NPC Mourns Loss of Beloved Instructor
Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) campus community is deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of beloved instructor Sherree Hughes.
Hughes held a master’s degree in health administration from Hill University. She earned
a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Memphis and held numerous
medical certifications. She was a certified CPR instructor, certified HIPPA instructor,
and held a counselor certification for crisis incidence and stress debriefing.
Her advocate work began early in her career, serving in organizations such as St.
Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She
spent 10 years in the medical field before beginning her career in health education.
She spent more than 21 years educating the next generation of medical professionals.
Hughes was active in many organizations, but took particular interest in those that allowed her students to shine, such as SKillsUSA, the Association for Career and Technical Education, and Health Occupations Students of America.
Many of her students provided comments about their time with her. “Mrs. Hughes may be gone, but her passion, drive and love will remain in us forever. Her GRIT has inspired all of us and she has given us the ability to do great things with our lives. I am forever grateful to her,” said Lauren Sims.
“She was an amazing woman and made the world brighter in her own way. Everyone will miss her beautiful smile and contagious laugh that lights up the room. She always pushed us toward our goals and told us to never doubt ourselves,” said Kennedi Bledsoe.
Her passion for advocacy and love for others spilled over into her volunteer work as well. She founded numerous organizations including a relief fund for musicians in need of medical assistance and an organization to assist transplant candidates and their families through the transplant process. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, and coordinated crisis response efforts for various community groups. She served as the director of the Spa City Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program. Hughes was scheduled to be appointed to a national board for encephalitis awareness this weekend in Dallas, Texas.
As her last act of love and continuing her passion for teaching, Hughes requested that her family donate her body to medical science.
Sherree Hughes spent her life advocating for others. She was the type of person who saw a need and stepped up to be the solution. Those who love her describe her as a “beautiful soul” who was warm and genuine. She was humble, kind and generous and she was adored by all who knew her, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from all over the state.
Her husband, David Hughes shared, “Sherree made me a better person. She had the ability
to take the thing you loved, that you were passionate about, and she would find a
way to amplify it, to lead you to the next level. She did that with everyone, from
her students, to her BITS kids, to her co-workers, to her friends and family. There
are not enough words to describe the incredible person she was and how many she impacted
through her work, kindness and giving soul.”
Sherree will be greatly missed and her contributions to this world will never be forgotten.
Family, friends and the campus community will gather for a Celebration of Life in
her honor Friday, February 2 at 3 p.m. in the NPC Gym Complex.
