A reception was held Wednesday, Dec. 2, to honor Cathy Fultz-Rosewell, who is retiring at the end of the semester after 25 years of teaching at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus.
Fultz-Rosewell, program chair of the cosmetology program, began teaching at Arkansas Tech-Ozark, then Arkansas Valley Vocational Technical School, in 1991.
Prior to teaching, she owned her own salon for 10 years. During her time as faculty, she has seen more than 30 cosmetic science students place at the state level of SkillsUSA, as well as had five students place nationally in the top three and four others in the top ten.
She was named the 2004 Arkansas SkillsUSA advisor of the year and served 12 years on the national education team for the organization.
In 2015, Fultz-Rosewell was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award at the Arkansas Tech-Ozark commencement ceremony in May. In August, she was selected as Teacher of the Year, her fifth time to earn the title, at the annual Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.
In her retirement, she said she plans to travel with her husband, Ray.
“I plan to stay active and do the things I haven’t had time to do,” she said. “I’m very blessed to have been a part of this institution.”
Chief Academic Officer Michael Murders said, “Cathy has been a pillar of support and continuity for this institution, especially during the transition of becoming part of Arkansas Tech. She and her contributions to the cosmetology program are more than a reputation of success, but a legacy to build upon in the future.”
Chancellor Bruce Sikes added, “Cathy’s passion and dedication to the cosmetology program and industry is reflected by her long list of accolades and student successes throughout the years. We wish her the best as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.”
