UCA Magazine

UCA Announces 2020 Bear Partner Scholarship Recipients

The University of Central Arkansas announced Abby Grace Benham, Aimee Dycus and Hayley Stewart as the three recipients of the 2020 Bear Partner Scholarship.

Mary Bane Lackie Named Vice President of University Advancement

The University of Central Arkansas named Mary Bane Lackie as its new vice president of University Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation. She officially assumed the role Oct. 15.

Up Close with Jansen Stein ’20

Growing up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jansen Stein ’20 played football and basketball at Greenwood High School and spent much of his time in physical therapy recovering from sports injuries. This was a kick-start toward his passion for helping others.

Up Close with Grace Zimmerman

From physics to music, Grace Zimmerman’s interests have paved the way for profuse accolades at the University of Central Arkansas and beyond.

Up Close with Maria Negrete Padron ’17, ’20

Maria Negrete Padron ’17, ’20 says her position as the University of Central Arkansas’ assistant director for Diversity and Community is one that’s vital to the institution.

Up Close with Patricia Smith ’01, ’03

Patrica Smith ’01, ’03 is only the third dean of the Honors College in the history of the University of Central Arkansas.

University Scholars Brings New Honors Experience to UCA

The University of Central Arkansas’s University Scholars program is a four-year honors experience rooted in disciplinary expertise and leadership. It operates as a complement to the Schedler Honors College.

Bear Partners Program Smooths Transition From Two-year Schools

Stepping onto a large college campus for the first time can be a daunting prospect, especially for students who have enjoyed the relative quiet of a community college for their general education requirements. Alleviating many of these concerns is one reason the University of Central Arkansas implemented the Bear Partners program for transfer students.

A Home Away From Home: UCA Resources Support Nontraditional Students

Two examples of UCA’s work to help nontraditional students connect to campus resources are the Nontraditional Student Organization (NTSO), which introduces nontraditional students to other offices and resources available on campus, and Minton Commuter College (MCC@Old Main), which also houses the Student Veterans Resource Center.

First-year Support Leads Students to Success

For success in transitioning to college living, UCA’s Learning Communities provide settings where students live and learn in the same environment. Students housed in residential colleges take courses in their learning community and participate in programming that both expands on content taught in their classes and strengthens their study skills.