Submitted by: Robin Williamson, rwilliamson@uca.edu on 11/05/2025
Wendy Holbrook, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, was recognized by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as their 2025 Star Collaborator Award recipient. This award honors an individual who exemplifies partnership, compassion, and leadership in addressing food insecurity across Arkansas. Wendy has been a consistent champion for ensuring students’ basic needs are met, fostering cross-campus collaboration, and helping shape supportive, welcoming pantry environments.
Wendy has participated in panels and presentations at the College Hunger Summit for the past two years, and the Bear Essentials Food Pantry has participated the Nutrition Pantry Program, working towards goals that center around neighbors, trauma-informed care, and healthy food prioritization. Her commitment to student well-being and her collaborative spirit have strengthened the statewide network of college pantries and advanced the shared vision of a hunger-free Arkansas.
Laken Ross from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance said, “Wendy’s work serves as an example of what it looks like when student support is rooted in dignity, empathy, and collaboration. Thank you, Wendy!”