The University of Central Arkansas’ Center for Global Learning and Engagement has been awarded the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade – International Impact in Education for its efforts to recruit, admit and support international students all over the world. The award was presented by the Arkansas District Export Council (ArDEC) at a luncheon in Little Rock on Oct. 17.
Staff and students from the University of Central Arkansas’ Center for Global Learning and Engagement attended the Arkansas District Export Council luncheon where the center was honored with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade – International Impact in Education.
In 2023-24, a total of 5,776 international students in Arkansas contributed $146.9 million to the economy and supported 910 jobs, according to NAFSA.
UCA’s Center for Global Learning and Engagement welcomed 98 new international students from 70 countries in fall 2025, bringing its total international student enrollment to 321 students. The center is responsible for all immigration reporting required by the U.S. government and manages semester study abroad opportunities at more than 20 partner universities on five continents and National Student Exchange Study Away semester exchange throughout the U.S. and Canada. UCA’s “Global Classroom” initiative provides UCA students and faculty the opportunity to participate in Collaborative Online Learning with partners around the world.
“I am very proud that the good efforts of my colleagues in international admissions, recruiting and student services have been recognized with this award,” Associate Vice President for Global Learning and Engagement Dr. Phillip Bailey said. “We work closely with EducationUSA advisors in countries around the world, and last year were pleased to receive the support of Richard Duda in the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Little Rock.”
Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the UCA College of Business, and Dr. Phillip Bailey, UCA associate vice president for Global Learning and Engagement.
UCA Provost and Executive Vice President Michael Hargis explained that having international students on campus and in the classroom allows the university to increase the opportunities for all students to develop global perspectives and knowledge that will prepare them to work and live well in their communities.
The university recently hired its first ever international student recruitment specialist, and welcomes students from 70 different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Ghana, China, The Bahamas, Nigeria, Nepal, France, Canada, Niger, Vietnam, South Korea and India.
About the Arkansas District Export Council
The Arkansas District Export Council (ArDEC) has been a key resource serving the businesses within the state for over 40 years. The ArDEC was established in 1978 as one of over 60 District Export Councils (DECs) nationwide, whose members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, to promote and support international trade activities and awareness throughout the State of Arkansas, through their cooperation and support of the U.S. Export Assistance Center. Composed of leaders from the Arkansas business community the ArDEC represents a wide range of business, government and academic organizations whose knowledge of international business provides a critical source of professional advice and support for Arkansas firms.