Retirement Reception Planned Dec. 12 for Judy Stone, Fay Jones School's Recruiter

University Relations

Judy Stone has worked on the University of Arkansas campus for 26 years and served the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design since 1999. A drop-in reception will be held Dec. 12 in Vol Walker Hall to celebrate her retirement.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After 26 years of outstanding service to the University of Arkansas, Judy Stone is retiring this month as the recruiter for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

To celebrate her tenure and retirement, the Fay Jones School will host a drop-in reception from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Colleagues and friends from across campus are invited to drop by the C. Murray Smart Center, located on the Garden Level of Vol Walker Hall.

Stone joined the university in 1993 and has spent the past 20 years in the Fay Jones School. She's worked in the school's Department of Landscape Architecture and the advising center. She has served many important roles in the school, but she is best known as the school's recruiter. 

"Something that has always been impressive to me: She started her career later in life," said Stone's daughter, Christy Smith. Stone first spent many years focused on raising her family.

When Stone began her career at the university, she first served in various administrative roles in Nursing and Counselor Education in the College of Education and Health Professions. In 1999, she joined the then School of Architecture's landscape architecture department, serving as the assistant to the department heads. In fall 2004, she transitioned over to become the assistant to the director of student services.

"Her devotion and ambition to share her love for the school quickly morphed into her role as the school's main recruiting coordinator," said Melinda Smith, director of student services. "From personal visits to large group tours to college fairs, Judy has been the face for the school. Rolling out the red carpet for anyone interested in the Fay Jones School, she has served many generations."

Stone has enjoyed keeping in touch with alumni as they move through their careers. And she makes a point to stay close with design students as they pursue their degrees.

Stone works in the school's Student Success Center, with a team that includes Smith; Sheri Lynn Brown, senior academic counselor; Theresa Parrish, academic counselor; and Michelle Pribbernow, career specialist.

Justice Barnes, a third year architecture student, remembers the first time she walked into Vol Walker Hall for orientation.

"Ms. Judy and Ms. Sheri Lynn both hugged me and welcomed me into the school. This may have not seemed like much, but it definitely made me feel like home in a place I had no idea of," Barnes said. "To this day, Ms. Judy has continued to motivate me to do my best with what I love and to also help out new students during orientation like she's helped me. I want to say thank you for all that you have done for me and my fellow students, and I wish you all the best in the future." 

Hannah Gray, a third year architecture student, agreed that Stone has been a constant encourager and cheerleader for the school's design students.

"Judy has been such an amazing support system for me during my time at the school. Regardless of whether I was having a good day or a bad one, she wanted to know and always encourages me to keep going," Gray said. "I will miss her so much and appreciate everything she has done that has made my experience at Fay Jones so great." 

Bryan Murren, a fifth year architecture student, said Stone has left a lasting impact on the school's students and alumni.

"Judy Stone's selfless dedication to the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design students is no secret, and those who have had the pleasure of working with her will remember it fondly. I sure know I will," Murren said.

Stone has represented the Fay Jones School in a group of campus recruiters. She has also served on the school's Scholarship Committee since 2004.

Stone was born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1949. She has three children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.