麻豆视频 (NPC) has named Jason Kuhn, a 2000 graduate, as the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. The honor was presented during NPC鈥檚 Commencement ceremony earlier this month. This award recognizes graduates who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership and a commitment to positively impacting their communities.
A lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Kuhn began his higher education journey at NPC after graduating from Lakeside High School in 1998. He earned an Associate of Arts degree at NPC in 2000 and completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Henderson State University in 2002. He later returned to NPC to earn a second credential, an Associate of Liberal Studies.
Kuhn said his time at NPC played a significant role in shaping both his career and personal growth.
鈥淗aving the opportunity to continue my education locally gave me the flexibility to work full time while staying focused on my studies,鈥� Kuhn said. 鈥淭he outstanding professors at NPC had a lasting impact on me.鈥�
Following his time in college, Kuhn built a career in the food service and hospitality industry, gaining experience across multiple sectors, including healthcare dining, corporate restaurant management and entrepreneurship as a restaurant owner.
For the past 11 years, Kuhn has worked with Compass Group / Chartwells, where he now serves as area director for Arkansas. In this role, he provides leadership for 14 accounts across the state, including the dining program at NPC.
鈥淢y position allows me to pursue two of my core passions: serving students and developing the next generation of leaders,鈥� Kuhn said.
In 2024, Kuhn launched the 鈥淏uilding the Best鈥� leadership development program, an initiative designed to identify and mentor high-potential employees. The program has expanded across multiple states and has helped participants advance into higher-level leadership positions within Compass Group.
Kuhn鈥檚 commitment to leadership and service extends beyond his professional role. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at the University of Arkansas鈥揚ulaski Technical College and has been involved in various community efforts throughout his career.
Kuhn has received numerous professional honors, including being named 鈥淎rea Director of the Year鈥� within his organization. However, he said his most meaningful recognition is being named NPC鈥檚 Outstanding Alumnus.
鈥淭here are thousands of graduates who have worked hard to earn a degree from NPC, so being named the 2026 recipient of this award is incredibly humbling,鈥� he said.
Kuhn credits the college with providing a strong academic foundation and values that continue to influence his work today.
鈥淣PC provided me with an affordable, high-quality education that I continue to draw on every day,鈥� he said.
Kuhn encouraged current NPC students to remain focused and take full advantage of their opportunities.
鈥淲ork hard and make the most of every opportunity in front of you,鈥� he said. 鈥淒o not let excuses or obstacles stand in the way of your goals. Your current circumstances do not define your potential.鈥�
As he reflects on his journey, Kuhn said he remains grateful for the role NPC played in his success and is proud to stay connected to the institution.
鈥淢y experience at NPC was the ideal starting point,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for the opportunities it gave me and the path it helped create.鈥�