by Alexa Smith
UACCB Freelance Writer
BATESVILLE - The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville has recently hired two new employees.
Blake Cannon has been hired as the director of institutional research and Cheryle Gunther has been hired as the fiscal support specialist.
Cannon's credentials include a master's of public health in biostatistics from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's of science in biochemistry with a concentration in mathematics from the University of Texas. He has been employed in the Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis at the University of Oklahoma since receiving his master's in 2006. Along with his statistical background, his skills include web-design construction and support as well as knowledge of SQL, MySQL, SPSS, PHP, ColdFusion and JavaScript.
In his position, Cannon will conduct statistical and analytical studies that support the academic and administrative functions of the college.
"I saw a great opportunity to take my experiences at a big data consortium and use it toward a much more specific group (a single institution)," Cannon said. "I want to keep working and growing in the higher education field. I hope to bring a lot of experience to UACCB. Though I’ve only been here a few days, I can honestly say I love the family atmosphere and how everyone tries so hard to make you feel comfortable."
From Norman, Okla., Cannon has family in Dallas. "In my free time," he said, "I like to watch movies and do projects around the house." However, things are pretty busy for him these days. He and his fiancée, Jenny Miller, are planning an October wedding. Miller, who serves as registrar at Ozarka, has a 2 1/2; year old son, Austin. "So, we have a lot of things going on," he said, "but we are loving every minute of it!"
Gunther will be working at the cashier's window in the main campus building and is "ready to offer a smile and a word of encouragement" to all who stop by.
Gunther graduated from Cushman High School and received a technical certificate in business education from Gateway Vocational Technical School in 1979 while working for a local business. She attended BeeJay's Hairstyling Academy in 1993, became a licensed cosmetologist, and opened her own beauty shop.
"I have worked in customer service for many years," Gunther said, "whether in an office setting or in the beauty shop helping people is what I do best."
Having been employed in the UACCB business office part-time since January 2009, Gunther said, "Stepping into a full-time position is a dream come true and just like 'coming home'!"
She said that she has a lot in common with UACCB. "We both enjoy reaching out to the community in various ways. My goal here is to learn as much as I can, so that I can help everyone's day go a little smoother."
She and her husband, Steve are long-time residents of Cushman where they pastor The Rock Outreach. "I enjoy sewing, reading and playing the piano and, of course, spending time with my grandsons, Layton and Keyan," she said. The couple has two children - a daughter, Cara, who is a 2009 graduate of the UACCB practical nursing program, and a son, Bucky, who works at Batesville Cold Storage.
