Merrell ’14 Goes from First-Gen Grad to Arkansas “Power Woman”

University of the Ozarks alumna Ariel (Nichols) Merrell '14 has gone from being a first-generation college graduate to one of the most powerful women in Arkansas.

Originally from Clarksville, Merrell was one of 94 women from across the state named to the 2025 Power Women list by Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP) in its December edition.

According to the publication, "Where there are women, their power is truly a force to be reckoned with. We at Arkansas Money & Politics are proud to highlight some of the most incredible women leaving their stamp on the state of Arkansas."

Merrell currently serves as corporate controller for CFS Technologies in North Little Rock, Ark., where she oversees accounting and financial operations for two manufacturing plants in Arkansas. She also serves as vice president of finance and operations for C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery in Little Rock and Springdale, Ark., overseeing all financial aspects of the company while ensuring operational efficiency across sales, warehouse, and administrative functions.

In these roles, Merrell oversees accounting teams, payroll, tax compliance, audits, contract negotiations, the design and implementation of standard operating procedures, KPI development, and financial planning.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Merrell earned a degree in accounting and business administration from University of the Ozarks.

"I know my grandpa is incredibly proud of me, even though my education and career choices have taken me away from my hometown of Clarksville," she said. "My dad was my biggest advocate in my education so that I could live a life outside of what we had. Having this education has opened doors that just aren't possible in our small town. I've seen some really cool places, provided a good life for my family, and I am always thankful for my start at University of the Ozarks."

Merrell said her four years at Ozarks were special because of the relationships she formed with faculty in the business department.

"I had professors I admired who gave me not only the education needed to complete the coursework, but also mentored me on a personal level," she said. "They helped me reach my goals outside of school and taught me how to manage my time with family, work, and education."

Her advisor also helped her secure a valuable internship that helped launch her career.

"The accounting program was incredibly beneficial as I worked my way from bookkeeper up to vice president of finance and operations, handling financial statement preparation, tax returns, mergers and acquisitions on a large scale, budgeting and forecasting, and various 'clean-up' projects for companies," Merrell said. "The business administration program helped me manage relationships with vendors and stakeholders, maintain the operational health of a company through processes and people, and lead teams with different goals and personalities. I've been able to blend well within many industries and connect with everyone from production-floor employees to C-suite leaders and private equity groups."

Merrell said she might not have been able to attend college without the scholarships she received from Ozarks.

"I worked through high school and college to save money and received smaller scholarships locally and through the state, but Ozarks scholarships played a significant role in allowing me to gain a college education," she said. "Because I was an independent student who did not rely on family financial support, my advisors helped me maximize those awards by strategically planning for me to double major in accounting and business administration."

She still looks back fondly on her time at Ozarks.

"The connections with other students and professors are what I remember most," Merrell said. "I made lifelong friends and learned so much from instructors who have continued to be a part of my life. I really hope they know how much I appreciate them and their role in helping me 'make it.' I worked a lot during college, so I didn't participate in as many campus activities as others, but Ozarks worked hard to keep our community connected through some really great events."

Merrell resides in Maumelle, Ark., with her husband, Jason, and their children: Maddox, Benson, Elijah, and Lucy.

Topics: Alumni Stories