Alumni | Arts and Sciences | FeaturedFebruary 15, 2025

2025 Alumni Awards Announced

Written By: Rachel Putman

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Alumni Advisory Council recognized exceptional Lions at the annual Alumni Brunch on Saturday as part of the 2025 Homecoming celebration. Seven alumni and one local organization received awards honoring their professional achievements, community service, and contributions to UAFS.

Outstanding Young Alumni Awards

The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards were presented to two alumni under 40 who have distinguished themselves through leadership, professional excellence, and service.

Cherokee Blanchard, a 2023 graduate, was recognized for her work as a Child Protective Services Investigator at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Blanchard’s career centers on safeguarding children and pursuing justice through tribal, local, state, and federal cases. Her nominator described her dedication to child welfare and advocacy for systemic change:

“Cherokee has led numerous investigations that have resulted in getting justice for children and sentencing for the perpetrators who have harmed these children. Cherokee has led multiple investigations that have resulted in tribal, local, state, and federal trials. She also understands the complicated relationships between the justice system and those it’s built to serve, and she works tirelessly to repair the mistrust between the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and those who have been harmed by its past policies.

“She is always first to offer help when anyone needs it. She has the kindest heart with everyone’s best interests in mind. Her strong work ethic and unerring social conscience have enabled her to pursue the mission of child welfare with a rare combination of efficiency and empathy. Despite the emotionally and psychologically draining nature of her caseloads, she never gives up. She only continues to thrive.”

Lindsey France, a 2015 graduate, received the award for her role as a charge nurse at Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Fort Smith. Known for her exceptional patient care and leadership, France has consistently been chosen to mentor new nurses. Her nominators spoke highly of her professionalism and dedication:

“I often say that if I go to a doctor’s office or hospital, I hope my nurses are UAFS alumni, like Lindsey. The caliber of nurses that our nursing program graduates is a level above the rest. Even so, Lindsey is a standout among her peers. She upholds an impossibly high standard of care for her patients—no matter the situation at hand.

“Throughout her career as a nurse, Lindsey has been consistently selected to train new nurses because her employers know what I know—that everyone who knows Lindsey is made better by knowing her, both personally and professionally.”

Another nominator added, “She is not only a nurse when she is working; she is a support system for those around her, a source of knowledge, and an advocate for her patients.”

Stacey Jones Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards

The Stacey Jones Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success.

Dr. Ann-Gee Lee, professor and assistant chair of English, Rhetoric and Writing, and Media Communication, was named the Outstanding Faculty Award recipient. Her nominators highlighted her advocacy for students and contributions to campus life:

“Dr. Ann-Gee Lee is an advocate for students in every manner of the word. Dr. Lee works with students in the classroom through her classes and out of the classroom by assisting with the Vietnamese Student Organization, serving as a faculty advisor for the Culture Net organization, and co-sponsoring the Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society. She not only invests her time but also her own money into helping the student organizations, and she believes in helping students feel that sense of accomplishment when they set out to accomplish an organizational goal from planning an event to working toward a fundraising goal.

“Dr. Lee is a compassionate educator who works with students as a group and individually based on their needs. She not only encourages students to work through real societal issues but demonstrates how to make changes happen. If she can help a student succeed, she will do everything she can to advocate for the student’s success.”

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Lee has supported initiatives such as Day of Giving, mentored students through Read This!, and recently co-authored a successful transportation grant developed through her Writing Arguments class.

Dr. Heather Scheurer, interim director of the Adult Degree Completion Program, was honored with the Outstanding Staff Award. Her nominators commended her ability to lead and mentor during a time of departmental transition.

“Heather’s accomplishments embody the spirit of this award—she is a strong leader who has distinguished herself through her career success and her service to the university and community. Her dedication, resilience, and leadership make her truly deserving of this recognition.

“In her professional role, Heather’s ability to step into the interim director position at UAFS in 2024, during a time of transition, showcases her capacity to lead with confidence and competence.

“She invites a student to her office to discuss each semester. She shares ideas of what a student can do to enhance their learning. She listens. And having had other advisors in the past, there is no comparison. She is exceptional.”

Scheurer’s community involvement includes her leadership with the Junior League of Fort Smith, where she will serve as President-Elect in June 2025.

Alumni-Owned Business Award

The inaugural Alumni-Owned Business of the Year Award was presented to Devan Engster, a 2009 graduate and owner of Amazing Graze Fort Smith. Engster’s business is known for integrating community engagement and philanthropy into its practices.

Her nominator said, “Devan exemplifies the university’s mission by fostering community engagement, advancing local economic development, and enhancing the quality of place in Fort Smith. She stays active in the community as a sustainer in the Junior League of Fort Smith, and she routinely integrates service and philanthropy in her business by organizing fundraisers that benefit local organizations with her business proceeds.

“Amazing Graze Fort Smith is deserving of this award because of its core commitment to giving back—not only to the community but also to the university that helped shape her success. Devan’s business practices provide an inspiring example for current students, illustrating how innovation and community service can coexist.

“Devan is a mentor and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and such a deserving recipient of this award.”

Spirit of Numa Award

Mercy Fort Smith received the Spirit of Numa Award for its ongoing partnership with UAFS, particularly in its support of the university’s nursing program.

“Mercy allows our nursing students to gain practical experience on the floors of their hospitals under the mentorship of their staff,” their nominator said. “Additionally, they are generous donors to our nursing program, the nursing program’s white coat ceremony, and have donated technology to allow our students to better practice relevant skills in their classes.

“By working closely with the UAFS nursing program, Mercy ensures that our students are given the chance to gain practical, real-world experience and that they graduate ready to meet the immediate needs in our hospitals. Our local healthcare is made immeasurably better for Mercy consistently pouring into our students.”

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Distinguished Alumnus Award, UAFS’s highest alumni honor, was presented to Dr. Shelli Henehan, a 1986 graduate and director of Early Childhood Education. Henehan’s career has been defined by her commitment to education and advocacy.

Her nominator said, “During the first two years of my career at UAFS, Shelli served as my mentor, and I have benefited tremendously from her leadership, mentorship, and friendship. She invests in those around her and is especially dedicated to empowering women through education.

“Shelli has written multiple grants, one of which funded the on-campus childcare center. Other grants have provided professional development statewide to Early Childhood Education trainers as there are more than 25 throughout the state. Additionally, she has written grants for offering concurrent credit to high school juniors and seniors in our region, known as the Early Childhood Pre-apprenticeship Program.”
Henehan is a member of the 2010 Class of Leadership Fort Smith.
Currently, she serves as the Early Childhood Commissioner for the state of Arkansas, as appointed by Governor Sarah Sanders.