Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of July 27.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. First-time freshman enrollment is up 17%, and more than 60 students, while transfer student enrollment is up 29%, more than 100 students.

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a UA 糖心视频logo education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming the first fall class of our second century in just a few weeks.”

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student who joins us this fall has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”

Those students will arrive at a university entering its second century with momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. Students entering this fall will be the first fall class of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 second century, as the university began its yearlong Centennial celebration July 1, recognizing 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university’s move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program’s historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university continues to expand opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics launching this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “These preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at UA 糖心视频logo. We still have several weeks before classes begin, and our team will continue working with prospective and admitted students as they complete the enrollment process.”

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus.  Preliminary graduate headcount is down 5%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are down 2%. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. UA 糖心视频logo is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends will increase to $10,000 for master’s students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university’s largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

Students who are still considering UA 糖心视频logo have time to join the fall 2026 class before classes begin Aug. 24. Eligible incoming freshmen may qualify for the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied, or the university’s Half-Off Scholarship. More information about admissions, scholarships, and enrollment is available at or by calling 501-916-3127.

“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and help them take advantage of everything UA 糖心视频logo has to offer. As we prepare to begin our second century, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed, and it鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥� 

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This June, Gillenwater was one of just seven interns selected for Colliers’ month-long summer internship program in 糖心视频logo. Earning a spot in the program was a turning point in his academic and professional journey. He hadn鈥檛 imagined this path when he first arrived on campus as a business management major, but a presentation by real estate instructor Elizabeth Small introduced him to a career he hadn鈥檛 previously considered.

“Ryan’s enthusiasm for the commercial real estate profession is very exciting,鈥� Small said. 鈥淐onversing with him about his Colliers experience leaves me with no doubt of his future success in the industry. Ryan is a great student and has a natural quest for learning. The Finance Real Estate program in the School of Business is lucky to have him as an enthusiastic and excellent student.”

A rising junior majoring in finance with a concentration in real estate, Gillenwater鈥檚 internship with Colliers revealed just how many directions the field can take. He spent time with teams in brokerage, property management, and development, gaining a close-up look at everything from property inspections to the complexities of commercial transactions. Each day provided a new perspective, and seeing how different roles work together in the industry deepened his appreciation for the field.

鈥淪ite selection was definitely my favorite. We鈥檇 work on picking the best spots for companies looking to develop, whether it was land, an old building, or a new location,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat internship definitely assured me that I was doing the right thing.鈥�

Beyond introducing him to different aspects of the industry, the internship reinforced concepts 鈥� from real estate to finance 鈥� he had been covering in his classes, which became practical tools he relied on throughout his experience. For example, having recently completed a real estate law course, he already understood much of the language and legal concepts he encountered reviewing commercial lease agreements, giving him confidence to contribute to professional conversations. As the internship progressed, those classroom lessons continued to develop into real-world experiences.聽

The internship didn鈥檛 just expand Gillenwater鈥檚 knowledge of commercial real estate鈥攈e was able to zero in on where he thrives, discovering that brokerage offered just the right mix of a field where he could put his analytical mind to work while building relationships and closing deals.

“The internship definitely assured me that I was pursuing the right thing,” Gillenwater said. “It’s made me want to keep expanding my network, and it’s definitely made me want to focus on commercial real estate as my career.”

As he reflects on his journey, Gillenwater credits changing majors and embracing new opportunities with helping him discover his career path. He emphasizes that some of the most valuable lessons in college happen outside the classroom 鈥� through internships, networking, and saying yes to new experiences. For students considering their own next steps, he encourages them to take chances on opportunities that spark their interest, since those moments often open unexpected doors and lead to the connections and clarity that shape a future.

“One thing I always like to say is, what you put into it is what you get out of it,” Gillenwater said. “It’s all about having that interest in wanting to do the things you’re required to do in college. The more you do that, the more you’ll reap the benefits.鈥�

Looking ahead to his junior year, Gillenwater feels more motivated than ever. The knowledge and experience he gained during his internship provided added confidence as he begins his upper-level real estate courses. He hopes to return to Colliers as a second-year intern next summer, building on the foundation he established this summer.

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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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The achievement places UA 糖心视频logo alongside many of the world’s leading universities,
technology companies, and research laboratories, highlighting the university’s contributions to
cutting-edge AI research.

The paper was co-authored by Agarwal, director of the Collaboratorium for Social
Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS) Research Center, Maulden-Entergy Chair, and
Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at UA 糖心视频logo, along with
collaborators from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the University of Florida.

COSMOS is an interdisciplinary research center that studies online behavior and develops data
analytics tools to better understand online communities and emerging cognitive threats in online information environments.

鈥淣eurIPS is where many of the most influential advances in AI are first introduced,鈥� said
Agarwal, whose research on cognitive security has been recognized by the U.S. Department of
War, NATO, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the World Health Organization, and other
organizations. 鈥淗aving a paper accepted means the research has undergone an extremely
rigorous peer-review process and has been recognized by leading experts in the field as making a meaningful contribution to advancing AI.鈥�

As one of the world鈥檚 most selective AI conferences, the acceptance process is highly
competitive, drawing thousands of submissions from top universities, research labs, and
technology companies across the globe.

鈥淎cceptance reflects both novelty and technical excellence,” said Agarwal, an Arkansas
Academy of Computing fellow, an Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) fellow, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Distinguished Visitor and Senior Member. 鈥淔or COSMOS and UA 糖心视频logo, it demonstrates that the research being conducted here is competing successfully on a global stage alongside some of the world’s leading AI institutions. It reinforces that impactful, internationally recognized AI research is being developed right here in Arkansas.鈥�

Agarwal and his team鈥檚 paper introduces MANGO: Multimodal Attention-based Normalizing
Flow Approach to Fusion Learning, a new framework designed to improve how AI systems learn from and combine multiple types of information, including images, text, and other data sources.

The research centers on multimodal AI, a type of artificial intelligence that learns from multiple
forms of information 鈥� such as text, images, or audio 鈥� simultaneously. While people naturally combine different sources of information to understand the world around them, AI systems often struggle to do so effectively because the data doesn’t always match up in obvious ways. MANGO is designed to help AI better understand and combine different types of data. Unlike many existing AI models that simply merge information together, MANGO identifies which sources are most relevant and how they relate to one another, allowing AI systems to make more accurate and reliable decisions.

鈥淭he real world is inherently multimodal, so if we want AI to better understand people and
complex environments, it needs to learn from multiple sources simultaneously rather than
treating each independently,鈥� Agarwal said.

Research like this helps AI evolve to provide more context-aware analysis, enabling systems to
make more informed and trustworthy decisions.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life and industry, MANGO could improve
applications across various fields. In healthcare, it could help physicians make more informed
decisions by analyzing medical images alongside patient records and clinical notes. In self-
driving vehicles, it could improve safety by allowing AI to better interpret data from cameras,
radar, and other sensors. The technology could also strengthen security by analyzing social
media to identify coordinated influence campaigns or emerging cognitive threats through the
combined analysis of text, images, videos, and patterns of online behavior.

鈥淯ltimately, research like this helps build AI systems that are more reliable, more explainable,
and better suited for solving complex real-world problems,鈥� Agarwal said.

The publication also reinforces the COSMOS Research Center’s role as a hub for collaborative,
interdisciplinary AI research. By partnering with researchers at UA Fayetteville and UF, the
project demonstrates how UA 糖心视频logo is contributing to advances at the highest levels of the international AI community.

鈥淭his publication further demonstrates that UA 糖心视频logo is producing AI research that is
recognized at the highest international level,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淚t enhances the university’s
visibility within the global AI community, strengthens our research collaborations, and creates
new opportunities for our students to work on cutting-edge problems.鈥�

Looking ahead, Agarwal and his collaborators plan to expand MANGO to work with additional
data types, larger AI foundation models, and real-time decision-making environments while
continuing to improve the transparency and reliability of AI systems. Their goal is to develop AI
systems that not only achieve high performance, but also operate reliably in complex applications where accuracy and trust are essential.

Disclaimer: This research was funded in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S.
Army Research Office (awards W911NF23S0001, W911NF2410078, and W911NF2510147), U.S. Office of Naval Research, U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Australian Department of Defense Strategic Policy Grants Program, Arkansas Research Alliance, the Jerry L. Maulden/Entergy Endowment, and the Donaghey Foundation at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding organizations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, no two days are the same.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The interdisciplinary program prepares professionals to meet growing workforce demand for using data and information systems to improve patient outcomes, efficiency, and decision-making across healthcare organizations.

Students gain hands-on experience using EHR Go, a leading educational electronic health record platform. They apply informatics concepts in simulated healthcare environments that mirror real-world scenarios.

“The launch of the Health Informatics Certificate Program reflects the increasing need for professionals who can connect healthcare and technology in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Ahmed A. Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences and interim director of the Emerging Analytics Center at UA 糖心视频logo. “This program is designed to give students practical experience alongside a strong academic foundation, ensuring they are ready to step into roles that improve patient care, strengthen data systems, and drive efficiency across healthcare organizations.”

The graduate certificate provides a foundation in healthcare data systems, analytics, and informatics while emphasizing programming, database management, ethics, and project management.聽

Students will explore how healthcare data is collected, analyzed, and applied to improve both clinical and operational outcomes.

Health informatics continues to grow as healthcare systems increasingly rely on data and technology to improve quality, reduce costs, and support patient care. The program is designed to attract students from a range of backgrounds, including health professions, computer science, data analytics, engineering, and related fields.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in healthcare data analytics, clinical informatics, health information management, and related fields.

Learn more about the new program.

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By expanding the CORE Cybersecurity Clinic through the CLN, UA 糖心视频logo is creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while meeting needs in communities across the state, bringing together students and faculty from 11 colleges and universities. The CLN extends cybersecurity services to more communities than any one institution could alone, while fostering collaboration, shared expertise, and experiential learning. Through this network, the CORE Cybersecurity Clinic is expanding to Ouachita Baptist University, the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana, and North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas this fall.

“Every partner site is another place where our students get to apply what they鈥檙e learning to a real problem with real stakes,” said Dr. Sandra Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach. “That kind of experience is hard to replicate in a classroom, and it鈥檚 what makes our graduates ready to contribute on day one.”

The CORE Cybersecurity Clinic鈥檚 goal is to make cybersecurity expertise available to organizations such as small nonprofits, school districts, health clinics, rural utilities, and small businesses that provide essential services but lack their own cybersecurity staff. These organizations face increasing cyber threats and lack access to costly risk assessments or enterprise security programs.

CORE Center teams, made up of students and faculty experts, work directly with organizations to evaluate their systems, identify vulnerabilities, and deliver actionable recommendations. The clinic identifies the most likely ways hackers could attempt to gain access, then provides prioritized recommendations and safeguarding strategies to help organizations anticipate the top threats and proactively strengthen their defenses.

For Nathan Thomason, a student researcher at the CORE Center, those experiences helped launch his career.

“UA 糖心视频logo’s CORE Center provided me with a foundation of excellence to rely on throughout my studies as an undergraduate student and at the beginning of my cybersecurity career,” Thomason said.

He said working directly with Arkansas organizations and emerging cybersecurity technologies gave his education a deeper sense of purpose.

“The opportunities to engage with my local community and pursue bleeding-edge cybersecurity technologies that I was presented with as a researcher allowed my studies to have a measurable impact on my community,” he said.

The clinic鈥檚 work is also shaped by ongoing research at the CORE Center, where faculty and students are developing new approaches to cybersecurity defense. Rather than remaining in the research phase, many of these ideas are tested and refined through the clinic鈥檚 work, allowing researchers and students to evaluate new methods while providing clients with recommendations informed by the latest cybersecurity research.

One of the center鈥檚 newest research projects explores how artificial intelligence can help organizations identify the most likely paths a cyberattack could take through their systems and prioritize the security improvements that will have the greatest impact. The CORE Center is also collaborating with the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy, a national nonpartisan AI policy think tank, on initiatives that support cybersecurity policy and the protection of the nation鈥檚 critical infrastructure, helping connect the center鈥檚 applied research with broader national conversations about emerging cyber threats.

The clinic also provides students with valuable, real-world experience beyond the classroom. Working with organizations across Arkansas, they learn not only how to identify cybersecurity risks but also how to explain technical concepts in ways that help non-technical leaders make informed decisions. Those communication skills are just as critical as technical expertise in preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.

“Working at the CORE Center has been wonderful because it’s given me real-world experience in my field,” said Divija Vijay, a sophomore double majoring in computer science and cybersecurity. “On the projects I get to work on, I’m always learning new concepts and technical skills. It’s a really supportive environment that genuinely cares about our growth.”

Through the CLN, the CORE Center is helping schools, nonprofits, utilities, and businesses better understand their cybersecurity risks while giving students opportunities to gain practical experience addressing the challenges organizations face every day.

“Arkansas has cracked the code for making these partnerships work,” said Dr. Philip Huff, director of the CORE Center and assistant professor of computer science. “Communities across the state need practical help defending against cyberattacks, and our students are ready and able to meet that need. Now our job is to clear the path so these partnerships can thrive and strengthen cybersecurity across Arkansas.”

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McKinnis, most recently associate director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, will lead fundraising efforts for one of the university’s largest colleges. She succeeds Stephanie Purifoy, who retired earlier this year.

Before joining UA 糖心视频logo earlier this year, McKinnis spent more than two decades as owner of The Pilates Studio of 糖心视频logo, where she built a successful business while developing lasting relationships across central Arkansas. Earlier in her career, she served as business director for Ballet Arkansas, helping lead fundraising, community outreach, and organizational operations.

“Sheila has a genuine love for this university, and people see that the moment they meet her,” said Christian O’Neal, vice president of advancement. “She’s done an incredible job leading campus tours for prospective donors and partners. With her family’s ties to the university, this role is both professional and personal, and I can’t think of a better person to help tell CHASSE’s story.”

Jeremy Ecke, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, said McKinnis’ background and passion for the arts and education make her an ideal fit for the college.

“CHASSE prepares educators, artists, communicators, social workers, public servants, and community leaders who make a difference across Arkansas and beyond,” Ecke said. “Sheila understands the transformational impact of these disciplines, and her passion for building relationships will help create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and programs.”

McKinnis said she looks forward to working with alumni, donors, and friends of the university to strengthen the college’s impact.

“I’ve spent much of my career working alongside people who believe education, the arts, and community engagement can transform lives,” McKinnis said. “I’m excited to connect alumni and supporters with opportunities to invest in our students and help expand the college’s impact for years to come.”

McKinnis earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of North Texas. To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit .

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