Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The eighth annual Living Legends Awards were presented to seven individuals in a spring semester ceremony at Arkansas State University. In addition, four other individuals were recognized.  

More than 30 people have been honored as Living Legends since the inception of the award in 2019.  

Those added this year include: Dr. Valarie Hilson, Roger McKinney, Jerrod Lockhart, Sherry Eskridge, Adrian Everett, Dr. Ruby Ben and Dr. Shelvy Haywood Keglar.  

Dr. Valarie Hilson, assistant professor of physical education teacher education at A-State, is a dedicated mentor and educator. She has made substantial contributions to teacher preparation and success and has participated in community engagement activities within the College of Education and Behavioral Science.  

Roger McKinney is a lifelong advocate for preserving local history. He volunteers at the Craighead County-Jonesboro African American Cultural Center. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, which was closed in 1967 following desegregation, he lived through school segregation and played a role in the integration of Jonesboro High School. He is a devoted educator, with a commitment to truth, historic preservation, and cultivating empathy and unity in the community.  

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Jerrod Lockhart is a higher education leader and social work professional. Currently, director of transition programs and initiatives at the University of Arkansas, he provides support in numerous areas. Lockhart worked on campus at A-State in various roles, lending his leadership and mentorship to others. He is also a four-time A-State alumnus.  

Serving as student engagement and outreach librarian at A-State, Sherry Eskridge has dedicated more than 30 years to the university. The first African American female academic librarian on campus, she has helped with and orchestrated many events and activities on campus. Eskridge coordinates events for students and outreach opportunities to promote engagement.  

Adrian Everett is a high school teacher in the West Memphis School District. A two-time graduate of A-State, he worked in several positions on campus, including as director of the Multicultural Center. He owns two companies, Big A and K Lawn Care and K Southern BBQ and More. Everett serves on several committees and boards, including the Strong-Turner chapter of the Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Theta Upsilon Alumni Association. 

Dr. Ruby Ben, clinical quality process improvement director at Baptist Health, has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, customer service, leadership and project management. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where her dedication to giving back grew. Having received many accolades, Ben uses her influence to help others in her community and beyond. She believes that community contributions are essential to a meaningful life. 

Dr. Shelvy Haywood Keglar, involved in sports from a young age, was captain while on the A-State basketball team, where he also worked as a freshman coach and graduate assistant. After he was inducted into the military, he was the player-coach of the Fort Sam Houston Rangers for two years and was selected for the All-Army team. He founded a professional placement agency, now known as Midwest Sports, in 1979, helping young athletes.  

In addition to the Living Legends awardees, the ceremony also recognized the winner of a Leadership Award.  

Franklin Teague is the assistant principal at Douglas McArthur Junior High School in Jonesboro. Last year, his school presented him with the Heart of the School Award. He holds two degrees from A-State and is seeking a doctorate in educational leadership. He is the president of the Nu Tau Sigma graduate chapter of Phi Beta Sigma.  

Three individuals were honored posthumously with the Legacy Award.  

Sandra Combs was a member of the A-State faculty in the School of Media and Journalism. In her 17-year career, she was an adviser to The Herald, as well as associate professor of multimedia journalism. She received many accolades and honors and was involved with many university committees and professional organizations. She was recognized by the Craighead County NAACP with its Unsung Hero Award. 

Herschel Jean Davis Gaines, a lifelong educator, dedicated more than 50 years to helping others as a teacher, mentor and leader. She taught during segregation and integration, serving as a beacon of steadiness and compassion for her students. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Gaines was a woman of service and leadership in the community. Her life was dedicated to lifting up others and making her community stronger.  

Sonja Diane Williams graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as valedictorian, followed by a degree in English and world languages from Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal school, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She taught students in three states, spoke three languages, and continued learning, receiving a master’s degree in education.

She worked at Jonesboro High School, becoming an assistant principal. She endured the hardships of segregation and other racial norms of the time. Her goal was to inspire youth to recognize their highest potential.   These awards honor individuals whose commitment to service, excellence and community uplift leaves a lasting impression for generations to come.  

The ninth annual awards will be held in the spring semester of 2027.  

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