Archive

Submitted by: Kristen Oitker, koitker1@uca.edu on 12/01/2025

The Men’s Basketball team will take on the Little Rock Trojans on Wednesday in the Farris Center. Tipoff is set for 6:30 PM and doors open at 5:30 PM. Come help cheer on the Bears!

https://ucasports.com/

Submitted by: Stacey Stephens, staceys@uca.edu on 12/01/2025

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has announced newly elected members of the Board of Directors. Congratulations to Dr. Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, who was elected as a Director to the APTA Board of Directors for a four-year term beginning in 2026. Dr. VanHoose is a UCA physical therapy alumnus (’96) and former Department of Physical Therapy Faculty member (2016-2019). Currently, she is Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of the DPT Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Dr. VanHoose is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Therapy and a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her BS in Health Science and MS in Physical Therapy are from the University of Central Arkansas.

The APTA Board provides strategic direction for the organization and advocates on behalf of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students of physical therapy, and patients nationwide to advance the profession of physical therapy and improve the health of society. Speaking on behalf of APTA, CEO Justin Moore, PT, DPT, said, “It is my honor to welcome our newly elected and returning members and officers of the APTA Board of Directors, and to extend sincere gratitude to our departing leaders for their years of dedicated service to advancing the physical therapy profession. This 2026 Board brings diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing APTA’s strategic priorities, including improving payment, empowering our members, and evolving our practice. Their leadership will be instrumental in driving progress for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and the patients they serve.”

 

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 12/01/2025

The Poverty Workshop is an interactive learning experience designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the decision-making processes, structural barriers, and daily challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Through guided activities such as Poverty Survival Skills, Living Picture, Paying the Bills, and Test Your Knowledge, participants explore the realities of limited resources, the impact of systems, and common misconceptions about poverty. The workshop emphasizes respectful dialogue, encourages reflection, and equips participants with knowledge to better support ALICE and low-income individuals in their communities.

December 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
1:30-3:30 pm
Ronnie Williams Student Center 214
Presenters: Tracie Spivey and Tabatha Duvall

Sponsored by HR-Employee Engagement and Enrichment and the Center for Community & Economic Development

Please register at the link provided.

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/poverty-simulation-december-9-2025/

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 11/30/2025

Do you have a student worker, graduate student, or employee that could use information on what it means to professionally serve students, family members, and/or UCA colleagues? Then this one-hour session is for them. The session presents components of Service Excellence (Communication, Attitude, Respect, Enthusiasm) and reinforces the ability to influence in each one of these areas.

January 27, 2026 (Tuesday)
X-Period (1:40 pm-2:30 pm)
Ronnie Williams Student Center 215

Presenters: LeSha Smith, HR and Charlotte Strickland, HR-Employee Engagement and Enrichment

Please register at the link provided!!

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/service-excellence-january-27-2026/

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 11/30/2025

Digital Detox. Disconnect to Reconnect…A Conversation on Digital Well Being

In an always-on world, our devices keep us constantly connected — but often at the expense of focus, rest, and genuine human connection. This interactive session explores the impact of digital overload and offers practical strategies to regain balance. Drawing on insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, we’ll examine how technology shapes life on a college campus. A panel of faculty and staff will share their perspectives on screen habits, reflect on personal digital behaviors, and discuss simple ways to unplug with purpose. Join us to discover how stepping away from technology can help you reconnect with what truly matters — your wellbeing, relationships, and peace of mind.

January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
1:40-2:30 pm (X-Period)
Ronnie Williams Student Center 214

Presenters: Sandy Longhorn, Lindsey Osbourne, LeSha Smith, Vergie Jackson, Charlotte Strickland, Olivia Bundrick, Sarah Lunsford

Please register at link provided!!

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/digital-detox/

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 11/30/2025

Atomic Habits By James Clear
Facilitator: Charlotte Strickland, HR-Employee Engagement and Enrichment

A guide to building good habits, breaking bad ones, and making small changes that lead to remarkable results over time. Clear argues that success doesn’t come from big, dramatic actions but from tiny, consistent improvements—“atomic habits.” The book emphasizes focusing on systems rather than goals—by improving your daily processes, success becomes a natural outcome.

Drawing for a free book to early registrants provided by the UCA Bookstore.

There are two options for participation – zoom or onsite.

January 29, February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026 (Thursdays)
3:00-4:00 pm
Ronnie Williams Student Center 226

January 30, February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026 (Fridays)
9:00-10:00 am
ZOOM

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/seminar-information/

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 11/30/2025

Check out what is coming up on campus and this month’s Unsung Hero!!

https://uca.edu/hr/files/2024/03/December-Newsletter.pdf

Submitted by: Kristen Oitker, koitker1@uca.edu on 11/25/2025

The Sugar Bears are going dancing! Join us Sunday in Buffalo Alumni Hall CAEP Lobby at 5 PM for the NCAA Volleyball Selection Show! The show begins at 5 PM and we will find out where the Sugar Bears will be at in the first round of the tournament! Refreshments and snacks will be available! We hope you’ll be there!

 

Submitted by: Melissa Eubanks, meubanks@uca.edu on 11/25/2025

Congratulations to the PhD Program in Counseling Psychology for being reaccredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for 10 years!

From the reaccreditation letter:
” I am pleased to inform you that the CoA voted to reaffirm accreditation of the program, with its next site visit scheduled to be held in 2035. This decision is based on the CoA’s professional judgement that the program has demonstrated that it adheres to the Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology (SoA). … The Commission recognizes the quality of training provided by the program and deems it in substantial compliance with the Standards of Accreditation.”

Congrats to all the counseling psychology faculty and students for this significant accomplishment!

 

Submitted by: Lori Hunt, vhunt1@uca.net on 11/24/2025

Finals Week is approaching and we have the stress relievers students need to ensure balance and calm. From bubbles and bubble wrap to therapy dogs and more, please check out our calendar and come take advantage of our fun Finals Week programming.