The Bear Ledger

Many accomplished faculty, staff, and administration leaders decided to retire this year. This edition of the Bear Ledger pays tribute to the individuals who have spent decades contributing to the growth and success of this university.  Some retirees took time to reflect on their milestone careers and offer words of wisdom and encouragement.

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
Other than new buildings popping up around campus during the 33 years I have been at UCA, there have been two, rather recent changes that I would consider significant. The first one was the creation of a strategic plan that is now being used to guide the university into the future. There seems to be some seriousness about following this plan, whereas that was not true in the past. The second is taking place right now – the transition from the old General Education structure to the new UCA Core. That is a huge and significant change.

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
The Department of Geography struggled for years to create a modern computer cartography and geographic information system lab. For the most part, early labs were piecemealed together. In the mid-1990s, I contacted a person associated with Intergraph Corporation who was able to provide the Department of Geography with a sophisticated, geospatial lab where UCA only had to pay $.25 on the dollar. The administration at that time was very supportive of this financial arrangement. Since that time, the Department has maintained a state-of-the-art lab with software license fees that have become a regular component of the Department’s budget.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
There are two writing projects I want to complete in the near future. The first is a manuscript on the “Six Cultures of Arkansas” that I will submit for potential publication. The second will be the compilation of a photo-journal which will consist of journal entries I have written and photographs I have taken during the 20 trips to Russia I experienced since 1994. Travel will also be part of my retirement. The first will be a trip to Europe in late August 2013 to celebrate 41 years of marriage. There will many trips to visit grandchildren and other family members. And, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my wife and I will also serve a mission for the church beginning in late 2014. We will spend twelve-to-eighteen months at some location, yet to be decided, and participate in a variety of activities related to where we serve.

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
There are many, but the prominent ones will be related to faculty, staff, and student associations. There will also be many pleasant memories of travel across this country and to foreign countries to attend conferences, conduct research, and lead excursions for university students and K – 12 teachers.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
Be vigilant about protecting the integrity and singularity of the Department of Geography.

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
Enrollment growth (from 6,000 to 11,000).

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
Hiring top-notch faculty, staff, and administrators.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
Fly fishing, golf, travel, and playing with grandchildren.

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
Working with the wonderful people at UCA.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
Prior to making any decision one should always ask about the impact of that decision on students.

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
The expansion of undergraduate and graduate degree programs available to UCA students and the expansion and beautification of our campus.

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
My greatest accomplishment lies in the accomplishments of the students and faculty that I have worked with for the past 36 years. It is the development of life-long professional relationships and friendships.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
Spending time with my family and friends, especially enjoying time with my husband, Mike, and our grand-daughter, Emersyn. I am also looking forward to traveling, and spending time gardening in my long-neglected flower beds.

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
The people that I have worked with on a daily basis— their dedication and service to our students, to higher education and their love of UCA. I have been shown many kindnesses and given much support throughout my career for which I am very grateful.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
Let your priorities and decisions be guided first and foremost by what is best for UCA students!

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
The beautification of the campus (landscaping, new buildings, consistent architecture)
When I came in 1975 there were very few trees except the large ones in from of McAlister, Irby and the library and there were no flowers, much less landscaping that is changed with the seasons! Building architecture included a white administration building with blue panels and there certainly was no campus master plan.

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
Approval for four PhD programs and one professional doctorate with another one pending.
Growth of graduate level productivity – 48% increase in fall graduate headcount, 81% increase in annualized graduate full-time equivalency, and a 72% increase in the number of graduate degrees awarded annually.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
Spending more time with my grandchildren and spoiling my 3-year old granddaughter rotten, traveling, relearning to play the piano, and reading

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
I will remember that I loved coming to work each and every day. UCA has provided me with wonderful opportunities as a university faculty member and administrator. I will miss working with and learning from UCA faculty and staff colleagues and students.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
It is all about relationships. Graduate deans depend on others both on and off campus to accomplish the goals of the Graduate School. Get to know well college deans, department chairs with graduate programs, graduate coordinators/advisors, and other graduate deans. Depend on your very competent and professional staff to get the job done with the utmost integrity. All these folks will make you look good!

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
Increase size in student body, plus campus expansion. I counted at least 18 new buildings or major building renovations during my tenure at UCA.

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
I am most proud of the faculty with which I work. They have accomplished a great deal in achieving terminal degrees and developing as scholars. Moreover, their dedication to future generations of occupational therapists has been phenomenal.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
My husband and I plan to relocate to be much closer to our extended families in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
The collegial relationships among chairs and faculty in my college.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
Prioritize your work so that the quality of the educational process is maintained.

1. What’s been the most significant change you’ve seen at UCA?
The size of the university. When I came in 1985 there were 6400 students. And look at us now!

2. What was your greatest accomplishment at UCA?
Contributing to the development of a first-rate counseling center that has served many thousands of students, faculty, and staff.

3. What are your plans for retirement?
To do what I want to do (within reason), when I want to do it. I am looking forward to more travel abroad, doing some writing, and (most immediately) cleaning out both the garage and the attic.

4. What will be your greatest memory about working at UCA?
The relationships I’ve enjoyed with so many faculty, staff, and administrators. There is nothing better than working with smart, competent, caring, trusting, helpful, and respectful people.

5. What words of advice could you offer to your successor?
Trust in your staff, be accessible, ask for assistance (things will go better when you do), and laugh whenever you can.