ASU-Beebe alum credits leadership training and more for his success
BEEBE — Arkansas State University-Beebe alumnus Wendell Scales Jr., who is deputy director of innovation at Arkansas Lighthouse Academies, graduated from ASU-Beebe in 2010 with an associate degree in business.
“I chose ASU-Beebe because of its proximity to home and small campus size,” Scales said. “I didn’t realize how many opportunities I would be offered while attending [ASU-Beebe]. I grew as a student and learned the value of community.”
Both Scales and his twin sister, Whitney, attended ASU-Beebe after graduating from Lonoke High School. Then after graduating from ASU-Beebe, Scales attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where he earned a degree in business administration, with an emphasis in finance, and enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earning a master’s degree in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs.
Over the years, Scales said, he completed exams and leadership-certification programs throughout his career, such as Graduate School Practicum, an education frameworks/ theory blended with practical application focused on student development.
“Whether directly or indirectly, education has always been a vital part of my career,” he said.
He is also an alumnus of several leadership programs, such as SCOP (Stanford College Outreach Program), a college-access immersion program, and Cato Sphere Summit, an immersive public-policy program with an emphasis on civic education. Scales was also a graduate of the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXV, a nine-month leadership program focused on developing community leaders by training and informing participants on a wide array of local public-policy issues and concerns. He also served as a statewide facilitator for a previous nonprofit education improvement group called Noble Impact.
In the community, Scales served as vice president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock, spearheaded the H2O Leadership Institute, a co-ed summer environmental STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program for teens. He currently leads Arkansas Lighthouse Academies’ districtwide launch to reimagine the ever-changing education landscape by promoting cultural competency in partnering with Frontlines of Justice to bring social justice/ DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs to its charter schools this fall.
Scales said he had some rigorous business instruction at ASU-Beebe that helped form the foundation for his career.
“I gained an appreciation for classes like finance, microeconomics and macroeconomics that have greatly impacted my career,” he said.
While a student at ASU-Beebe, Scales worked as a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions.
“The Admissions team created a fun, family atmosphere and leadership opportunities to represent the institution and serve prospective students,” he said. “Several staff and faculty inspired and influenced my journey as a student and professional.”
In particular, Scales said, Robin Hayes, retired director of Admissions, played a vital role in influencing his career.
“I would never have begun a career in college admissions if it wasn’t for her guidance and encouragement,” Scales said.
When relating his ASUBeebe experience, Scales said he would remember the people and relationships most.
“I met friends that I still have to this day,” he said. “As a first-generation college student, it is so important that our next generation have people to look to for mentoring and opportunities.”
Scales offered some advice for students: “My journey started at ASU-Beebe. I didn’t have it figured out then, and oftentimes never truly will. A lot of great people are on the campus — get to know them. Work hard; be curious. Bet on yourself, and don’t be afraid of failure.”
Scales received the 2021 ASU-Beebe Outstanding Alumni for Arkansas Community Colleges title and was awarded the honor at the ACC Fall Conference in October.
“Our alumni are our strongest asset in communicating the value of ASU-Beebe. I am inspired by their stories,” said Rose Mary Jackson, associate vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement. “We gladly share their stories of how ASU-Beebe has positively influenced them.”