National Park College (NPC) has named Jason Kuhn, a 2000 graduate, as the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. The honor was presented during NPC’s Commencement ceremony earlier this month. This award recognizes graduates who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership and a commitment to positively impacting their communities.
A lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Kuhn began his higher education journey at NPC after graduating from Lakeside High School in 1998. He earned an Associate of Arts degree at NPC in 2000 and completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Henderson State University in 2002. He later returned to NPC to earn a second credential, an Associate of Liberal Studies.
Kuhn said his time at NPC played a significant role in shaping both his career and personal growth.
“Having the opportunity to continue my education locally gave me the flexibility to work full time while staying focused on my studies,” Kuhn said. “The outstanding professors at NPC had a lasting impact on me.”
Following his time in college, Kuhn built a career in the food service and hospitality industry, gaining experience across multiple sectors, including healthcare dining, corporate restaurant management and entrepreneurship as a restaurant owner.
For the past 11 years, Kuhn has worked with Compass Group / Chartwells, where he now serves as area director for Arkansas. In this role, he provides leadership for 14 accounts across the state, including the dining program at NPC.
“My position allows me to pursue two of my core passions: serving students and developing the next generation of leaders,” Kuhn said.
In 2024, Kuhn launched the “Building the Best” leadership development program, an initiative designed to identify and mentor high-potential employees. The program has expanded across multiple states and has helped participants advance into higher-level leadership positions within Compass Group.
Kuhn’s commitment to leadership and service extends beyond his professional role. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College and has been involved in various community efforts throughout his career.
Kuhn has received numerous professional honors, including being named “Area Director of the Year” within his organization. However, he said his most meaningful recognition is being named NPC’s Outstanding Alumnus.
“There are thousands of graduates who have worked hard to earn a degree from NPC, so being named the 2026 recipient of this award is incredibly humbling,” he said.
Kuhn credits the college with providing a strong academic foundation and values that continue to influence his work today.
“NPC provided me with an affordable, high-quality education that I continue to draw on every day,” he said.
Kuhn encouraged current NPC students to remain focused and take full advantage of their opportunities.
“Work hard and make the most of every opportunity in front of you,” he said. “Do not let excuses or obstacles stand in the way of your goals. Your current circumstances do not define your potential.”
As he reflects on his journey, Kuhn said he remains grateful for the role NPC played in his success and is proud to stay connected to the institution.
“My experience at NPC was the ideal starting point,” he said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities it gave me and the path it helped create.”