UA Little Rock to Celebrate Distinguished Alumni
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will honor three outstanding graduates and one honorary alumnus with UA Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards during a Feb. 26 ceremony at the Clinton Presidential Center.
Margaret Preston Dedman will be recognized as Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and Gina Pharis will receive the President’s Award for her longstanding contributions to UA Little Rock and the community. The university will also recognize Greg Flesher, president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation, with the Honorary Alumnus Award, and Cortney Kennedy, chief legal counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with the Young Alumni Award.
“Each of these honorees represents the best of what it means to be part of the Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Their dedication to service, leadership, and education reflects the core values of UA Little Rock, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements and continued impact in our state.”
The Distinguished Alumna Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of UA Little Rock, Little Rock University, or Little Rock Junior College. It recognizes exceptional professional success and contributions to the community.
“I never expected anything like this,” said Dedman. “I’ve always been grateful for the education I received at UA Little Rock. It helped shape who I am. To be recognized in this way is truly an honor.”
The President’s Award honors a UA Little Rock graduate who has achieved success in their career, given back to their community, and remained an engaged supporter of the university.
“UA Little Rock gave me the chance to discover all that I was capable of,” said Pharis. “That experience shaped my life, and it’s why I’ve always felt a responsibility to stay connected and give back.”
The Young Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who is excelling in their career and leadership roles while bringing honor and awareness to UA Little Rock through their work and service.
“Everything I’ve been able to do started with my time at UA Little Rock,” said Kennedy. “It opened doors for me, and it grounded me in service. I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the university that gave me my start.”
The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to a non-alumnus who has made lasting contributions to UA Little Rock through leadership, support, and advocacy.
“Working with the Donaghey Foundation has given me a front-row seat to the impact UA Little Rock has on students and our community,” Flesher said. “I may not be a graduate, but I’ve always believed in the mission of this university, and I’m honored to be part of its story.”
The Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, contact Kristi Smith at [email protected] or call 501-916-3194.
More about the honorees:
Margaret Preston Dedman
Margaret Preston Dedman earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from UA Little Rock before embarking on a successful career in broadcast journalism and public information. After starting at an ABC affiliate in Shreveport, she returned to Little Rock to join KARK Channel 4, where she quickly became a primetime anchor.
She later served in communications leadership roles with the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkla Gas, and CHI St. Vincent. Dedman is also active in community service and mentorship through her church and volunteer work with organizations including the Arkansas Homeless Coalition and the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board.
Gina Pharis
Gina Pharis earned her degree in radio, television, and film from UA Little Rock and went on to lead the Little Rock Marathon for over a decade, growing it into one of the city’s most successful and beloved events.
She has also served on the UA Little Rock Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she championed student scholarships and alumni engagement. The first in her family to earn a college degree, Pharis continues to advocate for educational access and opportunity.
Cortney Kennedy
Cortney Kennedy serves as Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She previously worked as a criminal justice attorney in the Governor’s Office and as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Arkansas’s 20th Judicial District.
Kennedy is a three-time graduate of UA Little Rock, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law. She is also active in nonprofit leadership, youth mentorship, and law enforcement training.
Greg Flesher
Greg Flesher is president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation and a longtime partner at Frost PLLC. Under his leadership, the foundation has supported key UA Little Rock programs such as the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Trojan Way, and other initiatives that strengthen student success.
A dedicated civic leader, Flesher has served as president of Rotary Club 99, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.