1930-1939
Anna Hawkins ’35 turned 100 years old on Sept. 6, 2014. We are thrilled to share this momentous occasion with Ms. Hawkins.
1950-1959
Homer Greer, Jr. ’53, was recognized as an esteemed alumnus of Northwestern State University with a special honor to recognize meritorious service to others. The “Nth Degree” was given to Greer, as a distinction that recognizes those whose professional responsibilities and other roles in making the world a better place are carried out by the “Nth degree.” Greer is a retired Senior Vice President of First National Bank of Magnolia.
1960-1969
Dr. Younes Benab ’61-’63 has published the following books: A One Hundred Year History of the Iranian Political Parties and Organizations (Volume 1) and Selected Essays on Globalization by Younes Parsa Benab. Dr. Benab continues to write articles on the history of Iran and the current political, social, and cultural events in Iran. He received his Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America in 1974 and was a Professor and Academic Dean at Strayer University until his retirement in 2008. He and his wife, Nadia ’63 ’64 live in Washington, D.C., and remain active in political, social, and cultural activities. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 27, 2014.
Lynwood Cathey ’63 was inducted into the Union County Sports Hall of Fame. Cathey was a four-year letterman in basketball at SAU (then Southern State College). Cathey began a 46-year coaching career upon his college graduation. He coached both boys and girls at the high school level. He went on to coach at the college level at the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas – Monticello. Cathey won a basketball state championship in 1966 and went on later in his career to win numerous tournament titles at Union County.
1970-1979
Glenn A. Perry ’72 has been inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Perry is a senior partner in the Longview, Texas, law firm of Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry. He was named an SAU Distinguished Alumni in 2011. Perry is the son of the late Ludie Jones Perry and Warren P. Perry, formerly of Magnolia. Membership in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers is by invitation only and is limited to 500 active fellows from across the U.S. who are deemed to have attained the highest level of skill and accomplishment in trial advocacy.
Greg Cheshier ‘78, owner of Team Ag RE and Appraisals, opened a new building in March 2014, located on U.S. 62 in in Lincoln, AR. He is a State Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Louisiana. His son Joel, graduated in May 2014 from SAU in General Studies.
1980-1989
Eric Goble ‘83 earned the Doctor of Educational Ministries degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary during its December commencement exercises. Dr. Goble is senior pastor at Brister Baptist Church near Emerson where he has served for more than 30 years.
Denise Ward ’86 was among 15 nominees for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Ward is an elementary physical education teacher in the Texarkana School District.
1990-1999
Keli (Gaines) Swann, ‘91, was promoted to Senior Systems Analyst at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, Texas.
Tia Parsley ’96 ’02 was recognized in an article for her passion of helping others. Parsley is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She grew passionate for social work during her start in rural Southern Arkansas. She recognized that the resources to help others were limited and the area needed more attention geared towards mental health. Parsley went on to receive her Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling degree at SAU. She then started programs to assist those suffering with substance abuse, mental health, behavioral issues and personality disorders. She eventually had four outpatient mental health clinics in Arkansas. “At the end of the day, helping people is what I wanted to do,” said Parsley. She now offers her services at The Woodlands, Texas.
2000-2009
Virginia Harman ’02 accepted the position of
Manager of Member Relations and Energy Services at Delta-Montrose Electric Association in Montrose, CO.
Josh Kee ’03 was promoted to Assistant Vice President for Development at SAU. Kee said he is most excited to work with SAU’s loyal benefactors to accomplish the private fundraising goals of the University. He plans to continue a donor-centered approach to fundraising, which seeks to connect a donor’s interest with an institutional opportunity. He is a 2014 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV Board Member as Sponsorship Chair, and was a faculty member at the 2013 CASE Fall Fundraising Fundamentals/Introduction to Personal Solicitation Conference. He is a member of the SAU Staff Senate, on the Columbia County United Way Board, serving line coordinator for the Magnolia Blossom Festival, a past member of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Board, a past President of the Lions Club, on the Camp Canfield Board of Directors, and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is also lead singer for Crosspoint, a Christian group that travels much of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. He is married to Bekah (Burton) Kee ’05, and they have two children: Shelby, 5, and infant Rhett.
Larry Dunn ’07 ’10 was one of 15 to be nominated for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. He was first chosen as the Magnolia Junior High School Teacher of the Year, then Magnolia School District Teacher of the Year, and finally he won the South Central Education Service Cooperative’s Teacher of the Year honor. Dunn is the vocal music teacher at Magnolia High School. Dunn has been with the Magnolia School District since 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s of education. Dunn is a member of the Southwest Arkansas Choral Director’s Association and the Arkansas Choral Director’s Association. Since 2007, student participation in the Magnolia choral program has grown and it has all been in part due to Dunn’s “back-to-the-basics” approach to choral instruction. His choral ensembles have earned 49 superior ratings at regional/state choral performance assessments and eight “Best in Class” captions at the Arkansas Choral Director’s State Choral Festivals.
Brent Walker ’10 graduated from the Arkansas State Police Troop School on Nov. 20, 2014. He will be assigned to Columbia and Lafayette counties.
Harry Hooker, Jr. ’00 was selected as the Louisiana Association of Principals High School Assistant Principal of the Year. Hooker is the Assistant Principal at DeRidder High School in Beauregard Parish.
