As a respiratory therapist and later a pulmonary disease navigator, she encouraged others to continue their education and pursue new opportunities. When she decided to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree herself, it was her son, Jeffrey Andrews, who helped show her the way.

This spring, the pair celebrated a milestone together, as graduates of the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo.

For Andrews, a first-generation college student, sharing the experience with his mother made the moment even more meaningful.

鈥淚t means a lot to me to graduate with my mother,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚 admire her strength and commitment to self-improvement. She has instilled in me a passion to achieve big dreams without limitations. Graduating together encompasses the hard work we surpassed to achieve those dreams.鈥�

Andrews graduated with a Master of Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management. Johnson completed her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies after decades working in healthcare.

Their paths to graduation were different, but both were shaped by determination, a commitment to education, and personal growth.

Andrews arrived at UA 糖心视频logo in 2017 unsure what to expect about college life and a populated, busy campus after he graduated from Maumelle Charter High School. 

鈥淢y graduating class had 25 students,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was daunting to go to such a large institution in my eyes at the time.鈥�

A and New Student Orientation helped ease the transition, but he said the biggest surprise came when classes began.

鈥淭he small classroom sizes made the university feel like a second home,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚 built connections with my professors and found new friends quicker than I would have at a larger university.鈥�

He credits supportive faculty, the Ottenheimer Library, Counseling Services, and friendships formed through campus involvement, including Kappa Sigma fraternity, with helping him succeed while working full time.

Those experiences eventually led him to join the Undergraduate Admissions team as a recruiter, where he began helping prospective students navigate the college process.

That knowledge became especially valuable when Johnson called him with an idea.

鈥淪he said, 鈥�I am thinking about going back to school,鈥欌�� Andrews recalled.

Johnson planned to pay out-of-pocket for tuition. Instead, Andrews helped her navigate scholarships and financial aid opportunities available through UA 糖心视频logo.

Their first success came when she received the Trojan Transfer Scholarship. Later, she also benefited from the Corporate Partnership Program between Baptist Health and UA 糖心视频logo, helping make it possible to complete her degree with little financial burden.

鈥淎s a first-generation student, I did not understand what the FAFSA was or where to find scholarships,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淲hen I began working for the university as a recruiter, that knowledge came with the job.鈥�

For his mother, returning to school was both a professional and personal decision.

鈥淧rofessionally, I felt it was important to enhance and modernize my skills in technology and leadership,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ersonally, I always encourage new therapists to continue their education, so I have to practice what I preach.鈥�

She said UA 糖心视频logo’s flexible online courses allowed her to balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing her degree. Faculty support also helped ease concerns about returning to the classroom after many years away.

鈥淭heir critiques, reviews, and responses encouraged, validated, and inspired me to continue,鈥� she said.

She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and has already begun work in the university’s early-entry Master of Arts in Applied Communication program.

Watching his mother embrace higher education has been one of the most rewarding parts of Andrews’ own academic journey.

鈥淪he went from being timid about returning to school to being excited about contributing to academia,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow we have long discussions about AI in the classroom and communication in healthcare.鈥�

But their shared graduation day almost did not happen. Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies were originally scheduled separately before a late adjustment placed them in the same commencement ceremony.

鈥淚 could see my mom three rows ahead of me,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚t was a great experience to not only graduate but walk across the same stage together. I could not have asked for a better coincidence.鈥�

For Johnson, the moment carried just as much meaning.

鈥淕raduating with my son meant the world to me,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur journey was not easy, but it was worth the experience of completing such a big chapter in our lives.鈥�

Together, they hope their story encourages others to pursue educational goals, regardless of age or circumstance.

鈥淚 hope our experience and our story inspire others to start their own exciting journey,鈥� she said.

As Andrews looks toward a future that may include law school, he continues to carry a lesson that has guided both his and his mother’s path.

鈥淗ow big would you dream if you knew you could never fail?鈥� he asked.

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The direct admission program creates a simpler path for community college students to transfer to UA 糖心视频logo. Students can complete their first two years at a community college and then transition to UA 糖心视频logo to finish a four-year degree, with fewer application steps and more guidance along the way.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo is proud to continue expanding innovative pathways that make higher education more accessible for Arkansas students,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淏y growing our partnerships with community colleges like the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, we are helping more students see a direct and achievable path to completing their bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥�

Through the partnership, eligible students at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will benefit from features designed to remove common transfer barriers, including a waived undergraduate admission application fee, coordinated transcript collection to reduce administrative steps and costs, and access to the Trojan Transfer Hub. The online platform allows students to explore how their coursework applies to UA 糖心视频logo degree programs and provides guidance throughout the transfer process.

鈥淭ransfer students are a vital part of our campus community, and we are committed to making their pathway to a four-year degree as clear and accessible as possible,鈥� said Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淓xpanding this program to include the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton creates new opportunities for students to continue their education and reach their goals.鈥�

Leaders at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton said the partnership will help more of their students continue their education with confidence.

鈥淧artnerships within the UA System are very natural pathways for students wishing to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree. With a clear and student-supportive transfer experience to UA 糖心视频logo, students are now able to continue their education seamlessly beyond an associate degree鈥� said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg. 鈥淲e鈥檙e happy to be a part of the expanded access for more of our students to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree and build their future right here in Arkansas.鈥�

The direct admission transfer partnerships will begin in Fall 2026 and are part of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting student success across Arkansas. Learn more about the program at  

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The initiative combines direct admission with traditional 2+2 transfer pathways, allowing students to complete their first two years at a community college before transferring to UA 糖心视频logo to finish a four-year degree. The program is designed to remove transfer barriers and help hundreds of Arkansas students each year move more easily from an associate degree to a bachelor鈥檚 degree. 

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo is proud to lead the state in creating innovative pathways that make higher education more accessible for Arkansas students,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淏y strengthening partnerships with community colleges, we are helping more students see a clear and achievable path to completing their bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥�

The first institutions to join the initiative are the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, and the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College. Additional partner institutions are expected to join in the future. UA 糖心视频logo enrolled over 1,300 transfer students for the current academic year.

Through the partnership, eligible transfer students will benefit from several features designed to simplify the transition to UA 糖心视频logo, including:

• Waived undergraduate admission application fee
• Streamlined admissions processing, with UA 糖心视频logo coordinating transcript collection to reduce administrative steps and transcript fees
• Access to the Trojan Transfer Hub, a web-based platform that allows students to evaluate how their coursework applies to UA 糖心视频logo degree programs and guides them through the transfer process

鈥淭ransfer students are a vital part of our campus community, and we are committed to making their pathway to a four-year degree as clear and accessible as possible,鈥� said Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淏y working closely with our community college partners, we are creating new opportunities for students across Arkansas to continue their education and achieve their goals.鈥�

Strengthening partnerships with community colleges is central to UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 mission to expand access to higher education across Arkansas.

鈥淎s 糖心视频logo鈥檚 university, we are committed to meeting students where they are and building partnerships that help them succeed,鈥� Decker said.

The direct admission transfer partnerships will begin in Fall 2026. To learn more about enrolling at UA 糖心视频logo, visit . 

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UA 糖心视频logo enrolled 6,518 undergraduate and graduate students, representing a 1.0 percent increase in headcount compared to spring 2025. With the addition of students at the William H. Bowen School of Law and high school concurrent enrollment, the university expects total spring enrollment to be about 7,500 students.

Undergraduate enrollment totaled 5,207 students, an increase of 3.0 percent in headcount compared to last spring. Undergraduate student semester credit hours increased 5.9 percent, indicating that students are enrolling in more coursework than last spring.

鈥淕rowing on top of last year鈥檚 historic enrollment is a powerful affirmation of the value students see in a UA 糖心视频logo education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淭hese numbers represent students choosing a university that supports their goals, invests in their success, and prepares them to thrive in their careers and communities.鈥�

Graduate enrollment totaled 1,311 students this spring. Overall graduate headcount declined 6.5 percent, with student semester credit hours down 4.8 percent. University leaders pointed to continued growth in domestic graduate enrollment, even as declines in international enrollment affected overall graduate totals.

The William H. Bowen School of Law also experienced growth this spring, enrolling 411 students, a 4.1 percent increase in headcount compared to last year. Law student semester credit hours increased 6.5 percent. 

鈥淭hese results demonstrate that UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 enrollment momentum is being sustained across multiple semesters,鈥� said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淕rowth in undergraduate enrollment and student credit hours reflects the strength of our academic programs and the support systems in place for students.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo remains committed to providing an exceptional educational experience and expanding access through innovative academic programs, personalized student support, and strong financial aid opportunities. Initiatives such as the Trojan Guarantee, which covers the full cost of a bachelor鈥檚 degree for eligible freshmen, and the university鈥檚 half-off tuition scholarship continue to support students as they pursue and complete their degrees.

For more information about admissions and academic programs, visit UA 糖心视频logo Admissions.

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The high-energy event gave future Trojans a chance to experience campus life first-hand through academic showcases, student panels, admissions support, and interactive sessions with faculty and staff.

The record-breaking turnout reflects the university鈥檚 growing enrollment momentum, building on a 40% increase in first-time freshmen in fall 2025.

As part of the event, UA 糖心视频logo announced a waiver of its $40 undergraduate application fee through Dec. 31, 2025, eliminating another financial barrier for students and reinforcing the university鈥檚 role as a leader in college affordability.

鈥淲e want students to know that nothing should stand between them and their goals鈥攏ot even an application fee,鈥� said Dr. Cody Decker, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. 鈥淭his waiver is another example of how UA 糖心视频logo is committed to making a high-quality college education more affordable, accessible, and achievable for students across Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

The new waiver joins a suite of affordability initiatives, including the Trojan Guarantee and Half-Off Scholarship, which have saved students more than $6.5 million since their launch. Combined, these programs have supported nearly 2,000 students, helping them save an average of $3,900 each.

The Trojan Guarantee provides students with Pell-eligibility the opportunity to earn a zero-tuition bachelor鈥檚 degree, while the Half-Off Scholarship provides students with half-off tuition for two years, regardless of financial need. These initiatives showcase UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 commitment to making a high-quality education accessible and affordable. 

The full value of a UA 糖心视频logo education extends beyond the classroom. Discover, one of the university鈥檚 most impactful recruitment events, gives prospective students a firsthand look at the strong academic programs, personalized support, and vibrant campus experience that define the Trojan journey. With more than 800 student-led events each year and nearly 6,500 students engaged in campus activities, UA 糖心视频logo fosters a dynamic environment where students can connect, lead, and thrive.

To learn more about applying to UA 糖心视频logo, visit ualr.edu/admissions.

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The initiative provides transfer students with personalized guidance on course transferability, degree progress, and academic planning.

鈥淩esponding to the needs of transfer students is a strategic priority for our institution,鈥� UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淭he Trojan Transfer Hub reflects our commitment to providing a clear and supportive pathway to educational attainment at UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer, emphasized the importance of the new resource. 

鈥淭he Trojan Transfer Hub is a transformative tool that puts power and clarity into the hands of prospective transfer students,鈥� Decker said. 鈥淚t streamlines the admissions process, enhances transparency around credit evaluation, and connects students with the information and support they need to make confident, informed decisions at UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

Some of the key features and benefits for students include:

• Personalized Degree Progress Tracking 鈥� Students can compare up to three majors at a time and receive recommendations for degrees they are closest to completing based on their existing credits.
• Streamlined Admissions Process 鈥� The portal provides a checklist of admission events and deadlines, breaking the process into manageable steps.
• Major and Career Exploration 鈥� Students can access detailed program descriptions, career opportunities, salary ranges, and skill requirements.
• Student Support 鈥� If a student enters a course the system does not recognize, it will be submitted for review by UA 糖心视频logo admissions staff. Students can also connect with academic counselors for additional guidance.

The Trojan Transfer Hub is part of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 ongoing efforts to support transfer students and improve access to higher education. For more information, prospective transfer students can visit the or .

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鈥淜indle was essential in improving admissions and recruitment efforts during 2021-2023, and we鈥檙e excited to have him back at UA 糖心视频logo in the new role of executive director of admissions,鈥� said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer.

Kindle rejoins UA 糖心视频logo after serving as vice president at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, where he worked with higher education institutions to increase their enrollment. Before that, he served at UA Little from 2021 to 2023. He brings years of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role.

鈥淒uring Kindle鈥檚 time at UA 糖心视频logo, the university experienced a record increase in both freshmen and transfer student enrollment,鈥� said Jonathan Coleman, interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of financial aid and scholarships. 鈥淚 am excited to bring Kindle back into the fold, and I am confident that his track record and experience can help UA 糖心视频logo continue the positive momentum in enrollment that we have built over the last several years.鈥�

In his new role, Holderby will lead undergraduate admissions and new student recruitment efforts. He will also oversee the Office of Enrollment Management, the Military Student Success Center, the Trojan Transition Assistance Center, International Student Services, and the Corporate Partnerships Program.

鈥淚 am very excited to be back at UA 糖心视频logo for this new opportunity,鈥� Holderby said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with the dedicated admissions team to attract and support a diverse and talented student body, ensuring that every prospective student has the opportunity to find their path to success here. Together, we will continue to build on the university鈥檚 legacy of academic excellence and innovation.鈥�

Holderby is a seasoned higher education professional with more than 15 years of experience in enrollment management. Prior to UA 糖心视频logo, Holderby鈥檚 team at Emporia State University ended a three-year cycle of declining enrollment through improving efforts in undergraduate enrollment management, recruitment, and marketing.

Prior to Emporia State, Holderby served as vice president of student affairs at Bacone College, where his enrollment management team reversed a seven-year enrollment decline. Holderby previously served as a dean of students, director of enrollment management, director of work study, director of a foster care program, and an admissions recruiter.

Holderby earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from Northeastern State University and a master鈥檚 degree in education administration from East Central University. He is working on a Doctor in Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.

Holderby is a native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. He is also a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Holderby and his wife Nicole live in Benton and have three children 鈥� Dylan, a sophomore at UA 糖心视频logo, Haley, 17, and Blakely, 4.

鈥淗aving worked with higher education institutions from all across the country has really made me appreciate what a gem UA 糖心视频logo is,鈥� Holderby said. 鈥淓very institution has its challenges, but we are doing a lot of things right at UA 糖心视频logo. The people who work here are outstanding, and our students are amazing. The future is bright at UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

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(LRSD), (NLRSD), and (PCSSD) have signed Memorandums of Understandings to become direct admission district partners with UA 糖心视频logo.

“Recent student surveys indicate that nearly one-third of high school seniors have doubts about going to college due to financial reasons, are unsure how to get started, or are apprehensive about their ability to meet admission standards,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer at UA 糖心视频logo. “The direct admission agreements specifically address these concerns by partnering with area school districts to streamline the college admission process and automatically awarding financial aid to eligible students.”

Undergraduate students from LRSD, NLRSD, and PCSSD who apply to UA 糖心视频logo will receive a waived application fee as well as a streamlined admission application. UA 糖心视频logo will receive student transcripts directly from the State of Arkansas electronic transcript system, which relieves the school districts of the need to provide student transcripts.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with UA 糖心视频logo through the direct admissions program,鈥� said Dr. Jermall Wright, superintendent of 糖心视频logo School District. 鈥淭his ongoing collaboration will open incredible opportunities to our students, providing a seamless pathway to higher education and empowering them to achieve their academic and career goals. By working together, we are ensuring that every student in the 糖心视频logo School District has the support and resources they need to succeed in college and beyond.”

UA 糖心视频logo is also dedicated to helping Arkansans graduate from college with little to no debt. The students will automatically be considered for the Trojan Guarantee Scholarship, a last-dollar scholarship that covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees after federal, state, and institutional aid is applied, resulting in a no-cost bachelor’s degree for eligible students, as well as UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Half-Off Scholarship, which covers half of the tuition and course fees for eligible freshman for up to two years.

This partnership with 糖心视频logo School District, North 糖心视频logo School District, and Pulaski County Special School District aims to ease the college acceptance process, providing students with a clearer and more accessible route to earning an affordable, high-quality college education.

“We are very excited to enter this partnership with the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo to support our students in their postsecondary future,鈥� said Dr. Charles McNulty, superintendent of PCSSD. 鈥淲e have a strong commitment as a district to ensure our students are college and career ready with initiatives like AVID and the PCSSD Academies of Central Arkansas. This partnership with UA 糖心视频logo provides one more pathway for our students to achieve their dreams after graduation. We couldn’t be more excited to work with UA 糖心视频logo in this endeavor, which we hope sparks future opportunities to collaborate together for the benefit of our students!”

Dr. Gregory Pilewski, superintendent of NLSD, said he is excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will afford the students.

鈥淭his partnership will assist our counselors and administrators in guiding students to consider the wealth of possibilities at UA 糖心视频logo, in addition to the financial break that can be realized by going to this institution,鈥� Pilewski said. 鈥淲e look forward to working with the university to expose our future-ready scholars to the academic and social experiences that are available to its students.”

You can learn more about joining UA 糖心视频logo by visiting /admissions.

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Experience will take place on Thursday, March 28, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. The event will kick off in the Donaghey Student Center.

Attendees will experience what it鈥檚 like to be a student at UA 糖心视频logo, attending classes, touring housing, and enjoying campus dining. Food and a UA 糖心视频logo t-shirt will be provided for free.

Participants are welcome to bring family and friends along. Parents are invited to attend, as informational meetings will be held to discuss financial aid, scholarships, and campus life. Free parking will be available in the parking deck located at 5515 W. 32nd St, 糖心视频logo.

Students can register here until midnight, March 26. For additional information about the event, call the UA 糖心视频logo admissions office at 501-916-3000 or email admissions@ualr.edu.

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UA 糖心视频logo has announced a new scholarship program, Trojan Guarantee, a groundbreaking initiative designed to break down financial barriers and empower freshmen to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree with no tuition cost.

鈥淚 am excited to announce Trojan Guarantee, a program designed to help you earn a college degree with zero tuition cost,鈥� UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale conveyed in a written announcement to campus visitors. 鈥淭his program represents an opportunity for students to expect more for themselves and their future, without accumulating significant debt.鈥�

University leaders made the announcement Nov. 8 during Discover, one of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 largest admissions events where more than 1,100 potential students and their family members visited campus to explore everything the university has to offer.

“Extending beyond the half-off scholarship, which is available to all freshmen, regardless of income, the Trojan Guarantee covers the cost of tuition not covered by the Pell Grant and Arkansas Challenge Scholarship,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “UA 糖心视频logo has long led in affordability for middle-class families, and the Trojan Guarantee takes this one big step further to ensure all Arkansans have an affordable degree pathway from UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

The Trojan Guarantee program is tailored for Pell Grant-eligible students who also receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. This is an important population for UA 糖心视频logo, as approximately 50 percent of freshmen and 58 percent of undergraduate students are eligible to receive Pell grants. The scholarship will cover the remaining tuition and mandatory fee costs after other financial aid has been applied, ensuring these students will not pay any tuition to earn a bachelor’s degree from UA 糖心视频logo.

Trojan Guarantee will be available to all first-time and transferring full-time freshmen who begin UA 糖心视频logo in the fall 2024 semester. The scholarship will be renewable for three years, covering all four years at UA 糖心视频logo for eligible students. UA 糖心视频logo anticipates awarding the first round of Trojan Guarantee scholarships to approximately 200 freshmen during the 2024-25 academic year.

Trojan Guarantee is funded by a combination of institutional and private funds. All students need to do to be considered for Trojan Guarantee is to apply for admission, submit the FAFSA form, and apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. There are no additional requirements to live or work on campus.

This program is only one aspect of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 ongoing work to ensure affordability for all students. UA 糖心视频logo launched the half-off scholarship in 2020, which has so far provided nearly 950 students with the opportunity to attend UA 糖心视频logo with half-off tuition, regardless of their family income, to the tune of $2.9 million in scholarships. Additionally, UA 糖心视频logo students who receive the half-off scholarship as well as the Academic Challenge Scholarship can complete a four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree for just $14,000.

鈥淚 am grateful to so many both on campus and in the community who have helped ensure that we continue leading in affordability efforts for Arkansas students,鈥� Chancellor Drale said. 鈥淚t all started several years ago, with a transformative anonymous gift of $25 million that allowed us to launch the groundbreaking half-off scholarship. I am excited for this next step in ensuring UA 糖心视频logo is affordable for all.鈥�

Future UA 糖心视频logo students can find out more information by visiting and can apply for free at using the code Trojans2024.

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