The University of Arkansas-Cossatot recently honored Marvin Terrell of Nashville as 2018 Outstanding Faculty Member, and Christine Vertiz of De Queen as 2018 Outstanding Staff Member during an award ceremony held recently at the annual Arkansas Community Colleges conference in Little Rock.
Staff and faculty at UA-Cossatot annually nominate and vote for recipients of these awards, which are given to those who provide standout service to students and employees.
Before joining UA-Cossatot as faculty, Terrell worked for more than 25 years in several roles in the welding field, but said he always dreamed of teaching. He gained that opportunity 12 years ago when he began working at the college. Terrell was instrumental in building the UA-Cossatot welding program and has changed the lives of hundreds of students not only through teaching, but also through his passion for his students.
He retired in May to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.
Vertiz worked 25 years in the poultry industry until her young daughter's battle with cancer forced her to leave work. Vertiz's own health then declined, landing her in a nursing home for two years. During that time, she began classes at UA-Cossatot while also working as a part-time tutor.
She completed her associate of arts degree and a bachelor's degree in psychology and now works as Cossatot's testing coordinator. She said she loves making students feel a little more at ease as they come in to take an exam.