Herb Ellis was born and raised in Corning, Arkansas, over 100 miles from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home.  Ellis credits ASUMH advisers and teachers for his new career, however. After twelve years of employment with a furniture manufacturer in Corning, Ellis was comfortable in his job as draftsman/engineer.  When he received word that his position was being eliminated , he began looking for a program through which Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) funding was available.  TAA is a benefit for those workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA includes a variety of benefits and reemployment services to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may receive assistance in skill assessment, job search workshops, job development/referral and job placement. In addition, workers may be eligible for training, job search allowance, a relocation allowance, and other reemployment services.

From the list of approved TAA programs, Herb was interested in Funeral Science but was concerned about the commute to Mountain Home.  Upon learning that ASUMH offers Funeral Science via compressed video in other locations, Ellis enrolled.  Two weeks before Ellis graduated last December, Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home hired another ASUMH Funeral Science graduate who was employed at Emert Funeral Home in Corning.  That hire created an opening in his hometown for Ellis.  Ellis says the commute to his new job is perfect -- about a mile from his home.  Ellis commented about his time in the ASUMH program:  “You can’t find a better group of people.”  He mentioned the encouragement he received from Theressa Walker, in particular.  “I am eternally grateful for all the help ASUMH gave me.”