Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the members of the Working Group on Highway Funding as directed by executive order. Members are as follows:

Duncan Baird, budget director for Gov. Hutchinson, Chairman

Scott Bennett, director of the State Highway and Transportation Department

Alec Farmer, State Highway Commissioner Appointee

Rep. Dan Douglas, House Public Transportation Committee Appointee

Sen. Bill Sample, Senate Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs Committee Appointee

Rep. Andy Davis, Joint Budget Committee Appointee

Cleburne County Judge Jerry Holmes, countywide elected official appointee

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin, municipal elected official

Randy Zook, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Appointee

Philip Taldo, Arkansas Economic Development Commission Appointee

Brett Powell, Department of Higher Education Appointee

Larry Walther or his designee, Department of Finance & Administration Appointee

Guy Washburn, Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association, at-large appointee

Shannon Newton, Arkansas Truckers Association, at-large appointee

Scott McGeorge, president of Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel, at-large appointee

Craig Douglass, Arkansas Good Roads and Transportation Council, at-large appointee

Jackson Williams, attorney at Williams & Anderson PLC, at-large appointee

Frank Scott Jr., State Highway Commissioner, at-large appointee

Dr. Robin Bowen, President of Arkansas Tech University, at-large appointee

Rep. Prissy Hickerson, at-large appointee

Sach Oliver, partner in the Bailey and Oliver Law Firm in Rogers, was named 2015 Arkansas Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. The award was presented at the 52nd Annual Convention in Eureka Springs on May 1, and is presented to an attorney dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals and the civil justice system.
 
Oliver, 34, becomes the Association’s youngest ever recipient.
 
“I am honored and humbled to be selected by my peers for this award,” said Oliver. “I have a passion for helping people and providing a pathway to justice for them.”
 
Oliver was selected for this award because of a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable Arkansans. He was also lauded for his efforts at securing justice for his clients, and a strong effort to protect the 7th Amendment, the right to a civil jury trial, for all Arkansans. Oliver is also seen as a trailblazer and a leader for the association.

“Sach Oliver has been an invaluable member of the ATLA family for many years. He will work to protect your rights with the zeal of a hungry young advocate out to prove himself, but with sophistication that underscores his remarkable talent. And, the techniques Sach uses to represent his clients are always cutting-edge, and quite advanced compared to what many lawyers in this state do,” said George Wise, the outgoing ATA President.

Oliver and his firm have also helped to raise more than $1 million for charities in Northwest Arkansas. Oliver is an auctioneer and has donated his services to raise money for non-profit organizations such as the Cancer Challenge, Washington Regional Hospice, Pathfinders, Juvenile Diabetes, and the Mercy Ball for Mercy Health System.
 
“In anything Sach does, he commits fully,” said Frank Bailey, founding partner of Bailey and Oliver Law Firm. “He has great wisdom beyond his years and freely shares his life and experiences with young people in search of a personal and professional mentor.”
 
Oliver received a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University where he attended on a rodeo scholarship. He received his law degree from the University of Arkansas.

Bank of the Ozarks and Bank of the Carolinas Corp. announced that the two banks would merge. Little Rock-based Bank of the Ozarks will acquire the Carolina financial institution for $64.7 million in an all-stock transaction.

Bank of the Carolinas operates eight offices in North Carolina between Charlotte and Winston-Salem. At March 31, 2015, the Carolina group had approximately $363 million of total assets, $279 million of loans and $314 million of deposits.

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Bank of the Carolinas, expanding our presence in the northern portion of the Charlotte MSA and providing our initial offices in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina,” said George Gleason, Chairman and CEO of Bank of the Ozarks.

“We opened our first North Carolina office in Charlotte in 2001, and subsequently added North Carolina locations through the acquisitions of Woodlands Bank in 2010 and First National Bank of Shelby in 2013 and through de novo branches,” Gleason added. “This acquisition adds eight North Carolina offices, bringing our North Carolina office count to 24. Customers of Bank of the Carolinas will continue to enjoy friendly hometown banking in addition to benefitting from a broader range of financial services.”

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, each holder of outstanding shares of common stock of Bank of the Carolinas will receive shares of common stock of Bank of the Ozarks. The number of shares to be issued will be determined based on Bank of the Ozark’s 10 day average closing stock price as of the second business day prior to the closing date, subject to a minimum and maximum price of $29.28 and $48.80, respectively.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015, and will be Bank of the Ozarks’ 13th acquisition since March 2010.

Marti and Kelly Sudduth of Bentonville handed over a $1 million gift to the Walton Art Center’s Expanding Our Future campaign — a $23 million fundraising effort recently announced by the nonprofit.

The Walton Arts Center (WAC)expansion includes an additional 30,000 square feet of space, a new and expanded atrium lobby that connects to Dickson Street, significant renovations and expansion of Starr Theater, expanded space for back of the house technical and theatrical equipment and new administrative offices.

In recognition for their donation, a new event space will be named the Sudduth Garden Room that connects with the existing Walton Arts Center Rose Garden, the release states. 

The Dickson Street renovation is slated for completion by the fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season.
 
“Northwest Arkansas is an amazing place to live, and we believe the Walton Arts Center is a vital part of our community,” said Marti Sudduth. “We are inspired by the spirit of giving we have observed since this became our home six years ago. (This gift) is our way of being part of something that we know will enrich so many people’s lives for many years to come. We hope that many will join us in supporting this effort and make this a reality for all to enjoy."

 
Marti and Kelly Sudduth moved to Northwest Arkansas about six years ago from Tulsa,  to be near their family. They frequently attend shows at Walton Arts Center with their children and grandchildren.
 
“Their lifelong support for education and specifically Walton Arts Center’s educational programing is inspiring and we are so grateful for the impact their transformative gift will make on our community,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center.  “Their contribution to the renovation and expansion of the Walton Arts Center greatly moves us toward our goal of providing arts for everyone in Northwest Arkansas.
 

Fort Smith native Beth Clark, an advanced practice nurse, has joined the Cardiology Center at Sparks located inside Sparks Medical Plaza on Dodson Avenue, and Jamie Nash has joined Alma Family Medical Clinic.

Clark will work in the clinic with Drs. Nasser Adjei, Sheharyar Ali, Ayhan Zia, Robert Parris, Tom Williams, and German Kamalov. She will also provide follow-up care for patients in the hospital.  She earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama in December. Clark has nursing experience in emergency room and cardiac catheterization lab settings, and was a paramedic for more than 25 years.

Nash, who also is an advanced practice nurse, graduated in December from the University of South Alabama with a master’s degree in nursing. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith where she graduated cum laude in 2012. Nash was also named Outstanding Clinician in Nursing and was on the Dean’s List.

Nash worked as a registered nurse for several years in a post-procedural observation unit and a chest pain evaluation unit before going to a labor and delivery Unit. She has experience in family, geriatric and pediatric medicine.

Convenience chain Kum & Go is opening its first compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Springdale. This will be the first CNG station open to the public in Northwest Arkansas and one of 1,540 CNG fueling stations across the country.

The CNG station will be located at 1220 E. Robinson Ave., Springdale, and is an addition to the Kum & Go convenience store already operating at that location. An open house event is slated for June 4.

CNG is an alternative to gasoline that's made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless. In addition, CNG costs about 50% less than gasoline or diesel and emits up to 90% fewer emissions than gasoline.

When Kum & Go first announced plans for the CNG station last year, the Springdale Sewer and Water Commission decided to purchase two vehicles that run on CNG for its fleet in hopes to save money on fuel costs.

“That demonstrates our enthusiasm for CNG and wanting Springdale Water to be at the forefront. I think the possibilities are great and others will follow our lead,” said Springdale Water Utility Executive Director Heath Ward.

“Kum & Go has a proud tradition of being an industry leader in sustainable practices,” said Kyle Krause, CEO of Kum & Go. “By providing CNG to our Northwest Arkansas communities, we are not only filling a need for our customers, we’re also staying true to our commitment to operating our business with a focus on being environmentally-friendly.”

Dr. Altagrace Hanley, a board certified pain medicine physician, recently joined the medical staff of Northwest Health System. She is practicing at Northwest Sports, Spine and Physical Medicine, 601 W. Maple Ave., Suite 401 in Springdale.


“We are pleased that Dr. Hanley is bringing her medical expertise to our organization,” said Sharif Omar, CEO of Northwest Health System. “We are committed to providing the community of Northwest Arkansas access to quality healthcare which includes providers in key specialty areas.”

Hanley received her medical degree at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. She completed a general surgery internship at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in Bronx, N.Y. She then completed her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency and a fellowship in pain medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.

Walmart Canada said it will acquire about 3 million square feet of retail and warehouse distribution space from Target, who pulled out of the country last year. Wal-Mart Stores expects to invest approximately $289 million procuring and renovating 13 former Target properties, according to the release.

Specifically, Walmart Canada has reached agreements to acquire one distribution center, 12 store leases and one owned property formerly held by Target Canada, for approximately $136.5 million. The transactions are subject to the approval of the court in accordance with Target Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act proceedings and certain other customary conditions.

Wal-Mart expects to invest $153.1 million to renovate the 13 stores and distribution center. Work on all locations is expected to start within the next few months subject to all necessary approvals.

"Walmart is committed to the Canadian market, and this agreement helps us accelerate our growth plans ensuring more Canadians have access to our low prices," said Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. "The 13 stores acquired are well situated, and we are excited to bring Walmart's successful supercenter offer to customers in these markets. We have served millions of loyal customers, and look forward to continuing to serve them through our stores and growing e-commerce business."

The new stores and distribution center will generate approximately 2,400 jobs in stores, 1,000 jobs in the distribution center and 1,500 construction jobs.

This acquisition is in addition to 29 supercenter projects Walmart Canada announced on February 11 at a cost of $281 million which will also address e-commerce fulfillment capabilities.

Newly acquired locations include:
• British Columbia
Scottsdale Mall, Delta
Coquitlam Center, Colquitlam
Surrey Place/Central City, Surrey
Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge

• Manitoba
Southdale Center, Winnipeg

• Ontario
Guelph, Guelph
Bayshore Shopping Center, Ottawa
Billings Bridge Plaza, Ottawa
Pen Center, St. Catherines

• Quebec
Candiac Power Center, Candiac
Terrarium Shopping Center, Pointe Claire
Galeries Chagnon, Levis
Place Fleur De Lys, Quebec City
Distribution Center, Cornwall

Officials with the Arkansas National Guard announced Friday (May 8) implementation of additional random force protection measures at all of its facilities and installations in Arkansas as a result of a U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) message issued Friday by the Department of Defense citing an increased threat level.

Military members, family members and contractors are advised to plan extra time to their normal schedules as increased security may, from time to time, create traffic backups and slower access to major installations.

Although the Defense Department did not cite specific threats or specific installations that may be targeted, the Arkansas National Guard will increase its vigilance to ensure the safety and security of our personnel and facilities.

As one level of vigilance the Arkansas National Guard is encouraging its members, and those residents who may live near Guard facilities or installations, to report suspicious activity around the facilities to the Arkansas Fusion Center at 1-866-RUSAFE-2 (1-866-767-2332). The increased vigilance and situational awareness to suspicious activity and personnel can greatly improve the possibility of thwarting either a potential attack or criminal activity directed at Guard facilities, noted the Guard info.

Any civilians with official business on installations or recruits meeting with recruiters should telephone their points of contact or recruiter to confirm appointments in advance of seeking access to area military facilities and installations. This will reduce delays and ensure all visitors have valid business at the facility.

“Again, no specific threat has been identified, but the Department of Defense has increased the overall threat level resulting in the implementation of random force protection measures at all U.S. military facilities and installations, including those of the Arkansas National Guard,” the Guard said in the statement.

J. B. Hunt Transport Services has made a $500,000 contribution to the Walton Arts Center toward the nonprofit’s $23 million fundraising campaign. The logistics company has been a long time WAC supporter.

The fundraising effort is needed to cover expenses for 30,000 additional square feet of space in the downtown Fayetteville location, as well as a new atrium, expanded lobby and other major renovations which are expected to be completed by the fall of 2016.

The Lowell-based trucking and logistics giant has also funded transportation subsidies to the Walton Arts Center over the years, according to the release.

“J.B. Hunt has been a generous supporter of transporting kids to Walton Arts Center for over two decades,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center. “Their investment in the capital campaign strengthens the performing arts in NW Arkansas. Together, J.B. Hunt and Walton Arts Center will continue to positively impact the lives of families and children by increasing access to the arts in our community.”

Lane said private support is key to leveraging the generosity of J.B. Hunt Transport, the City of Fayetteville and its residents who voted in support of the fundraising efforts.

“The Walton Arts Center not only enriches the lives of children and families in Northwest Arkansas, it sculpts the creative minds of our future innovators. We could not be more pleased to provide our support and investment in this impactful initiative, assisting in the development of the arts in our own community,” said J.B. Hunt President and CEO John Roberts,

Arvest Bank promoted Jeffrey Busch to branch manager in Springdale. He will oversee operations at the 2012 South Pleasant Street branch.

Busch has four years’ experience with Arvest, most recently as an assistant manager for the past two years. 

“Jeff has proven his commitment to Arvest over the past four years with hard work and dedication,” said Jenny England, branch administrator for Arvest Bank in Springdale. “He has a strong passion to help Arvest Bank in any way he can. He is committed to ensuring his associates have the tools and skills they need to create delighted lifetime customers.”

A native of Harrison, Busch holds a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University. He is also a member of the Springdale Noon Lions Club.  

He and his wife, Kaylyn Busch, live in Farmington with their daughter, Adalyn.

Denver-based Smashburger is about to be christened in Bentonville, the first of what could be three or four are locations for the hamburger chain in the future, according to Christine Ferris, corporate spokeswoman.

Smashburger Bentonville is slated to open May 27, and will employ between 30 and 40 workers, which is typical for the chain, Ferris said. The local site is located 500 S. E. Walton Boulevard and is the first Smashburger to open in the Natural State.

“We are excited to bring Smashburger’s better burger to Arkansas and Bentonville. Satisfying and real, basic and good, affordable and fresh – Smashburger is a place with a burger soul,” said Smashburger Founder & Chief Concept Officer Tom Ryan. “With a broad menu of handcrafted burgers, chicken, salads, signature sides and handspun shakes, Smashburger has something for everyone and we are proud to be opening the first location in the area.”

Ferris did not specify where future sites of Smashburger might locate across the region, but she said the franchise owner secured the rights to four locations.

While Smashburger is national chain, the restaurant franchisees have the flexibility to tweak the menu to fit their local likes. The Bentonville Smashburger will feature a Razorback Smashburger and a Razorback chicken sandwich.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has named Denny Altes, a former legislator from Fort Smith who was elected to the Arkansas House and Senate, as the state’s Drug Director.

He replaces Fran Flener who retired last year. Steve Varady has served as interim Drug Director since Flener’s retirement.

The State Drug Director oversees and coordinates the activities of the Arkansas State Drug Abuse and Prevention Coordinating Council and is responsible for coordination of all alcohol and drug abuse prevention/treatment initiatives in Arkansas.

Altes served in the House of Representatives from 1999-2003 and represented Senate District 13 from 2003 to 2011. He returned to the House of Representatives in 2011 and represented the 76th District until January 2015.

Dr. Ron Darbeau has been named dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the School of Education at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Dr. Ken Warden was promoted from associate vice chancellor of workforce development at UAFS to dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Both appointments are effective July 1.

Warden came to UAFS in July 2014 following a 17-year stint at the Ozark campus of Arkansas Tech University, where he served as the chief business and community outreach officer since 2009. Prior to that, he worked as the business and industry coordinator at ATU-Ozark and also taught automotive service at the university.
 
“I am truly honored to serve as the dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at UAFS,” Warden said. “The college has a long history of working with businesses and communities within our region to improve the lives of those we serve. Thanks to the progressive work of Dr. Georgia Hale and Dr. Leroy Cox, CAST is nimble and primed for opportunity.”
 
Warden holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and a doctorate in workforce development education from the University of Arkansas. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from ATU.
 
Darbeau has worked at McNeese State University since 1996, initially as an assistant professor. He worked his way to the title of professor before becoming the head of the Department of Chemistry in 2002, and became the head of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in 2012.
 
He has garnered a number of awards during his career, including the Dean’s Teaching Fellowship Award from the Johns Hopkins University, where he began his career as an instructor and research associate. He was named McNeese’s Distinguished Professor in 2003, the same year he earned a Pinnacle Excellence Award from the university.
 
In 2013, Darbeau won the “President’s Tough but Good Award” at McNeese for outstanding instruction, and he was elected last year as a fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He has also served on a number of national committees, including the ACS Committee on Professional Training, which oversees undergraduate chemistry education across the United States.
 
“Rarely have I encountered an institution with so much promise and potential as UAFS. I am tremendously impressed by the programs and by the people. The enthusiasm of the students, faculty, administrators and community liaisons is almost infectious,” he said. “I am absolutely thrilled and energized about joining the UAFS family and will work relentlessly and honestly to justify the faith and trust placed in me.”
 
Darbeau earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the West Indies, and earned master’s and doctoral degrees in organic chemistry from the John Hopkins University.
 
Warden replaces Dr. Georgia Hale, who was promoted to provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UAFS in July 2014, with Dr. Leroy Cox serving as interim dean. Darbeau will replace Dr. Mark Arant, who left the university in July 2014 to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern State University, with Dr. Jim Belcher serving as interim dean.

Shares in Little Rock department store owner, Dillard’s Inc., closed down in trading Thursday after the retail giant reported that quarterly earnings were down 10 cents from the same period a year ago.

For the 13-week period ended May 2, Dillard’s reported net income of $109.6 million, or $2.66 per share, down 1.9% from $111.7 million, or $2.56 per share, in the first quarter of 2014. Dillard’s revenue, which includes sales from the company’s construction business, CDI Contractors, rose slightly to $1.57 billion, compared to $1.55 billion a year ago.

“We are disappointed with our first quarter performance. Our 1% sales decline hampered our ability to leverage operating expenses and to drive net income growth. Although inventory is higher than we would like, we believe the levels are manageable,” said Dillard’s CEO William Dillard II.

Other highlights of the quarter include:
• Total merchandise sales fell 1.3% to $1.51 billion in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $1.53 billion a year ago.

• Comparable store sales decreased 1% for the period.

• Sales trends were strongest in the juniors’ and children’s apparel category followed by shoes and ladies’ apparel. Sales were notably weak in the home and furniture category.

• Sales trends were strongest in the Eastern region, followed by the Central and Western regions, respectively.

• Dillard’s officials noted that sales in Texas performed slightly below the company average in the first quarter.

Gross margin in the first quarter from retail operations improved 52 basis points of sales from a year ago. Consolidated gross margin declined 50 basis points of sales compared to the prior year first quarter. The disparity between retail and consolidated gross margin performance is attributable to increased revenue at CDI, which is a substantially lower margin business. Inventory increased 5% in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 2.5% to $403.6 million, compared to $393.7 million a year earlier. Company officials said operating expenses from retail operations increased 101 basis points of sales to $402.3 million compared to $392.2 million in fiscal 2014. The increase was driven by increased payroll and services purchased expense partially offset by decreased insurance and advertising expense.

During the quarter, Dillard’s said it continued its initiative to increase pay for selling associates.

Meanwhile, Dillard’s said it has issued a new $1 billion senior unsecured credit facility, enhancing the retailer’s cash flow. The credit line replaces the department store giant’s earlier $1 billion secured credit facility and underscores its continued improvement in financial strength, company officials said.

At Thursday’s closing bell, Dillard’s stock (NYSE: DDS) ended the day at $124.20, down $2.34 or 1.85% as 855,000 shares traded hands, twice the Little Rock retailer’s normal volume. The retail giant, which currently has a market value of $5.12 billion, has traded in the range of $95.80 and $144.21 over the past 12 months.

Dillard’s shares were also sliding in after-hours trading after the retail giant fell below expectations. Wall Street had expected the Arkansas department store owner to report first quarter net income of $2.78 per share on revenue of $1.61 billion, according to Thomson Reuters.

Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium, a family-owned cigar lounge and retail shop, has opened in Fort Smith at 5304 Rogers Ave.

Selections offered by Winston’s include Rocky Patel, Padron, Oliva, Ashton, and Arturo Fuente. Their lounge in the 1,580-square-foot store includes leather seating, humidified lockers and large HDTVs for customers. The store features cigars, pipes, tobacco, ashtrays, cutters, humidors, lighters and leather goods. The staff can also suggest and mix blends for clients from a wide variety of pipe tobaccos.

“With our convenient location in the center of Fort Smith, and with one of the largest cigar and pipe selections available in the region, our goal is to become the premium destination for smoke enthusiasts,” said partner Sammy Fiori.

Other partners in the business are David Bushkuhl, Sam Fiori and Sam Trisler. The business employs six. The business owners invested more than $250,000 to open the store.

Walmart.com has unveiled a signup link for consumers wanting to try to the subscription-based delivery service the retailer plans to test this summer. Follow the link, enter your email and zip code information and then wait for an invitation from Walmart.com.

The retail giant said last week its unlimited delivery service will cost $50 annually and guarantee the home delivery for more than 1 million general merchandise items within up to three days.

Javi Jariwala, corporate spokesman for Walmart.com said this test comes as a result of consumer demand as the retail seeks to give its customers another option for their online orders. He said this beta test will be by invitation only.

At this time, Wal-Mart’s delivery policy includes free shipping for most orders valued at more than $50. It is also provides for in-store pickup at more than 4,000 U.S. locations at no extra charge.

This new subscription-based delivery service dubbed Tahoe is similar on the surface to competitor Amazon’s Prime service which cost $99 annually.

Retail experts said the two services are quite different, at least at this early juncture for Walmart.com.

Prime guarantees delivery within two days. It’s Prime Now for residents in New York City can get free delivery in just two hours. Prime also provides free video streaming for its subscribers and is a launching board for other services such as Prime Dash, which is an automatic shipping program and Prime Fresh which covers grocery in select markets for annual subscription upcharge of $299.

Jariwala said for now the Walmart.com service does not provide any additional services beyond the unlimited delivery for online order.

Bentonville-based Redman and Associates received the Business Partner of the Year award from the local Salvation Army affiliate for 2014.

The toy supplier to Wal-Mart Stores donated nearly 700 battery-powered ride-on toys, 234 scooters, 48 Pogo sticks as well as other items to the Northwest Arkansas charity for the holidays.

This marked the fourth year that Redman & Associates have contributed to the local Salvation Army holiday toy drive and provided other support throughout the year.

Julie Hoff has been selected as the new director of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas, effective July 1.

She is the director and chair of the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences at Elmhurst College in Illinois. Hoff, who will also hold the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in Nursing, replaces Pegge Bell, who is retiring from the nursing director’s position.

Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, said Hoff has the background and experience to lead the nursing school as it continues to grow and expand degree offerings, including several degrees offered online through the Global Campus.

“We appreciate the leadership Dr. Bell has provided over the past three years,” Smith said. “The school has added programs in recent years both to increase the number of nurses in the state prepared at the bachelor’s degree level and the number of nurses with advanced degrees who can take leadership and teaching roles in the health-care system.”

Nursing has always been a vitally important role in the health-care system of Arkansas, and that will not change, Smith said.

“Dr. Hoff is a great addition to our nursing program,” he said. “She understands the tremendous impact nurses can have on the health of Arkansans and beyond. We look forward to the leadership, research and academic expertise that she will bring to our team.”

Hoff said many things attracted her to the nursing program at the UA.

“It’s a flagship program and it’s a growing program,” she said. “The need for nursing is great in the state but the role of nursing is changing nationally. I saw this position as a wonderful opportunity for me to make a difference. Given the changes in health care delivery, the role of nursing is at the forefront.”

Hoff has worked in a leadership role for two years at Elmhurst College near Chicago. She previously spent 22 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she taught, conducted cardiovascular clinical research, mentored students, residents, fellows and junior faculty members

Hoff earned a master's degree in nursing and a doctorate in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in bio-behavioral science. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rush University.

Westark Plumbing & Expert Drain Cleaning Services has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.
 
"This is the second year in a row that our team has earned this award. We want to thank our customers for referring us to their friends and family. Trust is earned and we appreciate the business and support,” Westark Plumbing President Michelle Cernak said in a statement. “As a small local business, we promise to always do the right thing.  This reputation allows our team to give back to our community.”

According to Angie’s List, only about 5% of plumbing and drain companies in the Fort Smith area received the Super Service Award.

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.