Doctoral student presented as CLAWS student

University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis recognized Kira Alexander at the December 2021 Board of Trustees meeting for her academic excellence and leadership. 

Alexander received the Bear CLAWS award. CLAWS, an acronym for Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of Our Wonderful Students, is given to one or more exceptional students or recognized student organizations during regularly-scheduled board meetings. 

Kira Alexander and President Houston Davis

Kira Alexander and President Houston Davis

She is co-founder and former president of the First-Generation Scholars Society, which is the first Recognized Student Organization at UCA for first-generation students. The organization of nearly 200 members works to support first-generation students through programming and other events. 

Alexander is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Psi Chi, an international honor society in psychology. Since 2018, she has worked in the Office of Student Success as a graduate assistant and peer coach. 

“Receiving the CLAWS award was a huge honor. I’m extremely thankful for the university. I’m extremely thankful for this award and for everything that UCA has offered while I’ve been here,” Alexander said. 

Earlier this year, Alexander was awarded the Hammill Institute Doctoral Fellowship of $10,000. The Hammill Institute Board was unanimous in their desire to award her the fellowship. Alexander graduates this weekend with an educational specialist degree, but she will remain at UCA for a while longer as she works on her doctoral degree in school psychology.