UCA Magazine Fall/Winter 2019 by University of Central Arkansas

LIVING HISTORY milestones and successes

Meet the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients on pages 14-17

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Fall/ Winter | Volume 109, Issue 2

FEATURES 6 Jimmy Bryant 8 Campus Anniversaries 12 Bears Abound 14 2020 Distinguished Alumni 18 Greek Village Phase II 20 We Did it Again! Fundraising Totals 22 2019 Homecoming

DEPARTMENTS 4 President's Message 26

Legends & Legacies

Work & Play

30 Class Notes 42

In the News

On the cover: University of Central Arkansas memorabilia from different eras of the institution are shown. The Arkansas Legislature created Arkansas State Normal School (now known as UCA) in 1907. In 1925, Arkansas State Normal School became known as Arkansas State Teachers College. By 1967, the mission of Arkansas State Teachers College had changed. In January 1967, Arkansas State Teachers College became State College of Arkansas. By January 1975, what is now the Arkansas Department of Higher Education recommended State College of Arkansas be known as the University of Central Arkansas. Courtesy of The Scroll 1976

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Fall/Winter 2019 Vol. 109, Issue 2 Editor Fredricka Sharkey, MA Director of Communications Managing Editor Russ Hancock Director of Campaign Communications Art Director Kimberly Klotz ’06, ’13 Director of Marketing

(from left) 2018 Homecoming Queen Pansy Johnson, 2019 Homecoming Queen Kamoni Manago, UCA’s first-ever Homecoming King Jarrett Counts and UCA President Houston Davis.

First Lady Jenny and President Houston Davis

he University of Central Arkansas has a long history of academic excellence and student success. From its earliest beginnings as a training ground for teachers, UCA has been home to builders, dreamers, and visionaries, all intent on making a big impact in the world. This issue of UCA Magazine is dedicated to highlighting the university’s rich 112-year history — our many milestones, victories, and traditions, as well as the dedicated students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have made us who we are today. First, I am pleased to introduce you to the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, state, or society; outstanding achievements in a particular field of endeavor; or have a reputation that enhances the reputation of the university. I am proud to say that this year’s two honorees — Terri Jordan ’85 and Lavon Morton ’72 — check all of these boxes and more. Both are truly phenomenal individuals who give selflessly of their talents and resources to improve student success at UCA. They have been instrumental in our past successes, and I am certain they will continue to make an impact as we look to the future. Jordan and Morton will be honored at the 2020 Laurels & Stripes gala April 4, 2020, in the UCA HPER Center. More information can be found at laurelsandstripes.com. Within these pages, you will also learn about Jimmy Bryant ’95, ’96, UCA director of archives and university historian. For more than 20 years, he has curated and maintained the university’s collection of approximately 50,000 photos, 1,000 maps, 5,000 pamphlets and 11,000 books about Arkansas. He is also the author of “The Centennial History of the University of Central Arkansas,” which was published in 2008. He is an endless fount of UCA knowledge. Other features in this issue include a recap of the 2019 Homecoming festivities and a look back at past UCA Homecomings; the history of our many bear sculptures on campus; and more information about our record-breaking $30 million year in fundraising. More private funds raised means even more scholarship opportunities for deserving UCA students. These are just a few of the great stories you will find in this Living History-themed issue of UCA Magazine. We hope that all our past, present, and future Bears enjoy reading about the vibrant history of UCA and the wonderful things the university has on the horizon. Have a great holiday season! Go Bears!

Design Kristen Spickard ’09 Graphic Designer/Project Manager Michelle Standridge Graphic Designer/Project Manager Copy Editor & Writer Syd Hayman Writer/Editor Online Communication Mark Heffington ’04 Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications Online Video Jacob Stanford New Media Producer/Videographer Photography Seth Foley Photographer Editorial Assistant Erica Ruble ’11 Operations & Finance Manager Contributors Amanda Hoelzeman ’05 Emilee Ivener University President Dr. Houston Davis

UCA Magazine is published two times annually by the University of Central Arkansas, from the Division of Advancement. Phone: (501) 450-5114 Fax: (501) 852-0196 Email: ucamagazine@uca.edu Web: uca.edu/magazine Please send address corrections to Database Administrator University of Central Arkansas UCA Box 4986 Conway, AR 72035 advancementservices@uca.edu Opinions expressed in UCA Magazine are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or the university administration. Copyright 2019 University of Central Arkansas

Dr. Houston D. Davis President 4 | UCA MAGAZINE

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Raising funds for student scholarships

April 4, 2020 7:00 p.m. | uca hper center featuring Memphis Soul Revue presenting sponsor

for details, tickets & Tables,

Visit laurelsandstripes.com

Jimmy Bryant

THE ARCHIVIST J

immy Bryant ’95, ’96 takes frequent walks on the University of Central Arkansas campus. As he encounters university employees, he either greets them by first name or stops to chat and become acquainted with the employee. He takes various routes, but he regularly visits the World War II Memorial and the UCA War Memorial, which are both dedicated to the UCA men and women who perished in wars since World War I. Bryant helped lead the efforts to bring these memorials to UCA’s campus. “Most of the names on those monuments are young people who gave their life in the line of duty. They didn’t get to stay in the classroom and go to college. I think when students realize the contribution that their fellow students made, it really opens their eyes,” Bryant said. “History is more than just the events and a date. It’s how people’s lives are impacted by the things that are taking place.” Bryant’s adoration for history began while growing up in England, Arkansas. He kept a box in his bedroom closet with news clippings of important events and happenings. “I always liked history, and I liked collecting things, but I didn’t realize people got paid to collect stuff like that at a full-time job,” Bryant said. As director of archives and university historian, Bryant is the campus expert on UCA’s history, as well as Arkansas history. “I wrote the book, ‘The Centennial History of the University of Central Arkansas,’ and that was published in 2008, and I've written probably 200 articles about UCA, in some form or fashion,” Bryant said. The UCA Archives has approximately 385 large collections and 2,000 small collections. A small collection can fit into a folder while a large collection requires at least one box, but it could be as many as several hundred boxes. Judge Morris S. Arnold, a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, deposited 35 years of his original court opinions, as well as family documents, beginning more than two decades ago. Arnold said his family has practiced law in Arkansas since 1881. The family’s documents, including scrapbooks dating back to the

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1890s, help trace the political and legal history of Arkansas. Over the past few decades, Arnold has periodically updated the collection. “I got acquainted with Jimmy when I deposited some papers some 20-plus years ago,” Arnold said. “He knows every inch of the archives and the content of the archives. He’s an extraordinarily useful resource for people who want to do Arkansas history.” Arnold said he and Bryant remain in contact discussing what items might be added to the collection in future deposits. The UCA Archives also houses 50,000 photographs, 1,000 maps, 5,000 pamphlets and 11,000 books about Arkansas. Bryant is called upon to speak about Arkansas history at local civic organizations, with state and national media, and on the UCA campus. He showcases historical photos, news clippings and other materials from the archives. Charlotte Strickland ’81, UCA’s director of professional development and training, regularly invites Bryant to make a presentation during new employee orientation. “Jimmy’s session to our new employees consistently receives the highest marks of all the speakers in the program,” Strickland said. “It is fascinating to hear the many stories and illustrations he has regarding UCA’s history.” Bryant first came to UCA in the ’70s as a student. While here, he met his wife, Jann ’77, ’91, who retired from the UCA Community School of Music, now the Community Music Institute. He completed a bachelor’s and master’s in history in 1995 and 1996, respectively. He began working as director of archives and university historian in 1998. Additional collections of materials may not be possible for the foreseeable future. Bryant said the UCA Archives is close to capacity, but he plans to continue researching and writing about Arkansas and UCA history. In fact, some of his recent research revealed that the campus hosted a teacher-training center for African American students in 1932, prior to integration. He hopes to continue conducting this kind of research and inspiring others to do the same. “The only thing I truly want to do is to renew an interest in Arkansas and UCA history,” Bryant said. ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

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Moments in History The University of Central Arkansas has undergone many changes since its 1907 establishment, from beginning as a training college for teachers to now being a premier destination institution with more than 160 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Throughout this time, many of the university’s departments, programs, divisions and other units have achieved incredible milestones and successes. These are some of the recent milestone anniversaries for the university. • Old Main

Whether the institution was known as Arkansas State Normal School, Arkansas State Teachers College, State College of Arkansas or the University of Central Arkansas, Old Main has served every generation of student. Completed in 1919, the structure is the oldest building on campus. “Old Main sits in the center of campus and serves, in many ways, as both the physical and symbolic center of UCA. It represents UCA's history while remaining an active part of the university with classrooms, the Ida Waldran Auditorium and a number of campus services housed in the building,” said Julia Winden Fey, director of the Office of Student Success. The structure, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, marked its 100th “birthday” in February. Winden Fey was one of several committee members who worked to plan a birthday party as a way to celebrate the life and experiences of the historic structure.

The afternoon gathering included reflections from UCA President Houston Davis, Provost and Executive Vice President Patricia Poulter and longtime professor Don Jones, as well as a birthday cake for attendees to enjoy. “Instead of just noting that this particular pile of bricks and mortar has been here for over a century, we wanted to honor the many experiences of students, faculty, staff and community members that have taken place within its halls,” Winden Fey said. Originally known as the Administration Building, the structure housed the library, classroom spaces and all administrative offices, including the president’s office and registrar’s office. Ida Waldran Memorial Chapel, now Ida Waldran Auditorium, was added to the original building in 1937 and named in honor of the school’s first dean of women, Ida Waldran. Today, the building houses the Department of Student Transitions, Office of Learning

Photo courtesy of The Scroll 1955

Photo courtesy of The Scroll 1930

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Communities, Office of Student Success, UCA STEM Institute, Upward Bound, Bear Essentials Food Pantry, Veterans Services Center, a lactation suite, and Minton Commuter College Lounge and Computer Lab, as well as several other offices and classroom spaces. “Although UCA's campus facilities have expanded greatly in the last century, Old Main continues to serve students and the community alike, and likely will do so for many more years,” Winden Fey said.n Faculty, staff, students and alumni marked the 100-year anniversary of Old Main with a special gathering in the Ida Waldran Auditorium and birthday cake. Old Main (right) is the oldest building on the University of Central Arkansas campus. • Outreach and Community Engagement

The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement (OCE) marked 100 years with a celebratory gathering in April. The division began in 1919 as the extension department at Arkansas State Normal School, now UCA, with only 91 students enrolled in classes the first year. By the second year, more students were enrolled in extension courses than were enrolled in traditional college courses. Today, the division has grown to serve thousands of individuals annually with its classes, programming and services. “We give people access who may not have traditional access to education,” said Shaneil Ealy ’03, associate vice president of the division. “I see us as a unit who is responsive to the community from 100 years ago to today.” The division is home to the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute, Women’s Leadership Network, UCA Family Network, Arkansas Coding Academy, Center for Community and Economic Development, and Community Development Institute. The division also includes UCA’s servicelearning initiative that integrates meaningful community service with classroom instruction. Through this initiative, the university has partnered with many local organizations and provided thousands of hours in service. Held in April, the 100th anniversary brought former deans, staff and employees back to campus to share their experiences. Many of the comments focused on the division providing opportunities for

lifelong learners and being a trendsetter. “OCE was integrating classes before the integration of the university. We were breaking barriers back then,” Ealy said. “We are responding to what the community needs beyond traditional education, and so that was exciting to see that we are still carrying that legacy.” UCA Downtown also falls under the OCE umbrella. Opened in 2016, UCA Downtown is a multiuse event space in downtown Conway, hosting hundreds of university and community meetings, retreats, nonprofit

trainings, art exhibits, receptions and more. The division also provides programming, services and classes for adults and youth such as ACT prep, culinary education and professional development, as well as hosts hundreds of events in university facilities through its conference services department. Ealy believes OCE will continue its legacy as a community leader. “That has been the thread throughout these 100 years,” she said. “We’ve always been that connector to the community, and it’s always going to be that way.” n

The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement celebrated 100 years this spring.

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• College of Business

Since its inception July 1, 1969, much has changed in and around the College of Business. The college has called numerous buildings on campus home before moving into its current 78,000-square-foot building in 2010. New programs, departments and fields of study have come and gone, but one thing has remained the same: the college’s unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality business education. Today, the college has more than 1,600 students and offers 13 baccalaureate degrees, two master’s and one graduate certificate, and houses the state’s only insurance and risk management program. The college boasts more than 10,000 alumni scattered across the U.S. and the globe, working in various industries including accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, information technology, logistics and insurance. In marking its 50th year of existence, several alumni are being highlighted

across multiple media channels. The college also has other activities planned throughout the year marking this milestone anniversary. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier business education alliance, accredited the college in 1984. Less than 5% of business schools worldwide have AACSB accreditation. The accreditation, for undergraduate and graduate programs, exemplifies the college’s commitment to excellence and the value it provides its graduates. “Since its founding, the UCA College of Business has become a leader in business education. Fifty years’ worth of graduates cover the state, region and beyond in sectors and industries across government, nonprofits and private business,” said Michael B. Hargis, dean of the College of Business. “Our past successes give us the foundation to look toward the future and solidify our place among the top business schools in the country.” n

A dictation lab assists in the instruction of shorthand and typing. Photo courtesy of The Scroll 1969

James Conrad Carroll UCA College of Business dean, 1969-1991

• School of Nursing

The School of Nursing was established in 1967 after the closure of a baccalaureate nursing program at another Arkansas university brought 100 nursing students to Arkansas State Teachers College, now UCA. The first class of 29 baccalaureate students graduated in the spring of 1969. In April, nursing alumni and friends celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the first graduating class. Alumni from several of

the School of Nursing’s earliest classes were present for the weekend celebration. One honored guest was Mary Anne Parsley ’70, ’80, a nursing alumna and former School of Nursing faculty, who provided remarks during the event. Since 1967, the School of Nursing has played a leadership role in nursing education and has been an integral part of the university’s academic community.

Mary Lackowsky, instructor in nursing, conducts a class in maternal child nursing. Photo courtesy of The Scroll 1969

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Located in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the School of Nursing programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Consistently responding to the needs of students, changes in health care and education standards, UCA’s nursing degree programs ensure that students are prepared for a quickly evolving health care environment. n

(from left) Jean Zehler ’70, ’73; Mary Anne Parsley ’70, ’80; and June Parsley ’70, ’74 were part of the "nursing family" attending the 50-year anniversary celebration. While all of the women are members of the class of 1970, the Parsleys are also sisters-in-law, and Zehler and June Parsley are twins. Additionally, Mary Anne Parsley was a full-time faculty member in the School of Nursing and is now an adjunct clinical faculty member.

• Student Orientation Staff

Sporting bright orange T-shirts and enthusiastic smiles to help welcome newcomers to campus, members of the Student Orientation Staff (SOS) recently celebrated 40 years. SOS is a group of student volunteers that works with new students to ease the transition from high school to college. Each SOS member volunteers approximately 200 hours of service to the university between April and August of each year. Lindsey Shurley ’08, the current director of New Student Programs at UCA, said SOS boasts at least 1,200 alumni including individuals such as former mayor of Conway Tab Townsell ’84 and Brad Lacy ’94, who is former chair of the UCA Board of Trustees and president and chief executive officer of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as Warren Readnour ’90, UCA general counsel. The 40-year reunion brought approximately 120 SOS alumni back to campus for a weekend of events hosted in September. At least 37 years of SOS leadership was also represented as former leaders such as Fred

Rhodes, Charlotte Strickland ’81, Hank Phelps, Colin Stanton ’04, ’06 and Lindsay Henderson ’03, ’04 were also in attendance, Shurley said. “Many things about the university have changed, and the requirements of being an SOSer have changed, but the culture of staff hasn’t,” Shurley said. “That culture of care, that culture of family that we have in SOS is our legacy.” Also in continuing that legacy, the Student Orientation Staff Scholarship has been created to support an SOS student with a financial need. Established in fall 1979 under the direction of Rhodes, former dean of students at UCA, SOS students were chosen from the Student Senate and Royal Rooters, now the Student Government Association and Bear Den, respectively. Today, students are selected based on academic standing, campus involvement and dedication to service through an application and panel interview. The current group boasts about 90 members. n (top) The 2019 SOS group. (bottom,from left) Charlotte Strickland '81, Gale Rhodes; Mary Beth Tiefel Cox '85 and Fred Rhodes

• Student Government Association

The Student Interest Committee was first established in 1920 and was comprised of five members who were appointed by the university president. They sponsored receptions, dances and tea parties. In the 1940s, the organization became known as the Student Council, and in the mid-1950s, the group was renamed the Student Senate. It was during this time that the scope of work for the student-led organization began to grow. The Student Senate began to hear complaints about food service and residence halls, as well as other duties. They also polled the student body about women’s rights, extended library hours and purchased a printer for student use at Torreyson Library. In the late 1980s, the group’s name was changed to the Student Government Association, which serves as the voice of the student body. It comprises 39 senators, four

executive board officers, one chief of staff and four advisers. The SGA is now planning for its 100-year anniversary in 2020. While plans are still underway, one activity for the group is a centennial banquet for current and former SGA members, UCA administrators and other guests. The SGA will announce a full schedule of events once all details are finalized.  FREDRICKA SHARKEY

Members of the 2019-20 Student Government Association at the University of Central Arkansas stand outside Old Main with student leaders and campus advisers in the foreground. (from left) Hank Phelps, SGA adviser; LaTonya Matheney ’04, ’08, SGA adviser; SGA Vice President of Operations Jamaal Lockings; SGA Executive President Rose McGarrity; SGA Executive Vice President William Teeter; SGA Vice President of Finance Jennifer Cale; and Charlotte Strickland ’81, SGA adviser.

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Bears Abound UCA campus shows pride through bear statues

rior to being known as the Bears, University of Central Arkansas students and teams were known as many things— tutors, teachers and even pedagogues. In 1920, inspired by a student’s class ring design that featured a bear, what was then Arkansas State Normal School adopted the bear as the school mascot. It’s a fitting representative: Arkansas was known as the bear state due to its population of black bears. Plus, bears have some pretty strong attributes. “Black bears are very intelligent, super athletic and tenacious,” said Jimmy Bryant ’95, ’96, director of archives and university historian. “Along with some of the black bears' attributes, UCA Bears have additional strengths that have made them leaders in education, health sciences, art and music, communication, business, liberal arts and the sciences.” UCA Magazine caught up with Bryant to explore the various bear monuments on campus. B IG B OY It wasn’t long after UCA adopted its bear mascot in 1920 that a live bear joined the picture. Dubbed Big Boy, UCA’s live mascot was a black bear owned by Louis Sharpe Dunaway and his family in the early 1920s. University archives show the 1922 football team posing with Big Boy, noting that Dunaway’s son, football captain Allen

BIG BOY

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Dunaway, said he was “probably elected captain because he was the only one who would hold the bear mascot.” After Big Boy’s death, his head was preserved and encased. It can be viewed today in the Hall of Fame room in Estes Stadium. G E N E H AT F I E L D B E A R In keeping with university tradition, the Class of 1947 planned to leave a special gift to the school: a sculpted marble bear. However, when the class’s artist fell ill and it was too costly to hire another, the effort was abandoned. That’s when Gene Hatfield ’47 stepped in. As a professor of art, and someone who had assisted in the class’s fundraising efforts for the bear, Hatfield led a project for his class in 1949 to create a concrete bear to fulfill the wishes of the 1947 class. This bear sits between Estes Stadium and Bear Hall today. Over the decades, the bear became misshapen as it saw countless coats of orange, green, yellow and purple paint due to students from rival schools Arkansas Tech University and Hendrix College marking it with their colors. Over the years, this bear has been informally referred to as “Buddha Bear.” “In the middle of that statue is a book,” Bryant said. “I’m convinced that what Hatfield was trying to do, what his class was trying to do, was show the relationship between athletics and scholarship.”

FA R R I S C E N T E R B E A R In 1967, the UCA Student Senate purchased a purple fiberglass bear that was shipped by freight from California. According to a March 1967 issue of The Echo, the bear, which stands on all fours and bears its teeth, was $500. For a time, it was displayed in the Administration Building and was also displayed in the Student Center for decades, Bryant said. Today, the 6½-foot-long bear can be viewed in the lobby of the Farris Center. Though acquired out of school spirit, this bear is modeled after a grizzly bear, not a black bear. This could be because over the years, sports writers began referring to university teams as the Grizzlies instead of the Bears, leading to misconceptions about which bear the mascot is modeled after, Bryant said. B RON Z E B E A R

GENE HATFIELD BEAR

FARRIS CENTER BEAR

BRONZE BEAR

OTIS

In 2006, the UCA Foundation accepted a bronze bear in honor of the UCA Centennial. Bearing a ferocious pose, the bear can be found outside of Bear Hall, not far from the creation led by Hatfield. David Grimes ’91, ’96 donated this bear in honor of his parents, who are also UCA alumni, and his brother Kenny Grimes ’96. The bear was created at a foundry in Thailand. “The small bronze bear located at the south entrance of Bear Hall is yet another reminder that we are all Bears!” Bryant said. OTIS Sculpted by Department of Art Chair Bryan Massey, Otis is a stainless-steel bear replica that hangs on the side of Donaghey Hall. The sculpture was unveiled in 2016 as part of the grand opening for Donaghey Hall. Otis, a 2,000-pound, 15-foot-long creation, greets individuals as they approach the mixed-use building located at Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. “When you see a bear that size on the side of a building, you can easily figure out, ‘Hey, these are the Bears here,’” Bryant said. “I think it gives us a little bit of personality and enthusiasm for our mascot.” VA L OR I I The original life-sized bear carving known as Valor was created from one of UCA’s World War II red oak Memorial Trees in front of Wingo Hall in 2013. Eventually, it had to be removed due to decay. In spring 2019, however, chainsaw artist Gary Keenan returned to campus to sculpt Valor II, which stands in front of Wingo Hall as a welcome to campus. Numerous visitors, including couples who marry on campus, stop to take a picture with the celebrated bear, Bryant said. “It is kind of like a destination point when people come to our campus to have their picture made with that bear,” he said. “It’s been extremely popular, and it’s been a public relations home run. But it’s meaningful, too, because Valor bear represents those alumni who were killed in World War II.”  SYD HAYMAN

VALOR II

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

2020

he Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award presented to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Central Arkansas. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, state or society; outstanding achievements in a particular field of endeavor; or have a character that enhances the reputation of the university. Recipients also serve as an example to students and contribute to the goals or welfare of the university.

Since the university recognized its first recipients in 1986, a total of 43 alumni have been presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The university recently selected the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients who will be presented at Laurels & Stripes, the university’s annual fundraising gala, on April 4, 2020. Meet the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Terri Jordan ’85 and Lavon Morton ’72. ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

Terri Jordan ’85

erri Jordan ’85 has been a top-level executive for some of the world’s largest companies — Walmart Inc., eBay Inc. and Microsoft Corp. Her work takes her across the globe to locations from Dublin and Tokyo to Paris and London. She serves as a mentor to up-and-coming professionals and has maintained her connection to the University of Central Arkansas through a scholarship, the UCA Foundation and other activities. With her extensive background and sustained support of the university, Jordan has been selected as one of two 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Jordan received the news in October. “I’m very honored,” Jordan said. “I am still processing this. I’m pretty much just shocked.” A native of Morrilton, Jordan graduated from UCA with a double major in computer science and mathematics. She worked part time at a local bank while a UCA student and continued there after graduation because the bank had begun implementing the use of computers in daily operations. She soon found a computer programming role with a small company in Little Rock before accepting a position in software development for Walmart stores in 1987. “That’s where my career pretty much took off. I was there for about 19 years,” Jordan said. “I had many promotions, and I worked in many different functions in technology.” Before her departure in 2006, Jordan served as senior director in Walmart’s information systems division. Jordan spent the next three years as vice president of technical operations at eBay in California before another opportunity became available. “I made the choice to move up here to the Seattle, [Washington], region, and I started working for Microsoft to help launch the first Microsoft retail stores,” she said, adding that the company opened its first retail location in six months. “By the time I left that part of the organization, we had over 100 locations across the U.S.” Jordan served as chief information officer for Microsoft’s retail

stores. In 2015, an opportunity arose for Jordan to join Microsoft’s rapidly expanding cloud computing division. She currently works as the general manager for cloud operations and innovation at Microsoft. In each of these roles, Jordan has worked to be a mentor and role model for individuals pursuing careers in technology, particularly women. “I like to spend my time mentoring, but I don’t limit it to just females because everyone needs a good mentor,” she said. “Sharing what my experiences have been like shows how you can make a difference and you can accomplish big things.” Though she and her husband, Richard, live in the Seattle area, she has worked to stay connected to UCA. She has visited campus to deliver a talk to students in the Department of Computer Science and remains in contact with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. She has previously served as a member the UCA Foundation Board, working to increase money for UCA students. Additionally, the Jordan family established the Richard and Terri Harper Jordan Scholarship to assist full-time female students seeking a degree in computer science. Since its establishment, the fund has awarded multiple scholarships, with several being awarded last year, Jordan said. “The biggest thing for me is being able to give back and help others, and particularly females, because there’s still a significant disparity between the number of males versus females in the technology space,” she said. Jordan believes the Distinguished Alumni Award recognition will continue to highlight the achievements that are possible with a UCA education and looks forward to strengthening her connection to the institution. “Staying connected to UCA is staying connected to home,” Jordan said. ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

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Lavon Morton ’72 L

avon Morton ’72 has visited Buffalo Alumni Hall on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas many times. During these visits, he would view the plaques hanging in the social room that recognize previous Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. “I know about many of them, but it never occurred to me, not one time, to look at those names and think that I would one day be selected,” Morton said. “It never crossed my mind that I would receive this tremendous honor.” Morton has been selected as one of two recipients of the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award. “UCA has a lot of really outstanding graduates,” he said. “I am tremendously honored, very surprised, but tremendously honored to be selected.” Morton has enjoyed a stellar career since earning a bachelor’s in accounting and later becoming a certified public accountant. At the advice of a UCA accounting professor, Morton applied for and was offered a position at Ernst & Young in Little Rock, one of the largest accounting firms in the nation. After 12 years at the firm, Morton was named a partner, eventually serving as both a tax partner and an audit partner. He spent a total of 24 years at Ernst & Young before moving to Fort Smith in 1996 to join Arkansas Best Corp., now ArcBest, a publicly held nationwide freight transportation company. He served in multiple financial positions at ArcBest and eventually became a senior vice president of risk and chief audit executive. He retired from ArcBest in 2016, but he continues to work with the company as a consultant. Morton supports the Fort Smith community through a number of endeavors. He has served or serves on a number of boards including the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, Fort Smith Symphony, Advancement Advisory Council for the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and Goddard United Methodist Church. He previously served on the board of the United Way of Fort Smith Area and currently serves as chairman of the United Way of Fort Smith Area Endowment Committee.

For more than 20 years, he has served on the audit committee for the city of Fort Smith and was recently appointed to the Fort Smith Board of Directors, representing Ward 3. Morton’s passion and commitment to service include his alma mater, evident through his life membership in the UCA Alumni Association. He served on the UCA Foundation Board of Directors for six years, including serving as chair for two years. As a member of the UCA Foundation Board, Morton focused much of his energy on boosting private scholarships. “It was tremendously rewarding and satisfying,” he said. “I’m a great believer in scholarships. It’s important to support them.” At the time he joined the board, more than $425,000 a year in private scholarships was being granted. Midway through his sixyear term, Morton said the board established a goal of $1 million in annual scholarships. At the end of his term in 2015, more than $850,000 in scholarships was awarded during the 2014-15 fiscal year. Last year, the total was $1,478,259 in private scholarships. He and his wife, Brenda Yelvington ’91, established the J. Lavon Morton and Brenda Yelvington Scholarship Fund at UCA to provide annual scholarships for students majoring in accounting or any business-related discipline. They have also established the Northside Legacy Scholarship Fund to help students from Northside High School in Fort Smith pursue higher education. Band students from Northside were chronicled in Yelvington’s feature-length documentary film, “Leaving a Legacy.” Morton was executive producer. The film won best documentary at the Fayetteville Film Fest in 2017. When reflecting on his life and career, Morton considers a different film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and the lead character, George Bailey, played by James Stewart. “I'm going to say that George Bailey has nothing on me,” Morton said. “I've had a wonderful life, and I've got more to go. I want to do more good to help people the way so many people have helped me.” ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

LAURELS & STRIPES APRIL 4, 2020

T IC K E T S : L A UR EL SAND S T R IPE S .CO M FALL/WINTER 2019 | 17

GREEK PHASE II CONSTRUC TION BE GI NS

porting their official colors and armed with 7-foot-tall wooden Greek letters, members from seven fraternities joined University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees members and administrators to break ground for Greek Village Phase II. With approximately 250 people in attendance, the event was held Sept. 14. This phase of Greek Village includes construction of housing for Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities Sigma Tau Gamma, Sigma Nu and Pi Kappa Alpha, along with a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Fraternity Complex that will have meeting spaces and chapter rooms for Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma. “Generations of work, leadership and dedication have laid the groundwork for what we are seeing today,” said Colton Rowe, president of the IFC. “By this time next fall, we will see three amazing houses in full use. Today symbolizes the next 100 years of Greek life at UCA.” Each fraternity house will be approximately 7,365 square feet with 11 bedrooms, a

. .

18 | UCA MAGAZINE

. .

chapter room, living room, kitchen and other amenities specific to the individual fraternities. The NPHC Fraternity Complex will include a chapter room for each of the four fraternities and other features in approximately 4,730 square feet. “This building will provide us with a space we can call our own. We have the opportunity to better support each other as we work toward achieving common goals,” said Jarrett Counts, speaking on behalf of the NPHC at the groundbreaking. In 2015, the university opened the first phase of Greek Village residencies for the five sororities of the Panhellenic Council and an NPHC Sorority Complex. The new IFC fraternity houses will be situated on Donaghey and College avenues, near UCA’s existing sorority houses. The fraternity complex will be adjacent to the sorority complex on College Avenue. The university began discussions of housing for the Greek population as early as 2004, and some past and current administrators believe talks began even earlier. In either

case, Ronnie Williams, vice president of Student Services and Institutional Diversity, is one of several consistent voices that kept the talks moving forward. “Phase II acknowledges the value added that our Greek community brings to campus, but it is also a fulfillment by this administration to allow us to create a living-learning community for our Greek community,” Williams said. “This second phase of Greek Village honors the amazing contributions that you bring to our campus.” Williams said that the Greek community leads the campus in every major category — leadership, service, philanthropy and, most importantly, academic achievement. Currently, more than 1,000 students are members of the Greek community at UCA, with a cumulative 3.24 GPA for the spring 2019 semester. Last year, UCA Greeks participated in more than 800 volunteer projects, donated more than $42,000 in philanthropic support and logged more than 11,000 hours in community service. The university began calling for support from private donors in the Greek alumni

community in 2018. Haley Fowler, director of annual giving, worked throughout the year with each fraternity and its alumni to create a fundraising committee with a chair in efforts to garner support for the project. “Through their efforts, we have raised more than $1.4 million for Greek Village from over 700 donors,” Fowler said. “Our fundraising efforts will continue as we work together to raise funds for amenities and furnishings.” Architects for the project include WER Architects/Planners and H+N Architects. Nabholz Construction is the general contractor. “Greek Village Phase II would not be possible without the vision, contributions and dedication of our Greek alumni,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “Our Greek system and their alumni contribute greatly to the quality of campus life and our community.”  FREDRICKA SHARKEY

Approximately 250 Greek alumni, friends and supporters attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Greek Village Phase II. Shown in the event images above are: (1) David Grimes ’91, ’96 and Jim Tanner ’57. (2) Rodney Williams and Kaylon Bradford ’10, former director of UCA Student Life. (3) Jerald Gardner ’97 and Christopher Riggins ’94, ’08 with other members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (4) Kale Gober ’09, vice president for University Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation; Kay Hinkle ’70, secretary of the UCA Board of Trustees; Shelia Vaught ’71, UCA Board of Trustees member; Colton Rowe, president of the Interfraternity Council; Jarrett Counts, National Pan-Hellenic Council representative; Ronnie Williams, vice president of Student Services and Institutional Diversity; UCA President Houston Davis; Terry Fiddler ’70, UCA Board of Trustees member; Bunny Adcock, chair of the UCA Board of Trustees; Cornell Maltbia, UCA Board of Trustees vice chair; and Elizabeth Farris ’77, UCA Board of Trustees member. FALL/WINTER 2019 | 19

2018-19 BY THE NUMBERS $30,051,844

Total Dollars Raised 193% increase over previous year

largest gift in uca history

$20 Million given by the Windgate Foundation

best day of giving to date

$757,939 74% increase from FY18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $434,526 total

1,889 new donors

771

students received private scholarships 11.7% increase from the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 690 scholarships

laurels & stripes

$719,000 20 | UCA MAGAZINE

total amount raised for scholarships on March 30, 2019

WE DID IT AGAIN!

UCA ACHIEVES ANOTHER RECORD-SHATTERING YEAR OF FUNDRAISING

he University of Central Arkansas, once again, toppled its previous all-time fundraising record with a total of $30,051,844 raised in 2018-19. This marks the second time in as many years that the institution has bested its record. “These new fundraising milestones show the tremendous support our alumni, donors and friends have for UCA,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “Their steadfast engagement will continue to transform our university and our communities for generations to come.”

“These new fundraising milestones show the tremendous support our alumni, donors and friends have for UCA. Their steadfast engagement will continue to transform our university and our communities for generations to come.” The total represents a 193% increase from the 2017-18 year. During that time, the university raised more than $10 million, which set the previous all-time record. Included in these latest figures are two events that also continue to set or break fundraising milestones, Day of Giving and Laurels & Stripes. The fifth annual 24-hour Day of Giving raised $757,939, which represented a 74% increase from 2017-18 and set another record. Donors — alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, corporate partners, friends and many others — were able to give to specific impact funds within student, campus and community impact categories. Formerly known as Night of Distinction, the inaugural Laurels & Stripes was the “fundraising party of the year.” The event raised $719,000 in private scholarship support, with several endowed funds announced during the evening, including the Amber and Jeffrey Hall Gallivant Grant.

Amber Hall ’07 and her husband, Jeffrey, decided to establish the fund to support students who need to travel to present research or attend professional conferences. She explained that while she and her husband received academic scholarships, in many cases, those funds rarely covered experiences outside the classroom. Students from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics would be eligible. “We wanted to give students the opportunity to go and present the research they’ve done,” Amber Hall said. “We wanted to pay for students to actually have an experience out in the world.” The UCA Foundation was also awarded the largest gift in the history of the university — a $20 million challenge gift from the Windgate Foundation in support of the arts. One portion, $1 million, will be added to the Windgate Scholarship Fund, and $19 million will support the construction of the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Providing much-needed classroom, studio, rehearsal and design spaces, the facility will foster collaborative partnerships for students and faculty across multiple academic disciplines. Additionally, the university added more than 1,800 new donors and experienced a 78% increase in major gifts. “Securing 114 major gifts doesn’t happen by accident. That reflects the hard work of a dedicated team of professionals who love UCA,” said Kale Gober ’09, vice president for University Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation. “This level of giving is a testament to our incredible donors. They see the trajectory and feel the excitement under Houston Davis’ leadership, so they are investing with confidence and enthusiasm.” Scholarship dollars awarded increased by more than 20%, with 771 students receiving private scholarships, up from 690 the previous year. The UCA Foundation’s net assets are $53,754,909, and the current total endowment level is $29,078,210. The foundation has 210 fully endowed scholarships and has awarded more than $12 million in scholarship support since its inception in 1981. “I am thrilled that we continue to raise more and more private funds for university support, and specifically, for student scholarships,” Davis said. “The generosity of our donors ensures our students — many of whom are first-generation college students — have the resources they need to earn life-changing college degrees and impact economic and cultural growth in Arkansas and beyond.” ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 21

The UCA Bears enter the field to take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats for the Oct. 26 Homecoming Game.

Baton twirler Ciana Diaz performs during the Homecoming Parade.

Spencer Spencer Gordy Gordy ’07 ’07 and and Brandy Brandy Pate Pate ’98 ’98 show show the the awards awards they they received received during during the the Oct. Oct. 25 25 Alumni Alumni and and Friends Friends Party. Party. Gordy Gordy won won the the inaugural inaugural Young Young Alumni Alumni Award, Award, and and Pate Pate was was presented presented with with the the Alumni Alumni Service Service Award. Award.

1990

Dare to Dream

(from left) Kamoni Manago, UCA President Houston Davis and Jarrett Counts celebrate the presentation of the 2019 Homecoming Court. Manago was named the 2019 Homecoming Queen, and Counts was named UCA’s first-ever Homecoming King.

1991

Fantasies Brought to Life

UCA HOMECOMINGS OF THE '90S

1992

Let the Spirit Rise

UCA CELEBRATES

HOMECOMING with the ’90s

he University of Central Arkansas celebrated a ’90s-themed Homecoming Week from Oct. 21-26, with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university celebrating at the week’s various events. This year marked UCA’s 92nd Homecoming. Presented by Conway Regional Health System, UCA Homecoming 2019 included a Young Alumni Night, the Alumni & Friends Party, a victorious football game against Sam Houston State University and more. The Bears beat Sam Houston 29-25 on The Stripes. The university kicked off the week with its high-energy Fall Fest and College Square Pep Rally on Oct. 21 and later in the week hosted performing arts and comedy shows for the UCA and Conway community. The Oct. 25 Homecoming Greek Show at the Farris Center saw Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. take home the first-place prize of $1,500 for its performance in the step show, with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. being named first runner-up and earning a $1,000 prize, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. taking home the second runner-up title and $500 award. Also that day, the Alumni & Friends Party honored two UCA alumni for their service to the UCA or broader community. Brandy Pate ’98, clinical instructor I in the Department of Occupational Therapy, was presented with the Alumni Service Award, and Spencer Gordy ’07 was awarded the inaugural Young Alumni Award. Pate has been chapter adviser for Alpha Sigma Tau for about 20 years and serves on the interview committee for the Student Orientation Staff. While a

1993

Start of a New Tradition

student, Gordy held many roles. He was an SOS team leader, executive on the Interfraternity Council and UCA Ambassador, to name a few. Also on Homecoming Day, UCA crowned senior Kamoni Manago as the 2019 Homecoming Queen and junior Jarrett Counts as its first-ever Homecoming King, bringing a historic moment to this year’s Homecoming celebration. Trace Huckabay was announced the Homecoming Prince, and Maggie Mankin was named Homecoming Maid. Counts is a junior health administration major who is also a UCA Ambassador, Minority Mentorship Program leader and president of the UCA chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He said he was shocked to be named UCA's first Homecoming King. “It was a surreal feeling,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do other than stand there and wave. I was trying to take the moment in, make it last.” Manago is an exercise science major whose campus involvement includes being a Minority Mentorship Program mentor, Women of Excellence member, Greek Elite board member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member and more. “I really love UCA a lot because it makes me feel like I’m home,” Manago said. “They allow you to be you; they allow you to be free and express who you are as an individual as you represent UCA. The amount of love shown to each student here on campus, each and every faculty and staff, that’s amazing to me that UCA has that.” ■ SYD HAYMAN

1994

Back to Basics

Timeline photos courtesy of The Scroll yearbooks circa 1991-2000.

1 4

1. Patoreus Lewis waves while enjoying a ride during Fall Fest. 2. (from left) Candy Anderson ’69, Sara Darling ’69, Elaine Warrington ’69 and Diana Pavatt ’69 attend the Decades Brunch/ Half-Century Club Induction on Oct. 26. That day, the four were inducted into the Half-Century Club and joined more than 2,000 graduates and classmates who have been inducted into the elite group. 3. (from left) William Edwards ’16 and Dennis Mattison ’15, UCA alumni and members of Phi Beta Sigma, perform during the Homecoming Greek Show on Oct. 25. 4. Alayna Rohde performs with the color guard during the Homecoming Game half-time show. 5. UCA plays against Sam Houston State University on Oct. 26 on The Stripes. The Bears beat the Bearkats 29-25.

1995

Bears Ballyhoo

24 | UCA MAGAZINE

1996

UCA Flashbacks

1997

Legends of the Fall

6. (from left) Taron Sullins ’18, Lindsee Labrecque ’18, Mathew Stelting ’19, Jeremiah Dukes, Megan Stelting ’19 and Jessica Chavez enjoy game-day tailgating. 7. UCA mascot Bruce D. Bear greets children (from left) Oliva Gardner, Amelia Gardner, Henleigh Russell and Ben Russell, who is being held by Erica Russell ’05, ’09, on game day. Behind them, Ashley Gardner ’06, ’07 looks on, as well as Melia Hill ’05, ’07, Zach Hill and Hayden Hill. 8. (from left) Lamon Wayde; Rose McGarrity; Taylor Eaves; Kolton Howe; Brandon Locknar; Kamoni Manago, UCA’s 2019 Homecoming Queen; Jarret Counts, UCA’s 2019 Homecoming King; Maggie Mankin, Homecoming Maid; Trace Huckabay, Homecoming Prince; Claire Brown; Ethan Dickeson; Mya McClellan; Gryce Gray; Stantaisha Murry; Zoey Rofkahr; and Noah Brooks pose on the field after the naming of the 2019 Homecoming King and Queen. 9. UCA First Lady Jenny and President Houston Davis greet the crowd during the Homecoming Parade.

1998

Under Construction

1999

Hats Off to the Century

Timeline photos courtesy of The Scroll yearbooks circa 1991-2000.

4 1. Norb Schedler engages in lively conversation with a visitor and is surrounded by images of family, students and alumni. 2. Schedler, second from left, shares the excitement of graduation day with his students (from left) Ernest Sanders ’88, Donna Fiser Ward ’88 and Brian Dirck ’88. 3. Corey Oliver ’96, ’00 presents his research to Honors College faculty and students at the Glenda Middleton Forum. 4. Honors College students present Schedler with Let’s Zettle It, a website designed as a repository for "all things Norb." 5. Portrait of Schedler taken before a presentation.

26 | UCA MAGAZINE

LE G ENDS

L EG ACI ES

Stories of faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have made historical and significant contributions to the university, state or beyond

Remembering Norb Schedler

asily recognizable by his signature round glasses, bowtie, tweed jacket and tennis shoes, the late Norbert “Norb” O. Schedler left a legacy at the University of Central Arkansas that will live for generations to come. As the founding director of UCA’s Honors College, Schedler charted a path for the “severely gifted” student in establishing the college, which was the first honors college in the state. The Honors College was named in honor of Schedler in 2013. It remains one of a few of its kind at a public university in the United States. Schedler died in May. The campus community, along with Honors College faculty, alumni and friends, honored Schedler with a memorial service in September at McCastlain Hall on the UCA campus. Those who knew him could recall his office being filled with books, papers and photographs of students, alumni and family that covered nearly every surface. At the epicenter of the room was Schedler, intimidating but inviting to visitors who would quickly be drawn into conversations they may never have imagined. “He was never one to tell you what to think, but every action he took and every word that came out of his mouth was around teaching you how to think for yourself and find your own voice,” said Patricia Smith ’01, ’03, acting dean of the Honors College. Schedler received his undergraduate degree from the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and then completed graduate studies at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy. His first teaching assignment was at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He subsequently taught at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he chaired the philosophy department. Schedler moved to Conway in 1976 after he accepted a position as chair of the philosophy department at UCA. While he spent countless hours as a teacher and mentor, Schedler saw more that he could do to impact students. In 1982, he and then UCA President Jeff Farris established the UCA Honors College, which was renamed the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College in 2013. Schedler received numerous national awards and distinctions for scholarship and professional service and was named professor emeritus by the UCA Board of Trustees in 2011. “Establishing the Honors College was a big step forward for this

university. As the first Honors College in the state, it helped attract gifted students to campus,” said Elizabeth Farris ’77, Board of Trustees member and daughter of former UCA President Farris. “Many other institutions copied our roadmap. This really was a big step for a small school and one that has paid dividends.” Schedler, with the support of Honors faculty, authored “The Lively Experiment” and “The Challenge” within the first two years of the Honors College’s establishment. Purposefully informed by multiple disciplines, the documents created the underpinnings for the college. “Norb’s idea here was to really transcend these disciplinary boundaries, to have these larger conversations, to really make progress in the modern world. We can’t just have conversations with people who think like us; we can’t just have conversations with people within our own discipline,” Smith said. “I’ve met so many bright young scholars whose academic career never intersected with the right professor, or course, or program which challenged and served as a catalyst to make excellence possible,” Schedler wrote in “The Lively Experiment.” “UCA’s Honors College is meant to be such a place and time where this might happen for a certain kind of student. Indeed, we know that this has already happened. When this ‘moment’ occurs, it is the ultimate joy in teaching.” Today, the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College is a nationally recognized model and counts UCA’s first Rhodes Scholar, a Truman Scholar, Fulbright Scholars, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars and a Jack Kent Cooke Fellow among its alumni. Nearly 1,800 students have completed its curriculum, and more than 1,000 students have received experiential learning opportunities through the Travel Abroad Grant, Experiential Learning Funds and Undergraduate Research Grants for Education programs. “We are Norb’s garden, and if we spread seeds of goodness wherever we go, Norb will never be forgotten. He is still here, within each one of us, telling us that there are still books to read, problems to solve and people to love,” sophomore Honors College student Sabrina Cheri said at the memorial. To honor his memory, make gifts to the Norbert O. Schedler Memorial Scholarship Fund at uca.edu/go/thanksnorb.  RUSS HANCOCK

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 27

work play

magic T H E M O NE Y

TRICK

INSTRUCTOR PERFORMS MAGIC WITH A MESSAGE

t’s a trick students love: Mary Ann Campbell forces a card from a deck and shares its identity with the class, being sure not to reveal it to herself. Purposely, she guesses the card incorrectly and begins opening an insurance policy. “I say, ‘It’s important to read your insurance policy so that you’ll know what’s covered and not covered,�” she said. As the policy unfolds, the image of the correct card appears on the back of the paper. The trick is one of many she has up her sleeve to keep students engaged and help them retain knowledge of personal finance. After all, not only is Campbell—or Dr. Mac, as students call her—an online graduate instructor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, but she’s also been practicing magic for more than 30 years. “I use what I call magic with a message,” said Campbell, a certified financial planner who began teaching at the University of Central Arkansas in 2000 and began to teach fully online three years ago. In classrooms, she has used magic to enhance lessons on credit building, diversifying investments, retirement and more. Campbell’s magic practice began when her son was 6 and struck up an interest in it, leading to the two taking classes together. When he lost interest, Campbell picked it up for herself and began incorporating it into the classroom. She is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and was the state chapter’s first female member—and later, its president. Her membership, along with attending conventions, and networking with and mentoring other magicians over the years, has strengthened her practice and helped her learn new material. “Magic is a method of entertainment, is a method of getting a point across and a method of having fun,” she said. Her practice was so revered that in the late 1970s she helped develop an AETN program called “Money Magic.” The show explored personal finances and ended with a magic trick each time. It ceased after a few years. She’s also made friends with College Football Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz, who she has enjoyed collaborating with on tricks. “I will learn the mechanics of a trick, and then I will teach it to him, but he is an absolute natural with patter,” she said,

28 | UCA MAGAZINE

referring to what magicians say during a trick. “He’ll come up with a way to talk about it and use it with a memorable message.” Campbell’s magic with a message has even extended to encouraging magic as a means of therapy. Through David Copperfield’s Project Magic, Campbell spent 15 years as a volunteer teaching magic to Arkansas physical and occupational therapists so that they could share the practice with their patients. Campbell first met Copperfield at a convention in the mid-’80s, and he asked her to help lead the project’s charge in Arkansas. By doing so, Campbell has provided community education on magic in hospitals in cities such as Little Rock, Fort Smith, Morrilton and Springdale. According to Project Magic, which began in 1981, it teaches magic in order to help those with disabilities increase their motivation, physical dexterity, and communication and functional skills, as well as strengthen their problem-solving and other cognitive skills during therapy. Campbell traveled to Las Vegas this year to share a presentation at the MGM Grand Hotel’s David Copperfield Theater on best practices in Project Magic and ways to keep the project current and adaptable to the needs of those with various disabilities and conditions. She was one of 14 magicians from seven countries who was invited to participate. “It was fun to be a part of it, and it was unexpected,” she said of the invitation from Copperfield’s office. “It’s been a good relationship, a much-appreciated friendship. That was kind of a neat surprise.” Because Campbell currently teaches UCA students online, she is developing a YouTube channel to share her magic with students and other interested viewers. “I’m grateful for what magic has meant for my life and my family, and to my friends and to my students,” she said. “I’m grateful for that because my students remember me; they remember the magic. But most importantly, they remember the message.” And if one tries to find out just how Campbell accomplishes her tricks, she won’t reveal her secrets. “A magician never tells,” she said.  SYD HAYMAN

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 29

class notes make a note

James "Lavon" Morton ’72 was appointed as the Ward 3 director by the city of Fort Smith Board of Directors for a term extending through 2020. Carol Hampton Rasco ’72 was honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award at Hendrix

Keeping in touch with former

College.

classmates is easy. Send your class

Dr. David Martin ’79 joined Conway Medical

notes on professional or volunteer work,

Group, which is a part of the Conway Regional

awards, honors, marriages and births to:

Primary Care Network.

Web uca.edu/go/classnotes Email classnotes@uca.edu Fax

(501) 450-5293

Mail

UCA Advancement UCA Box 4986 Conway, AR 72035

’50s Jimmy "Jim" Stone ’53, ’57 was recognized with the Distinguished Educator Award at the 2019 Conway Public Schools Foundation’s

’80s Dr. Nancy (Berryman) Reese ’80, chair of the UCA Department of Physical Therapy, was named a 2019 Catherine Worthingham Fellow by the American Physical Therapy Association. Starla Gresham ’82, ’90 has been appointed to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The appointment expires July 20, 2021.

Hall of Honor Gala.

Linda (Turner) Harding ’82 was appointed to

’60s

the Kennedy Center National Committee for

Bill Johnson ’60 received the Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Jo Ann (Roth) Cooper ’61 is serving her second seven-year term on the Arkansas State Library Board. Sandra J. Leder ’63 recently retired from the Department of Education Professions at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Ronald "Ron" Lensing of BancorpSouth is an inductee of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame 2019 class.

Performing Arts. Judith "Dianne" (Burrow) Booth ’83 was named one of five national winners of the 2019 180 Educator Awards by learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Samuel "Sam" Denton ’85 was reappointed by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. The appointment expires July 1, 2021. Mark McMullen ’85 was recognized by U.S. Sen. John Boozman in “Salute to Veterans,”

ogy College of Osteopathic Medicine. Michael "Mike" Lloyd ’89 was hired as senior vice president of client delivery and operations at First Orion. Dr. Kristy Roberts ’89 began practice at Greenbrier Family Medicine, which is a part of the Conway Regional Primary Care Network.

’90s Keith "Butch" Dunbar ’90, JD, has been hired as general counsel for Advance DNA. Carol Fleming ’90, ’91 began her two-year term as president of the Arkansas Education Association on July 15, after winning a statewide vote in May. Stuart Flynn ’90 was selected as the new dean of academic affairs at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. Wanda King ’90 was promoted to vice president of Claims and Federal Employee Program Operations at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Steven "Steve" Goff ’91 moved from state editor to city editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Mary "Katherine" (Sievers) Hinson ’91 is serving as a National Geographic GeoBee West Virginia state coordinator. Bryan Bruich ’92, chief financial officer at Nabholz Corp., is a finalist for Arkansas Business' 2019 CFO of the Year in the large private company category. Kirk Vansandt ’92 was promoted to chief lend-

a series recognizing the military service of

ing officer of Farmers and Merchants Bank.

Arkansans.

Scott Winter ’92 was promoted to senior vice

Jerry Napier ’86 started a new position as the

president and chief financial officer at Arkan-

assistant manager at a Dollar General in Nokes-

sas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

ville, Virginia. He also completed the first long-

Ronald "Ron" Branscum ’93 was hired as a

term position as electricity/woodtech teacher for

senior vice president and commercial banker

Dr. Terry Fiddler ’70 received the Guy W.

Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Virginia.

at Arvest Bank, overseeing the bank’s com-

Murphy Distinguished Service Award at the

Laura Abbot ’88, ’96 was awarded the U.S.

mercial lenders in Rogers, where it has eight

’70s

Department of Justice’s Volunteer for Victims

branch locations.

Award during the annual National Crime Vic-

Vincent "Vince" Sims ’93 joined KXAS in Fort

Dr. David C. Jacks ’72 won the 2019 Arkansas

tims’ Service Awards ceremony in April.

Worth, Texas, as a co-anchor.

Medical Society Asklepion Award. Jacks found-

Dr. Tracy McAllister Owens ’88, ’00 received

Christopher Coffman ’95 was named vice

the Assistant Dean Academic Achievement

president of sales and account management

Award from the New York Institute of Technol-

at Edafio Technology Partners and joined the

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

ed South Arkansas Urology Clinic in Pine Bluff in 1981, where he remains in practice today.

30 | UCA MAGAZINE

UCA College of Business Advisory Board.

Dr. Dionne Bennett Jackson ’99 accepted

Joshua "Josh" Tate ’02 was hired as the new

a position as executive director for AR Kids

chief marketing officer for First Community

Read.

Bank in Batesville.

Velvet Medlock ’95 was appointed to the

’00s

Heide (Pingley) Harrell ’03, APR, has been

Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy by

Dakisha Boone-Wesley ’00 was selected as

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The appoint-

an assistant county manager with Buncombe

ment expires July 1, 2022.

County in North Carolina.

Greta (Schultz) Morgan ’96, Baptist

Amanda (Keathley) Gaither ’00 joined the

Health-Conway, was named Nurse of the Year

medical associate staff as a certified registered

at the 2019 North Metro Healthcare Awards.

nurse anesthetist at Memorial Hospital and

Lt. Col. Sherry Johnson ’95 has proudly served as an active duty U.S. Air Force nurse in the corps for 21 years.

Rosalyn "Denise" (Ealy) Perry ’96 was

Health Care Center in Jasper, Indiana.

selected to serve on the national board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America. Alek Srbinovski ’03, director of sales at CaseStack, is a part of the Class of 2019 Forty Under 40 for Talk Business & Politics' NWA Business Journal. William Cunningham ’04 is an honoree of Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of 40 Under 40.

elected to serve a seven-year term on the

Jeff Turnage '00, Standard Business

Conway Corp. Board of Directors. The term

Systems, graduated from the Conway Area

Elizabeth "Beth" McCullough Jimmerson

began May 8.

Leadership Institute (CALI) Class of 2019.

’04 was promoted from senior marketing

Faye (Barrentine) Shepherd ’96 was the

Jonathan Bricker ’01 was named vice

first recipient of the Faye Shepherd Award for

president and international business develop-

Juvenile Justice for outstanding contributions

ment representative for Arvest Bank's treasury

Wayne Bailey ’05 was promoted to senior

to juvenile justice in the Arkansas 20th Judicial

management division.

production coordinator at Conway Corp.

District.

Kathy Fulks ’01 has been reappointed by

Darian Smith ’96, ’99, ’13 has been named

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the State Ap-

executive director for elementary leadership at

prenticeship Coordination Steering Committee.

the Little Rock School District.

The appointment expires Jan. 14, 2024.

Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley ’96 leads The Breast

Aaron "Jacob" Ishee ’01 has been named

Center at CARTI in Little Rock as the center's

senior director of purchasing at DAP, a

medical director.

manufacturer and supplier of products for

Josclyn (Jones) Wiley ’97 was named assistant superintendent of special services at Hope Public Schools. Misty Birdwell ’98, ’03 joined Greenbrier Family Medicine Clinic, which is a part of the Conway Regional Primary Care Network, as an advanced practice registered nurse. Hatim Smouni ’98 has earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors. Jon Wilkerson ’98, ’99 was appointed by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. The appointment expires Feb. 1, 2022. Jennifer (Martinez) Belt ’99 has been appointed to the board of directors of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance in Little Rock. Ruth (Whitefield) Frazier ’99 was appointed the chief development officer of Friendship Centers, a nonprofit that serves adults over 50 in southwest Florida.

professional contractors, remodelers and doit-yourselfers. Joshua "Josh" Newton ’01, JD, was ap-

coordinator to manager, marketing and communications at Conway Corp.

Channel 5/585. He will continue producing local programming, commercials and promotional sports. Bailey was hired in 2007 as a production coordinator. Natalie Cannady ’05 has been named the director of a new institutional wellness program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. William "Rudy" Ledbetter ’05 is a member of the 2020 class of Leadership Fort Smith.

pointed to a state district court judgeship in

Jessica (Simpson) Sorg ’05 was recognized

the Arkansas 32nd Judicial District by Arkan-

in Little Rock Soiree's Women To Watch 2019

sas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He will serve until

List.

an elected replacement takes over in 2021.

Dr. Katie (Blankenship) Beal ’06, a

Scottie Pippen ’01 was an inductee for the

board-certified obstetrics and gynecology

inaugural class of the Faulkner County Sports

physician, recently joined Northwest Women's

Hall of Fame.

Specialty Group in Bentonville.

Patrick "Brent" Taylor ’01, JD, has been

Chasse Conque ’06 has been named vice

promoted to chief operating officer of Citizens

president and director of athletics at the Uni-

Bank & Trust in Van Buren.

versity of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg,

Wendy Blackwood ’02, ’04 was appointed to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The appointment expires Dec. 1, 2020. Kristen (Sluyter) Moyers ’02, JD, was recog-

Texas. He was previously the vice chancellor and director of athletics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Sarah Goss ’06 has been promoted to partner at Allison + Partners of Little Rock.

nized in Little Rock Soiree's Women To Watch

Dr. Kenny Holder ’06, ’09 has opened his

2019 List.

own physical therapy practice, Elite Physical Therapy, in Conway.

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 31

UCA Alumni Association Elects New Board Members The University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomed four new members. Corey Parks ’16, ’18; Marilyn Porterfield ’06; James “Blake” Robertson ’10; and Sue Voegele ’62 are the latest additions to the board. Parks is director of economic development at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. While a student at UCA, Parks was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, the Student Government Association and Student Orientation Staff. He earned a bachelor’s in insurance and risk management and an MBA. Porterfield is director of client services at Best Association Management. As a student, she was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars on campus. Porterfield earned a bachelor’s in public relations with

a minor in honors interdisciplinary studies. Robertson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is store manager of his family’s company, Cousins Office Furniture of Conway, Rogers and Searcy. Voegele is a life member of the UCA Alumni Association. She is the 2017 Alumni Service Award recipient and a charter member of the Women’s Giving Circle. She earned a bachelor’s in kinesiology and exercise science. As a student, Voegele was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and worked on the staff of The Scroll. Their three-year terms end June 20, 2022. The UCA Alumni Association Board of Directors develops and oversees the programs and budget of the association to advance the interests of the group. Dues-paying members elect the 20-member board. n

Corey Parks ’16, ’18

Marilyn Porterfield ’06

James “Blake” Robertson ’10

Sue Voegele ’62

UCA Alumni Association Presents Awards The University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association presented the Alumni Service Award and the inaugural Young Alumni Award during Homecoming 2019. Brandy Pate ’98 was honored as the Alumni Service Award recipient, and Spencer Gordy ’07 was the inaugural Young Alumni Award recipient. The UCA Alumni Service Award is presented to an individual or couple who, through their deeds or actions, reflect and recognize the importance of the UCA Alumni Association and demonstrate extraordinary commitment, dedication, service and loyalty to the university. Pate currently is clinical instructor I in the Department of Occupational Therapy at UCA. She has been a chapter adviser for Alpha Sigma Tau for approximately 20 years. She serves on the interview committee for the Student Orientation Staff (SOS) and has volunteered with UCA’s interprofessional education clinic. She is a former mentor for the UCA Alumni Association Mentor Connection and former board member for the Greek Alumni Advisory Board.

32 | UCA MAGAZINE

“To give back and stay connected is something that is vital to the success of collegiate students. College is such a time of growth and adjustment. I have watched so many college women attain their dreams, and I am the biggest cheerleader for them along the way,” Pate said. “The distinction is quite an honor. I have loved serving and will always serve in some capacity to UCA.” The Young Alumni Award was established to recognize alumni with exceptional career, public service or volunteer achievements that bring honor to UCA. While a UCA student, Gordy served as vice president of Sigma Tau Gamma and was a team leader of SOS. He was a member of the Association of Future Alumni and was a board member of All Greek Council. He served as a UCA Ambassador and spirit chair of Bear Den. After graduating, Gordy earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. “It is the single biggest honor bestowed upon me in the form of an award. I have such a deep passion for this university, and to have

Spencer Gordy ’07 and Brandy Pate ’98 were honored with the Young Alumni Award and Alumni Service Award, respectively, at the Alumni and Friends Party on Oct. 25. a reciprocated appreciation back from the institution creates such an emotional feeling,” Gordy said. “To think of the numerous young alumni from all over the world who have already done countless incredible and amazing things is inspiring, and to be considered among those is very humbling.”n

Jennifer Morehead ’06 earned her Master

Dr. T. Kale Gober ’09 was featured as an

Travis Mays ’11, UCA, graduated from the

of Science in college student counseling and

honoree in Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of

Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) Class

personnel services in May 2018 from Arkan-

40 Under 40.

of 2019.

Michael "Mike" Philpot ’09 has been se-

Jason Ronza ’11, ’14 was promoted to

Hitesh Patel ’06, Kimberly-Clark, graduated

lected as the new vice president of economic

director of operations at RP Power in North

from the Conway Area Leadership Institute

development for Jonesboro Unlimited.

Little Rock.

Lindsey (Bonds) Sierra ’09, ’15, an advanced

Samantha (Hargrave) Bowman ’12 earned a

Amy (Bynum) Whitehead ’06, ’08 was

practice registered nurse, has joined the Con-

Doctor of Philosophy in health education from

featured as an honoree in Arkansas Business'

way Regional Gastroenterology Center.

A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. Bow-

sas State University.

(CALI) Class of 2019.

2019 Class of 40 Under 40.

Katherine Vasilos ’09 was featured as an

Jenny Wilkinson ’06 is a member of the 2020

honoree in Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of

class of Leadership Fort Smith.

40 Under 40.

Jamison Jackson ’07, ’08 married Clint

Tobin Williamson ’09 was selected to be

Ashley '06 on June 22, 2019.

a part of the 2019-20 cohort of Indiana's

Ashley (Mathis) Love ’09 has been hired as the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce’s new communications and marketing manager. Sarah (Larson) Malloy ’07 will be the next director of the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange at the University of Arkansas. Jerrod Sandefur ’07 has been promoted to

man is program development specialist in the Department of Employee Education at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Lauren (Mesker) Dickey ’12 was recognized in Little Rock Soiree's Women to Watch 2019 List.

Emerging Leaders Project. The Emerging

Dr. Matthew "Nick" Farr ’12, ’14 is the new

Leaders Project is an independent, nonprofit

assistant principal at Jacksonville High School.

organization that provides free training to up to 40 Indiana residents each year. Nathan Winter ’09, ’11 was appointed by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. The appointment expires Feb. 1, 2021.

Breckenn Findley ’12 joined the staff of Conway Regional Medical Clinic-Russellville as an advanced practice registered nurse. Joshua "Josh" Price ’12 has joined the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College Foundation team as its director of

officer at Citizens Bank of Batesville. Sandefur

’10s

joined Citizens Bank in 2016 as a commercial

Matt Baker ’10, Centennial Bank, graduated

graduated from the Conway Area Leadership

loan officer.

from the Conway Area Leadership Institute

Institute (CALI) Class of 2019.

assistant vice president and commercial loan

Dr. Megan (Scott) Selman ’07, ’09, ’17 has

(CALI) Class of 2019.

development. LaTisha Sanders-Jones ’12, Conway Corp.,

Nicholas Williams ’12, ’13, JD, has joined

been named executive director of the Boys

Benjamin Cox ’10 received his Doctor of Mu-

Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard in

and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley.

sical Arts in voice pedagogy at the University

Little Rock as a litigation associate.

Cara Petrus ’08 has been named director for

of Texas at Austin in May.

Jesse Chambliss ’13 has been hired as the

the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute at CHI St.

Tiffany Duhamel-Barger ’10 was hired by

assistant director in the Office of Student

Vincent.

Arvest Bank as vice president and private

Experiences at Southern Methodist University

banking adviser.

in Dallas, Texas.

Allison (McElroy) Hillemann ’10 joined

Joseph Ganann ’13, Metova Inc., graduated

CJRW in Little Rock as a video production

from the Conway Area Leadership Institute

manager/producer.

(CALI) Class of 2019.

Kayla Kesterson ’10 joined the sales and

Osmar Garcia ’13, Northwestern Mutual,

service team of the Little Rock Convention

graduated from the Conway Area Leadership

and Visitors Bureau as a sales manager.

Institute (CALI) Class of 2019.

Carlos Merino ’10, math and engineering

Kelsey Zerell ’13 married Bennett Herrick on

instructor at Cleveland State Community College

April 13, 2019.

April Pollard ’08 was recognized in Little Rock Soiree's Women to Watch 2019 List. Caronica Randle ’08 was named Arkansas State University women's basketball associate head coach. John Scherrey ’08 was promoted to chief lending officer of Centennial Bank’s Conway region. Corey Throneberry ’08, First Service Bank, graduated from the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) Class of 2019.

in Cleveland, Tennessee, was awarded a faculty star award for outstanding service to the college.

Jennifer (Adams) James ’13, ’18 joined the MediQuick team from Conway Regional

Rachel Tidwell ’10 was hired as a commer-

Medical Center. She is a board-certified family

cial banker at Arvest Bank.

nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nurs-

ment of History's 23rd annual Ophelia Fisher

Nina (Vella) Copeland ’11 is a member of the

ing experience.

Graduation Reception.

2020 class of Leadership Fort Smith.

Dr. Danielle Atwood ’09 received the Outstanding Alumna Award at the UCA Depart-

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 33

Cecily Coffelt-Bullard ’56; Jan Newcomer; Patsy Newton ’52

President Houston Davis; Amanpreet Kaur; Kale Gober ’09

Mary Harlan ’65; Kathy Carroll

John Scherrey ’08; Emilee Hartman; Eric King

Carene Boa; Jennifer Westpfahl ’99

Austin Ashley; Claudia Davis

Scholarship Reception “Beyond Me” was the theme for the 2019 Scholarship Reception. Nearly 500 scholarship donors and recipients attended the event held Sept. 26 at the Farris Center on the University of Central Arkansas campus.

Hank Phelps; Josey Didion; Patty Phelps

Garrison Branscum; Herby Branscum ’63; Kari Wood

Nancy Reese ’80; Matthew Lim; Lauren Petrisin; Treslyn Fletcher ’18

Jasilyn Graham; Karen L. Sullards ’72, ’75

Carolyn Eidson ’64, ’68; Meagan Crownover

Joe and Jo Ellen Ford

34 | UCA MAGAZINE

Jessica (Ballew) McCuin ’13 was recognized

Ethan Bly ’17 was promoted to mortgage

vidual differences and behavior genetics with a

in Little Rock Soiree's Women to Watch 2019

loan officer for Arvest Bank in Conway.

minor in cognitive science.

List.

JiQuintas "Jay" Brown ’17 was promoted

Jacob De Linde ’19 was accepted into the

Samantha Pettis ’13 accepted a new role

to scheduling and private branch exchange

Peace Corps. He will be stationed in East

as senior accountant at BSR Real Estate

manager at Arkansas Heart Hospital. This

Timor, which is also known as Timor-Leste.

Investment Trust in Little Rock. She was also

is the fourth time in two years Brown has

included in Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of

been promoted at the hospital. He also was

20 in Their 20s.

a recipient of the All Heart Award, an internal

James "Jake" Whisenant ’13 joined iProv LLC in Little Rock as a social production coordinator. Joshua "Josh" Carter ’14, Northwestern Mutual, graduated from the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) Class of 2019. Amber Rowlett ’14 married Andrew Crawford on May 18, 2019. Dr. Rachael (Galloway) Goodwin ’14 graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and works as a physician for UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro. John "Trey" Lamberth ’14 has joined the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce as a communications director. Catherine Margaret Motta ’14, ’16 married Lawrence Clark Morse on May 4, 2019. Sally (Adlong) Schanandore ’14, ’16, a speech-language pathologist at ACCESS Group Inc., was named Little Rock's Top Speech Therapist by Little Rock Family magazine. Eddie Thomas ’14 is an honoree of Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of 40 Under 40.

recognition for employees who fulfill the hospital's values. Christopher Cole ’17 graduated with a Master of Arts in theological studies from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Kandi (Chitman) Hughes ’17, JD, was featured as an honoree in Arkansas Business' 2019 Class of 40 Under 40. She was also recognized in Little Rock Soiree's Women to Watch 2019 List. Meredith "Gavin" Stiles ’17 married Tyler Langley ’06 on May 18, 2019. Dierre Littleton ’17, UCA, graduated from the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) Class of 2019. Sara Mitchell ’17 was hired as the varsity head volleyball coach at North Cobb Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Edward Tawiah ’17 was hired as a data analyst for the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement in Little Rock. Rachel Zimmerman ’17 has joined Seal Solar of North Little Rock as a marketing associate.

Bear Babies Lindsey (Shipman) Ashcraft ’14, ’17 and Brent Ashcraft ’13 welcomed a baby boy, Riggs Michael Ashcraft, on March 8, 2019. Kristin (White) Basham ’09 and Dr. Kyle Basham ’07 welcomed a baby girl, Kora Adibeth Basham, on June 7, 2019. Chloe (Battistone) Bell ’13, ’18 and Charles Bell welcomed a baby boy, Charles Bond Bell Jr., on Jan. 26, 2019. Savannah (Harris) Beringer ’13 and Anthony “TJ” Beringer III welcomed a baby boy, Henry Michael Beringer, in July 2019. Caitlyn (Shoemake) Courtway ’10 and Bradley “Brad” Courtway III ’09 welcomed a baby boy, Thomas Edward Courtway, on March 20, 2019. Danielle (Small) Creswell ’08, ’10 and Ryan Creswell ’07 welcomed a baby boy, Stone Adam Creswell, on May 3, 2019. Tiffany (Barnes) Dews ’04, ’06 and Scott Dews ’04 welcomed a baby girl, Brooklyn Grace Dews, on Jan. 6, 2019. Caitlin (Fitch) Bailey ’11, ’17 and Derek Bai-

Ellen Brown ’18 was recognized in Little Rock

ley welcomed a baby girl, Nora Ryan Bailey,

Soiree's Women to Watch 2019 List.

on Aug. 20, 2019.

at Wooster Elementary School as the school

Meagan Freeman ’18, a staff educator for

Sarah Jo (Wright) Freeland ’16 and Wesley

counselor.

Baptist Health in Little Rock, has been select-

Freeland ’16 welcomed a baby boy, Owen

ed for the Arkansas Center for Nursing Inc.’s

Elijah Freeland, on July 2, 2019.

Jordan Trexler ’15, ’18 accepted a position

Eric Botteicher ’16, ’17 was promoted to senior tax accountant at HoganTaylor LLP. Trevor Martin ’16, Ott Insurance, graduated from the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) Class of 2019. Shalynn Mills ’16 was awarded a scholarship from Arkansas Optometric Association. Grace Rains ’16, ’17 was hired as the director of operations at The Conductor. Jessica Taylor ’16, ’19 has been named the first softball head coach at National Park College in Hot Springs National Park.

40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 list.

Payton (Daniels) Goins ’15 and Brian Goins

Skylar Hatfield ’18 was hired to be the direc-

’14 welcomed a baby boy, Janson Thomas

tor of safety services by the Arkansas Trucking

Goins, on May 15, 2019.

Association.

Kari Anne (Servedio) Gray ’13 and Blake

Lesley "Brooke" Keith ’18 joined Conway

Gray welcomed a baby boy, Asher Gray, on

Regional Surgical Associates.

Aug. 23, 2019.

Logan (Stevenson) Toups ’18 was named

Bailey (Vaughn) Hambuchen ’12 and Josh

Rookie Teacher of the Year by J.L. Williams/

Hambuchen welcomed a baby girl, Tatum

Lovett Ledger Elementary in Texas.

Blair Hambuchen, on Aug. 24, 2019.

Aisha Udochi ’18 was accepted into the

Sydney Hambuchen (George) Madden ’13,

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities to attain

’17 and Hunter Madden welcomed a baby

her master’s and doctorate in personality, indi-

girl, Merritt Jo Madden, on April 18, 2019. FALL/WINTER 2019 | 35

Bill Ott ’72; Debbie Merritt ’74, ’85

Luke Gordy ’68; Mike Cummins ’73

Kristin ’07 and Adam McMahan ’11

Chelsea McShane ’11; Leslie Watkins ’08; Brandy Pate ’98, Alumni Service Award recipient

President Houston and First Lady Jenny Davis

Betty ’60 and Herman Ellis ’59

Alumni and Friends Party Homecoming 2019 included the Alumni and Friends Party held Oct. 25 at the Centennial Events Center in Conway. During this event, the University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association presented the Alumni Service Award to Brandy Pate ’98 and the inaugural Young Alumni Award to Spencer Gordy ’07.

Jim Bunyard ’69; Carolyn Ishee ’75

Lynne Holloway ’00, ’03; Brandy Pate ’98, Alumni Service Award recipient

Leslie and Spencer Gordy ’07, Young Alumni Award recipient; Troy ’02 and Karla Braswell ’03

Brian ’04 and Brittany Dunnaway; Amy ’06, ’08 and Derek Whitehead ’06

Alexander Baney ’18; Calvin Motley ’18

Rickela ’03 and Malcolm Mayo

36 | UCA MAGAZINE

Lacy (Flurry) Maggio ’15 and Matt Maggio

Tyler (Young) Williams ’09 and Kevin Wil-

welcomed a baby girl, Madeline Lee Maggio,

liams ’10 welcomed a new baby, Ellington

on June 30, 2019.

Rose Williams, on April 15, 2019.

Carrie Martens ’15 and Layne Martens wel-

Jessica (James) Winkelman ’12 and Andrew

comed a baby girl, Charlotte Gayle Martens,

“Andy” Winkelman ’08, ’10 welcomed a baby

Danny Burt Heard ’72, ’79, May 22, 2019

on April 1, 2019.

boy, Matthew Winkelman, on May 7, 2019.

Harold Helton, May 21, 2019

Kristin (Shehorn) McMahan ’07 and Adam Kate McMahan, on March 29, 2019.

In Memory

Whitney Meyer ’11 and David Martindale

Peggy (Dixon) Ables ’85, Feb. 2, 2019

welcomed a baby boy, Max Martindale, on

Michael “Mike” Aeilts ’78, May 31, 2019

McMahan ’11 welcomed a baby girl, Nevie

March 5, 2019. Jennifer “Jenn” Morehead ’06 and Jeremy Morehead welcomed a baby girl, Avery Collins

Charles Ausler Jr. ’12, July 6, 2019 Sammie (White) Bachelor ’49, Aug. 23, 2019

Morehead, on Jan. 18, 2019.

Lloyd Venson Benefield ’83, May 15, 2019

Jessica Scout (Morris) Nabholz and Clayton

Buford Blackwell ’64, April 12, 2019

Nabholz ’14 welcomed a baby girl, Charlotte

Debbie Bougher ’01, May 10, 2019

Jo Nabholz, on March 1, 2019. Cheska (Valentine) Neal ’07, ’09 and Brett Neal ’11 welcomed a baby boy, Isaac Timothy

Dale Boyd ’83, Aug. 25, 2019 Joy Lee Boydston ’66, May 18, 2019

Neal, on May 21, 2019.

Jose Bunda ’71, ’73, April 2, 2019

Jade (Ellis) Nichols ’14 and Kory Nichols

Lou Ann Burgess ’70, July 6, 2019

welcomed a baby boy, Ellis Brett Nichols, on May 20, 2019. Amy (Hambrick) Reynolds ’08 and Steven

Letha Lois (Tapley) Chadwell ’54, July 30, 2019 Adam Thomas Clark ’02, May 29, 2019

“Kyle” Reynolds ’08 welcomed a baby boy,

Gerry Conley ’95, June 27, 2019

Benjamin Hardin Reynolds, on Aug. 8, 2019.

John William Corbett ’62, July 20, 2019

Bethany Rostampour and Amir Rostampour

George Cummings Jr. ’50, May 19, 2019

’10, ’13 welcomed a baby boy, Dax Rostampour, on May 8, 2019. Joanna Seelinger and Mason Seelinger ’09 welcomed a baby boy, Jett Charles Seelinger, on April 19, 2019 Alexa (Moody) Shipp ’14 and Zachary

Shannon (Kopp) Daves ’05, ’07, March 19, 2019 Madison Holmes Dodd ’18, June 18, 2019 Charlotte (Dickerson) Dombrowski ’68, March 14, 2019

“Zac” Shipp ’11 welcomed a baby girl, Stella

Sheila (Ray) Efurd ’77, May 16, 2019

Jane Shipp, on July 2, 2019.

Tom Roger Ford ’90, July 30, 2019

Abigail “Abby” (Hoffman) Smith ’15 and

Carolyn (Jones) Frazier ’73, ’76, Aug. 30, 2019

Timothy “Tim” Smith ’15 welcomed a baby boy, Titus Archer Smith, on June 17, 2019. Carleigh (Valentine) Tapp ’10, ’12 and Joel

Dennis Fulmer ’58, ’63, April 12, 2019 Carolyn (Rogers) Garrett ’56, ’72,

Ronald Harper ’85, April 5, 2019 William Turner Harris ’57, April 10, 2019 Willard L. Haynes ’61, March 31, 2019

Wendell Holeman ’54, April 28, 2019 Bill Hunt ’56, March 20, 2019 Ellen Sikes Johnson, April 15, 2019 Jennifer (Morrison) Jordan ’02, March 28, 2019 Julie (Brown) Kemp ’06, ’08, April 5, 2019 Donna G. (Barron) King ’70, May 30, 2019 Lauretta (Bruning) Koenigseder ’70, ’74, May 24, 2019 Lisle Koone ’61, March 22, 2019 Lola Marie Kumpe ’52, Aug. 1, 2019 Paula (Oates) Smith Lee ’86, April 3, 2019 Kendra Louise Leirer ’02, Aug. 4, 2019 Joe Glenn Lewis ’76, May 26, 2019 Waddy Moore III, June 15, 2019 George Morgan Jr. ’74, June 28, 2019 John Morgan ’66, Aug. 8, 2019 Evelee (Clowers) Morris ’70, March 9, 2019 Glenda Murphy ’71, March 11, 2019 Doris (Thompson) Myers ’54, March 27, 2019 Robert Bruce Newkirk ’66, July 13, 2019 Cowanda (Hill) Nisbett ’51, Feb. 8, 2019 Molsie Ammons (Riddick) Osborne June 3, 2019 Mary Louise (Adkins) Paladino ’71, July 5, 2019 Joe Parris ’64, ’68, Aug. 10, 2019 Blake Allen Payne ’13, July 20, 2019 Leonard Petroff ’75, March 31, 2019 Joe Pirtle ’52, Jan. 7, 2019

May 29, 2019

Alex Phillip Pittman ’00, April 13, 2019

Estelle (Packard) Gillespie ’50,

Randell Cloyce Prince ’55, Aug. 4, 2019

April 27, 2019

Donna L. Reynolds ’69, March 18, 2019

Weaver welcomed a baby girl, Maddison

Helen Faye (Fullerton) Gray ’61, May 3, 2019

Larry Rich ’01, June 27, 2019

Charlotte Weaver, on March 15, 2019.

Marian Frances Green, June 26, 2019

John Saunders ’74, June 14, 2019

Bill Hankins ’66, Dec. 31, 2018

Norbert “Norb” O. Schedler, May 26, 2019

Tapp welcomed a baby boy, Crosby Spencer Tapp, on May 6, 2019 Rachel (Mehl) Weaver ’08 and Brandon

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 37

Gary Hall ’68; Connie Trent ’68; Janie Ploszay ’70

Diana Pavatt ’69; Elaine Warrington ’69

Dick Warrington ’68; Tom ’68 and Candy Anderson ’69

Jim ’69 and Deena Bunyard

Mathilda Hatfield ’86; Alison Taylor; Carolyn Ishee ’75

Roger and Carolyn Golden-Fidler ’69

Decades Brunch Alumni from the class of 1969 were inducted into the Half-Century Club during the Decades Brunch held Oct. 26. Established in 1980, the Half-Century Club recognizes alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago. The induction ceremony takes place every year at Homecoming.

Mary Sue Mistric-Brown; Sally Hennis ’69; Joan Shofner ’94

President Houston Davis; Kay Cromwell ’69; Rickela Mayo ’03

President Houston Davis; Jack Johnson ’69; Rickela Mayo ’03

Candy Anderson ’69; Sara Darling ’69; Elaine Warrington ’69; Diana Pavatt ’69

Gretchen Miller ’69; Connie Trent ’68; Mary Sue Mistric-Brown ’69

President Houston Davis; Evelyn Kandrick ’69; Rickela Mayo ’03

38 | UCA MAGAZINE

Steven Shaffer ’85, Feb. 23, 2019 David Barton Simmons ’74, May 7, 2019 Nancy (Irving) Smith ’51, June 13, 2019 William Smith ’71, July 18, 2019

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre Season Reveal The lineup for the 2020 season of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre was announced at the annual

Wallace Sneed ’58, ’61, March 11, 2019

Season Reveal party Oct. 15 at the President’s Home on the University of Central Arkansas

Iris (Reynolds) Soscia ’67, April 2, 2019

campus. The event also featured live music and special appearances by AST actors.

Mary Elizabeth “Sue” (Stovall) Spainhouer ’60, May 22, 2019 Shirley Ann Stewart ’70, June 25, 2019 Mary Catherine (Milam) Sturgeon ’41, May 30, 2019 Leonard Livingston Thalmueller ’58, ’62, July 29, 2019 Virginia (Parker) Turner ’40, May 22, 2019

Nathan ’09 and Jessica Brown ’09

Sandra Devore ’80; Granger Davis ’88; Claudia Davis

Sarah West; Jamie Bray

Matthew Maguire; Katie Choate; Barry Clifton; Nick Narcisi

Andrea and Jeff Woods

Melissa Carver ’05, ’06; Karla Braswell ’03

Ashley Salter; Felissa Scott

Maddie Meek; Olivia Marotte

Roger Verser ’71, April 10, 2019 Jack Walls ’55, ’61, July 4, 2019 Doyle Watson ’69, Aug. 9, 2019 Cecil Webb ’66, March 22, 2019 David Widener ’76, July 16, 2019 Paschel Alvin Wiles ’68, April 18, 2019 Willa (Starling) Wingfield ’88, March 22, 2019 Denis Winter, May 6, 2019 Nolan Womble ’65, Aug. 9, 2019 Monie (Manning) Woodall ’75, June 6, 2019 Donald Wren ’69, April 17, 2019 Karen Zipfel ’87, April 10, 2019

FALL/WINTER 2019 | 39

UpClose: Campus Profiles Alan Bandala The University of Central Arkansas was Alan Bandala’s first choice when selecting a college. “There’s a lot to love about UCA,” Bandala said. “You can be active and just walk around campus or go to the gym with the swimming pool and basketball. We have lots of activities to keep us entertained, so we don’t get too stressed.” The sophomore nursing major is a recent recipient of an Arch Ford Endowed Scholarship that is helping to ease the stress of paying for college for him and his family. Through a $1 million gift from Rick ’81 and Anne Massey, the fund was established in 2018 in honor of Arch Ford, a 1930 graduate and 1992 Distinguished Alumni awardee who spent his life as a pioneer and champion of education in the state of Arkansas. The endowed gift provides support for the retention of first-generation Arkansas college students through need-based scholarships. Joe Ford,

son of Arch Ford, and his wife, Jo Ellen Ford, donated an additional $250,000 to the fund. Bandala was named one of six Arch Ford Scholars this year. He was informed over the summer that he was a recipient and that his award was more than $18,000 over two years. “I literally just fell down on my knees because I could not believe it,” Bandala said. “I thought, ‘Oh, wow, this is going to pay for all of my college.’ It was just a surreal moment. It’s a memory that I’m always going to keep.” Upon graduating, Bandala said he plans to pursue a career in nursing and join the U.S. Air Force. He hopes to create a scholarship to assist other students attending UCA. The first-generation Cabot native learned about UCA from his parents, who had lived in Conway near the campus prior to his birth. Bandala said his father retold stories of driving to work and seeing students headed to class. “My dad always dreamed of coming to

UCA,” he said, adding that his father was not able to attend college. “Eighteen years later, I apply to UCA. My dad told me, ‘My dream is being fulfilled now that you’re going to UCA,’” Bandala said. ■ FREDRICKA SHARKEY

Stacy Smith-Foley ’96 When cancer treatment center CARTI contacted Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley ’96 last year to ask if she would join The Breast Center, its new clinic, there was no hesitation in her saying yes. “I had this realization that everything I had done in my life leading up to this has prepared me for this very moment,” said Smith-Foley, who left a post in Greenville, South Carolina, to become medical director and breast imaging specialist at The Breast Center at CARTI. A native of Hot Springs Village, Smith-Foley graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s in biology and minor in honors interdisciplinary studies. Upon graduating and finishing her studies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, she completed a diagnostic radiology residency in Tennessee, a fellowship with a focus on breast imaging at the University of Washington, worked in private practice in northwest Arkansas and began the first 3D mammography program in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, metropolitan area. As medical director of The Breast Center at CARTI, which opened this year, Smith-Foley reads screening mammograms and breast

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MRIs, completes image-guided needle biopsies and meets with diagnostic patients. Her goals include breaking down the barriers that prevent women from having a mammogram and increasing the number of Arkansas women who do screening mammography. “It’s critically important for us to find breast cancer in the very earliest point of its development so patients can receive treatment as soon as possible,” she said. “When we diagnose breast cancer at an early stage, treatment is less invasive and less aggressive and less costly.” Smith-Foley’s time at UCA, during which she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and an oboe player, was positively impacted by the Schedler Honors College and encouragement from its founder, the late Norbert O. Schedler. The Honors College awarded her a grant that allowed her to volunteer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital on a nearly full-time basis, helping her determine that medicine was the field for her. “When I got to UCA, I felt a little lost, and I didn’t have a lot of confidence about my own intellect and academic performance, even though I had performed well in high school,”

Smith-Foley explained. “The support I received from the Honors College truly allowed me to continue on successfully through college.” Now, as a UCA Foundation board member for the past few years, Smith-Foley has been able to reconnect to the campus. She’s witnessed the foundation be able to award millions of dollars in scholarships and has given back to her sorority. “I’m very proud of my undergraduate university, and I’m very grateful to UCA,” she said. ■ SYD HAYMAN

Jeff Standridge ’90 If you’ve taken notice of the bustling startup culture that’s been making its way through central Arkansas for the past several years, you’ve probably taken note of Jeff Standridge ’90. Standridge is managing director of The Conductor, a public-private partnership between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie that helps support and develop entrepreneurism and innovation, as well as helping to foster talent development and economic empowerment. The Conductor is also the force behind The Makerspace, located in Donaghey Hall. As managing director, Standridge spends much of his time training, mentoring and consulting with existing business owners and

Standridge has seen Conway’s commitment to entrepreneurialism strengthen over the years. After all, he was vice president of global operations at Acxiom—through which he spent 18 months across the pond—has been chair of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and began a venture fund, Cadron Creek Capital, in 2015. He’s also shared this passion in UCA’s College of Business, where he has been an adjunct faculty of finance for three years, teaching courses such as entrepreneurial and small business finance. Standridge wants parents, educators and administrators across the area to know entrepreneurship is a viable career path. As the first in his family to attend college, UCA left a profound impact on Standridge,

He and his wife established the Dr. Jeff and

up-and-coming entrepreneurs. “UCA makes a great home for the Makerspace and for The Conductor because of the quality of faculty, administration and students that are here [and] the desire and the vision that President [Houston] Davis has for creating unique opportunities for students, faculty and staff,” said Standridge, a Glenwood native who graduated from UCA with a respiratory therapy degree.

and he and his wife, Lori, feel a responsibility to give back to the campus. That’s part of why they’re co-chairing the 2020 Laurels & Stripes fundraising gala, which takes place on campus April 4. “I’m very adamant when I tell people UCA didn’t just change my own life, it changed my family tree,” said Standridge, who noted that his daughters have also attended college and much of his family now lives in Faulkner County.

Lori Standridge Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarship, UCA’s first endowed scholarship in innovation and entrepreneurship. When it comes to giving, he said, he finds it important to lead by example. “Part of that leadership role is leading events like Laurels & Stripes to be able to give people the opportunity to identify the need, to cast the vision and to invite people to participate,” he said. ■ SYD HAYMAN

“I tell people I’ve been here all my life,” said Nancy B. Reese ’80, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. Reese graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in physical therapy, and though she completed additional degrees at other institutions, she’s been a part of UCA’s physical therapy department since 1988 and has never left. She was named chair in 2004. As chair, she addresses and manages faculty and student ideas, financial matters, and personnel and curriculum matters. The department’s mission is to educate leaders in physical therapy, a profession that utilizes interpersonal skills and helps improve patients’ quality of life, Reese said. “A person who loses their mobility frequently loses their independence, and when you lose

She also helped shaped the department into the renowned leadership-focused program it is today. During students’ time in the department, they explore and build on their strengths, learn about teamwork and communication, and grow confidence in their abilities. Reese also stays up to date on the health care system and what employers seek from graduates. “Every program has to train their students in professionalism, but not every program trains their students to be leaders,” she said. It’s fitting, then, that the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) named Reese a Catherine Worthingham Fellow for 2019. According to the association, the designation, which is the highest honor APTA awards, recognizes those “who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the physical therapy profession for more than 15 years.”

looked up to going, ‘Wow.’” Reese’s goals for the department include ensuring it works toward excellence in physical therapy education.

independence, you lose your ability to make decisions about your own life,” she said. “That has a huge impact on people. Physical therapy really helps people become more mobile, to keep being mobile, to keep being able to move and to keep being able to be independent.”

“It was a huge honor because there are only 200, or maybe a few more, in the nation, and there’s over 100,000 members of the APTA,” she said. “It’s pretty humbling to be among that group because these are people that all my life as a [physical therapist], I’ve just

“One of the concepts of our definition of excellence is: You never attain excellence; you’re always striving toward it. It’s not a destination. It’s a journey,” she said. “For me, that journey toward excellence is going to continue to drive our program.” ■ SYD HAYMAN

Nancy B. Reese ’80

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UCA Breaks Ground on Integrated Health Sciences Building

UCA President Houston Davis; UCA Board of Trustees member Kay Hinkle ’70, UCA Board of Trustees chair Bunny Adcock; Provost and Executive Vice President Patricia Poulter; UCA Board of Trustees members Elizabeth Farris ’77 and Terry Fiddler ’70; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Dean Jimmy Ishee; and UCA Board of Trustees members Cornell Maltbia and Joe Whisenhunt celebrate the groundbreaking of UCA's Integrated Health Sciences Building. The University of Central Arkansas hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Integrated Health Sciences Building on the UCA campus. The new 80,000-square-foot, four-story facility will be home to the School of Nursing and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, along with the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation and Interprofessional Teaching Center to be utilized by the entire College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “This new facility will have an immediate impact on the nursing shortage in Arkansas by immediately providing room for 50 more nursing students,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “Since more than 90% of our health care graduates stay in the state to practice, this is very good news for Arkansans.” The integrated design of the building aims to foster an interprofessional educational environment that is most conducive to replicating real-life health care scenarios. This means students will participate in clinical and simulation experiences that require collaboration with all majors within the college. “We’re creating an environment for our

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students that replicates the collaborative environment they will enter as graduates,” said Jimmy Ishee, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “These transformative experiences prepare our students for internships, employment and, ultimately, for careers providing exceptional health care.” The first floor will house the Interprofessional Teaching Center where students will learn and work alongside each other instead of independently, creating a modern health care team. The third floor of the building will house the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation. The state-of-the-art simulation lab will more than double the space of the current simulation lab and provide students with carefully programmed lifelike training scenarios. The remaining two floors will contain classrooms and office space for faculty and staff. “As one of the state’s leading providers of health care professionals, this cutting-edge facility will further enhance UCA’s role as a thought leader and innovator in meeting the professional health care needs of the state and region,” Davis said. The College of Health and Behavioral Sci-

ences is the largest college at UCA, accounting for more than 34% of undergraduates and 42% of graduate students. The college has more than 1,200 affiliations and contracts with health care entities across the state, while students participate in approximately 420,000 hours of clinical, internship and practicum hours annually. Located at Western Avenue and Bruce Street, the Integrated Health Sciences Building is scheduled to be open for the fall 2021 semester. Planning and architecture for the facility are by Taggart Architects. Nabholz Construction is the general contractor for the project. Primary funding for the project is provided through a $37.7 million bond appropriation by the UCA Board of Trustees. Additionally, a $5 million fundraising campaign is underway for facility and equipment support. Gifts to the building project are honored through the naming of specific spaces within the facility. These named spaces will remain for the life of the building. Those interested in making a gift to the building can contact Maegan Dyson ’06, ’10, senior director of development, at mdyson@uca.edu or (501) 499-4674. ■

CAMPUS NEWS

UCA Names First Bear Partner Scholarship Recipient The University of Central Arkansas has named Madeline Brodsky a 2019 UCA Bear Partner Scholarship recipient. She is the first student to be awarded this scholarship. Madeline Brodsky A student who transfers from each participating two-year college — including Arkansas State University-Beebe, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton and the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College — is

eligible for a Bear Partner Scholarship. Brodsky, a junior, transferred to UCA in the fall 2019 semester from UACCM. The Conway native is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting. At UCA, she is a member of the Accounting Club and prospective member of Beta Alpha Psi, through which she has learned more about her field of interest and served the Conway community. At UACCM, Brodsky was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and a peer math tutor. “I am extremely grateful for being chosen as the recipient of the Bear Partner Scholarship,” she said. “It is very humbling to receive

this great benefit from UCA. This scholarship has enabled me to focus my resources of time and effort to achieve my academic goals and be a good representative of UCA.” Brodsky aims to become a certified public accountant after her studies. UACCM selected Brodsky for the award, which covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 hours per semester for four semesters or through when the student completes a bachelor’s degree. Three more scholarship recipients — one from each Bear Partner institution — will be awarded next spring for the fall 2020 semester. ■

Kevin Thomas Named Associate VP for Enrollment Management The University of Central Arkansas named Kevin Thomas as the associate vice president for Enrollment Management. In this role, Thomas will establish the collective vision and Kevin Thomas direction of the offices within enrollment services, which includes Academic Advising, Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar and Transfer Services. He will also work collaboratively with faculty, staff and other administrative leaders

to develop and achieve the university’s strategic enrollment goals. He began this position July 1 and reports to Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs. “He brings considerable experience to the role, and I am confident Dr. Thomas will be a great asset to UCA and the community,” Poulter said. Thomas most recently served as the director of Retention and Student Success at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to that, he was the director of the Academic Advising and Retention Center at Western Kentucky University. He also served that in-

stitution as assistant director of Undergraduate Advising Practices for three years. “I am incredibly excited to be a part of the UCA team and serve as the associate vice president for Enrollment Management,” said Thomas. “My interactions with the faculty, staff and students of the University of Central Arkansas have shown me what an exciting time this is for UCA.” Thomas earned a bachelor’s in organizational communication and public relations and a master’s in human services from Murray State University. He earned his Doctor of Education in educational leadership (postsecondary) from Western Kentucky University. ■

Officer Graduates FBI National Academy Capt. Justin Tapley ’97 of the University of Central Arkansas Police Department recently graduated from the 277th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Tapley is the first Capt. Justin Tapley ’97 officer to represent the UCAPD at the FBI National Academy, and he was one of two police officers to represent Arkansas at this session. The FBI National Academy consists of 10

weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience. Tapley is a 25-year veteran of the UCAPD. He currently serves as the operations commander for the department and has oversight of patrol operation. “The FBI National Academy is the pinnacle to any law enforcement professional’s career,” Tapley said. “I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by the FBI and UCAPD Chief John Merguie to represent the UCA

Police Department. It was an outstanding learning and networking experience.” The FBI class included 256 officers from law enforcement agencies from 34 countries, five military organizations and nine federal civilian organizations. A total of 52,282 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The academy is held at the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts. Tapley earned a Bachelor of Science in 1997 from UCA. He has a combined total of 28 years of law enforcement experience with most of those being at UCA. ■

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UC A M AGA ZINE P. O . B O X 4 9 8 6 CON WAY, A RK A NS A S 7 203 5 - 498 6

Aerial View of Campus, 1939

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