Established in 2010, the Arkansas Works Career Facilitator Program extends career guidance services for students moving from high school into post-secondary education by helping them set and achieve realistic goals and develop the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed. Key aspects of the program are to:
The services of college and career facilitators are available to any Arkansas student, with special interest given to those youth and adults from low-income backgrounds. Career facilitators will identify these students while in high school and encourage them to go to college, or be career-ready. To prepare Arkansas students to be college and career-ready the career facilitators address the following objectives:
Ashton Simmons
School Served: Newport High School
ashton_madden@asun.edu
870-512-9977
Upon graduation from Newport High School in 2013, Ashton went on to Williams Baptist University, and graduated in December 2017 from Arkansas State University with her Bachelor's degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Ashton is thankful to have the opportunity to make a difference at her Alma Mater. Beginning Spring 2020 she will be starting her Master's program.
Melissa "Missy" Clairday
School Served: Harrisburg High School
melissa_clairday@asun.edu
870-358-8640
After graduating from Bryant High School, Missy Clairday went on to receive a bachelor's degree in psychology, with a minor in the interdisciplinary study of families, from Arkansas State University. It was in college that Missy decided she wanted to be able to work with youth and encourage them to attend a post-secondary school and find a career they would love. In 2011, Missy received an M.S. in College Student Personnel Services from Arkansas State University. As an Arkansas Works Career Coach since 2011, Missy is now achieving her dream while helping the students of Harrisburg High School achieve their dreams.
Michael Smith
School Served: Tuckerman High Schoo
michael_smith@asun.edu
870-349-2657
Michael Smith may have never imagined where his education would lead, but his diverse experience has given him a unique perspective when working with high school students. An alumnus of Tuckerman High School, Michael first received an Associate of Arts degree at ASU-Newport and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Arkansas State University. While in college, he served as the ASUN Student Government Association Vice President and President and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, as well as the Undergraduate Research Association of Arkansas State University. After working as a programmer/producer for KNBY-KOKR Newport, Michael has returned to his alma mater to prepare other students for their college careers.
Mary Williams
School Served: Jonesboro High School
mary_williams@asun.edu
870-680-2198
Christopher “Chris” Cross
School Served: Jonesboro High School
christopher_cross@asun.edu
870-217-5891
When it comes to working with the youth, Chris Cross is no stranger. As former youth mentor, Chris knew early on within his high school and college career that he wanted to choose a career that would allow him to work in close collaboration with the younger generation to help prepare them for life after high school, both socially and academically. Chris has earned his A.A from ASU-Newport and have gone on to complete his course work and received both his B.A in Sociology and M.S. in College Student Personnel Services from Arkansas State University. As a College and Career Coach for the STEM Academy at Jonesboro High School, Chris is eager to help edify his students the importance of preparing for college early on within their high school careers.
Austin Copenhaver
School Served: Jonesboro High School
austin_copenhaver@asun.edu
870-243-2513
After graduating from Jonesboro High School in 2009, Austin attended Arkansas State University to pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his time in college, Austin served as the Student Government Association Vice President, a member and officer of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity, and spent four years portraying A-State's mascot "Howl". In 2013, he began his professional career with East Arkansas Broadcasters as an administrative assistant and radio personality. Two years later Austin found himself back at Arkansas State University as an admissions counselor for schools in Craighead and Greene County. This position allowed him to segue into his current role as a College and Career Coach for Jonesboro Public Schools. Austin is glad to return to his alma mater to help prepare students for life after high school.
Bobbie Buchanan
School Served: Marked Tree Schools
bobbie_buchanan@asun.edu
870-358-8643
Bobbie Buchanan is a lifelong Marked Tree resident. She received her GED from ASU-Newport in 2008. Upon completion of her GED, she enrolled in ASU-Newport to complete her Associates in Applied Science Degree, which she completed in 2010. While attending ASUN, in 2008, she gained a work-study position within the Department of Student Affairs and Financial Aid, becoming a permanent employee of the department in 2010. While working with students on the Marked Tree campus, gaining new skills along the way, she started her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, graduating in 2016. In 2016, after working for 8 years in the Department of Student Affairs, Ms. Bobbie was hired as a Career Coach for Marked Tree School District where she shares her diverse experiences with students, to help them plan their future career and college plans. In her spare time, you can find her at the football and basketball games on the Marked Tree High School campus or spending time with her children and grandchildren.