UCA Magazine

Impact Stories

Every day, faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas shape students’ lives in meaningful ways, though many of those powerful moments often go untold. To bring these stories to light, the UCA Magazine staff invited students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their experiences and recognize those who have encouraged, supported and inspired them.

Delta Doubles

During the 90s, the Lambda Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, (DST), Inc., experienced more than just that. In a six-year span, the chapter welcomed five sets of twins with three identical and two fraternal. UCA Magazine caught up with the ladies this spring.

Painting with Purpose

Ozark native and senior Schedler Honors College student Madison Mainer never thought she would attend UCA, much less paint one of the most notable murals on campus. As a capstone project, she wanted to represent the programs housed in the newly renovated Schichtl Hall and provide students with sensory disorders a peaceful respite.

Readying For Takeoff

The Aviation Academy was announced in November 2023 and launched in March 2024. The program selects 15 students for each cohort with three private pilot classes starting each year. More than 400 applications are on file at present. The academy uses three Tecnam P-Mentors and one Cessna 172, and eight instructors work with students.

Harley Bridger ‘52

World War II Air Force veteran, White County native and University of Central Arkansas alum Harley Bridger ’52 came back to visit his alma mater in November 2024; his first visit since graduating more than 50 years ago.

Reaching the Summit

UCA criminology lecturer Robert Norvell summited Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2024. UCA Magazine caught up with him to talk about his experiences.

Up Close: Officer Nicole Sumner-Wheeler ’24

Upon joining the University of Central Arkansas’ Police Department (UCAPD) in October 2020, Officer Nicole Sumner-Wheeler ’24 knew she had found a special place to continue her law enforcement career, finish her education and serve her community.

Up Close: Jeremy Horpedahl

Jeremy Horpedahl stays busy in the University of Central Arkansas’ College of Business (COB) – from serving on Faculty Senate to director of the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ACRE) to associate professor to public appearances in varying forms of media – which makes his impact in the community noteworthy through his many accomplishments as he strives to help students, citizens and policymakers understand Arkansas’ economy.

Up Close: Graham Mynatt ’20, ’21

Graham Mynatt ’20, ’21 honed his skills while studying music at the University of Central Arkansas and is further elevating his craft as the Bass Trombone Fellow at the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida.

Up Close: Rhiannon Umfleet

When Rhiannon Umfleet considered her future, she never imagined it would lead her to the cockpit of a plane. Now a student at the University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy and a finance major in UCA’s College of Business, she is fully embracing her passion for aviation.