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CITY EMPLOYEE FINDS TIME FOR EDUCATION

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:07 AM CST

Annette Monk, the office manager of Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, has a career, a family, and now a bachelor of science degree in business administration management from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Quatiara Goins (from left, standing), Anthony Brewer, Annette Monk, Vincent Goins Jr., Vincent Goins Sr., Stacie Hunt and Lesciara Brewer; and D’Ciel Brewer (from left, second row) and Danyell Williams celebrate Monk’s earning of her business degree. Special to The Commercial

“She has proven herself a true performer,” said Ken Johnson, the manager of the utility. “She’s a very hard worker — very dependable.”

Monk received financial assistance for her university tuition through PBWU’s tuition reimbursement program.

“It meant a lot to her,” Johnson said. He said Monk is one of the few employees to take advantage of the program.

The six years of hard work have paid off, Monk said. “It was a monumental goal and achievement for me,” Monk said.

She said she hopes her five children, ages 12 to 21, see how important education is. “I’ve wanted to be a positive role model and example for them,” she said.

Lesciara Brewer, a senior at UAPB, said her mother is an inspiration.

“She made sure that she finished before any of her kids,” Brewer said.

Monk graduated as an honor student with a membership in Sigma Beta Delta, the business honor society.

Of her other children, D’Ciel Brewer also attends UAPB, Quatiara Goins attends Grambling State University, Anthony Brewer serves in the National Guard and Xavion Brewer attends Dollarway Junior High School.

Education is important in the household, Brewer said. “It’s very important to me,” she said. And when it comes to getting homework done, her mother makes sure everyone is prepared for class the next day.

“She nags,” Brewer said. “She used to call me over to help her with her math.” Still, Brewer said she supports her mother’s desire to gain a master’s degree next.

“I’m glad that she did this for herself,” she said. “She came a long way and I’m proud of her.”

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