ASU-Newport faculty, staff, alumni and student all-star honored
NEWPORT — At the 2021 Arkansas Community Colleges Fall Conference, four individuals were honored for their success and dedication to Arkansas State University-Newport. ACC recognized each honoree during a virtual event in October.
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI: KATLYN STEIMEL
Katlyn Steimel joined ASU-Newport as a concurrent student in 2007. In 2010, she graduated from Newport High
School and also earned an associate degree from ASUN. Steimel obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at A-State in
2013 and graduated from the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2015. She attended the University of Arkansas, obtaining her Doctor of Nursing Practice, FNP, in 2020. Steimel served as director of the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium LPN-to-RN Program in 2020 before joining A-State as an assistant professor of nursing. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with their Yorkie-poo.
ACADEMIC ALL-STAR: ALICIA BALLARD
Alicia Ballard started taking classes with ASUN through distance learning and has now completed 28 hours toward her Associate of Arts degree with a high grade-point average. Ballard has mentored other young women who are starting college, all while working and raising her children. She plans to pursue a social-work degree at A-State after she graduates from ASUN.
OUTSTANDING FACULTY: IRINA REYNOLDS
As an assistant professor of oral communications/college and life skills, Irina Reynolds works closely with ASUN’s newest students to ensure their successful transition into postsecondary education. She exemplifies ASUN’s values, especially being student-focused. Reynolds takes a genuine interest in the lives and success of each of her students, as well as regularly participating in events on campus and throughout the community.
OUTSTANDING STAFF: DEBORAH METHENY
As an admissions and college-engagement specialist, Deborah Metheny is one of the first people ASUN students interact with. She is always there to greet students and to serve their needs in any way she can. Students seek Metheny out by name because of her excellent customer service and cheery demeanor. She extends her knowledge to others in her department and across the institution as well. Metheny has served in many roles during her tenure at ASUN.