Will Atkins
Admissions Counselor
willa@uca.edu
501.472.8074
Southeast Arkansas and Mississippi
My name is Will Atkins and I was born in Camden, Arkansas. I grew up in Camden, and graduated from Camden Christian Academy in 2004. I attended Arkansas State University and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Management with a Minor in Entrepreneurship. While at ASU, Jonesboro I participated in the Disney College Program and studied abroad at California State University, Northridge.
I started recruiting for The University of Central Arkansas in the fall of 2009. I recruit Southeast Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I attended classes while at UCA and I completed my second bachelors’ degree in Marketing during the summer of 2012. I am in the MBA program at Harding University and I expect to complete the program during the summer of 2013.
I truly love education and UCA is the place to be. I look forward to meeting and talking to high school students across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Mike Isom
Admissions Counselor
mikei@uca.edu
501.472.3946
2 Year Colleges/Transfer Students
I was born and raised in Conway and graduated from UCA in 1971. I began working at UCA in 1982 as an Assistant Football Coach and served as the Head Coach from 1990 through 1999. I began working as the Transfer Coordinator in the Office of Admissions in January of 2000. I am married, and have four children, one who is a graduate of UCA and two who are currently enrolled. I also received a MSE Degree from UCA in 1976.
Mirtila Lovelace
Admissions Counselor
mlovelace@uca.edu
501.472.4825
Dallas, Texas
Hello! My name is Mirtila Lovelace and I am the regional admissions counselor for the Dallas/Fort Worth area (although I can also help you if you live in Texas, I may just live a little further away). I am a proud 2011 graduate of UCA and I love being able to help represent my alma mater!
A little background about me: I graduated top of my class in high school -in Honduras- so my native language is Spanish and I love being able to use it! I was accepted to the Honors College at UCA and met a lot of really amazing people, a lot of whom I still keep in touch with. When I moved to Conway, Arkansas to begin my college career, I found out the meaning of “Southern Hospitality” and fell in love with the place and the huge sense of community. Throughout my years at UCA I was a student-worker with International Programs, Study Abroad, Housing, and other offices around campus and when a position to work as an admissions counselor opened up I was thrilled to become a voice for the University of Central Arkansas and tell everyone how amazing and welcoming UCA is.
When I’m not working on emails or at a high school event talking about UCA’s awesomeness, I’m discussing phenotypes with my husband (yes, I was a Biology major) or playing fetch with my four-legged Catahoula.
Jack Phillips
Admissions Counselor
jphillips@uca.edu
501.450.3128
River Valley
I am from Cherokee Village, Arkansas and graduated from Highland High School in 2008. In May 2012, I graduated UCA with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Writing. Currently, I am working on my Masters of Community and Economic Development.
My time at UCA left me with great memories and experience I obtained from serving in numerous campus organizations, Greek Life, and living in Hughes Residential College. It is an honor getting to stay at my new home in Conway and help students with their transition from high school to college. I bleed purple and grey and want to help you share some of the same experiences as a UCA Bear.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @UCAJack
Go Bears!
Josh Rauls
Admissions Counselor
jrauls@uca.edu
501.472.3864
Central Arkansas
I am originally from Rison, Arkansas, and graduated with my B.B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2007. I am currently pursuing my M.S. in College Student Personnel Services and Administration. I have been employed in higher education since 2007.
Chris Riggins
Admissions Counselor
criggins@uca.edu
501.450.5147
Pulaski County Public Schools, Southwest Arkansas and Texarkana, TX
I am from Altheimer, Arkansas, and I have been part of UCA family since 1988. I have obtained a Bachelor and Master Degree from UCA. I am married to an awesome woman and I have one amazing daughter. One of my favorite quotes is by Edward Everett Hale – “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.”
Melissa Tatman
Admissions Counselor
mtatman@uca.edu
501-339-8667
Northeast Arkansas and Pulaski County Private Schools
I received my undergraduate degree in Marketing and Management from the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas- Fayetteville. After a year of corporate work at JB Hunt and marketing at a commercial real estate company, I returned to school to obtain my master’s degree in higher education. While in school I worked as a graduate assistant in the Dean of Students Office and interned for the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Finding my new home at UCA as an admissions counselor, I enjoy every minute of helping students make the transition from high school to college. Go Bears!
Jonathan Vest
Admissions Counselor
jvest@uca.edu
501.472.1764
Northwest Arkansas and White County
My UCA experience began in 2003 in Hughes Residential College when I enrolled as a freshman. Through student organizations, my residential college, friendly classmates, and an inviting city, I quickly found a home in the UCA community and Conway. Four incredible years later and a communication degree in hand, I was ready to put my speaking and writing skills to work. Returning to UCA in 2010 as an admissions counselor, I now have the opportunity to help new students create their UCA experience, which I know to be amazing!
