Retirees

him to support leaders on this campus.

Glenn will return to his scholarship on the Prose Works of Sir Gilbert Haye. He and his wife, Teresa, will travel, enjoy family, and generally take life at “just the right tempo for us.”

“We will miss working every day with Dr. Glenn, and it is certain that for years to come, individuals on our campus and across the state will find themselves reaching for the phone “to see what Jonathan has to say.” We will miss his measured and his analytical consideration of complex issues, his quick wit, and the dulcet tones of his ringing baritone. Thank you, Jonathan, for your years of service, and the innumerable ways you have made UCA, and each of us, better than you found us,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Patty Poulter.

Lanette Grate

Lanette Grate came to UCA’s communication department in 2002 as a lecturer. She served as adjunct faculty, assistant Writing Center director and first year writing director. Lanette retired as a senior lecturer in 2022. During her time here, she was on several committees, awarded the “Rachel Corrie Reward for Courage in the Teaching of First Year Writing.” She also has several publications. Her favorite memories in the classroom include “seeing my students trust themselves as writers and enjoy experimenting with the phenomenon of writing in our time together.”

Lanette’s plans for the future include working on various committees and political activism in education and rescuing community cats.

Mike Gunter

Mike Gunter came to UCA in 2003 as an associate professor in the film, theatre, and creative writing department.

“Mike Gunter’s ability to always turn a negative situation into a moment of humor will be greatly missed in our department. Mike was a skilled storyteller in the discipline of film, particularly through editing. He truly understood the difference a few seconds could make in elevating a moment. That skill and dedication will be missed,” said Shuana Meador.

Russ Hancock

As director of campaign communications, Russ Hancock has helped lead the communications and branding efforts for the university’s $100 million fundraising campaign, UCA Now. Hancock has spent more than 30 years focusing on university branding, recruitment and fundraising. He was instrumental in the development of a number of high-profile communications and marketing activities including the creation of the UCA Magazine and Centennial Celebration.

“I have always said that we are all replaceable, and I still believe that is true for a majority of us,” said Mary Bane Lackie. “As we have begun planning for Russ’s retirement, I have come to the conclusion that this does not apply to him. No one is going to bring 30 years of insights and experience to the table. That, combined with his creative, thoughtful approach to everything he does, means that we really won’t be replacing Russ; we will just be developing a new path forward.”

Hancock’s retirement will include pursuit of personal arts and writing projects as well as traveling and renovating a farmhouse cottage with his wife, Diane.

Nena Harness

Nena Harness began her career at UCA in 2002. She was a fiscal support analyst for the housing department.

“Nena Harness was a staple in the Office of Housing and Residence Life Office for her tenure at UCA. Her knowledge and her commitment to the mission and values of student affairs made it a privilege to work with her. We missed her dearly this year!,” said Andy Isom.

We are grateful for her time here. Nena will be greatly missed, and we wish her well in the next season of her life.

Gary Hartsfield

You can look at several areas on campus and see Gary Hartsfield’s work. He joined UCA as a skilled tradesman for the Physical Plant in June 2013. Nelson Landers said there are not many places on the campus Gary has not painted.

“Gary, being a painter by trade, has been