Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The Arkansas State University Alumni Association will recognize three outstanding graduates as Distinguished Alumni during the Homecoming celebration. The distinction, considered the association’s highest honor, has been awarded for more than 40 years to alumni who demonstrate excellence in their careers, service to their communities and devotion to A-State. 

This year’s honorees are Dr. Timothy D. Langford of Little Rock, Phillip T. Poston of Jonesboro and Dr. Billy Don Tiner of San Antonio, Texas.  

“The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates whose accomplishments bring honor to Arkansas State University through professional achievement, service and leadership,” said Alumni Association President Natalie Rogers. “Dr. Langford, Mr. Poston and Dr. Tiner have each made a lasting impact in their professions, communities and at A-State, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments.”

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The recipients were chosen by the Alumni Association’s board of directors from nominations submitted by fellow alumni and supporters. They will be recognized during Homecoming weekend, highlighted by an on-field presentation at halftime of the Red Wolves’ football game on Saturday, Oct. 24 against Georgia State. 

Here are highlights about each of this year’s award recipients: 

Dr. Timothy D. Langford 

A 1984 graduate of Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and pre-medicine, Langford has distinguished himself as one of Arkansas’s most respected physicians and academic leaders.

After earning his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and completing a urology residency, he built a successful career with Arkansas Urology before becoming professor and chair of the Department of Urology at UAMS in 2021.  

A former Red Wolves quarterback, Langford excelled both on the field and in the classroom. He was an All-Southland Conference performer and became the first recipient of the Terry Gwin Award, presented annually to A-State’s top student-athlete.

His achievements later earned induction into the A-State Athletics Hall of Honor and Ring of Honor. He and his wife, Terri, also made a major gift that established the Tim and Terri Langford Sports Medicine Center.  

Langford’s service to Arkansas State extends beyond his student days. Appointed to the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees in 2014 and reappointed in 2019, he helped guide the university through a period of significant growth and advancement.

Following his service on the board, he was named trustee emeritus. Throughout his medical career, he has held leadership roles with Baptist Health, the South Central Section of the American Urological Association and numerous educational and health care organizations across Arkansas.

Phillip T. Poston 

A 1996 Arkansas State University graduate with a degree in marketing, Poston has spent more than 27 years helping lead the growth and success of Hytrol Conveyor Company.

Over his career, he has held roles throughout the organization, led the development of Hytrol’s mission, vision and core values, and guided the launch of its Fort Smith facility. He is a member of the company’s board of directors and serves as chief administrative officer, leading human resources, administration, supply chain and automation, workforce development, academic partnerships and strategic planning efforts that help shape the future of one of Northeast Arkansas’s most influential manufacturers. 

Poston is widely recognized for his leadership in economic development, research and workforce advancement. He serves on numerous boards and organizations, including the Arkansas Research Alliance, Jonesboro Economic Development Corporation and the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association. His work has helped strengthen connections between industry and education while creating opportunities for students and professionals across Arkansas. 

A devoted supporter of A-State, Poston has provided leadership through service on the College of Engineering and Computer Science Advisory Board and has played a significant role in securing support for academic initiatives, scholarships and the university’s CREST initiative.

A 1924 Sustaining Life member of the Alumni Association, he continues to advocate for student success and the long-term growth of his alma mater. 

Dr. Billy Don Tiner 

A 1972 Arkansas State University graduate with a degree in zoology, Tiner has built an extraordinary career marked by excellence in military service, medicine, education and philanthropy.

After earning his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and medical degree from the University of Texas, he became a nationally recognized oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Over the course of his career, he has practiced medicine, served on university faculties, and held leadership positions within some of the profession’s most prestigious organizations.  

Tiner’s professional accomplishments include serving as president of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, president of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and president of the International Association for the Advancement of Maxillofacial Surgery.

He has authored textbook chapters, published scientific research and received numerous honors, including the Presidential Achievement Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.  

A retired United States Navy captain with 25 years of military service, Tiner has remained deeply committed to A-State. His support includes an endowed scholarship honoring his parents for graduates of Pocahontas High School, a pledge supporting the North End Zone Football Operations Facility and a major commitment to the Baseball Stadium Renovation Project.

Through his professional achievements, military service and philanthropy, Tiner has exemplified lifelong service to others and unwavering loyalty to A-State.

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