Webmaster Interview of Staff Member: February 2012

Loves Her Family, Her Job, and Being Home … There Is No Place Like Home!
Interview by NPCC Webmaster

Sara Brown, our assistant director of Financial Aid, has been here for five years and has also worked for Admissions and Recruiting here at NPCC. She was born and raised here in our beautiful Hot Springs National Park. Before coming here she worked at AR Best Insurance and has a BBA in Accounting and a MBA from Henderson State University that she received after getting her Associates degree at NPCC.

Sara has certainly found her calling in Financial Aid since she tells me her first word as a child was “money” lol. Her family must have played a lot of “Monopoly”. Whether that meant she was destined for a career in financial aid or not, her efforts to help our students pay for college are certainly worth praising along with the entire staff of Financial Aid. Although happy where she is, Sara has further aspirations to continue her education with a doctoral degree in higher education. We look forward to seeing what area of study she chooses and where that takes her in life.

She loves the atmosphere here at NPCC where people really care. They care about the students, each other, and about what we do here. We have a premiere college that rivals universities and a faculty that achieve excellence in their teaching skill. She is proud to be a part of this wonderful institution that offers a “great, affordable education.”

She is married to her husband, Jeremy and has two children, Abby who is five and Zachary is two. They are adorable aren’t they? (See picture) I met them all at Olive Garden one evening when my wife, Lizzette and I were dining there and they are certainly–a beautiful family.

Sara loves to travel like most of us do and beautiful days like we have been having this week make me want to get on my scooter and ride off into the sunset to some exotic location. Besides travel, what Sara loves most is her time with family. She enjoys using her creative talents combined with her husband’s skill with Photography recording the many precious family memories making ‘digital scrap books.’ She also enjoys making floral arrangements. (See Teapot Picture)

I enjoyed my interview of Sara Brown; she has a warm and bubbly personality with a beautiful smile that uplifts you. She always seems so upbeat and positive and that I find so refreshing and encouraging. Life has so many obstacles and difficulties where it is hard to maintain a positive attitude. People like our dear Sara make us feel better, make us feel that everything is right with the world even if it is not. Like being home, like always staying in one place, where we feel safe, where we can truly relax and be ourselves…like Sara who loves being home because… ‘There is no place like home!’

Webmaster Interview of Faculty Member: October 2011

Striving to Have a Positive Social Impact on Our Lives
– Interview by NPCC Webmaster

Stephanie Coke is a full time faculty member for NPCC Social Sciences Division where she teaches classes in Sociology.  She has been chosen as this year’s Outstanding Faculty Member.  It’s not hard to see why she was chosen. My office is next door to hers so I see her every day and I must tell you she is a delight to have as an office neighbor.  She always comes in with a smile and its contagious…you cannot be around her without smiling too.  She has a personality that lights up the room and makes everyone around her feel better.  However, she characterizes herself as a ‘worrier’.  To me that translates to someone that is concerned about important things.  Like the success of her students, the safety of her family, and the well-being of everyone around her.  Those are outstanding qualities to be sure.  We are all so busy in life just making ends meet.  It is refreshing to be around people that really take the time to think about and care for others.

Stephanie grew up in southeast Arkansas or the Delta area of Arkansas in a small town called Dermott.  At the age of 12 she moved to a nearby farm in Collins, Arkansas where her parents still live today.  She went to Hendrix College where she received her Bachelor’s in Sociology and then to UCA for her Master’s degree in Sociology.   Shortly before finishing she was hired to join the NPCC Faculty, teaching sociology, psychology, and aerobics classes.  As more staff was hired she focused her efforts on Sociology.

She is married to her husband, Rick and has two children. She has a 15 year old son, Josh, and a 24 year old step-daughter, Morgan. She says she loves being outdoors enjoying long walks and watching her son play golf while she chauffeurs him in the cart.  She also enjoys cooking, which she finds relaxing.  Some of her favorite dishes to prepare for the family are: Chicken Enchiladas and Lasagna. She is one of 5 children, plus 2 half-brothers who played professional football for the Chicago Bears and New York Giants.  All of her brothers and sisters went to college, except for one that served his country in the military.  “Dad made sure we all went to college, “she says.  Although her parents did not go to college themselves they always instilled in us a desire to go and to succeed.  They both worked hard and they knew well the value of a good education.  Mom worked 30 years in a Beauty Shop and Dad for Union Pacific for 52 years.  She speaks well of her parents and how well they raised them and how Dad made good on his promise to get us through college and provide a car of our choice upon graduation.

Stephanie also loves to travel and visit interesting places. For example, recently she went on a trip to Chicago for an HLC Steering Committee.  While in Chicago, being the social expert that she is had a very interesting conversation with a yellow skinned man in a blue suit.  A man she calls the “Lego Man”. (See picture) All kidding aside she enjoys visiting historical places, considering the lives of those that came before us and how similar the social problems were to our day making comparisons from the past and applying them to modern issues.  Her favorite vacations are the relaxing ones on a beach in the more tropical locations like Destin, Florida.

She related to me how much she has enjoyed her 21 years at NPCC and then with a laugh tells me she was hired at the age of 12. That should help us all to see why you cannot be around her and not smile.  Seriously, she finds her job here so meaningful because of the positive impact she is able to have on the lives of her students.  She always strives to stay current with today’s social problems and apply these problems to the principles of Sociology to find real world solutions.  “It’s not enough to just talk about the problems. We need to do something about it,” she relates.  Stephanie certainly does that inside and outside the classroom.  Some of her many community service projects include: Sponsoring and serving a lunch at the Jackson House and organizing events that provide books, food, clothing, etc. For example, she is a promoter of the Clothes Line, a function for the support and awareness of domestic violence.  They create a traveling display to advertise and raise funds for this all too important community service.

There are many things about Stephanie that make her an asset to our NPCC family and only some of which I have touched on in this interview.

It is my hope that as we all read these interviews, learning more about each other will bring us all closer and benefit more fully from each other’s company.

Stephanie Coke, a tall and elegant lady that has the compassion and ability to teach all with a sense of humor and with a sense of family how we all can get along, solve our problems, and form lasting relationships for a better world.

Webmaster Interview of Faculty Member, September 2011

A Testimony to What 2 Year Colleges Can Do For You

– Interview by NPCC Webmaster.

Martin White is a full time faculty member for the NPCC Social Sciences Division where he teaches classes in Criminal Justice. He has been chosen as this year’s Outstanding Alumnus. He was born in Mobile, Alabama and raised in Bismarck, Arkansas, where he grew up on a farm. At the age of 15 he left home, dropped out of school, and went to Houston, Texas looking for work. While there he found what work he could in construction and machine shops. Later, he returned to Hot Springs and started a successful electronic repair business. With a strong sense of community service, in 1967, he joined the Hot Springs Police department. Although having a high school diploma or GED was required for the Police Department, it was not enforced. However, Martin always regretted not finishing school and furthering his education.

He obtained a GED in 1972 and in 1973, when National Park Community College (then called Garland County Community College) was built and established, Martin was one of the first to enroll. He was in the first graduating class receiving his Associate’s Degree in 1975. Did he stop there? No, he transferred to UALR and later received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He completed these degrees while he was working full time as a police officer, working up the ranks from rookie patrol officer to the position of Chief in 1986. Before being offered the position of Chief, he had planned to go to law school. However, he accepted the appointment as Chief and also began teaching here at NPCC as adjunct faculty member in the same year. In 1998, he retired as Police Chief and then began teaching full time at NPCC.

At the beginning of this interview, Martin stated to me, “I am a testimony to what 2 year colleges can do for you. How they can change your life.” Those words struck a chord with me and perhaps for you too. When we think of all the help we have received here at NPCC. Martin then goes on to relate his love for teaching, “Teaching here is a job I love to do. It’s my life now. I look forward to coming in every day, helping the students as I was helped, opening their eyes to new possibilities.” These words reminded me of the caliber of people we have here–people who love what they do, and love to help everyone reach their goals in life.

He is really appreciative of all the help he received and how it has changed his life. He really likes the campus environment and the people he works with here. “They are all such positive people who work together, helping each other,” he tells me. A truly rewarding experience it has been for him. Martin loves education and learning and recommends that everyone get their education.

Martin plays the guitar and bass guitar. Although now he has little time to play, it is something he always enjoys. In the past he has played in different bands. One was called the High Rollers, which made a single record in the late 50’s. Another band he led and played in was called the Four Winds. They traveled all over Arkansas playing Pop, Top 40, and Smooth Jazz.

Martin is married to Suzette, who is a former student and Campus Store employee at NPCC. He has 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren which are another source of great joy for him. They live all over the U.S., and as we all do, he wishes they were closer.

I also, enjoyed some of the history and experiences he related. For example, he told me of how he had to take a considerable cut in pay to go from his electronic repair business to working on the police force. He told me in the early years on the force the pay was so low that many officers were eligible for food stamps. Word of this got out and an article was published. Very soon thereafter additional money in the budget was miraculously discovered to correct this oversight if not embarrassing situation.

I found myself very intrigued and even touched by Martin’s story. It is true success story. From such humble beginnings, overcoming many obstacles and difficulties, determined to better and enrich his life, always giving of himself in the service of others. He is a faculty member and oustanding NPCC Alumnus truly deserving of recognition and a testimony to what 2 year colleges can do for you.

Webmaster Interview of Staff Member, September 2011

An Inspiration to Our Children’s Success and a Quiet and Mild Spirit
–Interview by the NPCC Webmaster

Diane Meredith is the Director of the TRiO: Educational Talent Search (ETS) department of NPCC Student Services.  She and her dedicated staff help high school students in Garland County to plan, prepare, and reach the goal of receiving a college education.   Their focus is on first generation college students, whose parents have not attended college and like most of us, are unaware of the help that is available to attend college.  Their assistance includes how to get financial aid, how to prepare academically, how to reach their goals in all aspects of life, and they even take the students on trips to visit the various colleges and Universities.  As Diane and her staff maintain a constant presence on the high school campuses assisting their counselors and teachers, they offer these appreciative students an invaluable resource for their future.

Diane has been an employee of NPCC for five years now, starting in Career Pathways as a counselor, then as its Director, and now as Director of ETS.  Some of her previous employment includes being a counselor at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center and a Functional Analyst for Pro Tech in Little Rock.  She received her education at Henderson State University and is dedicated to the mission of helping as many as possible receive a higher education.  From all of her employment history, her current job where she is working with people is what she enjoys the most.  Helping students better their life, reach their goals, and have success in life has been a very rewarding experience for her.  Does that sound familiar? It seems to me that Diane fits in well with our NPCC Mission—Learning is Our Focus; Student Success is Our Goal. 

Diane was born and raised in Hot Springs and got her start in education at Cutter Morning Star Schools.  As Director of ETS she certainly keeps busy in her administrative role, helping her staff in their roles as advisors, visiting the schools and students. She could be content with just that but she could not pass up the opportunity to help out her Alma Mater.  She weekly visits Cutter Morning Star High School serving them as an advisor helping many to prepare for college.  Do her efforts make a difference?  Recently, a mother of a student she has been helping contacted her, thanking her for inspiring her child to make a college education a goal in her life.  “It’s all she talked about when we got home,” the mother related.  It is times like this when we smile and say, “That’s why we are here and why we do what we do.”  The hard work, the sacrifice, is all worth it when we can affect others in such a positive and meaningful way.

You might be interested to note that approximately 42% of the students that Diane and her staff assist later enroll at NPCC. The majority of the remaining percentage later enrolls in other colleges and universities in Arkansas and surrounding states, which her team also encourages them to consider.  This is a success rate to be very proud of!

Her son, Dane, who is 14, is a source of great joy for Diane.  She loves to watch him play football and spend time with him as much as possible. She too was an athlete growing up, playing basketball and to her son’s surprise was an ‘All District Player’. She also ran in track, in which she broke a record for the Discus Throw. Interestingly too, she gave some trouble to, Ron Chesser, our NPCC Director of Counseling, who was one of her referees, having to foul her out of games on occasion. Mr. Chesser had help though, from one of our board members, Mr. Don Harris.  Way to go, Diane! It seems they still give each other a hard time (just kidding) since Mr. Chesser’s office is just a few doors down from hers. 

Her hobbies include reading books, listening to music, attending musical concerts, and of course spending as much time with her son as possible.  Diane is a person that she defines as low key and easy going, enjoying peaceful relations with her family, co-workers, and friends.  She loves people and her time here at NPCC and with the community. However, she looks forward to the quiet times, at home, curled up on the couch with a good book (like the latest Stephen King or Greg Iles novel), listening to nice music, or visiting with friends.  She takes Yoga classes which aid her in her quest for relaxation.  Something we all need and often find it hard to find time for.

Diane also loves to travel, to visit historical places.  For example, one of her goals is to visit Rome.  She went on a cruise with friends to the Greek Isles in 2007 and another to Cozumel and Progresso in 2009. We both commented on the deep blue color of the water in the Mediterranean Sea. Speaking of relaxation, I can stare at a body of water for hours and be hypnotized by its beauty.  It entrances you, whether it’s the turquoise clear waters in the Gulf or Hawaii, the deep blue of the Med, or even our own lakes here in Arkansas, there is something soothing about a moving body of water. 

We also spoke of a common interest.  Diane, my wife and I enjoy cruises.  We discussed how we enjoy these types of trips the most because of the food, entertainment, and the great service you receive, not to mention the amazing sites and ports along the way.  We agreed, too, that we prefer the classy and elegant cruise ships rather than flashy neon party ships.

I must say, I enjoyed my visit with Diane and getting to know her a little better.  To discover the things we have in common in regard to our love for children, for our work, and for the quiet times at home.  It is good thing for all of us to find times in our schedule for some quiet and relaxation.  It is good to be busy and productive but it is also important to find the time to relax and smell the flowers, get lost in gazing at a beautiful sunset, or enjoying the sound of children playing.  Yes, I enjoyed my few minutes visiting with Diane Meredith, who has been an inspiration to our communities’ children in regard to learning and success … and a quiet and mild spirit that loves our Creator, people, family, and life!

 Photos from her cruise below:

Webmaster Interview of Staff Member for August 2011

“What Can Break You, Makes You Stronger and Can Be A Blessing!”
– An Interview by NPCC Webmaster

Melba Lancaster, a staff member since August 1989, who started here at GCCC/NPCC as a switchboard operator and now an Administrative Specialist III for Dr. Watts, has enjoyed her time here at NPCC.  She says, “It’s never boring but very interesting because every day is a surprise.”  She was born in Mississippi, spent most of her life in southern Louisiana, a few years in Texas, and over 20 years in Arkansas.  Her first job was as a stenographer for the FBI.   She worked in banking for awhile then it was time for a change (divorce included) she moved to Glenwood, Arkansas where shortly afterwards was hired on here at NPCC.  She enjoys working with the faculty and staff and has found a real family here that has helped her through a most difficult time.

Ms. Lancaster is a ‘Cancer Survivor’, like many of us who can certainly relate to what that means.  As she described to me her experience, I found myself encouraged and inspired.  Her positive attitude is truly one worth imitating.  I know from my own experience that going through something like this makes you more compassionate and more empathetic.  Ms. Lancaster found the same true for her and even called her experience, a blessing!  Yes a blessing because as she put it, “It makes you a better person, where you see life differently, you complain less, and become more content.”  She also said that this disease also brought her closer to her Lord and Savior!

Ms. Lancaster is grateful for the Genesis Cancer Center, Dr. Divers, and the staff at Genesis for how well they treated her.  She is also grateful to the faculty and staff here at NPCC that supported her in so many ways.  “We truly are a family here and that is shown when anyone is in need,” relates Ms. Lancaster.  When her treatments caused some hair loss and she had to wear a cap, the staff at NPCC joined in to support her (See picture of the NPCC Cap Day in her honor).  As a result, she has drawn closer to her NPCC family and has made long lasting friendships with many that she would never have otherwise.

Her relationship with her twin sisters’ grandchildren has been another source of encouragement for her.  Like all parents who want to protect their children, she felt she had to protect them from her difficult situation.  However, she found them to be a source of strength, encouraging her to not even wear the cap.  Imagine that!   Yes, we find help where we often do not expect it—our friends, family, co-workers, our faith, and even our children.

All of us at one time or another has had to endure some sort of challenge in our lives.  These are the times that could break us, but with a positive attitude like that of our dear Melba, and a lot help and support from others it does make us stronger and all the better for having endured it. 

Webmaster Interview of Staff Member for March 2011

Pottery by Ann Wilson

An Artist Who is like a Gem with Many Facets
– An Interview by NPCC Webmaster

Ann Wilson is our Continuing Education Coordinator here at NPCC. She started working at NPCC 7 ½ years ago. The CE program is part of the Community and Corporate Training Division and offers short, fun, non-credit classes on campus and in Hot Springs Village. As part of the Community and Corporate Training Division, Ann also completes and submits NPCC press releases, publishes the campus newsletter, and says a fun part of her job is getting to help with arrangements for community projects. She has a passion for lifelong learning on a personal level and is happy that it is a major part of her work life as well. 

She moved to Arkansas from Shreveport, Louisiana as a teenager and moved to Hot Springs in 2002. She has been married to her husband, David, for what she says is “a very, very long time” and they have a son, Chad, who lives in Fayetteville and teaches at UA Fort Smith.

She is an active member of her church serving on the parish council, as a lector, and as a Sunday School teacher. She is a new member of the Arts Cooperative Team here in Hot Springs. ACT’s mission is to build an alliance of people with a passion for the arts; to advocate, promote, and chronicle the arts in Arkansas; and through collaboration provide opportunities for all to experience the arts and culture of the Hot Springs art community.

Artwork by Ann Wilson

When Ann is not busy with her day job, she has hobbies and interests which include many facets of the arts. For example, one is her pottery creations, other facets include mosaic and pastel artworks. She has been playing with clay for about 12 years – in Little Rock and here in Hot Springs. She has been a fixture in Jim Larkin’s NPCC pottery classes.

You can visit her website at: http://www.wilsonx2.net to see samples of her work and also the  art works of her son.

Ann Wilson in "Murder Can Be Habit Forming" 2003

Another facet of her passion for the arts is her love of books and movies. We spent some time talking about the movies we have enjoyed, which has inspired her in her pursuit of another form of art – acting and also trying her hand at directing performances at The Pocket Community Theatre at 170 Ravine St., Hot Springs. She has an upcoming performance in a series of one-act plays called The Best Times of the Heart which will run from March 24-26 and March 31-April 2 at 7:30 pm and March 27 and April 3 at 2:30 pm. She is directing one of the one-acts and acting in another. Some of her past performances in acting include the shows: Miracle on 34^th, Bus Stop, Arsenic and Old Lace, Jake’s Women, and Fools. She has also worked with props and costumes behind the scenes and stage managed several productions.

I left the interview amazed at how many talented interests she has geared not only to her own enjoyment but that of our community. She is certainly, in my opinion, a gem with many facets.

Webmaster Interview of Faculty Member for March 2011

Debbie Burks, an Educator with a Business Mind, but a Country Girl at Heart!
– An Interview by NPCC Webmaster

After 23 years at National Park Community College as an instructor in the Business Division and 15 years as Division Chair, Debbie Burks, will be retiring at the end of June this year.  The consensus of her co-workers in the division is – she will be missed!   Some of the comments include: “Very approachable, with time to listen, even when she really doesn’t,  great with the budget, and a real ‘pro’,  always giving so much of her time and energy to her service at NPCC.”

MacKenzie Burks barrel racing at Barton Coliseum

Ms. Burks has a long career as an educator, teaching at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, Glen Rose Public Schools, and Ouachita Tech at Malvern, Arkansas before coming to NPCC.  After so many years here at NPCC, one might wonder, what she has enjoyed most.  She tells me, “The freedom, where she can explore different ways of teaching, expression, and commitment to our educational institution.” She also mentioned she has always enjoyed working with the students and staff. 

Their dog, Bart with the deer and guinea.

We also wonder what she is looking forward to, once retired.  It may surprise many of us, who have met Ms. Burks that she although being an example to us all in Business is looking forward to “spending time at home, with family, the garden, and many other things that need to be done.”  She is an educator with a mind for Business but also a Country girl at heart. Their dog, Bart, who is often seen lying near a deer and a guinea, is looking forward to seeing her home more. 

Once the dust settles on the many things on her ‘to do list’ at home, she plans to spend some time with her husband helping at his feed store in Arkadelphia.  Her husband, William when not at the store raises and trades horses and cattle at their ranch in Malvern.  Their daughter, MacKenzie, a student at NPCC, SGA officer, and part-time employee at the NPCC Campus Store, also competes in state rodeo and horse show competitions in the summer. 

For me, it has been a special privilege to have known Ms. Burks.   I believe I speak for all of the NPCC Faculty and Staff when I repeat the comments of so many that it has been great pleasure for all of us and you will be missed!

The Burks Family