Jodie Mahony Center’s Meadows Wins Challenger Award

Dr. Monica Meadows of the Jodie Mahony Center and the Education Center received the Challenger Award, a prestigious honor presented by Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE), on Feb. 12.

The Challenger Award recognizes individuals, typically educators, who take unusual, creative or innovative steps in their professional work. Honorees are recognized at the AGATE conference.

Meadows, a research associate at UA Little Rock, has served in multiple roles at the Jodie Mahony Center since 2015. She currently assists with summer programs and supports the center wherever needed.

“Dr. Meadows left a well-established gifted program in a metropolitan school district to become part of a team in a newly formed district where programs and services for advanced students were designed from the ground up,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “Monica was integral to the team — the program is now one of the best in the area. This is just one of many things Dr. Meadows has done.”

Meadows said the recognition was both unexpected and meaningful.

“I am so humbled,” Meadows said. “When Dr. Robinson and Dr. Dietz told me they were going to submit a nomination, I honestly did not believe I would receive the award. Being acknowledged by my peers and colleagues around the state is a very humbling experience and means a lot to me.”

Meadows said she plans to continue supporting students in K-12, as well as graduate and undergraduate students and teachers.

“No matter your profession or career, don’t be afraid to take opportunities that come your way, especially those that lead to paths you wouldn’t typically consider,” Meadows said. “I never considered that I would earn a doctorate or teach in higher education.”