UCA Magazine

Beth Helms ’13, ’15

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

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.

Creating Opportunities within the Therapy Industry

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.

A Natural Fit

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.

Stephanie Rose

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.

Michael Hargis, UCA Provost

When he joined the University of Central Arkansas in 2006 as an assistant professor in management for the College of Business (COB), central Arkansas native Michael Hargis felt that it was an opportunity to rejoin the community after earning his graduate degrees in Michigan and teaching at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Serving Up Good Energy

Rachel Whitfield ’22 grew up with no aspirations for cooking or creating and sharing recipes. Still, she has grown a culinary brand that not only emphasizes the importance of flavorful, healthy eating, but she also attracted the attention of Vogue magazine and music icon Beyoncé.

Miss UCA 2023 Kennedy Holland

When 2024 Miss UCA Kennedy Holland was an elementary school student, she took note when a friend in a wheelchair couldn’t access their school’s playground equipment. Since then, she has made it her mission to bring about change by informing area schools and communities about the need for inclusive playgrounds.

A Legacy of Excellence

The University of Central Arkansas Project X’s mission is to educate, engage and empower young men coming to college by providing a sense of brotherhood and community within campus. It also prepares them for a future beyond college by presenting leadership opportunities in the greater community.

Coming Full Circle

When asked to emcee the grand opening of the University of Central Arkansas Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts in the fall of 2023, KATV news anchor and UCA Alumnus Ryan Houston ’10 was excited to return to his alma mater for the historic event, bringing his time with the university full circle.