Santa Claus is coming to town -- and 妻友社区 faculty, staff and students are already making out their wish lists in anticipation of his arrival on Christmas Eve.
Jennifer Jennings Davis of Van Buren, director of the Western Arkansas Education Renewal Zone, has a selfless wish directed towards those in the community.
鈥淚f I could have just one thing from Santa, it would be that every kid in the River Valley has a good book in his or her hands -- one so good they want to jump right into it,鈥� she said.
Shelbie Dyer of Muldrow, Okla., an organizational leadership student, shares Davis鈥� penchant for helping others but would also like to add a little enjoyment of her own.
鈥淚 would want to ride an elephant, preferably in Africa, while doing mission work,鈥� she said.
Coldplay is the favorite band of graphic design student Brooke Cagle of Fort Smith, and she would use her one wish to meet lead singer Chris Martin.
鈥淚 really want to meet him,鈥� she said. 鈥淐oldplay has been my favorite band since seventh grade, so if Santa could make that happen, that would be the best thing ever.鈥�
Dr. Dennis Siler of Van Buren, associate professor of English and director of the Honors International Studies Program, wants Santa to take students, friends and family to the United Kingdom 鈥渇or a huge celebration.鈥�
鈥淲e would fill the Globe Theatre in London, see a great performance of a play, then have a holiday feast and sing Christmas carols,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t would be epic.鈥�
Dr. Becky Timmons of Fort Smith, director of academic assessment and accountability, has a pragmatic wish that she said would make the perfect gift.
鈥淚f I could have just one thing, it would be a clothing gift card,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t goes with everything, and it never goes out of style.鈥�
In addition to seeing his team be successful, head men鈥檚 basketball coach Josh Newman of Fort Smith hopes for his family鈥檚 continued health and safety throughout the year.
鈥淎nd let鈥檚 not forget, I鈥檇 also love to win our third Heartland Conference Championship and punch our ticket to the NCAA tournament,鈥� he added.
Dr. Lynn Lisk of Greenwood, program director and assistant professor in the Legal Assistance/Paralegal Program, echoed Newman鈥檚 sentiment for family health.
鈥淚f I could have just one thing, it would be the ability to ensure the safety, security and liberty of my children throughout their lives,鈥� he said.
Administrative Specialist Kerstie McEntire of Van Buren wishes for family togetherness.
鈥淗ealth, happiness and togetherness are all I need for Christmas,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 just want to be with my family and enjoy their company.鈥�
A white grand piano would be the wish of psychology student Megan Redwine of Spiro, Okla., because of its quality and loveliness.
鈥淭he sound quality is the best you can get, and it鈥檚 a beautiful instrument,鈥� she said.
Sherry Card of Fort Smith, director of campus and community events, would use her wish to change the world.
鈥淚 would ask Santa to bestow the gift of compassion to all mankind so we can put an end to animal abuse and neglect,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s an advocate for animal rights, I try to speak for those who don鈥檛 have a voice. If they could speak, I know they would want nothing more than a little love, a full tummy, a warm bed and a present under the tree at Christmas time.鈥�
Dr. Kevin Jones of Fort Smith, assistant professor of English education, also has a world-altering wish.
"If I could have just one thing, it would be peace on Earth and goodwill toward all,鈥� he said.
Dr. Bob Willoughby of Fort Smith, who heads the history department, would choose to meet a future historical figure.
鈥淢y wish would be to meet in person the future George VII and his parents,鈥� he said.
Grant Dorsey of Fort Smith, who is a candidate to graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in December, would love nothing more than to be granted his diploma.
鈥淚鈥檝e worked so hard in the last eight years to get it. And in December, I hope to walk across the stage and receive it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t would mean the world to me.鈥�
Graphic design student Ashley Barr of Scranton would like Santa to make her life on 妻友社区 campus a little easier.
鈥淚 want Santa to give me a better parking spot,鈥� she joked.
Kayla Barr of Scranton, a psychology student who is Ashley鈥檚 twin, has four things she hopes Santa will bring her.
鈥淒ear Santa, I would like an iTunes gift card, clothes, jewelry and $50,000,鈥� she said.
And Taylor Fulenwider of Alma, a biology student, has a simple wish that he hopes will better everyone鈥檚 holiday season.
鈥淢y wish would be for everyone else鈥檚 wishes to come true,鈥� he said.