UCA Magazine

Distinguished Alumni

The University of Central Arkansas hosted its annual Laurels & Stripes gala on Saturday, March 7, at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts in Conway. The evening honored the university’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni and brought together alumni, friends and supporters of the university for a night of celebration and philanthropy.

Q&A with Miss UCA

This is so cliché, but you have to try new things in college. I meet people every day who have all the skills to do a pageant or theatre, or to be involved with SOS (Student Orientation Staff), but something is holding them back. I don’t know what it is, but college is really what you make it. Just try new things, going on new adventures, try it all.

UCA Community Shows Up for 2026 Day of Giving

For 24 hours on March 12, the University of Central Arkansas community came together with a shared goal: supporting the students and programs that make UCA special. By the end of the day, 3,115 donors had stepped forward to make 2,245 gifts, raising $1,204,379 for scholarships, academic programs and initiatives across campus.

Campus Collaborations

From early literacy to lifelong learning, UCA partnerships connect students, alumni and communities through education, research and outreach.

Explore. Create. Engage.

To enhance experiential learning for its theatre students, UCA’s theatre program boasts two performance halls: the state-of-the-art James M. Bridges Black Box Theater in the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, which opened in the spring of 2023, and a 300-seat proscenium theatre in Snow Fine Arts.

Investing in the Future

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) invests in its students through its thoughtful curriculum, outstanding faculty, interdisciplinary collaborations and experiential learning. One example is in the College of Business (COB) Student Managed Investment Fund Class.

Community Development Pipeline Program

Community and economic development are mission-critical to the role of higher education. At UCA, this commitment takes shape through workforce development, innovation driven by research and service-learning, support for business and industry, entrepreneurial empowerment and lifelong learning opportunities beyond traditional degree programs.

Green Bear Coalition: Where Sustainability Takes Root

Through the Green Bear Coalition, a registered student organization at the University of Central Arkansas, students across campus are working to turn small actions into meaningful change. The student-led organization coordinates sustainability initiatives at UCA while creating opportunities for students to volunteer, learn and connect with environmental stewardship.

UCA Impact Stories

Every day, faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas shape studentsʼ 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.

Up Close: Bryan Massey

Originally from Princeton, North Carolina, Massey began his studies in commercial art at East Carolina University, but his focus shifted with a chance meeting.