Submitted by: Haydyn Hudnall, hhudnall@uca.edu on 07/31/2025
The Office of Education Abroad is proud to highlight Alex Smith, a recent graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, who has been awarded the Wendel Wickland Student Achievement Award—a prestigious honor granted by the National Student Exchange (NSE) headquarters.
This award is highly competitive, with approximately 1,300 students participating in the NSE program each year. Alex is the first UCA student to receive this recognition, marking a significant milestone for both him and the university.
During his final semester at UCA, Alex participated in the National Student Exchange program, where he completed 13 credit hours at the University of Alaska Southeast as part of his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. His time in the program was marked by strong academic performance and meaningful engagement, particularly through his participation in the Alaska Aquaculture Semester in Fall 2024. It was these experiences, made possible by the NSE program, that led to his selection for the Wendel Wickland Student Achievement Award.
Through the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), the Alaska Aquaculture Semester is a distinctive study away program that combines fieldwork and classroom learning in Sitka, Alaska. The small cohort size of approximately 12 students per semester fosters a collaborative and interactive learning environment that includes undergraduate students, master’s students, and professionals in the tourism industry in order to create a diverse mix of experiences and perspectives. During the duration of the program, students gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s aquaculture industry while working directly with UAS faculty and local industry partners. Students gain insights into the history and policies surrounding Alaskan aquaculture, while also acquiring practical skills such as skiff handling and small engine maintenance.
During Alex’s semester, he completed the “Introduction to Aquaculture” course that explored Alaska’s fishing industries, including daily field trips to local hatcheries and other experiential learning environments.
Additionally, he completed 240 internship hours—far exceeding the program’s requirement of 100 hours. One particularly memorable internship opportunity included working at a remote hatchery at Deer Lake. During this time, UAS covered travel expenses for Alex and connected him with industry professionals that ultimately offered him a full-time position after graduation.
The program also placed emphasis on practical skills, such as the “Outboard Motor Course,” which required students to build and test outboard motors as part of a hands-on project. To further enhance his professional credentials, Alex graduated with two certifications: an Alaska boating safety certification and an Alaska aquaculture occupational endorsement certification.
Alex’s time in Sitka led to several professional connections that have already influenced his career trajectory. By the end of the program, Alex had secured a job at the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), an accomplishment that underscores the effectiveness of the program in facilitating career development. In fact, Alex noted that by the end of the semester, every student had an employment opportunity lined up.
In reflecting on his time in Alaska, Alex Smith expressed how the experience has inspired a newfound passion for aquaculture and saltwater studies. Although his academic background was focused on freshwater studies, the professors at UAS helped him bridge the gap and gain a solid foundation in marine aquaculture. The diversity within the cohort, including students from across the U.S. and those studying different fields like tourism, contributed to a rich learning environment where everyone had something to offer.
Overall, the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, particularly through programs like the Alaska Aquaculture Semester, plays a significant role in shaping students’ futures. By offering immersive, hands-on learning experiences and fostering a strong sense of personal and academic growth, NSE supports students in discovering new academic passions, expanding their professional networks, and preparing them for careers after college. Alex Smith’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of the NSE program, and the UCA community congratulates Alex on this outstanding achievement and celebrates his dedication, curiosity, and commitment to global learning.
https://nse.org/exchange/special-programs/727/
