Arkansas EMS Provider Named 2026 Outstanding EMS Professional
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Arkansas native Shermar Easter has always wanted to become an EMS provider. For years, he had a passion for helping people, and it was exactly this passion that led him to being selected as the 2026 Outstanding EMS Professional of the Year by Columbia Southern University (CSU).
Easter serves as the corporate recruiter for LifeNet EMS, a nonprofit EMS company headquartered in Texarkana, Texas, where he oversees recruitment efforts across multiple divisions and helps build the workforce of EMS.
“Seeing both the operational side and the hiring side has given me a unique perspective on what it really takes to build strong teams in EMS,” he said. “Watching employees grow, succeed and stay passionate about this profession is incredibly rewarding,” he added, noting that he has been in the profession for about six years and holds an EMT certification.
His desire to help others started early in high school when he and several classmates researched a community need, presented the project, wrote the grant application and helped secure funding for a wheelchair-accessible swing at a local park so children of all abilities could enjoy the playground together.
When he is not working, Easter remains active in his community through several civic and volunteer organizations, including the Rotary International District 6170 in Magnolia, Arkansas. He also serves as vice president of the Magnolia-Columbia County Literacy Council and vice president of Abilities Unlimited, a 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those in the community with disabilities. In addition, he assists with community outreach initiatives, youth leadership programs and public safety education efforts throughout Southwest Arkansas.
After working in EMS for several years, Easter said he realized experience alone wasn’t enough if he wanted to grow into leadership. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in EMS administration with CSU.
“I had seen the challenges our industry faces firsthand—staffing shortages, burnout, retention—and I wanted the knowledge and tools to actually be part of the solution,” he explained. “Earning my bachelor’s in EMS administration has already started to shape how I look at the bigger picture. I’m not just focused on filling positions anymore, I’m thinking about workforce sustainability, retention strategies, and how leadership decisions affect patient care and employee experience.
A leader in public safety education, CSU established the Outstanding EMS Professional of the Year Award to recognize students and graduates serving in the EMS field for their commitment to saving lives, professionalism and their accomplishments in the field during National EMS Week (May 17-23). CSU also awards outstanding law enforcement, fire service and occupational safety and health professionals.
“Winning the CSU Outstanding EMS Professional of the Year award is truly humbling. EMS is filled with hardworking professionals who dedicate themselves to serving others, so to be recognized in this way is a tremendous honor,” said Easter.
About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.
