Arkansas Professor Earns Top 25 HVACR Instructor Honor

Matthew Lemaster of University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College recognized as one of the best in the nation.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:10am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an air conditioning unit repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the recognition of an HVACR educator's work.A national honor recognizes an Arkansas professor's dedication to training the next generation of skilled HVACR technicians.Little Rock Today

Matthew Lemaster, an assistant teaching professor at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College, has been named one of the top 25 HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) instructors in the United States. The national honor, presented by the ESCO Institute and HVACR Excellence, was announced during the National HVACR Educators Conference in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

HVACR is a growing field, and Lemaster's recognition highlights the importance of quality technical education in preparing the next generation of skilled workers. His focus on hands-on learning and student success aligns with the college's mission to provide career-ready training.

The details

Lemaster, an England, Arkansas, native, has been teaching for just three years. He was selected for the top 25 honor from a pool of thousands of nominees. Lemaster said his number one priority is his students' success, and he takes pride in seeing them secure jobs in the HVACR industry after graduation. Students in the program praise Lemaster's hands-on approach, which they say is already paying off as they prepare to enter the workforce.

  • Lemaster was recognized during the National HVACR Educators Conference held March 23–26, 2026 in Las Vegas.
  • Lemaster is expected to graduate with a Master of Education in community college leadership from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in spring 2027.

The players

Matthew Lemaster

An assistant teaching professor at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College who was named one of the top 25 HVACR instructors in the United States.

Myles Harward

An HVACR student at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College who says Lemaster's hands-on approach is already paying off as he prepares to enter the workforce.

University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College

A community college in Little Rock, Arkansas that offers technical education programs, including HVACR.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great honor. The day I found out, I almost passed out.”

— Matthew Lemaster, Assistant Teaching Professor

“My students and my students' success is my number one driver in my career. Seeing them go out and get their first HVAC job or refrigeration job is such a rewarding experience for me.”

— Matthew Lemaster, Assistant Teaching Professor

“I feel really good. I feel like after I get my refrigeration license, I can get right into it, becoming a technician and working right out the gate.”

— Myles Harward, HVACR Student

“AI is actually boosting our jobs right now and not cutting our jobs. This new generation that's coming in, they're almost going to be able to pick and choose where they want to go work.”

— Matthew Lemaster, Assistant Teaching Professor

“I feel like a proud dad. Because I'm able to see that success in them and see that they're now going to be able to provide for their family.”

— Matthew Lemaster, Assistant Teaching Professor

What’s next

Lemaster is expected to graduate with his Master of Education in community college leadership from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in spring 2027, further enhancing his expertise in technical education.

The takeaway

Lemaster's recognition as a top HVACR instructor highlights the importance of quality technical education in meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in fields like HVACR. His focus on hands-on learning and student success aligns with the mission of community colleges to provide career-ready training and support economic development.