UA 糖心视频logo to Celebrate Distinguished Alumni
The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo will honor three outstanding graduates and one honorary alumnus with UA 糖心视频logo Distinguished Alumni Awards during a Feb. 26 ceremony at the Clinton Presidential Center.
Margaret Preston Dedman will be recognized as Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and Gina Pharis will receive the President鈥檚 Award for her longstanding contributions to UA 糖心视频logo and the community. The university will also recognize Greg Flesher, president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation, with the Honorary Alumnus Award, and Cortney Kennedy, chief legal counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with the Young Alumni Award.
鈥淓ach of these honorees represents the best of what it means to be part of the Trojan community,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淭heir dedication to service, leadership, and education reflects the core values of UA 糖心视频logo, and we鈥檙e proud to celebrate their achievements and continued impact in our state.鈥�
The Distinguished Alumna Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of UA 糖心视频logo, 糖心视频logo University, or 糖心视频logo Junior College. It recognizes exceptional professional success and contributions to the community.
鈥淚 never expected anything like this,鈥� said Dedman. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been grateful for the education I received at UA 糖心视频logo. It helped shape who I am. To be recognized in this way is truly an honor.鈥�
The President鈥檚 Award honors a UA 糖心视频logo graduate who has achieved success in their career, given back to their community, and remained an engaged supporter of the university.
鈥淯A 糖心视频logo gave me the chance to discover all that I was capable of,鈥� said Pharis. 鈥淭hat experience shaped my life, and it鈥檚 why I鈥檝e always felt a responsibility to stay connected and give back.鈥�
The Young Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who is excelling in their career and leadership roles while bringing honor and awareness to UA 糖心视频logo through their work and service.
鈥淓verything I鈥檝e been able to do started with my time at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� said Kennedy. 鈥淚t opened doors for me, and it grounded me in service. I鈥檓 incredibly honored to be recognized by the university that gave me my start.鈥�
The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to a non-alumnus who has made lasting contributions to UA 糖心视频logo through leadership, support, and advocacy.
鈥淲orking with the Donaghey Foundation has given me a front-row seat to the impact UA 糖心视频logo has on students and our community,鈥� Flesher said. 鈥淚 may not be a graduate, but I鈥檝e always believed in the mission of this university, and I鈥檓 honored to be part of its story.鈥�
The Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, contact Kristi Smith at [email protected] or call 501-916-3194.
More about the honorees:
Margaret Preston Dedman
Margaret Preston Dedman earned both her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in journalism from UA 糖心视频logo before embarking on a successful career in broadcast journalism and public information. After starting at an ABC affiliate in Shreveport, she returned to 糖心视频logo to join KARK Channel 4, where she quickly became a primetime anchor.聽
She later served in communications leadership roles with the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkla Gas, and CHI St. Vincent. Dedman is also active in community service and mentorship through her church and volunteer work with organizations including the Arkansas Homeless Coalition and the UA 糖心视频logo Foundation Fund Board.
Gina Pharis
Gina Pharis earned her degree in radio, television, and film from UA 糖心视频logo and went on to lead the 糖心视频logo Marathon for over a decade, growing it into one of the city’s most successful and beloved events.聽
She has also served on the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she championed student scholarships and alumni engagement. The first in her family to earn a college degree, Pharis continues to advocate for educational access and opportunity.
Cortney Kennedy
Cortney Kennedy serves as Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She previously worked as a criminal justice attorney in the Governor鈥檚 Office and as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Arkansas鈥檚 20th Judicial District.聽
Kennedy is a three-time graduate of UA 糖心视频logo, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law. She is also active in nonprofit leadership, youth mentorship, and law enforcement training.
Greg Flesher
Greg Flesher is president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation and a longtime partner at Frost PLLC. Under his leadership, the foundation has supported key UA 糖心视频logo programs such as the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Trojan Way, and other initiatives that strengthen student success.聽
A dedicated civic leader, Flesher has served as president of Rotary Club 99, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.