Alums visiting UCA often comment about how different the campus looks. For some of them, it is almost unrecognizable from their time in school. In particular, they recognize the dramatic changes to the north side of campus where we have renovated facilities and built new ones from the Lewis Science Center and Conway Corp Center for Sciences to Greek Village I and II. With every ground breaking, construction tour, or grand openings for those facilities, we have continued to define UCA as a destination institution.
With the opening of the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, we strengthen this position. This building is a game changer for the region, but it is much more. It is classroom space. It is a black box theater. It is a concert hall. It is an expanded opportunity for student artists, musicians, thespians, makeup artists, painters, singers, and performers. With all that we know and have planned for the Windgate Center, we recognize that this building also leaves space for untapped creativity and spontaneity.
If you have not had an opportunity to visit the space yet, this issue of UCA Magazine provides a front row view. This fall, we are planning a major celebration to invite everyone inside to get a firsthand look at this incredible facility and the great work of our faculty and students.
This issue explores other areas of arts and culture in our community such as our Community Language School. This program has been in operation since 2007 and offers Arabic, French, and Mandarin to elementary students.
In another story, we are introduced to alumni Marlie Allgood ’18 and Daniel Cockrell ’97, ’04. Allgood is studio educator at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, and Cockrell is director of the Old State House Museum in Little Rock.
Another alumna, Carmeon Hamilton ’08 is featured in this issue. Hamilton has found great success as an interior designer and television personality after winning HGTV’s “Design Star: Next Gen” and later hosting her own show, “Reno My Rental.”
Nan Snow ’57 is our 2023 Distinguish Alumni Award recipient. Snow has been a champion of women’s issues for decades. Her story is included in this issue.
This is just a sampling of all the wonderful stories featured. Please enjoy reading about all the incredible people and university initiatives included in this issue of UCA Magazine.
Go Bears!
Dr. Houston D. Davis
President