North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas (UA Northark) alumna Jennifer Leatherman has been selected as the 2026 Distinguished Alumna in recognition of her professional accomplishments, leadership, and continued commitment to excellence.
Mrs. Leatherman will receive the award during the Northark Foundation’s annual Evening on the Plaza dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Signature Bank Community Room. A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the atrium.
Jennifer attended North Arkansas College from 2003 to 2005, earning an Associate of Arts degree. Her time at Northark provided more than an academic foundation it gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities she once considered beyond her reach.
“The faculty was truly invested in the success of students,” Leatherman said. “They believed in us and wanted us to succeed.”
One faculty member, in particular, left a lasting impression.
Anne Porter, Leatherman’s English professor, encouraged her to continue her education after learning that Leatherman planned to enter the workforce after earning her associate degree.
“I told her I was joining the workforce after getting an associate degree,” Leatherman said. “She believed in me, which pushed me to dream bigger and pursue goals I thought were unattainable.”
That encouragement proved pivotal. Leatherman continued her education at John Brown University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership and Ethics. She also earned her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Lean Six Sigma is a team strategy that helps businesses cut costs, speed up work, and eliminate mistakes.
Today, Leatherman serves as a director at J.B. Hunt Transport, where she leads teams focused on product strategy, technology innovation and revenue solutions. With more than two decades of experience in transportation, supply chain and technology leadership, she has helped drive organizational transformation and process improvement initiatives across J.B. Hunt and FedEx Freight.
Her career path into technology has not been traditional, but Leatherman said that experience has become one of her greatest strengths.
“Besides being a mother and raising four great children, I’m proud to be part of Engineering &Technology,” she said. “My path into technology hasn’t been the traditional one. My journey has given me a different perspective, and I’ve learned that there’s more than one way to build the skills, experience and leadership needed to succeed in this space.”
Looking back, Leatherman said Northark gave her something that has continued to serve her throughout her career: confidence.
“Northark gave me the confidence to push through barriers that felt out of reach,” she said.
Now a leader in the transportation and technology industries, Leatherman credits those early experiences at Northark and the people who encouraged her along the way with helping shape the person and professional she has become.
Leatherman resides in Rogers with her husband, Daniel, and their four children, Baker, Brody, Ellie, and Bennett.
Other awardees to be recognized during the Evening on the Plaza dinner are Mike Mills who will receive the Ozarks Ambassador Award and Craig Campbell who will be presented with the Pioneer Impact award.
Tickets are $60 each or a table of six for $360 and can be purchased online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eveningontheplaza/event/aneveningontheplaza/
Guests should RSVP before October 8, 2026. For more information contact Micki Somers at (870) 391-3242.