Arkansas State University - Newport

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July 2022

ASUN-Marked Tree students place at national SkillsUSA

MARKED TREE (Ark.) – Two Arkansas State University-Newport at Marked Tree students shined at the National Leadership and Skills Conference hosted by SkillsUSA. 

Taylor Matthews, of Cherry Valley, and Lauren Putman, of Cooter, Mo., both competed at the national event held in Atlanta, Ga. in June. Matthews won bronze in the Cosmetology category. This category required finalists to demonstrate skills in hair color, cutting, styling, and long hair design. 

SkillsUSA Cosmetology Third Place Winner - Taylor Matthews of Cherry Valley
SkillsUSA Cosmetology Third Place Winner - Taylor Matthews of Cherry Valley


Putman competed in the Esthetics category. She, too, earned bronze by demonstrating techniques and professionalism in skin care including facials, makeup, and fantasy makeup application on her model Evelyn Castillo of Senath, Missouri.  

SkillsUSA Esthetics Bronze Winner - Lauren Putman of Cooter, Missouri and model Evelyn Castillo of Senath, Missouri
SkillsUSA Esthetics Bronze Winner - Lauren Putman of Cooter, Missouri and model Evelyn Castillo of Senath, Missouri


Matthews and Putman earned their spots at the national level by winning gold at the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition. These ASUN-Marked Tree students were just two of more than 6,000 competitors that included high school and college students competing in more than 100 categories. SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving schools across the country in preparing students to enter trade and technical career occupations. 

“While we know the quality of education we provide our students at ASU-Newport, it’s always great to be able to showcase that success at the national level,” Chancellor Dr. Johnny M. Moore said. “Our faculty and staff work diligently to make sure our students are prepared to enter a highly skilled workforce, and I’m proud to see our students succeed.”

The competition is the nation’s largest hands-on workforce development event for students. SkillsUSA works to empower its members to become world-class workers and leaders. Learn more about SkillsUSA here