TXK Roots

Monte Dobson

Monte Dobson is a native of Texarkana, Arkansas, and a 1983 graduate of Arkansas High School. … Shaped by a supportive and resilient mother who guided him through his father’s loss and instilled in him the values that would carry him into a global career, Texarkana remains a foundational part of who he is. … Dobson earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering while his wife, Christine, completed her Ph.D. in Social Work.

Posted on June 2, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Jake Lewis

Born in Texarkana and a graduate of Texas High School’s Class of 1998, Jake Lewis carries his roots with him in everything he creates. He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, earning degrees in philosophy and journalism while also traveling and studying abroad, experiences that broadened his perspective and shaped his creative voice. … Following college, Jake spent time in San Francisco, Costa Rica, Little Rock, and Austin, each place contributing to his path.

Posted on May 3, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Michael Wacha

Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Michael Wacha moved to Texarkana at just three years old. A proud product of Pleasant Grove schools, Wacha developed a reputation early on for discipline, humility, and an unmistakable competitive edge, traits that would carry him from local ball fields to the biggest stages in baseball. … After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School, he continued his journey at Texas A&M University, where he became one of the nation’s top collegiate pitchers. In 2012, Wacha was selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by the St.

Posted on April 4, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Alex Kidd

Alex Kidd grew up in the Ark-La-Tex and remained here through community college at Texarkana College. He later relocated to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to complete his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas. … In his early 20s, Alex lived in Arizona and California, working as an engineer for both an aerospace and defense contractor and a medical device manufacturer.

Posted on March 3, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Nick Martin

Nick Martin was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. He was the youngest of four brothers and began playing football at the age of five, quickly falling in love with the game. He attended Pleasant Grove High School, where he became a standout linebacker before heading to Oklahoma State University, developing into one of the Big 12’s top defensive players and earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors after leading his team in tackles.

Posted on February 4, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Jennifer Day

… Jennifer Day grew up on her parents’ farm in the pecan bottoms of Wamba in Texarkana, Texas. She now lives on her own 100-acre ranch just north of Waco. A former high school rodeo cowgirl and athlete at Pleasant Grove, Jennifer earned a pole vault scholarship to Arkansas State University, where she received a degree in graphic design. … After graduation, she pursued studies in equine and canine sports massage therapy and osteopathy, quickly realizing she needed a career that kept her out of an office and connected to the work she loved.

Posted on January 2, 2026 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Melanie Tkach

photo by Rhiannon Trask, Lollipop Photography

Melanie Tkach was born and raised in Texarkana and attended Pleasant Grove High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Melanie practiced as an occupational therapist for approximately 10 years in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy settings before transitioning to academia. She is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Posted on December 3, 2025 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Jordan Kennedy Evans

Jordan Kennedy Evans, a proud Texarkana native, now calls Sarasota, Florida, home with her husband David and their two daughters, Willa Mae (6) and Abby Jean (2). … Professionally, Jordan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Native American Advancement Foundation (NAAF). Under her leadership, NAAF has expanded its impact across the Tohono O’odham Nation, securing state and federal funding while cultivating partnerships that are both culturally appropriate and community-centered.

Posted on November 3, 2025 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Kayla Hamilton

Kayla Hamilton is a Texas-born, Bronx, NY-based performance maker, dancer, educator, and consultant. Lauded for her work in the dance, disability arts, education, and access fields. Hamilton has received numerous national awards, recognitions, and fellowships and was recently named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for 2025. She has performed and shared work at the Whitney Museum, Gibney, Performance Space New York, New York Live Arts, Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, and The Shed in New York City.

Posted on October 3, 2025 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Julie Roberts Goudie

Julie Roberts Goudie is the owner of Julie Goudie Design LLC and lived in the Texarkana area for a total of 24 years. She spent her early years in Texarkana, growing up in a close-knit neighborhood where she formed lasting friendships.

Posted on September 3, 2025 in TXK Roots READ MORE

TXK Roots

Monte Dobson

Jake Lewis

Michael Wacha

Alex Kidd

Nick Martin

Jennifer Day

Melanie Tkach

Jordan Kennedy Evans

Kayla Hamilton

Julie Roberts Goudie

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