When biology professors Ginny and Reid Adams came to the University of Central Arkansas in 2003, they had already established an impressive network of partnerships with governmental, private and public agencies, laying the groundwork for what would be The Adams Fish Ecology Lab.

University of Central Arkansas alumna Beth Helms ’13, ’15 hadn’t considered pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (SLP) when declaring a major. Still, an early fascination with American Sign Language and a summer job led her to a career she loves.

Jordan Bellew ’20 endured a life-changing ordeal from ninth grade to his first year of college, marked by 24 hospital admissions due to a severe and progressive paralysis. This condition left him unable to perform even basic tasks like lifting a fork or spoon, despite his background as a young, healthy athlete.

LaTeasha Davis ’06, ’08, the CEO and founder of Therapeutic Focus in West Memphis, Arkansas, continues to impact individuals seeking help and to mentor those seeking a career in therapy.

Chance Garrett ’18, ’23 grew up near Conway and has always loved the outdoors. Still, it wasn’t until a chance meeting at the University of Central Arkansas that he knew his passion was conservationism for fish species in the southeast.

The BEAR (Bridging Economic and Academic Resources) Life freshman transition program celebrated its first cohort this year, with 80 students successfully completing the program with an average GPA of 2.8.

Stephanie Rose was the first in her family to go to college. For her, pursuing higher education also meant she could help her family. Rose chose to focus on addiction studies and currently serves as director of UCA’s addiction studies program. She started in this role in 2018.

Northwest Arkansas has become a prime destination for residents, tourists and businesses alike. President Houston Davis decided to close the two-and-a-half-hour gap between UCA’s campus and this dynamic, growing metro by investing in a full-time employee to represent the university. He found the perfect fit with Paul Gatling.