When you see a UCA license plate on the road, think of Samantha Ashley. Not only do the plates look great on people’s rides, but also, they are supporting students like Ashley who are working hard to earn their degrees.
A portion of each UCA license plate registration goes to fund the UCA License Plate Scholarship.
Ashley resides in Pleasant Grove, nearly two hours north of Conway, with her husband and two children. This business professional with two associates degrees found herself in an unfulfilling job with dreams to do more.
“Something inside awakens and pushes a person to do unthinkable things when they’re 30 years old, sitting in their vehicle outside of work, with thick tears coating their eyes as they try to pry their body from their seat to walk into work,” she said. “That type of despair can sink you or give you motivation. Luckily for me, I was able to use that experience to convince myself to go back to college and obtain my bachelor’s degree at UCA.”
Returning to school to study computer information systems and analytics through online classes at UCA meant Ashley would become a stay-at-home mom and their family would be reduced to a single income. “This puts most of the financial strain on my husband as we are no longer a dual income household,” she said. “The scholarship is a way for us to be able to stay afloat while I work on my degree.”
As Ashley finishes up her degree, she is excited about her future career and grateful to everyone who has a UCA license plate. “Your earnest investment in my future goals will not be forgotten, she said. “I can now continue as a full-time student and stay-at-home mom and get one step closer to achieving my academic goals.”
Visit your local Arkansas Revenue Office or visit the Department of Finance and Administration online to get your UCA license plate today. The plate is $35 more than a regular plate and includes a $25 tax-deductible contribution to the UCA Alumni Association for the UCA License Plate Scholarship Program.