University of Central Arkansas Annual Report 2018-19

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT.................................................................... 3 ACADEMICS................................................................................................................ 4 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS.............................................................................................6 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION..........................................................................................7 COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION........................................................8 COLLEGE OF HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES..................................................9 COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS......................................................................................10 COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS.............................................11 SCHEDLER HONORS COLLEGE.................................................................................12 GRADUATE SCHOOL...................................................................................................13 SERVICE-LEARNING......................................................................................................................... 14 RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES...........................................................................................15

ACHIEVEMENTS....................................................................................................... 16 ADVANCEMENT........................................................................................................ 18 WINDGATE FOUNDATION..........................................................................................20 LAURELS & STRIPES..................................................................................................22 DAY OF GIVING............................................................................................................24 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION...............................................................................................25

GOVERNING BODIES............................................................................................ 26 CAMPUS LIFE............................................................................................................. 28 ATHLETICS.................................................................................................................. 32 OXFORD AMERICAN.............................................................................................. 36 ARKANSAS SHAKESPEARE THEATRE......................................................... 37 LOOKING AHEAD..................................................................................................... 38 2 | 201 8- 19 AN NUAL R EP ORT

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT It is my pleasure to present the 2018-19 Annual Report for the University of Central Arkansas.

The 2018-19 academic year brought excitement and set new levels of excellence in the proud 112-year history of your university. We continue to see retention and graduation rates increase, and we annually join the list of best public universities in the South. We set records in annual giving to the university, but most importantly, we set new standards for the amount of private scholarship dollars awarded to our very deserving students. While regularly recognized for our academic excellence and the beauty of our campus, UCA added to the list of plaudits this past year as we were named by Ladders.com as the “Best Total Package” university in Arkansas.

It is no surprise that we are recognized for our overall excellence. We do operate at a scale that allows innovation and far-reaching impact, but it is truly special that we can do those things in an environment where students form strong bonds with their alma mater. We strive to deliver a personal education that ensures students have a lasting relationship with our faculty, staff, and their peers. Add a concerted effort to combine first-class education in the classroom with challenging experiences in internships, undergraduate research, and service-learning, and you get a graduate who knows how to apply their knowledge and make a difference in their world.

You are a large part of our success! I hope that as you read through this record of accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, you will feel a sense of pride in the work that we do to transform the lives of our students and their families. From new academic programs and initiatives to performances in the arts and athletics, our campus community is alive with creativity, innovation, and excellence. I am proud of our achievements from the past year, but we have an even more exciting future ahead. As you spend time with this report, I hope you will feel the same pride and also sense the energy and anticipation about all the wonderful things to come.

Go Bears!

Sincerely,

Dr. Houston D. Davis President UCA. E DU | 3

11,177

FALL 2018 ENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT BY COLLEGE

1,631

1,597

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

1,006 COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

ACADEMICS The University of Central Arkansas experienced an unprecedented year in fundraising with the largest gift in university history and in freshman enrollment with the largest incoming class since 2015, strengthening UCA's position as a premier learner-focused institution.

The university received the largest gift in its 111-year history, $20 million from the Windgate Foundation. This extraordinary matching gift will support the new state-of-theart Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts expected to open in fall 2022.

The total headcount enrollment, including the incoming freshman class, remained steady for the fall semester at 11,177.

Full-time equivalent enrollment also held comparably the same from 9,634 to 9,698 a year ago.

Forbes magazine recognized UCA on its inaugural list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2019. The university maintained a ranking in the top 30 best regional public institutions in the South, according to the 2019 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. UCA ranked 26 in the Top Public Schools category of regional universities in the South, which was the highest ranking among other regional public universities in Arkansas.

Overall, UCA ranked 71 among public and private institutions in the Best Regional Universities in the South category.

FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT First-time undergraduate enrollment at UCA for the fall 2018 semester surpassed 2,000 students for the first time since 2015. The 2,033 entering freshmen represented a 5% increase over the previous year’s incoming class of 1,937. This year’s incoming Class of 2022 also had an average composite ACT score of 24.4 and a composite high school GPA of 3.55.

840

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

1,462

3,459 COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

1,182 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

UNDECIDED

TOP UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 693 BIOLOGY 431 PSYCHOLOGY 410 HEALTH SCIENCES 401 EXERCISE SCIENCE 367 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 341 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 296 COMPUTER SCIENCE 254 NURSING 242 MARKETING 207 ACCOUNTING Source: Office of Institutional Research

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NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATES CYBERSECURITY

DATA ANALYTICS

The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity is designed to produce graduates who can identify, assess and manage cyber threats. The program curriculum provides required computer science and cybersecurity courses such as data structures, number theory and cryptography, algorithms, networking, database systems, computer architecture, computer forensics, operating systems and information security. Other requirements include political science and management information systems courses.

The Graduate Certificate in data analytics examines collecting and maintaining data, as well as the three-part understanding in using the data: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. The program can be completed online or on campus.

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY The Educational Specialist emphasizes the professional identity of school psychologists within the broader field of psychology. The breadth and depth of professional training prepares candidates to competently perform a variety of school psychology functions and provides an education that values and respects cultural diversity among candidates, faculty and service recipients.

NUTRITION The Master of Science in nutrition provides students the opportunity to enhance their ability to serve as effective leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Through the curriculum, students and graduates are engaged in servicelearning, cutting-edge classroom technology and current research.

ATHLETIC TRAINING The Master of Science in athletic training program is committed to mentoring professionals who will enhance the quality of health care for the physically active and advance the athletic training profession as clinical scholars. This is achieved through a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for entry-level athletic training positions using evidence-based practice.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to be members of an interdisciplinary health care team in a variety of settings.

GENERAL STUDIES The Bachelor of General Studies is a broad multidisciplinary degree designed for individuals who have at least 60 hours of college credit. Concentrations include American studies, education, global studies, health science, humanities and social sciences. Some courses are offered online, and certain concentrations can be completed online.

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COLLEGE OF

BUSINESS The College of Business comprises the departments of Accounting; Economics, Finance, and Insurance and Risk Management; Marketing and Management; and Management Information Systems.

College of Business students continue to thrive within and outside of the classroom through experiential learning opportunities. Some of these opportunities include case studies, research conducted alongside faculty members and internships with companies such as Acxiom, C.H. Robinson and Maverick Transportation LLC. Since 1984, the college has maintained its accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This accreditation is the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTS ◊ The Theta Lambda chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was named the University of Central Arkansas Student Organization of the Year. The national Beta Alpha Psi organization named the chapter a superior chapter for the 10th consecutive year. ◊ Day of Giving brought in seven new scholarships, three named spaces and nearly $200,000 in donations for the college. Supporters included C.H. Robinson, Goddess Products, Greenway Equipment, Insight and Modern Woodmen of America. ◊ College of Business students participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, completing tax returns for qualifying members of the community.

$90K + The amount of College of Business scholarships awarded in the 2018-19 year

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◊ In May 2019, Stephanie Watson, chair of the Department of Accounting, was recognized with the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants’ 2018 Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award at the Accounting Educator’s Conference. The award recognizes full-time college-level accounting educators for excellence in teaching and prominence in the accounting profession. ◊ The college’s Insurance and Risk Management program earned the university a Global Center of Insurance Excellence designation from the International Insurance Society. The honor is given to universities and colleges that meet strict standards on course offerings, graduate and employment rates, professional involvement and student qualifications. The university was recognized with this designation at the society’s Global Insurance Forum in Singapore in June.

COLLEGE OF

EDUCATION The College of Education comprises the departments of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education; Leadership Studies; and Teaching and Learning. It also houses the Office of Candidate Services, the Mashburn Center for Learning, the Child Study Center and the Technology Learning Center.

Through its offering of hands-on and technology-based experiences for students, the College of Education continues to be a leader in professional education. The college is in its third year of the 1:1 iPad® Mobile Initiative, in which students enrolled in the undergraduate elementary, special education, middle level and all secondary education programs utilize iPads to help improve student learning and classroom engagement. As part of the initiative, iPads are a college curriculum requirement for those programs.

The college was selected as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018-21, a three-year designation awarded to institutions for continuous innovation in learning, teaching and the school environment. The college’s 1:1 iPad Mobile Initiative contributed to it receiving this award. The University of Central Arkansas is the only Arkansas institution whose College of Education received this distinction.

HIGHLIGHTS ◊ The college was awarded the 2019 Best Practice in Innovative Use of Technology Award by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. The award recognized the college’s leadership in mobile learning and commitment to excellence in teacher preparation. ◊ A new database was developed that allows programs to track field placement. This new database ensures all teacher candidates receive diversity in their field placements. ◊ The college hosted Hour of Code in the fall and spring semesters. The event saw 180 third- and fourth-graders experience hands-on coding and computational thinking activities through the use of robots and block-coding platforms. ◊ Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson invited College of Education Dean Victoria Groves-Scott and representatives from the teacher education programs to attend the signing of a bill that will raise the minimum salary for teachers by $4,000 over the next four years.

83

The number of students served through Bears for Care, a respite program for children with disabilities and their siblings

$216K

Total grant amount the Mashburn Center for Learning received to provide professional development for teachers across Arkansas UCA. E DU | 7

COLLEGE OF

FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION The College of Fine Arts and Communication comprises the departments of Art; Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing; and Music; the School of Communication; and Reynolds Performance Hall.

The College of Fine Arts and Communication presented “The Water About Us,” a series on water conservation from Oct. 1-6, 2018. The multiday event included an underwater concert titled “Aqurld Waves at the Water About Us,” which took place Oct. 4 and 6 and included instruments designed specifically for underwater use. Featured performers included University of Central Arkansas percussion professor Blake Tyson, dance company CORE Performance Co. and nonprofit music organization HEARding Cats Collective. Through movement, sound, text and visual art, “The Water About Us” used the arts to create an opportunity for the UCA community to discuss water as a social justice issue.

HIGHLIGHTS ◊ Film director and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott visited campus in April 2019 as part of the artist-in-residence program.

He screened his 2018 film “BlacKkKlansman,” for which he shares an Oscar for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) with Spike Lee and others. ◊ The School of Communication presented Communication Week from Oct. 22-26, 2018. This year’s theme, Communication Unites!, explored how communication can build bridges and bring people together. The keynote speaker was David Albritton, executive director of product development and internal communications for General Motors.

$20M Gift received from the Windgate Foundation to support the new Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts and the Windgate Scholarship Fund. The center will include a 450-seat concert hall, 175-seat black box theater and experimental lab, several music studios and practice rooms, and more.

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NORBERT O. SCHEDLER

HONORS COLLEGE The Norbert O. Schedler Honors College and University Scholars Program seek to develop public scholars whose skills as leaders empower them to fulfill their potential to transform themselves and their world.

The Norbert O. Schedler Honors College was founded in 1982 and was the first honors college in Arkansas. The college offers a living and learning community called Farris Honors Hall, through which Honors scholars participate in programs and opportunities that assist their academic and personal growth.

Due to unprecedented interest from qualified students, the University Scholars Program was added in 2018 to increase honors opportunities for University of Central Arkansas students. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students in both programs can participate in transformative educational experiences such as community-based research, experiential learning, undergraduate research, civic engagement and study abroad.

HIGHLIGHTS ◊◊ The University Scholars Program created partnerships with the College of Fine Arts and Communication, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics to design honors experiences for program students. ◊◊ The Honors College hosted its Challenge Week event that focused on the theme of “Breaking the Chains: A Critical Examination of the Global Supply Chain.” Hosted in October 2018, a total of six events engaged more than 660 participants in an exploration of the human and environmental implications of our global economy.

65

The number of students awarded a total of $200,000 to participate in internships, undergraduate research and study abroad

100%

Freshman-to-sophomore retention rate in the pilot class of the University Scholars Program 1 2 | 20 18- 19 ANNUAL R EP ORT

◊◊ In March 2019, the Department of Philosophy and Religion, the Norb and Carol Schedler Scholar-in-Residence program and the Honors College co-sponsored Robert Paul Churchill, whose recent scholarship focuses on “Women in the Crossfire: Understanding and Ending Honor Killings.” ◊◊ The college hosted its third annual Issues in the Public Square Symposium, for which the theme was “Shaping Sustainable Living: Research Driven Change.” The April 2019 symposium featured 83 student presenters, as well as two nationally renowned experts, and provided a forum for students, faculty, staff and the broader community to discuss how to actively address real-world issues of sustainability.

GRADUATE SCHOOL The Graduate School includes doctoral, master’s, specialist and certificate programs across multiple disciplines.

Graduate School students obtain advanced training that prepares them to be scholars, leaders and more. The school expanded its programming and ability to serve potential students. The Master of Arts in Teaching is 100% online and now has the ability to serve a larger pool of candidates inside and outside of Arkansas. The school has also added the Master of Science in nutrition and Master of Science in athletic training, as well as new program features with the Educational Specialist in school psychology and Graduate Certificate in data analytics.

HIGHLIGHTS ◊◊ The Master of Business Administration program ranked fourth largest among MBA programs in Arkansas, as compiled by Arkansas Business in the April 1, 2019, issue. ◊◊ Students in biology, history, mathematics education, business, accounting, dietetics, Spanish and other disciplines presented their research at national, regional and state conferences and meetings. ◊◊ The Master of Arts in sport management had its first cohort graduate during spring 2019 commencement.

14

663

The number of MBA students inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma at the initiation banquet in April

The number of students in the Graduate School who completed degrees in 2018-19

◊◊ Graduate students in the Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program worked with youth in Faulkner County Juvenile Services throughout 2018-19 to provide creative writing workshops and opportunities. ◊◊ First year Doctor of Physical Therapy student Lauren Petrisin was one of two students chosen to serve on the Student Leadership Subgroup of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. This is a national appointment through 2020. ◊◊ The Theta Lambda chapter of Beta Alpha Psi earned a first place rank in the Best Practices in Branding Your Chapter given at the organization’s annual meeting. The chapter also won first place in Best Practices in Using Technology to Help Others at the organization’s southwest regional meeting. ◊◊ Accounting students were awarded $5,000 in scholarships by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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SERVICE-LEARNING Service-learning continues to increase its presence at the University of Central Arkansas with growth in key areas such as the number of students and faculty participating in service-learning, as well as academic programs and courses.

Bear Boots on the Ground

PUERTO RICO

82

The number of students who received community service graduation cords to wear at commencement ceremonies for logging more than 100 hours of service

2,480

The number of students who enrolled in service-learning classes

68

The number of community partner organizations, with 100% of those interested in continuing to work on future service-learning projects

$369,681

The estimated value of the service hours students logged

Eight faculty members were selected to be Service-Learning Faculty Fellows and participated in an intensive five-week seminar to learn how to implement highquality service-learning projects and partnerships. This was the largest cohort since the program’s inaugural year.

Volunteers with Bear Boots on the Ground, UCA’s disaster relief initiative, spent fall, winter and spring breaks working in Panama City, Florida; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; and Puerto Rico. More than 100 volunteers provided nearly 1,500 hours of service and a total value of $38,521 in volunteer service.

The university recognized the Faulkner County Museum as the Service-Learning Community Partner of the Year for the organization’s commitment to supporting service-learning and experiential learning since 2006.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SERVICE-LEARNING AND VOLUNTEERISM ◊◊ In partnership with local nonprofit City of Hope Outreach, the university launched the Poverty Studies Working Group to engage and equip students, faculty, staff and other community partners in research and experiential learning that target poverty with an emphasis on Arkansas. ◊◊ A coalition of nonpartisan student groups partnered to host a voter registration drive and the campus’ first Party at the Polls event. ◊◊ The Big Event completed its sixth year as 551 volunteers completed 45 jobs during this campus- and community-wide day of service. Students, faculty, staff and alumni worked throughout the Conway community performing a variety of tasks from painting to yard work. ◊◊ UCA joined Vote Everywhere, a civic engagement movement of student leaders and university partners. ◊◊ The university hosted a March conference titled "Thrivers & Strugglers: A Growing Economic Divide." The conference explored the demographics of wealth based on research conducted by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, helped participants understand poverty in Arkansas and shared promising practices that address poverty at the local level. Community leaders from across the state, nonprofit leaders and citizens came together to be part of the conversation.

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UCA Study Abroad

RWANDA

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES For more than 20 years, the University of Central Arkansas has been on the cutting edge of educational transformation through the Residential College program. Learning communities are recognized by the Association of American Colleges & Universities as a high-impact practice that significantly enhances the learning experience by creating opportunities for deeper, more meaningful student engagement.

Each UCA Residential College has a unique theme and works closely with the academic colleges to bring opportunities in service-learning, study abroad, undergraduate research and experiential learning.

The Residential College program has an emphasis on educating the freshman student.

A successful and enriched first year of college lays the educational foundation for the years to come.

UCA’s five living and learning communities, and its one commuter learning community, include: Business Residential College in Bear Hall (Biz@Bear), EDGE Residential College in Hughes Hall (EDGE@Hughes), HPaW Residential College in Baridon Hall (HPaW@Baridon), The Stars Residential College in Short/Denney Hall (Stars@Short/Denney), STEM Residential College in Arkansas Hall (STEM@ Arkansas) and the Minton Commuter College in Old Main (MCC@Old Main).

HIGHLIGHTS ◊◊ The Student Veterans Resource Center in MCC@Old Main received technology from military gaming charity Stack Up to use gaming therapy as a means to connect student veterans to mental health resources. ◊◊ UCA instituted its first Learning Community Matching Day for entering firstyear students. More than half of the Class of 2022 are participants in Residential Colleges. ◊◊ Biz@Bear partnered with the Arkansas Center for Research & Economics to guide its students in the development of their personal brand. Workshops encouraged students to explore and define their strengths, and then create a brand object and message in preparation for job readiness. ◊◊ Fourteen students spent a month abroad as part of the Science & Society in Rwanda study abroad experience. It was the largest group since the program began in 2012, and the experience coincided with Kwibuka 25, the 25th commemoration of the 1994 genocide.

BEAR ESSENTIALS FOOD PANTRY The Bear Essentials Food Pantry is a campus-wide endeavor closely associated with the Residential Colleges. With almost $10,000 in generous donations for 2018, the pantry served an average of 172 student, faculty and staff households per month.

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ACHIEVEMENTS The President’s Medallion for Outstanding Student of the University is awarded to a graduating senior from each academic college during May commencement each year. The 2018-19 medallion awardees were: Kelsey Kordsmeier Carter, College of Business; Molly Rottman, College of Education; Isabella Cilia, College of Fine Arts and Communication; Mary Colleen Weidman, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; Carolyn Casey, College of Liberal Arts; and Ashley Rainier Barto, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

University of Central Arkansas students also earned prestigious awards, recognitions and internships nationally and internationally. Mikayla Nash was selected as an intern for the Congressional Black Caucus. Blake Johnson was accepted into the Mellon Scholars Summer Workshop at the Library Company of Philadelphia. Chris Musteen received a William H. Bowen Fellowship Scholarship from the Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Adrianna Chandler and Alexander Fuller were accepted into the Japan Exchange

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Teaching Program and began in August. Nelson Graves won a U.K. Fulbright Summer Institute Scholarship to Aberstwyth in Wales where he studied the Welsh language and had use of the National Library of Wales.

Lauren Petrisin was one of two students nationally chosen to serve on the Student Leadership Subgroup of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. This is a national appointment through 2020.

Quinton Lane received the Bob Huss Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers.

KristiAnna Arechiga, Misty Atkin, Amanda Banda, Cara Barrett, Heather Bittner, Michelle Blancher, Macy Blanton, Hailey Cockerham, McKenzie Escovedo, Timneshia Harris, Stefani Jackson, Tracy Johnson, Cheryl Paul, Megan Scrape, Janet Smyth and Kathryn Thrash were initiated into Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for teachers.

President’s Medallion

BEAR C.L.A.W.S. C.L.A.W.S., or Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students, is a designation given to outstanding students or student groups at the University of Central Arkansas. To be considered for a C.L.A.W.S. designation, students must demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence both inside and outside the classroom. C.L.A.W.S. students are often the recipients of prestigious state and national awards, grants, internships or fellowships. They are committed to enhancing the university experience for their peers, as well as bettering their communities, the state and the world around them.

During each UCA Board of Trustees meeting, President Houston Davis recognizes several of these outstanding students or student organizations as Bear C.L.A.W.S. recipients.

2018-19 BEAR C.L.A.W.S. HONOREES Brett P. Anderson August 2018

Emily Ketchum February 2019

UCA Resident Assistants October 2018

Bear Boots on the Ground May 2019

Student Orientation Staff December 2018

Chloe Spellmann May 2019

Ashley Rainier Barto February 2019

Adrienne Thompson II May 2019

Christopher Coover February 2019

Itzel Velazquez May 2019

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LAURELS & STRIPES INAUGURAL GALA RAISES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS The inaugural Laurels & Stripes gala brought more than 600 attendees to the University of Central Arkansas campus and raised $719,000 in private scholarship support.

and Barbara Williams ’71 were recognized during the program as the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, the most prestigious award presented by the university.

Presented by First Security Bank and co-chaired

by Todd and Kristie Ross of Conway, Laurels & Stripes was an energetic evening that offered “a new take on tradition.” In addition to a premium dinner, guests enjoyed a brief program, music and dancing until midnight, and a complimentary chicken nugget bar provided by Chick-fil-A.

Blankenship is an entrepreneur and advocate who has dedicated more than 40 years to the creation and support of quality health care and assisted living facilities for seniors. She designed and built the first assisted living, home-style cottages in Arkansas, and her facilities have received numerous awards for quality.

“Great things are happening at UCA now! And the incredible success of Laurels & Stripes speaks to the engagement and support of our alumni, friends and corporate partners,” said President Houston Davis.

Williams is former chair of the UCA School of Nursing, a role she held from 1990 to her retirement in 2016. During her time as chair, Williams oversaw significant enrollment growth and numerous program innovations. Williams has served on numerous boards, including the Conway Regional Health System board of directors, the board of the Arkansas Association of Hospital Trustees and CHI St. Vincent.

The newly energized fundraising event, formerly known as Night of Distinction, welcomed two outstanding graduates to the ranks of UCA’s most prominent alumni. Elizabeth “Liz” Blankenship ’75

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI The newly energized Laurels & Stripes fundraising event welcomed two outstanding graduates to the ranks of the University of Central Arkansas’s most prominent alumni. Elizabeth “Liz” Blankenship ’75 and Barbara Williams ’71 were recognized during the program as the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, the most prestigious alumni award presented by the university.

Blankenship is an entrepreneur and advocate who has dedicated more than 40 years to the creation and support of quality health care and assisted living facilities for seniors. She designed and built the first assisted living, home-style cottages in Arkansas, and her facilities have received numerous awards for quality.

She has also served on the Community Advisory Committee for the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and on the Governor’s Alzheimer’s Task Force under former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe and current Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Blankenship was named a Conway Business Woman of the Year in 2015. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society and a certified gerontology nurse.

Blankenship currently serves as a member on the UCA College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board and is a continuous advocate for the UCA School of Nursing. Through her generosity, UCA’s nursing skills lab was equipped with a high-fidelity manikin, as well as cameras, microphones, a control station and other equipment to record student performance.

Williams is former chair of the UCA School of Nursing, a role she held from 1990 to her retirement in 2016. During her time as chair, Williams oversaw significant enrollment growth and numerous program innovations. Her vision and leadership positioned the School of Nursing as one of the top programs in the region.

Barbara Williams '71

President Houston Davis

Elizabeth Blankenship '75

Williams continues her support of the School of Nursing through advocating for important health care initiatives, mentoring university faculty, students and alumni, and through her continued sponsorship of student scholarships and faculty development.

Additionally, she recruited top nursing professionals from across the region and had a significant impact on raising awareness of the state’s nursing shortage with the Arkansas Legislature. She has also served in leadership roles in various local, regional and national nursing organizations and was named Nurse of the Year by the Arkansas Nurses Association in 2001.

Williams has served on numerous boards, including the Conway Regional Health System board of directors, the board of the Arkansas Association of Hospital Trustees and CHI St. Vincent.

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Ms. Shelia Vaught Little Rock 2020

CAMPUS LIFE The University of Central Arkansas provides experiences throughout the year that help students flourish while receiving a world-class education. Students utilize numerous on-campus resources that impact their health and wellness, academic success and community engagement. These include training and equipment in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center, programming celebrating diverse populations and services located in the Student Health Center.

Campus involvement opportunities include clubs and organizations where students can take on leadership positions, complete campus projects and initiatives, and be surrounded by peers with similar academic interests.

For instance, this past school year, UCA’s Student Government Association implemented a program that provides and maintains more than 100 feminine hygiene product dispensers offering free products in buildings across campus.

No matter one’s major, students can also make the creations of their dreams a reality in UCA’s Makerspace located in Donaghey Hall. The Makerspace is a collaborative workspace equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter and other tools where items and designs suited for home, office and play can be created.

Throughout the year, students can also attend movie screenings, comedy and live music shows, and more.

BEAR BOOTS ON THE GROUND Not only do UCA students take part in initiatives that better the campus and UCA community, but they also volunteer for those in need across the country and beyond. Bear Boots on the Ground, the university’s disaster relief organization, traveled to areas affected by natural disasters throughout the year to provide assistance. In December 2018, Bear Boots volunteers went to Panama City, Florida, to take part in indoor and outdoor cleanups of affected areas. In March 2019, volunteers traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to assist in

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the Great Mississippi River Cleanup. In the process, they also learned about river watershed health. Also in March 2019, participants visited Puerto Rico to help restore homes, parks and other areas damaged by flooding caused from Hurricane Maria. Since its inception, Bear Boots on the Ground has helped in relief efforts related to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.

VALOR II CREATED ON CAMPUS

ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES HOLI

Chainsaw artist Gary Keenan sculpted life-sized bear Valor II on campus in spring 2019. Valor II was created from a white oak tree trunk and replaces Valor, who was erected in 2013 but was removed due to decay.

The UCA Indian Student Association held a Holi Festival in April 2019. Holi is a festival of colors marking the arrival of spring, and the celebration included music and refreshments. The celebration is the organization’s largest event of the semester.

COPA PROMOTES ADVENTURES

ZAGSTER GIVES RIDES

Campus Outdoor Pursuits and Activities (COPA), located in the HPER Center, allows members of the UCA community to check out outdoor gear to help provide a better outdoor experience. Equipment such as tents, canoes, paddles, backpacks and coolers are offered to students, faculty and staff at no charge.

UCA is in its second year of having the Zagster bike share program on campus. The initiative allows students, faculty and staff to rent bikes for use on and off campus, and bikes can be returned to any Zagster location in Conway or affiliated stations on campus.

THE BIG EVENT GIVES BACK

UCA GOES MARDI GRAS

Through The Big Event in the spring, UCA students, faculty and staff volunteer across the Conway community to help residents and businesses with much-needed tasks.

Volunteer assignments can include assisting at a community garden or organizing items at a store.

UCA’s Homecoming theme for 2018 was Mardi Gras. Activities included a football game, an Alumni Service Award ceremony, a Greek Step Show, a pep rally, parade and other opportunities for alumni and students to fellowship with each other and the campus community.

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REYNOLDS PERFORMANCE HALL The Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall hosts performing arts programming for the central Arkansas community to enjoy. Its programming features concerts, performances from national touring companies, renowned speakers and more. Its season includes Broadway, Pops, Night Out, Distinguished Lectures and the Main Stage EdUCAtion series. During the 2018-19 season, the 1,200-seat venue sold out 10 performances, including two performances of the musical “Chicago.” This past season also included a concert by blues legend Buddy Guy, award-winning musical “Kinky Boots” and The New Chinese Acrobats.

MAIN STAGE EDUCATION The Main Stage EdUCAtion series exposes pre-K through 12th-grade students from across the state to live performing arts at Reynolds Performance Hall. The productions that students attend are based on historical events, popular books, math and science concepts, and other educational disciplines. Each show is performed by a national touring company and includes an accompanying study guide that students and teachers utilize in the classroom. Students from all corners of the state — including Batesville, Dover, Stuttgart, Fox, Hot Springs, Little Rock and other cities — have attended the series. Through the series, students build creativity, and communication and critical thinking skills. Due to the program’s success, a Main Stage EdUCAtion series endowment has been created to ensure the future of the program.

BUDDY GUY

12,000 The number of students, educators, parents and community members served this past year through the Main Stage EdUCAtion series

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NOTABLE EVENTS The University of Central Arkansas offers a dynamic campus culture and premier programming that brings the university community together. Each year, the campus is host to a number of movie screenings, concerts, speakers and events. ◊◊ In fall 2018, the university marked the 50-year anniversary of UCA’s U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which is known as the Bayonet Battalion. In honor of the 50th year, The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s aerial parachute demonstration team, skydived into Estes Stadium. ◊◊ Comedian and actor John Mulaney performed at Reynolds Performance Hall in November 2018. Mulaney, widely known for his work on Saturday Night Live and stand-up comedy shows, is a two-time Emmy winner. ◊◊ Renowned author and Georgetown University professor of sociology Michael Eric Dyson spoke at UCA in April 2019 for a speakers forum and keynote address on “Fake News, Public Discourse, and Seeking Truth in America.” ◊◊ Award-winning R&B singer Miguel performed at the Farris Center in April 2019. Miguel received a 2012 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for his single, “Adorn.” ◊◊ Arkansas Coding Academy celebrated the grand opening of its new campus on South Donaghey Avenue in August 2018. The campus includes two classrooms, dedicated study and break areas, and 24-hour access to the facility. The program had previously been housed in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center.

THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

◊◊ The Student Activities Board hosted showings of movies such as “Glass,” “Aquaman,” “Captain Marvel,” “Creed II” and others. ◊◊ UCA hosted the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron Rise Above Traveling Exhibit on campus in October 2018. The free exhibit is a mobile movie theater that tours the country to educate and inspire people of all ages with the history and lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were America’s first black military pilots, and their support personnel. The exhibit featured a showing of the film “Rise Above,” which used a 160-degree panoramic screen to create the feeling of being in the cockpit of a P-51C Mustang. ◊◊ Ballet Arkansas presented a performance of “Dracula” in October 2018 at Reynolds Performance Hall. Ballet Arkansas is the premier professional ballet company in the state.

ARKANSAS CODING ACADEMY GRAND OPENING

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STEVE MCCARTY CITIZENSHIP AWARD Breylin Smith, Football Oakley Sisemore, Softball

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WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONS

MEN'S CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONS

VOLLEYBALL

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University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Avenue | Conway, Arkansas 72035

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