Explore this collection of photos capturing the success stories of our students, faculty, and mentor teachers. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty are dedicated to supporting your growth and are committed to documenting every step of your journey.
Dr. Betsy Orr & Dr. Sheri Deaton
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Deaton Named Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Professional of the Year
Sheri Deaton, a teaching assistant professor of career and technical education, has been named the 2026 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) National Postsecondary Professional of the Year.
Deaton, who teaches in the College of Education and Health Professions Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is being recognized for her commitment to students, innovation in the classroom, and dedication to the improvement of career and technical education (CTE).
“Winning the ACTE Postsecondary Professional of the Year is an incredible honor,” Deaton said. “This award affirms the value of showing up every day for students, creating pathways that change lives, and supporting educators who make those pathways possible. This recognition also reflects the collective effort of my colleagues, school partners, and the amazing mentor teachers I am privileged to work with every day.”
Deaton joined the U of A faculty in 2016 and has since earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She’s taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introduction to Education, Assessment and Program Evaluation, Teaching Strategies, and specialized courses in apparel production and interior design for family and consumer sciences education students.
Article first published December 19, 2025, written by Macey Wyler, communications intern in the College of Education and Health Professions, mwyler@uark.edu, along with Shannon Magsam, director of communications, College of Education and Health Profession, magsam@uark.edu.
U of A Graduate Wins Teacher of Year Award in First Year
Kendahl Hahn, a 2017 graduate of the University of Arkansas, was named First-Year Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Lewisville Independent School District in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Hahn teaches family and consumer sciences. She said the most important thing she learned as a new teacher was not to go it alone.
“Asking for help, finding mentors, and opening up communication with colleagues has been the most beneficial tool for me,” Hahn said. “Having support from people who have gone through the same struggles I was going through was immeasurably helpful, and having friends to celebrate my victories made everything that much more enjoyable. The University of Arkansas helped prepare me for my first year and I owe so much gratitude to them and my wonderful professors.”
She said Sheri Deaton, clinical instructor in family and consumer science education, prepared her to educate others about the importance of family and consumer sciences.
“It is so rewarding seeing how (family and consumer sciences) affects students’ lives, and you made me realize how great of a teacher I want to be,” Hahn said.
Hahn also took top honors for her program in the College of Education and Health Professions last year. She was the 2016-17 Undergraduate Student of the Year in career and technical education.
Article first published May 4, 2018, as “U of A Graduate Wins Teacher of Year Award in First Year” in University of Arkansas News.
U of A Instructor Receives Two Statewide Teaching Awards
Sheri Deaton, University of Arkansas clinical instructor of family and consumer sciences, recently was named Arkansas 2018 Association of Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Teacher of the Year and the 2018 Arkansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences Postsecondary Teacher of the Year.
The awards recognize career and technical education teachers at the postsecondary level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of career and technical education in their institutions and communities.
Deaton began teaching in the College of Education and Health Professions in 2016. She formerly taught family and consumer sciences education at the high school level beginning in 2003.
Article first published Aug. 7, 2017, as “U of A Instructor Receives Two Statewide Teaching Awards” in University of Arkansas News.