“Three Rivers made me the person I am today,” remarked Dr. Amy F. Rowland, during her speech at a reception honoring her Monday evening at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers College campus.
The Poplar Bluff dentist spoke of how grateful she is to be named the 2022 Three Rivers College Distinguished Alumni.
Rowland said attending college at TRC gave her the confidence and skillset to pursue a doctorate degree. She credits “the wonderful faculty and staff” of TRC with her achievements in higher education.
After graduating from Poplar Bluff High School in 1996, Rowland entered the Three Rivers College nursing program where she earned her nursing degree. After practicing as a registered nurse for three years, she was accepted into the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Rowland then went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, receiving honors in periodontics, operative dentistry and treatment of the disabled.
In her address, Rowland also expressed immense gratitude to her husband, Kenny, her children, Jeffrey, Sophia and River, and her parents and grandparents, along with all the family and friends “who were (suppportive) there even when it wasn’t easy.”
Three Rivers College President Dr. Wesley Payne presented Rowland with the award and said she is a “wonderful role model” for students who begin their college careers “at home.” Payne noted Rowland is a prime example of how students are able to “achieve success at Three Rivers on a non-traditional academic pathway” and succeed.
Rowland’s constituents are not the only ones proud of the TRC alumni’s accomplishments. Rowland’s youngest daughter River said she is “so excited” for her mom to get the award because “she’s amazing and definitely deserves something like this.”
Rowland’s father, Jeff Wacker, echoed the sentiment stating he was “very proud” of his daughter who has “worked really hard for all she’s gotten.” Wacker noted Rowland has “been through a lot” in recent years, referring to Rowland’s previous battle with cancer. Wacker said he couldn’t be happier she was honored with the TRC award.
Rowland’s entire dental office staff was on hand at the award reception to laud their boss, whom they describe as “fierce, dependable and selfless.”
“We are all so very proud of her and to work for her,” added Rowland’s dental assistant, Mary Beth Lindsay.
Three Rivers Director of Development Michelle Reynolds said the distinguished alumni award reception is one of her “favorite days at TRC.” She said recipients like Rowland are a “wonderful, wonderful example of (the impact it makes) when you get your start at Three Rivers College.”