The Arkansas State University Alumni Association has created a new award that will give recognition to young alumni of Arkansas State University for their professional accomplishments and engagement to the university. Individuals who are designated as Emerging Young Alumni are those who, through their personal participation, have made significant contributions to Arkansas State University, their profession or their community.  There are up to five awards given annually.

The recipients to date are: 

Bigger, an economic developer and communications specialist, serves as executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (NEARIA) and assistant vice president of community development for Farmers and Merchants Bank. Through NEARIA, she provides technical assistance to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations, helps build mutually beneficial public-private partnerships, and leverages arts and culture to spur economic growth and improve quality of life in a multi-county area.

She is a White Riley Peterson Fellow and was recently named to the Arkansas Business’ 40 under 40 recognition program. Bigger holds a Master of Arts in art business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York as well as bachelor's degrees in photojournalism and the history of art from Arkansas State in 2009. Bigger and her husband, A-State alumnus Alex Bigger, reside in Pocahontas.

Cale, a Poinsett County native, graduated summa cum laude with University Honors in 2004, then earned his Juris Doctor degree at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 2007. After joining Barber Law Firm in 2012, he became an owner in 2017 and was named to the firm’s three-person management committee in 2018. Block assists clients with business and corporate law, construction law, utility and regulatory law, and mergers and acquisitions.

Block has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas since 2008 and is a member of the Downtown Little Rock Kiwanis Club. He regularly presents continuing education legal seminars, and was named to Super Lawyers’ Mid-South Rising Stars List. Block continues his A-State support as a member of the Alumni Association and the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Block and his wife, Jamie, who is also an A-State alumna, live in Little Rock.

Lindsey Hawkins Bowman, a native of Jonesboro, earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing in 2010. She began her career in bank marketing, worked in nonprofit fundraising, and a private marketing firm in Southern Illinois. Bowman eventually returned to her home state where she worked in real estate sales, but her independent marketing consultant business was growing quickly. After concluding there was a need for a full-service marketing agency in Northeast Arkansas, she started The Polish Agency in 2020.

The company has grown from one to six employees, assisted by interns each semester from the marketing, strategic communication and graphic design programs at A-State. In mid-2021 Polish moved into its newly-renovated building, which features the #polishpinkwall, a backdrop destination for many influencers, photographers and passerby, in downtown Jonesboro. Bowman and her husband, Derek, also an alumnus, are the parents of three daughters.

Phillip Butterfield, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), serves as a financial consultant in the Private Client Group at Stephens Inc. He works with high-net-worth clients across the country in the areas of investment management and complex retirement planning. He also assists small and big businesses with their management of company retirement plans. He advocates the importance of building relationships on trust, through judgment and integrity. Butterfield received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance with a minor in accounting in 2012, and played quarterback for the Red Wolves football team. He continued at A-State to earn a Master of Business Administration degree two years later.

In June, he joined the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network’s football broadcast team as an analyst. Additionally, Butterfield volunteers with several public service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. He and his wife Brittany, who is a former Arkansas State women’s basketball star, reside in Little Rock.

Demario Davis, a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, was drafted by the New York Jets following his playing career at A-State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in radio-television in 2011. One of the most consistent linebackers in the NFL, he set a career high of 125 tackles and five sacks with the Jets in 2017, and he became a member and captain of the Saints in 2018. He was named to the All-Pro Team in 2019, and he was selected by fellow NFL players to receive the Bart Starr Award in 2021 for exemplifying outstanding character.

In 2013, Davis started the Devoted Dreamers Foundation, the goal of which is equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to be successful spiritually, mentally and physically. He is a member of the Players Coalition, which strives to end social injustices and racial inequality. His first book, “The Unsuccessful Champion,” was released in 2019. He shares his faith through ministry, conferences and media appearances. Davis and his wife Tamela have four children.

Fowler, an athletic training major, participated in intramural sports, plated club women's rugby, and volunteered with the student alumni chapter. After her 2006 graduation, she progressed from part-time trainer to director of NEA Baptist Wellness Center over a 13-year period before moving to St. Bernards Health and Wellness in 2019. She now promotes health and wellness through her work as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor.

Known for her commitment to the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, Pink Warrior Walk and as former director of the Women Can Run program, Fowler was recognized as the SilverSneakers Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2009. She has been voted Occasions winner or finalist for best personal trainer every year since the award was established. In 2021, she was selected as one of St. Bernards' "Living the Mission" award winners. Her parents are A-State alumni Dr. Gilbert and Carolyn Fowler.

Fulton, who received a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2009, earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2013 and completed pediatrics training with the LSU and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. He practiced medicine as an assistant professor of pediatrics, caring for children while teaching pediatrics residents and medical students for three years.

He completed a craniofacial pediatrics fellowship this year with the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital before returning to the New Orleans hospital as medical director of the craniofacial team. He specializes in the treatment of children born with craniofacial anomalies. Fulton also serves as medical director and faculty adviser for LSU Medical School’s Camp Tiger, a day camp run by first-year medical students for area children with special needs. He has received multiple recognitions for service and achievement, including A-State's Wilson Award in 2009.

Erin Gibson of Jonesboro graduated in University Honors in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in English, then later earned a Master of Science in Education in educational leadership. She has been a classroom teacher since 2013, teaching a variety of grade levels in secondary English, as well as a teacher-leader in her former school district, Riverside High School. This fall, Gibson is transitioning to a different form of instruction by facilitating advanced placement language and composition to students across the state of Arkansas through Virtual Arkansas, a division of Arch Ford Educational Cooperative Services.

She also has served in education in another way, as a breast cancer survivor. She was recognized as a Susan G. Komen Honorary Survivor and named as a certified global educator for the Know Your Lemons Foundation, as well as volunteering with the St. Bernards Women’s Council. Gibson and her husband Ryan, also an alumnus, have a daughter.

Jake Hampton is director of sales at Exact Sciences, a molecular diagnostics company specializing in the detection of early stage cancers, where he leads a team of more than 150 sales professionals. Hampton is responsible for the sales strategy, resource creation, training and professional development for the sales team. His career includes roles of increasing responsibility at pharmaceutical and diagnostic organizations, working in training and leadership development, field sales and inside sales leadership.

A native of Stamps, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2005 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2011. At A-State, he served as president of the Student Government Association and received multiple recognitions for service and achievement, including the Wilson Award in 2005. Hampton and his husband, A-State alumnus Matthew C. Hampton, reside in New York City and continue their A-State support though their endowment of a scholarship, as members of the Legacy Society, and Alumni Association 1924 Sustaining Life Members.

Bethany Hines, who lives in New York City, is a producer for CNN Special Projects, focusing on sponsored content for television and digital platforms. She began her career in journalism at KAIT-TV in Jonesboro. After joining CNN in 2012, she worked on a variety of shows, including Morning Express with Robin Meade and Weekend Express. She also produced for past HLN programs, including ‘Dr. Drew on Call,” “Raising America with Kyra Philips,” and “HLN After Dark.”

Hines earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in comunication studies with a minor in radio-television in 2011 and a Master of Arts in communication studies in 2012. In addition to her love for journalism, Hines is passionate about music, singing with bands in Atlanta and New York. She also is a children’s book author, adjunct professor for The City University of New York, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Katherine AufderHeide Holmstrom of Little Rock, project manager for the business and economic development group of Entergy Arkansas, previously was senior project manager in the business development division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. In 13 years of community and economic development, she has assisted numerous major national companies to expand or locate in Arkansas.

A native of DeWitt, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in agricultural business in 2007. She also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute. A past president of the board of directors of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE) and executive director for the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association, Holmstrom also serves a gubernatorial appointment to the War Memorial Stadium Commission. In 2021, she received the Economic Developer of the Year Award from the AEDCE. She and her husband Gabe have a son, Gus.

McDaniel spent much of her childhood cheering for A-State with family and friends. After graduating from Jonesboro Public Schools she entered A-State where as a senior she was recognized as the Griffin College of Business Chancellor's Scholar. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in corporate finance, graduating summa cum laude with University Honors in 2007. She continued her education while working as a graduate student and adjunct professor, and completed her Master of Business Administration degree in 2008, then continued to teach as an adjunct.

She began her banking career with First Horizon in 2009 and will soon celebrate her 15th year. McDaniel has held numerous leadership roles within the bank, currently serving as Northeast Arkansas market president. Active in the community, she serves on the boards of Junior Auxiliary, Better Life Counseling Center, and the The Link Theatre, and is a 1924 Sustaining Life member of the A-State Alumni Association. She and her husband Von McDaniel have two children, Eviegale and Harris.

A Jacksonville native, Earl Morris earned Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry at A-State in 2015 before earning Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2019. He is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with a specialization in pharmacoepidemiology and safety sciences.

Morris’s research focuses on the safe use of medications in older adults, and he has authored seven peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 20 national presentations. He credits A-State’s Honors College and the Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fostering his passion for scientific discovery. His recognitions for service and achievement include the R.E. Lee Wilson Award in 2015, Lambda Chi Alpha’s “30 under 30” in 2016, and Mylan Pharmaceutical’s Excellence in Pharmacy Award. Morris continues his support as a 1924 Sustaining Life Member of the A-State Alumni Association and as a Wilson Fellow.

A native of Biscoe, Nail arrived at A-State in 2003 to study agricultural business. He graduated in 2007 as the College of Agriculture Chancellor's Scholar, joining AgWatch Network the same year to produce syndicated agricultural radio programming for more than 50 stations across five states. After marriage in 2010, he and his wife, fellow alum Samantha, both endured battles with cancer two years later before achieving remission, sparking his future interest in healthcare. He joined U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford's staff, communicating with media and conducting fieldwork across the First District of Arkansas. He created strategic messaging and assisted in local agricultural affairs that helped craft national policy.

In 2020, Nail joined St. Bernards as media relations manager and serves as the system's public communicator. With his radio background, he started St. Bernards' podcast, Heath Wave, which received acclaim from the Arkansas Hospital Association for its impact in healthcare marketing. The couple has two sons, Baron and Callum.

As Garver’s corporate communications leader, Laura Nick leads its in-house communications team with branding, strategic marketing, and internal communications for the North Little Rock-based engineering firm and its 800 employees across 13 states. Since joining the firm in 2011, she created the firm’s competitive recruitment program; developed GarverGives, the company’s employee-driven charitable giving program that prioritizes STEM partnerships; and spearheaded Garver’s multistate centennial year celebration.

Nick serves on the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, is a member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, and serves on the steering committee of Women Empowered for the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. She was named to Arkansas Business' 40 Under 40, is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas (Class XI), and was most recently selected for Arkansas Money & Politics’ inaugural Future 50 Leaders. A Beebe native, she is a 2002 graduate of A-State’s School of Media and Journalism.

Dr. Rasberry is a health scientist in the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In her 12 years at CDC, Rasberry has conducted a wide range of research and evaluation projects on school health topics; her work has become the foundation of the technical assistance she provides to school districts across the country seeking to improve the health and well-being of their students.

Rasberry has authored more than 80 national scientific presentations and more than 40 publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters and government reports. A Jonesboro native, Rasberry earned her bachelor’s degree in health promotion at A-State in 2001, then a master’s degree in health promotion from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in health education from Texas A&M University. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, Frank Hendrix, and son, Charlie.

Sandy, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design in 2016, began his career as digital marketing manager at KAIT-TV. Selected for Raycom Media's marketing leadership program, he became audience development and brand manager at KLTV 7 in Tyler, Texas, where he has overseen news promotions since 2018. He also is vice president of marketing for Tyler Civic Theatre Center, a board member for the East Texas chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and a member of the Lone Star EMMY chapter.

Earlier, Sandy was on the boards of Camp Quality AR and the NEA chapter of American Advertising Federation, and was involved in the Foundation of Arts. He has received advertising recognitions from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association and American Advertising Federation. A member of The Sound of the Natural State marching band for five seasons, he was drum major for four. He served as a Chancellor's Ambassador and was in the Honors College.

Katrina is a native of Stuttgart, was a President's Scholarship recipient at A-State. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and graduated cum laude with university honors in 2003. Upon graduation, Scoggin moved just across the river to Memphis, where she now lives with her husband, Oliver.

Scoggin serves as the Memphis team lead for GlynnDevins, Inc., a full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Kansas City. She is active with Carnival Memphis, The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy, and Memphis Runners Track Club. Scoggin maintains her ties to A-State through her membership in the A-State Alumni Association while supporting the Honors College medallions campaign and the Red Wolves Foundation.

Jamie, a North Little Rock native, is a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, serving District 37. She serves as vice-chair of the House Constitutional Issues Subcommittee and member of the Juvenile Justice and Child Support Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee. She is the youngest African American woman ever elected to the General Assembly.

Scott serves as the executive director of Youth Services, leading summer and out-of-school youth programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and sociology and a Master of Arts in criminal justice from A-State, where she was a Presidential Leadership Scholar, and is an executive education graduate of Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Dedicating time to community service and civic activism, Scott has been recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions.

Ali, a native of Clinton, is an A-State graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in radio-TV and minor in marketing. In 2016 she built the only full power FM radio station licensed to Heber Springs and Cleburne County, and is now owner/general manager of Red River Radio, Inc., and a morning show personality on KSUG. Before building KSUG she was sales manager for her father’s radio stations, and she enjoys teaching dance at her mother’s studio.

She is a member of the Heber Springs City Council, president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, and a board member for ASU-Heber Springs Development Council, the Heber Springs Chamber Foundation, and the Heber Springs Future Fund. Her station has received multiple community service awards from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. Sugg and her husband Joe, who live in Heber Springs, have two children, Spencer and Sydney.

Sullivan obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, emphasis in pre-veterinary studies, in 2008. After three years at St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, and clinical rotations at Louisiana State University, she graduated in 2012. While in college, she interned for then-Sen. Blanche Lincoln, and helped protect animals locally and later with a sea turtle rescue group in Grenada. In addition to small animal medicine, she became certified in artificial insemination for cattle, obtained advanced certification for veterinary ultrasound, and performed cattle pregnancy checks at the Ash Flat Livestock Auction, a third-generation family business started by her grandparents, Bill and Alice Nix.

Sullivan and her husband and fellow A-State alum Michael Sullivan opened ARPets Hospital in 2017, and it has grown into a large practice employing 16 people. ARPets Hospital now sponsors the Bill and Alice Nix Farm Day at A-State. She also serves on the Judd HIll Farmers' Market Committee and is a 1924 Sustaining Life Member of the Alumni Association. The couple and their children, Elizabeth and Samuel, also enjoys numerous family pets.

Tyler C. Vanderpool of Los Angeles is a trial attorney with the law firm of Rosen Saba, LLP. He primarily represents individuals and corporate clients in personal injury, labor and employment, class action, entertainment and business disputes. Consistently recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine, he recently was named as one of this year’s “Up and Coming 100” attorneys in Southern California. In 2020, Tyler obtained a recordsetting $25.6 million-dollar jury verdict on behalf of a teenager who was severely injured in a city-owned crosswalk.

A native of Jacksonville, Vanderpool earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 2007, followed by a Master of Arts in communication studies in 2008, all at A-State, where he was on the award-winning debate team. He obtained his law degree from Loyola Law School. He and his wife, Heather, have two sons.

A 2006 A-State graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Watkins advanced his career preparation with a Master of Social Work degree in 2011. He currently serves as executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional AIDS Network (NARAN), with which he has been associated for 15 years. Through this organization he has worked for several years with A-State's Department of Social Work to make arrangements for a student internship opportunity. He also serves on the department’s Community Advisory Board, and is board chair for the campus Wesley Foundation.

In his spare time the native of Jonesboro plays percussion instruments with his church's praise band, and he is an avid fan of Red Wolves sports. His wife Laura and his parents, Jeffrey and Gay Watkins, are all A-State alumni.

Whitten is a first-generation college graduate, TRIO Program alumnus, international educator, chief student affairs officer and researcher who serves as assistant vice president for student experience at Texas Southern University. He and his team implement a holistic learning experience for nearly 10,000 students. As a result of his commitment to student development and DEI advocacy, his career has placed him as a leader in higher education. He has received several awards for advocacy and civic engagement, and recognitions such as induction into the Alabama A&M University "40 Under 40" Champions, and the National Alumni Association Eloise Sterrs Award.

Whitten is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, and a 1924 Sustaining Life member of the A-State Alumni Association. He has served on the board of the Alabama Coalition Against Rape (ACAR), Youth of Incarcerated Parents United, and Medical Advocacy Outreach (MAO). He earned his Master of Science degree in college student personnel services at A-State in 2020, and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University.

Mark Wiggins earned a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2007 before completing Air Force Officer Training School. After graduation from UAMS College of Medicine in 2011, Capt. Wiggins completed a residency in family medicine at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in 2014, and was assigned as a C-130J flight surgeon at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Capt. Wiggins deployed to Niamey, Niger, and was awarded Flight Surgeon of the Year for U.S. Air Forces in Europe in 2016, He promoted to major and was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, where he completed his service, earning an Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Wiggins began practicing with St. Bernards First Care in Jonesboro and is a clinical preceptor for NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. He and his wife, Sandra, have three children.