Hawkins retires from Ozarka College
MELBOURNE — Mary Ellen Hawkins, a librarian at Ozarka College, has retired after 31 years of service. In December, the college hosted a retirement celebration that was attended by Hawkins’ family, friends and colleagues, both past and present.
In 1970, Hawkins began her career at the
Western Yell County School District in Havana, Arkansas, where she taught home economics and science. In 1973, she and her family moved to
Heber Springs, and she taught home economics in the Concord School District. They eventually moved to Izard County ,and she owned a shoe store in Melbourne for three years. In 1985, she worked as a dietitian for one year at a nursing home in Horseshoe Bend before beginning her career at Ozarka College in November 1986.
Dan Lindsey, Ozarka College multimedia specialist, worked alongside Hawkins for more than 23 years. At her retirement celebration, he spoke about the greatness that she brought to work each day. Others echoed his remarks. “Mary Ellen was such a pleasure to have on staff at Ozarka College …,” said Dr. Keith McClanahan, provost and executive vice president of learning. “She could always be counted on to be available to help anyone needing it, and she was kindhearted and respectful to all.” Send notices of appointments, awards, military achievements, new hires, professional development, promotions, retirements, scholarships and other business news to the Three Rivers Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; send faxes to (501) 378-3500; or email trnews@arkansasonline.com.