When he graduated from Wonderview High School in Hattieville in 1980, he had no idea what he wanted to do.

Although agriculture had always been a part of his life, Wilchman decided to join the Arkansas Army National Guard. That decision led him to the University of Central Arkansas and a career in nursing.

“Nobody in my family had ever been in the Army,” said Wilchman, who recently moved with his wife, Charlotte, from their Conway County home in Cleveland to their newly built antebellum-style home near Blackwell. “I just felt like it was the right thing for me to do at the time. It gave me the opportunity to serve my country and to farm at the same time. I just wanted to do my part.”

Once in the National Guard, Wilchman was able to attend officer’s school.

“I was in the last class that did not require any college in order to attend officer’s school,” he said. “The National Guard offered to pay for me to go college, and I took them up on that offer. I had completed some temporary duty assignments and met some young officers and asked them what they did. They said, ‘We’re nurses.'”

He then decided to pursue nursing and enroll at UCA. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1991.

“I can’t say enough good things about the program,” he said. “I was as green as they come. The faculty never looked down on me. … They made me feel like I could be somebody.”

He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard from 1980-91, serving as a medic. He provided humanitarian service work as a nurse from 1991-92 in Central America.

Wilchman went on to earn his master’s degree in nursing from BT天堂in 2001, as well as his nurse practitioner’s license. For more than 20 years, he spent his weekdays on the farm and served as a nurse on the weekends.

“BT天堂prepared me well for a career in nursing,” he said. “I worked in medical centers, long-term facilities and even in emergency room care.”

All the while, Wilchman continued to farm, raising mainly cattle and poultry. He bought a 200-acre pecan farm near Blackwell and harvested the first crop in 2006. Today, the Wilchmans have 5,000 pecan trees on their farm, which they call Paw Paw’s Pecans.

The pecan orchard is also the site of their newest venture, The Charlotte Teresa Bed and Breakfast. The home’s exterior is designed after Oak Valley, a Louisiana-based Civil War plantation, while the inside is suited to the Wilchmans’ needs. Located between Russellville and Conway and near Petit Jean Mountain, the bed-and-breakfast is a site the Wilchmans hope will draw a variety of guests.

“I look outside at the pecan trees on one side and Petit Jean Mountain on the other. All I see is potential,” Wilchman said. “This is what I want to do — doing my part again to make a difference in the world.”

The Charlotte Teresa Bed-and-Breakfast

Billy ’91, ’01 and Charlotte Wilchman constructed their home with the Old South in mind. The approximate 13,000-square-foot manor is their personal residence, as well as a bed-and-breakfast and wedding and event venue. The couple visited antebellum homes across the southern region and decided to replicate the fa莽ade of Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, with six columns welcoming visitors to their front door. Inside, the home is designed to be cozy and homey with a few period pieces like a rocking chair that has been in the family for three generations. The ornately designed staircase was structured to serve as a focal point for bridal photos, family reunions or other events. Sitting among 5,000 pecan trees, the home has six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a dining room, a commercial grade kitchen, and several indoor and outdoor living spaces for a variety of events. Four bedrooms with private bathrooms and balcony access for majestic views of Petit Jean Mountain can be reserved for lodging. The Wilchmans plan to open later in the year but have already scheduled weddings for May, June and October.

The world marked the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in September 2017, and the University of Central Arkansas was a major part of the historic commemoration.

“Most of the highest profile events were tied directly to the College of Fine Arts and Communication through the dean’s office, college faculty and staff, and college programs or affiliates,” said Terry Wright, dean of the college, or CFAC.

The most notable project was “Imagine If Buildings Could Talk: Mapping the History of Little Rock Central High School,” which was the vision of Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of CFAC, and Jennifer Deering, grant writer for UCA’s Sponsored Programs. In addition to the 60th anniversary of the desegregation, the project marked the 90th anniversary of the historic building.

The project included a nine-minute 3-D mapped video by BT天堂film professor Dr. Scott Meador being projected onto the school’s front facade every 15 minutes the evenings of Sept. 23-24. Dr. Blake Tyson, professor of percussion, composed “The Surface of the Sky” for six percussionists performing on three marimbas, two vibraphones and one glockenspiel that was broadcast with the video performance.

Looking back, Seymour said the mapping video project was the commemoration event that stood out most to her.

“Unlike any other seen in Arkansas, it immersed the public in a complete audio/visual experience, and like the intensity of live theater, experiencing it with hundreds of people made it truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “My hope is that the projection enhanced the public’s awareness of the epic history of Central High and perhaps inspired them to seek solutions for an equitable future.”

The video is available online at uca.edu/cfac/central60.

Other UCA-organized events commemorating 60 years since Little Rock Central High School’s desegregation (LRCHS60) included “Civil Twilight: Reflections on Fear, Courage, and Resilience,” a site-specific dance and spoken-word performance by CORE Performance Co. in the Commemorative Garden adjacent to Central High; an Oxford American Jazz Concert; Central High School Architectural History Bus Tours; and an “Imagine the Inclusive School of the Future” art exhibit.

The idea of BT天堂supporting the 60-year commemoration originated in 2011 when Dr. Rollin Potter, former dean of CFAC, dreamed up the idea of commissioning an opera honoring the Little Rock Nine’s desegregation of Central High. He had worked with BT天堂journalism faculty who had produced (with BT天堂alumnus Kevin Clark ’98) documentary films on the history of the Arkansas Gazette, which included prominent coverage of the 1957 desegregation.

Six years later, an excerpt of a scene of the opera “The Little Rock Nine,” composed by Tania Le贸n with libretto by Dr. Thulani Davis, was a part of “An Evening with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Tania Le贸n: Turning History into Art” at Reynolds Performance Hall on Sept. 25 — 60 years to the day that the Little Rock Nine, under the protection of the 101st Airborne Division, entered the school.

Gates, the Harvard professor and host of the PBS program “Finding Your Roots” and the opera’s historical consultant, was a BT天堂distinguished lecturer. Le贸n, a highly regarded composer and conductor born in Cuba, was part of CFAC’s Artist-in-Residence program.

The opera is expected to be completed by summer 2018.

“The festivities and remembrances for the 60th anniversary of Central High School’s desegregation confirmed the importance of what was accomplished in 1957,” Potter said. “Since then, America’s civil rights agendas have moved forward aggressively and have also been met with resistance. Our opera will revisit this segment of our history and underscore our needs going forward.”

The excerpt at Reynolds included a scene in which four of the Little Rock Nine — Melba Pattillo Beals, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown Trickey and Elizabeth Eckford — explained why they volunteered to desegregate the school and pondered what attending Central High could mean. BT天堂music alumni Kendra Thomas ’15, Ronald W. Jensen-McDaniel ’10, Candace Harris ’14 and Nisheedah Golden ’08 portrayed the four.

“From what we heard at Reynolds Performance Hall, the opera will be a challenging work capable of capturing our deepest emotions and yet point us to a better future,” Potter said.

The evening, the culmination of three days of UCA-related LRCHS60 events, also included lectures by Gates and Le贸n, as well as a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

Brown Trickey and her family — including her sister, Phyllis Brown, daughter Spirit Trickey Tawfiq and son Isaiah Trickey — attended the event after several days of commemoration activities in Little Rock, which included an address by former President Bill Clinton at Little Rock Central High School.

The performance and series of events even brought Michael Cooper of The New York Times to Arkansas. His story, including Trickey’s review — “I was crying” — ran on the front page of the Style section a few days later.

Grant funding for the commemorative activities came from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Park Service, Mid-America Arts Alliance and the Arkansas Arts Council.

“In short, CFAC’s influence brought into being many of the LRCHS60’s seminal presentations,” Wright said.

UCA-Hosted Events聽 in Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of LRCH’s Desegregation

CORE at Arkansas Arts Center
Photo by Richard Yada
This included the “Will Counts: The Central High School Photographs” gallery experience and conversation with CORE Performance Co., Feed Your Mind Friday Series.

Architectural Bus Tours
The BT天堂Department of History and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program sponsored bus tours of historic architectural sites associated with the neighborhoods surrounding the school.

Oxford American Jazz Concert
The “No Tears Suite” is a large-ensemble jazz composition inspired “Warriors Don’t Cry,” a memoir by Melba Pattillo Beals, and written in honor of unity for the 60th anniversary of the desegregation crisis. Little Rock composer and jazz pianist Chris Parker wrote the composition.

“Civil Twilight: Reflections on Fear, Courage, and Resilience”
CORE Performance Co.’s “Civil Twilight,” in collaboration with various spoken-word artists, gave voice to the stories of fear, courage and resilience that continue to resonate today as an extension of the Little Rock Nine story – conveyed through movement, theater and spoken word.

“Imagine If Buildings Could Talk”
This featured a 3-D mapped video projection by Dr. Scott Meador with a soundtrack by
Dr. Blake Tyson.

Community Story Circle
CORE Performance Co. facilitated a Story Circle inspired by the events of 1957, when nine courageous teenagers dared to desegregate Central High School despite the climate of fear. Participants were invited to tell their stories of fear, courage and resilience.

“Imagine the Inclusive School of the Future Art” Exhibit
Twenty-three works from two groups (grades 6-8 and grades 9-12) were selected by juror Brad Cushman, University of Arkansas at Little Rock gallery director, for an exhibition at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center. View the gallery at uca.edu/cfac/central60/imagine/.

Turning History Into Art
A scene from “The Little Rock Nine”opera and discussion with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and
Tania Le贸n.

Bear Tales – Little Rock 9

BT天堂Becomes a Player in the 鈥∟ational Maker Movement
A conversation with 鈥╟hief strategist Dr. Jeff Standridge

In September of 2017, the University of Central Arkansas opened a makerspace in Donaghey Hall.

The BT天堂Makerspace is powered by the Conductor (arconductor.org) — a public/private partnership between BT天堂and Startup Junkie driving innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development and economic empowerment across central Arkansas and beyond. The Conductor and the BT天堂Makerspace offer workshops and programs on how to make physical products, providing the opportunity to turn dreams into reality.

What is a makerspace?

The role of a makerspace is to establish a collaborative, creative space for people of all ages, from all disciplines. Makerspaces create a community and culture that encourages people to make, design and dream. Once you start making, you realize that nothing is impossible, and you have the tools at your fingertips to solve many daily problems.

During the fall semester, we had more than 550 visitors, with 310 of them coming back a second time. In that same time period, we had served 226 members of the local community, 239 students and 30 faculty, and we had also hosted field trips for six elementary schools.

What kind of things might I be able to learn in the BT天堂鈥∕akerspace?

You can learn how to laser-engrave a personalized cutting board, how to carve a sign for your business on the CNC machine or how to 3-D print a new case for your iPhone. You can also meet with our master maker, Jason Huselton ’97 鈥�(jason@arconductor.org), to consult with him about your ideas for an invention. He can help sketch out your idea and develop the prototype you need to get your provisional patent. Yes, we’ve done all this and more in the Makerspace!

Is there a cost for using the BT天堂Makerspace?

The BT天堂Makerspace is free and open to the public. Makers of all ages, from all disciplines, are welcome in the Makerspace. No previous experience in making is required.

How do I get engaged with the BT天堂Makerspace?

You can sign up for a Maker Training, during which you’ll learn how to use all of the equipment in the Makerspace, tour the space, meet our Maker Ambassadors and laser-engrave a personalized “Certified Maker” badge. You can come to one of our community events, like our Reimagined: Pumpkin Carving workshop, in which makers laser-engraved pumpkins and made Halloween-inspired crafts; or our Christmas workshop, in which participants made personalized, laser-engraved gift tags and printed wooden ornaments.

Visit /economicimpact/uca-makerspace/聽to learn more about the space, register for a Maker Training, view our upcoming events and workshops, schedule a time to tour the space or meet with our master maker. Additionally, you can reserve a time to use any of the equipment and create your next project.

If you’ve not visited the BT天堂Makerspace, you owe it to yourself to check it out. You might want to even join the more than 200 people who have been trained and now hold the designation of “Certified Makers.”

What kind of equipment can I expect to find in the BT天堂Makerspace?

The BT天堂Makerspace is equipped with 3-D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machine, soldering irons, wood-engraving tools and other equipment. In addition to tools, expert resources are also available to help you learn how to properly and safely use the tools.

Bear Tales – Makerspace Launch

After Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf of Mexico, Wendy Holbrook ’87, ’90 immediately began receiving phone calls, emails and texts about Bear Boots on the Ground.

“Shortly after Harvey hit Texas, students began emailing and calling our office trying to determine how they could help,” Holbrook said.

As interim dean of students at the University of Central Arkansas, her office previously organized Bear Boots on the Ground, a volunteer disaster-response initiative with faculty, staff, students and alumni working in areas hit by natural disasters.

“Students were coming up to me in the Student Center asking me what we were doing with Bear Boots,”

Holbrook said, “and the same day, a staff member came up to me and asked if we were going to Houston to help clean up Hurricane Harvey, and we got together and started discussing going to Houston.”
Holbrook assembled a campus team to begin meeting to discuss how “Bear Booters” could help the devastated areas.

They reviewed news reports about the storm, learning that the Category 4 hurricane had killed more than 80 people in Texas and that in just six days Harvey doused 27 trillion gallons of water, engulfing everything it touched.

“My vice president, which is my direct supervisor, came to me and said, ‘Let me know what you need.’ And I told him we needed a bus to transport the students because I knew it was very expensive, and he said he would take care of it,” Holbrook said. “There was no resistance when it came down to what we needed in order to make this trip happen.”

After getting the go-ahead from BT天堂President Houston Davis, 75 Bear Booters spent their fall break working in Vidor, Texas, about 94 miles outside of Houston.

Bear Boots on the Ground worked with UCA’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry 鈥╞ecause it had a support system that could take care of everyone going on the trip.

“Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief connected Bear Boots on the Ground with a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief group in Vidor, Texas, who offered to host us, house us, feed us, train us and provide the work equipment we needed to help families whose houses were damaged in the flood,” said Ryan Scantling, campus minister at BCM. “They made serving easy!”

The students were well prepared physically for the trip but not as prepared emotionally.

Allie Harvey, a senior who went on the trip, was touched by her experience in Texas.

“These people lost their entire houses and everything in them,” Harvey said. “So it was just a huge change in perspective, and it made me realize that I am blessed and my bad days aren’t really all that bad.”

The students witnessed firsthand the heartbreak Harvey had left in its path.

Tchetahan Natogoma Silue, a freshman, was moved by the people she met at a job site.

“We went to help at a house of an old man. He had lost most of his stuff because almost everything was wet. But we found letters from his son,” Silue said. “We sat together and read those letters, and he was very happy. This touched my heart because I could see how much they loved each other.”

Johnathan Logan, a senior, said he believes it’s important to give back to any community in need, especially ones that have experienced catastrophe.

“The easiest way to get anyone to serve is to put yourself in their shoes,” Logan said. “Through the time of struggle, everyone is looking for a serving heart.”

“You’re in.”

Those were the two simple words uttered by then chair of the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees Elizabeth Farris ’77 as she swore in Dr. Houston D. Davis as the 11th president, ushering in the next chapter of the University’s history.

Held during Homecoming Week 2017, the investiture was the formal ceremony conferring authority to Davis.

“I think investitures also offer an opportunity for all in attendance to celebrate and reflect upon the proud history of the University,” Davis said during his investiture address. “The timing of this event during Homecoming Week is significant and important to me.

“All the faculty, staff and students that came before us wrote the chapters of UCA’s 110-year history that we build upon today. During Homecoming, we proudly celebrate our alumni as shining ambassadors for UCA.”

In reflecting upon the history of the institution, Davis took time to recognize Mary Ince Ferguson ’42, who, as a student in 1941, participated in the investiture of Nolen Irby, the University’s fourth president.

Ferguson said “it was very much an honor” for Davis to recognize her during his investiture.

The occasion brought many other BT天堂alumni from the region, as well as special visitors to campus, to help usher in Davis.

Dr. Brian Noland, president of East Tennessee State University, provided an address during the investiture, saying that he counts Davis among his most trusted and cherished friends.

“In difficult times, when I am looking for guidance, assistance or direction, Houston provides a sympathetic ear, and I can personally attest to the fact that he models the values of shared governance, and it is from that central proposition of shared governance that a vision will emerge for the University of Central Arkansas rooted in faith, service and integrity,” Noland said.

The presidents of the Faculty Senate and the Staff Senate recognized Davis, who took office in January 2017, for his commitment and achievement, as well as his vision for the future.

“As a person with vision for our university, I am struck that President Davis balances clear-eyed practical wisdom with hope and drive for more possibilities at our institution, a vision that I know many faculty, staff and students share,” said Taine Duncan, president of the Faculty Senate. “Each day President Davis supports an initiative on campus for experiential learning, each day he stands side by side with staff leading Bear Boots on the Ground or each day he commits our institution to the importance of inclusion for marginalized and vulnerable community members, the president helps to make that [mission statement] more real.”

Erica Ruble ’11, president of the Staff Senate, also praised Davis for his leadership and vision.

“It’s clear that in just under a year on the job President Davis has already made quite an impression on this campus among the employees and students alike,” Ruble said. “We certainly can’t wait to see what the years ahead will bring under his continued leadership.”

While Hershila Lallu, Student Government Association president, made a slip in her speech and nearly referred to Davis as president of the United States, she quickly corrected herself and continued by praising Davis for his dedication to students.

“His involvement with students, infectious energy and upbeat personality have greatly contributed to UCA’S positive environment,” Lallu said. “We look forward to seeing all he will accomplish during his time as president and have high hopes for the University of Central Arkansas under his leadership.

“With someone like President Davis around, we know someone is on our side.”

Bear Tales – Investiture of Dr. Houston D. Davis

BT天堂Partners with the Juvenile court system

The teenage boys eye each other, circling, looking for an opening. Each has been through a lot in his young life, including fights. And each is determined to unleash a flurry from his upraised, clenched fists the first chance he gets.

Unlike the average street fight, this contest is meant to lift the participants up rather than beat someone down. Here at the boxing club run by Neil Rutman, University of Central Arkansas professor of piano and Klipsch Artist-in-Residence, juveniles look to get their lives back on track. The club practices at the Boys & Girls Club of Faulkner County.

“For a lot of these boys, the idea of discipline won’t sink in right now, but it might sink in later,” Rutman said. “The real effectiveness of the program is we bring in college boxers to train with them, to go out for pizza occasionally on a Saturday and let them vent some of their problems.”

Rutman is one of many BT天堂faculty and staff members who volunteer to help juvenile offenders through an innovative partnership with the Faulkner County juvenile drug court.

Faulkner County Circuit Court Judge Troy Braswell ’02 said an ally in the community such as BT天堂is a critical component in rehabilitating young offenders. Braswell found willing participants at his alma mater and people eager to help kids sort out the mistakes of the past and prepare them for a better course for the future.

“The old way of running courts and of juvenile justice is outdated,” Braswell said. “We needed to be able to identify not only what happened to bring a kid into court, but why it happened.”

UCA’s volunteer efforts took on many forms. Lisa Ray, program director for UCA’s addiction studies program, organized small peer support groups to help juveniles sort through the root cause of their behavior.

“Every group was different,” Ray said. “We did have some groups where every kid was having trouble with drugs, but we had some other groups where drugs weren’t really the thing, it was other stuff – peer pressure and fighting, anger issues, stuff at home. The personality of the group would determine the direction that we went.”

Other efforts took a more nontraditional approach. Adam Frank, experiential learning coordinator for UCA’s Schedler Honors College, used the power of theater to help young people express their issues and produce positive change.

“We definitely saw these kids gain self-confidence, open up, be willing to take chances and appreciate theater in a way they’d never thought about,” Frank said, “especially in the way that can create actual positive change in the community.”

The partnership is starting to grow beyond serving just drug court to general juvenile offenders and dovetails with other changes Braswell has introduced into his courtroom. His court was a pilot for a comprehensive behavioral and risk assessment that helps him better assign rehabilitation activities based on the juvenile’s needs.

“It’s the difference between the kid that’s got good grades and good family life getting caught smoking a joint after homecoming and the kid that’s failing out and has suicidal ideations that gets caught smoking after homecoming,” Braswell said. “It’s the same event, but for too long we just said they both did the same thing so it should be the same outcome. Well it’s not about punishment; it’s about rehabilitation.

“The kid that’s got the necessary support at home has a better chance for a better outcome than the kid that has all of these other problems,” Braswell said. “We look to identify and understand better what kids need to be successful.”

Back at boxing practice, the boys pair off and perform drills. Rutman, a former collegiate boxer and coach of the BT天堂team, is not working to create future title contenders. That’s not the point.

“This is an opportunity for the young men to be told they’re important and that we did like them,” Rutman said. “That’s the strength of the program, and they respond immediately to that in a positive way.”

Bear Tales – Faulkner County Juvenile Drug Court Partnership

The choice of where to go to college is not a decision made alone. Often, the parents’ opinions, advice and financial support are key parts of a student’s decision process.

In the case of my daughter, who started college last fall, the decision of where to enroll was definitely a family affair. We talked with her to determine what kinds of institutions would be a good fit and discussed very openly what we could realistically afford. Let’s just say the conversations were not always easy, especially when we talked about money, but as a family we were able to arrive at what was a perfect fit for us all.

Because of this experience, I realized that the University of Central Arkansas had a unique opportunity to help parents who are going through the same things I did last year. Why not provide families with the information and guidance to make the best decision for their student and their family needs? The answer to that question led me to work with various offices on campus to develop the Know Before You Go program, a series of workshops to help parents and their students take more control of the process. In collaboration with the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement and offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Accounts, we focused first on the costs of college because that is often the most stressful part of deciding where to attend.

The initial workshop of the Know Before You Go series, “Understanding the Costs of College,” proved to be popular. More than 100 parents and their students attended in the fall of 2017. There is obviously a need to educate the community about how to make decisions based on financial considerations. Some of the topics we shared in the workshop included using an institution’s tuition and fees calculator first to get a good idea of what the cost per semester will be. This information will give families a starting point. Then parents and their students should use the institution’s net price calculator to get a sense of how their family contributions and financial aid may reduce the estimated costs. This is a key step because what seems like a too-costly school may actually be less expensive after the amount of available financial aid is considered. The net price estimate can lead to a family conversation about a variety of ways to pay for college, including having your student contribute through a part-time or summer job. If there are multiple schools to consider, families can compare costs before making a final decision.

Because of the positive feedback we received from parents, we now have confirmation that what we aimed to provide is exactly the kind of support they need. We are also planning more workshops in the future, including one on helping students prepare for the academic expectations of college. The more parents and students know about how to afford college and make the best decisions for their family, the more likely they will stay and graduate with a degree. Who doesn’t want that?
Amy Baldwin, Ed.d.

Amy Baldwin, Ed.D., is the director of University College and has co-authored聽college student success textbooks, as well as “A High School Parent’s Guide to College Success: 12 Essentials.”

Faculty and staff impact the lives of students at the university of Central Arkansas each day, but sometimes the stories of those moments go untold. The staff at BT天堂Magazine set out to reveal those tales of uplift, encouragement and support, so we asked students and alumni to share their BT天堂experiences. Here are their stories.

Tom Courtway
President Emeritus and Executive-in-residence

My first semester at BT天堂was very difficult for me. I ended up with a 2.25 GPA and failed two classes in the process. I was going to lose my scholarship, and my parents were going to move me back home to Hot Springs. After the semester had ended in fall of 2015, my parents came to visit me so we could talk to financial aid to see if I could save my scholarship. We decided that I was going to have to take two summer classes that summer and I would have to help pay for them. It was a damp rainy day, and my parents and I took a rest on the benches out front of Bernard Hall. I was crying and talking to my parents about getting a job and begging them not to move me home. I was going through a deep depression during this time because I felt like I wasn’t doing anything with my life and I was failing out of school. My parents looked at me and told me if I didn’t find a job within the week I would be moving home and going to the community college in Hot Springs. A man walked by in a very nice suit holding an umbrella. He looked at me and noticed I was sad and came over and introduced himself to my parents and me. He asked where I was from, and when I told him Fountain Lake his eyes lit up, and he told me how much he liked Hot Springs and that he knew of our football coach. After a brief talk with him, he told us he was the president of BT天堂and that he had a job opening in Wingo Hall and to contact his secretary for an interview. I contacted Susan Lilly, and the next day I came in to meet with the chief of staff, Kelley Erstine. I walked into his office shaking in fear; I had never had a job interview before in my life. He told me I would be a receptionist for the front desk in Wingo and I would be paid $10 an hour, and I could study for my summer classes. I started working there the next day, which was April 22, 2016. I remember the date because that’s the day that my life changed. By getting that job, I started making straight A’s and making better life choices because I had something to live for. I felt like my life was actually going somewhere, and it was all thanks to a man who saw a sad girl on a bench and helped her get a job. I now work with the most amazing co-workers anyone could ask for. When I graduate and go to law school and go into the real working world, I will always thank Tom Courtway for giving me a chance and seeing the potential in me that I couldn’t see.
– Madeline Guthrie, BT天堂junior

Dr. Wendy Lucas
Chair & Associate Professor, Department of History

Dr. Wendy Lucas in the BT天堂Department of History had a huge impact on my life and career. She took a small group of graduate students under her wing, so to speak, and helped us not only excel at BT天堂but also helped us apply for Ph.D. programs. Today two of those students, including me, have Ph.D.s in history. I am not sure that would have been possible without the extra time and care that she took. In my book Dr. Lucas is a first-rate mentor.
– Rodney W. Harris, Ph.D. ’11

Shawn Charlton
Associate Professor, Psychology Department

I first met Dr. Charlton in an undergraduate psychology course. It was his first year at UCA, and I was a sophomore. At the time, my career plan included pharmacy school, so I took psychology courses as electives. One day, I answered an ad for research assistants needed in the psychology department. Dr. Charlton was conducting a study on decision-making. I applied, and my journey in the field of psychology truly began. Dr. Charlton was ambitious, dedicated and passionate about his work. He cared about the field and about his students, and worked diligently to spark our interest. Dr. Charlton, or 鈥淒r. C鈥� as I call him, met with me regularly, sent me articles and books, and kept in constant contact with me about our research. His interest was contagious. Soon thereafter, I changed my major to psychology, became involved in local and national psychology organizations, applied to graduate school, and eventually earned my Ph.D. Dr. Charlton, of course, was a chair on my dissertation committee! I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I am now working as a child psychologist in private practice. To this day, when others ask about my career journey, Dr. Charlton is always the first person who comes to mind. I am hopeful that others will continue to experience Dr. Charlton as a professor and mentor.
– Laura Horton

Dr. Dee M. Lance
Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

This woman was quite possibly the greatest influence on my life during my short time at UCA. She taught her classes masterfully, gracefully took over the position of department head, gave second chances and seemed to make it a personal goal to coax me out of my comfort zone. I had the honor of being her GA for a year, and now, three years later, I think of her often and endeavor to be a great a woman as she is, both professionally and personally.
– Kate Murphy-Jacobs ’15

Dr. Lori Isom
Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Isom’s passion for her work was so evident in her teaching. I took her Intro to Organic and Biochemistry course, and her passion made me fall in love with the subject, which led me to change my major to Nursing. To this day, I still use the subject matter she taught and wholeheartedly know it was her passion that influenced mine.
– Sunni Costello ’18

Dr. Patricia Washington McGraw
Retired Professor of English & African/African-American Studies

Dr. Patricia McGraw was the reason I decided to come to UCA. She was the first person to tell me I had what it took to earn a Ph.D. She saw something in me as a freshman in the Honors College that no one else had yet seen. For a first-generation college student, that was huge. I worked with her closely at UCA, and she supervised my Honors thesis. Not only did I go on to earn a Ph.D. by the age of 29, but I was tenured and promoted by 35 and department chair at the age of 37. Dr. McGraw changed the course of my career and life.
– Valarie Fleming ’99

Dr. Daniel Fisher
Associate Professor of Innovation & Leadership

Dr. Fisher changed the way that I think about things. His Innovation and Entrepreneurship classes get you thinking outside the box. This transformed the way I operated in my own business, as well as how I think as an employee.
– Zac Hendricks ’13

Dr. Janet K. Wilson
Professor of Sociology & Criminology

Dr. Wilson (Sociology Department) had a sense of reality like no other. I had her for several classes for my major, but it was her guidance in my internship class/program, along with my research class, that really impacted me personally, as well as professionally now that I am 18 years removed.

Dr. Wilson worked tirelessly to get me into a nonprofit organization working with delinquent youth for my internship program. It was my first “real life” experience in the field in which I wanted to work [that] complemented my major and emphasis (criminology). Her personal approach to follow up, check-ins and relating book work to field work really solidified my desire to work in such a field – really validated I was making the right choice for my life.

Dr. Wilson’s assistance in my research class was unique. While the focus of the class (for everyone) was to identify research and complement/validate it (or not), I convinced Dr. Wilson to let me do my own based on my internship. While it took time, a lot of convincing and I think a little bit of going out on a limb for me on Dr. Wilson’s part, she dedicated additional time for me to assist as needed, especially since my project was unique compared to others. It really taught me that doing well for others is what we all should do.

Dr. Wilson is a positively unique person that you don’t find very often. I totally credit her with my continued work in the nonprofit youth development field.
– Scott Myers ’99

Family and Consumer Sciences faculty

I was a nontraditional transfer student from Melbourne, Arkansas. I was a single mother, business owner and full-time student. Moving to Conway and continuing my education at BT天堂was a bit overwhelming at first, but the adjustment became easier in a short amount of time. I was a Family and Consumer Sciences major with many questions. I was delighted to find that my advisor was informative and always willing to discuss my concerns. The entire Family and Consumer Sciences faculty were such a blessing to me. They always made me feel welcome and helped me achieve my goals. The faculty continued to support me throughout my job search after graduation, for which I am grateful. The interaction I had with BT天堂instructors and staff members across campus was very positive. People were friendly and willing to answer any questions I may have had. I stayed at BT天堂until I completed my master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. Fortunately, I was able to take my education and attain the job I had always hoped for, also on a college campus. I hope to share my education and experiences with other students going through the college process in hopes that they are successful in their endeavors as well.
– Cheryl Massey ’15, ’16

Houston Davis
BT天堂President

What a great man! I only had a few short months of getting to know President Davis and what a blast it was! From giving him campus tours, showing him what BT天堂has to offer, working in an extension of his office, so literally seeing him every day, it was amazing! I love how he is so present on campus and loves being intentional to make a connection with the students and be the example for engagement and involvement with all things BT天堂Bears! I don’t think I’ve ever seen another university president use social media so personable and well like President Houston; it’s absolutely amazing! Before I left for Texas Tech University, he told me, “Don’t be afraid to step out and conquer your fears. You’ve got a whole community of Bears behind you cheering you on because we want you to succeed!” Those words have always stuck with me!
– Ty Hollowell ’17

Special Education department

I am delighted to share about the people who’ve helped my experience at BT天堂be the most memorable, rewarding time of my life. The entire faculty in the Special Education department have gone above and beyond for their students, and students in public schools in the area. They have been a godsend for me as well as my peers. They are passionate, want the best for their students, and through sharing their knowledge of Special Education, they have prepared us to go and change the world. Their love for students with disabilities has radiated to everyone in their path, and without them, I would not be on the road to graduation in May. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, to all the Special Education instructors.
– Brittany Eppes, BT天堂senior

Gregory J. W. Urwin
Retired Professor of History

Dr. Urwin took one of my most difficult (read: disliked) subjects and made it live for me. I only needed one semester of his class to fulfill my requirements, but because of his love of the subject matter and his excitement for history, I chose to take him for a second semester. I still remember his detailed lectures and the twinkle in his eye as he told of the events that took place in our nation’s history. He will forever be etched in my mind as a top-notch professor and a living historian.
– Aaron Hoyt ’92

Dr. Jayme Millsap Stone
Director of Learning Communities
Dr. Stone was my partner in the FYS Peer Mentor program; I was nervous about taking on a role as a mentor and guide to young students, but working with Dr. Stone was always an amazing experience. She taught me that, in all ways, a classroom can be inclusive for everyone. Hard work, devotion to academia and an ability to see the human heart in action are what Dr. Stone instilled in me. I was supposed to be a mentor to my peers, but I gained a fantastic life mentor in the process!
– Brick Cullum ’18

Dr. Charlotte Cone
Retired College Student Personnel Services & Administration Program Coordinator

Dr. Cone helped me find and develop my passion for higher education and student affairs through her love and devotion to education and all the mentorship she has provided me over the years. She helped me become the student affairs professional that I am today, and I am truly a better educator because of her guidance and support. Thank you, Dr. Cone, for believing and investing in me and all the other students’ lives you’ve touched!
– Danny Glassmann ’05, ’07

Dr. Anita Sego
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences

Dr. Sego is one of the most innovative and inspiring people I have ever met. She has shown me that, even as a student, I can make a difference. She encourages her students to embrace their individual strengths, which she knows because she takes time to get to know them. When I am feeling like my efforts to make a difference are miniscule, she teaches me how my efforts mean something and encourages me to go even further. She deserves to be recognized for her amazing leadership and guidance.
– Hannah Branton ’19

Jo Pruett

Miss Jo was one of the first people I saw when I started at BT天堂this past fall. I was a nervous little freshman going to get some breakfast on my first day of classes when I first met Miss Jo. As she scanned my Bear Card into the caf, she greeted me with a big smile, and when I left, she told me that she would see me again at lunch. She is the happiest person I know around campus and treats me as one of her own kids. She makes me smile every day and feel cared for. When I see Miss Jo in the morning, I know it鈥檚 going to be a great day!
– Grace Ridgeway

Dr. Mike Martin
Senior Lecturer & Pre-medical Chair in the Biology Department

I will always attribute my pursuit of medical school to Dr. Martin. I was a Pre-Physical Therapy student, unsure about my career choice, when I took Pharmacology with Dr. Martin as an elective. I grew more weary about PT the further we got into the class, and I finally decided to ask Dr. Martin for his advice about pursuing a different career. For the remaining year and a half of my time at UCA, Dr. Martin advised and encouraged me in my decision to apply to medical school. He truly gave me the confidence I needed to make such an important and somewhat scary decision. Thanks to Dr. Martin, I will be attending medical school in 2018 and pursuing a career that I love.
– Micaela Motzko ’17

Dr. Taine Duncan
Associate Professor and Director of Gender Studies Program

While I鈥檇 like to think that I鈥檇 still be a feminist without [Dr. Taine Duncan鈥檚 influence, I can certainly say that I wouldn鈥檛 be nearly as critical or informed in my thought process.
On top of that, though, is the bond she and I formed during my time at UCA. Though I can鈥檛 say for sure why, Dr. Duncan became the person I most felt I could talk to when I needed someone who would listen. She never made me feel like I was a bother to her, and I always left feeling better.

But on top of moral support, Dr. Duncan also provided professional support when she could. Since she knew I wanted to be a teacher myself, she arranged for me to sub for her once for a class period when she needed to be away from campus. The lesson itself was nothing too terribly complicated, and I鈥檇 had the class with her as a student the year before (plus a refresher the day before), but the experience benefited me greatly.

Thanks to all this, when I finally graduated last May and left BT天堂for good, Dr. Duncan was the one teacher to whom I knew I needed to say goodbye.
– Stephen Moore

Jennifer Whitehead
Interior Design Program Director in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department

During my sophomore year at UCA, I unexpectedly became pregnant. I was terrified and upset and not focused at all. Jennifer was the first person I told, and she calmed and comforted me and gave me a hug, and for that I will never forget her and her kindness. I finished my degree, and Jennifer was always a kind smile and a sweet spirit willing to help me when she could.
– Paige Norman ’07

Dr. Scott Nadler
Assistant Professor of Management

Professor Nadler,
You may not remember me since I was never one of your students, but my name is Jasmine Gonzalez and we had our picture taken together by Kyle for the Facebook marketing page (which is still the cover photo). That day my life did a 180, and I’ll never forget it. Since Kyle was needing some pictures for the Marketing page, we had to act like we were “talking” to each other, but it quickly grew to a deep and meaningful conversation. I was telling you how I was a business management major and decided to change to interior design because business was just not clicking with me. I continued to tell you my dreams and stated how getting my own show on HGTV would be nice. Like my father, you helped me be more realistic and kindly told me the cons of being an interior designer. By this point we stepped into your office, and you told me, “Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher because from this short time knowing you I can see you being one,” and since that day I majored in education, and it rocked my world. I wasn’t on the verge of losing my scholarship anymore because I was making Dean’s and President’s list. Everything just clicked and felt right. I graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor in Education K-6 and will be a third-grade teacher this fall. I simply wanted to reach out and say thank you for helping me choose the career path I was always meant to be in.
– Jasmine Gonzalez ’16

Dr. Nelle Bedner
Professor in the School of Communication

So much of my educational journey can be attributed to Dr. Nelle Bedner’s influence. As I was kicking off my junior year, I felt lost and alone. That fall semester was definitely my darkest in college. I lacked direction for my future and was still coming to terms with the person I desired to become. The major I had chosen was not a good fit, but I didn’t possess the knowledge of self to be able to recognize my unique skill set. Through a turn of events, I dropped a course and enrolled in Perspectives in Communication a few weeks into the semester. Dr. Bedner had such a presence about her that caused me to be eager about anything she had to say – a feeling I hadn’t really experienced from a professor at UCA. In a short amount of time, I fell deeply in love with the subject matter and learned so much about the discipline of communication. That class completely changed my trajectory in college and, truly, my life. I switched my major to communication and found myself enjoying homework assignments and learning about theory. Beyond that, Dr. Bedner stepped in and took the role of my academic advisor, helping me to graduate on time despite changing my major so late. Even more incredibly, she agreed to be my main thesis advisor for my research for the Honors College. Because of the way that Dr. Bedner helped to shape my interests and research, I discovered my passion for higher education and went on to get a graduate degree. I am now working for a university and use the tools and theory I learned in my Communication courses every day. I could never thank Dr. Bedner enough for the personal interest she took in helping to guide me on the perfect path. She is deserving of recognition because you can’t throw a rock in a room full of Communication majors without pelting someone that may have a similar story about her! She is truly phenomenal.
– Jesse Chambliss ’13

Steven Shook
Assistant Director for Student Leadership
From only knowing Shook for a few years during his time in undergrad, he was most influential to me during my junior and senior year. Having him as a peer mentor was the best thing ever for many reasons. Having someone to look up to who was in many of the same organizations as I was in or having the same influence and networking connections was a blessing. I appreciated Shook taking a chance on someone like myself and not being afraid to tell me whenever I’m out of line and how to be my best self daily. I still talk with Shook today and ask for advice on how to be a better student affairs professional.
– Ty Hollowell

Dr. Mary Harlan
Professor Emeritus (Family and Consumer Sciences)

Dr. Harlan saw more in me than I saw in myself! While I was a college student, my father passed away. She helped me figure out a way to graduate in three and a half years because I was afraid I wouldn’t have the money to stay in school for four years. (As it turned out, I did get to stay for four years, but added a minor to my degree that is extremely useful in my current job.) She was very encouraging and made us work hard to be knowledgeable in our subject matter. Because of her, I have had a successful professional career. She encouraged me to apply for my first real job! I was hired and worked seven and a half years for them. Dr. Harlan wisely led the Family and Consumer Sciences department out of the grave when she launched the dietetics program at UCA. She is one of the reasons that FACS is FACS instead of Home Economics. She worked tirelessly with many organizations for the name change. The change has given the profession respected image. I’ve kept up with several of the FACS graduates, and each has been prepared for our work after college. Dr. Harlan still knows where her graduates are and what we are doing. I care about her and am pleased to have studied at BT天堂under her. I admire her!
– Debra Phillips Stewart ’81

Dr. Amy Hawkins
Associate Professor, School of Communication

Dr. Amy Hawkins is the perfect example of what it means to be a professor at UCA. From my first class with her to my last, she put time, effort, and so much more into me as both a student and a young woman. She teaches the capstone class for the public relations program, and in doing so, fosters the skills of all her students. On top of being a professor, she also serves as the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. Aside from her educational responsibilities, she also becomes invested in the personal and professional lives of her former students. Since I graduated last May, I continue to stay in contact with Dr. Hawkins. She has served as a reference for me while I鈥檝e applied for jobs, and she genuinely cares about my success as a young woman in the public relations field. In addition to all of her work at UCA, she is also a caring, devoted mother and involved member of both the BT天堂and Conway communities. Dr. Hawkins is one of the most amazing teachers and people I鈥檝e ever had the pleasure of knowing.
– Emilia Barrick

“Imagine being in high school and your high school teacher is on the radio,” said Bunn, a 1988 University of Central Arkansas graduate, with a dry chuckle. “I certainly used that to my advantage, upping the coolness factor a little bit.”

While a math teacher at Rose City Middle School and North Little Rock High School, Bunn piloted the airwaves at Magic 105 in Little Rock, a job he kept for about 20 years until the radio station shut down. That gig followed four years with KBT天堂during his undergrad years at UCA, and before that, he played the hits for school dances in his hometown of Crossett.

“After home football games, we would have dances. I was the DJ, and I had all these records,” he said. “During my freshman year at UCA, I saw an ad in The Echo that said, ‘So you want to be a DJ?’ I go over to the director of the radio station at the time and said, ‘I’m interested, and by the way, I can bring my own records if I need to.’

“He said, ‘Well, we’re interested, we’d love to have you participate, but you don’t need to bring your own records. We can provide those for you.'”

During his senior year, a friend, who was considering radio as a career, complained about his heavy number of shifts at Magic 105. Bunn off-handedly told him to drop his name to management.鈥�” He kind of jokingly said, ‘I’ll let them know,'” Bunn said. “He came back to me later and said, ‘You know what? They’re interested.’ And I’m like, ‘You kiddin’ me?'”

Bunn, now director of candidate services in the BT天堂College of Education, said the romantic images many people have of the wacky DJ don’t really match the job description.

“I’ve never been one to focus on personality,” he said. “When I listen to the radio I can tell, maybe others can as well, when the person is really trying hard to be a persona. I never believed in that; I always believed the music spoke for itself.”

What radio lacked in debauchery, it more than made up for as an enjoyable hobby. And it still is – a year after Magic 105 folded, Bunn got a call from 94.1 The Point in Little Rock asking if he’d like to substitute on occasion, which he does to this day.

“I never pursued radio full time, never wanted to actually,” he said. “It was always a hobby that I got paid for. Not a bad gig. When people were spending a lot of money on their hobbies, I was making money on mine.”

The University of Central Arkansas has received $1 million to establish the Arch Ford Endowed Scholarship program.

Rick ’81 and Anne Massey of Little Rock made the gift to support the retention of first-generation college students through need-based scholarships.

The family established the endowment in honor of Arch Ford, a 1930 Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) graduate, who served as commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1953-78. He began working for the department in 1941 as a district supervisor of war training programs in northwest Arkansas. He was elected commissioner in 1953. Ford also received a 1992 Distinguished Alumni Award from UCA.

“Our desire is to increase the retention rates of Arkansans who are exemplary students but who need help financially, and Mr. Ford devoted his life to helping the same constituency. We couldn’t think of anyone better to honor with this gift than Arch Ford,” said Rick Massey, who has supported BT天堂for decades.

Recipients will be designated as Arch Ford Scholars.

“We are incredibly appreciative of this gift that the Massey family has provided,” said BT天堂President Houston Davis. “Arch Ford helped to set the stage for increasing the educational capacity of our state. This gift continues his legacy.”

BT天堂will provide a one-to-one match for all scholarships awarded. These students will also be identified as Arch Ford Scholars.

“President Davis’ commitment to matching this effort dollar-for-dollar exemplifies the university’s continued allegiance to Arkansans with financial need, a population that BT天堂has served for generations,” said Massey.

In response to Massey’s gift, Joe Ford, son of Arch Ford, and his wife, Jo Ellen Ford, of Little Rock, made a $250,000 donation to support the Arch Ford Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“My father would be highly honored to be recognized in this manner,” said Joe Ford. “I can think of nothing better than helping students get an education as an Arch Ford Scholar. He wanted everyone to have the opportunity for an education.”

While preference will be given to first-generation students, scholarship recipients must meet be Pell Grant eligible; a rising BT天堂sophomore who graduated from an Arkansas high school; and have completed at least 15 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA

The application process also requires a letter of recommendation from a full-time faculty. The BT天堂Foundation Scholarship Committee will select recipients during the spring semester each year. Scholarships will be a four-year renewable award for scholars who maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

The number of scholarships awarded, as well as the dollar amount given to each recipient, may vary at the discretion of the BT天堂Foundation Scholarship Committee.