Retirees

Lisa Strom

Lisa Strom is retiring from her position as a public information specialist in UCA’s Physical Plant which she has held since 2017.

“Mrs. Strom was a joy to work with! She always helped to keep things moving and has such a positive attitude. We were so glad to get her! Her joy, positive attitude and excellent office skills will be missed!” said Donna Murphy.

Linda Taylor

Linda Taylor has been working as an administrative specialist in the political science department since 2012. Clay Arnold said their department is fortunate to have benefited from her contributions as an outstanding administrative specialist. They will miss her when she leaves.

“I am delighted to recognize the career and contributions of our outstanding administrative specialist, Ms. Linda Taylor,” Arnold said.

Karen Thessing

As a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Sciences, Karen Thessing’s impact includes a grant she received from UCA Women’s Giving circle to purchase robots for outreach activities to attract female students to STEM. She was also awarded professor of the week by a campus sorority in 2017. She has been at the university since 1997. Thessing served on more than a dozen committees on campus and plans to continue her volunteer work after her retirement. Her colleagues said she has been a dedicated teacher and mentor for more than 25 years and her contributions and service to computer science are significant and lasting.

Bobby Ussery

Bobby Ussery came to UCA in 2015 as a maintenance assistant for the Physical Plant.

“Mr. Ussery worked very hard as a Physical Plant employee for almost 10 years. We appreciate all the hard work Mr. Ussery did for the university,” said Jon Davis.

Kathleen Wages

During her first year as an employee in 1995, Kathleen Wages received a certificate of appreciation from a group of students in her department for “outstanding service” to the program and to the students.

In her nearly three decades here, she would receive several other accolades praising her work as an administrative specialist.

Wages got to show off her writing skills as well. She was a student in general education who had her work published and read live on KUAR. She also won first place in a writer’s conference for a poem she wrote called “Above it All.”

In retirement, Wages plans to start a crafting business, continue to write poetry and fish.

Allison B. Wallace

Professor Allison Wallace will be greatly missed by the Honors College. Her time at UCA began in 2001 as an associate professor. She became a professor in 2018. She has authored a book as well as articles on experiential education and campus gardens. She has also served as supervisor of the Dee Brown Memorial Garden. Wallace also served as faculty adviser assisting students applying for prestigious scholarships. Her love of educating students about the outdoors and fostering a love of nature.

“Year after year, students have grown as writers and thinkers with Allison’s guidance. She will leave a legacy of inspiring students through good literature and will truly be missed for her wit and dry sense of humor,” said Patricia Smith.

Allison plans on completing a book project and traveling a little in addition to beginning the Arkansas Master Naturalist’s course in January 2024.

Paulette “Polly” Walter

Polly Walter started as a journalism lecturer in 1990. Now an associate professor, Walter’s impact and contributions to the university cover a variety of projects. She secured grants that brought notable artists-in-residence and served as the internship coordinator for the School of Communication.

“Polly Walter was the first faculty colleague