Forty Under 40: Kandice Harshaw

What started out as a part-time job during college turned into a 20-year career at USA Truck for Kandice Harshaw.

Shortly after starting there in July 1992, before her freshman year at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, she was offered a full-time position in payroll. For several years, she was also in school full time.

Harshaw transferred to human resources, and in 2005, was promoted to manager.

Her growing responsibilities meant cutting back on coursework. But her dedication paid off when she was made part of the management team in 2010.

“That solidified everything I’d been working for,” she said. “It was where I wanted to be careerwise.”

She’s now close to finishing her bachelor’s degree in business administration, and then plans to work toward certifications in the HR field.

A recent graduate of Leadership Fort Smith, Harshaw said she grew tremendously during the yearlong program.

“It showed me the different types of leadership in the community,” she said, “and gave me an awareness of different challenges we have in our region and how we can individually get involved to help improve those things.”

Currently a loaned executive for United Way, Harshaw loves the constant interaction with people her job brings.

“Every day is a challenge. You never know what each day will bring.”