Education consultant and coach Teri Cox-Meadows ’90, ’94 understands the hardships of a first-generation student with limited-to-no income trying to better their life with a college education. With that understanding, she has made it her mission to give hope to children by means of music and education.

For decades, Nan Snow ’57 has been a resounding champion for the cause of women’s equality. Throughout her years of service, Snow has been instrumental in improving women’s economic opportunities and overall well-being. Her work, which has had a substantial impact on the lives of countless individuals, earned her the 2023 University of Central Arkansas Distinguished Alumni Award.

Marlie Allgood ’18 is a studio educator at the famed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. Daniel Cockrell ’97, ’04 is director of the Old State House Museum in Little Rock.

On a given night at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center, one can hear a mix of languages spoken from its classrooms. That is the satisfying sound of the Community Language School.

When Stuttgart Park Avenue Elementary library media specialist Tia Brickey ’11 started her college career, she initially wanted to be a dental hygienist. As her undergraduate years progressed, she discovered that she didn’t have a passion for it. After conferring with a couple of close friends and her academic adviser, Brickey switched her major to elementary education. This, after her adviser stated that an aptitude test indicated she was more inclined to education technology, a result that surprised her.

UCA’s annual Day of Giving event on March 9 saw the largest dollar amount raised in its nine-year tenure. With a total of more than $1.2 million raised, the university is at 94 percent of its $100 million goal for the UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond campaign. And while the Day of Giving may be counted in dollars and cents, the lasting impact for students, faculty and community is immeasurable.

As a two-time alumna of the University of Central Arkansas and now as dean of UCA’s Schedler Honors College, Patricia Smith ’01, ’03 has witnessed the profound influence higher education can have on students’ lives. That firsthand experience has made her passionate about making education accessible to as many students as possible.

University of Central Arkansas’ annual Laurels and Stripes event showcased UCA’s passion for fundraising as more than 500 alumni and friends enjoyed an unforgettable evening honoring outstanding alumni, celebrating the impact of privately funded scholarships and dancing to the sounds of The Rodney Block Collective.

UCA’s Division of Advancement recently hosted its annual Doyne Legacy Society brunch at Buffalo Alumni Hall. The event, held on April 21, not only celebrated the addition of new members, but also honored the 118 existing members who comprise the esteemed Doyne Legacy Society.