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Making His Mark

From Nassau, Bahamas to Conway, Arkansas, Nakita Higgins has traveled great lengths to excel in life and make his family and friends back home proud. Holding the title of International Representative in Student Government Association at the University of Central Arkansas is just one of the ways Higgins delved into college and took life by the reins.

Discovering BT����while doing a Google search for good schools with environmental science degrees, Higgins found his new home. He solidified his decision to attend BT����after discovering there was also a track and cross country program. Still wanting to continue his education and fulfill his dreams of being a college athlete, Higgins knew BT����was the perfect fit.

Shortly after Higgins moved to Arkansas, he became quickly immersed in the culture and made his mark on campus. Higgins not only ran track, but later became a mentor in the Minority Mentorship Program, a resident assistant and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“Being involved in campus life is exciting, but I aim to do more,” said Higgins. “I like being able to help people and make a difference in the lives of others. If I can continue to do that in each organization I’m involved in, then I know I’m doing something right.”

Higgins will leave a legacy at BT����that will live on forever with the naming of the bear statue located in front of Wingo Hall. A contest via OrgSync, UCA’s student organization web application that allows students to communicate, was opened to the campus for naming the new statue and Higgins entered his name “Valor,” which was chosen. “I know our school is big on WWI and WWII, and it meant ‘to be brave in time of war or great hardship,’” said Higgins. “Coming to UCA, I had to be brave. It was my first time that I was going away from home for months in a different country. As a freshman, I felt that we all should be brave when entering college or we won’t make it past our first year.”

It was that type of forward progressive thinking that won Higgins the honor of naming Valor, the Bear statue that is now notoriously used as a main attraction when guests come to tour the campus. “Whenever I’m on this campus, I’m encouraged and reminded to never give up. No matter how hard something seems, never give up,” said Higgins. “It’s here that I’ve faced some of my toughest battles while also creating lasting friendships and creating memories to last a lifetime.”