UA Little Rock Alumna Honored with Lifetime Educator Award

Ouida Newton recalls a time when a group of students walked into her classroom convinced they simply weren’t good at math. They walked out believing in themselves.

Helping students gain confidence in their own abilities defined Newton’s 38-year career in education. Recently, the UA Little Rock alumna was recognized with the 2026 Lifetime Educator Award.

“It was such a special day, and I was deeply honored by the recognition,” Newton said. “There are so many outstanding teachers across our state who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their students. I wish every one of them could experience the feeling of being appreciated the way I did that day.”

During her career, Newton served as a teacher, library media specialist, curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, and mentor. She also led professional development for educators across Arkansas, served on the Arkansas State Board of Education, and was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2015.

But the moments she remembers most happened during interaction with her students inside her classroom.

“Some of my favorite moments were watching students who believed they ‘weren’t good at math’ leave my class confident in their abilities,” Newton said. “Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.”

She also cherishes reconnecting with former students years later and hearing about the lives they built after graduation.

“I meet them as adults, and they proudly tell me about their families, their careers, and how they are contributing to their communities,” Newton said. “Every student’s journey is different, and celebrating those journeys has been one of the greatest blessings of my career.”

Newton’s love for teaching started early. Her mother was a teacher and also her first-grade teacher. Other educators helped shape her path as well.

“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Pat Heard, showed me that math wasn’t just a subject. It was something you could truly enjoy,” Newton said. “My high school librarian, Mrs. Sudie Lamb, introduced me to a love of reading and opened the door to so many different genres.”

Newton said her education at UA Little Rock gave her the knowledge and confidence to begin her career as a K-12 library media specialist and provided a foundation she relied on throughout her career.

“We are so proud to call Mrs. Ouida Newton a UA Little Rock alumna,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education at UA Little Rock. “She represents excellence and dedication to teaching, and has positively influenced the lives of countless Arkansas children in her schools, and our teacher candidates are fortunate to have her as a role model.”

Another mentor, her high school English teacher, Mrs. Ruby Riggan, taught Newton a lesson she never forgot.

“She taught me that teaching isn’t just about delivering content,” Newton said. “It’s about knowing your students, caring about them as individuals, and letting them know every day that they matter.”

That lesson shaped the way Newton approached teaching and mentoring throughout her career.

“I hope they remember that they don’t simply teach content. They teach children,” Newton said. “Content is important, but the needs of the child must always come first. When students know they are valued and cared for, learning becomes possible.”

Serving as Arkansas Teacher of the Year and later on the Arkansas State Board of Education gave Newton a broader view of education across the state.

“I had the privilege of meeting dedicated educators from every corner of Arkansas,” Newton said. “While we often had different ideas and approaches, we all shared the same goal of providing every child with the best education and opportunities possible.”

After nearly four decades in education, Newton believes one thing has never changed.

“The teacher is still the most important part of any classroom,” she said. “A teacher who believes in a child can change that child’s life forever.”

When she looks back on her career, Newton hopes people remember something much simpler than the awards she received or the positions she held.

“More than anything, I hope people remember that I loved their children with all my heart and always wanted what was best for them,” Newton said. “If they remember that, then I will consider my career a success.”