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UA – Pulaski Tech Foundation names 2026 Diamond Chef Arkansas Community Award honorees

The University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College Foundation has announced the 2026 Diamond Chef Community Award honorees, continuing a tradition of recognizing excellence in the state’s culinary and hospitality sectors.

The annual awards, selected by a committee of local chefs, food industry professionals, and enthusiasts, will be presented during the Diamond Chef Arkansas fundraising event on Thursday, April 16. The ceremony highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry and the community through leadership, culinary craft, and philanthropy.

This year’s honorees are:

Best in Pastry: Paige Russell-Burt
A Conway native, Paige Russell-Burt earned her pastry certificate in Chicago before honing her craft under acclaimed Chef Paul Virant. After serving as executive pastry chef at Los Angeles’ Hatchet Hall—where she was named to Zagat’s “30 Under 30”—she returned to Arkansas in 2018. Russell currently leads pastry operations at Fidel & Co. and Sterling Market. She also fosters local community through her bi-monthly cookbook club at Paper Hearts bookstore.

Best in Hospitality: Manley Clark
Manley Clark is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience in food and beverage operations. Currently a senior leader at Saracen Casino Resort, the UA-PTC alumnus oversees diverse culinary teams and large-scale hospitality systems. A dedicated mentor and advisory board member, Clark is also the founder of Sudz Laundry Services. His leadership philosophy emphasizes “legacy leadership,” focusing on service and stewardship to create meaningful experiences for guests and employees alike.

Community Impact: Mike Flagg
As General Manager of Hiland Dairy’s Little Rock operation since 2001, Mike Flagg has turned corporate success into community support. Under his leadership, Hiland Dairy has provided over $165,000 in financial and in-kind gifts to UA-PTC, including essential dairy products for the culinary school. Flagg serves on numerous boards, including the Ronald McDonald House, and has previously chaired the Diamond Chef event, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Arkansas’s workforce and charitable sectors.

Diamond Chef Arkansas is the signature fundraiser for the UA-PTC Foundation. The 2026 event, co-chaired by Emily and Witt Stephens III, features an "Iron Chef" style competition between professional chefs, a student contest, tasting stations, and a culinary-themed auction.

The event takes place Thursday, April 16 at UA-PTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at 13000 Interstate 30 in Little Rock. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP. Remaining tickets are available at www.uaptc.edu/diamondchef. VIP entry at 5:30 p.m.; General admission at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Marlie Ball Davis at [email protected].

Pictured left to right: Paige Russell-Burt, Manley Clark, and Mike Flagg