The University of Central Arkansas has chosen two alumni for the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award: Woodrow “Woody” E. Cummins, Jr., Ed.D. ’68, ’71 and Kristin Lewis ’99.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award presented to an alumnus or alumna – recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the university, community, state or society; outstanding achievements in a particular field of endeavor; or have a character that enhances the reputation of the university.
Cummins and Lewis will be honored at the annual Laurels & Stripes fundraising gala on April 9, 2022.
Woodrow “Woody” E. Cummins, Jr. ’68, ’71 enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas when it was still Arkansas State Teachers College. He was on the UCA football team and helped the Bears win two Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference titles. He also served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve 489th Engineering Battalion.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Cummins went on to earn his master’s degree in special education and taught for one year. Around that time, the state of Arkansas began implementing a Kindergarten program. UCA was designated as a laboratory school under the direction of Walter Hodges, a nationally recognized authority in childhood education. Cummins was among the teachers recruited to teach students and develop the kindergarten curriculum, which earned him an additional master’s degree. In 1993, he earned his doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas.
Before he retired in 2017, Cummins’ 50-year career spanned across disciplines. He has been a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and deputy director at the Department of Education. He worked as executive vice president at Worthen Bank, senior vice president for business development at First Security Bank, and a financial consultant for Stephens Inc. Cummins has served the Conway area and the state of Arkansas through several organizations including but not limited to: Conway City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Conway Civic Orchestra, Rotary Club and the Boys Girls Club. He also served for five years as Toad Master for Conway’s Toad Suck Daze.
“Like his one-name celebrity status as ‘Woody,’ his occupation, regardless of the title or location, can also be described in one word – ‘teacher,’” said UCA Distinguished Alumnus Raymond Simon ’66. “He has always possessed that special gift to make learning fun and the ability to convey information in a way that makes sense. He teaches not only by word, but more importantly by example. He is the conscience of any organization with which he is affiliated.”
Cummins has served as a member of the alumni board and the UCA Foundation board of directors. He is a member of the campaign steering committee for UCA Now, the largest fundraising campaign in university history.
Cummins says his single best experience at UCA was meeting Cora (Barnes) Cummins ’68. They’ve been married 53 years and have an adult daughter and three grandsons. He enjoys mentoring and will occasionally visit and have lunch with students.
“It was important for me when I was their age. I think it gives them an opportunity to bounce questions off someone they’re not accountable to,” Cummins said. “I was not blessed with a lot of talent and skills, but I think I have been well-served by working hard and working long. Sure, it helps to have above average intelligence, but social skills and empathy are paramount. At UCA, I was mentored by people with high emotional intelligence and I’d like to think I adopted some of their behaviors.”
Kristin Lewis ’99 has been a student of music for as long as she could remember. Now an internationally known opera singer Lewis has graced the stage of performance halls all over the world including New York, Berlin, London, Paris, Rome and Tokyo. Based in Vienna, Austria, the Little Rock native has a long list of prestigious awards which now includes Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Central Arkansas.
“It is an amazing honor,” Lewis said. “I am so fortunate to have graduated from the University of Central Arkansas. It was such a well rounding experience for me, providing me with a firm foundation: from working with Dr. Martha Antolik who was my voice teacher to how the music department was perfect for my level of development and progression.”
Antolik coached Lewis through several auditions and competitions. Even when she did not win, Antolik says Lewis had a “supreme dedication to the vocal art” accompanied by a pursuit of excellence, perseverance and hard work. That is what led to her success, and living her dream of affecting the lives of others in a positive way.
Lewis is a lyrico-spinto soprano, and one of the things she loves most about performing is the storytelling within an opera. They’re always so interesting because the plots are rich with drama, conflict and love.
“Every role I play is my favorite because they’re all so different,” Lewis said. “What makes them so interesting is that there is a different arc of emotion with each one, and putting my own experiences and personality into the role is challenging and rewarding.”
In 2014, she created the Kristin Lewis Foundation which encourages the pursuit of musical endeavors. The foundation helps young talented singers discover and appreciate opera and musical cultures through education, performance and experiences.
“It happened from this very profound moment of gratefulness,” Lewis said. “I recognized that I am so blessed from having been so well-supported on my own journey. With everything I’ve received in my life and career, it felt like the natural next step – a charge to give back.”
The foundation is designed to offer scholarships and other resources to young emerging artists studying at American colleges and universities. Lewis says many artists who came from her scholarship program are doing very well now. She maintains a relationship with many past recipients. This year she plans to expand the scholarship program internationally.
“I never allow myself to forget how extraordinary it is to be able to sing in the greatest opera houses in the world and be able to affect the lives of others on this scale. It’s amazing. For my alma mater to recognize me in this way brings tears to my eyes. It means the world to me; I am grateful.”