A N N UA L R E P O R T 2020 - 2021 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
table of contents 3
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
4 ACADEMICS 5 ENROLLMENT 6
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, & SOCIAL SCIENCES
7
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
8
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
9
COLLEGE OF HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
10
COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS
11
SCHEDLER HONORS COLLEGE
12
GRADUATE SCHOOL
13
SERVICE-LEARNING AND RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
14 ACHIEVEMENTS 16 COMMENCEMENT 17
OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
18 EXPANSION 20
CAMPUS LIFE
21
REYNOLDS PERFORMANCE HALL
22 ATHLETICS 26 ADVANCEMENT 32 GOVERNING BODIES 34
OXFORD AMERICAN
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT It is my pleasure to present the 2020-21 Annual Report for the University of Central Arkansas. This report showcases some of the university’s greatest accomplishments from the previous year. One of the most pivotal moments of the year and one of the most significant in our university history was the launch of the public phase of UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond, a $100 million comprehensive capital campaign. The launch of UCA Now represents years of research, meetings, and planning to ready our campus and community for this call to action. This fundraising effort will support our campus through student scholarships, endowed professorships, experiential learning, and much more for years to come. To commemorate this historic occasion, hundreds of alumni and friends visited our campus in April to celebrate with us at the Harding Centennial Plaza and Fountain. Students waived campaign signs with their intended career fields. The UCA Bear Marching Band played our fight song, and at the end of the ceremony, every attendee could toss a commemorative coin into the fountain. To cap off the event, we were able to announce that we had raised $72.5 million toward our goal. This previous year presented extraordinary opportunities to continue building a community of innovators and creative thinkers both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty and staff maintained the academic rigor and full-bodied campus experience our students and their families expect, and they did so with a global pandemic as a backdrop. The university showed incredible resilience and grit in holding fast to our campus values of putting students first. I am deeply grateful for the stalwart dedication shown by our faculty, staff, and students who have all contributed to our collective success. I am also grateful for the many alumni, friends, community members, and partners who continue to support our efforts. We have an exciting future ahead, and we know that you share in our anticipation of the impact that lies ahead for UCA, Arkansas, and beyond. Go Bears!
Dr. Houston D. Davis President
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ACADEMICS For the third consecutive year, the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate for fulltime freshmen set a new university record. Additionally, the entering freshman class is again one of the most academically qualified in school history. The class of 1,715 had a composite ACT score of 24.2 and a composite high school GPA of 3.59. With 10,335 students, fall 2020 headcount was down 4.9% compared to Fall 2019. Overall student credit hour production is down 3.9%, which is less than the 5% decrease planned for in the university’s FY21 budget. The university budgeted for an expected enrollment decline. Factors related to COVID influenced concurrent, out-of-state and international enrollments. Still, enrollment exceeded university expectations and the student body remains at more than 10,000. “I see many things in our preliminary numbers that make me proud,” said Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president. “It is more important now than ever to ensure our students have the support they need to get from freshman orientation to graduation. Our incredible faculty and staff, strong student success initiatives, and outstanding academic instruction continue to set us apart and help our students succeed on campus and after graduation.” Almost eight out of every 10 freshmen from fall 2019 returned to UCA for the fall 2020 semester. At 78.8%, the retention rate for the fall 2019 cohort is the highest in university history, up from 74.7% in 2018. Overall freshman-to-sophomore retention of underrepresented students is at 79.2%, up from 72.3% the previous year. This includes an 86.4% retention rate for Asian students; 81.5% for Black students, which is a 10% increase over last year; and 75.2% for Hispanic students.
New degree program and certificate CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IN HEALTH COACHING This undergraduate certificate requires completion of 14 credit hours. It prepares students for employment in health promotion and wellness programs found in businesses, corporations, exercise/fitness centers, and clinics, as well as for self-employment opportunities.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE IN DIGITAL AGE TEACHING AND LEARNING This program is geared toward the education professional who wants to go beyond the master’s degree with a focus on how to transform their classroom into an environment where digital-age students have increased voice and choice in their learning. This is a 30-hour graduate degree program delivered fully online.
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10,335 FALL 2020 ENROLLMENT Enrollment by College
1,832 COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
1,576 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
1,041 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
3,227 COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
1,527 COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS
1,132 UNDECLARED
Top Undergraduate Majors 649
BS - BIOLOGY
579
BS - EXERCISE SCIENCE
549
BS - PSYCHOLOGY
412
BBA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
323
BSE - ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
251
BS - COMPUTER SCIENCE
248
BSN - NURSING
208
BBA - ACCOUNTING
201
BBA - MARKETING
185
BS - COMMUNICATION SCIENCES
AND DISORDERS
Source: Office of Institutional Research UCA .EDU |
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College of ARTS, HUMANITIES, & SOCIAL SCIENCES As UCA’s newest college, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences consists of the School of Communication and nine departments: Art & Design; English; Film, Theatre and Creative Writing; Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures; Music; Philosophy & Religion; Political Science; and Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology. In an effort to expand facilities and resources for students, the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts broke ground in October 2020. The combination of communication, liberal, and performing arts has allowed for greater student and community engagement. The Suffrage Centennial Project featured 20 public events and 60 outreach workshops including the creation of a ground mural at the Arkansas State Capitol. The first annual “Quoined Corner: CAHSS Student Research and Creative Activity Conference” held via YouTube, included 26 student-faculty videos over topics such as “Confronting COVID” and “Exploring the EDGE: Global Encounters.”
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
English majors Rachel Johnson and Katherine Martin
◊
presented at the 2021 Richard Macksey Undergraduate Humanities Symposium hosted by Johns Hopkins University. ◊ ◊
The UCA Scroll was inducted into the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence for the third year in a row.
◊
As elected chairman of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Task Force, Rob Moritz, lecturer I of
UCA alumni Sophia Ordaz and Alexander Battaglia were
journalism, is responsible for making recommendations
offered Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships.
on bills that will affect the state public records and open
Euphonium graduate Thomas Janssen was named
meetings law.
winner of the “Young Artist Performance” by the Arkansas Music Teachers National Association Competition.
80 The number of public events and outreach workshops presented by the suffrage centennial project including the creation of a ground mural at the arkansas state capitol.
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$2M+ amount COB received to support scholarships, student awards, professorships, lectures and faculty professional development
College of business The College of Business (COB) provides both undergraduate and graduate programs, from accounting to cybersecurity management. In accordance with increasing market demand, the College of Business has created a minor in Financial Services and developed three new academic programs across all levels of study, in the field of data analytics. The college features over $246,000 of up-to-date classroom equipment to match technology used in the modern workforce, providing future business leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global marketplace.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
◊
UCA’s MBA program was named to the
◊
$300,000 of taxpayer money to the community
for On-Campus MBA.
through the preparation of over 300 tax
The COB had the second highest CPA exam
returns as part of the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
pass rate in Arkansas for 2020. ◊
Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for
◊
Parton’s Imagination Library.
superior status for the 13th year in a row. Student research was published in peerreviewed journals and presented at regional conferences including the International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD) and Southwest Decision Sciences Institute.
Students raised and donated more than $3,200 to local and national charities, including Dolly
financial information students, achieved ◊
Student volunteers returned more than
Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools List
◊
Four teams representing UCA’s MBA program placed among the top 100 performers in a worldwide business simulation competition called GLO-BUS. More than 2,000 teams competed.
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20 OF 21 Data from the 2020 Arkansas New Teacher Survey shows that UCA graduates rate their teacher preparation above the state average in 20 of the 21 areas of readiness.
College of education A leader in the state of Arkansas, the College of Education (COE) offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels across three departments: Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education; Leadership Studies; and Teaching and Learning. Graduates leave the College of Education ready to inspire and instruct the next generation of leaders. Data from the 2020 Arkansas New Teachers Survey show that UCA graduates rate their preparation above the state average in 20 of the 21 areas of readiness. The COE was also granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, receiving no recommendations for areas of improvement or stipulations. Additionally, UCA is the only institution in the state of Arkansas with International Dyslexia Association accreditation.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
The UCA Mashburn Center worked with Team Digital and
◊
the Great Rivers Educational Service Co-Op to develop four virtual courses for Arkansas teachers. ◊
the United States. ◊
School District’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. ◊
The COE hosted the first Centering Equity Conference in May 2021, with over 175 virtual attendees from across Susanna Post ’17 was named 2021 Arkansas Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Department of Education in partnership with the State Board of Education.
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Jessica Franklin ’16 was named the North Little Rock Steve Ward of the Department of Teaching and Learning received the UCA Career Champion Award for 2021.
◊
Dean Vicki Goves-Scott and Jessica Herring Watson, assistant professor, were invited to present at the Apple Nation College of Education Briefing in April 2021.
College of HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS) is home to the departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders; Exercise and Sport Science; Health Sciences; Military Science and Leadership; Nutrition and Family Sciences; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Psychology and Counseling; and the School of Nursing. UCA has expanded the facilities of the CHBS through the completion of the Integrated Health Sciences Building. Renovations for the current Doyne Health Sciences building, such as updated classrooms and new lab spaces, are slated to begin in the fall of 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
CHBS students offered telehealth services in dietetics,
Education Excellence Award by the APTA, Academy of
nursing, occupational therapy, psychology and
Pelvic Health and the 2021 Eleanor J. Carlin Award for
speech-language pathology to accommodate social
Excellence in Academic Teaching.
distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. ◊ ◊
Rebecca Luong, clinical instructor of nutrition and
Femina Varghese, psychology professor, was named a
family sciences, won the American Association of
Fellow of the Society of Counseling Psychology.
Family and Consumer Sciences 2021 New Achiever
Charles Hervey, exercise and sport science clinical
Award.
instructor, won the Andrew H. Lewis Diversity ◊
◊
◊
Keiyanna Fisher ’20 was runner up in the 2020
Advancement Award from SHAPE America.
Infographic Competition at the National Commission
Faculty from the Department of Physical Therapy
for Health Education Credentialing.
received nationwide recognition, including the 2020
12,000+ School of Nursing students and faculty administered more than 12,000 COVID-19 vaccinations.
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$22,000 amount awarded in scholarships to Skyler Austin and Dylan Lawhon from the SANS Institute based on their performance in the nationwide cyber fasttrack competition.
College of NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS Home to the UCA Institute of STEM Professional Development and Education Research, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is organized into six departments: Biology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Computer Science and Engineering; Geography; Mathematics; and Physics and Astronomy.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
◊
◊
Grace Zimmerman ’21, a John Mather Nobel
◊
Scholar, interned with NASA at the Goddard
undergraduate award for best full oral
Space Flight Center. She earned the Internship
presentation at the Southwest Fisheries
Student Achievement Award for her work which
Conference in November 2020. UCA students
included generating spectral data for Uranus
also won first, second and third places in the
and writing corresponding Python programs.
lightning category.
UCA’s American Chemical Society’s Student
◊
Reid Adams, and Hal Halvorson received a
nationwide
$158,250 grant from the Arkansas Department
The Arkansas Council of Teachers of
of Environmental Quality to research and develop/revise water quality criteria for portions of the Ouachita River Basin.
Mathematics, hosted Its annual math contest virtually and drew more than 480 students from
◊
Matthew Connolly and Yaqian He, geography
21 campuses across the state.
faculty members, received a $40,000 NASA
Todd Abel, assistant professor, was named
Epscor grant to determine irrigation patterns
Associate Vice-President for Awards for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators.
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Biology faculty members Ginny Adams,
Chapter was ranked in the top 10% of chapters
Mathematics, founded by the Department of
◊
Biology student Willow Newman won the
and microclimates in the Arkansas Delta.
norbert o. schedler
HONORS COLLEGE The UCA Honors College oversees the operation of the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College, the University Scholars Program and Honors in the Major. Each program provides a host of academic opportunities with the mission of developing public scholars and future leaders whose actions are grounded in interdisciplinary understanding. Founded in 1982 as the first honors college in Arkansas, the Schedler Honors College received an unprecedented amount of interest from qualified students, leading to the formation of the University Scholars Program in 2018. Emphasizing scholarship, leadership and citizenship, both programs conclude with the completion of an undergraduate thesis, providing graduates with the critical thinking skills needed to become leaders in a changing world.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
◊
In September 2020, the Honors College
◊
Donna Bowman, a faculty member of
hosted a virtual challenge week, attended
the Schedler Honors College for 22 years,
by more than 600 students: The theme was
was awarded the UCA 2019-2020 Teaching
“Democracy, Citizenship, and Governance.”
Excellence Award.
Seventy-six students from Schedler Honors
◊
The University Scholars and Schedler
and University Scholars completed capstone
Honors College have boasted a 100%
projects, with topics ranging from the cure
retention rate of freshmen students
for Chagas disease to a self-published novel
since 2018.
of the Cambodian Genocide.
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GRADUATE SCHOOL From computer science to English and biology, UCA offers 36 master’s programs, 18 professional certifications and seven doctoral programs. Active both on and off campus, the UCA Graduate School has hosted various seminars and competitions such as the Three-Minute Thesis competition. Students are recipients of grants and scholarships, and the College of Education received funding from the Arkansas Department of Education to provide tuition support for graduate students pursuing endorsements in teaching English as a second language and for online teaching and learning.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
Biology students Tori Hebert and Sam Little
the summer production of “Puccini’s Suor
received grants from the Arkansas Audubon
Angelica.”
Society. ◊
Michael Deutsch received the Southwestern
Graduate Student Award from the Arkansas
Energy Award.
◊
Joe Miller, a biology graduate student, was a recipient of the United States Fish and Wildlife
from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Service Fellowship. ◊
Graduate student Juli Layne (Doctor of
Jordan Mackenzie received the Excellence
Nursing Practice), was recognized by Stacy
in Teaching Award from the Department of
Harris, graduate program coordinator, for her
Psychology and Counseling.
dedication in educating frontline health care
Mary Rowe ’21 was accepted into the Berlin
providers on best practice care for children
Opera Academy and will be performing in
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Alyssa Frisby ’21 received scholarship money Foundation.
◊
Biology students Sam Little, Kira Gibbs and
Trevis Belle ’21 received the Outstanding Student Affairs Association.
◊
◊
who are victims of sexual abuse.
SERVICE-LEARNING Academic service-learning is course-based teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and
Urban Farm Project
strengthen communities. In the 2020-21 academic year, 1,811 students offered an estimated 11,901 volunteer hours to the service-learning program, a value of $272,175.87. There were 108 students recognized for completing the BearsServe Challenge, meaning they tracked more than 30 hours of volunteer service.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
A total of 51 students logged at least 100 hours of service during their time at UCA, earning them a white graduation cord.
◊
UCA’s AmeriCorps state program, BearsServe Leaders, continued for a second year, and 16
Americorps Day of Service
students participated in the year-long program as quarter-time AmeriCorps members. Six others served through a summer program expansion. ◊
BearsServe Leaders and UCA Volunteers in Service To America (VISTA) members organized and participated in national service days including 9/11 Day of Service projects providing cleanup and landscaping at the Rise House outreach center in Conway and creating a community art mural project in Malvern.
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Emma Davis was recognized for her civic commitment as a Newman Civic Fellow, a national award for students conferred by Campus Compact.
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES The Residential College program continues to lay academic and social foundations for more than 800 new students each year. It helps first-year students transition to college by providing dedicated faculty, specialized classes, and co-curricular programming within the residence halls. This year the colleges combined creativity and technology to establish virtual learning communities which allowed students, staff, and faculty to interact, easing the burdens of physical distancing required by public health guidelines during the pandemic.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
Allen Thomas, academic director of HPaW@Baridon, was nationally recognized as a 2020 “Champion of Pride” by The Advocate. The magazine featured LGBTQ+ activists, artists, politicians and educators from every state who are focused on creating a more inclusive society.
◊
March to the Polls
BEAR ESSENTIALS FOOD PANTRY UCA’s Bear Essentials Food Pantry moved to a larger, more accessible area in the Physical Plant in January 2021. The UCA pantry serves students, staff and faculty, and the numbers have increased significantly over the past year. There is a new refrigerator, which allows the pantry to offer more fresh and frozen foods. Wendy Holbrook, assistant vice president for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Service, helps run
Business Residental College (Biz@Bear) used First Security Field at Estes Stadium
the operation. She says she is grateful
for the program “Accounting in the Red Zone.” Louisa Moseley, academic director of
for UCA and Conway’s generosity. The
Biz@Bear, used this event to help students study for their accounting finals and raise
pantry, which opened in 2014, is funded
awareness about child abuse and neglect. Students collected over 200 stuffed bears
100% by donations.
for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance. ◊
STEM Residential College (STEM@Arkansas) faculty associate Jeff Beyerl exemplified co-curricular integration through a simulation called “The Discovery of Calculus,” giving students an opportunity to recreate the communication between Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
◊
This was the last year for two residential colleges: EDGE Residential College (EDGE@Hughes) and The Stars Residential College (The Stars@Short/Denney). They combined to form Muse Residential College (Muse@Short/Denney) which opened in fall 2021.
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ACHIEVEMENTS ◊
◊
◊
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences became
◊
Recognizing that this year’s freshmen are next year’s
a new college on July 1, 2020 — with nine departments
sophomores, and acknowledging that rising sophomores will
and one school: Art & Design; English; Film, Theatre, and
need post-pandemic support in order to avoid the “sophomore
Creative Writing; Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and
slump,” Housing & Residence Life and Learning Communities
Cultures; Music; Philosophy & Religion; Political Science;
partnered to create a new program: The Sophomore Year
Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology; and the School of
Experience (SYE) Living & Learning Community (L&LC). Roughly
Communication.
200 SYE L&LC students live in Bear Hall beginning fall 2021.
“United: The Acorn Project,” a ceramic ground mural produced
◊
Kristy Bentley, Stephanie Boger, Kimberly Burges, and Miranda
by 600+ community members, was on view at Alumni Circle
Kent, all graduate students in the Department of Teaching
and the rotunda at the Arkansas State Capitol.
and Learning, co-authored a paper titled, “Mind Brain and
The Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall continued service
Education Dialogue: Elevating Practitioner Perspectives.” Faculty member Jason Trumble led the work, which appeared
to students and the community during the pandemic. It also
in the ArATE Online Journal.
offered its first sensory-friendly performance to children with disabilities.
SERVICE AWARDS The University of Central Arkansas honored several faculty members with Faculty Excellence Awards on August 19 at the 2020 Faculty Convocation. Due to COVID-19, the event took place via Zoom.
Public Service
Research, Scholarship, and
Teaching Excellence
Mary Ruth Marotte
Creative Activity
Donna Bowman
Department of English
Arijit Mukherjee
Schedler Honors College
Department of Biology
Diversity and Inclusive
External Funding Impact
Nonclassified
Classified Employee
Excellence
Tansel Halic
Employee of the Year
of the Year
Amy Hawkins
Department of
Billie Hill
Nancy Bond
Center for Teaching Excellence
Computer Science
Division of Outreach and
Department of Physical Therapy
Community Engagement
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BEAR C.L.A.W.S.
Uca Ambassadors Bear C.L.A.W.S. recipients
The University of Central Arkansas recognizes students who have outstanding academic records and civic and community engagement efforts. C.L.A.W.S. awards, which stands for Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of Our Wonderful Students, are given to one or more exceptional students or registered student organizations during regularly scheduled UCA Board of Trustees meetings. C.L.A.W.S. recipients demonstrate a commitment to excellence inside and outside the classroom. They’re committed to enhancing the university experience for their peers and are often the recipients of other prestigious state and national awards, grants, internships or fellowships.
2020-21 BEAR C.L.A.W.S. HONOREES
Student Contact Tracers bear C.L.A.W.S. recipients
Grace Zimmerman August 2020 UCA Ambassadors October 2020 Student Contact Tracers December 2020 Trevis Belle May 2021 School of Nursing Students May 2021
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COMMENCEMENT The University of Central Arkansas held graduation ceremonies in August, December and May. While there was a notable difference in the ceremonies because of COVID-19, the university wanted to make sure the students could share their accomplishments with friends and family. The university conferred 1,863 undergraduate degrees and 726 graduate degrees. Because the traditional commencement ceremonies were canceled for May 2020, some graduates from that semester chose to commemorate their accomplishment by participating in the August 2020 ceremony. Graduates were given a specified number of tickets to share with loved ones, and the university provided a live stream of each ceremony for those who could not attend in person. In August, the commencement was held on The Stripes in Estes Stadium. In December and May, graduates gathered in the Farris Center. The 2020-21 awardees for Outstanding Students of the University were Nelson Graves, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Elsa Mattson, College of Business; Octavis L. Mitchell, College of Education; Leslie Lingo, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; and Grace Zimmerman, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. These honors were bestowed at May commencement. The university awarded Distinguished Professor Emeritus designation to Patty Phelps, College of Education, and Rick Scott, Schedler Honors College.
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OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement (OCE) offers services and programs to the community such as workforce and professional development, culinary classes and online learning. The division oversees UCA Downtown and Conference Services. It is home to UCA’s Women’s Leadership Network, UCA Family Network, Arkansas Coding Academy (ArCA), Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (CAYLI), and Service-Learning and Volunteerism. OCE also helps strengthen the state through the Center for Community Economic and Development (CCED) and the Community Development Institute (CDI). OCE offers a place to start for community members who want to learn something new or expand their knowledge. There are hundreds of noncredit classes offered online or face-to-face.
HIGHLIGHTS ◊
UCA Outreach & Community Engagement launched a national service program called the UCA VISTA program. AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service To America (VISTA) members serve full-time in capacitybuilding roles with communities and nonprofits to use community-based solutions to address the root causes of poverty.
◊
ArCA finished its fifth year and had its highest enrollment, growing by 20%, and its highest graduation rate at 96%.
◊
CCED hosted the inaugural Arkansas Racial Equity Summit in October 2020 with 279 virtual attendees. The Summit provided a space for participants to learn about the history of racial injustice in Arkansas and hosted an interactive discussion on how to counteract inequities to create a better future.
◊
CAYLI’s 2020 class had 21 graduates who represented four different high schools in Faulkner County.
5,325
$100,000
Participants in events managed by CCED
Amount received by CCED through training events, technical assistance programming and sponsorships
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EXPANSION Continuing its vision to become a premier learner-focused comprehensive institution, the University of Central Arkansas has several new construction and expansion projects to enhance educational, arts, social and community experiences on the campus. Some of the recent projects include the storm shelter in Bear Village, the softball team locker room, and new gravel and paved parking lots. Also, the expansion of Buffalo Alumni Hall provides space for alumni and student events.
INTEGRATED HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING
LEWIS SCIENCE CENTER ANNEX
Completed in April 2021, UCA’s new Integrated Health Sciences
With 7,000 square feet, including 5 laboratory classrooms,
Building features 80,000 square feet of classroom, office,
the Lewis Science Center Annex was recently completed in
and clinical space, including the Interprofessional Teaching
December 2020.
Center and Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation. These new facilities will allow for the enrollment of an additional 50
GREEK VILLAGE II
nursing students and provide an interprofessional educational
UCA’s Greek Village II encompasses three fraternity houses, each
environment most conducive to real-world health care scenarios.
6,800 square feet, and one National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
WINDGATE CENTER The Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts broke ground in September 2020. Upon its completion in the fall of 2022, the
building situated right off of the main campus. Completed in August 2020, these facilities provide the space and resources needed for growing Greek life at UCA.
facility will include a concert hall, black box theater and a 3D arts
STATE AND CARMICHAEL HALL RENOVATIONS
building for a total of 104,000 square feet. The center will provide
Upgraded and renovated, State and Carmichael Residence
the class, studio, rehearsal and performance spaces necessary to
Halls are equipped with private restrooms, new HVAC systems,
create Arkansas’ next generation of artists.
flooring and LED lighting for incoming college freshman or returning students.
Integrated Health Sciences Building
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Rendering of the Windgate Center
Greek Village II National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Building
Lewis Science Center Annex Classroom
State Hall
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CAMPUS LIFE There are more than 200 student organizations, clubs and recreational groups at the University of Central Arkansas. UCA offers a vibrant campus climate that complements the academic experience, including Greek Life, academic and cultural clubs, and others. Students can also enjoy the amenities of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center, which includes a 10-obstacle high static team course, climbing walls, high poles challenges, and ziplines.
PIVOTING CAMPUS EVENTS ONLINE The pandemic made hosting traditional events a challenge, but organizers found a way to create unforgettable memories. The Purple and Gray Network livestreamed several events including the Homecoming pep rally, the Bear Den Stroll-Off and the Purple Society banquet.
SUMMER ORIENTATION AND ACADEMIC REGISTRATION (SOAR) The SOAR experience for incoming freshmen is designed to introduce students to UCA and jumpstart transition into college life. This was the first year the program expanded to include all incoming students. More than 1,800 students, the most ever for the program, had the opportunity to participate.
RARE WINTER STORM The snowstorm in February would normally mean campus facilities like the Student Center, HPER Center, and the Student Health Clinic would shut down until after the weather event. This year they stayed open, and even extended hours, in order to support students who remained on campus.
STUDENT NOTETAKERS UCA offers several accommodations to students with disabilities. One of the accommodations is student notetakers. Students can sign up to volunteers take notes in their own classes for those who are unable to take notes on their own. They then upload the notes into the UCA Disability Resource Center’s system. Students receive 50 volunteer hours per course. Last year, notetakers logged 1,427 hours for this service an increase of more than 100 fold over the year before.
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REYNOLDS PERFORMANCE HALL Featuring 1,200 seats and state-of-the-art facilities, the Donald W.
during the 2020-21 academic year. The facility held daily choir
Reynolds Performance Hall provides countless opportunities for the
classes and hosted performers such as The Texas Tenors and The
performing arts — from concerts and renowned speakers to national
Midtown Men. Most notably however, was UCA’s first sensory-
touring companies — for the central Arkansas community to enjoy.
friendly performance for children and adults with disabilities. This
Despite numerous cancellations due to COVID-19, Reynolds
five-day residency program, hosted by autism expert Kevin Spencer,
Performance Hall continued to serve students and the community
included teacher workshops and masterclasses for local students with disabilities.
MAIN STAGE EDUCATION Reynolds also hosts The Main Stage EdUCAtion Series, which exposes pre-K through 12th grade students across Arkansas to live performing arts. Productions, performed by national touring companies, are based on historical events and other academic concepts. Due to the program’s success, a Main Stage Education Series endowment has been created to ensure the future of the program.
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ATHLETICS The UCA Bears and Sugar Bears transitioned to the ASUN (Atlantic Sun Conference) on July 1, 2021, ending a highly successful, 15 year partnership with the Southland Conference (SLC). UCA’s more than 425 student-athletes maintained a combined overall GPA of 3.20 for the 15th consecutive semester. Under the SLC, UCA was awarded the Academic Performance Award for the second year in a row as the member institution with the highest Academic Progress Rate (APR). More than 200 student-athletes were named to the SLC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, and UCA’s Will Siler ’21 claimed one of Southland’s two prestigious 2021 F.L. McDonald Postgraduate Scholarships to attend medical school. Despite COVID-19, the Bears and Sugar Bears maneuvered through the pandemic using rigorous, thorough testing procedures in conjunction with the Student Health Clinic and Conway Regional Health Systems. UCA athletics continued to compete throughout the year as they were one of few teams at the FCS level to complete a full season in the traditional fall season.
FOOTBALL
WOMEN’S SOCCER
◊
◊
Robert Rochell was selected by the Los Angeles Rams, making him the Bears’ fourth NFL draftee in the past six years.
◊
Gibson were named to the All-SLC team. ◊
were named to the Southland Conference
2020 Fall All-Southland Conference team,
All-Academic team, all with GPAs above 3.3.
Hudson. Hudson and Rochell were named finalists
MEN’S BASKETBALL ◊
span of five days in December 2020.
Buchanan Award, respectively.
VOLLEYBALL
◊
SLC selection after finishing third in the conference in scoring, second in assists and
named to the All-Southland Conference
first in minutes played per game.
Charlie Tidwell was named to the SLC All-Tournament team.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ◊
◊
Head coach Allen Gum retired after 11
semifinals in Katy, Texas. ◊
honors, including SLC Newcomer of the
Freshman Tyler Cleveland was named the
Year, first-team All-SLC Honors and SLC All-
All-SLC selection.
MEN’S SOCCER
Defensive Team recognition.
CROSS-COUNTRY ◊
back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.
The UCA women’s cross country won its second consecutive Southland Conference
The Bears won the Missouri Valley
championship.
Conference Tournament in 2017 and 2018 in ◊
Lucy Ibeh earned three SLC postseason
seasons and 310 victorious games. SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year and a first-team
◊
The Sugar Bears won two games at the 2021 SLC Tournament before losing in the
BASEBALL ◊
Rylan Bergersen was a third-team All-
Emily Doss and Bailey Waddington were team.
◊
The Bears played consecutive games at Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississippi within a
for the Walter Payton Award and the Buck
◊
Hawkins, Hadley Dickinson and Gracie Hair
Twelve student-athletes were named to the including Offensive Player of the Year, Tyler
◊
Sophomores Emma Hawkins and Abby
◊
Head coach Beau Theriot was named the SLC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for
UCA had three players named to the All-Sun
the second consecutive year.
Belt team. ◊
Both the women’s and men’s squads were named NCAA Division I All-Academic teams by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
2 2 | 2020 - 21 AN N UA L R E PO R T
15 years UCA competed in the Southland Conference before officially joining the ASUN Conference on July 1, 2021
TAYLOR WEBB
3 3 of 18 UCA athletic teams, women’s golf, women’s tennis and women’s basketball, who recorded zero positive covid-19 tests over the past year of rigorous testing
44 44 years track and field/ cross country coach Richard Martin has been a part of UCA Athletics. He retired from coaching in the spring of 2021
Tyler hudson
SCOTTIE PIPPEN COURT On June 14, 2021 UCA unveiled the Scottie Pippen Court, named for its most famous alumnus. Pippen, who came to UCA as a walk-on student manager from Hamburg, Ark., in 1983, went on to play 17 years in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls. “It’s a great feeling.” an emotional Pippen said, “Every day, I’m thankful for the opportunity. The University of Central Arkansas has been a guide in my life. This is my family.”
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GOLF ◊
The UCA women’s golf team finished runnerup at the 2021 SLC Tournament and two players finished in the top five individually, with all five Bears finishing in the Top 20.
◊
The men’s golf team finished sixth at the 2021 SLC Tournament.
TENNIS ◊
Women’s tennis had two doubles players and three singles players named to the All-Southland Conference team.
◊
Yada Vasupongchai, Fuka Nonoyama and Maja Gledic were named SLC Players of the Week during the 2021 season.
SOFTBALL ◊
elin kumlin
The Bears finished 21-6 in Southland Conference play in 2021. UCA won 37 games overall, the second-most in the history of the program.
◊
The Bears landed five players on the All-SLC teams, including Freshman of the Year in outfielder, Jenna Wildeman.
◊
Wildeman was an All-Region selection, the winner of the New Balance/NFCA Golden Shoe Award and the SLC Softball StudentAthlete of the Year.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL ◊
The UCA Beach Bears had three pairs named to the All-SLC teams.
◊
Faith Hasness was one of 10 student-athletes from the SLC to earn All-Academic honors with a 3.96 grade-point average.
TRACK AND FIELD ◊
UCA sent five student-athletes to the NCAA West Regionals, including sprinters Ajah Criner and Zachary Jewell, hurdler Jordan Atkins, triple jumper Taylor Coleman and middle distance runner TJ Robinson.
◊
Jewell earned All-America honors as he qualified for the NCAA Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, finishing 16th in the nation in the 100 meter dash.
2 4 | 2020 - 21 AN N UA L R E PO R T
JENNA WILDEMAN
jared hamilton
Jared Chatham
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ADVANCEMENT Fundraising gained momentum as the University of Central Arkansas exceeded its fundraising - goal for the fifth consecutive year. The university also publicly launched the largest fundraising campaign in its history – UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond, a $100 million capital campaign to transform our university and communities for generations to come, one student at a time. “Breaking through the ceiling of $100 million announces that our students, our faculty, our staff and our alumni belong in select company in American public higher education,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “It is about how big our aspirations can become and how this great university can further support the dreams of our students.” The celebratory event to kick off the campaign included performances by the Bear Marching Band. Hundreds of faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and attendees tossed
In spite of challenges presented by COVID-19, the university raised $12,190,335 in 2020-21 for scholarships, faculty support, programs
a commemorative coin into the Harding Centennial Fountain,
and facility needs.
symbolizing the value of participation. In addition to the monetary
“Transforming this university and our culture of giving is about
goal, UCA set a participation goal of 15,000 donors.
participation,” said Mary Lackie, vice president for University
The university ended the year with $74,493,538 raised toward its
Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation. “Every gift –
$100 million goal. The total includes a $3 million estate gift from
large, small, individual, and corporate - adds up to big impact.”
longtime UCA supporters Rush ’76 and Linda Harding ’82. This gift
This year the UCA Foundation awarded 887 scholarships, an
brings their total giving to the university to $7.2 million, making
8.7% increase over the previous year. Since its inception 40 years
them the highest individual donors to the university. The Hardings
ago, the foundation has awarded more than $16.1 million in
are serving as UCA Now campaign co-chairs for 2021. The campaign
scholarships.
began its quiet phase in June 2016 and will conclude in July 2024.
To support the campaign, contact the UCA Division of Advancement
“I am excited about the future of this university,” said Davis. “Our
at 501-450-3421 or ucanow@uca.edu or visit uca.edu/now.
time is now. Thank you to all of our donors for being a part of this incredible journey to impact Arkansas and beyond.”
THE MOMENT IS NOW 2 6 | 2020 - 2 1 AN N UA L R E PO R T
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
$12,190,335 $35,000,000 $30,000,000
* $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $15,000,000 $12,190,335 $10,000,000 $5,000,000 $0 -17
2016
*
-18
2017
-19
2018
-20
2019
1
0-2
202
This figure includes a $20 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. This was the largest gift in the history of the University of Central Arkansas and will support the new state-of-the-art Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
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join the
$100
This goal is ambitious. It’s
million movement
success
committing to a vision and seeing it shape the future. UCA NOW is about developing success, culture, wellness and excellence throughout our state and beyond. Join the movement today.
endowments for scholarships and faculty support
Many of our students – great students, hard workers with promise and grit – face significant financial challenges while they are in school. Many are firstgeneration college students. All of them remind us how critical it is to offer support that generates real, lasting impact. Simply put, endowments remove barriers to success. These funds provide student scholarships, as well as faculty enhancements, research funds and experiential learning opportunities that equip our students to be leaders in regional and global economies.
culture the windgate center for the fine and performing arts Our students and faculty have outperformed UCA’s fine arts facilities for years. Thanks to a $20 million matching gift from the Windgate Foundation, we are reshaping the arts experience and ushering in new social, cultural and economic opportunities for us all. This cutting-edge center will certainly wow audiences and grow the creative economy, but it will also foster new collaborative partnerships across multiple academic disciplines, enhance quality of place and produce graduates who are critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers.
i m pac t a r k a n s a s & B e yo n d
capital
wellness
A NEW INTEGRATED HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING
Arkansans depend on UCA. As a longtime leader in
interprofessional teaching center – the first of its kind
health care education, we equip students who go
in our region. This unique space will enable students
on to provide outstanding medical care, therapies
from multiple health care disciplines to be trained
and much more. So we are thrilled to introduce a
side by side and will allow us to graduate more
state-of-the-art integrated facility that includes an
nurses and other health care professionals.
excellence unique disciplines and partnerships for applied learning
We embrace new technologies, innovation and the demands of a global economy. Here are just a few examples of how UCA puts excellence into action: •
Arkansas’ premier teacher
•
training institution and an Apple Distinguished School • •
•
Only insurance and risk
•
First honors college in the state
management degree in the state
and 6th in the nation; nationally
Cultivate partnership with The
recognized model
Only educational cyber range in
Conductor to build a thriving
the region
entrepreneurial ecosystem
excellence among student
Career-focused internships
athletes
Only comprehensive film
•
•
Continue to maintain academic
production degree in the state
c a m pa i g n
uca.edu/now
FY21 GIFTS GIFTS OF
$1 MILLION
AND ABOVE
Rush and Linda Harding *
GIFTS OF
$500,000 - $999,999
Anonymous
Janet Richardson * Walton Family Foundation, Inc.
GIFTS OF $100,000
- $499,999
Bunny and Carol Adcock
First Security Bank
Greg and Nikki Price
Charlie and Susan DeBoard
Pediatrics Plus
Kathy Scott
GIFTS OF $25,000
Joe and Connie Whisenhunt
- $99,999
Carl Anthony
Conway Advertising and
Jim and Kay Hinkle
Peak Sports Management
Jimmy Batcheller and Sara
Promotion Commission
LuRene Jolly
Muriel Robertson
Hendricks Batcheller
Conway Corporation
Richard Jordan and Terri
Fred and Melanie Seiter*
Bioventures, LLC
Conway Regional Health
Harper Jordan
Textbook Brokers, Inc.
Elizabeth “Liz”
System
Mary and Bill Lackie*
Blankenship
Houston and Jenny Davis
Bridges-Larson Foundation
Rick and Anne Massey
Centennial Bank
Eric Rob & Isaac
Willard and Pat Walker
Drew and Suzanne May
Charitable Foundation
Confucius Institute
Goff Foundation
Mike and Maria Norvell
GIFTS OF $10,000
- $24,999
Georg and Annabelle Andersen
Edafio Technology Partners
ARAMARK Services, Inc. Arkansas Community Foundation John Barns Lisa Birdwell Anderson and Phillip Anderson
Christopher and Kathryn Kennedy
Texas Presbyterian Foundation
F.O. Williams Advertising, Inc.
Anonymous
Rebecca and Scott Thornton
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas
Ludie McIntosh
Carolyn Eidson
First Community Bank
Car-Son Construction, LLC
Drew and Lauren Gainor
Merrily and Chris Wyrick
GEICO
Conner & Sartain, P.A.
Sue Griffin
Frances Cranford
Andrew Hiegel
Granger and Jan Davis
Jostens, Inc.
Kay Maloney Larry Middleton Chris and Diane Newton
Turner Holdings/Hiland Dairy Visioncare Arkansas
Jean Parrack
Weaver-Bailey Contractors, Inc.
Tom and Joanie Roberts
WER Architects/Planners
Barbara Satterfield
Whitehouse Industries, Inc.
Sissy’s Log Cabin, Inc.
Brian and Belinda Wilson
Snap-On, Inc.
Mark and Jennifer Wilson
Charlie and Vicki Strong
Terry and Cindy Wright
* Denotes planned/estate gifts Please note: Gifts listed above are newly established gifts and sponsorships made between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Every effort has been made to prepare this list accurately. We apologize for any omission or error and ask you to inform us accordingly at foundation@uca.edu or 501 450-5288.
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DAY OF GIVING The University of Central Arkansas set an
to tremendous impact. Funds raised during
all-time record of participation as 2,023
Day of Giving support a wide range of needs
donors contributed to the success of its
including student scholarships, state-of-the-
seventh annual Day of Giving campaign held
art equipment, student and faculty research
on March 11. This marks a 21% increase
and experiential learning opportunities that
over the previous year’s number of donors.
equip UCA students to be leaders in the
Donors from 43 states and Canada helped to
regional and global economies. Since its
raise $717,095 during the 24-hour fundraising
inception in 2015, UCA’s combined annual Day
campaign. The 2021 Day of Giving theme,
of Giving efforts have raised more than $3.1
When You Give, We Grow, emphasized how
million in impact for students and programs.
individual gifts, no matter the size, add up
2,023 total number of donors
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The University of Central Arkansas Alumni
UCA Night at the Travelers with more than
Through dues, members awarded a record
Association has been connecting graduates
250 alumni and friends making their way to
$132,500 in scholarships to students.
to their alma mater and to each other since
Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.
Membership is up 13 percent, and the
1911. This year, the Alumni Association
In Spring 2021, the Alumni Association sent
association gained 101 new life members.
hosted 19 events including a virtual Homecoming. Alumni had the opportunity to participate in a virtual 5k race, a week-long trivia contest, Half-Century Club celebration and more. Summer 2021 saw the return of
a survey to see how to better connect to members They received 1,853 responses. The results will serve as a roadmap for future programs, communications and endeavors.
The six new members to the board are Kaylon Bradford, Stephanie Daigle, Niya Blair Hackworth, Katie Henry, Ty Hollowell, and Andrew Reynolds. They will serve until June 30, 2024.
$132,500
2,483
$4,440,255
Amount awarded in Alumni scholarships
Number of uca alumni Association members
total amount donated by UCA members
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GOVERNING BODIES There are three governing bodies representing students, faculty
the university. The Student Government Association serves as a
and staff at the University of Central Arkansas. The Student
liaison between students and administration. The Faculty Senate
Government Association, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate each
represents the more than 550 faculty members at UCA, and the
work independently and together to support the campus. The
Staff Senate advocates for staff members.
Board of Trustees provides overall direction and management of
BOARD OF TRUSTEES The seven members of the University of Arkansas Board of
the board serves for seven years beginning on Jan. 15 and ending
Trustees are appointed by the governor and approved by the
Jan. 14 of the final year of the term. The board elects its chair,
Arkansas Senate. The members must be residents of Arkansas
vice chair and secretary from among its members, each serving a
and can be selected from any part of the state. Each member of
one-year term.
Mr. Joe Whisenhunt
Mr. Robert “Bunny”
Mr. Everette Cornell
Ms. Kay Hinkle
2022
Adcock
“E.C.” Maltbia
Chair
2023
2024
2025
Dr. Terry Fiddler Vice Chair 2026
3 2 | 2020 - 21 AN N UA L R E PO R T
Mr. Curtis Barnett Secretary 2027
Ms. Amy Denton 2028
Student government association
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION The Student Government Association (SGA) had a productive
certifications, obtained epi-pens for dining areas and continued
year with many important initiatives. They partnered with the
efforts to promote sustainability in the Christian Cafeteria. They
Interfraternity Council to organize Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, an
also organized events to promote inclusivity, funded the outdoor
event to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault.
classroom behind Arkansas Hall, created two internships and
SGA created Safe at UCA cards to promote the official safety app
hosted sessions to initiate dialog around managing anxiety and
of the university. They encouraged housing staff to earn CPR
stress during the pandemic.
FACULTY SENATE Faculty Senate serves as the representative body of the faculty
student with backgrounds in community engagement and service
at UCA. This year they worked hard to stay focused on serving
projects. In the August commencement, the senate debuted a
constituents and the community by contributing to pandemic
new ceremonial mace created by Bryan Massey Sr., chair of the
response as well as carrying on with normal responsibilities.
Department of Art and Design. They also represented faculty on six
The senate awarded the Faculty Scholars Fund scholarship for
working groups and ad hoc committees, most related to online and
the first time since 2012 to one undergraduate and one graduate
hybrid teaching policy and support.
STAFF SENATE This year, 33 staff senators represented UCA from all administrative
two applicants in need. The Spring Social, which featured over
divisions of the university. They rose to the challenge of this
450 participants, raised $2,589 for various campus initiatives.
unprecedented year with 1,420 volunteer hours. The Angel Bear
The senate also created a network with other staff senate
committee sponsored 93 children and provided 35 families with
presidents in Arkansas, allowing for greater collaboration of
meal assistance. The Winter Feast committee raised $3,065.50 in
information and ideas.
ticket sales and donations, and the emergency fund gave $500 to
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OXFORD AMERICAN The Oxford American is a nationally distributed, quarterly literary magazine that features the best in Southern writing while also exploring the complexity and vitality of the American South. Over the course of the year, the organization has continued to present cultural offerings such as virtual panels, films, readings and concerts in addition to our award-winning publication. The Oxford American’s internship program provides students at the University of Central Arkansas the opportunity to engage with all aspects of publishing. Additionally in spring 2021, Executive Director Sara A. Lewis, taught the Oxford American Publishing Practicum class in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing. This capstone course gave students hands-on experience in the editorial processes of the magazine. Also last spring, the Oxford American launched an updated version of OxfordAmerican.org, highlighting multimedia projects, including the “Points South” podcast, as well as the magazine’s vast archive, which dates back to 1992 and is in the process of being digitized for the web. Danielle A. Jackson was named editor of the Oxford American in early 2021 and is spearheading the print edition of the magazine as well as film and web projects. For her first music issue as editor, Jackson has selected the theme of Up South, which explores the great migration of Southern sound, and is accompanied by a CD and Spotify playlists highlighting the outsize impact of Southern music. The Oxford American was named a finalist for a National Magazine Award in Fiction as well as a finalist in General Excellence by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses’ Firecracker Awards. Work originally published in the Oxford American will be highlighted in the 2021 Best American anthologies including a special commendation for the 2020 Place Issue. Since the start of 2021, the Oxford American headquarters have relocated from downtown Little Rock to the campus of UCA, giving staff the opportunity to interact more meaningfully with faculty, staff and students, with further collaborations on the horizon.
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University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Avenue | Conway, Arkansas 72035
