Commencement 2026 - News - UA ��Ƶlogo

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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From Loss to Purpose: Cory Baker’s Law School Journey Defined by Growth

Bobbie Handcock — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

For Cory Baker, graduating this spring represents more than earning a law degree. It represents perseverance through loss, personal growth, and honoring loved ones who helped shape his journey.

Baker graduated with a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo. It follows a journey that took him from his home in Belgrade, Montana, to Benton, Arkansas.

“After moving to Arkansas, I quickly grew to appreciate the state’s culture and Southern hospitality, making the decision to stay after graduation an easy one,” Baker said.

Before attending Bowen, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in English from the University of Minnesota Crookston. His interest in law developed through intellectual curiosity and a desire to help others. During his undergraduate studies, he became increasingly interested in criminal justice reform through coursework focused on mass incarceration, resocialization, and over-deterrence in nonviolent offenses.

“I wanted to challenge myself intellectually and pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” he said, explaining that law school was a good fit. As a first-generation law student, Baker said attending law school felt both unfamiliar and exciting. “I wanted to build something new for myself and my family while pursuing a career centered on service, advocacy, and personal growth,” he said.

Choosing to attend law school in Arkansas came after a period of profound loss. Baker wanted a fresh start after losing his grandmother, aunt, and mother within three months in 2021. While his 101-year-old grandmother had lived a long life, the deaths of his aunt and mother were unexpected. All three knew he planned to attend law school.

“My mother was especially proud that I was pursuing law school and potentially becoming the first lawyer in our family,” he said. “She always joked that I enjoyed arguing with people and was meant to become an attorney.”

Baker said family loss changed his outlook and strengthened his resolve to study law.

“Completing law school became important not only for me, but also for my mother, who had always been one of my biggest supporters,” he said.

Baker attended Bowen full-time while focusing on clerkships, externships, and activities on and off campus. One of his most meaningful experiences was serving on Bowen’s National Mock Trial Team.

“Participating in Mock Trial pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me develop practical litigation skills,” he said.

Baker served as the legal commentary editor for the Arkansas Journal of Social Change and Public Service. In that role, he worked with student writers while editing and publishing legal commentary pieces on a wide range of legal issues and perspectives.

In addition, Baker worked as a Rule XV clerk for the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office, an experience that reinforced his commitment to public service.

“Working closely with indigent clients gave me a valuable perspective on client-centered advocacy, while my courtroom experience exposed me to the broader responsibilities attorneys and judges carry within the justice system,” he said.

With law school complete, Baker is now preparing for the bar exam.

“As a nontraditional law student who returned to college after time away from school, graduating from law school is something I am deeply proud of,” he said.

Baker believes the experiences and hardships he has faced will continue to shape the way he approaches the legal profession.

“I believe those experiences will help me become a more empathetic attorney and better relate to clients who are facing hardships in their own lives,” he said, adding that he carried a picture of his mother during graduation as a reminder of her support and encouragement.

Baker said having his father and brother attend graduation meant a great deal to him. He also credited Professor Pat Harris, Professor Terrance Cain, attorney Lloyd Warford, and the attorneys and staff at the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office for helping shape his law school experience.

“Each of them challenged me in different ways, encouraged my professional growth, and provided practical guidance that extended beyond the classroom,” he said.

Looking ahead, Baker encourages future law students to remain open to unexpected opportunities and challenges.

“Sometimes the areas that push you outside of your comfort zone end up being the most rewarding,” he said. “When I started law school, I thought I wanted to practice transactional and business law. Over time, I realized that I was much more drawn to courtroom advocacy and litigation.”

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Writing Her Next Chapter: Josie Eanes Builds on Family Tradition at UA ��Ƶlogo

Bobbie Handcock — Wed, 27 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Continuing a family tradition as a third-generation University of Arkansas ��Ƶlogo graduate, Josie Eanes has turned a lifelong love of storytelling into a journey of growth and creative achievement. This spring, she received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Instead of a minor, she completed two additional concentrations: nonfiction writing and viola studies.

Although she always knew she wanted to attend college, Eanes didn’t 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,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed my English classes, and I used to write ‘books’ when I was a kid, as well as being an avid reader.”

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’ve 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,” Eanes said. “I also really appreciate Dr. (Earnest) Cox, Dr. (Kris) McAbee, and Professor (Jeffrey) Condran for their mentorship on my senior thesis. I’ve had a lot of really amazing professors who don’t get enough credit for all they do.”

Professor Condran, a UA ��Ƶlogo creative writing instructor, praised Eanes’ 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 – it’s going to be special.”

Eanes is now a third-generation UA ��Ƶlogo 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 ��Ƶlogo, and I’m so happy with how I’ve grown as a person and student,” she said. “I 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.”

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UA ��Ƶlogo Graduate Lawson Bear Finds a New Calling in Theater

Bobbie Handcock — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:09:23 +0000

Lawson Bear came to the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo four years ago to study music. Now, after graduating with a degree in music and a minor in theatre arts, he’s preparing to pursue a new ambition: acting.

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 “it’s the only thing I really knew.” But his college experience expanded far beyond the classroom. One of the defining moments of his time at UA ��Ƶlogo came when he studied abroad.

“Got to study abroad for a semester in Sweden — that was life-changing,” 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 “grow with myself on my own terms. Unregimented. Unobserved. Free.”

“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,” he said, adding that he also traveled with friends to Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malmö. 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.

“I’ve been in a few plays, and that’s really fulfilling,” he said. “HIR and Fairview are the stand-outs.”

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

“You’re creating a person, and that’s a very delicate process,” he said. “Stage partners need to trust one another unconditionally, so it’s such a wonderfully vulnerable moment.”

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 “smart, driven, talented, and an accomplished singer and excellent actor.”

Dr. Lorissa Mason, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at UA ��Ƶlogo, praised Bear’s curiosity and determination.

Bear has “a deep appreciation for literature and the written word,” she said. “His 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.”

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. ”Studying 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,” 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.

“Now the real learning begins, as I start to build connections in a city that is foreign to me,” he said.

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Serving Beyond the Badge: Hockaday Graduates with Honors

Samantha Koros — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:49:24 +0000

When Jamal Hockaday crossed the commencement stage at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo, he celebrated more than earning two degrees. His graduation marked the fulfillment of a promise — one made to his father before his passing and built on more than three decades of service in law enforcement.

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

“Getting these degrees represents years of commitment, resilience, and personal and professional growth,” he said. “For me, this is about more than higher education — it represents perseverance, purpose, and my commitment to my family, my peers, and becoming more knowledgeable in how I serve others through my work.”

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Hockaday’s 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 — a retired Air Force veteran and police officer — 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.

“Being 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,” Hockaday said. “I hope I’m 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.”

Family has been a steady source of strength throughout Hockaday’s 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’s disease linked to Agent Orange exposure during service in South Vietnam. Before his passing, his father encouraged him to complete his degree—a promise Hockaday kept.

“It was hard, I almost quit school. My mother and wife both told me to press on, and that is what my dad would want,” he said. “I also wanted to set an example for my son and to show him that when life is tough, you don’t quit, you persevere through it, and fight. That’s exactly what I did, and now I’m graduating with honors.”

That drive carried into the classroom, where Hockaday’s 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.

“Four years ago, a female student was complaining about police officers and saying that she didn’t like cops. I told her that I’m a cop, and she looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘Hockaday, you are one of us!’ 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,” 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’ rights, leading with compassion, and recognizing that every person’s story and circumstances are different.

“As 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,” said Hockaday.

With two degrees in hand, Hockaday plans to continue his father’s 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.

“I know my dad is looking down on me from heaven,” he said, “saying ‘Well done son, I’m proud of you’.”

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Trading the Mat for the Microphone

Samantha Koros — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Long before becoming a four-year starter for the , a PAC-12 champion, or an NCAA All-American, Matthew Bianchi was a high school wrestler standing in front of a microphone after a match. That brief interview stayed with him.

“I felt like the coolest kid,” Bianchi recalled.

That experience shaped what he wanted next: to be the one asking questions, telling athletes’ 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 — it was their way of life. One brother, Paul, especially influenced his path and first introduced him to the possibility of college wrestling.

“My four older brothers wrestled, and I wanted to do whatever they were doing,” Bianchi said. “Then my brother, Paul, began competing at a high level, and I wanted to follow the same path he was on.”

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 ��Ƶlogo, the transition to Division I wrestling proved far more difficult than he expected.

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

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.

“At one point my freshman year, I almost quit, thinking, ‘Maybe this isn’t for me anymore,’” 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.

“If you are only wrestling for yourself, it can become lonely and meaningless,” Bianchi said. “When you are wrestling for others who have supported you through ups and downs, you fight a lot harder.”

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 — but balancing both roles became a source of pride.

“When one area of your life is focused, it can make the others fall in line,” he said. “Wrestling was a huge focus. But I can’t wrestle with bad grades. So I worked to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually daily.”

Bianchi’s 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 — 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.

“I have tried to be an open-door person,” Bianchi said. “If 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.”

That growth transformed the uncertainty of Bianchi’s 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’s most meaningful moments had less to do with medals and more to do with the people beside him.

“That year was very special to me,” Bianchi said. “Everything I did was with guys on the team who I have been around forever and my brother, Joey.”

Joey became Bianchi’s 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’s biggest stage.

“The best moments were not the matches,” he said. “It 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.”

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 — 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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From Self-Doubt to Social Work: Minden Taylor Earns Master’s Degree at UA ��Ƶlogo

Justin Bates — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Minden Taylor spent years doubting whether she belonged in graduate school. This spring, she’s earning a Master of Social Work degree from UA ��Ƶlogo.

“I envisioned getting the degree, and at the same time, it didn’t seem possible that I would get accepted into the program,” Taylor said. “I actually applied ‘knowing’ I would get rejected.”

Instead, she began a new chapter at UA ��Ƶlogo and worked toward a degree that once felt out of reach.

Taylor, a Conway native, earned her bachelor’s 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 “just apply” because the worst outcome would simply be not getting accepted.

“I think others seeing potential in me and believing in me helped me take that next step,” Taylor said.

Even after submitting the application, Taylor had doubts about getting accepted. Instead, she found herself beginning a new chapter at UA ��Ƶlogo.

“When I found out I got accepted, I really was in shock,” she said. “I didn’t think I was intelligent enough for graduate school.”

Those feelings of imposter syndrome didn’t 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.

“They told me, ‘Minden, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and you are in it,’” she said. “That 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.”

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.

“I 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,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s 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.

“The 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,” Taylor said. “When 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.”

“I knew that I wanted to help people,” Taylor said. “I didn’t know exactly what that looked like, but I knew that I had a heart that wanted to serve and help others.”

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

“We 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,” she said.

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

“Minden is the kind of person who keeps showing up, even when life makes it hard,” Schrepfer said. “I’ve known her since eighth grade, and she has always been caring, goofy, kind, and full of life in the best way. She’s 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’s in social work makes me endlessly proud of the resilience, compassion, and strength she carries every single day. I truly can’t wait to see where life takes her from here.”

Taylor’s 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’s next steps include passing the Association of Social Work Boards master’s-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.

“It 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,” she said.

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Cole Clark Combines Baseball and ��Ƶlogo at UA ��Ƶlogo

Sydney Ambrus — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

While many graduate students spend evenings studying in the library, Cole Clark spent his time balancing coursework with the fast-paced demands of . For the Clarksville, Arkansas, native, earning a master’s degree in sport management at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo meant learning both in the classroom and in the dugout.

Clark will graduate from UA ��Ƶlogo this spring with a master’s 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.

“Once I started looking at options, I came across the sports management program at UA ��Ƶlogo, and it was a perfect fit for me,” Clark said. “The 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.”

As a graduate assistant with ��Ƶlogo Baseball, Clark said his coursework closely aligned with the work he was doing every day with the program.

“While completing the coursework, I was able to experience real-world examples of what we were covering in the classroom,” he said. “I 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.”

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

“It was very important that my professors or the coaching staff could depend on me to get things done in a timely manner,” Clark said. “Being 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.”

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

“She was always very interactive with us and was quick to help if we needed anything,” he said. “She 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.”

He also credits ��Ƶlogo baseball head coach Chris Curry for helping shape his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and communication.

“From 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,” Clark said. “Being 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.”

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

“From a teamwork standpoint, it was important to hold each other accountable and be dependable even when doing the little things,” he said. “When 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’s success, and I believe I am leaving UA ��Ƶlogo with a better understanding of all three thanks to coach Curry and ��Ƶlogo Baseball.”

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

“Without passing those, I would not be able to graduate, so passing them was a big relief,” 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.

��Ƶlogo Baseball head coach Chris Curry said Clark played an important role behind the scenes in the program’s success.

“Cole 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,” Curry said. “He’s done it with a great attitude, and he’s been a huge key to our success.”

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

“Cole comes from a great coaching pedigree with his dad, Jimmy Clark, at the University of the Ozarks,” Curry said. “During his time here, Cole has literally done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s 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.”

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

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UA ��Ƶlogo Graduate Builds Educational Legacy for Her Daughters Through Nursing Degree

Justin Bates — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

For the last several years, Karmin Sproles has spent her days working full time, her evenings caring for her three daughters, and her late nights studying for one of the most demanding academic programs at UA ��Ƶlogo. This spring, the ��Ƶlogo native will graduate with her associate degree in nursing, becoming a registered nurse while showing her daughters firsthand what perseverance and determination can achieve.

Earning a nursing degree was about more than starting a new career. It was about setting an example for her three daughters and showing them what hard work looks like.

Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities often meant studying whenever and wherever she could, from the library to her car to the sidelines while her children played at the park. Two of her daughters were toddlers who depended on her daily care, while her oldest daughter balanced sports, schoolwork, and community activities. Alongside parenting responsibilities, Sproles also maintained a full-time job and household responsibilities while completing the nursing curriculum.

“They have witnessed, in real-time, the many nights that I would study, complete paperwork, and assignments, and even practice nursing skills until well after midnight,” Sproles said. “My girls being able to witness me put in the effort to succeed in this program will show them that they, too, can do anything to which they set their minds.”

Sproles didn’t allow those challenges to stand in her way, but she said she could not have succeeded without the support of UA ��Ƶlogo’s nursing faculty, her family, and her workplace. Faculty members made themselves available for one-on-one support, offered additional study resources, and provided hands-on opportunities to strengthen nursing skills outside the classroom.

Education and service have always been part of Sproles’ story. She grew up in a family that valued learning, leadership, and giving back to the community, including her mother and grandmother, Tonya and Henrietta Sproles, both educators, and her grandfather, Tommy L. Sproles Sr., the first Black appointed Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner.

“Raised in a family deeply rooted in the values of education, respect, integrity, kindness, and personal responsibility, Karmin developed a strong foundation that has guided her personal and professional journey,” said Dr. Sheila M. Brooks, clinical assistant professor in the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Nursing. Brooks said Sproles’ determination remained evident as she balanced motherhood, full-time employment, and the demands of nursing school while continuing to pursue academic and professional excellence.

Outside of the classroom, Sproles remains active in community service and leadership through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., continuing the values of service and leadership that were instilled in her at an early age. Brooks said she believes Sproles’ compassion and dedication will leave a lasting impact on the nursing profession and the patients she serves.

“There were many times when I questioned whether or not I could keep going,” Sproles said. “Hearing my daughters tell me, ‘good job, mommy!’ and being around successful nurses helped me push through and stay motivated.”

When Sproles crosses the commencement stage this spring, she said her daughters will be at the forefront of her mind. The moment will represent both the completion of one challenging chapter and the beginning of a lifelong career dedicated to caring for others.

“I believe I will inspire others to know that, despite numerous life challenges, educational success is possible,” Sproles said.

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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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