UCA President Tom Courtway stressed the importance of an education during Opening Convocation Monday at Reynolds Performance Hall. Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year. Classes will start on Thursday.
During his remarks, Courtway asked the freshmen to recite a promise to stay in school. He encouraged students to visit him if they contemplate quitting.
“The challenge for us and for you is to not quit,” he said. “Some of you maybe homesick, some of you maybe missing loved ones, some of you may have other things going on in your life, but you’ve made a great first step by choosing an excellent educational institution with a wonderful faculty and a supportive staff,” he said. “We know it’s a fact that you will be more successful and earn more money with a college education.”
In Arkansas, one’s earning capacity is about 94 percent greater than someone who has a high school diploma, Courtway said. A recent study by Georgetown University showed that over 5 million jobs were lost in the last recession over the last five years by those who did not have a sufficient education, but there was a net job gain by people who earned the highest degree they could attain.
Dr. Steve Runge, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, welcomed students on behalf of the faculty and deans. He also gave students advice to help them reach their goals.
“When the faculty tells you that they want you to succeed, believe them,” Runge said. “We really want you to succeed. As the president said, we want you to stay, we want you to complete your degree, and we want you to graduate. When the faculty tells you ‘if you have questions, come to my office during my office hours,’ believe them.”
Runge told the students to fun, but don’t forget why they are at UCA.
“You are here to get an education, to advance your goals, to get into a career that you choose and we want you to get there,” he said. “We are here for you.”
Kaitlin Straw from Conway said she was motivated by President Courtway’s speech.
“It was a great start to the year,” she said. “His challenge will keep people focused on getting an education and not partying.”
Makayla James from Texarkana said the president’s speech made her feel special.
“He was very personable and the challenge showed that we do have a purpose here,” she said.
