, taken the two smaller watermelons, and picked but left behind the large watermelon.
The watermelons brought a lot of joy to campus. Several of us met at the plant multiple times a week to watch its progress and admire the resilience and beauty of nature. We are sad that due to the selfishness of one (or a few) people, the whole of campus no longer gets to have these small but meaningful moments as a community.
To end this on a positive note, something as small as spitting a watermelon seed can bring people together. You never know which of the small actions you take will grow into something bigger and better.
And always remember: Smile, you’re on camera. 😊
We are very sad to announce that this will be the end of the updates on the watermelons growing in Heritage Plaza here on campus. On Tuesday afternoon, it was discovered that someone had uprooted the vine, taken the two smaller watermelons, and picked but left behind the large watermelon.
The watermelons brought a lot of joy to campus. Several of us met at the plant multiple times a week to watch its progress and admire the resilience and beauty of nature. We are sad that due to the selfishness of one (or a few) people, the whole of campus no longer gets to have these small but meaningful moments as a community.
To end this on a positive note, something as small as spitting a watermelon seed can bring people together. You never know which of the small actions you take will grow into something bigger and better.
And always remember: Smile, you’re on camera. 😊
🍉 Watermelon Wednesday! An Update on Our Friends in Heritage Plaza! 🌱
Since there has been so much interest in the Watermelon plant that is unexpectedly growing here on campus, we have decided to start posting updates every other Wednesday until the Watermelon(s) are ready to be harvested!
Our original watermelon has officially grown to 12 inches from stem to stern! We are also welcoming two new Watermelon friends to campus, growing alongside the original! 🌞🍉
The plant continues to grow like a wildfire. We can't wait to see how many fruits we get before the first freeze!
Since there has been so much interest in the Watermelon plant that is unexpectedly growing here on campus, we have decided to start posting updates every other Wednesday until the Watermelon(s) are ready to be harvested!
Our original watermelon has officially grown to 12 inches from stem to stern! We are also welcoming two new Watermelon friends to campus, growing alongside the original! 🌞🍉
The plant continues to grow like a wildfire. We can't wait to see how many fruits we get before the first freeze!




🍉 Surprise in Heritage Plaza! 🌱
We’ve got an unexpected guest growing at SouthArk — a watermelon plant has popped up in Heritage Plaza and just produced its first fruit! 🎉
We're pretty sure it got its start the old-fashioned way… someone probably enjoying a summertime snack and spit a seed into the flower bed. And now — boom — watermelon magic! 🌞🍉
It’s thriving, and we’re rooting for it (pun intended). Just another reminder that you never know what might grow when you plant a little joy — or a stray seed.
We’ve got an unexpected guest growing at SouthArk — a watermelon plant has popped up in Heritage Plaza and just produced its first fruit! 🎉
We're pretty sure it got its start the old-fashioned way… someone probably enjoying a summertime snack and spit a seed into the flower bed. And now — boom — watermelon magic! 🌞🍉
It’s thriving, and we’re rooting for it (pun intended). Just another reminder that you never know what might grow when you plant a little joy — or a stray seed.


🎓 Once a SouthArk Student, Always Family 💙
To our amazing alumni —
No matter how far you’ve gone or how long it’s been, we hope you still carry a little piece of SouthArk with you. Maybe it’s the friends you made, the professors who believed in you, or the memories tucked between classes, late-night study sessions, and laughter in the plaza.
You helped shape our story, and your journey inspires today’s students to dream big and keep going.
We’d love to hear where life has taken you — drop a memory in the comments or tag a classmate you still keep in touch with! 💬👣
And remember, the SouthArk Foundation is always here, cheering you on and keeping the legacy strong. 💛
To our amazing alumni —
No matter how far you’ve gone or how long it’s been, we hope you still carry a little piece of SouthArk with you. Maybe it’s the friends you made, the professors who believed in you, or the memories tucked between classes, late-night study sessions, and laughter in the plaza.
You helped shape our story, and your journey inspires today’s students to dream big and keep going.
We’d love to hear where life has taken you — drop a memory in the comments or tag a classmate you still keep in touch with! 💬👣
And remember, the SouthArk Foundation is always here, cheering you on and keeping the legacy strong. 💛

