Smith, Farr, Wile recognized for contributions to the university, their communities
Three University of Central Arkansas alumni were honored for their outstanding service, professional accomplishments and volunteer contributions at the 2025 Alumni Awards celebration held during the university’s homecoming week.
UCA honors alumni for service, leadership, achievement during homecoming week
Debbye Jo Smith ’73 of Gassville received the Karen Sullards Alumni Service Award, which recognizes graduates who have demonstrated outstanding service to UCA through sustained involvement, leadership and support.
Smith retired from Walmart in 2013 after 19 years as assistant general counsel for Walmart stores, Sam’s Club and logistics/transportation divisions. She has been a dedicated supporter of UCA for more than three decades, serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1991 to 1993, including a term as president, and on the UCA Foundation Board from 2009 to 2015, where she was secretary from 2010 to 2013. A life member of the alumni association, she also served on the university’s search committee for vice president for advancement. Her ongoing commitment to UCA includes membership in the Purple Circle, the President’s Society and the Doyne Legacy Society, where her planned gifts will benefit the Purple Circle, Delta Zeta and the Bear Essentials Food Pantry.
“UCA gave me such a solid foundation to build my future, and I’ve always believed in paying it forward whether through financial support, mentoring or service to the university,” Smith said. “To be recognized with this service award, especially one that bears Karen Sullards’ name, is truly humbling.
“There are so many dedicated alumni who give their time and energy to UCA, so I’m both thrilled and deeply honored to be among them.”
Dr. M. Nicholas Farr ’12, ’14, ’19 of Sherwood received the Young Alumni Award, which recognizes graduates under the age of 40 who have made significant strides in their career and have shown strong leadership and promise in their field.
Farr has built an impressive career as an educator and performer. He serves as principal of Maumelle High School and director of choral activities at Shorter College. His honors include 2015 Teacher of the Year, 2017 Choral Director of the Year, and recognition as a 2026 Music Educator Grammy Quarterfinalist. Next June, he will direct the New England Symphony Orchestra with a mass choir at Carnegie Hall. His artistic achievements also include multiple Arkansas Broadway World recognitions for acting and vocal performance. Farr is the founder and artistic director of the Una Voce at Wildwood Student Chorus.
Beyond his professional work, Farr serves as Arkansas executive director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., state president of the American Choral Directors Association, and a board member for the Actors Theatre of Little Rock. He is also active in the National Association for Music Educators and the National Association for Secondary School Principals. A proud UCA alumnus, Farr continues to give back as chapter advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha’s Theta Psi Chapter, a member of the UCA Alumni Association, and a donor to the Wingate Center and UCA Greek Village. He also lends his time and talent as a frequent speaker and emcee at student events.
“UCA is more than an institution of learning – it’s family,” Farr said. “I give back because I believe in my alma mater and want future students, including my own daughter, to have the same opportunities I did.
“To be recognized by UCA is both humbling and motivating. It reminds me that someone is always watching, so you should always be your best. I’m deeply grateful to my family and to the university that continues to feel like home every time I step on campus.”
Maria Kramer Wile ’14, ’21 of Conway was named Alumni Volunteer of the Year, which recognizes an alumnus for their dedication and commitment to volunteering, often going above and beyond in their efforts to support the university and its alumni community.
Wile is the director of physician recruitment and onboarding for Conway Regional Health System. A former associate director of alumni relations, she continues to serve her alma mater through her longtime involvement with the UCA Alumni Association Board of Directors and as chapter advisor for the Beta Lambda Chapter of Delta Zeta. She has also guided and mentored students as an advisor to the Association of Future Alumni and as a panelist for both the Association of Future Alumni and Presidential Leadership Fellows interview panels.
“UCA gave me opportunities and connections that far exceeded anything I imagined as a freshman in 2010,” Wile said. “Staying involved as an alumna allows me to give back to the place that shaped me, to support current students, stay connected to the community, and help ensure UCA continues to thrive.
“I still remember alumnae like Karen Sullards, Pat Otto and Susan Seltzer, whose examples of service inspired me to do the same. Receiving this award is such a humbling surprise. Giving back to UCA has always been personally fulfilling, and being recognized by fellow alumni makes it especially meaningful. We all share the same goal of helping future Bears have even greater opportunities than we did. For any alum thinking about reconnecting, I can promise there’s a place for you here.”