John Steele Cooper

John Steele Cooper

Director, Editor & Cinematographer

John Cooper has been working in film for 10 years, producing award-winning videos for the University of Arkansas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of the Ozarks and completed his master’s degree in documentary filmmaking while heading the video production team at University Relations. John’s credentials as an Eagle Scout and marathon runner served him well on the Pilgrimage trip.

Kendall Curlee

Kendall Curlee

Writer & Producer

Since 2010 Kendall Curlee has enjoyed the often humbling and always interesting task of documenting the academic adventures of University of Arkansas Honors College students and faculty. She earned a Plan II bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in art history at the University of Texas, and has produced an award-winning website, videos and print pieces for the Honors College.

Russell Cothren

Russell Cothren

Photographer

Russell Cothren first picked up a camera at age 15, when he won a “cheap plastic camera with negatives the size of a pea” in a soap box derby competition. He pored over books by Ansel Adams to learn the technical aspects of his craft and has also studied alternative printmaking techniques. Russell has captured award-winning photos of people, places and events at the University of Arkansas since 1991.

Samantha Kirby

Samantha Kirby

Production Assistant

Samantha Kirby is a senior editor at the Honors College. She earned degrees in linguistics and French at the University of Alabama and is currently pursuing an MFA degree in literary translation in the U of A’s Creative Writing program. She has studied abroad in France, taught English in South Korea and recently completed hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Jacob Purifoy

Jacob Purifoy

Narrator

An Honors College Fellow from Ashdown, Arkansas, Jacob Purifoy is majoring in biology and plans to become a dentist. He is a mellophone player and section leader in the Razorback Marching Band and brings a natural flair to his role as narrator.

Michael Zachary

Michael Zachary

Production Assistant

Michael Zachary is the information technology specialist for the Honors College and our go-to guy for any issue related to computers or logistics. As grip, computer guru and all-around troubleshooter on the Pilgrimage trip, he earned his nickname, “St. Michael.”