Alumni Profile: Andrea Tucker Wilson, Class of 2009
Andrea Tucker Wilson is an award-winning restaurant and food truck owner in Cabot. She, along with her husband Justin, both attended Henderson State University. Wilson was very active in the theatre department while a student at Henderson.
When did you graduate, and what was your major?
I graduated in 2009 and majored in Theatre Arts & Communication.
Why did you choose Henderson?
Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist co-hosted a KACTF festival in 2006. After watching the amazing production of “Hedda Gabler,” I was determined to move to Arkadelphia to be a part of the Henderson theatre department. Justin and I transferred with our associate's degrees in hand from Arkansas State University-Beebe that following spring semester.
Who were your favorite professors?
Each professor that I had left an impact on me. I spent most of my time in the theatre department because my basics were already out of the way. Dr. Claudia Beach, Mr. Doug Gilpin, and Mr. William Henshaw treated me like family. We laughed, cried and sometimes fought, but they helped me become a better person. I started to become a more hardworking, self-motivated, adaptable individual, someone who has the confidence to get the job done.
What is your current occupation?
My husband, Justin Wilson, who was an art major at HSU, and I are owners of the award-winning restaurant Pea Farm Bistro. We also own the award-winning food truck Hot Rod Wieners. (Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.)
How did Henderson prepare you for your career?
Most people might remember me from stage productions, but theatre is more than acting on a stage. You learn all aspects. The stage management class taught by Doug Gilpin is a good example. You learn all aspects of management, communication, handling deadlines, flexibility, organization, taking initiative, and handling adversity under pressure.
What is your favorite memory of Henderson?
I have so many great memories from Henderson. Battle of the Ravine week was always fun! However, my favorite memories are being a part of my theatre family. The productions, costumes, opening night, the beginning of the year picnic, painting the flats late at night, acting class, makeup class, and lighting Mrs. Jennifer Maddox dance pieces, to name a few.
When was the last time you were on Henderson’s campus?
Dr. Claudia Beach’s final show as a director at HSU, “Pippin” in 2021.
What other job do you think you’d be really good at?
Stage management or bed and breakfast owner
How do you relax after a hard day?
My husband, our daughter, Maddie (9) and I just hang out and play games until her bedtime. Then, we discuss the next day’s agenda from work.
Who do you admire the most, and why?
My husband. He works hard all day. Then he comes home, continues to work and still keeps a smile and does whatever our daughter wants, whether it is Barbies, Legos, or basketball. He’s the best husband, co-worker, and my best friend.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Wait tables.
What’s the hardest lesson you learned?
You have to work hard and do it yourself. You cannot place the blame for things going wrong on someone else, you make your own path.
What are three interesting facts about you?
I collect vinyl records. Our bistro and food truck has been in several books and magazines, and we appeared on the Cooking Channel with our food truck.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
Small town girl and her love of food. Of course, it would be a cookbook.
If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be?
Be kind.