Drs. Ann Robinson and Monica Meadows of the UA 糖心视频logo School of Education recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to present at an invitational colloquium organized by the Children (NAGC) conference and hosted by the (AFT). As a national leader in research, professional learning, and advocacy for gifted and talented students, the NAGC partnered with the AFT 鈥� the nation鈥檚 second-largest teachers鈥� union, representing more than 1.7 million members 鈥� to bring together experts and educators dedicated to advancing opportunities for all students.

The , brought together educators, researchers, and policy leaders from across the country to address the increasing need for teacher preparation programs that enable educators to recognize and support gifted, creative, and talented students in today鈥檚 classrooms.

鈥淓very child deserves to learn something new every day 鈥� including advanced and precocious children and youth,鈥� Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, said.

During the colloquium, UA 糖心视频logo was recognized as a national leader in gifted education and was invited to present its work to attendees. The university is one of only two undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the U.S. 鈥� alongside Purdue University 鈥� that requires a course in gifted education as part of the middle childhood education curriculum.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the combination of our faculty鈥檚 commitment and collaboration in both middle childhood and gifted education, along with innovative elements like a rigorous, year-long online residency and a required undergraduate course in gifted education, that sets our program apart. This is innovative thinking at its best,鈥� Robinson said.

The course that started the undergraduate gifted education initiative is GATE 40003, 鈥淕ifted, Creative, and Talented Education for Classroom Teachers,鈥� developed about five years ago through a collaborative effort led by Dr. Lundon Pinneo, coordinator of the middle childhood education program. The course was created after Arkansas changed its middle school teaching licensure requirements, creating space in the curriculum for additional specialized training. 

鈥淚 wanted to use that opportunity to better meet both state requirements and, more importantly, the needs of our students,鈥� Pinneo said.

Using feedback from mentor teachers and faculty, Pinneo identified key areas where future educators needed additional support. She reached out to Robinson to adapt graduate-level gifted-education concepts for undergraduate teacher candidates.

鈥淲ithout collaboration among faculty, the undergraduate course in gifted education at UA 糖心视频logo would never have taken place,鈥� Meadows said.

Since its introduction, the course has become a defining feature of the middle childhood education program, with faculty collaboration playing a critical role in its success. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e been given an exciting opportunity for our School of Education to take the lead in demonstrating to the rest of the country how important pre-service preparation programs are in filling the gap that can exist between general education and specialized gifted education,鈥� Robinson said. 

At the colloquium, organizers focused on the persistent 鈥済ap鈥� in educator preparation nationwide: while most teachers receive training to support students with disabilities, far fewer are prepared to recognize and meet the needs of advanced learners. Through their presentations, Robinson and Meadows offered UA 糖心视频logo’s approach as a model for addressing that challenge, demonstrating how gifted education can be integrated into undergraduate teacher preparation programs.

鈥淭here was a lot of excitement around the course and the work we shared at the colloquium,鈥� Meadows said. 鈥淧eople wanted to know how we made it happen, how students are responding to it, and how they might implement similar approaches at their own institutions.鈥�

As universities across the country examine how to prepare educators for classrooms with an ever-growing range of needs, the discussion shows the role gifted education can play in helping teachers recognize talent, tailor instruction, and best support students with advanced learning needs. 

鈥淧re-service teachers come to us with a wide range of experiences and abilities, and all students deserve to be both challenged and supported,鈥� Pinneo said. 鈥淥ur graduates are leaving the program with more tools to support the different learning needs of their future students.鈥�

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Although she always knew she wanted to attend college, Eanes didn鈥檛 settle on her major until later in high school.

“After listening to a particularly encouraging and supportive English teacher, I decided I wanted to major in English and specifically focus on creative writing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always enjoyed my English classes, and I used to write 鈥榖ooks鈥� when I was a kid, as well as being an avid reader.鈥�

As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Eanes attended college full-time while working throughout her four years. Balancing coursework, work, and extracurricular opportunities required persistence, but the effort paid off.

“I think it can be particularly challenging to take Donaghey classes alongside my degree, while making room for a semester of study abroad, extracurriculars, and working,” she said. “Although there were times when I had my doubts, coming away with a degree and a 4.0 makes all of the late nights, early mornings, and tears feel worth it.”

One of the most transformative experiences of her college career came during a semester abroad at the University of Nottingham in England.

“I had never been away from home more than a week, never been out of the country, and never even been on a plane,” she said. “But after I made a few friends and began to get used to my life there, it became the most valuable experience I鈥檝e ever had. I learned how to be truly independent and to create a social circle from scratch.”

Back on campus, Eanes continued developing her voice as a writer. Her work appeared in Equinox, where she served as managing editor, and The Oakland Arts Review. She also presented at the Arkansas and Mississippi Philological Association conferences.

“I think with every piece a young writer creates, there comes improvement,” she said. ” I certainly feel this way; every new piece I write turns out light years better than the last.”

Beyond academics, Eanes spent summers working at the Museum of Discovery, where she helped lead the Girls in STEM program and mentored pre-teen girls.

Mentors also played an important role in her success throughout college, including Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica R. Scott, director and associate director of the Donaghey Scholars program, respectively.

“Besides being engaging professors, they have helped me network, form my degree plan, and get the most out of study abroad and my scholarship in general,鈥� Eanes said. 鈥淚 also really appreciate Dr. (Earnest) Cox, Dr. (Kris) McAbee, and Professor (Jeffrey) Condran for their mentorship on my senior thesis. I鈥檝e had a lot of really amazing professors who don鈥檛 get enough credit for all they do.”

Professor Condran, a UA 糖心视频logo creative writing instructor, praised Eanes鈥� continued development as a writer.

“Her fiction is focused on the Urban South and deeply character-driven,” he said. “All of Josie’s fictional people have such distinct and engaging voices that the reader can’t help but fall in love with them. . . I’m excited to watch her literary career develop 鈥� it’s going to be special.”

Eanes is now a third-generation UA 糖心视频logo alum, continuing a family legacy that includes her parents, grandmother, and grandfather. 

She plans to take a gap year before pursuing graduate school. Reflecting on her college experience, Eanes said the journey shaped her both academically and personally.

“I hardly recognize the person who entered UA 糖心视频logo, and I鈥檓 so happy with how I鈥檝e grown as a person and student,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am particularly grateful for my Donaghey scholarship, which has allowed me to graduate from college debt-free.”

As she looks ahead, Eanes offers simple advice to future students: “Be open to change because you never know how wonderful and exciting it can be.”

The post Writing Her Next Chapter: Josie Eanes Builds on Family Tradition at UA 糖心视频logo appeared first on News.

The Dallas native graduated this month as a member of the Donaghey Scholars, an honors program that supports students through research, study abroad, and service opportunities while covering tuition, fees, and a stipend.

Bear opted to pursue music because 鈥渋t鈥檚 the only thing I really knew.鈥� But his college experience expanded far beyond the classroom. One of the defining moments of his time at UA 糖心视频logo came when he studied abroad.

鈥淕ot to study abroad for a semester in Sweden 鈥� that was life-changing,鈥� he said. “Puts a lot into perspective when a big fish finally leaves the small pond and realizes they’re not as big relative to the sea.”

Bear said the best thing about Sweden was the people, and he still keeps in contact with some of them. He also enjoyed having the freedom to 鈥済row with myself on my own terms. Unregimented. Unobserved. Free.鈥�

“I took a solo trip to Leipzig, and I got to sit in on a service at St. Thomas where the boys’ chorus that J.S. Bach once directed sang,鈥� he said, adding that he also traveled with friends to Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malm枚. Their travels took them to a small ski town in Lapland, Finland, and even to the Norwegian Sea for a swim.

“Copenhagen was really accessible, so we went down there often, saw what there was to see (architecture, the sea, the people) and ate good food,” he said.

While Bear valued his musical training, theater ultimately became his greater passion.

鈥淚’ve been in a few plays, and that’s really fulfilling,鈥� he said. 鈥淗IR and Fairview are the stand-outs.鈥�

Bear said the best part of acting is the creative process.

鈥淵ou’re creating a person, and that’s a very delicate process,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tage partners need to trust one another unconditionally, so it’s such a wonderfully vulnerable moment.鈥�

Dr. Lawrence D. Smith taught Bear in Creative Arts II, Acting I, Script Analysis, and Theatre History II, and directed him in two plays. He described him as 鈥渟mart, driven, talented, and an accomplished singer and excellent actor.鈥�

Dr. Lorissa Mason, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at UA 糖心视频logo, praised Bear鈥檚 curiosity and determination.

Bear has 鈥渁 deep appreciation for literature and the written word,鈥� she said. 鈥淗is natural curiosity spans many subjects, fueled by a genuine eagerness to engage with the world around him. Driven and focused, he has the determination to excel in whatever career path he pursues.鈥�

Bear plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

“I’m going to do the starving actor thing for a while, see if there isn’t any work for me up in the big city,” he said.

While part of him wishes he had spent the last four years building a career, he said taking the college detour shaped his perspective and proved useful to him.  鈥漇tudying abroad, for example, was invaluable in that it taught me how to exist as a cog in a foreign machine, how to live in an ecosystem I don’t understand,鈥� he said.

As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Program, Bear said he also developed stronger critical thinking skills, which he calls invaluable. He added that he expects the lessons he learns after college will far exceed those he gained in the classroom.

鈥淣ow the real learning begins, as I start to build connections in a city that is foreign to me,鈥� he said.

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Hockaday earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement.

鈥淕etting these degrees represents years of commitment, resilience, and personal and professional growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or me, this is about more than higher education 鈥� it represents perseverance, purpose, and my commitment to my family, my peers, and becoming more knowledgeable in how I serve others through my work.鈥�

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Hockaday鈥檚 early life took him across the country and overseas to Germany where he completed the majority of his high school years before finishing his studies back in the U.S. Inspired by his father 鈥� a retired Air Force veteran and police officer 鈥� he made the life-changing decision to serve his country and join the United States Navy, setting the stage for a career defined by his commitment to his community and country.

After completing his service, Hockaday sought out another way to serve and began his law enforcement career in Arkansas. He worked for the Jacksonville Police Department for 13 years before joining the Sherwood Police Department, where he continues to serve today.

Over the course of his 31-year law enforcement career, Hockaday has held a variety of roles, including detective, school resource officer, arson investigator, crime scene technician, field training officer, and state-certified law enforcement instructor. He currently serves as a school resource officer at Sylvan Hills High School, a role he said has had the greatest impact on him personally and professionally. 

鈥淏eing a school resource officer has had the biggest impact on me because I am able to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public,鈥� Hockaday said. 鈥淚 hope I鈥檓 able to inspire the students at my school because they inspire me. They have inspired me to be a better person, husband, father, and law enforcement officer.鈥�

Family has been a steady source of strength throughout Hockaday鈥檚 journey. He and his wife have been married for 30 years and are the parents of a 16-year-old son. He said their support carried him through the demands of his career, education, and personal challenges. His commitment to service was shaped by his father, whose example influenced both his military and law enforcement careers. In his final year of study, Hockaday also faced the loss of his father following a battle with Parkinson鈥檚 disease linked to Agent Orange exposure during service in South Vietnam. Before his passing, his father encouraged him to complete his degree鈥攁 promise Hockaday kept.

鈥淚t was hard, I almost quit school. My mother and wife both told me to press on, and that is what my dad would want,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also wanted to set an example for my son and to show him that when life is tough, you don鈥檛 quit, you persevere through it, and fight. That鈥檚 exactly what I did, and now I鈥檓 graduating with honors.鈥�

That drive carried into the classroom, where Hockaday鈥檚 decades of experience gave deeper meaning to his studies. He found value in classmates’ diverse viewpoints, new to criminal justice, and in meaningful discussions that broadened his perspective as both a student and an officer. Those same lessons have shaped the way he approaches his work as a school resource officer, where building trust and relationships with students has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

鈥淔our years ago, a female student was complaining about police officers and saying that she didn鈥檛 like cops. I told her that I鈥檓 a cop, and she looked me dead in the eye and said, 鈥楬ockaday, you are one of us!鈥� Right then, I knew I was making a difference in these students’ lives. They did not see me as a police officer but as family and a person that they could depend on,鈥� said Hockaday.

Looking ahead, he hopes to use both his education and professional experience to help train future law enforcement officers, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and public trust. He wants recruits to understand the importance of protecting citizens鈥� rights, leading with compassion, and recognizing that every person鈥檚 story and circumstances are different.

鈥淎s a Black man, I saw an opportunity to be a solution and not the problem, just as my father was. Law enforcement became my way to continue his legacy,鈥� said Hockaday.

With two degrees in hand, Hockaday plans to continue his father鈥檚 legacy of service, continuing serving his community and now the next generation of law enforcement. Excited about this new stage of life, his goal remains the same: to lead with integrity and compassion, always comitted to making a positive impact on his community and country.

鈥淚 know my dad is looking down on me from heaven,鈥� he said, 鈥渟aying 鈥榃ell done son, I鈥檓 proud of you鈥�.鈥�

The post Serving Beyond the Badge: Hockaday Graduates with Honors appeared first on News.

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.听

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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鈥淚 felt like the coolest kid,鈥� Bianchi recalled.

That experience shaped what he wanted next: to be the one asking questions, telling athletes鈥� stories, and helping others feel recognized. Years later, as a mass communication major preparing to graduate, Bianchi said that passion still guides the future he envisions beyond the mat.

Wrestling was already part of his life growing up, with a family of four older brothers who all competed 鈥� it was their way of life. One brother, Paul, especially influenced his path and first introduced him to the possibility of college wrestling.

鈥淢y four older brothers wrestled, and I wanted to do whatever they were doing,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淭hen my brother, Paul, began competing at a high level, and I wanted to follow the same path he was on.鈥�

Watching his brother navigate the recruiting process opened his eyes to the possibility of competing at the collegiate level himself. But when he arrived at UA 糖心视频logo, the transition to Division I wrestling proved far more difficult than he expected.

鈥淚 was very naive,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淚 thought that because I had success in high school, it would instantly translate to college. But that was not the case for me.鈥�

Adjusting to college life while competing tested both his confidence and resilience. After going 1-3 in a competition his freshman season, Bianchi began questioning whether he belonged.

鈥淎t one point my freshman year, I almost quit, thinking, 鈥楳aybe this isn鈥檛 for me anymore,鈥欌�� he said.

During that difficult transition, his coaches became important mentors. He also credits the support of his family and teammates for helping him persevere through the demands of college athletics. Their support helped him work through the challenges of adjusting to college athletics and life away from home.

鈥淚f you are only wrestling for yourself, it can become lonely and meaningless,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淲hen you are wrestling for others who have supported you through ups and downs, you fight a lot harder.鈥�

Over time, Bianchi learned how to balance the demands of being both an athlete and a student. His schedule often stretched from early morning lifts, to classes during the day, and extra workouts in the wrestling room late into the evening 鈥� but balancing both roles became a source of pride.

鈥淲hen one area of your life is focused, it can make the others fall in line,鈥� he said. 鈥淲restling was a huge focus. But I can鈥檛 wrestle with bad grades. So I worked to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually daily.鈥�

Bianchi鈥檚 interest in storytelling continued to grow through his coursework, especially during a live audio course where he learned how to edit and produce audio content. The class introduced him to podcasting, inspiring his senior capstone project, Mindset With Matty 鈥� an eight-episode podcast focused on wrestling and the mindset athletes carry during and after a competition. Through the project, Bianchi interviewed wrestlers, coaches, and close friends, exploring how lessons learned on the mat continue shaping their lives long after the match has ended. The conversations not only strengthened his storytelling skills, but also deepened many of his personal relationships.

The guidance Bianchi received from his instructors and coaches shaped the kind of teammate, mentor, and person he wanted to become. As his confidence grew and his success followed, he focused on helping younger wrestlers navigate the same struggles he had faced.

鈥淚 have tried to be an open-door person,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淚f a teammate is struggling, I will hear what they have to say without making them feel bad, because whatever they might be going through, I have as well.鈥�

That growth transformed the uncertainty of Bianchi鈥檚 freshman season into some of the biggest accomplishments of his career. During the 2025 season, he captured a PAC-12 championship and earned NCAA All-American honors after enduring the demanding three-day NCAA Championships tournament. For Bianchi, though, the season鈥檚 most meaningful moments had less to do with medals and more to do with the people beside him.

鈥淭hat year was very special to me,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淓verything I did was with guys on the team who I have been around forever and my brother, Joey.鈥�

Joey became Bianchi鈥檚 primary training partner throughout the season, pushing him through practices, workouts, and the physical toll of competition. Together, the brothers won back-to-back PAC-12 titles and qualified for the NCAA Championship, sharing hotel rooms, training sessions, and the highs and lows that come with competing on college wrestling鈥檚 biggest stage.

鈥淭he best moments were not the matches,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was the workouts in the middle of the night and us guys trying to laugh, make jokes, and somehow make something that is so intense, fun.鈥�

While wrestling shaped much of his college experience, Bianchi said the future he envisions still traces back to that brief interview after a high school wrestling match years ago. His work in mass communication allowed him to explore storytelling, broadcasting, editing, and media production, giving him a different way to engage with the sport he has always been part of. Now preparing to graduate, Bianchi said the moments he values most are not tied to championships or grades, but to the people and experiences that came with them 鈥� teammates pushing through late-night workouts, coaches who challenged him, and the relationships built throughout his four years on and off the mat.

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鈥淚 envisioned getting the degree, and at the same time, it didn鈥檛 seem possible that I would get accepted into the program,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淚 actually applied 鈥�knowing鈥� I would get rejected.鈥�

Instead, she began a new chapter at UA 糖心视频logo and worked toward a degree that once felt out of reach.

Taylor, a Conway native, earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013. After graduating, she spent years working in service-oriented jobs while repeatedly putting off graduate school.

For years, Taylor talked about applying to graduate school. Friends, coworkers, and people close to her encouraged her to take the chance and apply to social work programs. Eventually, Taylor said her friends told her to 鈥渏ust apply鈥� because the worst outcome would simply be not getting accepted.

鈥淚 think others seeing potential in me and believing in me helped me take that next step,鈥� Taylor said.

Even after submitting the application, Taylor had doubts about getting accepted. Instead, she found herself beginning a new chapter at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淲hen I found out I got accepted, I really was in shock,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I was intelligent enough for graduate school.鈥�

Those feelings of imposter syndrome didn鈥檛 disappear right away. Taylor started the Master of Social Work program part time and online while balancing two full-time jobs, often with overtime at both. During graduate school, she also completed internships at Gateway Recovery Center, Arkansas Foodbank, and Rise House, a domestic violence shelter. Outside of school and work, she volunteered with Arkansas Hospice, formerly known as LifeTouch Health, and previously volunteered with Heart of Hospice while living in Fort Smith.

Taylor said it took time to gain confidence in herself while balancing the demands of work, internships, and school. One conversation with an advisor became especially meaningful during the most difficult stretches of graduate school.

鈥淭hey told me, 鈥楳inden, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and you are in it,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭hat resonated with me because this degree took more time for me than what I seemed to notice for others around me. It was definitely a marathon and not a sprint.鈥�

At one point, Taylor took a year-long break from the program before returning in summer 2025 to complete her second internship and final year of classes. Around the same time, she made the difficult decision to leave one of her jobs so she could focus more fully on school and her well-being.

鈥淚 would tell my younger self to drop job No. 2, focus more on school, and your mental and physical health, and more than anything, believe in yourself,鈥� Taylor said.

Taylor鈥檚 professional experiences throughout the years helped shape her understanding of social work and confirmed that she had chosen the right path.

After earning her undergraduate degree, she worked in ABA therapy before taking positions within several Arkansas Department of Human Services divisions, including Developmental Disabilities Services, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Children and Family Services. Her work included supporting adults with developmental disabilities, working with juvenile youth, serving as an investigator, and helping families in protective services.

She currently works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a role she says continues to inspire her every day.

鈥淭he thing I love most about this job is that many folks think we are helping these individuals, but really, they are inspiring us to do better in our own lives,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淲hen you get to witness people start to thrive in life because they finally get a good team of workers around them, well, that feels amazing.鈥�

鈥淚 knew that I wanted to help people,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know exactly what that looked like, but I knew that I had a heart that wanted to serve and help others.鈥�

Throughout the program, Taylor said one of the most meaningful parts of her experience at UA 糖心视频logo was the support she found within the School of Social Work community.

鈥淲e really can do anything that we want if we continue on, seek support, and have people who believe in us who, in return, help students believe in ourselves even more,鈥� she said.

Taylor鈥檚 longtime friend, Muriel Schrepfer, senior graphic designer and marquee manager in the Office of Communications and Marketing, said Taylor鈥檚 persistence and compassion have always stood out.

鈥淢inden is the kind of person who keeps showing up, even when life makes it hard,鈥� Schrepfer said. 鈥淚鈥檝e known her since eighth grade, and she has always been caring, goofy, kind, and full of life in the best way. She鈥檚 worked multiple jobs to get through school while fighting battles most people never see, and she still manages to show up for everyone around her with so much heart.

Watching her earn her master鈥檚 in social work makes me endlessly proud of the resilience, compassion, and strength she carries every single day. I truly can鈥檛 wait to see where life takes her from here.鈥�

Taylor鈥檚 graduate school journey also included personal moments outside the classroom. During her final year of school, her dog Yuki, whom she had adopted, passed away. She is now fostering another dog, Nalani, whom she plans to adopt after graduation.

As she prepares for commencement, Taylor鈥檚 next steps include passing the Association of Social Work Boards master鈥檚-level examination and continuing toward becoming a licensed certified social worker.

She also hopes to focus on personal goals she placed on hold while balancing graduate school, including improving her physical health, returning to boxing, relearning sign language, becoming fluent in Spanish, and strengthening her writing skills. She also plans to spend time this summer with her two young nephews, Parker Reid and Wyatt James.

Looking back on the journey that brought her to graduation day, Taylor hopes others who doubt themselves will continue pursuing their goals anyway.

鈥淚t really is amazing once you go from doubting your potential to seeing that you do have qualities to bring to any table and into any room,鈥� she said.

The post From Self-Doubt to Social Work: Minden Taylor Earns Master鈥檚 Degree at UA 糖心视频logo appeared first on News.

This honor was awarded through the . The festival, now in its 10th year, is dedicated to recognizing Arkansas authors. For Thurmond, a native Arkansan, the award feels especially meaningful. 

鈥淭o be recognized as an Arkansas writer and to win this award is a really special achievement for me,鈥� Thurmond shared. 

Thurmond described his literary path as deeply connected to his life in Arkansas. From growing up in rural Arkansas and attending UA 糖心视频logo as a Donaghey Scholar, where his mother also taught, to returning home after years of study and travel abroad, his journey came full circle as he now teaches alongside the same professors who once mentored him as a student.

His novel was first selected as a finalist by students in UCA鈥檚 MFA Creative Writing program, then chosen as winner by renowned Arkansas literary figure and attorney Philip H. McMath. Along with the award, Thurmond received a trophy, a $1,500 cash prize, and an invitation to give a public reading and talk about his work and writing process.

鈥淚 had been told by friends that my name, Frank Thurmond, came up as a 19th-century outlaw, and a friend said, 鈥榊ou should write a novel about this namesake,鈥欌�� Thurmond said. 鈥淚 started researching that person, and the only thing he did worthwhile was having married this famous woman, Lottie Deno. I realized the real story was her story, and that led me to researching her and finding out about the incredible story of Lottie Deno.鈥�

The result is Lottie Deno: A Novel of the Civil War and the American Southwest, a historical fiction novel that follows the life and adventures of the legendary gambler during Reconstruction-era Texas. 

鈥淚t was a new experience to have an award like that,鈥� Thurmond reflected. 鈥淚t brought renewed attention to the book and inspired me to keep writing and working on new material.鈥�

In addition to being a writer, Thurmond is also a screenwriter, filmmaker, and musician, teaching across multiple departments.

鈥淚 get to practice what I preach and preach what I practice,鈥� Thurmond said. 

His commitment to sharing his work extends beyond the classroom. Students attend his book launches, readings, and film screenings, further connecting academic study to real-world creative achievement. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to be encouraged by students who express interest in and appreciation for my work. That, in turn, inspires me to keep going,鈥� he said.

Thurmond believes in leading by example, encouraging his students to pursue their dreams with determination. 

鈥淚 always tell them to persevere and give it their best shot,鈥� he said, emphasizing the importance of networking, seeking out opportunities, and maintaining confidence in the face of setbacks. 

The award adds another milestone to Thurmond鈥檚 work as a writer and educator at UA 糖心视频logo, where he continues to balance teaching, creative projects, and an evolving literary career rooted in Arkansas.

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Clark will graduate from UA 糖心视频logo this spring with a master鈥檚 degree in sport management.

Clark earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences from the University of the Ozarks. Although he knew he wanted to attend graduate school, he was unsure which degree path to pursue.

鈥淥nce I started looking at options, I came across the sports management program at UA 糖心视频logo, and it was a perfect fit for me,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淭he program allowed me to stay close to home and also gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience while working for the baseball team at the same time.鈥�

As a graduate assistant with 糖心视频logo Baseball, Clark said his coursework closely aligned with the work he was doing every day with the program.

鈥淲hile completing the coursework, I was able to experience real-world examples of what we were covering in the classroom,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was able to develop a deeper understanding of what was being taught because I was able to apply what we learned in class to real work situations right away.鈥�

Clark said dependability became the biggest lesson of his graduate experience, teaching him that trust and responsibility go hand in hand.

鈥淚t was very important that my professors or the coaching staff could depend on me to get things done in a timely manner,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淏eing dependable creates trust and respect between you and the professor or coach. Once I had shown that the coaches could depend on me, my responsibility within the program increased, and I was trusted with more important jobs.鈥�

Clark said Dr. Katie Helms had a major impact on his time in the program.

鈥淪he was always very interactive with us and was quick to help if we needed anything,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he also kept the coursework and classes engaging by giving us the freedom to pick and choose topics or sports that interested us most and gave us the opportunity to work in areas that interested us.鈥�

He also credits 糖心视频logo baseball head coach Chris Curry for helping shape his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and communication.

鈥淔rom day one, coach Curry has done a great job of leading by example and showing what leadership looks like in the way he communicates and acts,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淏eing a part of the coaching staff for two years, I learned that it takes everyone working together and communicating with each other to help achieve our team goals.鈥�

Clark said accountability and communication were essential to the team鈥檚 success.

鈥淔rom a teamwork standpoint, it was important to hold each other accountable and be dependable even when doing the little things,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen communicating with each other, it was important to overcommunicate so that everyone was on the same page and knew what they should be doing and when. Being in a leadership role the last two years has taught me that these three areas are vital to a program鈥檚 success, and I believe I am leaving UA 糖心视频logo with a better understanding of all three thanks to coach Curry and 糖心视频logo Baseball.鈥�

Clark said his biggest academic accomplishment was passing his board exams on the first attempt.

鈥淲ithout passing those, I would not be able to graduate, so passing them was a big relief,鈥� he said.

On the field, Clark said he is most proud of winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and advancing to a regional final during his first year with the program.

糖心视频logo Baseball head coach Chris Curry said Clark played an important role behind the scenes in the program鈥檚 success.

鈥淐ole has done an outstanding job for us working behind the scenes and doing all of the tough jobs that nobody wants to do, but an entry-level coach has to do,鈥� Curry said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 done it with a great attitude, and he鈥檚 been a huge key to our success.鈥�

He said Clark鈥檚 reliability and organizational skills helped him stand out during his time with the program.

鈥淐ole comes from a great coaching pedigree with his dad, Jimmy Clark, at the University of the Ozarks,鈥� Curry said. 鈥淒uring his time here, Cole has literally done everything we鈥檝e asked him to do. He鈥檚 not only a great baseball coach, but an organizer and someone we can rely on. We know that Cole will be successful in whatever he chooses to do next.鈥�

After graduation, Clark said he is excited to bring the lessons he learned at UA 糖心视频logo to the next program he joins, carrying with him the experience, leadership skills, and dependability that shaped his graduate journey.

The post Cole Clark Combines Baseball and 糖心视频logo at UA 糖心视频logo appeared first on News.

Students in the Trojan Teacher Residency Program celebrated Match Day with faculty, classmates, and school partners as they learned which schools and mentor teachers they will work with during a year-long residency in Central Arkansas.

The residency program pairs future educators with experienced mentor teachers, allowing students to co-teach lessons, strengthen classroom management skills, and build meaningful relationships with students before graduating and entering the profession full time.

The 2026 teacher residents include:

• Katelynn Burdiek, placed at Jacksonville Middle School in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, where she will work with mentor teacher Shannon Tipton while pursuing licensure in English Language Arts for grades 4-8.
• Pedro Cortez Munoz, placed at Jacksonville Middle School in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, where he will work with mentor teacher Deanna Malone while pursuing licensure in Social Studies for grades 7-12.
• Brandon Gonzalez, placed at Jacksonville Middle School in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, where he will work with mentor teacher Meyosha Trammell while pursuing licensure in mathematics for grades 4-8.
• Terrika Smith, placed at J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory School in the 糖心视频logo School District, where she will work with mentor teacher Sarah McPherson while pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education.
• Anne Marie de Luca, will complete her special education residency at Forest Heights STEM Academy in the 糖心视频logo School District under mentor teacher Amanda Gammill.
• Dawn Summons, placed at Forest Heights STEM Academy in the 糖心视频logo School District, where she will also work with mentor teacher Amanda Gammill while pursuing special education licensure.

For Smith, Match Day marked the beginning of a long-term goal to become the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting impact on students.

鈥淢y hope is to learn and grow into an amazing elementary teacher who inspires students and fosters a love for learning in the classroom,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to building meaningful relationships with both students and staff while gaining valuable experience throughout the school year.鈥�

Smith said she is especially excited to begin her residency at J.A. Fair and hopes the experience could lead to a long-term future in the district.

鈥淎s of now, my plan is to love the school so much that it, or at least the 糖心视频logo School District, becomes my home long-term,鈥� Smith said.

The Trojan Teacher Residency Program continues to strengthen partnerships between UA 糖心视频logo and Arkansas school districts while helping address the growing need for highly trained educators across the state. Through immersive classroom experiences, students graduate with practical teaching experience and professional mentorship that prepare them to lead their own classrooms with confidence.

The Match Day celebration also allowed residents to meet school leaders, connect with mentors, and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter as future Arkansas educators.

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