ASPSF 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President:   Peter Metzger (Benton County)

Bio: Mr. Metzger is the Chief Operating Officer of ASPIRE, a national scholarship for single parents. He serves on numerous boards of directors including the Single Parent Scholarship of Benton County, Trifusion LLC (Texas), and Tri-King/Canasia (Canada). Prior to retirement, Mr. Metzger served in a variety of capacities spanning more than twenty years with WalMart Stores, including five in which he was headquartered in Hong Kong.

Vice-President:   Veronda C. Tatum (Union County)

"Being a single parent myself, I know firsthand the struggles associated with juggling so many aspects of life. This organization assists single parents to tackle many of those struggles!"

Bio: Ms. Tatum serves as the Director of Financial Aid for South Arkansas Community College. She holds a Masters of Education degree in Agency Counseling from South Arkansas University. She is involved with numerous organizations, including the American Heart Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, STAND Leadership Institute, and the United Way.

Secretary:   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.

Treasurer:   Joe Chumbler (Benton County)

"I believe that Single Parent Scholarships effectively helps those trying to better their lives at a time when it matters most."

Bio: Mr. Chumbler owns Boston Mountain Money Management, a successful investment firm in northwest Arkansas. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. He currently serves on the board of the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and is a founding member of ASPIRE, a national scholarship for single parents.

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.

Karen Beller (Pulaski 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.

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.

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.

Dolly Henley (Hempstead County)

 

Dr. Alice Hines (Faulkner County)

Bio: Dr. Hines is a Professor of English at Hendrix College. She received her B.A. from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), her M.A. from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and her Ph.D. from Texas Women's University (Denton, TX). She is very active in her community, serving as Chair of the Arkansas Humanities Council, Vice President of the Faulkner County Day School and the SPSF of Faulkner County, a member of the Arkansas Advocates for Families & Children, HAVEN, Faulkner County Women's Shelter, Parents for Our Children Tutoring Program, Conway Morning Rotary, and serves as President for the Conway Altrusa.

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.

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.

Rev. R. J. Lightsey (Jefferson County)

He dedicates his time to Single Parent Scholarships because "it is a worthwhile endeavor that assists those single parents who need financial and moral support."

Bio: Dr. Lightsey is the founding and Senior Pastor of Jubilee Christian Center in Pine Bluff. He holds a Doctorate of Divinity from Christian Bible College and Seminary. He is very active in his community serving on the boards of the Salvation Army, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Character Council of Southeast Arkansas, and the former chair of the Pine Bluff 20/20 Initiative.

Dr. Loretta N. McGregor (Craighead County)

Bio: Dr. McGregor is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology at ASU Jonesboro. She received a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkansas, an M.S. in General Experimental Psychology from Emporia State University, Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Human Factors Psychology from Wichita State University, Kansas. Dr. McGregor has taught a variety of courses, including designing a course teaching psychology majors about their career options, which was adopted as part of the curriculum at both OBU and SAU. Her professional involvements include membership in the American and Southwestern Psychological Associations, and Teaching of Psychology in Secondary Schools. She is a consultant for the Educational Testing Service and is a test development committee member for Advanced Placement. She feels her greatest accomplishments are her children, Porsha and Sean.

Chris Mitchell (Washington County)

"I love the fact that this organization focuses on helping individuals (with no strings attached) obtain an education that will provide a lifetime of opportunities for both themselves and their children."

Bio: Mr. Mitchell serves as a member of the Corporate Counsel of Tyson Foods. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Beyond his service to Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, he is also active with CASA of Northwest Arkansas and a football coach for Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club.

Debbie W. Shea (Desha County)

"I have seen the SPSF actually make a difference in a single parent's life by giving the opportunity to get an education and improve the family's economic situation. Ultimately, it is the children that will benefit from this wonderful organization."

Bio: Mrs. Shea has served on the ASPSF Board of Directors for the last six years. Mrs. Shea holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. She is very active in her community including serving on the boards of the Arkansas Arts Council, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Old State House Museum Associates, Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, Main Street Arkansas, Delta Area Community Foundation, Main Street Dumas, Desha County Historical Society, and the Mary Baldwin Alumnae Board.

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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