Academically talented students are frequently perceived as not needing assistance or special attention, but in fact, high-achieving students often have needs that require special consideration. High achieving students encounter challenges similar to their peers, but also a unique set of challenges including managing their time and stress. Advisors who work with high achievers need both a thorough knowledge of the opportunities open to these students and the sensitivity to support them through realization of these opportunities. As such, it is recommended by the National Collegiate Honors Council that honors students should receive honors-related academic advising from qualified faculty and/or staff. 

This summer, Assistant Director of the Advising Center and Honors Advisor, Jenny Ruud joined 30 honors advisors from around the U.S. for an intensive workshop focused on meeting the needs of high-achieving students. The workshop discussed key theoretical foundations of advising and how to adapt and implement those frameworks to meet the needs of honors students. Participants were introduced to developmental advising approaches that foster relationships with students and help them focus on reaching their educational goals while providing the support and challenge these students need to succeed. 

Jenny described the institute as a “productive and enriching experience” and is excited to share what she’s learned with other academic advisors as well as prepare for a new year advising honors students.

Conway Symphony Orchestra to present puppet-theater production (in partnership with UCA Schedler Honors College and the El Zocalo Immigrant Resource Center). Read more.

University of Central Arkansas alumni and philanthropists Rush & Linda Harding have pledged $500,000 to benefit the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College.

Rush ’76 and Linda Harding ’82 have a long history of support and service to the institution.

In 2002, the Hardings established the Holloway-Hicks Scholarship to benefit African-American students. In 2004, they gave more than $1.4 million to UCA, which was the single largest gift in university history at that time. Those funds were used to support student scholarships and to construct Harding Centennial Plaza, a signature landmark on the campus.

“Nothing has impacted our lives and the lives of our family as much as UCA,” said Rush. “Linda and I are so pleased to make this gift, and we look forward to supporting our alma mater in a meaningful way for years to come.”  Read more here.

Log Cabin: The Conway Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the University of Central Arkansas Schedler Honors College and El Zócalo Immigrant Resource Center, will present a puppet theatre adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “The Halloween Tree.”

Directed by Honors College faculty Adam Frank and with a live orchestra ensemble led by Israel Getzov, “The Halloween Tree” uses shadow puppetry and 3-D puppets to tell the story of three children trying to save their friend on Halloween night.

As the children chase Pip through time to ancient Egypt, Stonehenge, Notre Dame and Mexico, they learn about the ways we understand the borderland between life and death throughout history. The performance includes original compositions by Paul Dickinson (UCA), Karen Griebling (Hendrix College), Michael Pagan and Cory Winters.  Read more here.

Doug Isanhart, Executive in Residence and Lecturer of Management in the College of Business, recently shared an extraordinary story about his daughter Leia’s effort to establish health care and social services in the poorest parts of Nairobi, Kenya. As senior technical advisor of health for Catholic Relief Services, Leia Isanhart, in collaboration with Special Olympics and Adventist Center for Care and Support, was instrumental in developing a pilot program to care for children with intellectual and physical disabilities and provide positive parenting training to families. These forgotten children, previously locked away, receive the physical therapy and social interaction necessary to achieve their full human potential. Read more about Leia’s efforts here.