ASPSF 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President:   Cathy Foraker (Washington County)

"I believe in the mission. By providing the means of obtaining an education, families can be transformed and hope restored. An education brings a person to a level field where all things are possible."

Bio: Mrs. Foraker is the Director of External Affairs for AT&T. She holds a Bachelors degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Arkansas. She is highly involved in her community, including membership in Rotary Club, and serving on the boards of Rebuilding Together of Northwest Arkansas, Nature Conservancy of Northwest Arkansas Advisors, Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Arkansas Council, and the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation.

Vice-President:   Dolly Henley (Hempstead County)

 

Secretary:   Larry Kircher (White County)

He is involved with Single Parent Scholarships because he knows "the difference an education can make for the parent and the children - possibly for generations to come."

Bio: Mr. Kircher is the Chairman and CEO of Citizens State Bank in Bald Knob. He holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University. He has served on the boards for the Arkansas Bankers Association, the Arkansas Community Foundation, the Arkansas Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts Foundation, Central Baptist Church, and Ouachita Baptist University.

Treasurer:   Layton Lee (Marion County)

He dedicates his time to Single Parent Scholarships because "it helps people finish their education to bring them out of poverty, and in turn, they improve the lives of their children."

Bio: Mr. Lee is the Vice President of Commercial Lending at Arvest Bank. He holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Arkansas Tech University. He serves on the boards of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Marion County, the Twin Lakes Community Foundation, and the Arkansas Tech Alumni.

Alice Abson (Pulaski County)

"Every person who desires a higher education should have the opportunity to pursue one, regardless of economic and social background. The Single Parent Scholarship Fund has provided an avenue for traditional and non-traditional single parents to obtain this education. The reward that I get each time a degree is conferred is knowing that another person is a productive part of the community and a positive role model to his or her children."

Bio: Ms. Abson currently serves as a Probation Officer for Pulaski County. She holds a Masters of Arts degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University. Her most personally significant community involvement was serving as a board member of Philander Smith College's Capital Campaign. The effort generated over $30.5 million in two years, which enabled the school to make vast improvements in programs and faculty development. She is committed to education and has served Single Parent Scholarships since 1990.

Scarlett Barnes (Independence County)

 

Cherokee Bradley (Pulaski County)

 

Derwood Brett (Montgomery County)

 

Teresa Cash (Conway County)

"I am committed to helping students receive the necessary funding and support to complete their education and achieve their goals."

Bio: Mrs. Cash is the Director of Financial Aid at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. She earned a Masters of Business Administration from University of Central Arkansas in 1993. In addition to being a member of the state board, she also serves on the board of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Conway County and has been involved with the organization for the last eleven years. She is also a member of the Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Shirley Cherry (Jefferson County)

 

Diann Gathright (Polk County)

"The Single Parent Scholarship directly assists people who want to provide a better life for their children and themselves. Local members are focused on that one goal - to assist them in realizing their goal for a better life. The ASPSF board is dedicated to assisting the local organization in reaching as many eligible recipients as possible."

Bio: Dr. Gathright is the Superintendent of Mena Public Schools. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is an active member in Rotary Club. She serves on the boards of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Polk County, and assisted with the organization of the Single Parent Scholarship Funds of Montgomery and Scott Counties. She is also involved with the Mena Airport Commission and Superintendent's Institute at Arkansas Tech University.

Brock Gearhart (Washington County)

"I was raised by parents who have worked in higher education their entire lives. Thus, it is a very important aspect of my upbringing. I welcome the chance to help give the opportunity of a college education to someone less fortunate."

Bio: Mr. Gearhart is Vice-President of Greenwood & Associates, an investment firm in northwest Arkansas, and holds a Bachelors degree in Financial Management & Investments from the University of Arkansas. He dedicates his time to a variety of causes in his community, including active membership in the Rotary Club and serving on the boards of the Walton Arts Center Corporate Leadership Council, Boys & Girls Club of Fayetteville, and the Walton College of Business Garrison Financial Institute.

Boylee Hamilton (Pulaski County)

"I truly believe in the opportunity that ASPSF is providing to single parents in Arkansas. Without an educated workforce, our state will not attract or retain businesses and industries that seek employees with skill levels above a secondary education."

Bio: Mr. Hamilton is the Area Operations Chief of the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. He holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Little Rock. He currently serves on the board of the Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation.

Judy Hammond (Washington County)

 

Mechelle Harris (Ashley County)

 

Cindy Henderson (Polk County)

Ms. Henderson dedicates her time to Single Parent Scholarships because of its "significant contribution to the lives of single parents, the positive result of the organization, and the outstanding leadership and programs for local communities."

Bio: Ms. Henderson currently serves as a Work Program Advisor for the Department of Community Correction. She holds a Masters degree in Home Economics and Administration from the University of Arkansas.

Dr. Alice Hines (Faulkner County)

She became involved with Single Parent Scholarships in support of "women and men who wish to continue their education and professional preparation with an eye to a brighter, more rewarding future for themselves and their families."

Bio: Dr. Hines has been a Professor of English at Hendrix College for thirty years. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Texas Women's University. She is very active in her community, serving on the boards of the Faulkner County Women's Shelter, Counseling Associates, and the Faulkner County Day School. She also serves on the UACCM Board of Visitors and is a member of the Conway Rotary Club and the Delta Kappa Gamma (Theta Chapter).

Josh Mahony (Washington County)

 

Christine Smith (Lee County)

 

Cathy Williams (Sebastian County)

"Single parents are especially challenged in attempting to life their families from poverty. I believe that the only way to break the poverty cycle is through education in which the student emerges from the system with a marketable career skill. I have also witnessed the value of a parent serving as an education role model for her children, influencing generations to follow."

Bio: Ms. Williams is the Supervisor of Career Education and Community Partnerships with Fort Smith Public Schools. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Arkansas State University and a post-Masters degree in School Counseling and Administration from the University of Memphis. She serves on the boards of Community Services Clearninghouse and Zonta International, and the advisory board of St. Edward Mercy Medical Center.

Clevon Young (Pulaski County)

 

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