Every day, faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas shape students’ 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.
Name: Laura Marshall (current student)
Nominee: Alicia Cotabish
Professor and Change Leadership Program Director
I am honored to nominate Alicia Cotabish, director at the College of Education, for her unwavering mentorship, leadership and profound impact on my professional and personal growth. Without meeting Alicia, I would not be in my Ph.D. program today —her belief in my potential has been nothing short of transformative.
As a mentor, Alicia has been a steadfast advocate for my success, championing my nomination for both the Doctorate Award and GT Teacher of the Year. She has opened doors to research, conferences and presentations, ensuring that I grow as a scholar, educator and leader. Her guidance has shaped my trajectory in ways I could not have imagined, providing opportunities that have enriched both my academic and professional journey.
Beyond her professional excellence, Alicia embodies the essence of true mentorship. She always lends an ear, offers solutions with wisdom and clarity and approaches every challenge with resilience and strength. She is deeply respected, kind and incredibly funny, making her not only an exceptional leader but also an inspiring presence in every space she occupies.
Alicia’s leadership as Ph.D. director extends far beyond administrative duties — she invests in people, fosters meaningful relationships and creates pathways for success. She has impacted my livelihood and my life, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Name: Windy Cantwell 2023-2025
Nominee: Amy Thompson
Associate Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
Amy Thompson has been an encouraging voice for me throughout this entire program. As an instructor, she helped me grow in breadth and depth of literacy knowledge and understanding. As an adviser, she always takes time to thoroughly answer whatever questions I might have. I could not have made it this far in the program without her guidance!
Name: Whitli Walthall ’22
Nominee: Deanna Rice
Assistant Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
Deanna Rice is a part of the ELSE [Elementary, Literacy and Special Education] department in the education building. I’ve never met a teacher as caring and selfless as her. She pushed her students to understand ALL types of students. In a nation that created education for a specific race and gender, Rice pushed us to go further to reach all students, no matter their race, gender, religion and more. Her passion for teaching inspired every student in her class to become the best person they could be. She impacted my life by showing me how an effective teacher reaches all students. Without her, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.
Name: Abby Nichols ’19, ’21
Nominee: Amy Thompson
Associate Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
I met Amy during my undergraduate program for education. During her classes, I formed a love for teaching reading. After graduating, she encouraged me to apply for graduate school. I did just that, and she was able to foster even more of a love for teaching reading. She is an amazing professor and someone I am still in contact with today.
Name: Jonas Munson ’23
Nominee: Gizachew Tiruneh
Associate Professor Government, Public Service, and International Studies
Director of International Studies Program
Gizachew Tiruneh was the greatest professor I ever had. He was the first person to truly believe in my academic abilities, and that belief fueled me to try and succeed in ways I never had imagined I could.
Name: Chandler Losh ’22
Nominee: Brandy Walthall
Assistant Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
In January of my junior year of college, I experienced an apartment fire that left my roommate, our dog and me temporarily homeless. During this incredibly difficult time, Mrs. Walthall showed me immense grace as a student in her class. Not only did she support me, but she also rallied the other professors in the elementary education department to contribute donations to help us get back on our feet. Their generosity included dog food for our beloved pet, grocery gift cards, meal vouchers, laundry detergent, personal care items and so much more.
I am deeply grateful to Lauren Malm, Catherine Miller, Stephanie Sorbet, Dr. Filer, Shoudong Feng, Lisa Herrington, Dee Dee Cain, Renee Calhoon, Tracie Rushing, Susan Perry and everyone else in the department. Every member of the elementary education program made a profound difference in my life that semester.
However, it was Mrs. Walthall who taught me the invaluable lesson of self-advocacy, empowering me to stand up for myself and navigate the legal challenges of securing a new apartment. I will never forget the overwhelming kindness I received from her and so many others during what were some of the hardest weeks of my life.
Name: Mabel Low ’60
Nominee: B.A. Lewis
(Past) Chair Department of Education
B.A. Lewis was the head of the education department when I was a student at Arkansas State Teachers College. He was very kind and understanding. Whenever I needed to talk to him, he was always available and was such a great example for us future teachers to follow. He was very patient and was very knowledgeable. Because of Lewis and those on his staff, I became the teacher that I was. The instructions that I was given when I was a student in the department of elementary education were invaluable in my career. I was recognized by the school districts where I taught as a first-grade teacher, and I was named “California Adult Teacher of the Year” when I taught in the Downey Adult School in Downey. Today, when I think of UCA, I think of Lewis and how he helped me. My annual donation is in memory of him for the Dr. B. A. Lewis Scholarship Fund.
Name: Jennifer Morehead ’06
Nominee: Norbert Schedler
Founding Director of UCA Honors College
When I first toured UCA, I was an undecided high school senior looking for a large university feel. But once I met Norbert Schedler, everything changed. Schedler spoke with such conviction about the value of UCA and especially its Honors College that I was instantly intrigued. Schedler asked such thought-provoking questions during our visit that I knew I wanted to be a part of the conversation. During my time with the Honors College, we explored deep topics that I had never imagined growing up in a small town in northeast Arkansas. Schedler opened my mind to concepts that broadened my perspective and discussions that deepened my love for lifelong learning that continues to this day.
Name: John Sukovaty ’11
Nominee: Doug Isanhart ’01
(Past) Lecturer I Marketing and Management
Doug Isanhart was a great teacher and patient mentor to a lot of students. I always enjoyed seeing his friendly face at the ball fields and around town. He taught me that the quality of work starts with the people you hire. I have carried that throughout my career and believe it to the fullest extent.