Members of BRTC’s President’s Leadership Council (PLC) for the 2013 Spring Semester are Brandi Beckman of Maynard, Jeff Martin of Paragould, Debbie Haferkamp, Trent Morledge, Jordan O’Donnell and Lee Smith of Pocahontas, and Danielle Martin of Walnut Ridge. PLC Advisors are Mylea White, Resource Assistant for Program Completion, Natasha Rush, Financial Aid Specialist, and Sissy Gray, Social Science instructor.
Beckman graduated from Maynard High School in 2012 and plans to graduate from BRTC in December with an AA degree. “After earning my AA degree, I plan to transfer to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to work toward a Master’s degree in psychology,” Beckman noted. She is also certified as a personal care aid.
Jeff Martin is a 1991 graduate of Paragould (Ridgecrest) High School and has been attending BRTC for one year working on an AS in Business degree. “After graduation,” Martin said, “I plan to transfer to ASU and pursue a BS in Business Management degree then work in the field of Human Resources.”
Haferkamp is originally from St. Louis, MO. She received a GED from BRTC in 2011 and plans to graduate Fall 2013 with an AA degree. She then plans to transfer to ASU to earn a degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology. “I feel like BRTC has given me a new chance to succeed in life,” said Haferkamp. “This experience has been one of the most rewarding that I have ever had. I may attend ASU but BRTC will always be in my heart.”
Morledge was born in Forest City and graduated from Pocahontas High School in 2011. “This is my fourth and last semester at BRTC,” stated Morledge. “I plan to graduate in May with an AA degree then transfer to pursue a Pharmacy degree.”
O’Donnell is a 2010 Pocahontas High School graduate of PHS and is working towards a Bachelor’s degree. She earned 30 hours of concurrent credit through BRTC while still in high school. She has also attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, each for one year. “My goal is to get accepted into a dental hygiene program – hopefully SIU in Carbondale, IL – and earn Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene,” said O’Donnell. “I would love to move to Northwest Arkansas and start a career as a clinical dental hygienist.”
Smith graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1997 and earned a Machine Shop certificate from BRTC in 1998. He is currently in his second semester at BRTC taking basic education courses working towards a degree as Occupational Therapy Assistant. He plans to apply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, MO. “If I am accepted into the program I will graduate in December 2014,” Smith said. “Then I hope to work in a nursing facility or school system helping to improve people’s lives.”
Martin is a graduate of Black Rock High School. She plans to graduate from BRTC in December with a degree in Criminal Justice. “After I graduate from Black River,” noted Martin, “I plan to transfer to a four year college and earn a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. I want to become a felony probation officer.”
The PLC was established to award deserving students with a tuition waiver scholarship and leadership training while working a specified number of hours to help promote the college and enhance the overall BRTC experience. They work closely with Dr. Wayne Hatcher, BRTC President, as well as administration, faculty and staff while learning, developing and practicing leadership skills.
To qualify as a member of PLC, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours with at least a 3.0 GPA, have at least two semesters remaining to complete their degree plan, and be pursuing a degree program that will allow them to work the required hours. Students must be nominated by BRTC faculty and possess such qualities as honesty, integrity, positive attitude, perseverance and a desire to make a difference.
For more information about the PLC program, contact Rush, White or Grey at 870-248-4000.