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Dr. Dorissa Kaufman, director of adult education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Luther H. Black Award for Outstanding Administrator by the Arkansas Association for Continuing and Adult Education (AACAE), one of the highest honors in Arkansas’ adult education system.

The award recognizes an administrator who has made exceptional contributions to the advancement of adult education at the community, state or national level. Candidates must have at least five years of administrative experience and demonstrate a deep commitment to fostering adult education as a lifelong learning process.

Dr. Kaufman has worked in adult education for more than 18 years, serving as director for 17 of those years. She has led UAM’s Adult Education program through significant growth, expanding services across eight counties and overseeing 15 centers that provide critical educational opportunities for adult learners.

As part of her role, Dr. Kaufman promotes instructional excellence and ensures each center stays current with curriculum, teaching strategies and data-driven practices. Colleagues describe her as a supportive, positive and highly engaged leader who ensures staff members have the resources, training and encouragement needed to help students succeed.

“I am truly honored to receive the Luther H. Black Award and deeply grateful to AACAE for this recognition,” Dr. Kaufman said. “Adult education has been my life’s work, and I am proud to serve alongside a dedicated team and a university that believes in the power of second chances and lifelong learning. This award reflects the commitment of our entire UAM Adult Education family to the success of every learner we serve.”

Dr. Kaufman was selected for her leadership, strategic vision and dedication to expanding access to adult education in Arkansas. Her work has strengthened partnerships, expanded programming and aligned adult education services with workforce, academic and community needs throughout the region.

Steven Jossell, vice chancellor of UAM-CTM, praised Dr. Kaufman’s achievement, stating, “Dr. Dorissa Kaufman’s selection as the 2025 Luther H. Black Award for Outstanding Administrator recipient stands as a fitting testament to her exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing adult education. For more than 18 years, she has defined excellence by establishing one of Arkansas’ most impactful and far-reaching programs, setting uncompromising performance standards and leading with a remarkable blend of optimism, approachability and authentic care. Her strategic acumen, deep command of curriculum and data-informed instruction and her ability to galvanize teams toward superior results have strengthened communities and transformed lives across eight counties. I, and the UAM-CTM family, are profoundly proud of Dr. Kaufman and celebrate her receipt of this distinguished, well-deserved, statewide honor.”