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On April 29, Dr. Kay Walter, professor of English at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, received the Carolyn Pittman Lifetime Service Award from the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts (ACTELA). The award recognized Dr. Walter’s devotion to educators and students in Arkansas, her leadership of “The English Pub” newsletter and her commitment to ACTELA.

ACTELA, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the teaching and learning of English and language arts in Arkansas, has presented the award since 2005. Recipients are nominated members who have made significant contributions to the organization throughout their careers.

Dr. Walter, a 1984 UAM alumna, joined the English faculty at UAM in 2006 and has devoted her career to teaching students about British and World Literature. During her 20 years at UAM, she has taken students to multiple state, national and international conferences and led travel seminars to the United Kingdom and Italy. She has been invited to guest speak in public school classrooms and was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference at Henderson State University.

After joining ACTELA in 2011, she became editor of “The English Pub” in 2012. Under her leadership, the publication’s audience expanded to readers in all 50 states and 53 countries, while earning six National Council of Teachers of English Affiliate Newsletter of Excellence Awards. The newsletter highlights scholarship and creativity among K-12 English language arts teachers and literacy enthusiasts. Dr. Walter also began serving on the ACTELA board in 2012 and was recently appointed president of the organization.

Dr. Walter was nominated for the ACTELA award by a former UAM student. “That feels really special,” Dr. Walter said. “The legacy of this award, the people who have won it before me are people I really admire and respect. So, I feel touched and honored.” Dr. Walter also acknowledged UAM’s role in her professional journey, attributing her professional success to UAM’s devotion to educating and guiding its students.

Dr. Steven Harper, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at UAM, praised Dr. Walter’s achievement, stating, "This award is richly deserved. Dr. Walter's dedication to the art of teaching has inspired countless students, and UAM could not be prouder to have her as a faculty member and alumna."

For more information about ACTELA, contact Dr. Kay Walter at walter@uamont.edu or 870-460-1578. For more information about the School of Arts and Humanities at UAM, contact Dr. Steven Harper at harpers@uamont.edu or 870-460-1178.