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Congratulations to Tammy Williams,
Texas Book Company’s 2008 Manager of the Year
Tammy Williams, bookstore manager at University of Arkansas Community College at Hope (UACCH), received the prestigious honor as the 2008 Store Manager of the Year. Each year Texas Book Company’s College Bookstore executives, administrators and store managers get together in Dallas, TX, for the annual Manager’s Meeting. The three-day training, team building and camaraderie is highlighted with the annual awards banquet, a highly anticipated event to recognize bookstore managers for their recent year’s accomplishments.
Now in her seventh year as bookstore manager at UACCH, Tammy Williams has been named Texas Book Company’s 2008 Manager of the Year, the highest honor bestowed on a bookstore manager as acknowledgment of superior customer satisfaction, exceptional financial return, outstanding leadership, and participation in the campus community.
 Tammy’s road to Manager of the Year is highlighted with many professional accomplishments and leadership. Her bookstore management career began in 1996 as a work-study intern. In January ‘02 she became a full-time employee and was soon promoted to manager. The following June TBC assumed management of the UACCH bookstore. In 2004 Tammy graduated from Texas Book Company University Manager Training. In 2007 she was honored as the recipient of the Elaine T. Brown Spirit Award for her outstanding leadership and contribution to her peers and Company service excellence strategies. Tammy has earned membership in the President’s Club for five years, and in addition to the responsibilities of managing the UACCH bookstore she has assisted with training, operations and transition at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma Christian University.
Tammy is an inspiration to her peers and employees alike. Her sincerity is easily recognized when she talks about TBC. In a recent letter to Brent Dyer, TBC president, she wrote, “The best way to describe TBC is simple…FAMILY. The transition (from institutional operation to TBC) was the best thing that could have happened for the bookstore, as well as for me personally and professionally. I am proud to say I am a bookstore manager for Texas Book Company, and I love my job!” She often speaks about her first year of employment with TBC, the valuable training and support she received, and what a positive difference it made in her life. She takes every opportunity to share her professional and personal experience and growth with fellow managers. Brent Dyer often refers to Tammy when speaking about TBC’s outstanding leadership examples. According to Mr. Dyer, “Tammy’s enthusiasm is contagious. She is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with her peers, especially new managers.” He goes on to say, “Tammy’s commitment to Texas Book Company, UACCH, and her community is noteworthy and I am very proud to have her on my team.”
Tammy’s dedication to the demands of her job does not prevent her from spending time with her family and feeding her passion for sports and outdoors. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, Tammy has raised her own family close to her family roots. Daughter Brandy Marie, 20, and son James Mason, 12, and grandson Trever Slade, 15 months, all live at home with Tammy and keep her busy. Tammy eagerly says, “My first love is my kids…..I hope that one day they can look back on my accomplishments and are proud of me. I hope I have in some way inspired them to set career and life goals that they can achieve and feel good about.” When Tammy is not at work or with her family she has enjoys many sports and hobbies. Tammy refers to herself as “just a good ole country girl.” The county girl loves sports and speed. In fact, she is a sports fanatic, and if prodded will reveal her accomplishments and awards. Among her favorite sports is softball (watching and playing), basketball, bowling, roller skating, riding motorcycles and four-wheelers. She satisfies her need for speed with her passion for drag racing, dirt track racing, and Nascar. A story about Tammy would not be complete without a shout-out to her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. When its time to relax Tammy enjoys camping, relaxing by the camp fire, or with a fishing pole in her hand. By all appearances, Tammy has managed to squeeze out more than 24 hours in a day and 52 weeks in a year. It is the only explanation for her ability to do so much, and for so many.
- Coach, daughter’s pee wee basketball and softball teams
- Assistant Coach, son’s pee wee basketball team
- Captain Hope Bowling Team
- 2003 All World Team in women’s softball in Panama City, FL
- Two – time Bowling Nationals Tournament
A love for sports and community involvement began early for Tammy. As the 1984 Salutatorian at Emmet High School she was also class president, Library Club president, Student Government secretary, and played on the All State and All District basketball and track teams. In 1985 she earned a Business Diploma from Red River Vo-Tech (now UACCH). She managed her uncles sporting goods store and deli for nine years and then returned to UACCH to earn her Associates of Applied Science in Business Technology. In 1998 she earned a National FBLA-PBL award and graduated from the Institute of Leaders program in Orlando, FL. While at UACCH she served as Student Government secretary, Phi Beta Lambda secretary, Phi Theta Kappa secretary, and earned a position on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll.
One is easily engaged by her candid demeanor and sincerity when she talks about her work. “My second love is my job. I would say I spend as much time with it as I do my family.” Tammy’s commitment to her job and community is easily recognized when she says, “I never thought I would enjoy a job this much. Yes, it has its trying moments, but with the help of my TBC family, I get through them and move on. To my employees, Jolene and Heather, you guys are the best and I couldn’t get by without you.”
 Tammy embraces her responsibility to UACCH, the students, and community, and in-turn her peers appreciate and recognize her contributions.
- UACCH Caught You Caring Award - for extraordinary service to students
- UACCH Random Acts of Kindness Award - for assisting others beyond the responsibilities of her job
- UACCH Watermelon Olympics team member
- Captain of UACCH Relay for Life team for American Cancer Society in honor of Pam Keeling and in memory of Patty Tucker(instructor) and WJ Oliver (grandpa)
- Sponsor, Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser for Patty Tucker’s family medical expenses
- Captain of the UACCH Staff/Faculty softball team - Phi Theta Kappa Alumni
Jerald Barber, Vice Chancellor for Finance at UACCH, was pleased, but not surprised to learn of Tammy’s award. Barber said, “The College is very proud of Tammy. She does an excellent job managing the college bookstore. Tammy is a very sharp individual who meets people well and works well with the faculty, staff and students. She is a loyal, honest and hard working individual who meets each new challenge with enthusiasm. We consider Tammy a very valuable asset to the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.”
Those who know Tammy, know a very strong-willed, energetic and fun loving woman. Her soft and expressive side came out when she spoke about TBC, her colleagues and her aspirations. In her own words, “I’ve met many people in my six years at TBC. Randy Blythe, last year’s Manager of the Year, has been here since I started and has always been a good friend. I will miss him dearly as he pursues his new career. I can’t mention everyone, but they know who they are. I look forward to many more years with TBC, whether in Hope, Arkansas, or elsewhere. My goal is to one day become regional manager of “The Arkansas Region of TBC” (well as soon as we acquire some more stores in my state and I can learn the POS system).” Tammy’s endearing humility and appreciation is apparent when she said, “I was very surprised to receive this award, and extremely appreciative of those who believed in my abilities as a manager. A special thanks to Cindy Munstertieger, who is not only my regional manager, but my friend.”
Congratulations to Tammy Williams, Texas Book Company’s 2008 Manager of the Year.
“Hey, life comes at you hard and fast….step up to the plate and swing for the fence.” ……Tammy Williams
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