North Arkansas College will honor Dr. Lewis Villines as its 2025-26 Distinguished Alumnus in recognition of his service to education and leadership in public school administration.
This award is presented to former students who have made an outstanding contribution to Northark, his/her home community, his/her state, or to society. They must have made an outstanding achievement in a particular field or endeavor.
Lewis will be honored during the Foundation’s annual Evening on the Plaza dinner on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Signature Bank Community Room. The dinner will be preceded by a reception at 6:00 p.m. in the atrium.
A native of Jasper, Villines attended Northark during the 1989–90 school year before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1993. He went on to complete a Master of Science at the University of Central Arkansas in 2006 and a Doctorate of Education from Harding University in 2017.
Villines began his career as a high school agriculture teacher, a role he held for 14 years before moving into administration. He has since served as principal of Flippin Elementary School, Huntsville High School, and Rogers High School. Today, he is Assistant Superintendent of the Harrison School District.
In 2024, Evening on the Plaza was moved to the fall to align with Northark’s 50th Anniversary, celebrated near the college’s original opening date in August. As a result, the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus Award was delayed. To make up for the gap, Northark will honor two recipients with the Distinguished Alumnus award this year.
Also being honored are Ken Reeves, recipient of the 2025 Ozarks Ambassador Award; Steve Stafford, who will receive the 2025 Pioneer Impact Award; and Cheryl Laramore, recognized with the 2024-25 Distinguished Alumna Award.
Tickets are $55 each or a table of six for $275 and can be purchased before October 8, 2025, by calling Micki Somers at (870) 391-3242.