Ashley Aylett, Ed.D., MBA

age: 36 | Vice Chancellor for Academics | University of Arkansas Cossatot

As the Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett oversees so many facets of University of Arkansas Cossatot’s educational programs, especially many of the “behind-the-scenes” components of education. “A major part of what I do is work to develop new programs, ways to attract students, and partnerships to benefit current and potential students,” she describes. “As a community college, we serve such a diverse population – high school students, non-traditional students returning to education, students starting with us before transferring, and students working toward a technical skill set. I absolutely love helping students in working toward their dream! Our commencement ceremonies are always such an emotional and joyful time for me. It’s so fulfilling to watch students as they reach that milestone and walk across the stage in front of their support group. As a smaller institution, we have the ability to know the majority of our students and their personal journeys, and that makes it even more special!”

Ashley’s family is her greatest personal accomplishment.  She and her husband, Wes, have two children, Adalie and Cash.  “I am extremely proud of my husband and both of our children,” she says.  “I’ve been blessed with a support system that allows me to balance a professional career and being a mother.”   As a family, the Ayletts spend their summers on Lake Greeson and are avid UA Razorback fans.  She loves taking adventures with her family, spending time on her family’s farm, landscaping, and exercising.  

 Earning a doctorate in Community College Leadership and being selected the Outstanding Doctoral Student for the program at the University of Arkansas serves as Ashley’s greatest professional achievement. Although it was time-consuming and not the most enjoyable journey for her, after defending her dissertation and being welcomed back to the room as Dr. Aylett, Ashley knew that her educational milestone was something that she would treasure forever.

Helping out in the community is important to Ashley.  She is involved in Rotary Club and serves on the Little River Chamber board and the Ashdown PTO.  She says, “My main contribution is developing and building partnerships that benefit the future workforce pipeline.

“I try not to think too much about 10 years from now because both of my children will be in college or starting college,” Ashley concludes. “However, I do hope that I’m still making a difference in higher education.”

Best piece of advice:

“You don’t need good luck. you make your luck.” – Bruce Flemens, Ashley’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I love ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ A couple of years ago, my daughter and I read the entire series and then traveled to Laura Ingalls-Wilder’s home/farm. It was the BEST trip!”

Cole Riddell, JD

age: 29 | Attorney | Haltom & Doan

“Marrying my high school sweetheart, Shane, and moving back home to Texarkana to start our family is my greatest personal accomplishment,” Cole Riddell admits.  “We were both raised in this town, and I can’t think of a better place to raise our daughter (due in November).”

Graduating from law school with honors and passing the bar exam in Texas and Arkansas is Cole’s greatest professional achievement. As an attorney with Halton & Doan, Cole’s law practice includes a wide range of civil litigation, primarily business and commercial litigation, patent litigation, and trademark litigation throughout state and federal courts in Texas and Arkansas. “From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be an attorney,” he says.  “I thoroughly enjoy being an advocate for my clients, in and out of the courtroom.”

Cole is actively involved in the Texarkana Bar as a member of the Texarkana Bar Association and president of the Texarkana Young Lawyers Association.  He is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Texarkana and is constantly looking for ways to advocate for Texarkana and embrace the riches that the community has to offer.  He was elected as the vice president of the Men’s Golf Association at Northridge Country Club in 2020. Since then, he has worked with members and staff at Northridge to increase membership and participation at various events there.  He also supports Pleasant Grove Independent School District, Clay’s Golf and Guitars, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, For the Sake of One, Temple Memorial Pediatric Center, and the Texarkana Children Charities Open.

For fun, Cole enjoys travelling with his wife and playing golf.  He looks forward to continuing to practice law in Texarkana in the future, and coaching a Little League baseball or softball team on the side.

Best piece of advice:

“Always assume the other side is better than you.” – Jennifer Doan, Cole’s boss

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I survived a hot air balloon crash-landing as a kid. Many years ago, my closest friend (Jackson Tidwell) and I had the opportunity to ride in one of the balloons in town for a festival at the Four States Fairgrounds. Our pilot missed our scheduled landing spot, and he was forced to crash the balloon into a field before we hit the Red River. Other than a few scrapes and bruises, that crash-landing has given us one of the best ‘icebreaker’ stories to tell for years to come.”