America Walks is pleased to introduce the 2026 Arkansas State Walking College graduates! This is the third year for the Walking College program and we are proud to introduce you to the 11 outstanding fellows.
The virtual program ran from January to June and was open to Arkansas residents. Fellows completed a series of modules covering leadership development, coalition-building, walkable community design, local public policy, and strategic planning. The instructional content included online study materials, Zoom discussion forums with other Fellows, and community assignments. Each Fellow received one-on-one coaching from a personal Mentor to assist them in developing a Walking Action Plan for their community.
The Arkansas State Walking College was generously funded by the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA) and Arkansas Department of Health.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can bring the Walking College program to your state or organization, email us at ta@americawalks.org.
Meet the 2026 Fellows
Annette Artis – Clarendon, AR
- Early Childhood Development Community Health Worker (CHW), a mother, a doula, and a lactation specialist with over 35 years of experience serving children and families
- Believes walking is a free, affordable exercise that everyone deserves to do safely
- After 38 years away, returned to hometown of Clarendon, Arkansas and now leads youth programs, hosts an annual fishing derby at the pond, and advocates for youth and families
Ashley James, DNP, APRN, CCNS, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDCES, CCA – Pine Bluff, AR
- Advanced practice nurse, healthcare administrator, and instructor with over 20 years of experience delivering high‑quality patient care across clinic, hospital, and long‑term care settings
Becca Green, APR – Little Rock, AR
- Wendel regional program manager, joined the firm in May 2026 and is responsible for executing projects for clients, overseeing a program of public transportation projects, and planning and executing regional business development initiatives
- For more than 10 years, led strategic planning, communications, branding, public affairs, and planning and scheduling initiatives for Arkansas’ largest public transit agency, Rock Region METRO, serving Pulaski County and Conway
- Has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since 2005 and served as president for the Arkansas chapter. She is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXX
- Currently leading local engagement efforts for the Rock Region METRO Dock at the Rock transit-oriented development project as part of the Wendel team
Beck Rodriguez – Rogers, AR
- Community Health Worker II and Physical Activity Lead – UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation (ICHI) and 2025 graduate of the LANESHIFT Active Transportation Academy
Caleb Cox – Sherwood, AR
- A native of Arkansas and United States Air Force veteran, having recently served in various domestic and international assignments (2017-2022). Upon honorable discharge, enrolled in the Master of Public Service Program at the renowned University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service (2022-2024)
- During the graduate program, worked as a capstone student (graduate student researcher) with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, working closely with food insecurity programs for rural individuals
- Upon graduation, became employed at Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and currently works in managing a workforce development grant, along with evaluation and data analysis of ARHP’s programs
Cindy Grisham – Little Rock, AR
- Retired deputy sheriff from southern Missouri
- Moved to Arkansas for graduate school in 2006 and has worked at Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Supreme Court, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT
Donald Simpson PhD, MPH – Fort Smith, AR
- ASCP‑certified Cytologist and seasoned higher‑education administrator with 20+ years of leadership across five academic institutions
- Principal investigator and co‑investigator on major funded projects totaling more than $10 million, including international program development in Namibia and multiple public‑health initiatives
- Former national committee chair and past president within major cytotechnology and public‑health organizations
- Currently President‑Elect on the Board of Directors for Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine’s Alumni Association; and was recently elected to serve as President-Elect for the Arkansas Public Health Association
Heather Lucius – Prairie Grove, AR
- Special Education doctoral student, educator, and advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Proud mom who is committed to helping others succeed, passionate about leadership, community impact, and building more inclusive and supportive environments
Jamie Collier – Magnolia, AR
- Serves as a Regional Program Associate for the Arkansas High Obesity Program with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
- Supports community health initiatives in Hempstead and Ouachita counties focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing access to opportunities for physical activity and wellness at the local level.
- Currently participating in the Arkansas State Walking College to further strengthen my knowledge and skills in walkability and community health promotion
Michelle Carter – Wilmar, AR
- Regional Program Associate with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, serving the past two and a half years with the Arkansas High Obesity Program (ARHOP)
- Partners with communities, organizations, and coalitions to support outreach efforts that promote access to healthy foods and safe environments for physical activity.
- Passionate about connecting with people and building relationships in the community
Morgan Chrestman – Little Rock, AR
- Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Crittenden County with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
- Founder and director of the Crittenden County Farmers Market, creating opportunities for local growers, makers, and entrepreneurs while improving access to fresh, healthy foods
- Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Business Management and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership
- Led programs focused on nutrition, wellness, financial education, youth development, and community engagement. Her work has been recognized through presentations and conference participation at the local, state, and national levels.
- Mom of two and enjoys gardening, preserving the harvest, baking, hunting and fishing adventures, photography, and making memories with family.
Learn more
- Quick Build: Calm a Street With Paint, Inspiration and Teamwork
- Making Little Rock’s Pettaway Neighborhood Safer (VIDEO)
