Jeremy Owoh
Morgan Hager
The University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association will present the Alumni Service Award and the Young Alumni Award to two alumni at a ceremony during Homecoming 2021.
Jeremy S. Owoh will be honored as the Alumni Service Award recipient and Morgan Hager is the Young Alumni Award winner.
The two will be presented Friday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in a ceremony during the Alumni and Friends Dinner in the McCastlain Hall Ballroom on the campus.
The Alumni Awards Dinner is open to the public. Past award winners and Coming Home Queens will also be recognized at the Nov. 5 event. Tickets are $25 per person and available to purchase online.
To view other alumni events, visit Homecoming 2021.
The UCA Alumni Service Award is presented to an individual or couple who, through their deeds or actions, reflect and recognize the importance of the UCA Alumni Association and demonstrate extraordinary commitment, dedication, service and loyalty to the university. Since its inception in 2007, the UCA Alumni Association has honored alumni with the Alumni Service Award. Each year, members of the alumni association are asked to submit a nomination for the award. Nominations are submitted to the UCA Alumni Relations Office, and the UCA Alumni Association Board of Directors selects recipients.
Owoh has fond memories of his time at UCA and knew he wanted to continue supporting the university after he graduated in 2003. From his freshman year on, Owoh had mentors who challenged him academically and helped him develop leadership skills.
“I truly believe that to whom much is given, much is required. The University of Central Arkansas has given me so much,” he said. “I gained lifelong friendships and received a life-changing educational experience. I am a proud alum, and every chance I have, I use it to brag on and share how UCA really supports and strengthens the whole student.”
Owoh has taken on several service opportunities as an alum including chapter advisor to the Theta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., committee member for students’ capstone projects in the College of Education and a member of the Dean’s Council for the College of Education. Owoh contributes through the UCA Foundation to the Bear Band and to the Greek Village Project. He finds himself back in Conway often — attending UCA athletic events and shows at Reynolds Performance Hall.
A product of Camden, Arkansas, Owoh is now superintendent of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. He says receiving the Alumni Service Award is one more memorable moment he can associate with UCA.
“It means the world to me to have my wife and son witness me receive this award from the university I always talk about!” he said. “It is always a great day to be a bear!”
The Young Alumni Award, first given in 2019, recognizes exceptional achievements in career, public service and/or volunteer activities that bring honor to the university. Nominations are submitted by alumni, friends and staff members for committee consideration.
Hager, who earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UCA in 2004, says UCA helped make her the person she is today. The Vilonia, Arkansas native knew for a long time she wanted to follow in her mother’s and sister’s footsteps by attending the university.
“I attended both of their graduations and could not wait until I too would proudly get to sing ‘They lead us upward, they lead us onward, they lead us to victory’ at my own graduation ceremony.”
Hagar says she is appreciative and honored to have been chosen to receive the Young Alumni Award. Her favorite part of being involved as an alumna is mentorship.
“I enjoy being able to give back to this incredibly special university. UCA is where I learned how to celebrate being a lifetime learner and understand the value of community,” Hager said. “To be recognized by an institution with a legacy and tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to values of integrity, respect, discovery and service is humbling. I would like to accept this award in honor of my late father, Kent David; and late husband, Dustin Hager.”
During her time at UCA, Hagar was involved in student orientation, judicial board, and UCA Ambassadors. She began her leadership journey in the Student Government Association and learned to balance hard work, personal development, community service and adventure through her sorority: Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Hagar is vice president of Chesapeake Energy’s health, safety, environmental and regulatory department. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her 9-year-old step-daughter.
