Seven women selected for ASU leadership awards’ second class

The Women’s Leadership Collaborative (WLC) at Arkansas State University (ASU) has selected its second class of Remarkable Women. The seven women recognized this year were Dr. Tochi Amagwula Keeton, Sharon Davis, Christie Mink-Matthews, Christy Valentine, Dr. Nina Crutchfield, Dr. Tywanna Smith, and Casey Kidd.

Established in 2023 as an expansion of the Women’s Business Leadership Center, the WLC promotes leadership opportunities and provides a support network for students and mentors as part of a campus-wide initiative led by ASU Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields. The awards honor women from the Delta region for their contributions to their communities and fields.

A steering committee evaluates the nominees and selects those that best represent the spirit of each of the categories Dr. Erika Krennerich Chudy, vice chancellor for Advancement, told Talk Business & Politics.

“This initiative would not be possible without the continued support of Dr. Kathy Loyd, founder of the Women’s Leadership Collaborative. The continued success and promotion of young women at Arkansas State University is thanks to Dr. Patricia Johnston, director of the Women’s Business Leadership Center, and Jessica Blackburn, assistant vice chancellor for Advancement, who orchestrates this event that honors women who are enhancing the communities in which they live,” she said.

Keeton, a dual board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and obesity medicine specialist, received the Champion of Women award. After moving to Pine Bluff in 2016, Keeton used her experience to address women’s health needs, focusing on issues such as fibroids, menopausal symptoms, and fertility. She owned Healthwise Wellness Direct, a membership-based clinic that offered personalized care. Keeton said she is committed to empowering women in her community.
Davis received the Mentor of the Year award. A 1976 graduate of Arkansas State University, Davis began her career in advertising before transitioning to the technology sector. She founded Strategic Technologies Corporation in 1993 and Strategic Continuity Services in 2005.

In 2022, she sold Strategic Companies and established 4D Investments, and Encore Consulting Group. Active in community service, Davis serves on several bank, governing, and foundation boards, including Arkansas Hospice and the ASU Foundation. She was also a founding member of the Women’s Business Leadership Center.
Mink-Matthews, sales manager at the Jonesboro Radio Group, received the Leader in Service award. With a career spanning roles from on-air personality to operations manager, Matthews has earned numerous accolades, including top awards from Saga Communications and recognition from Radio Ink Magazine.

Outside of broadcasting, Matthews said she is an advocate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, spearheading the Have A Heart Wish-A-Thon, which has raised more than $9 million since 1999. A cancer survivor, she also started a support group for survivors.

Valentine, manager of academic partnerships at Hytrol Conveyor Company, received the Leader in Service award. A Northeast Arkansas native and Arkansas State University alumna, Valentine began her career with Philip Morris USA before joining A-State’s College of Business, where she spent 15 years teaching and leading fundraising efforts.

After leaving A-State in 2016, she was chief development officer for the Soulsville Foundation in Memphis, securing funding for youth arts programs. At Hytrol, she connects students with careers in advanced manufacturing and oversees the company’s philanthropic investments.

Crutchfield, assistant professor in the ASU College of Agriculture, received the Women to Watch award. Crutchfield began her career teaching high school agriculture before transitioning to provide professional development to students, teachers, and school leaders nationwide. Since joining A-State in 2022, she has worked to update the curriculum and mentor future agricultural educators. Crutchfield’s efforts include securing nearly $500,000 in grants to address the shortage of agricultural educators in the Arkansas Delta and inspire minority and female students in agricultural STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Smith, an international sports advisor and retired professional basketball player, also received the Women to Watch award. As president of The Athlete’s Nexus, Smith has spent more than 17 years managing the careers of more than 50 professional athletes across various leagues, including the NBA and WNBA. A professor at the University of Memphis, she also launched a financial literacy program for teens and co-produced the award-winning documentary “Ballin’ Abroad.” Smith, an Ole Miss and Memphis alumna, helps young women and students pursue careers in sports business.

Kidd, executive director of the Family Crisis Center of Northeast Arkansas, also received the Women to Watch award. A Monette native, Kidd earned her bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and a master’s degree in business administration from Arkansas State University. Her career spans roles in higher education, corporate tax, and nonprofit leadership, including nearly six years as director of human services for Crowley’s Ridge Development Council. Kidd now leads efforts to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She also serves as vice chair of the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

“To be recognized for doing what I love so much is a profound blessing. This award — this event is truly special. Among those of us being recognized were many young women whose eyes shined with aspirations beyond my imagination. My heart was filled with hope and assurance that strong women will prevail and be celebrated. Our future is bright,” Valentine said.