Southern Arkansas University proudly honored a distinguished group of alumni and educators at the 2025 Educational Leadership Hall of Fame banquet, held Monday, March 17. Hosted by the College of Education and Human Performance, the annual ceremony celebrates individuals who exemplify leadership, service, and a commitment to education across Arkansas and beyond.
Originally established to recognize principals and superintendents, the Hall of Fame has grown in recent years to reflect the expanding impact of SAU’s graduate programs. Today, honorees may also include graduates working in school counseling, special education, library media, and other critical areas of educational leadership.
“The Educational Leadership Hall of Fame is an opportunity to recognize some outstanding educational leaders,” said Dr. Clinton Petty, assistant professor of Education and program director of Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision. “This year’s inductees were very proud and honored to represent SAU. It was a really good group of leaders.”
Each year’s inductees are selected by a committee from SAU’s College of Education and Human Performance. While many honorees are based in Arkansas, nominations are accepted from across the country—wherever SAU graduates are making a difference.
2025 Inductees
Building-Level Administrator Honorees
Marilyn Marks
Hope, Arkansas
A 1990s graduate of SAU with multiple degrees and licensure endorsements, Marilyn Marks leads Hope Academy of Public Service, a school recognized for top-tier academic growth and a Highly Effective Schools Accreditation. She also completed Hope’s Aspiring Leaders Program and participates in Leadership Hempstead County. Marks credits her success to her desire to serve and empower both students and staff.
Curtis Black
Horatio, Arkansas
Curtis Black, principal of Horatio High School, has led his campus to receive recognition from the Arkansas School Recognition Program for high student performance and graduation rates. Black has long been a servant-leader in his community, including time as a city councilman and advocate for early childhood literacy. A proud Mulerider, he earned his master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and administrator licensure through SAU.
District-Level Administrator Honorees
Javana McCall
Camden, Arkansas
Javana McCall recently retired after more than 30 years in public education, including nine years with the Camden-Fairview School District, where she served in key district-level roles such as assistant superintendent and special programs coordinator. An alumna of SAU’s graduate programs, McCall is known for her dedication to student success, mentorship, and professional integrity.
Zebulon Prothro
Mount Vernon, Arkansas
One of the youngest superintendents in the state, Zebulon Prothro has quickly made a name for himself as a visionary leader. Under his guidance, the Mount Vernon Enola School District earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Prothro holds multiple degrees, including a master’s in educational leadership from SAU, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership at the university.
Community Leadership Award Honorees
This award honors SAU graduate program alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership outside traditional administrative roles.
Christy Canfield
Emerson, Arkansas
An Emerson High School Special Education teacher and cheer sponsor, Christy Canfield brings energy and compassion to her work every day. She holds three degrees, including two from SAU, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2018–2019. With a heart for advocacy, she is committed to helping students realize their full potential.
Kelly Ribble
Magnolia, Arkansas
With more than three decades in public education, Magnolia Middle School counselor Kelly Ribble has made an indelible mark on generations of students. An alumna of SAU’s bachelor’s and master’s programs, Ribble is also deeply involved in the Magnolia community through civic and charitable work, earning recognition from the Chamber of Commerce in 2025 as Educator of the Year.
Dr. Kenneth C. Booth Educational Leadership in Excellence Award
Monty Harrington
Magnolia, Arkansas
This year’s highest honor went to Monty Harrington, Magnolia native and longtime community leader. A 1993 finance graduate of SAU, Harrington serves as Magnolia Market President for Farmers Bank & Trust. His extensive civic involvement includes roles on the SAU Board of Trustees, Magnolia Housing Authority, Mulerider Club, and more. Known for his servant leadership, Harrington exemplifies the spirit of this distinguished award.
Each honoree represents the best of what SAU strives to instill in its students—vision, integrity, and a heart for service. As Muleriders, they continue to impact lives through education, advocacy, and community leadership. The Educational Leadership Hall of Fame banquet not only honors individual achievement but also affirms SAU’s enduring commitment to building strong leaders for a stronger Arkansas.
