Degree: BA History
When did you graduate? 2005
What were some of the most rewarding/influential classes in your major? Reform Movements in America with Dr. Lorien Foote. Germany Since 1918 with Dr. Ken Barnes. Colonial and Revolutionary American History with Dr. Wendy Lucas. The Great War with Dr. Don Jones. American Military History with Dr. Roger Pauly
Where did you live? Honors College Housing on Campus (Wingo, Denney, Baridon, apartment)
What groups did you belong to? Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Chi, Gamma Beta Phi
Did you participate in any experiences outside the classroom in your major field? I was a History Day volunteer for several years.
What other experiences did you have that enriched your time as a student at UCA? I presented a paper at the Arkansas Phi Alpha Theta annual meeting. I participated in a study abroad trip with Dr. Ron Fritze and Dr. Eugene Corcoran to London to study English history and culture. I wrote an Honors undergraduate thesis with Dr. Ken Barnes as my advisor.
What did you plan to do with your degree? I wanted to either go to law school or pursue a PhD in History. I wasn’t completely sure what my future held when I graduated.
How are you using your degree? I’m the instructional services librarian at Torreyson Library at the University of Central Arkansas. I’ve been a member of the library faculty here for 6 years. After my BA in History, I earned an MS in Information Studies at the University Texas and later I earned an MS in Instructional Technology from the University of Central Arkansas.
What disciplinary skills do you use most often in your current job? Performing research and critically analyzing information allows me to help library users find the resources they need to be successful.
What are your plans? What will your degree allow you to do/accomplish as you move forward? I want to continue to work in libraries, and I hope to be a library director someday. My BA in History provides me with a good foundation of critical thinking, communication, and research skills, which will help me succeed in the future.
What is the most surprising/unexpected thing you learned about yourself during your time as a BA student at UCA? When I first arrived at college, it was very difficult for me to be open-minded. While I knew that adjusting from small town life would be difficult, I did not realize how narrow my world view was, until I started meeting new people and expanding my knowledge base. My experiences at UCA, both inside and outside of the classroom, challenged me to see the world from many perspectives.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get a BA in history? Get plenty of sleep and pursue an area that really sparks your interest and that you are passionate about.