Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event included remarks from UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale and 糖心视频logo Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., a graduate of the university, followed by the unveiling of the new signs. During the ceremony, Scott also presented a commemorative proclamation on behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo recognizing UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 centennial celebration. 

“One hundred years, a centennial, higher education, economic development, the fabric of a capital city: that is the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, (and) I’m a proud graduate of this university,” Scott said. “On behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo, I share my appreciation for this university and its 100 years of steadfast service, 100 years of sacrifice, and 100 years of success.鈥�

The signs not only recognize聽 the university鈥檚 centennial but also its longstanding place in Arkansas and the city of 糖心视频logo. While UA 糖心视频logo has occupied three locations throughout its history, it has called its current campus home for over 75 years, growing alongside the city it has served for a century.

You can’t go to any public square, any pulpit, any process of progress across this entire state and not meet a UA 糖心视频logo graduate,” Scott said. “That鈥檚 the type of impact they have.”

The idea for custom signage originated with dedicated UA 糖心视频logo alumnus and Board of Visitors member Larry Golden, who envisioned using the university’s signature maroon color and Trojan head logo to create a more recognizable campus identity and to highlight UA 糖心视频logo’s presence in the surrounding community.

鈥淪treet signs do more than direct traffic,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭hey create a sense of place. They tell people they’ve arrived somewhere that matters. Beginning today, everyone who enters our campus will be welcomed by signs that proudly reflect this university.鈥�

The custom signs were made possible through a partnership with the City of 糖心视频logo and the university’s facilities management team. In collaboration with the City of 糖心视频logo and its Public Works Department, the university designed custom street signs and identified key campus intersections for the new signage.

The street sign dedication is one of several centennial initiatives recognizing the people, places, and partnerships that have shaped UA 糖心视频logo over the past century while looking ahead to its next 100 years.

“These signs now become part of that story,” Drale said. “They will welcome prospective students on their first campus visit, families celebrating graduation, alumni returning home, and countless others who will discover all that happens here.”

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Bhattacharyya not only taught the man braille, but also how to adapt to his new world. Moments like that have defined Bhattacharyya’s career. 

The UA 糖心视频logo alumnus serves as outreach director for the Helen Keller National Center鈥檚 National Outreach Technology Development and Training Program. He travels across the United States helping deafblind individuals use adaptive technology to communicate, work, and live more independently.

Bhattacharyya was born in Kolkata and raised in Telari, a small village about 25 miles away. When he was growing up, the village had no electricity, running water, or paved roads. As someone who was born deaf and gradually lost his vision, Bhattacharyya鈥檚 access to communication and information was limited.

“I learned early to become resourceful and independent because many of the services and technology available today simply did not exist,” he said. 

Helping others has become his life’s work. His journey took shape at UA 糖心视频logo, where he found not only an education but the confidence to become a leader in accessibility, technology, and advocacy.

His father also impressed upon him the importance of becoming financially independent.

“My father commanded that I needed to support myself financially because he would not be there forever to give me a hand,” Bhattacharyya said. “That message served as a guiding point in how I pursued all endeavors in life.”

After attending Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, in 1992, Bhattacharyya transferred to UA 糖心视频logo because of its commitment to accessibility. At the time, universities with comprehensive accommodations for deafblind students were rare. He eventually graduated from UA 糖心视频logo in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

He learned that the university was willing to remove barriers instead of creating them.

He said UA 糖心视频logo provided him with qualified interpreters, note-taking support, textbooks translated into electronic formats compatible with adaptive technology, orientation and mobility assistance, and faculty and staff committed to finding solutions.

“The environment at UA 糖心视频logo allowed me to focus on learning instead of constantly fighting for access,” he said.

Bhattacharyya also became involved in improving accessibility for future students. Then-Chancellor Charles Hathaway invited students with disabilities to share ideas for making the campus more accessible, leading to the creation of an Americans with Disabilities Act committee. Bhattacharyya served on the committee, helping advocate for improvements such as ramps, elevators, accessible water fountains, and adaptive technology labs.

“That experience became the foundation for my career in advocacy, accessibility, education without barriers, and technology,” he said.

Although he earned degrees in political science and rhetoric and writing, Bhattacharyya found a career that combined policy, communication, education, and technology.

“Political science taught me how laws, government, policies, and public systems affect people’s lives,” he said. “Rhetoric and writing taught me how to communicate ideas clearly and advocate effectively. Technology already was my deep passion, and it became the tool that makes independence with access to communication and information possible.”

Today, no two days are the same.

He conducts technology assessments, teaches people to use screen readers, refreshable braille displays, smartphones, and computers, evaluates emerging accessibility tools, troubleshoots technology, and trains professionals across the country.

Over the course of his career, he has watched smartphones, artificial intelligence, optical character recognition, GPS navigation, and cloud-based communication tools dramatically expand opportunities for deafblind individuals.

He is particularly excited about artificial intelligence and its potential to improve image descriptions, navigation, access to printed information, and real-time communication.

“I’m especially excited about artificial intelligence becoming more integrated into accessibility,” he said. “These technologies have dramatically increased independence and access to information.”

His advocacy has extended beyond individual training. Bhattacharyya helped support national efforts that led to the creation of , a federally-funded program that provides eligible deafblind individuals with free communication technology and training. Today, he manages that program in Florida and Iowa.

Despite the national scope of his work, Bhattacharyya says success is measured one person at a time.

“What means the most to me is hearing someone say, ‘I can do this on my own now,'” he said. “Those words are more meaningful than any award or title. The most rewarding part is seeing someone realize they can do something independently that they never thought was possible. Whether it’s sending their first email, shopping online, communicating with family, applying for a job, or returning to school, those moments remind me why this work is so meaningful.”

For families and friends of someone who is deafblind, Bhattacharyya encourages people to begin with a simple question, rather than assumptions.

“Ask the individual how they prefer to communicate,” he said. “There is no single approach that works for everyone.”

He also hopes people remember that deafblindness does not define a person’s abilities.

“Never assume that deafblindness limits what someone can achieve,” he said. “With proper training, accessible technology, skilled support professionals, and high expectations, deafblind individuals can pursue education, careers, travel, raise families, and contribute to their communities.”

Bhattacharyya credits UA 糖心视频logo with helping transform the trajectory of his life.

“(That) was a turning point in my life,” he said. “It gave me access to the education, accommodations, mentors, and opportunities that helped me realize my potential.”

“The university didn’t simply provide me with a degree,” he said. “It gave me the confidence to become a leader and dedicate my career to helping others succeed.”

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Helping students gain confidence in their own abilities defined Newton’s 38-year career in education. Recently, the UA 糖心视频logo alumna was recognized with the 2026 Lifetime Educator Award.

“It was such a special day, and I was deeply honored by the recognition,” Newton said. “There are so many outstanding teachers across our state who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their students. I wish every one of them could experience the feeling of being appreciated the way I did that day.”

During her career, Newton served as a teacher, library media specialist, curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, and mentor. She also led professional development for educators across Arkansas, served on the Arkansas State Board of Education, and was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2015.

But the moments she remembers most happened during interaction with her students inside her classroom.

“Some of my favorite moments were watching students who believed they ‘weren’t good at math’ leave my class confident in their abilities,” Newton said. “Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.”

She also cherishes reconnecting with former students years later and hearing about the lives they built after graduation.

“I meet them as adults, and they proudly tell me about their families, their careers, and how they are contributing to their communities,” Newton said. “Every student’s journey is different, and celebrating those journeys has been one of the greatest blessings of my career.”

Newton’s love for teaching started early. Her mother was a teacher and also her first-grade teacher. Other educators helped shape her path as well.

“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Pat Heard, showed me that math wasn’t just a subject. It was something you could truly enjoy,” Newton said. “My high school librarian, Mrs. Sudie Lamb, introduced me to a love of reading and opened the door to so many different genres.”

Newton studied library science at UA 糖心视频logo and said the education she earned at the university gave her the knowledge and confidence to begin her career as a K-12 library media specialist and provided a foundation she relied on throughout her career.

“We are so proud to call Mrs. Ouida Newton a UA 糖心视频logo alumna,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education at UA 糖心视频logo. “She represents excellence and dedication to teaching, and has positively influenced the lives of countless Arkansas children in her schools, and our teacher candidates are fortunate to have her as a role model.”

Another mentor, her high school English teacher, Mrs. Ruby Riggan, taught Newton a lesson she never forgot.

“She taught me that teaching isn’t just about delivering content,” Newton said. “It’s about knowing your students, caring about them as individuals, and letting them know every day that they matter.”

That lesson shaped the way Newton approached teaching and mentoring throughout her career.

“I hope they remember that they don’t simply teach content. They teach children,” Newton said. “Content is important, but the needs of the child must always come first. When students know they are valued and cared for, learning becomes possible.”

Serving as Arkansas Teacher of the Year and later on the Arkansas State Board of Education gave Newton a broader view of education across the state.

“I had the privilege of meeting dedicated educators from every corner of Arkansas,” Newton said. “While we often had different ideas and approaches, we all shared the same goal of providing every child with the best education and opportunities possible.”

After nearly four decades in education, Newton believes one thing has never changed.

“The teacher is still the most important part of any classroom,” she said. “A teacher who believes in a child can change that child’s life forever.”

When she looks back on her career, Newton hopes people remember something much simpler than the awards she received or the positions she held.

“More than anything, I hope people remember that I loved their children with all my heart and always wanted what was best for them,” Newton said. “If they remember that, then I will consider my career a success.”

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Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements.

“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” said Lloyd Webre, director of development for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Every sponsorship represents someone who believes in creating opportunities for students and our community to experience science in a hands-on, inspiring way. We’re grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to ensure the Shellam Flake Planetarium is a UA 糖心视频logo staple for generations to come.”

Provost Ann Bain became the program’s first supporter, sponsoring two seats in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,” Bain said. “Knowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.”

Centennial Co-Chair Alfred Williams has been instrumental in securing many of the campaign’s seat sponsorships. Campaign cabinet members Mike Williams, James Bobo, RJ Martino, Courtney Little, and Thomas Dickinson have also demonstrated their support by purchasing seats.

Each $2,500 sponsorship includes a personalized nameplate displayed on a planetarium seat for five years. Sponsors may recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. 

Proceeds from the program provide long-term support for the Shellam Flake Planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements, helping ensure it remains a premier destination for student learning and community engagement for years to come.

When open in the spring, the restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space welcoming K-12 students and community members for educational programming and public shows.

Seat sponsorships remain available. To learn more or sponsor a seat, visit or contact Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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Pyle earned a Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies from the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo in 2011.

鈥淚 was honored to be selected,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭he other candidates are really wonderful, highly qualified colleagues of mine, so it was humbling to be chosen for the role.鈥�

As associate dean of undergraduate learning, Pyle will help shape Clemson’s undergraduate experience by overseeing initiatives related to student learning and the university’s general education curriculum. His work begins by listening, building relationships, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

鈥淢y primary goal starting in this new role is to get a good sense of where we have opportunities and where things aren鈥檛 working like they should in the General Education curriculum,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚 anticipate my first 6-12 months will primarily be learning the landscape, building relationships, and making sense of data to get a picture of where there are bottlenecks or where things need to be adjusted or updated.鈥�

Pyle said his enthusiasm for helping students learn and grow was shaped by the teachers and mentors who invested in him throughout his academic journey, including several faculty members at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淚鈥檝e had such wonderful teachers and mentors during my academic career, including some amazing folks in applied communication at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚n my work as a professor, I always look for ways to connect with and create opportunities for students. I鈥檓 excited about this new role because it is all about ensuring that our undergraduate student experience is a strong one.鈥�

Pyle’s connection to UA 糖心视频logo began while he was completing his undergraduate degree at Ouachita Baptist University. During that time, he took a course taught by Dr. Linda Pledger, a retired UA 糖心视频logo faculty member who encouraged him to consider the university’s graduate program in Applied Communication Studies.

鈥淪he knew that I was interested in an academic career, and she recommended that I take a look at UA 糖心视频logo for my graduate studies,鈥� Pyle said.

After meeting with then-department chair Dr. Rob Ulmer, Pyle said he quickly realized he had found the right place to continue his education.

鈥淗e convinced me that UA 糖心视频logo was the right place for me to continue my academic journey,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was right. I had a marvelous experience with the wonderful people in applied communication.鈥�

Those experiences proved foundational to the educator and leader he would become.

Pyle credits his graduate assistantship and the mentorship of faculty members with shaping the way he teaches, mentors, and leads today. He specifically highlighted the influence of Dr. Kristen McIntyre, who served as both an instructor and supervisor during his time as a graduate assistant.

鈥淒r. McIntyre鈥檚 course and her mentorship during my time as a GA shaped the way that I teach and train others, and those are lessons I still apply to my teaching and mentoring today,鈥� Pyle said.

He also pointed to Ulmer’s leadership as a model he continues to follow.

鈥淚 try to emulate his leadership style,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was kind and supportive, but also challenged me to grow and develop. He had the humility to own his mistakes, which is unfortunately atypical in organizational structures.鈥�

Before being named associate dean, Pyle served as interim director of Clemson’s National Scholars Program and as undergraduate coordinator for Clemson’s Department of Communication. He said those experiences provided valuable preparation for his new responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Pyle hopes his work will strengthen the student experience for future generations of Clemson students.

鈥淢y hope is that I will be able to meaningfully contribute to work that will improve the undergraduate student experience at Clemson,鈥� Pyle said.

For students interested in pursuing careers in higher education, communication, or academic leadership, Pyle encourages gaining firsthand experience in research and teaching while staying patient as leadership opportunities develop.

Faculty jobs are research positions at most institutions, so students need to understand that from the outset, Pyle said. 

鈥淎dditionally, I would encourage students to pursue training and development as teachers,鈥� he said.

For those considering administrative roles, he offered a simple piece of advice.

鈥淒on鈥檛 rush into an administrative role simply because it鈥檚 available,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭hink about your interests and skills, as well as all the ways that moving into an administrative role will change your work dynamic. It鈥檚 a big change. Make sure you鈥檙e ready for that kind of upheaval.鈥�

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“When I learned about Enduring Opportunity, I looked it up and realized it was right in line with my desire to support scholarships,鈥� Gina Pharis said.聽

Longtime supporters of both UA 糖心视频logo and 糖心视频logo Public Radio, they have remained actively engaged with the university for years. Their latest gift of $25,000 to create the Gina and Brett Pharis Enduring Opportunity Scholarship expands that commitment while helping more students pursue a college degree.

“The university helped shape who I became,” Pharis said.

As a theatre student, she overcame her fear of speaking in front of an audience and discovered new opportunities through coursework in radio, television, and film.

“I learned about radio, television, and film and went on to work at my one and only radio job at KARN in 1985,” she said.

The lessons she learned extended beyond the classroom. The relationships she built with faculty and fellow students left a lasting impact. 

“I was even invited to one of my professor’s retirement parties,” Pharis said. “The connections I made through all those impactful college days bring me back to the school.”

Years later, serving on the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board gave her a deeper understanding of the role philanthropy plays in supporting students and advancing the university’s mission.

“Honestly, serving on the Alumni Board enlightened me to give in a philanthropic way,” she said.

Through their support of Enduring Opportunity, Gina and Brett Pharis hope to help more students earn a degree while reducing the financial burdens that can stand in the way of graduation.

“The impact will be substantial,” Pharis said. “It will be measured in the number of graduates over the coming years and the success of each student receiving that diploma with little to zero tuition debt. The smile on students’ faces will be worth every penny.”

The couple also sees the scholarship as an investment in the future of 糖心视频logo and Arkansas.

“This program is designed to help each student have less stress and recognize how UA 糖心视频logo is helping them succeed, creating loyalty,” Pharis said. “The business community is working closely with departments all over campus scouting local talent. We are keeping students in Central Arkansas. UA 糖心视频logo is a gold mine for the businesses of 糖心视频logo.”

As longtime supporters of the university, Gina and Brett hope others will find ways to stay connected and support future generations of students.

“I would ask every graduate to stay in touch,” Pharis said. “Join the Alumni Association, stay connected, and find ways to be involved. I would also encourage business owners who have a connection to UA 糖心视频logo to get involved on a deeper level. Find their passion and support it.”

For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting Enduring Opportunity is both a way to give back to a university that made a lasting impact on their lives and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’s future.

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Now, decades later, she is paying that opportunity forward by establishing the Mimi San Pedro Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship at UA 糖心视频logo. Through a $25,000 commitment, the scholarship will support the university’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program, helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational goals.

“My family and I moved to the United States in the 1970s when the Philippines were under Martial Law,” San Pedro said. “We started over here in 糖心视频logo, where we had family. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s and was accepted to UA 糖心视频logo, but I needed financial assistance. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, and working while in school, I was able to earn my degree, join a sorority, and graduate in four years.”

The experience opened doors that shaped her future. The education she received at UA 糖心视频logo helped launch a career that would make her a well-known leader in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit communities. 

Over more than 30 years, San Pedro held leadership roles in marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including serving as chief strategy officer for The Venture Center and mentoring the next generation of Arkansas leaders.

“I have been successful in business and life since then, and I wanted to give back,” she said.

San Pedro hopes her gift will create opportunities for students whose circumstances may be similar to her own.

“My family and I believe education is the key to a successful and fruitful life, so I chose to support UA 糖心视频logo because it supported me,” she said. “My hope is that this gift will help someone like me get the education they need to be successful.”

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program helps students cover educational expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The endowed scholarship will provide ongoing support for students with financial need and/or academic merit.

Beyond helping individual students, San Pedro sees the scholarship as an investment in Arkansas’ future workforce.

“Our state needs more educated individuals to help fill the skilled worker shortage,” she said. “The increasing number of technology companies and the anticipated impact of the lithium industry mean there will be even greater demand for educated and skilled professionals. Hopefully, those graduates will come from our universities and remain here in Arkansas.”

She encourages others who care about the future of Arkansas to consider supporting students through the university.

“If education is important to you and you recognize that Arkansas must compete for talent in the future and keep our talent here, then you have to invest in UA 糖心视频logo students,” San Pedro said.

For San Pedro, supporting UA 糖心视频logo is both a thank you for the opportunities she received and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’ future.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact the Office of Alumni & Development at 501-916-3194 or email development@ualr.edu

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April Blackburn, longtime K-12 GT teacher for in Bigelow, Ark., was recognized for her significant contributions to GT education.  

Blackburn graduated in 2011 with a degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Freshly 22 and eager to put her diploma to use, she was offered a position as a GT teacher with East End School District, the only position open at the time, under the condition that she become certified as soon as possible.聽

While she didn鈥檛 quite realize all that being the district鈥檚 only GT teacher would entail, she was up for the task. Blackburn enrolled at UA 糖心视频logo and began the process. By 2013, she only lacked three credits for her master鈥檚; by 2015, she had completed her M.A. in Gifted and Talented Education, a degree she never imagined she鈥檇 one day have. 

She credits Dr. Ann Robinson, a distinguished professor for the UA 糖心视频logo School of Education, for much of her success from that period.

鈥淭here were times when I looked at her and admitted I didn鈥檛 know if I had what it takes to finish [the program],鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淎nd she said, 鈥楴o, you can, and I need you to stay with it.鈥� She was such a mentor to me.鈥� 

All these years later, UA 糖心视频logo is still part of her life.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo never left me after I graduated,鈥� she said. 鈥淒r. Robinson checked in on me when I lost my grandparents, and I still talk to my old professors. The great thing about being an alumnus is that you’re never gone from UA 糖心视频logo. They’re always proud to call you a Trojan.鈥�

She and her husband were able to go to the university鈥檚 annual Taste of 糖心视频logo April 7, which celebrates diverse culinary experiences from across the city.

鈥淸The invitation] reminded me I鈥檓 still part of the family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t means a lot to me how much the university cares about their alumni and invests in their success.鈥�

Now 15 years into her tenure at East End School District, Blackburn went into her career hoping to create a safe environment that gives students the space to realize their potential.

鈥淚f I don’t teach, who will?鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e struggling to get educators. We鈥檙e struggling to find the right people. And we’re losing teachers left and right for really valid reasons. I push forward through it because [my students] need me, and they’re going through much worse things than I am. I mean, I have kids who don’t even know what love is.鈥�

It was the idea of putting a smile on even one of their faces that gave her the idea to start wearing costumes to school more than a decade ago. In 2015, Blackburn walked into her classroom on Halloween wearing a homemade replica of Ms. Frizzle鈥檚 iconic space outfit: a navy blue dress patterned with stars and planets, space shuttle shoes and Saturn drop earrings. 

It became more than just a tradition. On National Popcorn Day, students know when they walk into school that she鈥檒l be dressed up as a giant bag of popcorn. When National Bubble Gum Day comes around a month later, she鈥檒l be dressed up as a bubble gum machine. Each 鈥渘ational day鈥� brings its own costume and theme.

鈥淚 probably have more than 300 at this point,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淪tudents who graduated years ago will come up to me in public and ask if I still wear them. I鈥檝e had people beg me to count them, and everyone laughs when I tell them how small of a closet I actually have. Most of the costumes are all vacuum sealed, and some of them are in my attic. The inflatable ones are in the garage.鈥�

If that鈥檚 not enough, she鈥檚 also earned the nickname 鈥淕rant Queen鈥� at her school. During the 2025鈥�26 school year alone, she secured 10 grants, including funding that allowed her middle school students to participate in several regional VEX Robotics competitions across Arkansas.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want state funding to ever limit opportunities for my students,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have four 3D printers in my classroom. I have class pets. I just hatched eggs in an incubator. There鈥檚 always something going on, and it makes the kids run to my door.鈥�

And when she鈥檚 not waiting by the door to welcome her students in, she鈥檚 helping out with quiz bowl, or chess club, or National Honor Society, or the spelling bee, or Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE), where she sits on the board and as elections chair.

鈥淚 wear a lot of hats, literally and figuratively,鈥� she said.

With the support of Callie Quiroz, principal and former librarian at Anne Watson Elementary School, Blackburn also created a makerspace lab鈥攁 space where students can go specifically to build and create.

Blackburn was raised in Conway by her grandmother, Clara, who was a third grade teacher at Ellen Smith Elementary School for 23 years before retiring to care for Blackburn and her siblings.

鈥淗earing the impact she had on students my whole life made me want to have a career where I could impact others,鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淪ome of my kids get off the bus every morning and have come from awful situations. If wearing a crazy costume is going to make them feel like they can breathe, then that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 going to do.鈥�

Her grandmother passed away from pneumonia in 2024, 7 days after the birth of Blackburn鈥檚 son William. Clara watched Blackburn win several education awards throughout her career, including the Master鈥檚 and Specialist Award in November 2015 and the Act 56 Award from AGATE in 2018. 

鈥淚 know my grandma is watching, and I want to show her that giving up her career for us wasn鈥檛 a mistake,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m going to make her proud until I retire, if I ever do. They might have to carry me out.鈥�

Of all her career milestones, one stood out as the moment she realized she made it as an educator. Every April, Blackburn takes dozens of students on multi-day trips as part of her curriculum. She is always blown away by the impact these trips seem to have on her students, many of whom have never been out of state. But one conversation on a charter bus to the San Antonio SeaWorld Camp in 2015 changed her perspective entirely.

鈥淚t was the middle of the night, and I was walking up and down the bus to make sure everyone was okay, and one of the girls was looking out of the window. I stopped to ask her if she was okay, and she said, 鈥榃e just crossed the Texas state line. Did you know that? I鈥檝e never been out of the state before, Ms. Blackburn.鈥欌��

That little girl鈥檚 face in that moment, where it clicked that she could go places she鈥檇 never been before, is something Blackburn says she鈥檒l never forget.

鈥淪he had a lot of hardship in her life: a mom in prison and a difficult upbringing being bounced from house to house. It reminded me that as horrible as the world can sometimes be, there are people who don鈥檛 have the opportunities we do, and bringing that kind of inspiration that comes with life experience is something that I don鈥檛 take for granted.鈥�

It鈥檚 advice that Blackburn will pass on to her children: four-year-old Clara and now two-year-old William, named after each of her grandparents, whose spirits live on through the joy she brings to her classroom each day.

Written by Olivia Hicks

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Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the UA 糖心视频logo Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the UA 糖心视频logo William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the UA 糖心视频logo Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university鈥檚 highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at UA 糖心视频logo Commencement Information.

For more information about UA 糖心视频logo commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit UA 糖心视频logo Commencement.

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The gift from UA 糖心视频logo alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund.

As UA 糖心视频logo prepares to reopen the planetarium this fall, the endowment ensures the facility has the long-term support needed for operations, programming, and staffing, positioning it as a lasting destination for students and the community.

For McMath, the investment is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong fascination with the night sky.

鈥淚 am a space race baby,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚 was eight when Sputnik launched, and I followed it with the same enthusiasm as some people follow a sports team.鈥�

That early curiosity grew into a serious pursuit. What began as a telescope for his son turned into a lifelong passion, including building telescope mirrors and conducting amateur research. Today, McMath operates a robotic telescope and has contributed more than 130,000 observations of variable stars to an international database.

He sees the planetarium as a way to share that sense of discovery with others, especially at a time when fewer people have experienced the night sky in its full form.

鈥淭he reality is, without question, the greatest natural spectacle is the Milky Way stretching across the night sky,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut these days, few people have ever truly seen it.鈥�

A planetarium, he said, can help bridge that gap by giving people a broader understanding of the universe and their place within it.

鈥淎 planetarium can open people鈥檚 eyes and minds to the reality of our situation here on our little planet,鈥� McMath said.

Supporting the endowment is also a way for McMath to give back to UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo was an important element in my personal development, and I have not done much to pay it back,鈥� he said.

He also sees the planetarium as a key connection point between the university and the city.

鈥淭he planetarium will be an ambassadorial and educational tool for the university,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚t is an investment in the community that will build pride in the university among city residents and help people better understand our place in the universe.鈥�

Their support helps position the planetarium as a long-term asset for both the university and Central Arkansas.

Learn more about the Shellam Flake Planetarium at

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