Zitlaly Onofre and Arnaldo Caraballo Honored at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Ceremony
At a special graduation event held on May 9, 2025, several students and staff members were recognized for their achievements at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus in Russellville.
Zitlaly Onofre from Clarksville received the prestigious Bob Adams Outstanding Student Award. Graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Technology, Onofre shared her journey. She felt a strong connection to ATU-Ozark from her very first campus visit while in high school. "The supportive faculty and staff made my college experience truly enriching," she said, expressing her gratitude for the encouragement she received as a first-generation college student.
Arnaldo Caraballo, from Paris, was awarded the ATU-Ozark Campus Spirit Award. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement. Caraballo credited his family and the warm community at ATU-Ozark for his success. "This degree marks an important step in my career as a deputy sheriff," he shared, thanking his family for their unwavering support during his educational journey.
Alongside Onofre and Caraballo, other notable awards included:
- Faculty Award of Excellence in Teaching: Melinda Rhynes, who has been with ATU-Ozark since 2014 and specializes in Medical Assisting.
- Faculty Award of Excellence in Service: Mark Maxwell, who started working at ATU-Ozark in 2022, focusing on Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services.
- ATU-Ozark Service Award: Jessica Spicer, who joined the staff in 2009 and serves as the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Career Pathways.
- ATU-Ozark Staff Excellence Award: Alina House, who has been part of the team since 2018 as the Assistant Director of Finance.
The ceremony highlighted the hard work and dedication of both students and faculty, reflecting a supportive educational environment at ATU-Ozark Campus.
