Alumni News

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For additional information, please call Ashlie Hilbun, Associate Director of Development at 479-575-3712.

Amy Linimon

Amy (B.A. 1998) has been named director of donor relations and special events for the Division of University Advancement at the University of Arkansas. The office of donor relations and special events works closely with alumni, friends, and benefactors, recognizing achievements and organizing events to celebrate the special occasions, on campus and off. 

"Donor relations and special events are a crucial part of the University Advancement operation, and Amy Linimon has the experience and personal qualities needed to do an outstanding job," said Mark Power, vice chancellor for advancement. "As we reach the halfway mark for Campaign Arkansas her role will become increasingly important to our success."

Mervin Jebaraj

Mervin (M.P.A. 2012) was named employee of the second quarter by the Sam M. Walton College of Business for 2016-2017. Mr. Jebaraj is currently the assistant director in the Center for Business and Economic Research. The award is given to employees who show superior customer service that enhances the image of the college, above and beyond the scope of that employee’s job description. Winners are selected from a group of nominees by the Walton College Dean, the associate deans, assistant deans for undergraduate and graduate programs and the Walton College Staff Council. 

Brian Kisida

Brian (M.A. 2006) is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. Education Policy at the University of Arkansas. He co-wrote Art Makes You Smart with Jay P. Greene and Daniel H. Bowen for the New York Times.

Excerpt:  "FOR many education advocates, the arts are a panacea: They supposedly increase test scores, generate social responsibility and turn around failing schools. Most of the supporting evidence, though, does little more than establish correlations between exposure to the arts and certain outcomes. Research that demonstrates a causal relationship has been virtually nonexistent.

A few years ago, however, we had a rare opportunity to explore such relationships when the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened in Bentonville, Ark. Through a large-scale, random-assignment study of school tours to the museum, we were able to determine that strong causal relationships do in fact exist between arts education and a range of desirable outcomes."

Collins Cockrell

Major Cockrell (M.A. 2001) is currently a Doctrine and Training Developer for the Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Directorate, Headquarters, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS), Fort Bragg, NC. Major Cockrell, an Army Reservist, has spent the last two years at the John F. Kennedy School of Special Warfare Center and School as a course manager and instructor for the Psychological Operations qualification courses. Previously, he was on the staff of U.S. Congressman Vic Snyder (AR-02) from 1998 to 2011.

Curtis Barnett

Curtis (M.P.A. 1990) will assume the role of president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield effective January 1, 2017. He was selected by the BCBS board of directors to become the next president and CEO upon the retirement of former president and CEO Mark White at the end of 2016. Barnett formerly served as senior vice president of internal operations from 2014 to December 2015. Mr. Barnett joined the company in 1993 after serving as director of benefits and risk management for the University of Arkansas System. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with bachelor's degrees in economics and political science, and from the University of Arkansas with a master's degree in Public Administration.