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: Megan Woodworth-Betts ’25
Nominee: Christine Case
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Dr. Case impacted me by being encouraging to me. I am a returning UCA alumni who decided to pursue an English/Creative Writing degree after previously receiving a BS in Psychology. I was nervous about coming into a new degree program, but also nervous because I’m a non-traditional student (married with 4 kids). Her Film & Lit class allowed me to explore Disney, and led me to write a paper I ended up presenting at the graduate conference on campus in October of 2025. This is something I wouldn’t have done without having her support. I am forever going to be grateful to Dr. Case for her encouragement, teachings and mentorship.
Name: Amira Calvin (current student)
Nominee: Amber Brantley
Clinical Instructor, Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
Mrs. Brantley literally showed me what it’s like to be a professional. I learned so much about teaching reading and so much about myself through her class. I never thought that I would feel confident in teaching phonics, but now I am! Her teaching changed the trajectory of my teaching career!!
Name: Mason Lancaster ’25
Nominee: Marvin Williams ’95
Success Workshops and UCAN Coordinator, Student Success
Marvin and the UCAN program had a huge impact on setting me on a path to success at UCA after some life difficulties. Marvin showed me what discipline and determination can do not only in a college setting but in a professional environment. The skills and discipline I learned from Marvin during my time in the UCAN program are still things I use today at JB Hunt. Thank you, Marvin, for showing me I mattered, and I was capable of greatness!
Name: Haley (Kay) Favell ’17
Nominee: Kristin Dooley
Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Dooley had a huge impact on my life. She was my chemistry teacher, research mentor, advisor, and someone I truly trusted. She was always kind, always willing to listen and never made me feel like my questions or concerns didn’t matter. Her support and encouragement meant more to me than she probably knows, and I’m so grateful for the role she played in my growth.
Name: Drew May ’90
Nominee: Jim Bell
Former Professor, Department of Management Information Systems
Dr. Bell was an amazing professor. He made our subject matter ‘come to life’ and always approached his subject matter through real-world examples. I always truly felt like I was learning, and how he led us in his lectures has shaped my thinking throughout my career. As a bonus, he was pleasant, fun and typically entertaining! I will always remember that we had 100 points to earn over the course of the semester, and that was our grade. Dr. Bell’s classes were some of my favorite experiences at UCA!
Name: Jamil Norman ’01
Nominee: Susan Gatto
Director and Professor, School of Nursing
Susan Gatto exemplifies the essence of a caring nurse and educator. During the most challenging moments of my nursing education when continuing felt uncertain, her compassionate support and steady, firm guidance provided the encouragement I needed to persevere. Her mentorship not only helped me complete my nursing degree, but also inspired me to pursue a career in nursing education. I am deeply grateful for her lasting impact on my professional journey.
Name: William Hopper ’08
Nominee: Patrick Desrochers
Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Desrochers was my first college class, and I was a bit intimidated because at the time he was the face of UCA advertising with his face all over marketing materials for the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, but he was anything but once I got to know him. He was the most kind, caring and energetic professor who took my love and knowledge of science to a whole new level, and the only regret I have is that I didn’t take more of his classes. He knew our names and was always willing to go above and beyond in lecture and lab to ensure his students excelled not only in class, but in life.
Name: Tanner Darby ’21
Nominee: Lori Leavell
Associate Professor of English, School of Language and Literature
Lori Leavell was and continues to be an inspiration in my life. I took her classes as often as I could because I fell in love with how she approached studying literature. I was the eager student sitting in the front row scribbling down notes with a fountain pen because it was so … fun! I was challenged, but it wasn’t grueling. Eventually, I asked her to serve as my mentor for my Honors Capstone. She asked what I wanted to focus on, and she offered the perfect material that overlapped with my interest in feminism, the history of the novel and her expertise in American literature. I doubt I could have produced such a monumental work without her kindness and gentle guidance. She was also the first person I asked to write me a letter of recommendation for grad school, and guess what? She was the first to reply! I think back on our time in many (many!) English classes with sweet nostalgia. She is a fantastic teacher who loves to see her students thrive.
Name: Brandy Brown
Nominee: Betty Hubbard
Professor, Department of Health Sciences
She made me want to be a health teacher! She was so knowledgeable and confident in teaching college kids. I definitely learned a lot from her as a student and as a future educator. She helped me again just a few years ago, and I was so happy to reconnect with her!
Name: Kay Hinkle ’70
Nominee: Carlyle Ellis
Former Instructor, Economics, Sociology, & Business Education Department
Carlyle Ellis taught me typewriting and shorthand and made sure I was in class and did the work to her standards. She taught me so much, became a dear friend and served cake at my wedding!
Name: Clara Rauch ’25
Nominee: Toni Gocke-Wyre
Director of Interior Design, Clinical Instructor
Director Wyre has seen me for my talent and potential since my very first semester with UCA. She has believed in me, supported me as a student and has always been available for questions or concerns in a kind and patient manner. She has been truly impactful in my life, and I am very fortunate to be studying under her leadership.
Name: Sarah Gray ’15
Nominee: Amy Hawkins
Associate Professor of Public Relations; Assistant Provost of Teaching and Leadership, School of Communication
Amy Hawkins helped me learn about my passion for advocacy. She encouraged me to look beyond my current goals to a bigger picture of my future. I now work as an Early Education Director for a top school in Indiana. I get to advocate for my amazing teachers and students every day and create strong academic foundations.
Name: Kesha Wingfield-Baoua ’03, ’08
Nominee: Maurice Webb
Former Professor, Department of History
Maurice Webb was my freshman advisor and has been my mentor my entire adult life. He pushed me to take advantage of opportunities that I DID NOT want, but he knew I needed. I patterned my own career of taking care of students after his selfless service to students. He listened to me and taught me about so much more than history while I was a student at UCA. After decades he still recalls the names and hometowns of former students, and he proudly speaks of their accomplishments. I certainly would not be who I am today without him! I’m blessed to still have him in my life, and now my family’s life, after more than 20 years post-UCA.
Name: Nancy Corley ’91
Nominee: Gayle Seymour
Associate Dean College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Dr. Gayle Seymour is that person for me. She saw me when I needed to be seen. She cares about her students and inspires them to do their best. I learned the subject matter, but I also learned life lessons that helped shape me into who I am as an educator today.
Name: Lauren McCracken ’96
Nominee: Patty Phelps
Professor, Department of Health Sciences
Patty Holland Phelps impacted my teaching career more than she could ever imagine. I’m in year 30 of teaching, and I still keep a picture of us from the 90s on my classroom bookshelf. She will always be so special to me.