ESSS Quarterly | FY25, Q3

As we settle into the rhythm of the spring 2025 semester, it is important to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and commitment each of you brings to the University of Central Arkansas community. The Division of Enrollment Services & Student Success continues to play a vital role in shaping the student experience, and thanks to your efforts, we are celebrating another semester of strong enrollment growth, healthy retention success, and meaningful student engagement. Your work is not just about numbers – it is about the lives changed, opportunities created, and the UCA community being strengthened by your passion and drive.

Celebrating Our Success

Each semester presents new and surprising challenges, and yet, time and again, you rise to meet them with a positive “can-do” attitude, innovation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the most important thing – our students! The past fall semester and into the spring have been no exception! As you may have read last week, success was earned through the work across our division. Each of you and each of your roles has contributed to our students’ journeys and in turn, has led to another successful semester and a great start to 2025.

We know that the landscape of higher education continues to shift and within those challenges, UCA remains a top choice and experience. This truth is a testament to your efforts and your excellence! From recruitment events that spark the spirit of UCA to the meticulous work behind the scenes to ensure students have the academic and financial support they need, every action you take plays a crucial role in shaping a positive experience for our current and future students.

And as we talk about frequently, the role of student success, and ultimately retention, starts with a commitment and connection to our students. It is about relationships and belonging. If we do those two things, students feel supported, connected, and empowered to persist in the goal of graduation. Your commitment to fostering that environment is deeply appreciated.

UCA Day of Giving – March 13

As we look ahead, one of the most significant ways we can continue to strengthen our impact is by rallying together for this year’s UCA Day of Giving on March 13. This event is a powerful reminder of the generosity and passion fueling our campus each year. It is an opportunity for alumni, staff, faculty, students, and the UCA community to come together in support of programs and initiatives that make UCA a transformative experience.

Our division plays a key role in ensuring students have access to scholarships, academic support, and the resources they need to thrive throughout their college journey. UCA Day of Giving allows us to further that mission by directing funding toward a variety of supports for our students and aspects of our division.

Here are just a couple of ways to be a part of this effort:

• Spread the Word: Encourage colleges, students, alumni, friends, and family of UCA to participate. Social media, personal outreach, and conversations about the work we do are always a strong way to build excitement.
• Make a Gift: Any contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. When we come together as a team, our impact is significant. Below, you will see areas within the Division of Enrollment Services & Student Success that you may give but beyond these areas, there are hundreds of ways to give back to efforts that may be near and dear to your heart and passion.
• Share Your Story: The best way to inspire giving and to inform of the UCA story is to share your experiences and the excellence you are a part of daily. Whether about helping a student overcome an obstacle, a colleague who made a difference in your life, or a personal experience of growth in your UCA life – your story matters and can leave such a lasting impression on those around you.

Imagine the impact we collectively make when we unite for a common cause! The Division of Enrollment Services & Student Success is still relatively new but let’s showcase that spirit, drive, and passion for how our work directly supports student success at UCA.

Dedication and Excellence

I know that the work we do is demanding, and often there are days when the challenges seem endless. But I also know that each of you plays an irreplaceable role in making UCA a place of community, opportunity, growth, support, and excellence! You are the reason students choose to come here. You are the reason they stay. And you are the reason they succeed.

As the spring semester flies forward, let us continue to build upon our successes, support each other, and keep the most important thing right in front of us – our students. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your passion, and your belief in the power of your role.

Let’s make this semester, and the entire year, one to remember!

Do good things, and Go Bears!

Kevin Thomas, EdD
Vice President, Enrollment Services & Student Success

Highlights

Enrollment Services & Student Success
Day of Giving Opportunities

💡Advising Professional Development Fund
Fund that aids in all aspects of professional development within Academic Advising

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ Athletic Academic Resource Center Fund
Fund the mission and goals of the AARC

📝 Enrollment Services & Student Success Enhancement Fund 
Fund to aid in division-related support and/or resources

🎓 Faydean Dunevant Scholarship Fund
For full-time female African-American students who are residents of Faulkner County (Arkansas) and majoring within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The recipient shall be an active member of their church with preference given to a student involved in the church’s music program. Selection shall be based on financial need and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

🧑‍🏫 First Gen @ UCA Fund
Fund that is for first-generation programming and support

✏️ Norma Tio Farthing Advising Fund
Fund that can be used for anything academic advising related

🧑‍🎓 Undergraduate Admissions Fund
Fund that aids in anything admissions-related, including supporting our Student Ambassador Program

🪖 Veterans Resource Center Fund
Fund that aids in anything Veterans and Military Resource Center related with programming and support

Day of Giving Website

Staffing Updates

As this semester progresses, we want to welcome new faces to our division and celebrate well-earned promotions and new roles among our dedicated team members. The addition of their expertise, passion, and commitment to student success will only continue to strengthen our work and impact.

Resources

• Division Calendar
• Strategic Communications Request Form
• StratGuide: Your Guide to Requests