Our September Community Service Award finalist credits her farm roots in Cleburne County with fostering her desire to serve and educate others in her two home communities.

Carol Ann Johnson is the Director of Advancement and Community Relations at ASU-Heber Springs.

"She works with our development council and with the community to help raise money for the university," says Chris Boyett, Vice Chancellor at ASU-Heber Springs.

The lifelong resident of Quitman is also working on her doctorate in educational leadership at UALR.

"My aunt had a doctorate in mathematics and I always wanted to be like her and wanted to be involved in education because I think education is the foundation of our society. I was taught by my parents that you should cultivate hard work and enthusiasm wherever you go, and so being a member of FFA allowed me to do that," Johnson says.

FFA is still near Carol's heart. She's an avid supporter of the Cleburne County Fair, and speaks to students on self motivation at every opportunity.

Her sister Melissa Ritter nominated Carol, but not just because she's family.

"Carol is not only the one that raises her hand to volunteer, but she grabs two or three other people and says, "hey, come do this with me and it'll be great," says Ritter.

"She feeds off of helping others. She's very caring, she's loving, she's an inspiration. We've been friends since kindergarten and I don't think a lot of people can say that," says Jennifer Freeman, the Quitman HIPPY Coordinator.

Among her many accomplishments, Carol was Mrs. Arkansas International 2008, a Business and Professional Women's State and National Young Careerist, and is President-elect of the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, a very busy career woman, community servant, and Mom.

"So, I put it all together. I go to work, I do my community service, and I teach my children to do the same, And I think it works well."