McElfish Given Patriot Award for Supporting Guard Employee

By Jon Parham

Juggling the responsibilities of his full-time job at the UAMS Northwest Campus with his Guard duty requires supportive supervisors, said Stephens, who is the public health program director for the UAMS Office of Community Health and Research.

That led him to nominate Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., director of the Office of Community Health and Research and co-director of the UAMS Center for Pacific Islander Health, for a Patriot Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The awards recognizes employers for support of military employees and is the highest recognition the U.S. government gives to supervisors for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

“Dr. McEflish has been extremely supportive of my military career, the added responsibilities of my role in the Air Guard, and my desire to grow my Air Force career in conjunction with my UAMS career,” Stephens said. “She provides me with the flexibility I need at times to ensure I can accomplish my duties in Fort Smith while meeting my UAMS obligations as well.”

As community programs director, Stephens responsibilities include managing community nutrition and garden programs, cultural competency training for health care providers, community health screenings at local churches and facilitating connections with community health resources and the Marshallese and Hispanic population.

Northwest Arkansas is home to a large Pacific Islander and Hispanic population. In 2012 the UAMS northwest regional campus began implementing a multi-pronged approach to address health disparities in these communities through access to health education and wellness programs along with research targeted at reducing the health disparities.

“Mike brings the leadership skills he gained in the military to work each day as he serves his community by leading these programs,” McElfish said. “I appreciate his hard work and dedication both to UAMS and through his service to our country.”

Stephens served 10 years on active duty in the Air Force before taking a break to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He entered the Air Guard in 2012 and now serves as in the 288th Operations Support Squadron of the 188th Wing based in Fort Smith.

“I work closely with the squadron commander to ensure the health, well-being, professional education and guidance of approximately 50 airmen and their family members,” he said. “I provide guidance and serve as a resource to the airmen and also advise the commander on health and wellness issues.”

McElfish said she was honored to be recognized with the Patriot Award. “Our military members and their families sacrifice so much for our country. I am glad to be able to support his continued service.”

In 2014, UAMS received the Pro Patria Award from Arkansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization for its leadership and policies that ease participation by employees in the National Guard or Reserves.