Texarkana Arkansas School District proudly named Horace G. Shipp, Mayor of Texarkana, AR, the 2007 Distinguished Alumni.  Horace Shipp was born December 8, 1944 in Texarkana and grew up in the College Hill area attending Texarkana, AR public schools.  He graduated from Arkansas High School in June 1962 and went to work at Red River Army Depot.  He retired in September, 1997 after a 35-year career with the depot.

As mayor, Horace has emphasized economic development through marketing and promoting our city, establishing the Crossroads Business Park in North Texarkana, and promoting revitalization in the downtown area.  He has vigorously supported the premise that municipal and educational leadership must not only cooperate but work very closely to achieve the community's full potential.  As a long-time member of the Arkansas Municipal League, Horace has served on league advisory and executive boards, the cash and pension management trust board, and as the league's 2nd Vice President.

Horace has received the 2000 Idalee Hawkins Award for Community Leadership presented by Leadership Texarkana, the 2005 Texas A&M University - Texarkana BAAS Club Distinguished Alumnus Award, the 2005 Texas A&M University - Texarkana Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Four States Living Magazine's 2007 "Best City Official" Award.

Horace and Teresa Ramsey Shipp (AHS '65 and retired TASD elementary teacher) were married in August 1965 and have two children - daughter Julie Shipp Davis and son Justin Shipp, both AHS grads and both residents of Fayetteville.  Horace and Teresa have three grandsons - Trey Davis, age 22: Brad Davis, age 11, and Ethan Shipp, age 4.