Joyce Craft, former Hot Springs School District superintendent, was honored last month at Henderson State University as one of three new inductees into the Academy of Scholars.
Judy Harrison, dean of the Teachers College, contacted Craft in May to inform her she would be inducted with two other alumni, Amanda Jones and Shannon Curtin. Craft said the news was unexpected, but she was honored to be inducted as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary.
"I'm sitting there, thinking I'm on my way," Craft said. "I'm transitioning. To get this honor was quite a surprise, it was humbling, and to be acknowledged and recognized by the Teachers College of Henderson, that was quite an honor. It was shocking."
Craft announced earlier this year she would retire after more than 43 years with the Hot Springs School District. She is currently serving as the transitional superintendent.
She first earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff before earning a master's degree from Henderson. Craft continued her graduate studies at Memphis State University, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist University.
Craft began her career in education as a classroom teacher. She later became an assistant principal, interim principal and assistant superintendent before she was named superintendent in 2007. She served as a short time as interim director of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.
"Sometimes I reflect on my career and, with this honor, you start thinking about, 'What did Henderson State University mean to me?'" Craft said. "I think had it not been for Henderson State University, I may not be where I am, because of the accessibility to Henderson where you can advance your degree.
"It just has a warm place in my heart. I hate to sound sentimental, but it does. That's where I got my master's degree in Secondary Counseling."
She remains active in many community, civic and professional organizations. Craft has been a member of the National Park College Board of Trustees since 2000.
"Many people have come before you and paved the way for you," Craft said. "You hope that you have paved the way for others to come behind you."
Craft said she was honored, humbled and "blessed infinitely beyond what I need or deserve." The honor also led her to reflect on the value and promise of investing in education.
The honorees were treated to a morning ceremony Aug. 25 at the Captain Henderson House. Craft met numerous students and professors during a reception at the Teachers College. The alumni were treated to a luncheon before a convocation ceremony in Arkansas Hall.
Information about each scholar was presented to the audience. Craft was relieved to learn the honorees did not give their own speeches as they had in previous years.
Henderson President Glen Jones presented the scholars with medals. The Academy is comprised of Henderson graduates who have gained distinction in their professional fields.
Amanda Jones has been an educator for 15 years and currently teaches at Poyen High School. She was recently invited to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the highest honor for math and science teachers.
Curtin is group vice president and general merchandising manager for beauty and personal care at Walgreens corporate headquarters in Deerfield, Ill. In 2013, Beauty Inc. named Curtin one of its "Top 40 under 40," and Mass Market Retailers noted her as one of the "Most Influential Women in Retail" both in 2013 and 2014.
Faculty excellence awards were presented during the convocation ceremony to Aaron Calvert, Victor Claar, Vincent Dunlap, Glenda Hyer, Bradley Rowland and Suzanne Tartamella.
The convocation is one of many events planned throughout the school year to mark the 125th anniversary. A special book release, along with exhibits and musical performances, will highlight key events that have helped establish and maintain the Reddie Spirit.
Mike Hernandez began as the new Hot Springs superintendent during the summer. Craft said her new role has allowed her to appreciate what the district has accomplished.
"When you come to work, you work," Craft said. "You do what you feel is your purpose, your goal and the right things to do. So you never take time to reflect on what you did do. Having this transitional time gives me time to just step back, look and see some of the things that are going on in the district."
Craft said she is proud of the district's accomplishments and of how Hernandez is advancing many initiatives she began with his own philosophy and vision. Hernandez was deputy commissioner for the Arkansas Department of Education for the previous two years.
"That's a relief for me to know that the board has selected an excellent candidate who is very, very capable of moving the district forward," Craft said.
Local on 09/04/2015