National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees swore in three women for renewed terms
Wednesday. County Clerk Sarah Smith conducted the ceremony briefly before the Board’s
annual and regular monthly meetings January 23.Beverly Joe, Joyce Craft, and Gail Ezelle were each re-elected to their positions
on the Board in November.
Joe was elected to the Board in 2017 and currently serves as the senior director of
human resources for Triumph Group, Inc. Serving on the Board allows her to protect
the long-term interests of NPC and help give back. Joe said, “I am dedicated to furthering
the work of the College and committed to its success. NPC cares about its staff, students
and the community. The College was a partner when my company and others developed
training curriculum to offset upcoming labor shortages."
“NPC is more than a community college to me, it is an extension of my family. Not
only did my first two years of college begin at NPC, then Garland County Community
College, but I also taught as adjunct faculty for six years. As my family grew, my
daughters also completed their first two years of college at NPC. Two of us have completed
our MBAs and my youngest is currently completing her bachelor’s degree at UALR,” said
Joe.
Craft was first elected to the Board in 2001. She served her entire career in education
at Hot Springs School District, including eight years as superintendent. She wanted
to serve on the Board to give back to the community and share her years of experience
in education. “It’s rewarding to be a part of an institution that focuses on student
success,” said Craft.
Craft emphasized the importance of female role models for young women. “It is of great
importance that people see females in top leadership roles because they are inspiring.
It became very apparent to me when I became Superintendent of the Hot Spring School
District. Just the mere presence of a woman in a leadership position, especially one
that comes from a diverse background and who looks like you, gives a person hope that
they too can achieve the same goal with hard work and determination.”
Ezelle was first elected to the Board in 1983. She was interested in serving on the
Board because of her long-time involvement in education which began when she worked
as a librarian while her children were in school. She participated in the Arkansas
State Parent Teacher Association and served four years as an educational lobbyist.
Ezelle said education has always been a priority in her family, a legacy that began
with her grandmother. “She went to college in Texas and she firmly believed in her
family being educated,” said Ezelle. Nine of Ezelle’s children and grandchildren have
attended NPC and two of them have gone on to earn a doctorate degree. “Education is
so important and as a result, I think because of my interest, they managed to care
about education as much as me,” she said.
Board chair, Forrest Spicher said having all three of the Board’s female members re-elected
at the same time was inspiring to watch. “These three ladies come from very different
backgrounds and each brings a unique perspective to our Board. I am thankful for their
willingness to serve the community in this role and I am proud to work with each of
them,” said Spicher.
Pictured is County Clerk, Sarah Smith swearing in board members Gail Ezelle, Joyce
Craft and Beverly Joe.
