CAC Announces Two New Board Members

The CAC Board of Directors is pleased to announce today the addition of two new members this spring. 

Eranesha Cochran and Eric Varner join the board as proud CAC parents who bring unique perspectives and experiences to their new roles.

Eranesha (Eran) Cochran describes herself as a devoted wife, mother of four, and proud parent of CAC students Bréleigh Cochran (9th) and Aubrie Cochran (8th). Eran is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and later obtained a Master of Science in Nutrition from Stephen F. Austin State University, becoming a Registered Dietitian. In efforts to care for her patients more comprehensively, to educate the community more effectively, and to fulfill God’s purpose for her life, Eran pursued a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University. She has practiced medicine as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) for nearly a decade and currently serves in primary care within a mental health setting. 

Eran said her proudest accomplishments are being married to Brandon, her UAPB sweetheart, for nearly 17 years, and raising their four children, including the eldest Azarias V. Cochran (DDS candidate May 2026) and Kharis Cochran, who looks forward to becoming a Mustang this fall.

Eran is an active member of Central Rock Church of Christ, where she faithfully supports youth, education, and health ministries. She is deeply passionate about leading young souls to Christ and promoting preventative health to help reduce disparities within the community.

“Our family was drawn to CAC’s core values — to love and respect all whom the Creator created — along with a dedication to spiritual growth and academic excellence,” Eran said.

Board Chairman Jonathan Rogers said that Eran represents the type of mission-focused, Christ-minded parent with whom the Board is eager to connect.

“As we seek new board members, we look for individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, families who are deeply engaged in the CAC community, and parents who fully embrace the mission of the school,” Jonathan said. “Eranesha embodies each of those qualities, bringing valuable expertise from the mental health field through her work with the VA. 

“Eranesha has already contributed in meaningful ways and currently serves on the board’s Education and Culture Committees. We are excited to have Eranesha on the board and look forward to the insight and perspective she will bring as we continue advancing the vision and mission of CAC.”

Eric Varner is a proud CAC parent to Mason (6th) and McKinley (NLR 4th). He serves as a Partner and Vice President at Kelley Commercial Partners in Little Rock. Eric and his wife, Blair, worship and serve at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He enjoys golfing, duck hunting, and cheering on the Razorbacks when he’s not supporting his kids in their many activities. 

Eric said he is honored to serve alongside an incredible group of board members and is excited to support the continued excellence and meaningful impact of CAC.

“What I love most about CAC is its Christ-centered mission and the way it truly partners with families,” Eric said. “The teachers, staff, and administration care for students like family, and that genuine community is what makes CAC such a special place.”

Jonathan praised Eric’s strong support of CAC and his commitment to seeing the school strengthened as it heads into its sixth decade.

“The Varner family has been a tremendous source of support for CAC and strong champions of the school’s mission,” Jonathan said. “They have embraced the culture of CAC and have faithfully partnered with the school on a number of initiatives that have helped support its growth and continued success. 

“He and his family attend Park Hill Baptist Church, one of the congregations with large representation at CAC. As part of our board selection process, we also seek leaders who can reflect and represent the school’s broader community, including the congregations that make up such an important part of CAC’s student body. Eric serves on the board’s Operations and Culture Committees, and we look forward to his leadership during this exciting season for the school.”

As they welcome Eran and Eric, the Board would also like to thank Peyton Tucker and Jason Burton as their terms are concluded. 

Peyton, an FBI agent by trade, concluded his Board service earlier this semester, after helping guide CAC through a period of substantial change. His deep connection to the school continues as his wife Yahna, a longtime CAC teacher, and his three daughters at the Secondary Campus ensure that Peyton will remain a visible presence and dedicated voice of support in our community.

“In his four years on the Board, Peyton brought a valuable perspective through his law enforcement background, along with a deep commitment to the mission and values of CAC,” Jonathan said. “Peyton and his wife, Yahna, have been wonderful partners to our school. During his time on the board, Peyton served in a number of important capacities, including on the Education Committee and a special task force committee when LEARNS was being developed and deployed. His leadership during that time was both thoughtful and impactful. 

“We are grateful for his service and for his desire to help preserve and strengthen the Christian principles that define our school for generations to come.”

Jason’s transition from the Board, which will take place this May, will mark the first time in nearly 40 years that a member of the Burton family will not be serving on the CAC’s Board of Directors. This marks the end of an incredible legacy of Board service for the Burton family.

“Jason has served the school faithfully for many years, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and commitment during his time on the board,” Jonathan said. “Jason follows a remarkable legacy of service established by his family. He was preceded on the board by his wife, Amy, and by his father, Steve. The impact the Burton family has had on CAC is tremendous. They have been instrumental in the school’s formation and growth and have played a role in nearly every campus expansion, renovation, and major development that has helped shape the culture and future of the school over the past four decades. They have been steadfast supporters of CAC’s mission and have consistently approached board service with the best interests of the school at heart. 

“We offer our sincere thanks to Jason, Amy, Steve, and the entire Burton family for their extraordinary legacy of service to CAC.”

If you see Eran, Eric, Peyton or Jason at any events around campus, please share some words of encouragement and thank them for their service in these crucial roles.