South Arkansas College Foundation

🎓 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. 💛

Campus Closure Notice

Just a reminder that SouthArk will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday. All offices and campus services will resume regular hours on Monday, July 7.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing break! 💙

✨ At the SouthArk Foundation, we believe big dreams start right here—with community, compassion, and a lot of HEART. Whether you support scholarships, cheer on our students, or simply believe in brighter futures, YOU make a difference. We’re not just building careers—we’re building confidence, connection, and lifelong impact. And honestly? We’re having a great time doing it. 🎉🎓 Don't stop shooting for the STARS. The best is yet to come! 💫

🎓 From Classroom to Career: Your Impact in Action! 💼✨ Every success story at South Arkansas College begins with opportunity - and opportunity starts with you! Thanks to the generosity of our donors, students are gaining the education, confidence, and tools they need to step into the workforce and change their lives. 🌟 This is what community support looks like. Your gift isn't just a donation—it's an investment in brighter futures. Let’s keep the momentum going!

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟 We are very excited to announce this month's South Arkansas College Foundation Student Spotlight, Avery McGoogan — a determined SouthArk student, dedicated mom, and future Occupational Therapy Assistant! Avery’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Becoming a mother at 16 gave her a powerful sense of purpose, and she’s using her time at SouthArk to build a brighter future for herself and her son. She’s currently working toward her Associate of Arts degree and plans to continue to an OTA program, where she can live out her passion for helping others. Avery chose SouthArk for its flexible schedules, small class sizes, and supportive environment — all crucial as she balances motherhood, work, and school. Her role in Student Services gives her valuable experience, while the Michael Mahony/Cadence Bank Endowed Scholarship is helping lift the financial burden, allowing her to focus on what matters most: her education and her family. 💬 “This scholarship isn’t just helping me; it’s helping my child and shaping our future.” We’re incredibly proud of Avery’s perseverance, heart, and motivation. She’s proof that strength and success come in many forms — and hers is one worth celebrating!

🎉 Big News! 🎉 We are thrilled to share the conceptual renderings of what a Howard Residence Hall dorm room will look like! 🏠✨ 📸 Picture this: a vibrant community where students can live, learn, and grow right on campus—building friendships, late-night study groups, and memories that last a lifetime. This marks a major milestone for our college, and we’re proud to be part of the journey that brings more opportunities and experiences to our students. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this exciting vision to life! 💙

Thank you to the Dirt Friends for providing us with this beautiful sign so that we may honor the landscaping you all have worked so hard on here at Heritage Plaza on campus! And, thank you to our Physical Plant team, who installed the sign beautifully. We appreciate all your hard work!

Alum Spotlight We are extremely pleased to feature Sherrel Johnson as this month’s South Arkansas College Foundation Alum Spotlight! Sherrel, a 1986 SouthArk graduate, went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SAU-Magnolia. As the first woman president and CEO of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, she helped found the Union County Water Conservation Board, the state’s first board to manage groundwater. She played a key role in securing over $8.5 million in funding for the Ouachita River Alternative Water Project. She was involved in significant projects like the Del-Tin fiberboard plant and the Union Power Station's $1.1 billion plant. She also led a successful campaign to merge local colleges into South Arkansas Community College. Later, she served as interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, launching a Breast Cancer License Plate program that raised over $300,000 for research. Sherrel was instrumental in establishing the Allie Johnson Persistence of the Spirit Award and the Robert C. Compton Scholarship Fund, contributing to campaigns for local organizations like the Salvation Army. This year, she will be honored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation as a member of the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to groundwater conservation and the local ecosystem. The AGFC website has said the following about Sherrel: "Her impactful leadership in forming and collaborating with the Union County Water Conservation Board enabled Johnson and a coalition of state and local leaders to address the critical groundwater decline in the Sparta Aquifer, then the county’s only source of drinking and industrial water. This solution-driven initiative led to an alternative source of industrial water from the Ouachita River, significantly reducing reliance on the rapidly declining Sparta and leading to its documented recovery, demonstrating a powerful model for innovative groundwater conservation that restored the natural resource and ultimately benefits the long-term health of the ecosystem and associated wildlife habitats.” This month we honor Sherrel and her extraordinary accomplishments. Thank you, Sherrel, for all you do for our community. You are indeed an inspiration to us all!

A message from SouthArk's Career Pathways Initiative: You must meet some of the basic eligibility requirements listed below to be eligible for Career Pathways: Basic eligibility requirements include the following: You must be an Arkansas resident AND You must be a parent with children under the age of 21 (both married and single people are eligible) AND You must have an annual family income below 250% of the federal poverty level (about $78,000 annually for a family of four). Career Pathways may assist you with books, gas vouchers, childcare, and tuition while you are a student here at SouthArk. The application link to complete & submit is included below. The application contains a release form, responsibility agreement, TANF form, Individual Career Plan & Individual Employment Plan, and a listing of documentation required for our program. Also attached is a fillable/printable application. You can bring the application with your documents to the SouthArk Admissions Office in the El Dorado Conference Center on the second floor, or upload your documents with the links below. DO NOT SEND PERSONAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH EMAIL FOR SECURITY PURPOSES. If you would like to send your printed application & documents in, please use the Student Portal link below. https://form.jotform.com/222775087247060 (Career Pathways Application & Document Upload) https://form.jotform.com/222766683277065 (Student Portal – upload documents only) We will be happy to review it once we receive it. We'll reach out to you if we have any questions. When all the information is received, we will schedule an intake appointment (Zoom meeting or in person) with Bre, our Career Pathways Director. Without all of your documentation, you will not be able to receive any possible benefits for which you may qualify.

Congratulations to Mandi Haynes! Mandi was this year's winner of the prestigious Thomas G. Baumgardner Student's Choice Award! Mr. Baumgardner, a long-time resident of El Dorado, taught classes at the college from 1981 to 1995. Active in community affairs, he served on numerous boards, including the South Arkansas College board of trustees. This award is determined by students and presented annually to a faculty member who has been the most helpful and supportive to their students. The winner receives a $500 check to be used for faculty development activities such as the purchase of materials to enhance classroom teaching and attending conferences or seminars. Congratulations Mandi!

🚀 Success takes flight from a solid launchpad. At the SouthArk Foundation, that launchpad is built by you, our generous donors. Your support fuels bright futures, big dreams, and boundless possibilities. 🌌✨ Thank you for helping our students reach for the stars. 🌠 🌟 Be the reason someone soars—donate today at www.southarkfoundation.com!

🍭✨ Sweet Success! ✨🍭 Today’s Candyland-themed Employee Recognition Lunch was a colorful celebration of the amazing people who make our college community so special! A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible employees — your hard work, dedication, and passion are the true ingredients that make SouthArk such a wonderful place to learn and grow. 🍬👏 And a very special thank you to our planning committee for turning a fun idea into such a memorable event. Your creativity and effort made the day truly unforgettable! 🙌🎉 Here’s to celebrating YOU — the sweetest part of our campus! 🍫💼🌟

Students, Stop into the Mahony Family Library and take advantage of all the fantastic resources they offer!

🎉 ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! 🎉 Today we celebrate culture, community, and resilience. Wishing our students, alumni, and friends a joyful and safe Cinco de Mayo!

🌸 Happy May Day from the SouthArk Foundation! 🌸 Today we’re celebrating the season of growth, renewal, and opportunity—just like the journey of our incredible students. Thanks to our generous donors, scholarships are helping students bloom into the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Want to help more students flourish? 🌷 Join us in planting seeds for the future! Here’s to bright days ahead! ☀️ #MayDay #SupportStudents #BloomWithUs

🌎 Happy Earth Day from the SouthArk Foundation! 🌱 Today, we’re reminded of the power we have to protect and preserve our planet. Whether it's recycling, planting, or supporting campus sustainability projects—every small action matters. Let’s keep working together for a greener future! 💚 #EarthDay

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉 The SouthArk Foundation is thrilled to invite you to our Annual SouthArk Outdoor Expo — a day packed with fun, food, and family-friendly excitement! 📅 Mark your calendars — you won’t want to miss: 🎶 Live Music 🚗 Car Show 🏃‍♂️ The Hero 5K 🎨 Student Art Competition 🔥 Rib Cook-Off 🧒 Kids Activities 🛍️ Vendors & Exhibitors 🍔 Food Trucks Galore …and so much MORE! Bring the whole crew and help us celebrate everything that makes our community amazing! Stay tuned for more details – we can’t wait to see you there! #SouthArkOutdoorExpo #SaveTheDate #FamilyFun #SupportSouthArk

🌟Student Spotlight🌟 We are excited to announce Alexis Bougher as this month's Student Spotlight! Demonstrating exceptional academic performance, Alexis holds the highest grade average in her microbiology course. Her ability to think critically and apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios sets her apart, consistently leading to thoughtful and practical solutions. All coursework—including assignments, lab investigations, quizzes, and exams—is submitted promptly and with care. Such dedication, intellect, and consistency make this student truly an inspiration to her peers. It is our honor to feature Alexis Bougher as our SouthArk Foundation Student Spotlight! Congratulations, Alexis, on all of your incredible achievements! We celebrate you and your incredible educational journey!

Big News From the Mahony Family Library! Tutoring has officially moved into the library! 🎉 This exciting change is part of our broader vision to transform the library into a full-fledged Learning Commons — a vibrant hub where students can find support, explore ideas, and thrive. From research help to technology assistance, from good reads to great study vibes, we want the library to be the go-to space for everything students need to succeed. 📅 Check out the schedule below and help us spread the word! Whether it’s English, Math, Science, or Tech — our tutors are here and ready to help.

🌟New Board Member Introduction🌟 It is our pleasure here at the SouthArk Foundation to introduce our three newest additions to our Board of Directors, Felisha Aaron, Kristy Hayden, and Wil Hegi! Felisha Aaron serves as the esteemed community president of Simmons Bank in El Dorado, where she has built a remarkable career spanning over 30 years. Renowned for her dedication and leadership within the banking sector, Felisha has also made significant contributions to the community. She plays a vital role as a board member for both the Union County Community Foundation and Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services, passionately advocating for initiatives that uplift and support the residents of her community. Kristy Hayden is the refinery controller for Delek US in El Dorado, where she demonstrates her commitment to the community through various initiatives. As a board member of Main Street El Dorado, an active Praise Team Member at Westside Baptist Church, and a Co-Leader of Campfire Group 22, she fosters connections among residents and emphasizes growth. Her extensive volunteer work showcases her dedication to positively impacting El Dorado. Will Hegi serves as a senior private wealth strategist at Simmons Bank Private Wealth, where he expertly guides clients in managing and growing their financial assets. Beyond his professional achievements, Will is deeply committed to enhancing his community. He actively volunteers with the El Dorado Civil Service Commission, contributing to the betterment of local governance, and lends his time and talents to the El Dorado First Baptist Church. We are honored to have these three dedicated and passionate leaders join the team of great minds that help serve the college and our community!