Shannon Puckett named the Arkansas Assn. of Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year

HOPE – Shannon Puckett, CTE Coordinator at the Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative, has been named the 2025 Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year. This award is sponsored by Lifetouch. Mike Mertens, AAEA Consultant, and Tammy Carmical, Lifetouch, presented Mrs. Puckett with the award during a board meeting at her co-op on May 15, 2025.

This award is given each year to an Arkansas career and technical education administrator who has succeeded in promoting and enhancing career and technical education in their organization and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in their community.

Mrs. Puckett has served as SWAEC CTE Coordinator sin ce 2018. Throughout her tenure, she has committed to enhancing career and technical education at local, regional, and state levels. By building partnerships with education cooperatives, post-secondary institutions, and business and industry partners across Arkansas, Mrs. Puckett has helped create opportunities that broa den student exposure to career options while helping meet workforce needs. She has been instrumental to numerous initiatives and collaborations including student events such as Explore Success, Girl Power, Be A Model, and Next Man Up.

Mrs. Puckett is dedicated to the education of Arkansas students and very deserving of this award as evidenced in the following comments:

“Shannon’s leadership and collaboration have greatly contributed to our mission of preparing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local employers. She has played a key role in fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring students and job seekers have access to high-quality training and career pathways.” Renee Dycus, Executive Director, Southwest Arkansas Planning & Development District.

“Beyond program development, Shannon has been an advocate for educators, ensuring that they have access to professional development and the necessary tools to deliver high-quality instruction. She actively communicates with our staff, always keeping me in the loop of all things CTE. She collaborates with community stakeholders, policy makers, and industry leaders to promote the vital role that CTE plays in the shaping of our future.” Debbie Huff, Superintendent, Genoa Central School District

“Shannon’s passion for CTE is evident in her unwavering dedication to students, educators, and industry partners. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen partnerships between schools and local businesses, ensuring that students have access to high-quality programs that align with workforce needs. Her efforts have resulted in increased student engagement, enhanced program offerings, and stronger collaboration between districts and industry leaders.” Monica Morris, Assistant Director/Teacher Center Coordinator, Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative.