Alumni Profile: Susan Ford says Henderson provided the foundation for teaching music

Susan Ford

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I graduated from Henderson in 1991 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I'm originally from Benton, but I now live in Cabot. I married Rodney Ford, who was a 1990 Henderson graduate. We were married for more than 34 years before he passed away in January.
I have just completed my 34^th year of teaching. I have taught at Stuttgart Junior High School, Watson Chapel Junior High, Lincoln Middle School in Forrest City, Marion Middle School, and I currently teach at Cabot Junior High South.
I was named the Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year in 2023. In 2022 and 2025, I was the Cabot Junior High South Teacher of the Year, and this year, I was the Teacher of the Year for the Cabot Public School District, along with being honored as one of the Top 15 Teachers of the Year in Arkansas.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

I could not have asked for a better music education. We had the best music professors anyone could have ever asked for when I was there from 1987-1991. Even though I was scared to begin teaching, I later realized that HSU had really prepared me well.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

Being in the Showband of Arkansas was the best HSU memory! I also had fun in the Henderson Singers.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

HSU gave me the foundation I needed to be a quality music educator. They continued to check on me after I graduated.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

I would have studied and practiced more, but honestly, I wouldn't change anything else.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

I stayed in close contact with the music faculty and I came back for many years to teach and bring kids to band camp. Band Camp is why I came to Henderson. In fact, I'll be back in June to direct the Junior High Band at Band Camp.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

David Rollins always had a huge impact on me, and he still does to this day. He is the best.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Take advantage of every opportunity you can at HSU. Do the best you can to learn as much as you can. The friends you make in college will be your friends for life.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I had one superpower, I would give everyone I meet the "Reddie Spirit." You never understand it until you go to HSU.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

Exercise and yard work

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

Coon Dog Cemetery in Alabama. I had no idea there was such a place until I was on a church choir tour in high school.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

Jesus. I would like to know more about some events in the Bible.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Christian music

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

Be nice to everyone. You never know who you will be working for one day.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I have completed two marathons, many half marathons, and many shorter races

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

Math teacher

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Tent, hammock, and knife

Who inspires you?

My co-workers inspire me to be the best teacher I can be for my kiddos.