Academic Advising

Mission
To promote and empower students to achieve academic and career success leading to a life of continual learning, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.

Vision 
To strive for intentional planning, purposeful collaboration, and a result-oriented perspective

Academic Advisors

Kathy Reaves

Kathy Reaves, Director of Advising

  • Automotive

  • General Technology

  • Industrial Engineering Technology: Industrial Maintenance and E&I

  • Industrial Engineering Technology: Chemical Process Technology

  • Welding

  • Medium/Heavy Truck Diesel Service Technology

  • Forestry Technology

  • Criminal Justice

  • Radiologic Technology

  • Physical Therapy Assistant

  • Surgical Technology

870-864-7141 
Email Kathy Reaves   
ECC 253 (located in Student Services)  

I grew up in Mt. Holly and graduated from high school in 1974 (yes, I am that old!!!). I attended SAU and graduated in May 1977 with my bachelor’s degree in English Education. After marrying my wonderful husband in September of that same year, we moved to Little Rock. My 2 sons were born there, and in 1990 we moved to Texas.  

I have been back in South Arkansas for the past 16 years. I have worked most of that time with Career Pathways, but recently moved to Advising full time.  I love what I do, and one of the best “perks” of my job is watching our students walk across the stage at graduation!

Make an Appointment with Kathy Reaves
sarah

Sarah Sullivant, Academic Advisor/Retention Specialist

  • Associate of Arts/General Studies

  • Business

  • Accounting

  • Entertainment & Media Arts

  • Computer Information Technology

  • Early Childhood Education

  • Education

  • Emergency Medical Technician

  • Paramedic

  • Medical Coding

870-875-7233
Email Sarah Sullivant
ECC 255 (located in Student Services)

SouthArk has wonderful programs, and I truly believe the opportunities we have here can help you achieve success. I transferred several credits from SouthArk to Louisiana Tech University which helped me complete my Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2013, and I am thrilled to be working as an advisor! My door is always open for you; if I don't know the answer, I promise I will work to point you in the right direction.

I love to read, travel, golf, kayak, hike, and listen to live music. I live by the motto "It always seems impossible until it's done" -Nelson Mandela. Come by my office or send me an email. You are always welcome!

Make an Appointment with Sarah Sullivant
Jon Pigott

Jon Pigott, Athletics Advisor

I'm originally from Sparkman, AR, and I graduated from Camden Harmony Grove High School. My journey in higher education began at the University of Arkansas, where I earned a bachelor's degree in biology.

Driven by my passion for teaching and leadership, I pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching at Henderson State University, followed by an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

Before joining South Arkansas College, I spent eight years coaching high school basketball, where I had the privilege of mentoring student-athletes both on and off the court. Now, as the head women's basketball coach and academic advisor for athletes at South Arkansas College, I bring a wealth of experience in supporting student success.

My focus is on helping athletes achieve their academic goals while thriving in their athletic pursuits. I'm dedicated to providing guidance and support to ensure that each student-athlete has a fulfilling college experience at South Arkansas College.

Make an Appointment with Jon Pigott
Talithea McHenry

Talithea McHenry, Academic Advisor

  • Practical Nursing

  • Registered Nursing

870-875-7207
Email Talithea McHenry
ECC 244 (Located in Student Services)

SouthArk is a family where everyone knows your name, and most call me by my nickname, “Thea.” Like many of our students, I dreamed of going to college as a kid. I knew I wanted to go there one day. I just needed some guidance on which path to follow.

After graduating with honors from El Dorado High School in 1999, I attended Henderson State University (HSU) on academic and choral scholarships. I worked hard to achieve my goals and graduated Summa cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services—still even more determined to earn a masters degree in another state. In 2006, I earned an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis with distinction, recipient of the Harriet Tubman Scholarship Award. These experiences taught me that anything is possible when you believe.

Besides being known for my positive energy and a spark of creativity, I am very excited to be part of the Advising Team! I bring a diverse background with previous experience in the areas of mental health, administration, and social work. I love to read, sing, and listen to music.

My motto is knowledge is power. Getting an education is an opportunity to grow as an individual but also to expand your mind. Never be afraid to set high standards for yourself!

And remember that higher education gives you the training and skills necessary for success. At SouthArk, not only will you meet leaders in your field and network with top professionals, you make lifelong connections.

Self-Initiated Referral

Exploring Your Major

O*NET: Database that includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with thousands of occupations. 
Occupational Outlook Handbook:Guide to career information for hundreds of occupations developed and provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
College Board Major & Career Profiles  

What To Do With A Major  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How are advisors assigned to students? Advisors are assigned to students according to major.

2. How do I schedule an appointment with an advisor? Click to schedule an appointment with an advisor: http://www.southark.edu/admissions-enrollment/student-advising-coaches and click the Schedule Appointment button.

3. How does an advisor help students? Advisors help students realize the appropriate number of classes to attempt each semester to help them achieve their goals. They assist with schedule planning, time management suggestions, referrals and suggestions to other people or departments who might be able to assist students with whatever challenges they are facing, intervening when students are at risk of not passing classes, and graduation paperwork.

4. What are your hours of operation? Monday -Thursday 8:00-5:30; Friday 8:00 - noon. 

5. Do you ever advise by phone or email if a student can’t come to the campus? Yes, advisors are available in-person, virtually, and by phone. 

6. If I want to go to SouthArk for two years and then transfer to a four year university, what should my major be at SouthArk? An Associate of Arts degree will transfer seamlessly to a four year university. You may also wish to speak with our transfer advisor as we have multiple 2+2's with university partners that may be of interest to you as well.

7. Am I able to take a course that is not on my degree plan? It is imperative that students receiving financial aid or scholarships only take classes on their degree plan. If a student is taking a class that it is not on their degree plan, then the student would be responsible for paying for that class out of their own pocket.

8. How do I know if a class I took will transfer? Arkansas schools use a helpful website we refer to as ACTS, which stands for Arkansas Course Transfer System. The website is maintained by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. For schools outside of Arkansas, check with your advisor and the receiving institution.

9. Can I register for classes online? Students with a 2.5 GPA and who have earned 12 or more hours are eligible to register online.

10. How do online classes work? Online classes are taken through Blackboard. There is a link to Blackboard on the SouthArk website. Some instructors might require test to be proctored on campus, but some or all of the work in an online class is done online.

11. What is a hybrid class? A hybrid class usually meets once per week rather than twice, and the remainder of the courses is done online.

12. If I need to add or drop a class, can I just call? If you call, we will talk you through the process of where you can find the Add/Drop form on our website. A student’s signature is required in order to make changes to a schedule.

13. What if I need assistance off campus? A list of community resources can be found here.

14. What is academic probation and/or suspension? All SouthArk students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress in all the classes they take. Students are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or higher while enrolled.

Please review the academic probation and suspension policies listed in the College Catalog located here: SouthArk Catalog Academic Standards. Please contact your Academic Advisor if you still have questions after reviewing the academic policies.