Jessica Gray

age: 35 | Instructor and Owner of TXK Yoga | Hairstylist at Shear Country

While Jessica Gray loves the connections that she has built while doing hair for the past 13 years, she felt led to branch out so she cut her time back in the salon and bought Texarkana Yoga. Never in a million years did Jessica think that God would lead her to this position, but she is so grateful to be the one to fill the previous owners’ shoes.  She explains, “Teaching yoga is not only fun but very rewarding. I love to love, and the studio allows me to do just that.  Texarkana Yoga has been special to me, along with many others, for several years.”

Jessica and her husband, Rocky, have been married for 15 years.  Together, they have worked hard to create a happy life for their children, Luke (14) and Everleigh (11).  They love spending time together as a family.  “Laughter is truly the best medicine,” Jessica responds.  “Even though I teach yoga, I also enjoy having my own private practice, too.  I also enjoy going for a hike, and like most women, I love to shop.  Traveling is definitely on the list of things that I enjoy, as well.”

 While Jessica loves to support local schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations with donations for their causes through TXK Yoga, she also has a special place in her heart for those who are homeless.  She collects toiletry items and other personal items to donate to the Randy Sams’ Shelter; this winter, she plans to collect coats, blankets, and other items for the shelter.

Since she loves teaching yoga, in the future, Jessica sees herself phasing out of the hair business and focusing all of her attention on the yoga studio.  

Best piece of advice:

“Everything will be okay; it will always work out as it should.” –Patricia Launius, Jessica’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have a 10-year-old cat that is named Kitty Kitty Meow Meow. He is the best kitty in town.”

Nick Mudford

age: 38 | Equipment Operator/Forester | Slam’n Timber Management

Nick Mudford manages a logging company with his two younger siblings. Slam’n Timber Management buys and harvests timber with the hopes of continuing the management of the timber throughout its lifetime. Nick takes a lot of pride in his job and really focuses on the future management of the timber so that it can benefit the land and the landowner as much as possible. 

“I have been on tractors and other heavy equipment long before I ever even had a driver’s license. Hard work was bred into me, and I spent summers and weekends when I was younger as an extra skidder operator or doing odd jobs around the farm,” he describes.  “Now I can run every piece of equipment we own, I manage multiple crews, and negotiate timber deals. I recently began buying timber, which is a different aspect within our business.  So far, the deals I have made have been profitable for the landowner and for our business which is saying a lot in such fluctuating times in our industry.  In the logging community, I have made a name for myself on my timber management abilities.  It gives me a lot of pride when someone takes notice and appreciates the work I do.” 

Nick and his wife, Shanna, have boy/girl 14-year-old twins, Kye and Kami, and another daughter, Maggie, who is 7 years old.  They are proud of their children and have raised them to be God-fearing, kind, respectable, and hardworking.  

Singing in front of a crowd is Nick’s greatest personal accomplishment.  He explains, “If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I would ever sing in front of a church congregation, I would have laughed at you.  Through God, I was able to tackle my fear and now have been honored to be on multiple worship teams and lead a worship team. I thank God for the gift that He gave me, and it feels good to really know I am using it for God’s glory.”

Through his company, Nick has been able to help Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals with the “Nail A Stud” program, even earning an Honorable Mention for his company in the Stud Muffin Category. He has also been honored to help sponsor Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a Texarkana area outreach for NICU families.  Active in his church’s youth group and worship program, Nick has been the leader of multiple church youth groups in the community and truly finds working with youth in a Christ-centered environment is where his soul feels fulfilled.

Best piece of advice:

“Always remember to say your prayers.” – Dolores Mudford, Nick’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I used to ‘make’ cookies when I was young. I would pick the cookie dough out of cookie dough ice cream, lick the ice cream off, then bake the dough. My siblings were fans until I told them how I made them.”

Nick Cockerell, DDS

age: 27 | Dentist | Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry

“Dentistry is something that requires trust.  When a patient comes in, they need to be able to have full trust in their dentist,” explains Dr. Nick Cockerell.  “I enjoy helping patients overcome their dental anxieties, while also relieving their pain from a toothache.  My goal is to make a patient’s visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.”

Graduating from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) is Nick’s greatest professional accomplishment.  Since he and his wife, Collins, just moved back to Texarkana, they are eager to find ways to be active in the Texarkana community, volunteering in any way they can to give back to the community that raised them.  Since Collins is employed by the Alzheimer’s Alliance, they enjoy helping out with the Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival, and they have always made it a point to attend Clay’s Golf and Guitars every year.  

While growing up, Nick knew the importance of finding someone to call his better half.  “Thank the Lord, I can honestly say being married to my best friend, Collins, is my best personal accomplishment,” he admits.  “She makes life fun!”

In his spare time, Nick enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, spending time with friends and family, cooking/grilling, and going to church.  He also loves watching sports ... from the local high school level to the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Dallas Cowboys.  

Nick concludes, “Lord willing, 10 years from now, I see myself continuing to learn as much as I can about dentistry to better the Texarkana community and helping my wife raise a few children.  Oh, and of course, I plan to have a few big deer hanging on the wall.”

Best piece of advice:

“The choices you make today will affect you tomorrow.” — Greg Cockerell, Nick’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I once ran a track meet for Pleasant Grove. I was the second leg of the men’s 4x100m relay. However, the title of the relay was, ‘The Big Boy or Honey Bun Relay.’ No one during the race was gifted as a sprinter, which made it a very entertaining event to watch.”

Jennifer Lewis

age: 33 | Nonprofit CEO | Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc.

Jennifer Lewis advocates for people with disabilities in all ways.  She has always had a strong passion for advocacy and helping people whose voice is silenced to speak up for themselves.  “People with disabilities are still largely discriminated against and underrepresented in all facets of life,” she explains. “That just makes me want to keep doing what I am doing and fighting the important fight for those with disabilities to have equal rights, choices, and access.”

Securing an internship on Capitol Hill working for a Congresswoman during her undergrad is Jennifer’s greatest professional accomplishment.  That experience showed her how much she loved Washington, D.C., and gave her the courage to move back there a few years later. That experience led to her earning a scholarship to attend The George Washington University to obtain a master’s degree. 

Married to Trey, the Lewises have a daughter, Lily, and a son, Wyatt.  Settling down and having a family is Jennifer’s greatest personal achievement. “I know that might seem strange to some as an accomplishment, but I was very ‘free-spirited’ until I met my husband,” she admits. “He keeps me grounded and supports me everyday and because of that we have built a beautiful family, and I am so thankful for the personal risks I took to get me here.” 

Jennifer is a member and serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana. She also participates in all the activities through the club to help children in our community. She has also served as co-chair for the United Way of Greater Texarkana Stuff the Bus Program the last two years where she helps promote, raise funds, and organize the distribution of backpacks to area schools to help children in need start the school year. “I have a soft spot for helping the children in our community get the resources and support they need and the organizations I volunteer with help aid in that,” she explains.

In 10 years’ time, Jennifer still sees herself working at Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, bringing new programs and resources to help in the community for people with disabilities. She hopes to better educate the Texarkana community about people with disabilities through new channels. She jokes, “Since my kids are only 2 and 4 now, I am sure that in 10 years, I will also be one of the crazy PTA moms, organizing bake sales or something.”

Best piece of advice:

“Just be honest with yourself, and do what you know is right in your heart.” —Karen Lindsey-Macdonald, Jennifer’s mentor and friend

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I moved to Foreman, Arkansas, after meeting my now husband at a wedding in Ashdown while I was living in D.C. I had only known him for three months and most of that communication was via Facetime. Seven years and two kids later ... here we are!”

Molly Riley

age: 31 | VP of Marketing and Fundraising | United Way of Greater Texarkana

Since the United Way of Greater Texarkana is a nonprofit orgnization, the biggest part of Molly Riley’s day-to-day job is fundraising.  However, she also loves the marketing aspect of the job, as well.  Meeting new people and sharing with them what United Way is all about is something that she is truly passionate about.

The work Molly does through United Way provides her with a lot of opportunities to be involved in the community and work closely with other local nonprofit organizations.  She also thoroughly enjoys volunteering during Community Healthcore’s annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.

Molly’s greatest professional achievement was overcoming her fear of public speaking.  “It it hadn’t been for my dad, I don’t think I would be able to do it to this day,” she acknowledges.  “He spent many nights practicing my speeches with me during my freshman year of college, preparing for my speech class.”  Personally, Molly’s greatest accomplishment was working on Attorney General Greg Abbott’s campaign for Governor of Texas (where he was later voted into office).

When she’s not working, Molly enjoys spending time with her husband, Patrick, and her friends and family.  Going to concerts and hearing good music is also a way that Molly enjoys her downtime.  In 10 years, Molly sees herself with a family, still working in the nonprofit sector in some fashion, and being more involved with other nonprofit or civic organizations.  

Best piece of advice:

“You will always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne GretzY

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am pretty much an open book so this question is a difficult one. MOST people that know me know this, but I’m a huge ’90s music fan. I have older sisters; therefore, my taste in music ranges from Carol King to Third Eye Blind and everything in-between.”

Mikki Curtis

age: 31 | Dean of Secondary Programs | University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Mikki Curtis works with area secondary schools to provide higher educational opportunities on the UAHT campus for their students while they are still in high school.  Her specific programs include the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy and the Texarkana Secondary Career & Technical Education Center.  She explains, “The Collegiate Academy is a partnership between UAHT and TASD.  Students begin the academy (located on the UA-Texarkana campus) in the 10th grade and can potentially graduate with their high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree simultaneously.  The Secondary Career Center provides students in our service area school districts the opportunity to graduate with a certificate of proficiency in CNA, EMT, Information Technology, Welding, and Industrial Maintenance. Both programs are completely free to students and allow them to get a head start on college and/or a career.”

Helping create the Collegiate Academy on both the Hope and Texarkana campuses is one of Mikki’s greatest professional accomplishments.  This past year, she watched her first group of seniors walk across the UAHT stage and graduate with their Associate of Arts degrees.  “I love what I do because I enjoy helping students get ahead in their education.  These programs also allow students the opportunity to have a better future by helping them and their families financially,” she explains.  “Being an educator is a great calling, and it is my mission to do what is best for my kids and to show them God’s love.”

Marrying her husband, Casey, is Mikki’s biggest personal achievement.  She admits that he is her “biggest cheerleader and encourager.”  When she isn’t at work, Mikki can be found traveling, hiking, listening to crime podcasts, antiquing, and spending time with her family, her two dogs (Daisy Mae and Jenny) and cat (Kitty Minaj).  She also volunteers at UAHT Foundation events that help raise scholarship money for Texarkana students that attend UAHT.

In the near future, Mikki will be graduating with her PhD in Higher Education and Administration.  She plans  to continue working in higher education and become a chancellor or vice chancellor of academics.

Best piece of advice:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything You gave me.” – Erma Bombeck

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am obsessed with Garth Brooks.”

Mary Beth Rudel

age: 36 | Deputy Director | Ark-Tex Council of Governments

In her role as deputy director at Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG), Mary Beth Rudel coordinates with the executive director and program heads to implement federal, state, and local programs that provide vital services to communities in ATCOG’s 10-county region.  She supports the executive director in strategic planning for the region and assists with day-to-day agency decisions and operations. “I love that everything our agency does improves the lives of the citizens in our communities in some way. The direct services we provide are public transportation, housing, meals, and home improvements. Our indirect services are providing training to first responders, loans to small businesses, 9-1-1 service to public safety answer points, environmental services, grants for regional development, or planning for disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response,” she explains. “Knowing that I play a role in the success of these programs and services that help so many is very rewarding. The very dedicated ATCOG staff makes these programs and services a true success; therefore, it is very important that I, as a co-leader of ATCOG, work to ensure that staff’s professional needs are met and that employees know the agency supports them. Every day brings new challenges which keeps me on my toes. I enjoy the work I do and find fulfillment in knowing that I am helping others in our agency and our communities.” 

One of Mary Beth’s greatest professional accomplishments has been leading in the design and construction of the ATCOG Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The funding for the EOC was provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Emergency Operations Center grant, and the EOC was completed in 2014. The purpose of the EOC is to provide a space for multi-jurisdictional emergency operation coordination for cities and counties in the ATCOG region. For many years, the facility was used for emergency training purposes only. Then, in March 2020, when the COVID pandemic hit our communities, the EOC was utilized for its true intended purpose. Representatives from multiple jurisdictions and agencies worked many long hours inside the EOC coordinating their responses to the pandemic and disseminating information to citizens. Mary Beth is grateful that she had a part in establishing a space that jurisdictions can use for years to come during critical events.

“My greatest personal accomplishment, together with my husband, Dusty, is leading our children, Maggie and Riley, to Christ and being able to witness their decision to follow Him with their lives,” Mary Beth comments. “There’s nothing greater than that!”

Mary Beth serves on the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee and coordinates with the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce (and other Chambers in the ATCOG region) in planning biennial legislative events in Austin. Assisting with the implementation of various inter-local agreements for services between ATCOG and the City of Texarkana is another way she is privileged in giving back to Texarkana.  She is very active at First Baptist Church Queen City as an AWANA Cubbies Director, Assistant Children’s Director, Ladies Ministry Leader, and participant in the Backpack Food Ministry for Children. Through financial donations as well as material donations coordinated through her church, she supports Mission Texarkana and the ShelterKidz Ministry. She also provides personal financial support to the Texas A&M System, which is near and dear to her heart.

Best piece of advice:

“When you mess up, you must own it, and then forgive yourself. You cannot be useful to others while living under the burden of past mistakes.” — Gayle Miller, Mary Beth’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have a healthy fear of the ocean and the creatures within – especially whales. They’re massive!”

Abbie Strunc, Ph.D.

age: 39 | University Professor and Department Chair | Sam Houston State University

“I work in educator preparation, and it’s so important to me,” Dr. Abbie Strunc explains.  “Texas has 5.5 million students enrolled in K-12 public schools across the state. They all deserve a quality educator who is prepared to guide and support their education.”

Before becoming a university professor and department chair at Sam Houston State University, Abbie worked at Texas A&M University-Texarkana for six years.  Her greatest professional accomplishment is earning tenure this year.  She admits that it has been a fun, but long journey, and she is very proud of the work she put in as part of this process.

Personally, Abbie’s family means the world to her.  Married to John, they have three children: Wesley (13), and Emma and Audrey (9).  “I’m so proud of my kids and who they are growing up to be,” she says.  “Watching them grow into the people they are meant to be is my greatest gift.”

Although she hasn’t been able to travel much recently, Abbie loves exploring new places and meeting new people.  She has served as vice-president of PG Connection for two years and joined Women for A&M-Texarkana to give back to a community that supports the regional need for a university.  She admits, “Texarkana’s collaborative educational community is one of the area’s greatest strengths.”  

Because she is so focused and attentive to her career choice, Abbie sees herself continuing to serve educators in Texas in educator preparation for many years to come.

Best piece of advice:

“There is no such thing as never or always.”– Stephen Prince, Abbie’s brother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I once met former President George W. Bush while I was out for a jog. When we lived in the Dallas area, some friends and I used to do long training runs on Saturday mornings at a nearby state park. We were out one Saturday morning, and he (George W.) came to ride some of the mountain bike trails. Such a random meeting, but I have the grainy, sweaty picture to prove it.”

Brandon Norman

age: 28 | Self-Employed Fashion Designer | Duhbuhlyoo

A visionary in the field of fashion, Brandon Norman is the creative director and seamster of a custom evening wear line. Since an elementary school student, he has been involved in the field of arts in some capacity.  So it was only fitting that he chose a career that was centered around the arts.

 “Every day, I am just amazed with myself, coming from a small city to living in a major city in the nation to having my own bridal business,” Brandon admits.  Whether working with a celebrity on a beautiful evening gown or designing a wedding dress for a friend, Brandon personally feels like each and every day is a great accomplishment.  

Professionally, Brandon has a hard time choosing his greatest achievement, but being a part of history by creating custom looks for the first transgender Ms. Nevada 2021 for the USA pageant definitely ranks high on the list.  

Dubbed a “fashion genius” by many, Brandon enjoys giving back to his hometown community of Texarkana.  “Back when I was making prom gowns, I would select a girl who stood out and achieved good things their senior year and design a complimentary custom gown for her,” he says.  He has also been a guest speaker during workshops in the community to explain what it takes to be in the fashion industry to those interested in every facet of the business, whether modeling, photography, or designing.

Although he currently stays very busy bringing high-end fashion to the Dallas area, when he has time to shut off his brain and relax, he enjoys painting, fishing, and going to Top Golf and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

Brilliant and humble, this native Texarkanian’s future looks very bright.  He looks forward to opening a storefront, making the cover of “Vogue,” expanding his bridal line worldwide, and owning an art school dedicated to fashion in the East Texas region.  

Best piece of advice:

“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” — Cliff Norman, Brandon’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I’m just a funny person and love to make people laugh.”