COB Names Its 2022 Outstanding Students

At its annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 7, the UCA College of Business (COB) named its Outstanding Students for the 2021-2022 academic year. The evening was a celebration of the academic achievements and leadership of College of Business students.

The college has outstanding students in every academic area, and the night’s MC, Associate Dean Lyons, said that choosing just one per area was difficult. The awards given celebrate one student who stood out this year in each academic program and registered student organization. These students have more than excellent GPAs. Students recognized were chosen because they have taken advantage of their education and combined exemplary academic performance with internships, volunteerism, professional development, experiential education, and participating in clubs and other important experiences.

Congratulate our winners and learn more about them.  [Read more…]

Outstanding Computer Information Systems Student: Mike Gant

Classification: Senior earning a BBA in Management Information Systems

Hometown: Clinton, Mississippi

Future plans: I am currently working two part time jobs as I finish school. One of them is remote with a consulting firm based in Utah with which I will also work full time post graduation.

“I have made connections with incredible professors who I’ve asked for potential future references from. Their passion and drive to educate is remarkable.

My peers have also influenced me. Some set examples of what not to do, but others I find similar work ethic in and enjoy learning with in a symbiotic relationship.”

Outstanding Insurance & Risk Management Student: Sierra Camp

Classification: Senior earning a BBA in Insurance & Risk Management

Hometown: Sacramento, California

Future Plans: I have taken a position as a Commercial Lines Account Manager at Williamson Insurance.

“The professors within the Insurance and Risk Management department have been amazing to learn from. Ms. Burleson, Dr. Deng, and Dr. Yao truly have taken an interest in my success and future as an insurance professional. They are also very knowledgeable and have real world experience in the industry. Because of them, I have been apart of a few very informative internship experiences and have been hired onto a great company. My advice is to take advantage of Gamma Iota Sigma and the free services that UCA has to offer. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class and ask lots of questions. I have felt supported and included in my whole undergraduate experience and I couldn’t have chosen a better major.”

Outstanding Finance Student: Niklas Iking

Classification: Senior earning a BBA in Finance

Hometown: Saffig, Germany

Future Plans: I will attend grad school in Germany.

“The COB has prepared me in the best way for grad school and allowed me to focus on my interests on the way there. I’m grateful for a caring faculty that is always there for someone in need of help. The most memorable courses were with Prof. Yuan (Econometrics), Principles of Micro and Macro (Dr. Mitchell), and Prof. Courtway (Legal environment of business).”

Outstanding Economics Student: Caleb Vines

Caleb Vines

Classification: Senior earning an Economics degree

Hometown: Conway, AR

Future Plans: I plan to attend graduate school in 2023.

“My time in the College of Business has really helped me to realize the potential that I have in grad school, and the advice my professors have offered has definitely been more than helpful.”

Outstanding Accounting Student: Tristen Porter

Tristen Porter

Classification: Senior earning a BBA in Accounting

Hometown: Springdale, AR

Future Plans: I will be pursuing my CPA license and starting work at BKD in the fall.

“The accounting faculty have played a huge role in my success at UCA. They make such an effort to get to know me and help me succeed in everything from classes to internships and my future job. Getting involved in organizations like Beta Alpha Psi has also been a huge benefit and fun way to get involved and learn about my future career field as well as serve, compete, and travel. I have learned so much the past four years inside and outside of the classroom because of the opportunities made available to College of Business students.”

Outstanding COB Student: Daisy Martinez Carranza

Outstanding COB Student &
Outstanding Marketing Student

Classification: Senior earning a BBA in Marketing

Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Future plans: I plan to use my work permit to work for a year and gain experience before grad school.

“My time at the COB has made my experience as a student smooth and enjoyable. I always had mentors to look up to, advisors who would go out of their way to find the right answers and course of action for my degree, professors who made me fall in love with my career, and most importantly peers to whom I could go to in troubled or enjoyable times.”