Three educators honored for innovation, hands-on learning and community impact.
The Arkansas Environmental Education Association has named three outstanding educators as recipients of its 2026 awards, recognizing professionals whose work advances environmental and outdoor education across the state.
Kevin Harris — Outstanding Non-Formal Environmental Educator
Kevin Harris, County Extension Agent and Staff Chair for Urban Stormwater in Jefferson County, Pine Bluff, has been named the Outstanding Non-Formal Environmental Educator. With more than 17 years of experience in community-focused environmental solutions, Harris has built innovative programs serving diverse audiences, from stormwater workshops for grandparents to Arbor Day programs tied to Pine Bluff’s stormwater plan. Program attendance grew nearly 45% between 2023 and 2025. His Southeast Arkansas Stormwater Education Program is supported by the City of Pine Bluff, the City of White Hall and Jefferson County.
Misty Barron — Outstanding Formal Educator
Misty Barron, a secondary science teacher at Russellville High School, has been named the Outstanding Formal Educator. Barron brings a hands-on background to the classroom, having worked previously as a field biologist for organizations including The Nature Conservancy and the Illinois Natural History Survey. She has taught nearly 2,000 students over her career, and her AP Environmental Science students consistently score above state and global averages. Her environmental initiatives extend campus-wide, including a recycling program serving more than 1,200 students and faculty, a student-run composting program and a STEM garden with more than 60 active plots.
Dr. Stephen Grace — Robert McAfee Environmental Education Lifetime Service Award
Dr. Stephen Grace, associate professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been named the recipient of the Robert McAfee Environmental Education Lifetime Service Award. Over more than 25 years at UA Little Rock, Dr. Grace founded and directs the Campus Garden, transforming it into an educational hub and community resource that supports food security efforts across Little Rock and Pulaski County. He teaches courses in botany, plant physiology, soil biology and sustainable agriculture, and his partnerships with organizations including the Pulaski County Conservation District and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance have secured funding for USDA-supported food access projects. Dr. Grace also received the University Faculty Excellence Award for Service in 2023.
Congratulations Kevin Harris, Dr. Stephen Grace, and Misty Barron!
Each awardee will be highlighted individually in the coming weeks.