Former A-State Quarterback Receives Top Alumni Honor From University

Timothy Langford, M.D., stood on the football field in Jonesboro on Oct. 24 to receive the highest honor from his former undergraduate institution. The Arkansas State University Alumni Association presented Langford with its Distinguished Alumni award during a halftime ceremony at the Red Wolves' homecoming game against Georgia State. The award recognizes graduates whose professional achievements, service, and leadership bring prestige to the university.

Langford graduated from A-State in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in zoology and pre-medicine. During his time as a student athlete, he served as an All-Southland Conference quarterback from 1980 to 1983. His athletic performance led to his induction into the athletic department's Hall of Honor and the football program's Ring of Honor. As a senior, he received the university's first-ever Terry Gwin Award, a distinction given annually to the top student athlete in any sport.

His connection to the university extended beyond his playing years and undergraduate studies. Langford and his wife, Terri, made a major gift in 2004 that established the Tim and Terri Langford Sports Medicine Center. In 2014, he was appointed to the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees, a position he held until 2019. During that period, he helped guide the institution through a phase of growth. Following his term, he was named trustee emeritus.

Langford's medical career has been centered in Arkansas. He earned his medical degree and completed his urology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, or UAMS, in 1988. He spent 28 years practicing at Arkansas Urology, where he served as president and medical director of the state's largest urology practice. In 2021, he returned to UAMS. In November 2025, he was invested in the Steven K. Wilson Endowed Chair in Prosthetic Urology.

The alumni board selected the three honorees from nominations submitted by fellow graduates and supporters. Natalie Rogers, president of the Alumni Association, stated that Langford and the other two recipients have made a lasting impact in their professions and communities. The other two recipients were Phillip Poston of Jonesboro and Billy Don Tiner of San Antonio.

Poston, a 1996 graduate with a degree in marketing, is recognized for his leadership in economic development and workforce advancement. He serves on numerous boards and has played a role in securing support for academic initiatives. Tiner, a 1972 graduate who also studied zoology, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a retired U.S. Navy captain. He is known for his service in the military, medicine, education, and philanthropy, as well as his support for A-State athletics.

Langford currently practices general urology with a focus on prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, male voiding dysfunction, and robotic surgery. He also holds leadership roles with Baptist Health and the South Central Section of the American Urological Association.

In his acceptance remarks, Langford credited his alma mater with providing more than just an education. He said the university gave him the foundation, experiences, and relationships that prepared him for every step of his life, including his current role as chair of urology at UAMS. He expressed deep gratitude to the institution and noted he was incredibly honored to be named a Distinguished Alumnus.