BATESVILLE — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville hired two new employees. Cheston Cooper was hired as the computer lab manager, and Leigh Keller was hired as a project adviser for Student Support Services.
Cooper, who has more than 10 years of experience in the field of industrial technology, earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial technology with a focus on PC hardware repair from UACCB in May. He graduated with honors and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
“I started taking classes,” he said, “and then became a UACCB graduate. When I learned of the opportunity to work at UACCB, I was very excited. What an opportunity to be able to give back to the place that helped me succeed.
“I really enjoy IT work. I guess my personal goal is to learn where everything on campus is first, and then professionally, I hope to significantly expand my knowledge of all things IT and become a greater asset to the UACCB campus.”
Cooper and his wife, Madalynne, celebrated their first anniversary in September. They are members of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Batesville. She is employed at Pizza Hut as a shift manager. Cooper served on the board of directors for the United Way from August 2007 until September 2009 and was responsible for the Independence County Day of Caring and the annual Day of Caring Golf Tournament.
Keller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with teaching certifications in English, ESL, Spanish and guidance counseling from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science degree in secondary school counseling from John Brown University in Siloam Springs. She plans to begin her doctorate course work in fall 2012.
Most recently, she was a counselor and color guard instructor at Fayetteville High School and a color guard instructor for the Razorback Marching Band at the University of Arkansas.
In working with the Student Support Services program at UACCB, Keller said, she hopes to increase the retention rate of students and looks forward to becoming more involved in the greater Batesville community.
Originally from Alma, Keller is married to Allen Keller, who is employed at Midwest Lime. They have an 8-month-old son, Cole, and attend Bethesda Church of Christ.
“We love to spend time outdoors and just time together as a family,” Keller said, “and in my free time, I enjoy working with Batesville High School’s color guard and winter guard programs.”
As a former high school guidance counselor, she said her strategies for retention remain the same.
“Students need to know that they have an emotional support system on campus, especially when many of them do not have one at home,” she said. “They need support and encouragement while learning how to navigate the higher education system.”