Anderson comes to UA 糖心视频logo following nearly four years as the state higher education reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he covered colleges and universities throughout Arkansas, including UA 糖心视频logo. In his new role, he will lead strategic communications efforts that highlight the university鈥檚 students, faculty, research, and impact across the state.

Prior to joining the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, he spent nearly a decade as a newspaper reporter in three states, covering a wide range of beats, with education remaining a consistent focus throughout his career. He earned bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in journalism, graduating summa cum laude as an undergraduate.

“Ryan brings a unique perspective to this role as someone who has spent years telling the stories of higher education,” said Carrie Phillips, chief communications and marketing officer. “He understands what makes a compelling story, values accuracy and authenticity, and already has a deep understanding of UA 糖心视频logo’s mission and impact. We’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

During his journalism career, he earned statewide recognition for his education reporting. He received the Arkansas Press Association鈥檚 2025 Best Education Story (large daily newspapers) award and was also recognized by Arkansas Press Women for excellence in education reporting in 2025 and 2026.

While reporting on higher education, Anderson developed an appreciation for the role universities play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. 

“While I’ve covered myriad beats during my newspaper career, education has always been one of them, because I genuinely believe in the importance of education, and I have the utmost respect for those who work in the field,” Anderson said. “When I began my job with the Democrat-Gazette in August 2022, Carrie Phillips — and her entire marketing and communications team — stood out to me immediately for their professionalism, proficiency, and sincerity, so I couldn’t be more elated to join this group at UA 糖心视频logo.” 

Anderson looks forward to helping share the stories that define the university鈥檚 impact.

“I fully support the mission of higher education, generally, and UA 糖心视频logo, specifically, especially core pillars of the university like access, attainment, and community engagement,” added Anderson. “Everyone I’ve met in my short time on campus has been nothing but welcoming — a mentality I know everyone also extends to students here 鈥� and I can’t wait to make my contributions to the terrific work already ongoing at this university.” 

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At the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) annual Marketing and Branding Conference on June 22, Phillips received the CASE Crystal Apple Award. Phillips, who chaired this year鈥檚 conference, earned the recognition after receiving outstanding evaluations as a speaker at 10 CASE conferences.

While Phillips knew a Crystal Apple could eventually be in her future based on her contributions, she thought it was years away, so receiving it now “was a total surprise,” so much so that she was rendered speechless. 

“I’m usually very good at speaking extemporaneously, but I didn’t know what to say,” said Phillips, who聽concluded her term as chair of CASE District IV June 30.

Phillips held the role since 2024 after serving as chair-elect beginning in 2022, but she will continue to serve in an advisory role as past chair.聽

CASE was her first professional development conference, her first time as a speaker at a professional development conference, and her earliest volunteer service in the profession, so “CASE has been a through line in my career,” which made the recognition all the more special.

“This community has challenged me, encouraged me, introduced me to lifelong friends, and given me opportunities I never imagined” when she began attending CASE conferences nearly 20 years prior, added Phillips, whose CASE district conference scores put her over the top toward Crystal Apple recognition.

“Within our profession, the CASE Crystal Apple Award is synonymous with the very highest standards of excellence — it recognizes leaders who elevate not only their own institutions but the profession itself — Carrie embodies those qualities every day through her vision, her integrity, and her unwavering commitment to telling the story of UA 糖心视频logo,” said Christian O’Neal, UA 糖心视频logo’s vice president of advancement. “While this honor celebrates her individual achievements, it also reflects the remarkable team she has built and the culture of excellence she inspires.”

CASE, a global professional organization composed of colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit institutions, supports professionals in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, and provides strategy and tools to strengthen enrollment, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

“As a fellow CASE Crystal Apple recipient, I thank you for your dedication and the extraordinary talent you have given to CASE programs over the years,” Sue Cunningham, CASE president and CEO, wrote in a letter to Phillips. “Without teachers like you, who give time and expertise so willingly, CASE could not provide the high-quality education for which it is known throughout the world. For setting such high professional standards, and for giving of yourself in service to the profession, we are all in your debt.”  

Phillips “is one of the most dynamic member practitioners in the entire community of over 88,000 professionals,” according to Chase Moore, CASE executive director. “Through her prolific writing and shared expertise through presentations, Carrie has inspired thousands of people. She has contributed to the professional knowledge that shapes educational advancement and (marketing-communications) best practice across the globe.” 

Phillips spearheaded the revitalization of CASE District IV programming, driving engagement to 216% of goal and earning the opportunity to present before the international CASE Board of Trustees. Framework she helped design for District IV — which spans Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas — has since been adopted by all seven other CASE districts. 

That systems-focused leadership mirrors her work at UA 糖心视频logo, a metropolitan research institution committed to expanding access to education and preparing career-ready graduates for the workforce. Through her involvement with CASE, Phillips has connected UA 糖心视频logo with national best practices and peer institutions addressing similar priorities in enrollment, communications, and institutional positioning.

“CASE has been a great access point for us to align (UA 糖心视频logo) with best-in-class” protocols, but “we’ve also been leading the way, (and UA 糖心视频logo) has seen the value of CASE for our institution and our professionals here,” Phillips said. O’Neal and Chancellor Christina S. Drale “have been very supportive of my involvement in CASE, recognizing the opportunities it creates for us at UA 糖心视频logo — without that support, this wouldn’t have happened — and it speaks to a culture here of wanting to be the best version we can be for our students.”  

As O’Neal engages “with advancement and communications leaders across the country, I see firsthand the respect they have for the work being done at UA 糖心视频logo and for Carrie’s leadership,” he said. “Under her direction, we’ve built a Communications and Marketing team within University Advancement that stands alongside the very best in higher education. Our colleagues recognize the creativity, strategy, and results our team consistently delivers, and they often point to the work happening at UA 糖心视频logo as an example of excellence.”

Phillips remains active in the Public Relations Society of America鈥檚 Counselors to Higher Education, presents regularly for the American Marketing Association, and mentors emerging professionals across the country. She’s also been named an Arkansas Money and Politics Future Icon, a three-time Top 10 Higher Ed Marketer to Follow, and a CASE Circle of Excellence Grand Gold Award recipient.

“Carrie is one of the most talented communications professionals I’ve had the privilege to work with, a trusted colleague, an exceptional leader, and someone who genuinely cares about the people and mission of UA 糖心视频logo,” said O’Neal. “Every day, she challenges all of us to think more strategically about how we tell our story and how we connect with the audiences we serve.”

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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.

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Phillips, chief marketing and communications officer at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, will conclude her term as chair of CASE District IV later this year, a role she held from 2024 to 2026, after serving as chair-elect beginning in 2022. She will continue to serve in an advisory role as past chair. 

CASE 鈥� the Council for Advancement and Support of Education 鈥� is a global professional organization composed of colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit institutions. It supports professionals in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, and provides strategy and tools to strengthen enrollment, engagement and long-term sustainability.

The end of Phillips鈥� formal leadership marks the culmination of a nearly 20-year volunteer journey with CASE District IV that began, she said, almost by accident.

鈥淭his was never the plan,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter getting my degree, I planned to work for a year or so at a college while the economy got better and then find something else. Instead, I found a career.鈥�

That early work in higher education led to what she describes as a 鈥渧oluntold鈥� assignment 鈥� attending a CASE district conference that quickly pulled her into volunteer service. From there, she moved into successive cabinet and conference leadership roles, including serving as District IV conference chair in 2020.

鈥淚 left the first conference with a volunteer spot the next year. The rest, as they say, is history,鈥� she said.

When she stepped into the chair-elect role, Phillips said District IV lacked a cohesive structure for engagement outside its annual conference. That gap became the foundation for what she considers her most significant contribution.

鈥淥ur district didn鈥檛 quite have an identity,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淚 developed the engagement model that our district implemented. We created a plan that didn鈥檛 exist and executed it. That plan resulted in more than 1,000 engagements each year outside of the conference for our district. I鈥檓 really proud of that effort.鈥�

Phillips said the work positioned the district for continued growth. The framework she helped design has since been adopted by all seven other CASE districts. She also shared the results with CASE trustees at a national meeting a few years ago, elevating both District IV and UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 presence in national advancement discussions.

Leading a district that spans Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, required alignment, Phillips said. Member institutions vary widely in size, mission and resources. She and the District IV cabinet worked to build a shared framework that could connect and support those institutions through intentional outreach and programming.

鈥淲e sat down as a cabinet and looked at our overall engagement goal, identified the groups we wanted to reach and developed tactics to support them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a very marketing-driven approach.鈥�

That systems-focused leadership mirrors Phillips鈥� work at UA 糖心视频logo, a metropolitan research institution committed to expanding access to education and preparing career-ready graduates for the regional workforce. In her role at the university, she oversees institutional marketing and communications strategy. That work shapes UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 enrollment messaging, strengthens brand positioning, and aligns the university鈥檚 storytelling across campus. Through her involvement with CASE, Phillips has connected UA 糖心视频logo with national best practices and peer institutions addressing similar priorities in enrollment, communications and institutional positioning.

鈥淐ASE is good for UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are so many institutions that we can always learn something from.鈥�

Those connections have had practical impact. Phillips said early planning for the university鈥檚 upcoming centennial celebration has been informed by conversations with CASE colleagues across the country. She also has contributed to CASE efforts to establish professional metrics for marketing and communications 鈥� standards designed to help institutions assess effectiveness and improve operations.

鈥淏ecause of my involvement at the leadership level, we鈥檝e been able to give feedback and help shape those standards,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen complete, that work will be a key tool to help units across the world assess their approach and continue improving their marketing and communications function.鈥�

She credited UA 糖心视频logo leadership, including Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Vice Chancellor Christian O鈥橬eal, with supporting her service and recognizing its institutional value.

鈥淚 have to begin with thank yous,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淐hancellor Drale and Christian O鈥橬eal were both incredibly supportive of my CASE involvement. They saw the bigger picture of how this could help the institution.鈥�

O鈥橬eal said Phillips鈥� leadership strengthened both District IV and UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 reputation.

鈥淐arrie鈥檚 leadership has elevated not only our work at UA 糖心视频logo, but the visibility of our institution across the CASE District IV region and beyond,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淪he brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to everything she does and has a unique ability to connect people and ideas in meaningful ways. Carrie has managed well at home and well at CASE. We are all better for it.鈥�

Chancellor Drale said Phillips鈥� impact has been just as significant within the university.

鈥淐arrie brings to the table a consummate professionalism that has allowed us to transform our marketing and communication division into the powerhouse it is today,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淪he has an impressive creative talent as well as sharp analytical skills. But her superpower is her ability to understand the importance of mission and purpose and translate those into strategy, structure, and messaging. And for an extra bonus, she is a delight to work with.鈥�

For Phillips, the most lasting impact of her CASE journey is rooted in community.

鈥淐ASE friends became family,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are better together.鈥�

As she hands leadership to her successor, Baleigh McCoin, executive director of Advancement and Marketing at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, Phillips is confident in the district鈥檚 continued progress. Phillips said she is especially proud that McCoin is the first leader from a two-year institution to serve in the role. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e built the framework, and I鈥檓 excited to see her build on it and continue to refine it,鈥� she said.

While her term comes to a close, her involvement continues, as does the work of advancing institutions such as UA 糖心视频logo through collaboration and shared purpose.

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Established in 1989, the Staff Senate Achievement Awards recognize employees who have brought distinction to UA 糖心视频logo through personal achievement, service to the university, and service to the community. The awards are presented annually during the Staff Senate Awards Ceremony, which celebrates staff contributions and recognizes employees for their impact on the university and the broader community.

Learn more about each award and its recipient below.

Personal Growth Award

Nathan Treece, reporter and local host for 糖心视频logo Public Radio, has received the Personal Growth Award. It recognizes an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding.

鈥淚 would like to thank everyone at 糖心视频logo Public Radio for considering me for this honor,鈥� Treece said. 鈥淚 couldn’t imagine a better group of people to work with. The team is so supportive of one another and works hard to bring critical information and educational programming to Arkansas’ airwaves every day.鈥�

Treece earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with honors from UA 糖心视频logo in 2017. He previously worked as a public information officer for the Arkansas Division of Heritage and spent four years in television news as a producer for KARK and KLRT. In his current role, he serves as a reporter and host of NPR鈥檚 Morning Edition for 糖心视频logo Public Radio.

Ben Fry Service to UA 糖心视频logo Award

Sydney Ambrus, social media coordinator and videographer in the Office of Communications and Marketing, has received the Ben Fry Service to UA 糖心视频logo Award. It recognizes an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas, or support and encouragement of others.

鈥淚t is truly an honor to receive the Ben Fry Service Award. I love being out on campus, volunteering and collaborating with different committees and departments, and connecting with so many people across the university. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the UA 糖心视频logo community,鈥� Ambrus said.

Ambrus produces digital content that highlights university initiatives, student success, and campus life. She plays a key role in leading the university鈥檚 Maroon Monday campaign, a social media initiative that encourages students, faculty, and staff to wear maroon in support of the Trojans and helps build school spirit across campus.

Community Service Award

Ronda Petray, a program coordinator in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has received the Community Service Award. It recognizes an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or has had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations.

鈥淚t鈥檚 obviously very exciting to win a monetary award and to be recognized for continued support and contributions to my department, to my college, and to the university as a whole 鈥� there鈥檚 no way I could have gotten anywhere near as far if I didn鈥檛 have my core support team around me,鈥� Portray said. 鈥淓veryone I work with contributes to my daily successes. I couldn鈥檛 do anything without them all!鈥�

Petray supports student success initiatives and academic programs and is actively involved in student engagement efforts on campus, including her work with student organizations such as the Math Club.

For more information about the UA 糖心视频logo Staff Senate, visit ualr.edu/staffsenate.

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The recognition underscores the leadership approach Phillips brings to UA 糖心视频logo. She said her doctoral experience sharpened her strategic thinking and strengthened the skills that now guide the university鈥檚 communications and marketing efforts. She credits that training with helping her develop data-informed strategies that contributed to UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 recent enrollment momentum. 

鈥淭hat mindset fueled strong campus partnerships and fresh advertising strategies at UA 糖心视频logo, helping halt a 13-year enrollment decline and deliver our best enrollment in 15 years,鈥� she said.

The award also highlights Phillips鈥� growing national influence in higher education marketing and communications 鈥� visibility that benefits UA 糖心视频logo as she represents the university on regional and national platforms. She revitalized CASE District IV programming, driving engagement to 216% of goal and earning the opportunity to present before the international CASE Board of Trustees. She remains active in the Public Relations Society of America鈥檚 Counselors to Higher Education, presents regularly for the American Marketing Association, and mentors emerging professionals across the country.

Her recognition as a Raider on the Rise adds to a distinguished list of honors that reflect the caliber of leadership she brings to UA 糖心视频logo, including being named an Arkansas Money and Politics Future Icon, a two-time Top 10 Higher Ed Marketer to Follow, and a CASE Circle of Excellence Grand Gold Award recipient.

Phillips said the award and the values she gained from Texas Tech, guided her work and commitment to serving others. 

鈥淟eadership is about investing in others and creating momentum that lifts an entire campus. I鈥檓 grateful for the chance to do that at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� she said.

As UA 糖心视频logo continues to strengthen its reputation and expand its reach, Phillips鈥� national recognition and leadership help elevate the university鈥檚 visibility, strengthen professional networks, and advance the institution鈥檚 mission.

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Molly Coleman has joined the Office of Communications and Marketing as a research communicator. In this role, Coleman helps share the impact of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 research through compelling stories that connect with the public.

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited to be part of a team that values storytelling and creativity,鈥� Coleman said. 鈥淲hat excites me most about this position is getting to connect with researchers and help translate their work into stories that resonate with the public. I鈥檓 interested in finding the human side of research and showing how it affects people鈥檚 everyday lives. It鈥檚 rewarding to help bring those stories to a wider audience and show how much innovation is happening at UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

Sheila McKinnis has joined the Office of Alumni and Development as associate director of development, where she will manage sponsorships for university events and help advance philanthropic engagement.

鈥淔or the last 21 years, I owned my own business, so I have a broad skill set,鈥� McKinnis said. 鈥淚 grew up on this campus as both of my parents worked for the university, and now my oldest son is a student. Joining the development team at UA 糖心视频logo feels like I am coming home.鈥�

Angela Parker has been promoted to director of donor relations and stewardship. In this leadership role, Parker oversees a comprehensive donor鈥恟elations and stewardship program that includes acknowledgments, impact reporting, recognition societies, scholarship stewardship, and signature donor events.

鈥淢y late mother and I are both proud UA 糖心视频logo alumnae, and I鈥檝e witnessed how the education we received changed the course of our family鈥檚 story,鈥� Parker said. 鈥淗aving spent 20 years working here, I feel deeply connected to this institution and its mission. As director of donor relations and stewardship, I鈥檓 honored to help celebrate the donors whose support ensures that future generations can experience the same opportunity and transformation. As we approach the university鈥檚 centennial, I鈥檓 grateful to play a role in keeping affordability and access central to our donors鈥� generosity, so future students can experience the same life-changing opportunities I did.鈥�

Parker brings extensive experience in strategic communications, donor and community engagement, and high鈥恜rofile event management at UA 糖心视频logo, where she has led major university events, directed media relations, and earned recognition for creative campaigns.

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University Advancement includes the Offices of Alumni and Development as well as Communications and Marketing.

Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said the promotions reflect the strength of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 advancement team and the university鈥檚 investment in leadership development.

鈥淭hese individuals have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles, helping us elevate the university鈥檚 story, build meaningful partnerships, and create opportunities for our students,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淭heir leadership, creativity, and dedication will continue to strengthen our work and our impact across campus and beyond.鈥�

Derek Boyce Named Director of Alumni, Corporate, and Foundation Relations

Derek Boyce has been promoted to director of alumni, corporate, and foundation relations after 16 years of service to UA 糖心视频logo. Boyce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in human services from UA 糖心视频logo, will now oversee alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic relationships.

鈥淚n this expanded role, I鈥檒l have the opportunity to strengthen relationships across our alumni network, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters,鈥� Boyce said. 鈥淭his is something I鈥檝e been working toward, and I鈥檓 thrilled to help advance UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 mission in meaningful and impactful ways.鈥�

Boyce, a Certified Volunteer Manager, is actively involved with the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association, where he has served as president of the Pi Kappa Alpha Zeta Eta Alumni Board. He also participates in Leadership Greater 糖心视频logo Class XLI.

Meaghan Milliorn Elevated to Senior Director of Web Strategy and Operations

After more than 16 years at UA 糖心视频logo, Meaghan Milliorn has been promoted to senior director of web strategy and operations. A graduate of UA 糖心视频logo with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communication, Milliorn has led the university鈥檚 web team since 2016 and oversaw the successful launch of the university鈥檚 new website this year.

In her new role, she will oversee the web budget and operations while continuing to guide the university鈥檚 digital strategy to align with institutional goals.

鈥淚鈥檓 very happy for this opportunity to continue leading our web team and elevate the work that Communications and Marketing does,鈥� Milliorn said. 鈥淚鈥檝e worked really hard to get here, and this is an exciting time to be part of what UA 糖心视频logo is doing. I am thankful to help grow this team and continue working hard to tell UA 糖心视频logo’s story.鈥�

Milliorn is active in Digital Collegium and serves on the committee for its annual conference.

Stephanie Purifoy Promoted to Director of Development for Enduring Opportunities and CHASSE

Stephanie Purifoy has been named director of development for Enduring Opportunities and the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

In her new role, Purifoy leads fundraising efforts for the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, a transformative initiative made possible by a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. The scholarship ensures that UA 糖心视频logo can continue its Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee program indefinitely, creating pathways to affordable and potentially debt-free college degrees for Arkansas students.

鈥淚 am very excited about leading the effort to make an affordable, quality college education available to Arkansas students for years to come,鈥� Purifoy said. 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo has the opportunity to change lives by opening doors that many students never thought possible.鈥�

Purifoy previously worked in development roles for several nonprofit organizations, including CareLink, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Audubon Arkansas. She is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Muriel Schrepfer Named Senior Graphic Designer

Muriel Schrepfer, who has been part of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 creative team for eight years, has been promoted to senior graphic designer. A graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Schrepfer previously worked as a graphic designer for A-State鈥檚 Publications and Creative Services office.

In her new role, Schrepfer will support athletic marketing efforts and lead student workers within Communications and Marketing.

鈥淚鈥檓 very grateful for the opportunity and excited to step into this new role,鈥� Schrepfer said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to continuing to support the great work happening here and helping move us forward.鈥�

Schrepfer also serves as virtual programs coordinator for the University & College Designers Association, chair of the UA 糖心视频logo Wesley Foundation Board, and is a member of CASE District IV and the UA 糖心视频logo Sustainability Committee.

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The national awards were announced Sept. 13 at the NFPW Conference in Golden, Colorado, where more than 250 professional communicators were honored. The contest drew nearly 2,000 entries from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Spain. Only first-place winners at the state level were eligible to compete at nationals.

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Communications and Marketing staff earned a dozen national awards across a wide range of categories:

Angelita Faller, news director
1st Place 鈥� News or Feature Releases (Multiple Releases) for 鈥淐onversations with Solar Eclipse Experts鈥�
2nd Place 鈥� News or Feature Release (Single Release) for 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Receives $5 Million to Combat Drug Use Among Arkansas Youth鈥�
2nd Place 鈥� Media Pitch for 鈥淪preading Innovation Brick by Brick鈥�

Dr. Carrie Phillips, chief communications and marketing officer, and Angelita Faller
Honorable Mention 鈥� Newsletter/Other Publication for the 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Newsletter鈥�

Rian Newman, a former editorial assistant and May UA 糖心视频logo graduate
Honorable Mention 鈥� Writing, Features (Education/Collegiate) for 鈥淢erriman Achieves Long Awaited Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing鈥�

Carrie Phillips and Muriel Schrepfer, senior graphic designer
1st Place 鈥� Integrated Communications Campaign for 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Eclipse Event鈥�

Muriel Schrepfer
1st Place 鈥� Advertising Poster, Billboard, or Banner for 鈥�2024-25 Combined Home Basketball Poster鈥�
2nd Place 鈥� Brochure (Nonprofit/Education) for 鈥淎dmissions Social Piece鈥�
2nd Place 鈥� Advertising Campaign for 鈥淭rojan Guarantee Ad Campaign鈥�

Muriel Schrepfer and Klansee Tozer, senior graphic designer
3rd Place 鈥� Book Design for 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Brand Style Guide鈥�

Charla Tozer, a former graphic design assistant and May UA 糖心视频logo graduate
1st Place 鈥� Graphics/Illustrations (Education/Collegiate) for 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Downtown Sticker Sheet鈥�
1st Place 鈥� Advertisement (Education/Collegiate) for 鈥淗oliday Art Sale Graphic鈥�

Schrepfer, who received a total of five national awards, said she was proud to see the team鈥檚 work recognized at both the state and national level.

鈥淚t鈥檚 especially meaningful to be honored alongside such talented colleagues whose creativity and collaboration inspire me every day,鈥� Schrepfer said. 鈥淓ach project was a chance to be creative while sharing the story of UA 糖心视频logo, and it鈥檚 exciting to see those efforts make an impact beyond our campus.”

In addition to Communications and Marketing, Maggie Ryan, reporter and local host of All Things Considered for 糖心视频logo Public Radio, won third place in Radio Interview for 鈥淭hree Weeks in al-Aqsa: A Doctor鈥檚 View of the Gaza Crisis.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to receive this award from NFPW,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淭he graphic, heavy nature of this conversation challenged me as both a reporter and writer, but I learned so much working on this piece.鈥�

The Communications and Marketing team also earned top honors at the 2025 Arkansas PRSA Prism Awards on Sept. 18. The team won a Prism Award in Internal Communications for its campaign, 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo Builds Buy-in, Page by Page.鈥� The internal campaign successfully introduced the UA 糖心视频logo community to the university鈥檚 new website. 

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 agency of record, mhp.si, also won a Prism Award in Feature/News Writing for the article, 鈥淲alking Toward Wellness 鈥� UA 糖心视频logo Champions Mental Health Awareness.鈥�

Dr. Carrie Phillips, chief communications and marketing officer, said the recognition reflects the collaborative and mission-driven work of the team.

鈥淭hese awards show the breadth of our work and the passion we have for sharing the incredible things happening at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淢ost importantly, this recognition underscores the impact that strategic communications can have in advancing student success and strengthening our university community.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Communications and Marketing team continues to raise the bar for higher education communications, demonstrating the university鈥檚 commitment to innovation, excellence, and community impact.

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In his new role, Bates will create written content for the web, email campaigns, and other projects that support telling the UA 糖心视频logo story and advancing the university鈥檚 mission.

Bates attended Henderson State University, where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communications and media. He has spent most of his career working in various forms of storytelling. Before joining UA 糖心视频logo, he was the marketing and development director at the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith.

鈥淚 want to continue that by telling the story of all the great things happening at UA 糖心视频logo and the community that surrounds it, and how this university is a vital resource for students in Arkansas and across the country,鈥� Bates said.

Bates shared that working on a college campus brings a refreshing and inspiring energy.

鈥淥ur role in helping students identify affordable options for college in Arkansas is also exciting and inspiring, as it not only provides a boost to enrollment but can help create the next great set of leaders in our community,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s we work to amplify the story of UA 糖心视频logo and all it has to offer, we are also working to provide a boost to the local economy and the Arkansas workforce. That excites me the most.鈥�

When asked what he is looking forward to in his first year, Bates said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to work with an institution that is so committed to student success and community improvement. I look forward to joining this great team and contributing however I can to help the university build on its success.鈥滲ates also plans to begin his master鈥檚 degree in mass communications at UA 糖心视频logo next fall.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to expanding my own knowledge to better serve our students, potential students, and alumni,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited about collaborating with this great team and helping tell the story of UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

This story was written by Sydney Ambrus.

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