UCA assistant vice president for student affairs recognized as 2025 Star Collaborator
Wendy Holbrook (right), University of Central Arkansas assistant vice president for student affairs, has been recognized by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as their 2025 Star Collaborator Award recipient. Laken Ross, nutrition programs coordinator for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, presented the award.
Wendy Holbrook, University of Central Arkansas assistant vice president for student affairs, has been recognized by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as their 2025 Star Collaborator Award recipient.
This award honors an individual who exemplifies partnership, compassion and leadership in addressing food insecurity across Arkansas. Holbrook has been a consistent champion for ensuring students’ basic needs are met, fostering cross-campus collaboration and helping shape supportive, welcoming food pantry environments.
“Wendy’s commitment to student well-being and her collaborative spirit have strengthened the statewide network of college pantries and advanced the shared vision of a hunger-free Arkansas,” UCA Vice President of Student Affairs Robin Williamson said.
Holbrook gained oversight responsibility for the Bear Essentials Food Pantry in 2020 and has led its growth during a period of rapidly increasing need. Under her leadership, the pantry now serves more than 500 students each month. Holbrook is responsible for securing financial support for the pantry, which operates entirely through donations. She has been instrumental in obtaining grant funding and significant contributions from the Conway community.
Holbrook has participated in panels and presentations at the College Hunger Summit for the past two years, and UCA’s Bear Essentials Food Pantry has participated in the Nutrition Pantry Program, working toward goals that center around neighbors, trauma-informed care and healthy food prioritization.
“Wendy’s work serves as an example of what it looks like when student support is rooted in dignity, empathy and collaboration,” Laken Ross, nutrition programs coordinator for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, said. “Thank you, Wendy!”
Holbrook is especially proud of the strong support from the UCA community. Food drives sponsored by academic departments, student organizations and Staff Senate play a critical role in keeping the shelves stocked, while the monthly payroll deduction campaign consistently generates several hundred dollars each month to support ongoing operations.
More information about the Bear Essential Food Pantry can be found at uca.edu/foodpantry.