Letter from the 2025-2026 IDEAL Director
Emalee Saffle – Burleson, TX
Junior – Dietetics Major
I have been a part of IDEAL since my freshman year, and I have absolutely fallen in love with this program. I have so much passion for serving the UCA community and watching others grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. Just know that everyone in leadership has been right where you are! A freshman trying to figure out how to navigate college and getting involved while trying to be a leader in this new environment. That is why I consider IDEAL so lucky to have such a great leadership team of Alumni Leaders who are so excited and passionate not only about this program but also about the opportunity to support, get to know, and encourage you!
2025-2026 IDEAL Alumni Leaders
Kayleigh Hutson – White Hall, AR
Sophomore – Art & Design Major
“IDEAL means to me is growth and forming new and meaningful connections. IDEAL has meant so much to me throughout my first year of college and I have loved getting to grow surrounded by like-minded individuals!”
Lydia Thomas – Harrison, AR
Sophomore – Psychology Major
“IDEAL means a place of strong community and growth”
Rachel Smith – Cary, NC
Senior – Chemistry & Philosophy Major
“Being a part of IDEAL my freshman year was a transformative experience that developed my personal, social, and professional skills that I continue to rely on outside of the program. I am excited to have a full circle moment as alumni leader during my senior year, with the ability to give back to a program that gave me so much three years ago.”
Bartley Bledsoe – Hot Springs, AR
Sophomore – Exercise Science Major
“To learn leadership and real-world skills to better your success in your future.”
Isella Villeda – Conway, AR
Sophomore – Dietetics
“IDEAL has meant so much to me throughout my first year in college. I love being able to connect with people and build relationships with students who are eager to make an impact.”
Sy’Riah Allen – Blytheville, AR
Sophomore – Elementary Education Major
“To me, IDEAL means community, growth, and opportunity. This means being surrounded by people who uplift one another, who listen and learn from each other’s experiences, and who challenge each other to think critically and compassionately IDEAL helped me realize that leadership doesn’t look the same for everyone and that’s the beauty of it. We all bring something different to the table, and through IDEAL, I’ve learned how to use my voice and experiences to make a difference.”
Hudson Phillips – Sherwood, AR
Sophomore – Computer Science Major
“Being IDEAL: Being IDEAL for me means to try and be the best version of yourself in a way that helps others, being uplifting to those around you and putting others before you.”
Kylee Pemberton – Mayflower, AR
Sophomore – Pre-Nursing Major
“To me, IDEAL Freshman leadership is about freshmen being able to acknowledge, I may not have all the answers, but I believe a strong leader doesn’t need to. As a freshman, it’s amazing seeing your peers reaching out wanting to learn, listen, grow, serve, and better the UCA community and their class.”
Sienna Jimenez – Richardson, TX
Sophomore – Music Education Major
“IDEAL is not only a program that teaches you important life and leadership skills, but also a family full of love and support. IDEAL to me means becoming a greater version of yourself.”