The �պ����ֲ� held May commencement ceremonies Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, in the Farris Center on campus, conferring approximately 1,200 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School.

The UCA Tutoring and Academic Support Center has been awarded certification as a Level 1 certified tutor training program by the College Reading and Learning Association.

The �պ����ֲ� Tutoring and Academic Support Center has been awarded certification as a Level 1 certified tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) through 2030.

The UCA Tutoring and Academic Support Center has worked hard to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and has successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer review process. Achieving certification means that the Tutoring and Academic Support Center has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation as an integral part of their overall tutoring program.

“This certification reflects the dedication of our staff and peer tutors to creating a supportive, high-quality learning environment for UCA students,” Jacob Christie, associate director for Student Success – Tutoring and Academic Support Center, said. “Earning CRLA certification validates the work we do every day to help students build confidence, strengthen academic skills and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.”

The UCA Tutoring and Academic Support Center offers peer support in various courses, planning and managing course projects, initiating academic tasks, decreasing distractions and getting organized. Last year, the center facilitated 1,800 tutoring visits for more than 700 students, helping improve skills in test preparation, note-taking, study methods and student technology use.

For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide.

The �պ����ֲ� Board of Trustees adopted the new UCA 2035 Strategic Plan, approved the university’s operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27, and approved updates to tuition, fees, and room and board rates during its regular meeting Wednesday, May 27.

During the 2025-26 academic year, the university engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to develop a new long-range plan to guide the institution through 2035. More than 1,400 individuals – including faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and community partners – contributed through surveys, community conversations, feedback labs and working groups.

The resulting UCA 2035 plan was approved by trustees to guide university priorities and planning around four strategic imperatives: Centering Student Success; Arkansas Campus of Innovation; Discovery in Action; and Future-Ready Foundations. This integrated roadmap will strengthen student outcomes, expand innovation and workforce partnerships, advance research and creative activity, and ensure that the university’s people, systems and infrastructure are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next decade.

“UCA 2035 is rooted in who we have always been as a university – an institution that believes education strengthens lives, communities and opportunities,” Provost Michael Hargis, who led the effort, said. “This plan builds on more than a century of preparing students for successful careers and engaged citizenship while positioning UCA to meet the opportunities of the next decade.

“It reflects our commitment to student success, innovation, mentorship, applied learning and community engagement, while ensuring our graduates continue to leave UCA prepared to contribute immediately and meaningfully in Arkansas and beyond.”

In other action, the Board approved a $218.4 million operating budget for FY27, an increase of 3.23% over the prior year budget. The budget prioritizes student success, stable reserves and minimizing financial impact on students and families, while supporting strategic investments in employees, facilities and campus infrastructure.

Included in the budget is continued progress toward bringing faculty and staff salaries to competitive market levels, along with funding for faculty promotions and academic position adjustments.

“UCA’s proposed operating budget reflects a careful balance between strategic investment and long-term sustainability,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “This budget allows us to continue investing in our people, maintaining vibrant programs and strong support systems for students, and positioning the university for future success.”

Trustees also approved a FY27 Voluntary Employee Retirement Incentive (VERI) plan for eligible faculty and staff. The program is designed to support long-term institutional planning and workforce transitions across several fiscal years and in support of strategic priorities.

The Board approved a 4.06% increase in mandatory tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate students for the 2026-27 academic year. The revenue generated from this increase will be applied to employee compensation, the District Loop & Hydronics project, deferred maintenance, a one-device policy as part of a technology refresh plan and operational support for the student recreation center.

UCA has seen continued demand for quality housing from returning students and expects housing to again be at full capacity in the fall semester. New apartment options based on double or single occupancy will be available this fall at newly leased facilities. To meet these needs, the room and board rate for 2026-27 will be $11,210 annually, a 6.50% increase, based on a double-occupancy room and the new Bear Flex 3 meal plan. This increase supports ongoing maintenance and upgrades to housing facilities and expanded meal options.

The Board also authorized the renovation and preparation of the UCA Innovation Campus through a contract for approximately $1.16 million, with the Conway Development Corporation contributing $500,000 of the total. The estimated completion date of the project is Aug. 15, 2026.

Under notifications and deletions, trustees were informed of several proposed academic program additions and revisions, including:

• A new Associate of Science in General Education, earned in progress toward a Bachelor of Science degree.
• New revisions to the Associate of Arts in General Education.
• A new Certificate of Proficiency in Professional Selling.
• A revised Master of Science in Nursing degree with a new Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• A new concentration in Substance Use Prevention within the MS in Health Promotion degree.
• A classification code update for the Master of Science in Nutrition.
• A new minor in Bioinformatics.

The May Bear C.L.A.W.S. (Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students) honoree was the 2026 VITA for Preparers course, in which students made a significant impact on the Conway community and Central Arkansas during the 2026 tax season through participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. UCA students prepared approximately 450 tax returns for community members, resulting in more than $400,000 in tax refunds returned to local families and an estimated savings of $80,000 in tax preparation fees.

UCA President Houston Davis (left) presents the May Bear C.L.A.W.S. Award to VITA for Preparers, represented by course participants Katie Boysen (center) and Erich Green.

(from left): Lakoda Caldwell, Katie Boysen, Caitlin LaCerra, Erich Green and Preston Hessee were among students who participated in the �պ����ֲ�’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers course during the spring 2026 semester. During the 2026 filing season, UCA students volunteered with the United Way of Central Arkansas to prepare approximately 450 tax returns for community members, resulting in more than $490,000 in tax refunds and an estimated $80,000 savings in tax preparation fees.

Students at the �պ����ֲ� made a significant impact on the Conway and Central Arkansas community during the 2026 tax season through participation in the .

Students enrolled in the VITA for Preparers course during the spring 2026 semester volunteered with the United Way of Central Arkansas, which serves as a local site for the Internal Revenue Service’s VITA program. Through the initiative, IRS-certified volunteers provide free, high-quality tax preparation services for qualifying low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

During the 2026 filing season, UCA students prepared approximately 450 tax returns for community members. Student preparers included Katie Boysen, Jetson Busbea, Lakoda Caldwell, Erich Green, Treavor Green, Preston Hessee, Asher Jackson and Caitlin LaCerra.

The financial impact of the students’ work is expected to exceed $490,000 in tax refunds returned to local families. In addition, by offering free tax preparation assistance, the students helped residents save an estimated $80,000 in tax preparation fees.

“These students are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Central Arkansas,” Associate Profressor of Accounting Ashley Phillips, who runs the VITA program at UCA, said. “Not only are they gaining valuable hands-on experience, but they are also helping individuals and families keep more of their hard-earned money for essentials such as housing, food and utilities.”

The program is open to College of Business students who would like to volunteer or earn college credit in accounting. VITA volunteers receive training and can either prepare returns or do intake. Experienced CPAs then review each return.

The IRS requires all VITA volunteers to complete extensive annual certification training that includes tax law education, quality review procedures, and privacy and confidentiality standards. This training ensures returns are prepared accurately and securely while providing taxpayers with confidence throughout the filing process.

The United Way of Central Arkansas partners with community volunteers each year to provide trusted tax preparation services through the VITA program.

More information about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available at .

Coursera offers workshops, micro-credentials and professional certificates from industry giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Salesforce, IBM, Meta and over 300 more partners. The online platform launched for UCA business majors, faculty and staff in spring 2026, and it is now available to College of Business alumni.

“In today’s competitive job market, employers are more likely to hire a graduate who has also earned a professional certificate or micro-credentials,” Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the UCA College of Business and professor of economics, said. “We are excited to strengthen employment outcomes for our students and alumni by launching this tool at no additional cost to our college’s community.

“Going forward, our college faculty will also use Coursera to supplement our courses, enhancing the learning experience for our business students. By connecting our students and alumni with this platform, we are strategically addressing emerging skills in business and technology, inviting our students and alumni to drive innovation and continue to pursue the lifelong learning that is essential for career success.”

UCA business alumni are invited to explore key features of Coursera and enroll today:

• Hundreds of opportunities to earn career-relevant credentials and certificates.
• Flexible course schedules that work for the learner’s needs.
• Interactive and AI-powered tools that give personalized feedback.
• Verified certificates of achievement or micro-credentials.

shows that 91% of its learners achieved a positive career outcome, and the university hopes to extend those benefits to its business students and alumni by making this platform available to them at no additional cost.

More information about Coursera Career Academy at the UCA College of Business is available at uca.edu/business.

“The Pout Pout Fish”

�պ����ֲ� Public Appearances has announced an all-new season of performances, including Broadway hits “CLUE” and “A CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical”; family-friendly shows such as “Tales From the Field With Jeff Corwin” and “Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock!”; exciting nights out with “Cirque Kalabante: World of Words” and “Napoleon Dynamite Live”; along with award-winning musicians including Ann Wilson of HEART, country crooner Mark Chesnutt, fan favorite Straight No Chaser, and a variety of more shows throughout the year.

Reynolds Performance Hall will feature 12 shows from the Broadway, Pops and Night Out series; two from the An Evening With series; six Main Stage Education shows; a Benefit performance; and two special Add On shows. Three Windgate Collection shows will be featured at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

“We could not be more excited to unveil a season that truly raises the bar,” UCA Public Appearances Executive Director Amanda Horton said. “From iconic voices like Ann Wilson to crowd-pleasing Broadway productions like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Shucked,’ and unforgettable appearances by actors like Richard Thomas and Jon Heder, this lineup is packed with can’t-miss moments.

“It is a dynamic, star-studded series that showcases the very best in live entertainment.”

The UCA Public Appearances 2026-27 season includes the following series and performances:

Broadway Series

• “Clue” – Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine, Eric, Rob and Isaac and Chicken Salad Chick.
• “Mrs. Doubtfire – The New Musical Comedy” – Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Dixon Properties, Conway Copies and Log Cabin Democrat.
• “A CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical” – Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by First Security Bank.
• “SHUCKED” – Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Rush and Linda Harding and Arkansas Times.

Night Out Series

• “Celtic Angels Christmas” – Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by B98.5.
• “Mark Twain Tonight starring Richard Thomas” – Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by College Square.
• “CIRQUE KALABANATÉ – WOW World of Words” – Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Power 92.3.
• “Tales From the Field With Jeff Corwin” – Thursday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.

Pops Series

• Ann Wilson, The Voice of Heart & Tripsitter – Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by First Community Bank.
• Mark Chesnutt – Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by My Country Y107.
• The Fabulous Equinox – Spirit of New Orleans – Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.
• Frankie Moreno Rock N’ Roll Remastered With Conway Symphony Orchestra – Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by KARN 102.9.

An Evening With

• “Dominate the Storm With Reed Timmer” – Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at the Windgate Center. Sponsored by Log Cabin Democrat.
• “Napoleon Dynamite Live: A Conversation With Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez & Jon Gries” – Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine.

Add On

• Straight No Chaser – Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Arkansas Times and Banana Graphics.
• “September 30, 1955” Film Screening and Talk Back featuring Richard Thomas – Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by UCA Foundation.

Windgate Collection (Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts)

• “Cantus: Land That I Love” – Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by UCA College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
• “EXILE” – Sunday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by BIG 92.7.
• “Twitty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway and Loretta” – Saturday, April 3, at 7 p.m.

Main Stage Education Series

• “Velveteen, A New Musical” – Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• “Curious George – The Golden Meatball” – Monday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• “Catkid Comic Club the Musical” – Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• “Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!” – Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Conway Corp.
• “The Pout Pout Fish” – Friday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Toad Suck Daze.
• “CIRQUE KALABANATÉ – WOW World of Words” – Friday, March 12, at 10 a.m.

Benefit for Main Stage Education Series

• “Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock!” – Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.
• “The Pout Pout Fish” – Friday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m.

“The Main Stage Education Series has now served more than 80,000 students over the past 11 years and remains a vital part of our mission to connect young audiences with the arts,” Horton said. “By providing access to engaging, high-quality performances, we are helping to inspire creativity, enhance education and ensure that every student can experience the power of live performance.”

Subscription renewals for current season ticket holders are available now. New subscriptions will go on sale to the public starting Monday, June 15. Subscriber Courtesy Week – when those who bought season packages may purchase individual tickets to shows before they open to the public – will be July 13-17. Single tickets will go on sale to the public Monday, July 20.

Purchase of a new subscription package beginning June 15, or individual tickets beginning July 20, may be made by calling (501) 450-3265 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at .

Individual series prices range from $41-$160; Performing Arts Package (all three series) range from $260-$480; individual tickets for all shows in the Broadway, Pops and Night Out series are $31.05-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. An Evening With tickets range from $19.55-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. Main Stage shows are $10 for adults and $5 for children/students. The “Fraggle Rock” Benefit show ranges from $30-$50 for adults and $10 for children/students. “The Pout Pout Fish” Benefit show is $10 for adults and $5 for children/students. Add On shows are $31.05-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. The Windgate Collection shows range from $19.55-$46.00 for adults and $11.50 for children/students with the Loge boxes being $57.50 for adults. A “Pick Six” build-your-own package is available to donors of $100 or more.

More information on ticketing and event details is available at uca.edu/pa or by contacting the box office at 501-450-3265.

Dr. Arijit Mukherjee, a �պ����ֲ� professor and associate chair, has been awarded a grant from the Emerging Research Leaders Program.

Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) today announced that �պ����ֲ� (UCA) professor Arijit Mukherjee was among 12 grant recipients for the Emerging Research Leaders Program (ERL), a new initiative created to increase the number of Arkansas researchers submitting competitive proposals for major federal funding opportunities.

“We’re strengthening Arkansas’s research capacity by cultivating research leaders from within the state,” Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA President & CEO, said. “Arkansas’s research community works to make our food supply safer, our energy more efficient and our medicine more effective.

“Investing in our scientists improves the quality of life in our state and contributes to our competitiveness and economic growth.”

The ERL Program is managed by AR-NETWORK and Arkansas Research Alliance. The goal of the program is to help establish and grow sustainable research programs. Participants are expected to develop and submit two-to-four competitive external proposals during their award period.

“The ERL Program is the nudge that creates momentum for research,” Sarah B. Smith, ARA Program Director and Principal Investigator for AR-NETWORK, said. “When ERL participants win those larger federal awards, there are a lot of positive side effects.

“Students get a richer education through exposure to cutting-edge research, other faculty can leverage expanding capacity, and the institutions receive direct financial benefits through indirect costs on grants that are likely 10-20 times larger than the ERL award itself.”

The ERL Program provides $30,000 annually for up to two years to support early- to mid-career faculty in developing research leadership capacity. Rather than traditional research funding, this seed grant is primarily professional development support. Participants receive mentorship, proposal development training, and seed funding to build preliminary data and collaborations that position them for larger federal grants.

Mukherjee, a professor and associate chair, has concrete plans for the grant and support.

“I aim to advance a focused, high-impact research program aligned with Arkansas’s strategic priorities while positioning our work for sustained external funding,” he said. “I also seek to expand meaningful research opportunities for our students, equipping them with advanced, workforce-ready skills and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders in Arkansas.”

This year, 12 researchers from 10 campuses across Arkansas received ERL support: Craig Porter (Arkansas Children’s Research Institute/UAMS), Drew Fleming (Arkansas State University), Robin Ghosh (Arkansas Tech University), Mengfan Zhu (Lyon College), Sharon Hamilton (Ouachita Baptist University), Oscar Tejada Martinez (Southern Arkansas University), Noureen Siraj (UA Little Rock), Tamara Glover (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Vinay Ray (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Sathish Ponniah (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Lei Guo (University of Arkansas), and Arijit Mukherjee (�պ����ֲ�).

“Building a substantial research program starts with talented scientists who have a clear vision for their program,” Barnhouse said. “Sarah and her team did an exceptional job of designing the program, curating applicants and choosing 12 researchers who truly exemplify what this program represents.”

The ERL Program provides 24 months of funding for a full two-year period, contingent upon successful progress in developing or expanding a research program. A 12-month progress review determines Year 2’s eligibility for renewal. Smith believes the ERL Program not only serves a valuable purpose now but will continue doing so in the future.

“The interest this program has generated truly underscores Arkansas’s enthusiasm for expanding its research capacity,” Smith said. “We were only able to select 12 applicants, but we received applications from 14 institutions across the state.”

About Arkansas Research Alliance

Founded in 2008, Arkansas Research Alliance is dedicated to advancing a fundamental belief: Research Matters. Operating as a public-private partnership, ARA invests in research that stimulates innovation, encourages collaboration, and strengthens economic opportunity. Learn more about ARA and its mission to elevate Arkansas’s research community at aralliance.org.

About AR-NETWORK

Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Arkansas Nexus for Excellence in Technology, Workforce, Outreach, and Research Knowledge (AR-NETWORK) strengthens Arkansas’ research ecosystem by fostering collaboration, advancing strategic priorities, and developing the next generation of research leaders.

Dr. Stephanie Rose (center) received the 2026 Empowering Futures award from the Community Service Inc. Youth Foundation. Presenting the award were Dr. Susan Okroglic (left), CSI president/CEO, and Amber Holland (right), CSI Director of Development.

Dr. Stephanie Rose, associate professor and Addiction Studies Program coordinator in the Department of Health Sciences at the �պ����ֲ�, has been recognized with the 2026 Empowering Futures award presented by the Community Service Inc. Youth Foundation.

The Empowering Futures award honors individuals who create hope for youth, support brighter futures and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Rose serves as program director for UCA’s Addiction Studies Program and teaches both undergraduate and graduate students in the field of addiction studies. She earned a Doctor of Social Work degree from Capella University and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

In addition to her work in higher education, Rose is a licensed certified social worker, certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor and drug and alcohol clinical supervisor. She continues to practice as a mental health professional with a focus on co-occurring disorders.

Rose is an active member of the Arkansas Collegiate Network and has served in several leadership roles with the National Association of Social Workers Arkansas Chapter, including president.

The Community Service Inc. Youth Foundation created the Empowering Futures event to recognize individuals who empower young people and inspire positive change. The inaugural honoree in 2025 was Thelma Moton, founder and CEO of Choosing to Excel.

, the center for first-generation student success, recently announced the �պ����ֲ� as one of five higher education institutions to receive the TIAA Innovation Award. The award, provided by FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA, will support new or existing programs, services or initiatives that implement creative approaches to enhancing campus-wide success for first-generation students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected for a TIAA Innovation Award,” UCA Vice President for Student Affairs Robin Williamson said. “This award will allow UCA to create the First-Gen Innovation Fellows program, a paid fellowship opportunity for first-generation students that will help identify, design, and implement programs and opportunities that enhance the first-generation student experience and empower all students’ success.”

The TIAA Innovation Award provides institutions with $10,000 in unrestricted funds to apply to first-generation student success initiatives in one of two pathways:

• The “Scalable” pathway provides funds to expand and adapt existing programs, services or initiatives to support a larger number of first-generation students across the campus without compromising quality or effectiveness. This involves designing solutions that can be efficiently scaled to meet increasing demand, ensuring that the benefits of innovative approaches to enhancing first-generation student success are extended to a broader audience. Scalability ensures that as the program grows, it continues to provide meaningful support and positive outcomes for all first-generation students.
• The “Creative” pathway provides funds to generate original and innovative ideas that enhance campus-wide success for first-generation students. This involves thinking outside the box to develop unique programs, services or initiatives that address first-generation students’ specific needs and challenges. Creativity ensures that solutions are not only effective but engaging and inspiring, fostering a dynamic and supportive campus environment that encourages academic and personal growth.
  UCA’s award for First-Gen Innovation Fellows falls in the Creative pathway and will allow students to work alongside faculty and staff who are assisting first-gen students in their academic career at UCA. These Fellows will research, provide data analysis and partner with the university committee for first-gen student success to create events, programs and other opportunities that may lead to student success.

“With 54% of current undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, achieving unprecedented first-gen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce and life success for the families of graduates,” Dr. Stephanie Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward, said. “UCA has displayed a commitment to creating solutions that advance the success of their first-generation students, and their selection as a recipient of a TIAA Innovation Award is a recognition of their efforts to date and their future success.”

All TIAA Innovation Award recipients will author an award brief detailing their efforts, including the establishment of learning outcomes, success metrics and initial results of their programs, services or initiatives. The award briefs will be compiled into a summary and published on the FirstGen Forward website. Additionally, award recipients will be encouraged to present their work at high-profile conferences supported by FirstGen Forward.

“TIAA proudly supports the outstanding work of FirstGen Forward and higher education professionals who are shaping the futures of millions of first-generation students with their creative support solutions,” Laura Turner, Head of Community Impact at TIAA, said. “Many of us at TIAA are first-generation college students ourselves, and we know how a bachelor’s degree can lead to a more secure financial future, including a financially secure retirement.”

More information about first-generation efforts at �պ����ֲ� is available at . More information about FirstGen Forward and the TIAA Innovation Award is available at .

The 2025-26 class of the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (CAYLI).

The Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (CAYLI) recently held a graduation ceremony for its 2025-26 cohort at the �պ����ֲ�’s McCastlain Ballroom. Made up of 29 high school juniors and seniors, this year’s class recapped their experience over the past school year, which began in August with a summer retreat at UCA, where they first learned about their individual leadership qualities.

Throughout the school year, the group gathered for monthly sessions focused on local industries and organizations in fields such as education, healthcare, agriculture and government, to expose the students to varied ways to serve their communities either now or in the near future.

This year’s commemoration was considerably special for multiple reasons. The CAYLI program (initially known as the Faulkner County Youth Leadership Institute) celebrated 30 years of developing future community leaders.

Additionally, Crystal Kemp, chief marketing officer for Conway Corporation, was recognized as one of the founders of the program, which originated from the 1995 Faulkner County Leadership Institute (now Conway Area Leadership Institute) as a community service project. In appreciation of her continued support and involvement with the program over the years, the current CAYLI class honored Kemp by establishing the Crystal Kemp Leadership Award to recognize a student from each CAYLI class who best exhibits leadership qualities throughout the year. Emmanuel Godinez, a junior at Conway High School, was honored with the inaugural prize.

Members of the 2025-26 cohort included:

• Aalayah Cooper, a senior from Conway High School.
• Adalyn Lamey, a senior from Conway High School.
• Anna Nabholz, a junior from St. Joseph High School.
• Aubrey Faulks, a senior from Conway High School.
• Autumn Joy Weindel, a senior from Dover High School.
• Avery Cooper, a junior from St. Joseph High School.
• Brooklynn Butler, a senior from Conway High School.
• Canadee Mosley, a senior from Conway High School.
• Carly Vint, a senior from Conway High School.
• Conner Hudgeons, a senior from Vilonia High School.
• Cooper New, a senior from Conway High School.
• Derwin (DJ) Erby Jr., a senior from Conway High School.
• Daniela Chavez, a senior from Conway High School.
• Elias Nawar, a senior from Conway High School.
• Emily Nabholz, a junior from St. Joseph High School.
• Emmanuel Godinez, a junior from Conway High School.
• Eyona Geter, a junior from Conway High School.
• Grace Benzing, a junior from Conway Christian High School.
• Hannah Reed, a junior from Conway Christian High School.
• Jeremiah Carey, a junior from Conway High School.
• John David Kim, a senior from Conway High School.
• Kaliyah Gilmore, a senior from Conway High School.
• Katie Owens, a senior from Conway Christian High School.
• Kylie Watson, a senior from Conway High School.
• Lauren Catherine (LC) O’Dwyer, a senior from St. Joseph High School.
• Macy Mohnkern, a senior from Conway High School.
• Nicole Reynolds, a senior from Conway High School.
• Sara Kate Davis, a senior from Vilonia High School.
• Sarah Lanaux, a senior from Conway High School.

The Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (CAYLI) is administered by UCA’s Division of Outreach and Community Engagement as part of its mission to connect the campus with the community by providing comprehensive learning and civic engagement opportunities. The CAYLI program is funded through private donations and sponsorships, as well as a nominal program registration fee. Additional information is available by contacting Reuel Shepherd at rshepherd@uca.edu or 501-450-3429.