UCA Magazine

The Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts

The University of Central Arkansas is now home to the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts and is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the arts community and make Conway an artistic anchor for the region. The 114,000-square-foot facility situated at the corner of Donaghey Avenue and Bruce Street holds a concert hall, a percussion suite, a recital hall, a photography studio, a 190-seat black box theater, rehearsal and design spaces, classrooms and much more.

How Sweet the Sound

The Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts represents a significant investment in the music program at the University of Central Arkansas and the future of music education in the region and across the country.

UCA’s Artist-in-Residence Program

Since its beginning more than 20 years ago, the University of Central Arkansas’ artists-in-residence program has been inspiring faculty, students and the surrounding community. Showcasing nationally and internationally recognized artists, authors, design specialists, journalists, musicians, vocal artists and others, this program has become a vibrant part of the curriculum – inspiring graduate and undergraduate students alike.

Carmeon Hamilton

Memphis-based interior designer Carmeon Hamilton’s ’08 premiere focus in her work is the psychology behind the design. Hamilton’s childhood home in West Memphis was always pulled together beautifully. She remembers her mother was fashionable and had a natural knack for decorating and creating spaces that felt warm, inviting and peaceful.

A Legacy of Hope

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.

2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

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.

UCA at the Museum

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.

Community Language School

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.

Booking it!

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.

Impacting Campus, Community and Beyond

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.