2024 Hall of Fame
Celebrating our SBS Hall of Fame alumni
The Hall of Fame recognizes SBS alumni who have made significant contributions to the university, community, or their career. These renowned innovators have left a mark on NAU and the world, and they all began their journeys as Lumberjacks. The Hall of Fame award is presented to all inductees during Homecoming weekend.
President’s Distinguished Alumni Award
Sharon and Ron Mayes
Sharon Mayes, 1979 BS Sociology
Sharon Mayes graduated and began her career with the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADOC) as a line officer in a maximum-security prison for men. She served over 23 years before retiring in 2003. During her tenure with ADOC, she held several notable positions, including superintendent of a juvenile girls’ unit, Northern Regional Operations Officer over five male prisons, and assistant director of human resources and development. Her accomplishments include forming the Executive Development Program for Women, expanding the Sergeant’s Leadership Academy, and implementing Re-entry and Transition Community Supervision training for inmates. She has received numerous awards from ADOC and accolades from governors. After retiring, Ms. Mayes volunteered time as hospice homecare support, re-entry coach for formerly incarcerated women, and member of the Foster Care Review Board. Ms. Mayes and her husband, Ron, are members of the NAU Foundation 1899 Society and the NAU Prescott Alumni Chapter.
Ron Mayes, 1967 BS Criminal Justice & 1981 MS Criminal Justice
Ron Mayes began his career while attending NAU, joining the Arizona Highway Patrol as a dispatcher. After graduating in 1967, he attended the Highway Patrol Training Academy and within 29 years, he advanced through the ranks from patrolman to major. His assignments included leading the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy, serving as executive officer to the director, and chief of staff of the Highway Patrol Bureau. He also served as interim chief of police for the Pinetop/Lakeside Police Department and the Arizona State Capitol Police Department. Mr. Mayes’ numerous awards include the Arizona Jaycees Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1971, two Department Lifesaving Awards, and two Director Unit Citations. After retiring from DPS, he served as the legislative liaison for the Arizona Department of Corrections. In retirement, he has volunteered extensively in Prescott, including at the Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Western Art Museum, and Yavapai Mounted Sheriff’s Posse.
2024 Hall of Fame inductees
Liz Archuleta
1987 BS Communication & BA Spanish
Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta, a fourth-generation northern Arizona native, is a nationally recognized leader with 25 years of public service. Raised in Flagstaff’s Sunnyside neighborhood, Ms. Archuleta built on a family legacy of hard work and entrepreneurship to inspire her career. As president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Northern Arizona, she improves life for Arizona’s children, youth, and families, driving community change from early childhood to higher education. In 2021, she joined the US Secretary of Agriculture’s executive team as director of External and Intergovernmental Affairs, fostering relationships with elected officials and agricultural leaders nationwide. From 1996 to 2021, she represented District 2 on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, serving as board chair six times. Her tenure was marked by strong fiscal management, justice reform, and disaster resilience, including pioneering post-wildfire flood mitigation. A champion for education and economic development, Ms. Archuleta’s leadership continues to shape the future of northern Arizona.
Melissa Bernasconi
BS Psychology, ’70; BS Chemistry, ’70
MEd School Psychology, ’72
Melissa Bernasconi and her husband co-founded Quality Connections in Flagstaff in 1999. She has made a significant impact on the community by serving over 3,300 individuals through various programs. She secured a $750,000 Rehabilitation Services Administration Establishment Grant to launch QCoffice, employing 12 full-time staff with disabilities and training 21 new employees across three cities. She introduced a licensed residential program that now serves 17 individuals and over 40 families. Additionally, she developed a state-licensed preschool with a four-star Quality First rating and a Montessori-based day program for 50 participants. Previously, Ms. Bernasconi was the employment services director at Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona, where she developed vocational programs and supervised employment operations. She has received numerous awards for her extensive volunteer work and community contributions.
Mark Grant
1981 BS Geography, Planning, and Recreation
Mark Grant, a distinguished recreational and therapeutic services professional, has made significant contributions to the field. Currently, Mr. Grant serves as the National Veteran Air Gun Outreach Coordinator for Move United in Rockford, Maryland. In this role, he oversees equipment procurement and coordinates workshops and veteran shooting leagues nationwide. Previously, he worked at Mesa Parks and Recreation in Mesa, Arizona, as a recreation coordinator. His earlier roles include director of competition and training for Special Olympics Arizona, therapeutic recreation supervisor for the City of Flagstaff, and various positions with the City of Mesa and the Arizona Recreation Center of the Handicapped. Mr. Grant has also held numerous professional and personal offices, including board president and current board member of Arizona Disabled Sports. His achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Move United Award Hall of Fame and the Arizona Cardinals Community Service Award.