Letter from the 2024-2025 IDEAL Director
Tim Bussiere – Bentonville, AR
Marketing – Senior
Hey y’all! I’m so excited to be your director. IDEAL has been a part of my college experience from day one and I can only hope we can be a part of your journey too. Our mentors, also called alumni leaders, have been in your same position freshman year and have come back to help you navigate your first year on campus. I couldn’t ask for a better group of alumni leaders and I can’t be more excited to meet y’all in the fall! You can reach me at ideal@uca.edu or 479-544-0941
2024-2025 IDEAL Alumni Leaders
Sarina Patel – North Little Rock, AR
Nursing – Senior
IDEAL was the best way to get out of my comfort zone and make those connections people always talk about. I met my best friends in IDEAL and was exposed to so many opportunities. Because of IDEAL, I joined other organizations such as Ambassadors and Honors Ambassadors. IDEAL allows freshmen to branch out and meet new people, all while strengthening their leadership skills.
Sanjuana Torres Padron – Little Rock, AR
Political Science & Public Administration – Junior
Joining IDEAL was crucial to finding my confidence on campus. As a freshman it can be difficult to put yourself out there and to know where you fit in. Through IDEAL I was able to find my place at UCA. The program has given me so many opportunities and experiences that has helped shape the leader I want to be. The program has brought me best friends and many amazing connections. IDEAL soon became something that I did not want to miss. Not only did IDEAL give me great people but it also helped me get more involved on campus in RSOs like UCA Ambassadors, Public Administration Club, and First-Gen Scholars. If you are looking for a place where you will be welcomed with open arms and become a great leader, IDEAL is the right place for you!
Emalee Saffle -Burleson, TX
Dietetics – Sophomore
IDEAL is such a great program! It has allowed me to come out of my shell as an individual and leader. I have learned so much about different leading styles and the diversity of individuals. Through IDEAL I have not only grown but have also met some great people who do nothing but support me and lift me up! IDEAL has also inspired me to be more involved around campus and make connections through other organizations. I am currently involved with UCA ambassadors, IDEAL alumni leaders, SOS, and the Student Dietetics Association!
Anna Herrin – White Hall, AR
Pre-OT Health Promotions – Junior
I joined IDEAL in 2022 as a freshman and have served as an Alumni Leader every year since. Being part of IDEAL has been incredibly rewarding, offering me invaluable friendships, professional development, and life-changing experiences. The program’s supportive community and growth opportunities have significantly shaped my personal and professional development. IDEAL has honed my leadership skills and empowered me to embrace new challenges confidently. Since my freshman year, I have also become a member of the UCA Ambassador program and now serve as the Vice President of Marketing on its executive board. Additionally, I joined the Student Government Association as a sophomore representative. IDEAL has been instrumental in preparing me for every organization and interview I have pursued, instilling in me confidence in myself and my abilities. Fun fact: I can name all of the bears on campus!
Michael Isaac – West Memphis, AR
Economics – Senior
This will be Michael’s 4th year working in the Ideal program. He also is the president of the UCA Debate and Forensics team, the community Mentor for BUILD at Carmichael, a College of Business Ambassador, and a member of the Accounting Club. When he is not finding ways to improve the experience of UCA for his fellow students, he can be found in the library studying or at TJ Maxx shopping. His goal for this year is to empower the next group of campus leaders to find something they can be proud of.
Caleb Jenkins – Van Buren, AR
Psychology – Senior
Hey there! I am currently the president of the UCA Psychological Society, as well as a member of Psi Chi and the UCA Ambassadors program. I have recently served on the executive board for the ambassadors as the Health and Wellness Chair, as well as being a peer coach for the Honors College. I couldn’t have done any of this without Ideal! My time in Ideal allowed me to not only connect with a great group of individuals and make lasting memories, but it taught me so much about myself and how I can use my strengths to benefit others! I came into Ideal unsure if I fit in, but once I left I knew I could do great things!
Maddie Gilleran – Hot Springs, AR
Family Consumer Sciences Education – Senior
IDEAL has always been the nurturing soil from which my personal and academic growth at UCA has blossomed. Like the unfolding petals of a flower, each aspect of my experience within IDEAL has allowed me to expand beyond the shy, anxious freshman I was when I began my journey. The connections and lifelong friendships I have formed have been like sturdy stems, supporting and encouraging me through challenges. The team building activities, service opportunities, and community have acted as vibrant petals, opening doors to new connections and perspectives. Together, each of these elements have cultivated a rich garden of experiences that have not only enriched my time at UCA but have also prepared me for future leadership endeavors beyond graduation. IDEAL has grown me into other leadership roles on campus, and I am so happy to spread its joy into UCA Ambassadors, AAFCS, NFS Ambassadors, and College City.
Desiree Cogdill – Conway, AR
Public Relations – Junior
I’m involved in IDEAL, Ambassadors, and AFA. During my freshman year, IDEAL was a reliable support system and friend group, and the program really helped me become more well-rounded in college. I’m so glad to give back to the RSO as an alumni leader and make the same connections to first year students as my leaders did for me.
Campbell Stewart – Germantown, TN
Communication Sciences & Disorders – Junior
At UCA, I am involved in Greek life, BCM, Relay for Life, NSSLHA, and Ideal! This will be my third year in ideal, and my second as an alumni leader. Ideal has helped me gain leadership skills and get me out of my comfort zone, as well as gain new friendships and experiences!