Retirees

telling a story, and his audience cannot help but be drawn in,” said Stephanie Watson. “This makes him a beloved teacher and an effective leader. Tom has served UCA and all of its stakeholders—employees, students, alumni, and community—at times when leadership with integrity were needed most.”

You can find Courtway visiting county seats and courthouses in all 75 counties in Arkansas. He also plans to visit all 52 state parks and check them off in his Arkansas State Parks Passport.

Jane Dahlenburg

Jane Dahlenburg came to UCA in 2002 as associate professor in the music department. She held positions as music history professor, music department graduate advisor and music department graduate coordinator. She was also a Faculty Senate member for over nine years. Dahlenburg presented research at many national and international conferences, focusing on 16th-and 17th-century music and the music of Dmitri Shostakovich. Her most recent presentation was at the spring 2022 conference of the Organization of American Historians, where she participated in a panel entitled “Responding to the Right’s Targeting of Critical Race Theory and the 1619 Project: Historiography as a Front in the Culture War.”

“Jane’s classes were always known for being among the most rigorous and perhaps, the most feared in the music curriculum, but Dr. Dahlenburg usually found a way to put the students at ease once they got started each semester. She would often surprise the students with an end of the semester taco part to their great surprise and delight,” said Dr. Stephen Plate.

Jane’s plans for retirement include “travel, law school and to fight the good fight.”

Waymon Delph

Waymon Delph began his career at UCA as institutional services supervisor in 2018.

“Waymon has been a great asset to our department. First, as a fellow peer and then as the supervisor for the Institutional Services of the HPER Center. During the initial phases of COVID-19, his efforts earned high praises from UCA administrators across campus,” said Anthony Fillippino. He will be missed, but we wish him well in his upcoming endeavors.

Laurence “Larry” Dilday

If we’re being technical, Larry Dilday’s first employment at UCA began in 1965 when he was a student worker in the cafeteria, back when there was a four-lane bowling alley in the basement of the Student Center. He later came back to UCA in 2000 as an adjunct faculty member and was made full-time in 2006 in the School of Communication.

“Larry has been a dedicated teacher of Principles of Communication for many years,” said Donna Stephens. “His background also includes theatre and writing. He has been a valued colleague and has always been willing to do whatever it takes to help the PoC program and the School of Communication.” Dilday will continue to write, direct and act in retirement. He also hopes to travel.

Brantley T. Douglas III

Associate Director of Bands Brantley

Douglas has many fond memories during his time here at UCA including performing in Carnegie Hall in New York. He has dedicated so much to the Symphonic Band, the Bear Marching Band and Purple Rage.

“Professor Douglas loves his students and loves music,” Stephen Plate said. “Recently I had occasion to sit with Brantley to plan for this year’s All State Collegiate Ensembles and the ARKMusic Educators Conference in Hot Springs. I was reminded of Brantley’s deep and abiding dedication to the department, the hundreds of music and marching students he has led during his time at UCA, and his enduring love for what he does.”

Douglas plans to continue his work in music and travel.

Deborah Earl

Deborah Earl joined the team at financial aid in 2018 as a fiscal support specialist. She “enjoyed working with the students and parents regarding the aid that was available to them.” She was instrumental in answering students’ questions and addressing their concerns about their financial aid.