Submitted by: Jennifer Bell, jbell15@uca.edu on 03/12/2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
2:00 pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87221617662?pwd=azDLypPbHVlUOtN9oafLxPbzGzZ5cg.1
Archives for March 2025
Griffin Planetarium Shows
Submitted by: SCOTT AUSTIN, saustin@uca.edu on 03/12/2025
Griffin Planetarium shows this Friday March 14 and Saturday March 15 at 7:00pm: The one-hour shows this week include a tour of the current sky, a flight around the universe, and the full-dome movie “Secret Lives of Stars” narrated by Patrick Stewart. The planetarium is located in the Conway Corporation Center for the Sciences. Seating starts 10 minutes before show time. Admission is free. Seating limited to the first 94. No admission after the shows begin. No food or drink allowed.
Intern of the Year 2024-25
Submitted by: Karen Shaw, kshaw3@uca.edu on 03/11/2025
UCA Internships and Cooperative Education is proud to announce our 2024-2025 Intern of the Year, Arielis (Ariel) Rodriguez-Gutierrez. Ariel has also been awarded the national Intern of the Year distinction by the Cooperative Education and Internships Association (CEIA) and will be honored at the national conference in Tucson, AZ in April 2025.
Ariel Rodriguez-Gutierrez is a senior Chemistry major, graduating in May 2025. She has distinguished herself through remarkable academic achievement and research innovation. Originally unsure of her potential in STEM, Ariel’s transformative summer internship at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) dramatically reshaped her academic and professional trajectory.
During her internship at UCI’s Center for Closing the Carbon Cycle, Ariel made extraordinary contributions to environmental research. Through her research and testing, she developed a catalytic system to convert carbon dioxide into a valuable chemical feedstock, achieving a breakthrough that is being prepared for publication. This is an exceptional accomplishment for an undergraduate researcher. According to her site supervisor, Ariel’s work demonstrated remarkable scientific acumen, stating “It is a rare accomplishment for an undergraduate student to perform enough quality research to gain authorship on a peer-reviewed publication, let alone as a lead author!”
The internship was a pivotal moment in Ariel’s academic journey. What began as a hesitant opportunity evolved into a profound personal and professional transformation. She discovered her passion for research and teaching, discovering her dream of becoming a university professor who can inspire and support students of color in STEM fields.
Ariel’s achievements extend beyond her research. As a recipient of the Arkansas Talented Optimistic Motivated (ATOM) Scholars program and an undergraduate research student at UCA, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to her discipline. She has presented four research projects and has applied to graduate school and the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Her colleagues and professor highlight not only her scientific capabilities, but her innovation, professionalism, and commitment to using her skills to create positive change in her field and community. With her remarkable blend of scientific skill and visionary potential, Arielis Rodriguez-Gutierrez is truly an outstanding emerging scientist and educator.
Ariel was nominated for UCA Intern of the Year by Chemistry professor, Dr. Marsha Massey.
https://uca.edu/career/interns-of-the-year/
Bear Biographies: A Library of Lived Experiences
Submitted by: Lori Hunt, vhunt1@uca.edu on 03/06/2025
Bear Biographies: A Library of Lived Experiences is an annual outreach event hosted by the library with support from multiple campus partners. It is an opportunity for our campus to come together and learn from folks who come from different lived experiences and backgrounds by engaging in meaningful conversations.
Participants can either be Books or Readers. Books sign up in advance to share about aspects of their identities where they have experienced prejudice and bias. Readers attend the event and engage in dialogue with the Books by asking thoughtful questions about their experiences.
The goal of Bear Biographies is to break down barriers caused by harmful stereotypes and build a stronger, more connected campus community. Please join us on Tuesday, April 8th, from 12-4 in Torreyson Library. It is a drop-in event, so come by whenever you have time!
https://uca.libguides.com/BearBiographies/
2nd Annual UCA Women’s Health Fair
Submitted by: Kim Eskola, Keskola@uca.edu on 03/06/2025
Women’s Health Fair
Saturday, March 15, 2025
8:00-12:00 pm
UCA Community Care Clinic (off of Western Avenue back side of the Integrated Health Science Building)
Educational seminars on Pelvic Floor Health at 9:30 am and 10:30 am. DOULA Seminar at 11:30 am.
Fitness Assessments, Stretch/Yoga classes and vendors in between seminars.
Sponsored by the Exercise and Sport Science Department.
Please register at the link below.
Arkansas Coding Academy – Learn Web Development with HTML & CSS!
Submitted by: Leslie Coger, lcoger1@uca.edu on 03/06/2025
Take your first steps into coding with our Introduction to Web Development: HTML & CSS class! No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity! Flexible & Beginner-Friendly: Only two nights a week for four weeks!
Choose the Session That Works for You:
April Session: April 7 – April 30, 2025
May Session: May 5 – May 28, 2025
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
If approved, the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship can cover the cost – just be sure to submit your application at least 30 days before the class starts!
Apply below to start your journey in tech!
Thesis Defense Announcement for Joseph Ortiz
Thesis Defense Announcement for Abby Fulbright
New certificate or degree-let us know!!
Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 03/08/2025
Have you received certification related to your position or an educational degree in 2024-2025? We will recognize these employees at the April 15th Faculty & Staff Recognition program. Please complete the link below if you fit in this category!
UCA 2024-25 Employee Coaching Circles
Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 03/08/2025
ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
AAPI faculty & staff led by JingJing Li jli@uca.edu
– April 10, 1:40-2:30, Fireplace Room
BROTHER’S KEEPER
African American male faculty & staff led by Myron Kuykendall & Travis Johnson mkuykendall2@uca.edu tjohnson56@uca.edu
– March 12, 2:00-3:00, Main 027
– April 16, 2:00-3:00, Main 027
SISTER’S KEEPER
African American female faculty & staff led by a committee apeten@uca.edu denichak@uca.edu egayfield@uca.edu
mgoins@uca.edu cdr02003@uca.edu
– March 20, 3:00-4:00, McCastlain Fireplace Room
– April 24, 3:00-4:00, BHCC 103
Committee members: Audreka Peten, Crystal Harris, Denicha Kemp, Lyn Gayfield, Millie Goins
INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
International faculty & staff led by Dr. Brigid Otoo bappiahotoo@uca.edu
– April 1, 1:40-2:30, BHCC 103
LGBTQ+ EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
LGBTQ+ faculty & staff led by Dr. Taine Duncan & Dr. Paige Rose tduncan@uca.edu prose@uca.edu
– April 8, 1:40-2:30, Fireplace Room
ADMIN SUPPORT COACHING CIRCLE
Do you serve in an administrative assistant position or as an office manager? Are you aware of the multiple resources available to you? Participate in this group to receive helpful information, network, and share valuable tips to make your job easier! No registration required.
April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) 9:00-10:00 AM Cancelled
April 11, 2025 (Friday) 11:30-12:30 pm Executive Dining Room, Christian Cafeteria
April 16, 2025 (Wednesday) 3:00-4:00 pm McCastlain Hall
Professional Administrative Support Staff Recognition Reception (Please register at the link provided: https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/professional-administrative-support-staff-recognition-april-16-2025/
Facilitator: Debbie Brigham, Human Resources and Risk Management Fiscal Support Specialist dbrigham@uca.edu
ZOOM LINK: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/j/86476576435?pwd=ZUxjcHVHbzNiVUJPcXNBcmhFMVBnQT09
LEADERSHIP COACHING CIRCLE
Do you currently lead others? Do you aspire to be a leader or a better one? What are the essentials of leadership? Participation in this group includes interesting articles, rich discussion, and opportunities to network. No registration required.
Tuesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Nechele McClinton-Gates, Associate Director of Residence Life nrm05002@uca.edu
ZOOM LINK: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/j/86019206652?pwd=aWtyQ3pYOHdsT1Zrb2RjV3hFNGdIZz09
March 11, 2025
April 8. 2025
EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
Have you been employed less than six (6) years in Higher Education as a faculty or staff member? Are you looking to network with other Higher Education employees? Are you interested in gathering new insight to Higher Education issues, workplace norms, and career paths? The group will meet in the Executive Dining Room Christian Cafeteria, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the College Student Personnel Administration program (CSPA), it will provide socialization and professional development for early career employees. Meal provided courtesy of the Office of Employee Engagement & Enrichment. No registration required.
Facilitators: Thomas Bruick, tbruick@uca.edu; Evan Faidley, efaidley@uca.edu
March 13, 2025
Creating and Cultivating Professional Development Opportunities
Presenter: Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor Leadership Studies
April 17, 2025
Assessment 101: Planning for Next Academic Year
Presenter: Dr. Thomas Bruick, Assistant Professor Leadership Studies