Department News

Department graduate accepted into Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

Nick Tollison, who graduated from UCA in May 2020 with a BA degree in International Studies, was recently accepted into the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) Program at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington DC starting in Fall 2026. Since May 2021, Nick has worked as a Software Tester for Acxiom Corporation in Conway, Arkansas. Nick is the lead software tester for all of Acxiom’s projects in Canada and Mexico, ensuring the “successful delivery of applications across thousands of retail locations.” While an undergraduate student at UCA, Nick was an Information & Personnel Security Intern with the Peace Corps in Washington DC from January to March 2020. He also participated in the Spanish Language Immersion Program at the Costa Rican Language Academy in the summer of 2019.

Posted in: Alumni News on May 12, 2026

GPI Department students participate in May 2026 commencement ceremony

Several students and faculty members from the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI) participated in UCA’s commencement ceremony at the Farris Center on Friday morning, May 1, 2026. More than 20 GPI students earned bachelor’s degrees in political science, public administration, and international studies following the 2026 spring semester.

Beginning in the summer and fall of 2026, some of the graduating students plan to continue their education in graduate school or law school, and many of them are pursuing internships and employment opportunities in government and public service. Mical Castleberry (BS in Political Science & BPA in Public Administration) and Summer Charles (BA in Political Science) plan to attend law school. Caleb Fergeson (BPA in Public Administration) plans to complete an internship with the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services. Caroline Fortenberry (BS in Political Science), Arely Pioquinto (BS in Political Science & BA in English), and Alec Williams (BS in Political Science & BPA in Public Administration) are planning to pursue JD degrees at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Bowen School of Law. Mitchell Gray (BPA in Public Administration & BBA in Business Administration) plans to pursue an MBA degree at UCA.

Also graduating in May 2026, Michael Phifer (BPA in Public Administration) plans to continue working as Executive Director of the non-profit organization Mission Machine, Inc. in Searcy. Evan Thomas (BS in Political Science & Philosophy) plans to pursue a JD degree at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. Richard Ware (BS in Political Science & Philosophy) plans to begin a position as a State Personnel Specialist with the Arkansas Office of Personnel Management. Ryan Webb (BS in Political Science) has applied for the MBA program at UCA. Madelyn White (BS in Political Science & Economics) has been accepted into the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Georgetown University. Jefferson Wilson (BS in Political Science & Criminology) plans to work as an Elections Library Assistant & Legal Assistant for the State of Arkansas Secretary of State.

Other GPI students graduating from UCA in May 2026 include Jaden Elmore, Amie Fall, Banjamin Henry, Katelyn Nees, Sydney Poe, Maritsa Rosas, Alexis Cantu Saavedra, and Lillian Ward. Ryan Webb, and Alec Williams.

Posted in: Student News on May 5, 2026

Department holds 2026 Pi Sigma Alpha induction ceremony

The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies held its annual induction ceremony for the Alpha Beta Theta Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, in the Fireplace Room of McCastlain Hall on Tuesday, April 16, 2026. Dr. Mark Mullenbach, department chair, announced the 2025-2026 inductees, including Taylor Brewer, Micah Castleberry, Summer Charles, Connor Farmer, Caleb Ferguson, Caroline Fortenberry, Kyla Hinton, Yasmine Kouadio, Max Long, Mary Lyle, Kylie McGraw, Stephany Morales, Kamarion Pickett, Sydney Poe, Ava Walker, Lillian Ward, Kayla Wyatt, and Taya Young. The department also honored its 2025-2026 Outstanding Students: Political Science – Caroline Fortenberry, Katelyn Nees, and Richard Ware; Public Administration – Micah Castleberry and Mitchell Gray; and International Studies – Lillian Ward. Dr. Joseph Howard and Dr. Aaron Sparks served as Faculty Advisors for UCA’s Pi Sigma Alpha chapter in 2025-2026.

Posted in: Pi Sigma Alpha on April 17, 2026

UCA Model UN students participate in 2026 spring conferences

Several members of the UCA Model United Nations (MUN) student organization participated in three conferences during the 2026 spring semester. The 2025-2026 officers for the UCA MUN student organization included Corbin Williams (president), Hlib Shevchenko (vice-president), Adrian Chavez (secretary), and Gracelynn King (treasurer). Dr. Mark Elrod and Dr. Mark Mullenbach of the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies served as co-faculty advisors for the UCA MUN.

On February 18-21, 2026, twelve UCA MUN students and Dr. Mark Elrod travelled to St. Louis, Missouri to participate in the 66th Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) conference. The UCA MUN students participated as delegates representing the countries of Burkina Faso and Ukraine. Julien Mrad, a 2025 UCA graduate who majored in international studies and linguistics and a former secretary-general of the Arkansas Model United Nations (AMUN), was presented a best position paper award for his representation of Burkina Faso in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Julien Mrad and four current UCA students (Hlib Shevchenko, Corbin Williams, Kyle Urban, and Omar Jarkas) served on the staff of a high school Model United Nations conference held at Conway High School on March 13-14, 2026. Participating in the conference as delegates were more than 50 students from Conway High School, Little Central High School, Little Rock Catholic High School, and Maumelle Charter High School.

Nine UCA MUN members participated in the Ozark Regional Model Arab League (OZMAL) Conference at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri on April 10-11, 2026. Delegations from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK), Oral Roberts University (Tulsa, OK), Drury University (Springfield, MO), and Missouri State University (Springfield, MO) also participated in the conference. The UCA students represented the countries of Bahrain (Taylor Brewer, Lillian Ward, and Maritsa Rosas); Egypt (Waylon Matthews, Hlib Shevchenko, and Kyle Urban); and Saudi Arabia (Elizabeth Velasco-Moya, Cobin Williams, and Jasmine Strickland) in the Joint Defense Council, Political Affairs Council, and Environmental Affairs Council. During the closing ceremony on April 11th, several of the students were recognized with awards, including Corbin Williams (Outstanding Delegate), Waylon Matthews (Distinguished Delegate), Elizabeth Velasco-Moya (Honorable Mention), Kyle Urban (Outstanding Delegate), and Maritsa Rosas (Distinguished Delegate).

Posted in: UCA Model UN on March 17, 2026

Department students complete 2025 summer internships

Emmet Brick, dual degree in Public Administration and Logistics/Supply Chain Management
“This summer, I interned at the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office. I first began working in the Election Division, working on a petition project that gave me valuable insight into how the division collects and stores information related to petitions. I then worked under an Inventory Specialist in the Business Office, which gave me the opportunity to see all the duties performed by the Secretary of State as we had to account for the equipment used by various departments. Overall, it was a transformative experience that gave me valuable insight into how our state government operates.”

Georgia Miller, Public Administration major and Political Science minor
“I had the opportunity to intern for The CALL, a local nonprofit that equips, educates, and trains current and future foster parents. I had the privilege of managing events, running social media accounts, and spreading awareness to the community that every child deserves a loving home. This organization has opened my eyes by shedding light on how much we take everything for granted. Working with this organization for over a year has allowed me to grow and develop my future career in the nonprofit sector.”

Mary Lyle, Political Science Major and Journalism Minor
“Over the summer, I had the opportunity to intern at STOPDV, a nonprofit in Conway. While I was there, my main tasks included going to weekly court meetings and taking notes on cases related to domestic violence, organizing files, and working on longstanding projects related to outreach and reducing recidivism. Through my time at STOPDV, I learned how nonprofits function and the amount of dedication it takes to continuously fight for victims in the legal system. ”

Posted in: Student News on December 10, 2025

Department student selected for Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy

Kylie McGraw, public administration major in the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI), was selected for the inaugural Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. The Academy prepares the next generation of public leaders by bringing together students from colleges and universities in Arkansas to engage in academic discussions, practical training, and service-learning. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become effective community leaders. The program culminates in the awarding of a Civic Arkansas Credential.

Kylie is a senior public administration major from Little Rock. Kylie is serving as the President of the UCA Student Government Association (SGA) and the Secretary of the Public Administration (PA) Club in 2025-2026. After graduation from UCA, Kylie will be pursuing a law degree and hopes one day to become an elected official and policymaker in her community.

Dr. Kim Hoffman, Director of the undergraduate public administration program and Director of the NextGen Service Corps program in the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI), commends McGraw’s leadership as SGA president and for representing UCA in the first cohort of the civic leadership academy. According to Dr. Hoffman, “Kylie embodies the kind of student we have in the GPI Department who strives to make her community better, seeks opportunities to become more civically engaged, and aspires to be a future change agent and problem-solver.”

Posted in: Student News on December 5, 2025

Department hosts 60th Arkansas Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference at UCA

The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI) hosted the 60th Arkansas Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference at UCA on November 21-22, 2025. A total of 565 high school students from the states of Arkansas and Louisiana participated in the conference. Attending the opening session on Friday, November 21st were several former AMUN secretaries-general, including Brett Newcomb (AMUN S-G 1968), Larry Lanes (AMUN S-G 1976), and Bill Waddell (AMUN S-G 1977). David Gruber (AMUN S-G 1967) observed committee and plenary sessions on Saturday, November 22nd. Kyle Urban served as AMUN S-G in 2025. Dr. Don Baker, former UCA instructor and AMUN coordinator, gave the keynote address during the opening session. Dr. Baker has been a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) with the U.S. Department of State since 2005. The AMUN was established by Professor Simms McClintock during the fall of 1966. The first AMUN conference was held in January 1967. The second and third AMUN conferences were held in January and December 1968.

Posted in: AMUN on December 1, 2025

UCA Model UN students participate in 15th ACMUN Conference at Harding University

Seventeen members of the UCA Model United Nations (MUN) student organization represented nine countries at the 15th Arkansas Collegiate Model United Nations (ACMUN) Conference held at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas on Friday, November 7, 2025. More than 60 delegates from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, Harding University, John Brown University, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and UCA represented countries in the Security Council, Council of the Arab League, Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC), and Human Rights Council (HRC). The UCA delegations included France (Dice Ferguson and Bethany Alford), Greece (Hlib Shevchenko), Haiti (Jasmine Strickland), Japan (Adrian Chavez and Natalie Hood), South Korea (Stephany Morales and Izzy Funes), Qatar (Corbin Williams, Waylon Matthews, Connor Farmer, and Elizabeth Velasco-Moya), Saudi Arabia (Codie Cash), South Africa (Taylor Brewer, Lillian Ward, and Maritsa Rosas), and Turkey (Ava Walker). At the end of the conference, awards were presented to the Best Delegates and Best Delegations, including members of UCA’s delegations to the conference: Hlib Shevchenko (Greece) was presented the Best Delegate award in the Security Council. Corbin Williams and Waylon Matthews (Qatar) were presented the Best Delegate-Honorable Mention award in the Economic & Social Council. In addition, Best Delegation-Honorable Mention awards were presented to UCA’s delegations representing Greece and Qatar.

Posted in: ACMUN on November 8, 2025

Department presents 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Chair of the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies, presented distinguished alumni awards to Benjamin W. Hovland (Class of 2000) and Troy B. Braswell, Jr. (Class of 2002) during a reception hosted by the department in Buffalo Alumni Hall on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Several alumni, faculty, students, and other guests attending the reception were welcomed by UCA President Houston Davis. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas in May 2000 with a BA degree in Political Science, Benjamin Hovland earned a JD degree from the University of Oregon in 2007. After serving for six years as Senior Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules & Administration, Hovland was appointed to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in Washington DC in 2018. Hovland’s appointment was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a unanimous vote on January 2, 2019. Hovland served as chair of the EAC in 2020-2021 and 2024-2025. Troy Braswell, Jr. graduated from UCA in August 2002 with a BS degree in Political Science and from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law with a JD degree in 2005. Between 2005 and 2024, Braswell worked as a law clerk for Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox, deputy prosecuting attorney in Pulaski County, and chief deputy prosecutor for the Arkansas 20th Judicial District, which covers Faulkner, Van Buren, and Searcy counties in Arkansas. In 2014, Braswell was elected to a six-year term as Circuit Court Judge in the Second Division of the 20th Judicial District. He was elected to a second term in 2020. Among his other responsibilities, Judge Braswell presides over the Juvenile Court in the Arkansas 20th Judicial District.

The 2025 distinguished alumni, Benjamin W. Hovland and Troy Braswell Jr., pictured with their award plaques

Posted in: Distinguished Alumnus Award on October 23, 2025

GPI Department awarded grant for NextGen Service program

The University of Central Arkansas has partnered with the Volcker Alliance to join the Next Generation Service Corps (NextGen Service), a nationwide network of higher education institutions committed to preparing undergraduate students for public service. UCA is the first institution of higher education in Arkansas to join this network to inspire and prepare students to serve their communities.

The Volcker Alliance awarded a $41,485 grant to the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI) in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to design and launch the NextGen Service program on the UCA campus. Dr. Kim Hoffman will lead the development of the program along with Dr. Joe Howard and Dr. Kisha Hardwick. The first cohort of students will begin the program in January 2027.

“The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies is committed to preparing students for careers in public service and inspiring them to become active participants in their community,” Hoffman said. “We envision UCA as the place where young people come to learn about public service and gain practical skills to become the next generation of leaders, policymakers and public administrators.”

The NextGen Service program will be open to all students, regardless of major, who express an interest in public service, civic engagement and solving public policy problems. Students in the program will engage in experiential activities including internships and community service activities, enjoy access to exclusive events and activities, network with public service professionals, and engage with other students from across the country who are dedicated to public service. Read more about our department’s plans to join Next Generation Service Corps on UCA’s news pager here.

Posted in: NextGen Service Corps on October 14, 2025