The Way I See It...

Publisher's Letter 

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

May 2026

very May, Four States Living Magazine has the privilege of honoring women who lead in countless ways across Texarkana. These honorees are selected by the previous year’s class, creating a tradition that stretches back many years. It is one of my favorite issues each year—not only because the heavy lifting of choosing the content is lovingly handled for us, but also because I always come away inspired by the women our community chooses to celebrate.

This year’s class may be the most impressive yet.

From educational administrators to nonprofit founders, business owners to medical leaders, the women of 2026 represent the very best of Texarkana, USA. I had the chance to read their stories before meeting them on photo day, and I already knew we were in for something special.

When I bought Four States Living Magazine, it was a modest little 16-page newspaper fold-over publication with one feature story, a couple of event listings, and some ads. I had taken journalism in high school, but that was the extent of my formal training. I did have a master’s degree in English, and I was teaching writing part-time at the university—while raising babies and trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t know much, but what I knew for sure was this: I loved Texarkana, and I wanted to be part of anything that made it better.

So, at 28 years old, buying a business that reflected the positive values of my hometown seemed like the perfect fit. Back then, if there was a gala, leadership roundtable, or crack-of-dawn fundraiser walk for any nonprofit in town, I was there. I loved helping plan, organize, volunteer, and show up for the organizations that are the backbone of our community.

Owning the magazine opened my eyes to both the best and worst things happening around town. Intentionally, I left the police reports and hard news to the daily paper. Four States Living was a blank slate. I took a solo weekend retreat and wrote a mission statement for the magazine. It contained four verbs: inspire, elevate, stir, entertain.

Mission statements were all the rage back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and I read more management books than anyone should. Nearly three decades later, I think the best advice for business owners is simple:

Always tell the truth.

Do the right thing.

Apologize when you fail.

Strive to be better each year than the year before.

Never stop learning—it’s the only way forward.

Over the years, our QuickBooks accounting software has collected thousands of business contacts. Sometimes I scroll through old names and think about the businesses that have come and gone, the people still hustling, and the owners—like me—still thinking about payroll while driving through Newk’s at 8:45 p.m. (because it closes at 9, and somebody still needs dinner).

The truth is, when you own a business, you never actually stop thinking about it. You think about your people, your customers, your purpose, and whether what you’re putting into the world matters.

I hope and believe that this magazine matters.

All of that brings me back to this year’s honorees.

When I met this class of women, I was blown away. Every one of them is balancing the everyday realities of modern life. One honoree couldn’t make our scheduled photo day because she was out of town on a Disney cruise with her family. We happily rescheduled. When she arrived a few days later, there was a warmth in her eyes and confidence in her handshake that immediately stood out. She wasn’t pretentious in the least, and after only a few minutes, I understood why she is a leader in healthcare—both locally and nationally.

Dr. Loren Robinson is definitely one of the most accomplished people I’ve encountered in all my years in publishing this magazine (and you should see some of the framed covers in our office!). She serves on the board of trustees of Spelman College, elected in 2017 as the board’s youngest ever alumna trustee. She holds multiple degrees from Ivy League institutions. She has completed fellowships, worked internationally, served in state government, testified before Congress.

Her LinkedIn title reads: “Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs at CHRISTUS Health | Mother.”

I love that.

I admire an accomplished professional who values motherhood as highly as her C-suite role at a major institution. Dr. Robinson now knows I’m a fan, an admirer, and probably a little fan-girlish, but that’s okay: she deserves the accolades, and I am honored to have her photo on our cover.

In 2026, most of us are juggling roles, responsibilities, children, careers, partners, friends, and family. Dr. Robinson and the other women in this issue make it look easier than it really is. I hope you enjoy meeting these dynamic women as much as we enjoy celebrating them.

As for me, I’m still excited about this magazine and the goodness of the people in our area. I hope our publication encourages people to read, grow, learn, and get involved. Thirtyish years later, I stand by our mission statement: “to inspire the pessimist, elevate the optimist, stir the mind, and entertain the soul.” I truly believe this issue satisfies all four aims.

This month, celebrate and cherish the women in your life. As always, thank you for reading FSLM.