On August 9, 2019, UA Cossatot employees gathered at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium for a monthly faculty/staff meeting. During the meeting, three employees were recognized and received awards for supporting the UA Cossatot Foundation.

UA Cossatot’s Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts announced the winners of the awards and presented them with a plaque. Michael Wright and Kay Trotta received the Philanthropic Spirit Awards, and Jackie Taylor received the Appreciation Award. 

Michael Wright is a math instructor at UA Cossatot and chose to support the Foundation, along with his wife Jackie Wright, by establishing the Cawood-Wright Scholarship last year. This scholarship is given in memory of Mr. Wright’s mother Carrie Wright and Mrs. Wright’s parents Jack and Maxine Cawood. The scholarship awards one UA Cossatot sophomore full tuition and general fees for the entire academic year. The sophomore who receives the scholarship must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have a financial need, and be an education major. Mr. Wright also supports the Foundation by giving via payroll deduction. 

UA Cossatot LPN instructor, Kay Trotta received the Philanthropic Spirit Award for establishing the Shirley Berner scholarship. This scholarship is a $500 award given each fall and spring to a UA Cossatot LPN or RN student. The scholarship is given in honor of Kay Trotta’s mother.  Mrs. Trotta also named the UA Cossatot Sims Lab on the De Queen Campus in support of the foundation and in memory of her mother. In addition, Mrs. Trotta also supports the foundation through payroll deduction.

“Michael and Kay are prime examples of individuals displaying a lifestyle of generosity and promoting the welfare of others.  They are truly an asset to the college, foundation, and the students we serve.” said UA Cossatot’s Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.

Jackie Taylor works for UA Cossatot’s Building and Grounds. He received the Foundation’s Appreciation Award for his help at Fiesta Fest back in May. This festival is an annual foundation fundraiser that took place in Downtown De Queen. 

UA Cossatot Foundation Director Dustin Roberts said, “Jackie Taylor went above and beyond to help make the event a success.  We greatly appreciate his support and the dedication he shows to help the college, students, and community.”