HOPE/TEXARKANA, AR – May 17, 2023

Each year, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana honors an outstanding staff member of the year. UAHT is proud to announce that this year’s winner is Akili Moses Israel. Akili has served as the Director of Business and Industry Training, Continuing Education, and Kids’ College since May 2019.

According to her nomination letter, “Akili stepped into her position feet first, ready to take on hard work. She was dedicated to everything she did, and the same is true today. She sees the good in everyone and knows exactly how to highlight those qualities in a person. She often takes on more than capacity in a two-person department and, without fail, produces success. Since her hire date, she has cultivated new programs and polished old ones. She has had a hand in the success of programs such as the Arkansas Trucking Academy, Cardiac Training Center, James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades, Kids’ College, Jobs Fairs, Ed2go, Professional Development, Economic Development, Women in non-traditional careers, workforce training, and much more. There is not a single project that Akili does not put her all into. She lives by the motto, ‘Do the hard work now, and it will be easy later.’”

“Akili is the link between UAHT and local businesses,” the letter continued. “She is diligent about finding career opportunities and providing life-long learning for students beyond their academic journey. She also focuses on finding financial aid for non-traditional and non-credit students. There are many reasons to respect Akili, including her kindness and perseverance, but her wholeheartedness to the University of Arkansas is among the top.” 

Please join the UAHT family in thanking Akili Moses Israel for her dedication to serving students at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.