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A Family Milestone: Mother and Son Graduate Together from UA ��Ƶlogo

Justin Bates — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0000

For years, Karen Grace Johnson was the one offering guidance.

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’s 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 ��Ƶlogo.

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

“It means a lot to me to graduate with my mother,” Andrews said. “I 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.”

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 ��Ƶlogo in 2017 unsure what to expect about college life and a populated, busy campus after he graduated from Maumelle Charter High School.

“My graduating class had 25 students,” he said. “It was daunting to go to such a large institution in my eyes at the time.”

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

“The small classroom sizes made the university feel like a second home,” Andrews said. “I built connections with my professors and found new friends quicker than I would have at a larger university.”

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.

“She said, ‘I am thinking about going back to school,’” Andrews recalled.

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

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 ��Ƶlogo, helping make it possible to complete her degree with little financial burden.

“As a first-generation student, I did not understand what the FAFSA was or where to find scholarships,” Andrews said. “When I began working for the university as a recruiter, that knowledge came with the job.”

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

“Professionally, I felt it was important to enhance and modernize my skills in technology and leadership,” she said. “Personally, I always encourage new therapists to continue their education, so I have to practice what I preach.”

She said UA ��Ƶlogo’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.

“Their critiques, reviews, and responses encouraged, validated, and inspired me to continue,” 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.

“She went from being timid about returning to school to being excited about contributing to academia,” he said. “Now we have long discussions about AI in the classroom and communication in healthcare.”

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.

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

For Johnson, the moment carried just as much meaning.

“Graduating with my son meant the world to me,” she said. “Our journey was not easy, but it was worth the experience of completing such a big chapter in our lives.”

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

“I hope our experience and our story inspire others to start their own exciting journey,” 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.

“How big would you dream if you knew you could never fail?” he asked.

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UA ��Ƶlogo School of Business Golf Tournament Raises More Than $88,000 for Student Support

UA ��Ƶlogo — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:37:10 +0000

The UA ��Ƶlogo School of Business celebrated the success of its 15th annual golf tournament on May 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, raising more than $88,800 in gifts and sponsorship support to benefit student success initiatives.

The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave’s Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave’s Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School’s Ambassador Program.

“We are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,” said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at UA ��Ƶlogo. “We’re proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.”

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
Bar Sponsor: Tito’s
Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki’s/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

“This tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students — not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,” Dean Ginger Gummelt said. “We are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.”

The UA ��Ƶlogo School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Business.

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Trojan Setter Kaylee Smith Graduates Early with Honors

Sydney Ambrus — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Kaylee Smith is leaving her undergraduate career at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo earlier than expected — and with honors.

Smith, a management major from ��Ƶlogo, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university’s MBA program.

A setter for the team, Smith said she chose UA ��Ƶlogo because it felt like the right fit academically and athletically.

“From the beginning, I could see that the program would challenge me in the classroom while also giving me the opportunity to compete at a high level in volleyball,” Smith said. “I really valued the supportive environment from the coaches, professors, and teammates. It felt like a place where I could grow and be pushed to reach my full potential.”

“I also liked that I could build strong relationships and not feel like just a number,” she said.

Smith did not originally plan to graduate early, but continued taking courses to challenge herself.

“Over time, that added up and put me in a position to finish ahead of schedule,” she said. “It still took a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice, especially balancing academics with being a student-athlete.”

Smith said earning magna cum laude honors and maintaining a GPA above 3.8 made the hard work worthwhile.

“It’s something I’m really proud of, not just because of the recognition, but because of the consistency and effort it took over time,” she said. “More than anything, it gives me confidence going into the next chapter, knowing I was able to push myself and succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.”

This year, Smith was inducted into UA ��Ƶlogo’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society. She was also nominated for Female Scholar of the Year at this year’s Trojan Top Awards.

“It represents all the hard work I’ve put in both academically and athletically, and it means a lot to be recognized for balancing both at a high level,” Smith said. “As a student-athlete, you’re constantly working to meet expectations in the classroom and on the court, so this nomination feels like a reflection of that commitment and consistency.”

She added that the recognition helps challenge stereotypes about student-athletes.

“��Ƶlogo have always been a priority for me as well,” she said.

Outside the classroom and volleyball court, Smith serves on the executive board for UA ��Ƶlogo’s Management and HR Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also elected SAAC president for the upcoming school year.

Smith said her favorite memory as a student-athlete was ��Ƶlogo’s five-set victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in its first home conference match last season at the Jack Stephens Center.

“The energy in the gym was unreal,” she said. “The stands were packed, and the intensity was high from the very first point.”

Smith said the match remained close throughout, and the team stayed united through every set.

“Getting that win to start conference play at home, in that kind of environment, is something I’ll always remember because of the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the way our team stayed together,” she said.

Smith credits professor Phil Harris and athletic trainer Jess Kiser for making a lasting impact on her journey at UA ��Ƶlogo.

“I learned so much in his management classes, but what stood out even more was the mentorship he provided outside of the classroom through the Management and HR Society,” Smith said of Harris. “He genuinely cared about helping students grow, not just academically but professionally as well.”

She said Kiser consistently supported student-athletes through injuries and challenges.

“She was incredibly passionate about her job and truly cared about each of us as athletes and people,” Smith said. “She was always there whenever we were dealing with injuries, making sure we were taken care of and supported every step of the way.”

After graduation, Smith plans to use her remaining year of volleyball eligibility to continue playing for the Trojans while pursuing her MBA.

“This next chapter is a chance for me to keep growing both academically and athletically,” she said. “Competing at a high level while taking on a graduate program will continue to push my discipline, time management, and leadership skills.”

Smith said her biggest advice for future student-athletes is not to underestimate themselves.

“It’s easy to underestimate what you’re capable of when you’re balancing a full academic and athletic schedule,” she said. “But you’re capable of more than you think if you stay disciplined and committed.”

She also emphasized the importance of resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.

“You can’t control every outcome, but you can control your effort, attitude, preparation, and how you show up every day,” Smith said. “If you focus on those things, everything else tends to fall into place over time.”

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A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together

Samantha Koros — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Walking across a graduation stage brings pride, relief, and sometimes a spark of disbelief. For one ��Ƶlogo family, that moment will carry a rare sense of unity and accomplishment: three women — two daughters and their mother — each in different fields, each carving her own path, but all reaching the finish line together.

Grace Shelton, a biology major with pre-med dreams, Faith Shelton, determined to make her mark in civil engineering, and their mother Aaronda Williams, building her future in construction management, all share the same graduation date.

Across the three women, there are 16 organizational involvements, 13 scholarships, three majors, and one shared journey.

“It’s crazy to think about,” Grace says, reflecting on the idea of all graduating together. “I don’t think we ever would have thought it would happen, but here we are.”

It wasn’t exactly planned, but maybe it was always meant to be. Aaronda remembers conversations from when her daughters were young, when she would ask them about their dreams and talk through the steps they’d need to take.

“They would ask me, ‘Mom, what do you want to be?’ And I’d tell them. They’d say, ‘You can still do that!’ I always said, ‘Maybe when y’all go back, I’ll go back too,” Aaronda recalls.

Aaronda was always grateful for the small moments.

“It’s so amazing having them on campus. We have lunch together, go to events, and cheer each other on. It means the world,” Aaronda says.

But it’s not always easy. Burnout, doubt, and exhaustion are familiar hurdles.

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep going,” Grace admits. “But we always remind each other of our goals. When I felt unsure if I belonged, I could come home, talk it out, and get my motivation back.”

For Aaronda, her daughters are more than just support — they’re inspiration.

“They’re working, going to school, having a social life, and still showing up for me. I can’t complain about working and going to school when I see them doing it all.”

That mutual inspiration is rooted in the example Aaronda set.

“Seeing our mom balance everything, that’s what shaped our mindset,” Grace reflects. “Her strength influenced us a lot.”

Still, the women have built their own campus families, branching out into leadership programs, sororities, and student organizations.

“We’ve found mentors and friends at UA ��Ƶlogo,” says Faith, “but our family bond is always there, too.”

Each woman can pinpoint moments that will stick with her forever. For Aaronda, it’s lunch together at The WOW Cafe with all her daughters. For Faith, it’s the quiet joy of everyone gathered in her dorm, just talking, just being together. For Grace it is the memory of all of them realizing they would be graduating together after all.

As graduation nears, emotions run high.

“I’ll be grateful and at peace,” Aaronda says. “I can finally breathe.”

Grace knows she’ll be emotional, thinking of how much she’s grown since her shy, uncertain middle school days. Faith, too, feels the weight of her family’s achievement, coming from a background without many degrees, and now adding three new ones at once.

Looking to the future, they look to the legacy they hope to leave.

For Grace, representation in medicine is key.

“There aren’t enough Black women physicians. I want to open a practice for underserved communities and be someone people can see themselves in,” Grace says.

Aaronda dreams of creating a nonprofit to help women enter construction, opening doors that have too often been closed.

“We need more women in construction, and I want to show them the way—give them a clear pathway to a career,” Aaronda says.

Faith is focused on civil engineering and preparing for a career in roadway and infrastructure design.

“I want to create infrastructure that strengthens and connects communities,” Faith says.

What’s next? More giving back, more mentorship, more dreams. Maybe even graduate school, Aaronda jokes — though with two more daughters still in high school, she might have company again.

For now, the focus is on celebrating, on capturing a family photo in cap and gown, on reflecting on just how far they’ve come — together.

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Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16

UA ��Ƶlogo — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:55:32 +0000

UA ��Ƶlogo will confer approximately 1,125 degrees and certificates upon graduates during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Jack Stephens Center.

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 ��Ƶlogo Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the UA ��Ƶlogo 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 ��Ƶlogo 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’s 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 ��Ƶlogo Commencement Information.

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

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Purpose in Action: Taylor Ward Prepares for a Career Helping Others

Sydney Ambrus — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A passion for helping others has shaped Taylor Ward’s path at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo, leading her to pursue careers in both health care and law enforcement.

The ��Ƶlogo native will graduate in May with a double major in general biology and law enforcement — bringing together her interests in health care and public service.

Ward has long been passionate about helping others, developing an early interest in the medical field, especially working with children. She describes herself as compassionate and nurturing, with a strong desire to help heal others. Her interest in law enforcement emerged later, during her sophomore year of college.

“My parents worked in law enforcement for more than 50 years combined,” Ward said. “I was fascinated by their work and wanted to learn more on my own, so I took the initiative to enroll in criminal justice classes.”

Ward enjoys studying the law and has also explored an interest in forensic science. As she continued her coursework, she pursued an associate degree in law enforcement.

She chose UA ��Ƶlogo because of its proximity to home and strong scholarship opportunities.

“Being able to receive 50% off tuition for the first two years of college was a blessing,” Ward said. “For the past four years, I haven’t had to pay out of pocket for tuition, thanks to my scholarships and, most of all, God.”

The university also holds personal significance for her, as both of her parents are alumni.

On campus, Ward has been actively involved in a variety of organizations, including serving as the Trojan Food Pantry coordinator and as a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Student Activities Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Black Scholars Collective.

“Taylor has been a great asset to us in the office, for the Trojan Food Pantry and CLC,” said Teresa Esparza, a student success coach at UA ��Ƶlogo. “She has always embraced what’s asked of her, whether it’s representing the pantry and the university at the Arkansas College Hunger Summit, appearing on THV11, or supporting CLC initiatives. She has remained engaged in the program while managing her academics and other extracurricular activities. I have no doubt her ambitious attitude will lead her to great things.”

Ward offers this advice to future UA ��Ƶlogo students:

“College isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would have degrees. It takes sacrifice, time, consistency, and hard work. This is a time to learn who you are and work toward who you want to become. Make mistakes and learn from them, but be wise in your choices. Stay disciplined and keep working toward your goals. Most importantly, enjoy every part of college. The four years go by quickly, but the experiences are worth it.”

After graduating, Ward plans to apply to a physical therapy program.

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��Ƶlogo Wrestler Cael Keck Graduates With Honors, Plans to Give Back Through Coaching

Sydney Ambrus — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From helping build a young program to earning top honors in the classroom, ��Ƶlogo wrestler Cael Keck will graduate summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo this May with a degree in business management.

Keck is a six-time dean’s and chancellor’s list honoree, a 2023-24 NCAA Division I Scholar All-American, and a 2024 Pac-12 Conference placer.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Keck said he chose UA ��Ƶlogo for both its wrestling program and strong academic opportunities.

“What really swayed my decision was the coaches,” he said. “I trusted them from the jump, not just in their ability to coach, but in the type of people they are. It was also only the program’s second year, so I was excited about the chance to help build it from the start.”

Over his time at UA ��Ƶlogo, Keck said being a student-athlete shaped his daily life and helped him develop discipline and structure.

“You have to have discipline and time management, especially when things get bumpy,” he said. “I think the most important thing to being a successful student-athlete is finding a routine that prioritizes balancing school and athletics.”

Keck also grew as a leader off the mat, organizing ��Ƶlogo wrestling’s volunteer efforts at the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind. The team worked twice a week with the school’s elementary wrestling program, assisting students with gear and leading them through drills to build confidence and skills.

He said wrestling taught him how to handle adversity and adapt in difficult situations.

“It’s also taught me to appreciate hard work and staying disciplined,” he said. “Those are things I’ll carry into my career and life after college.”

Keck credits his coaches and teammates with having a lasting impact on his experience at UA ��Ƶlogo.

“We are like a family, and they’ve helped me grow as a wrestler and as a person,” he said. “Being in that kind of environment has played a major role in who I am today.”

After graduation, Keck plans to return to Kansas City to coach youth wrestling at the same club where he competed growing up.

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Clearing Every Bar: How Brooklyn Marcee Balanced Athletics, Leadership, and Business

Bobbie Handcock — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

For Brooklyn Marcee, the dream of competing as a collegiate athlete started early — and it became the foundation for a college journey defined by discipline, leadership, and determination.

Marcee will graduate from the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management. Beyond leaving college with a degree, the Quitman, Texas, native leaves with experience balancing athletics, academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“Being a collegiate athlete has always been a dream of mine,” she said. “I have been in sports since the age of two, so it has been great getting to experience what all my hard work has brought me. I will forever be grateful for the time I had here.”

Athletics and campus involvement shaped much of Marcee’s college experience. While a member of the track and field team competing in women’s pole vault, she also managed multiple responsibilities.

“Throughout college, I was a full-time student-athlete on the track and field team, ran my own business as a freelance makeup artist, and was involved in organizations on campus such as the Student Activities Board, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and served as a mentor for CLC (Chancellor’s Leadership Corps),” she said. “Having the opportunity to balance all of this has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of building relationships with those around you.”

Marcee said earning her degree has been deeply rewarding, even during difficult moments.

“It has definitely been challenging and overwhelming at times, but I knew it would all be worth it in the end,” she said. “I think staying grounded, grateful, and building relationships with those around me is what helped push me through those times. Because how lucky am I that I get to be overwhelmed by something I once prayed for.”

Her support system included her teammates, family members, and mentors.

“My parents have always been my number one supporters,” she said. “They are always pushing me to be the very best version of myself, and I know that I can always count on them.”

She also credits mentors Corrigan Revels and Will Kendall for helping guide her development on the track and beyond.

“Corrigan Revels has been like a mentor to me for the past four years and has pushed me to get involved and grow in my leadership abilities,” she said. “Coach Kendall has not only pushed me to be the best I can be in my sport, but in life as well. He has taught me to trust the process and embrace the highs and lows.”

Revels praised Marcee’s commitment and determination throughout her college career.

“Brooklyn’s work ethic and commitment to her obligations are highly admirable,” he said. “It takes true discipline to uphold a solid academic performance, deliver as a student athlete, and serve as a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Peer Mentor for 3 years. I look forward to seeing what comes during the next chapter of her life.”

Marcee’s dedication earned her numerous honors, including three OVC Academic Medals of Honor, seven OVC medals in the women’s pole vault — six silver and one bronze — and the OVC Scholar Athlete Award in 2025. She was also named a UA ��Ƶlogo Homecoming Royal.

After graduation, Marcee plans to focus fully on a passion she began years before college.

“I plan to continue to pursue my business as a freelance makeup artist specializing in bridal,” she said. “I started this business in my freshman year of high school. Now that I am finishing college, I can fully commit to this passion of mine, getting to make women feel beautiful and empowered on one of the most important days of their lives.”

As she prepares for the next chapter, Marcee said she’s confident in the foundation she built in college.

“I loved the close atmosphere UA ��Ƶlogo gave me,” she said. “Whether that was with organizations, professors, classmates, etc. It allowed me to meet new people and grow in ways I didn’t think I could have.”

Marcee describes her college experience as supportive, opportunity-driven, and impactful.

“Supportive because I felt like I had a strong support system while being here the past four years,” she said. “Opportunity-driven because there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus here, and ways to prepare you for what is after graduation. Impactful because I was able to make meaningful connections and grow into the person I am today.”

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UA ��Ƶlogo Student Evaluates, Enhances Local Youth Sports Programs

Mara Crumby — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Having always been involved in sports, Avery Thomas-Wells wanted to help other kids have the experience he had growing up. A fall 2023 Sport Management graduate and expected May 2026 Recreation and Sport Management master’s graduate, he is continuing to lead and make a difference in both youth lives and the broader community.

Thomas-Wells completed internships with the Arkansas Travelers, the Arkansas Activities Association and the Air Force Recreation League — experiences that built his confidence, confirmed his passion for the industry, and solidified his decision to pursue a career in sports.

At UA ��Ƶlogo, Thomas-Wells has built a strong foundation in leadership, program planning, and facility management. Throughout his coursework he has learned about policy development, risk management, and event operations — all of which help him in his day-to-day responsibilities.

Now, he’s working on a capstone project focusing on evaluating the youth programs at ��Ƶlogo Parks and Recreation against National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.The project is designed to strengthen local programs, with an emphasis on the importance of stronger coaching education, and training. Through his research, Thomas-Wells is helping provide a structured, sustainable model that can help ��Ƶlogo Parks and Recreation align more closely with NRPA standards and enhance the overall quality of its youth sports programs.

Working with 85 children ages 4-12 requires organization, teamwork, and preparation behind the scenes. Thomas-Wells’ typical day starts with reflecting on the previous day’s programs and identifying ways to improve. From there, he prepares for the day ahead — coordinating practices, organizing equipment, and getting facilities ready for use. Most evenings include youth sports practices — usually consisting of flag football, basketball, and soccer — to ensure programs run smoothly and every participant has a positive experience.

“Coaching plays a major role in shaping young athletes,” Thomas-Wells said. “If we can provide better guidance and resources for coaches, we can create a more positive environment where kids feel supported, encouraged and motivated to keep playing.”

For Thomas-Wells, his work is about more than sports — it’s about making sure the next generation of kids has the same positive experience that first inspired him.

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UA ��Ƶlogo Professor Earns OVC Faculty Honor for Student Success

Samantha Koros — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Dr. Casey Rockwell, assistant director and associate professor of the School of Business at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo, has been named the recipient of the Ohio Valley Conference The honor comes as UA ��Ƶlogo, a current OVC member, prepares to transition to the United Athletic Conference on July 1.

The award, announced at the OVC Basketball Championship tournament, recognizes outstanding faculty across conference institutions for their student impact, contributions to department and university curricula, professional development, community involvement and institutional service.

“My first reaction was genuine surprise, followed quickly by gratitude,” Rockwell said. “Like most faculty, I’m often focused on the next class session, the next student meeting, or the next report, and don’t stop to think about awards. My thoughts quickly turned to my students, many of whom are balancing demanding jobs or Division I athletics with rigorous academic programs. Their perseverance embodies what this award represents.”

Rockwell credits UA ��Ƶlogo, especially the School of Business, with shaping her approach to teaching. Working at a university rooted in access, opportunity, and real-world relevance has reinforced her focus on ensuring each course, assignment, and experience helps prepare students for long-term success. The school’s “Know Your Worth” motto — the idea that every student’s education should yield a measurable return in their career and life — serves as a constant reminder that what happens in the classroom must pay dividends well beyond it.

That mindset is especially evident in how Rockwell works with student-athletes, whom she recognizes as effectively managing two full-time commitments at once. She prioritizes flexibility and proactive communication, meeting with student-athletes early in the semester to align assignment deadlines and exam dates with their travel and competition schedules, all while holding them to the same academic standards as every other student.

“Student-athletes are not only competitors — they are emerging professionals,” Rockwell said, “and I want them to leave here understanding that their education is an investment in themselves.”

For Rockwell, that belief in student potential is inseparable from what she teaches and how she teaches it. She was drawn to law, management, marketing, and technology because of where those disciplines intersect — strategy, people, and innovation — where decisions carry immediate consequences and advantages for organizations and communities.

“Business law allows me to show students how legal rules shape everything from contracts and branding to real estate development and technology adoption,” Rockwell said. “We can move seamlessly from doctrine to real-world examples — analyzing influencer agreements, walking neighborhoods when we study eminent domain, or unpacking the fine print of a contract a student may someday sign.”

That carries particular weight for college athletes working to reach the next level. For a student-athlete hoping to sign a professional contract, understanding the legal language is not just an academic exercise, it is preparation for one of the most important moments of their career.

For Rockwell, the award represents something larger than her own work. It affirms her efforts at UA ��Ƶlogo and the School of Business and connects her to a broader community of faculty across the OVC committed to the same mission. The students she teaches go on to work, lead and build in ��Ƶlogo and across Arkansas, and she sees the classroom as the starting point for that impact.

“What keeps me motivated is seeing students transform over time — from tentative first-year or MBA students into confident professionals, graduate students, and, in some cases, future lawyers and community leaders,” Rockwell said. “It’s especially rewarding to watch student-athletes and working students discover that their education is not just a requirement but an investment in themselves and in the communities they will serve.”

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