Taylor Brewer, Newman Civic Fellow

Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named the student civic leaders from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who will make up the 2026-2027 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Taylor Brewer, a student at the University of Central 海角社区 and native of Jonesboro, was named as a member of the cohort.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact鈥檚 founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Newman鈥檚 leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.

Brewer, a junior history major in the UCA Schedler Honors College, is a student leader addressing inequality by preserving untold stories within the historical narrative of the South. As a member of the Justice and Equity Honors Network and a community-engaged research team for the 海角社区 Chinese Heritage Project, he is documenting the disappearing history of Chinese American grocery stores in 海角社区. Brewer has worked to increase global awareness and understanding through his participation in Model United Nations and his contributions to the ASIANetwork organization and programming in 海角社区. After graduation, he seeks to continue effecting positive change in his communities through a career practicing law and contributing to policymaking in 海角社区.

鈥淭aylor is a community-minded student who has demonstrated his passion for bringing global learning and engagement to the public through his leadership,鈥� UCA President Houston Davis said. 鈥淒uring his time at UCA, Taylor has worked to increase access to learning opportunities for his fellow students through grant-writing workshops and LSAT study sessions, as well as to support campus and local communities through educational and cultural events.鈥�

Brewer was selected through a campus-wide nomination process during which faculty, staff and students were asked to submit nominations. All nominees were invited to submit additional application materials for consideration by the selection committee.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.

“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities.

鈥淭his is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn鈥檛 be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”

The University of Central 海角社区 Division of Outreach & Community Engagement will celebrate Give Like Dolly Day Friday, Sept. 25, as part of a nationwide effort led by the Dollywood Foundation to annually recognize Dolly Parton鈥檚 philanthropic impact through the Imagination Library program.

UCA will partner with the Faulkner County Library and The Max Event Venue in Conway to host a series of events on 9/25 (鈥�9 to 5鈥�) to promote reading and celebrate the life, music and legacy of Dolly Parton.

鈥淒olly鈥檚 Reading Roundabout鈥� will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the library. Community leaders will read multiple stories to children at various stations, ending with a refreshing treat. 鈥淩emembering Dolly!鈥� will be held that evening at The Max. Adults are invited to this after-hours event where they can share in their adoration for Dolly by viewing various recorded performances throughout her career while reflecting on her worldwide impact.

The Faulkner County Imagination Library is supported by the state of 海角社区, sponsorships from community businesses and individual donors. UCA Outreach & Community Engagement administers the program by ensuring that enrollments are processed and offering additional programming such as a graduation celebration for children enrolled in the program as they transition to kindergarten.

In Faulkner County, 4,100 children are currently enrolled to receive a book by mail each month. Books include a mix of classic and lesser-known titles, as well as several bilingual Spanish/English books. All children receive 鈥淭he Little Engine That Could鈥� as their first book and finish the program with 鈥淟ook Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!鈥�

More details about Give Like Dolly Day events are available at or by contacting outreach@uca.edu with questions. Faulkner County families interested in enrolling a child in the Imagination Library can learn more and register via the same site.

Community members can support the local Imagination Library and associated programming by giving to the Imagination Library fund of the UCA Foundation at .

The University of Central 海角社区 Public Appearances鈥� Main Stage EdUCAtion Series will open the season with Playhouse Square鈥檚 鈥淰elveteen, A New Musical鈥� in two performances Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and noon at Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway.

Inspired by Margery Williams鈥� classic 1922 children鈥檚 book 鈥淭he Velveteen Rabbit,鈥� the magical new musical 鈥淰elveteen鈥� introduces audiences to Lulu, her Gran, her beloved toys and a nest of legendary rabbits. Lulu confronts big changes, having just moved in with her Gran. To make things a little more comfortable, Gran gives her a velveteen rabbit 鈥� just like the one her mom had. Velveteen and Lulu form a special bond, making some of the other toys jealous and leaving Velveteen wishing he could live outside with the 鈥渞eal鈥� rabbits he meets through the window. Ultimately, Velveteen discovers the transformative power of loving relationships and what it means to be Real.

Placing a hundred-year-old story in the modern day, this production brings magic and transformation to life onstage with a visionary set and playful costumes. 鈥淰elveteen鈥� 鈥� at times thoughtful, playful at others 鈥� is an uplifting story about the importance of being one鈥檚 authentic self. Recommended for ages 4-10.

鈥淰elveteen, A New Musical鈥� is written by Molly Andrews-Hinders (libretto, music & lyrics) and Ananias Dixon (libretto), inspired by the book 鈥淭he Velveteen Rabbit鈥� by Margery Williams. The original creative team includes direction by Joanna May Cullinan, choreography by Jailyn Sherell Harris, set design by Ian Petroni, costume design by Inda Blatch-Geib, and lighting design by Jeremy Benjamin.

Playhouse Square, the premier U.S. home for touring Broadway, is a globally recognized arts district and proud home of eight resident companies. A not-for-profit presenter and producer of performing arts experiences located in Cleveland, Ohio, Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and has partnered to commission many performances for young audiences including 鈥淣orth鈥� (2022); the New York Times bestseller 鈥淲hat do You do With an Idea?鈥� (2020); the NEA award-winning 鈥淐artography鈥� (2019); 鈥淗ansel & Gretel鈥� (2017); 鈥淎irplay鈥� (2016); and multiple virtual productions. More information is available at .

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances/mainstage, or by calling UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012.

UCA Public Appearances has continued to grow each year and now offers five unique series: Broadway, POPS, Night Out, An Evening With, and the Windgate Collection. Reynolds Performance Hall has also welcomed over 70,000 pre-K-12th grade students from across the state of 海角社区 to experience live performing arts through the Main Stage Education Series. This series educates while entertaining and provides arts accessibility to all students.

Cooper Justus

The University of Central 海角社区 will host Cooper Justus, manager of Post Production Services & Restoration at Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO, for a one-day residency on Thursday, Oct. 1, featuring events focused on post-production, the entertainment industry and careers in Hollywood.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Cooper Justus to UCA as part of our Artists in Residence program,鈥� Kuysik Gam, assistant professor of film, Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing, said. 鈥淗is visit offers our students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a Hollywood post-production professional and gain insight into the workflows behind major film and television projects.鈥�

Justus鈥� residency will feature a student event exploring the global media landscape, a public event focused on getting hired in Hollywood, and a student discussion about the post-production workflow at HBO and Warner Bros. All events are located on the UCA campus and are open to the public and free of charge, with no tickets required for entry.

The full schedule for Justus鈥� residency Thursday, Oct. 1, is as follows:

• 12:15 p.m. 鈥� Student Event: 鈥淭he Next Chapter of the Global Media Landscape,鈥� Stanley Russ Hall 109.
• 1:40 p.m. 鈥� Public Event: 鈥淕etting Hired in Hollywood,鈥� Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street, Room 167.
• 5 p.m. 鈥� Student Event: 鈥淚nside Studio Postproduction Workflow: HBO and Warner Bros.,鈥� Stanley Russ Hall 103.

Justus is the manager of Post Production Services & Restoration at Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO, where he collaborates with a bicoastal team of production and post-production professionals to help deliver some of television鈥檚 most celebrated and record-setting series, including 鈥淪uccession,鈥� 鈥淕ame of Thrones,鈥� 鈥淭he Last of Us鈥� and 鈥淓uphoria.鈥� In addition to supporting current productions, Justus has played a key role in remastering HBO鈥檚 iconic library, contributing to high-profile projects such as 鈥淪ex and the City鈥� and the recent 4K HDR Dolby Atmos restoration of 鈥淭he Sopranos.鈥�

Beyond his work in post-production, Justus is an active participant in the creative community. He has served as a screenplay competition judge for festivals such as Cinequest and continues to develop his own writing. His short script 鈥淪hadows鈥� has earned multiple awards and recognition from organizations including ScreenCraft, the Nashville Film Festival and the Creative World Awards.

Justus holds an MFA in Cinema Directing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri.

More information about the residency is available by contacting assistant Gam at kgam@uca.edu.

The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.

Doreen Ketchens

The University of Central 海角社区 will host internationally celebrated jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens for a four-day residency Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 4, with events showcasing her mastery of Dixieland and traditional jazz and her work as a performer and educator.

鈥淲e are so fortunate to have the opportunity to host the 鈥楺ueen of Clarinet鈥� 鈥� Ms. Doreen Ketchens,鈥� Dominic Talanca, associate professor and director of bands, Department of Music, said. 鈥淒on’t miss your chance to experience a performance by the UCA Wind Ensemble featuring this American icon who has made her mark in music, television and film.鈥�

Ketchens鈥� residency will feature a series of student-focused events, including a session with the Studio Jazz Ensemble, a clarinet master class and an open rehearsal with the UCA Wind Ensemble. The residency will also include a public performance and meet-and-greet in downtown Conway, as well as a public concert featuring Ketchens as guest soloist with the UCA Wind Ensemble. All events are located on or near the UCA campus, open to the public and free of charge.

The full schedule for Ketchens鈥� residency is as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:15 p.m. 鈥� Student Event: Session with Studio Jazz Ensemble, Recital Hall, Snow Fine Arts Center.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. 鈥� Student Event: Clarinet Master Class, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 2:30 p.m. 鈥� Student Event: Open Rehearsal with Wind Ensemble, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 5:45 p.m. 鈥� Public Event: Performance and Meet-and-Greet, 鈥淣eighbors, An Art Show,鈥� The Brick Room, 1020 Front St., Conway. This event is presented in collaboration with Engage Management鈥檚 annual community art exhibition and Create Conway鈥檚 October Art Walk.
• Sunday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. 鈥� Public Event: UCA Wind Ensemble in Concert Featuring Guest Soloist Doreen Ketchens, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street. While this is a free event, reservations are required. Tickets are available at uca.edu/go/doreenketchens.

Born in New Orleans鈥� historic Trem茅 neighborhood, Doreen Ketchens is an internationally celebrated jazz clarinetist renowned for her mastery of Dixieland, or traditional jazz, with a vibrant style that emerged in the early 20th century. She has often been called 鈥淟ady Louie,鈥� 鈥淢iss Satchmo鈥� and 鈥淭he Female Louis Armstrong,鈥� and Ketchens channels Armstrong鈥檚 virtuosity, charisma and exuberant stage presence while forging a musical voice entirely her own.

Her performances combine extraordinary technical skill, emotional depth and infectious energy. Equally at home in gospel, blues, R&B, classical music and jazz, Ketchens brings remarkable versatility to the clarinet. Her work has appeared in HBO鈥檚 鈥淭reme,鈥� Comedy Central鈥檚 鈥淒runk History,鈥� Tyler Perry鈥檚 鈥淭emptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor,鈥� 鈥淛immy Kimmel Live!鈥�, and 鈥淐BS News Sunday Morning.鈥� A recent Instagram video of Ketchens performing 鈥淵ou Are My Sunshine鈥� for her grandchildren received more than 18 million views.

More information about the residency is available by contacting Talanca at dtalanca@uca.edu.

The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.

鈥淲e are pleased to welcome these new faculty and staff members to UCA and to the Conway area,鈥� President Houston Davis said. 鈥淎s one of the largest employers in Faulkner County, UCA plays an important role in attracting talented professionals to the region.

鈥淲e are excited to have these individuals join the university and contribute to the work we do for our students and the communities we serve.鈥�

From left: Levi Edwards, visiting professor of economics, Economics, Finance, and Insurance & Risk Management; Klavdia Evans, assistant professor of management, Marketing and Management; Tim Bisping, dean, College of Business.

From left: Kristin Dooley, chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Megan Tracy, assistant professor, Chemistry; Kari Naylor, College of Science and Engineering Associate Dean.

From left: Kristin Jett, instructor, Exercise and Sport Science, and Teighlor Chaney, social media content manager/administrative specialist, School of Communication.

From left: Meredith Easley, clinical instructor I, School of Nursing, and Andrea Hall, contracts and office manager, School of Nursing.

New faculty and staff for the 2026-27 academic year include:

• Rebecca Van Horn, accountant, Financial Accounting
• Hannah Hunt, administrative locksmith, Physical Plant
• Alexandra Nieves, administrative specialist, Center for Global Learning and Engagement
• Adara Hensley, administrative specialist, Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Samuel Holtkamp, administrative specialist, Music
• Karmyn Meier, administrative specialist, Physical Therapy
• Mikayla Stacy, administrative specialist, Housing and Residence Life
• Lonnie Clemons, admissions counselor, Admissions & Enrollment Services
• Joseph Kemp, director of legal services, 海角社区 Public School Resource Center
• Bradley Webber, director of school leadership, 海角社区 Public School Resource Center
• Connor Herrold, staff attorney, 海角社区 Public School Resource Center
• Daniel Beavers, assistant athletic director/director of internal operations, Athletics
• Cade Camp, assistant coach, Football
• Hunter Henderson, assistant coach, Men’s Basketball
• Catelyn Riley, assistant coach, Women’s Softball
• Islam Alhusban, assistant professor, School of Nursing
• Oladayo Apalowo, assistant professor, Nutrition and Family Sciences
• Saqib Hussain, assistant professor, Mathematics
• Pamela Sanchez, assistant professor, Nutrition and Family Sciences
• Ramesh Adhikari, assistant professor of computer science/cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering
• Jurdana Iqrah, assistant professor of computer science/cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering
• Eddy Roberts, assistant professor of graphic design, Art and Design
• Nihal Alaqabawy, assistant professor of journalism, School of Communication
• Klavdia Evans, assistant professor of management (strategy), Marketing and Management
• WeiShu Tsai, assistant professor of music – voice, Music
• TeYhaunna Jackson, assistive technology specialist, Accessibility Resources and Services
• Rebecca Kee, associate director of Procurement, Travel and Card Services, Procurement and Travel Services
• Hannah Lynn, athletic trainer, Athletics
• Kendrick Courtney, Child Study Center preschool teacher, Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
• Kimberly Benson, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Jamie-Lea Burnett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Elizabeth Coakley, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Dana Cockrum, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Devonda Cox, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Carol Crockett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer,College of Education
• Nicole Holderby, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer,College of Education
• Brandon Massey, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Michelle Puckett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Kylie Sanders, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Amy Pinkston, CLASS Third Party Verification Project Director, College of Education
• Kyle Buckner, clinical instructor I, Nursing
• Alyssa Price, community learning assistant, Outreach & Community Engagement
• Brandon Haley, computer support technician, Information Technology
• Andrea Hall, contracts and office manager, Nursing
• Melissa Baggett, coordinator of housekeeping, College Square Retirement Center
• Gordon Schmidt, department chair of Marketing and Management, Marketing and Management
• Anna Mull, director of Development, Athletics
• Sarah Henry, director of Marketing and Finance, Reynolds Performance Hall
• Robert Warner, facilities manager, Windgate Center
• Patrick Tate, visiting assistant professor, Government, Public Service, and International Studies
• Megan Tracy, assistant professor, Chemistry
• Sydney Crouse, financial aid counselor, Student Financial Aid
• Jayden Liszewski, financial aid counselor, Student Financial Aid
• Lauren Scheuter, fiscal support analyst, Financial Accounting
• Tikyra Evans, food preparation supervisor, College Square Retirement Center
• Brent Bolin, grounds equipment operator, Physical Plant
• Selena McNealy, head cashier, Student Accounts
• Austin Davis, help desk technician, Information Technology
• Kristin Jett, instructor, Exercise and Sport Science
• Joseph Gober, instrumentation technician, Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering
• Mary Lee, international admissions counselor/recruiter, Center for Global Learning and Engagement
• Jack Runsick, inventory control specialist, Inventory
• Kenzie Blanchard, Provider – APRN, Interprofessional Teaching Clinic
• Lucius Seger, lecturer I, History
• John Eberhard, lecturer II, Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering
• Robert Jenkins, maintenance assistant, Physical Plant
• Tennille Stanger, manager of Enrollment Services Operations, Admissions and Enrollment Services
• Gia Taylor, professional learning coordinator, Mashburn Institute
• Jamie Jewell, project and communications coordinator, Enrollment Services and Student Success
• Gabrielle Kemp, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Lauren Rathbun, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Alayna-Lynn Solerto, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Jordan Rouse, residence life coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Charles Berry, shuttle bus driver, Physical Plant
• Teighlor Chaney, social media content manager/administrative specialist, School of Communication
• Melissa Burgess, assistant professor, Government, Public Service, and International Studies
• Casey Miller, veterans and military benefits coordinator, Veteran Services
• Harland Groves, women’s strength training, Athletics

New employees were honored with a reception sponsored by First Security Bank at the UCA President鈥檚 House on Monday, Aug. 24.

More information about employment opportunities at UCA is available at .

from left: Akropolis Reed Quintet members Matt Landry, saxophone; Tim Gocklin, oboe; Ryan Reynolds, bassoon; Kari Landry, clarinet; Andrew Koeppe, bass clarinet. Photo/Jason Walker

The University of Central 海角社区 will host the Grammy Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet for a two-day residency Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 22 and 23, featuring performances and educational events highlighting classical chamber music and the unique possibilities of the reed quintet.

鈥淲e are so excited that the Grammy-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform at UCA,鈥� Dr. Kelly Johnson, associate professor in the Department of Music, said. 鈥淛ust last year, students were studying Akropolis’s recordings while preparing for performances, and this year they will get to work with them and hear them in person!鈥�

The Akropolis Reed Quintet鈥檚 residency will feature a student presentation on entrepreneurship and building a brand in the music world, a Woodwind Studios master class and a public concert Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce St.

All events are located on the UCA campus in Conway and are open to the public and free of charge, with no tickets required for entry.

The full schedule for the Akropolis Reed Quintet鈥檚 residency is as follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1:40 p.m. 鈥� Student Event: Presentation by the Akropolis Reed Quintet, 鈥淓ntrepreneurship and Building a Brand in the Music World,鈥� Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. 鈥� Student Event: Woodwind Studios Master Class with the Akropolis Reed Quintet, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. 鈥� Public Event: Akropolis Reed Quintet in Concert, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Founded in 2009, the Grammy Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet is a sonically daring ensemble that specializes in performing new works with charisma and integrity. The ensemble has been described by BBC Music Magazine as a 鈥渟onically daring ensemble鈥� and by the San Francisco Chronicle as 鈥減ure gold.鈥� Akropolis has graced the Classical Billboard charts with each of its last three albums and has won seven national chamber music prizes, including the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal.

Having premiered and commissioned more than 200 works by living artists and composers, Akropolis has helped establish and champion the reed quintet as a new voice in classical music. The ensemble has remained together with its original five-member lineup since its founding and is known for its collaborations with young musicians. Akropolis performs more than 120 concerts and educational events worldwide annually at venues and institutions including Tanglewood, Bravo! Vail and Chamber Music Northwest.

More information about the residency is available by contacting Johnson at kjohnson@uca.edu.

The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.

The University of Central 海角社区 held August commencement Saturday, Aug. 8, at Reynolds Performance Hall, conferring approximately 450 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the 海角社区.

The University of Central 海角社区 has welcomed another freshman class of over 1,900 students in what is expected to be the second-largest full-time freshman class in the state for the 11th consecutive year.

鈥淥ur fall enrollment is right in line with our projections, builds on our retention gains and marks a third consecutive historically strong freshman class,鈥� UCA President Houston Davis said. 鈥淭hese results reflect continued interest and confidence in UCA, and we look forward to sustaining this strength throughout the coming decade.鈥�

The preliminary census report shows 1,940 incoming freshmen this fall, with overall enrollment at 9,468 students, including 7,903 undergraduate and 1,565 graduate students. As part of a planned multiyear shift in concurrent enrollment policy, UCA is not enrolling high school concurrent students this academic year. In line with their missions, local community college partners have expanded concurrent course offerings to meet regional demand.

University housing is at capacity for a third consecutive year, requiring additional apartment leases to meet returning student demand. Enrollment data point to continued student engagement and persistence, with students taking more credit hours and UCA attracting transfer students from across the region.

鈥淪eeing our students carry higher credit loads reflects real momentum in degree completion at UCA,鈥� Kevin Thomas, vice president of Enrollment Services & Student Success, said. 鈥淥ur focus isn鈥檛 just on enrollment numbers, but ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to keep moving toward graduation.鈥�

The university welcomed 550 new students as the third cohort of UCA Commitment. This debt-free degree pathway covers tuition and academic fees for incoming 海角社区 first-time undergraduate students who are Pell Grant eligible or have an annual household income of $100,000 or less. Since launching in 2024, more than 1,870 海角社区 families have benefited from the program. In spring 2027, the first wave of students will graduate with their bachelor’s degree through the assistance of the initiative.

鈥淯CA Commitment is about giving 海角社区 students the opportunity to pursue a college degree and the support they need to reduce their financial burden and reach that goal,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淲e want these students to know they belong at UCA and are surrounded by a community invested in their success from the moment they arrive on campus through graduation.鈥�

Since the launch of UCA Commitment, the university has averaged 277 more first-year students and continues to see historically strong retention results, with 73% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year.

鈥淎s our university has expanded access and removed barriers for more students, we are proud to see that academic quality and student engagement have only strengthened through our student success strategies,鈥� Davis said.

UCA鈥檚 emphasis on student persistence and completion is also reflected in its graduation outcomes. The university鈥檚 six-year graduation rate has increased for three consecutive cohorts, rising from 53% to 54%.

鈥淭his increase in our graduation rate represents the hard work of our students and the faculty and staff who support them along the way,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淲e will continue refining our efforts to ensure every student has a clear pathway to completing their degree.鈥�

UCA鈥檚 geographic appeal continues to expand as fall enrollment includes students from all 75 海角社区 counties, 48 states and 62 countries.

鈥淲e have always been committed to serving 海角社区 students and families, and we are equally pleased with the growing interest we see from beyond our borders,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淲e are proud to welcome these students to UCA and Conway and provide an education that prepares them for very bright futures.鈥�

Dr. Elrod joined the department in 2014 after teaching political science courses at Harding University in Searcy for nearly three decades. At UCA, Dr. Elrod taught sections of the introductory U.S. government & politics course, along with upper-division courses on the United Nations, international law, and American foreign policy. In addition, Dr. Elrod coordinated the annual 海角社区 Model United Nations (AMUN) conference for hundreds of high school students from 海角社区 and neighboring states each November. In his capacity as a co-faculty advisor for the UCA Model United Nations student organization, Dr. Elrod advised numerous UCA students who participated in collegiate Model UN conferences in 海角社区 and Missouri.

Dr. Elrod earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science at Lipscomb College in Nashville in 1984 and a Ph.D. in political science at Vanderbilt University in 1995. Previously, Dr. Elrod served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation anti-submarine warfare operator from 1976 to 1980. Among his many roles on UCA鈥檚 campus, Dr. Elrod proudly served on the university鈥檚 veterans affairs committee in 2020-2021 and 2023-2026. Dr. Elrod was appointed by Governor Mike Beebe and served as a member of the Keep 海角社区 Beautiful (KAB) Commission from 2014 to 2020. He was also an active member of the 海角社区 Political Science Association (ArkPSA) for nearly four decades, including serving as president of the association in 2002-2003.

Dr. Elrod was a valued member of our university community, and we share in the grief of his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and cared for him. His colleagues and students in the department will especially miss his sense of humor and dedication to higher education and public service.

A service for Dr. Elrod will take place at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, Saturday, Sept. 5, with visitation at noon and the service at 2 p.m.