The University of Central Arkansas has selected Col. Addie M. Morris (Drake), USA (Ret.) ’80 and Dr. Jeff Standridge ’90 to receive 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at the reimagined Laurels & Stripes gala Saturday, March 7, at UCA’s Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Col. Addie Mae Morris of Little Rock has built a distinguished career in military service, health care leadership, business and community advocacy. Born in Alabama to sharecropper parents, she overcame the racial barriers of the 1950s and early 1960s that limited her access to nursing education. Morris earned her LPN in Alabama, continued her education at the University of Michigan, and completed a Master of Science in Nursing at BTĚěĚĂin 1980. She later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in educational psychology from Pacific Western University in 1995 and a Master of Military Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Morris has served as president and CEO of Grandville Construction Company in Little Rock since 1968 while also holding leadership roles in Arkansas Health Services as assistant hospital administrator and director of nursing education. At the same time, she served 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of colonel and serving as inspector general for the 807th MEDCOM. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, her military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, among others.

Morris is widely respected across Arkansas for her leadership and her ability to bring people together. She has been appointed to numerous state boards and commissions by governors from both political parties, including the State Board of Nursing, Capitol Zoning Commission, Arkansas Apprenticeship Board, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, the Trauma Advisory Council, the Arkansas Board of Architects and Design, and the Tobacco Advisory Council. In the 1990s, she wrote a weekly newspaper column in the Arkansas Tribune titled “Moments W/Addie,” offering reflections that connected everyday life with community values.

Her lifelong commitment to service extends well beyond her professional and military work. Morris founded the Drake Nurses Charity, which provides health missions and education to underserved communities in the southern United States and abroad in Jamaica, Haiti and the Philippines. She also ran a youth enrichment program at the Pine Bluff Arsenal and later established the Ralph Vines Public Speaking Contest to help Arkansas students build confidence and communication skills. Most recently, she founded the Hat & Glove Society, focused on etiquette and civility.

Morris continues her strong commitment to BTĚěĚĂthrough service on the advisory board for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Her deep relationships across Arkansas business, government and civic leadership create meaningful opportunities for BTĚěĚĂand its students. Her lifelong record of leadership, service and mentorship brings distinction to the university and reflects the impact of its alumni.

Dr. Jeff D. Standridge of Conway is recognized for his leadership in business, entrepreneurship and civic service, along with his long-standing commitment to advancing educational and economic opportunity in Arkansas. A 1990 BTĚěĚĂgraduate, he holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the university, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Doctor of Education with specialization in leadership and organizational behavior. He remains closely connected to BTĚěĚĂthrough teaching, philanthropy, volunteer leadership and student mentorship.

Standridge is a formally trained paramedic and respiratory therapist. He began his career in health care at Conway Regional Hospital, followed by Arkansas Children’s Hospital where he was a member of the Angel One Helicopter Team. He also served as a professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Later, Standridge joined Acxiom Corporation, where he served as vice president of global operations and led both established and startup business units across North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. His work focuses on helping organizations generate sustained results in innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational transformation and leadership. He has been an invited speaker, trainer and consultant for companies and institutions on five continents and is a best-selling author of four books.

Standridge serves as managing director of The Conductor and Innovation Junkie in Conway and is co-founder and managing partner of Cadron Capital Partners, a venture capital firm supporting Arkansas-based companies. In addition to his professional work, he is retired from the U.S. Army – Arkansas Army National Guard, where he was recognized as “Soldier of the Year” by the 87th Troop Command. Standridge was appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve on the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission, which he chaired in 2025. He currently chairs the board of directors for Conway Regional Health System and serves on the Conway Development Corporation board of directors.

His influence at BTĚěĚĂis extensive. Standridge is a current member of the College of Business Advisory Board and the Aviation Academy Advisory Board. He previously served on the BTĚěĚĂFoundation Board of Directors and led the board as chair from 2020 to 2022, during which the BTĚěĚĂNow campaign was publicly launched. He also served on the BTĚěĚĂNow Campaign Steering Committee. He and his wife established the Lori and Dr. Jeff Standridge Health Sciences Scholarship, the Dr. Jeff and Lori Standridge Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarship – the university’s first endowed scholarship in that area – and also served as co-chairs of the 2020 Laurels & Stripes gala. His volunteer spirit and philanthropic leadership were recognized statewide when the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter named him the 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.

Standridge continues to shape the student experience through teaching in the College of Business and developing programs that help students build leadership skills, entrepreneurial thinking and real-world readiness. His broad impact across business, education, health care and civic leadership reflects the values of the university and demonstrates the powerful reach of its alumni in Arkansas and beyond.

Information on Laurels and Stripes, which is set for a new date, new location and new overall format, along with tickets and sponsorship details, is available at or by contacting the BTĚěĚĂDivision of Advancement at 501-450-3197 or advancement@uca.edu.

Three University of Central Arkansas alumni were honored for their outstanding service, professional accomplishments and volunteer contributions at the 2025 Alumni Awards celebration held during the university’s homecoming week.

BTĚěĚĂhonors alumni for service, leadership, achievement during homecoming week

Debbye Jo Smith ’73 of Gassville received the Karen Sullards Alumni Service Award, which recognizes graduates who have demonstrated outstanding service to BTĚěĚĂthrough sustained involvement, leadership and support.

Smith retired from Walmart in 2013 after 19 years as assistant general counsel for Walmart stores, Sam’s Club and logistics/transportation divisions. She has been a dedicated supporter of BTĚěĚĂfor more than three decades, serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1991 to 1993, including a term as president, and on the BTĚěĚĂFoundation Board from 2009 to 2015, where she was secretary from 2010 to 2013. A life member of the alumni association, she also served on the university’s search committee for vice president for advancement. Her ongoing commitment to BTĚěĚĂincludes membership in the Purple Circle, the President’s Society and the Doyne Legacy Society, where her planned gifts will benefit the Purple Circle, Delta Zeta and the Bear Essentials Food Pantry.

“BTĚěĚĂgave me such a solid foundation to build my future, and I’ve always believed in paying it forward whether through financial support, mentoring or service to the university,” Smith said. “To be recognized with this service award, especially one that bears Karen Sullards’ name, is truly humbling.

“There are so many dedicated alumni who give their time and energy to UCA, so I’m both thrilled and deeply honored to be among them.”

Dr. M. Nicholas Farr ’12, ’14, ’19 of Sherwood received the Young Alumni Award, which recognizes graduates under the age of 40 who have made significant strides in their career and have shown strong leadership and promise in their field.

Farr has built an impressive career as an educator and performer. He serves as principal of Maumelle High School and director of choral activities at Shorter College. His honors include 2015 Teacher of the Year, 2017 Choral Director of the Year, and recognition as a 2026 Music Educator Grammy Quarterfinalist. Next June, he will direct the New England Symphony Orchestra with a mass choir at Carnegie Hall. His artistic achievements also include multiple Arkansas Broadway World recognitions for acting and vocal performance. Farr is the founder and artistic director of the Una Voce at Wildwood Student Chorus.

Beyond his professional work, Farr serves as Arkansas executive director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., state president of the American Choral Directors Association, and a board member for the Actors Theatre of Little Rock. He is also active in the National Association for Music Educators and the National Association for Secondary School Principals. A proud BTĚěĚĂalumnus, Farr continues to give back as chapter advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha’s Theta Psi Chapter, a member of the BTĚěĚĂAlumni Association, and a donor to the Wingate Center and BTĚěĚĂGreek Village. He also lends his time and talent as a frequent speaker and emcee at student events.

“BTĚěĚĂis more than an institution of learning – it’s family,” Farr said. “I give back because I believe in my alma mater and want future students, including my own daughter, to have the same opportunities I did.

“To be recognized by BTĚěĚĂis both humbling and motivating. It reminds me that someone is always watching, so you should always be your best. I’m deeply grateful to my family and to the university that continues to feel like home every time I step on campus.”

Maria Kramer Wile ’14, ’21 of Conway was named Alumni Volunteer of the Year, which recognizes an alumnus for their dedication and commitment to volunteering, often going above and beyond in their efforts to support the university and its alumni community.

Wile is the director of physician recruitment and onboarding for Conway Regional Health System. A former associate director of alumni relations, she continues to serve her alma mater through her longtime involvement with the BTĚěĚĂAlumni Association Board of Directors and as chapter advisor for the Beta Lambda Chapter of Delta Zeta. She has also guided and mentored students as an advisor to the Association of Future Alumni and as a panelist for both the Association of Future Alumni and Presidential Leadership Fellows interview panels.

“BTĚěĚĂgave me opportunities and connections that far exceeded anything I imagined as a freshman in 2010,” Wile said. “Staying involved as an alumna allows me to give back to the place that shaped me, to support current students, stay connected to the community, and help ensure BTĚěĚĂcontinues to thrive.

“I still remember alumnae like Karen Sullards, Pat Otto and Susan Seltzer, whose examples of service inspired me to do the same. Receiving this award is such a humbling surprise. Giving back to BTĚěĚĂhas always been personally fulfilling, and being recognized by fellow alumni makes it especially meaningful. We all share the same goal of helping future Bears have even greater opportunities than we did. For any alum thinking about reconnecting, I can promise there’s a place for you here.”

Students using new outdoor solar-powered table.

The University of Central Arkansas has added one outdoor solar-powered table to its campus inventory.Ěý

The table allows individuals sitting at or near the table to charge phones, laptops, tablets, or other devices. It was installed recently by personnel in the Physical Plant.

“We had talked about possibly adding some solar-powered tables to campus for some time, but we had an opportunity to work with our beverage service provider, Pepsi, to have one,” said Kevin Carter, associate vice president for facilities. “We look forward to seeing students’ reactions and usage behaviors, but we think it will be a great addition to campus.”

Branded with the Pepsi and BTĚěĚĂlogos, the table was placed in front of the physical therapy building on Bruce Street. This location is heavily used by students in physical therapy and other health care-related classes during fall and spring semesters. With its proximity to Estes Stadium, the table is expected to be regularly used.Ěý

BTĚěĚĂhopes to add more tables like these in the future.

Three Muskateers: Quinn Gasaway, Xander Udochi, Adrian Hinojosa

In its second year of professional theater, the University of Central Arkansas Summer Theatre will open Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers” on Friday, June 20, in the James M. Bridges Black Box Theatre in the Windgate Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Get ready for a family-friendly, action-packed adventure like no other! “The Three Musketeers” is a thrilling, fast-paced adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig. Join the brave and charismatic D’Artagnan as he teams up with the legendary trio—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—in a swashbuckling tale of honor, friendship, and daring escapades. Filled with sword fights, romance, and a touch of humor, this vibrant production brings to life the timeless spirit of loyalty and justice. Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the high-energy spectacle of “The Three Musketeers,” where all for one and one for all still reign supreme!

Evening performances for the show are June 20, 21, 27 and 28, at 7 p.m. Matinee performances are June 21, 22, 28 and 29, at 2 p.m.

Ana Brandon

Azariah Burgin

Kennedy Holland

Tori Kiser

Jada Simpson

Riley Strube

2025 May Commencement

The University of Central Arkansas held spring commencement on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, 2025, in the Farris Center on campus.

The university conferred 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.

Graduates are listed below:

Former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway

The University of Central Arkansas hosted an unveiling ceremony to rename the former Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center the Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center.Ěý

The renaming honors the dedicated service of former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway, who served as the 10th university president from 2011-16.Ěý

“For over 100 years, BTĚěĚĂhas stood as an absolute rock in Conway, stood as a beacon of learning for thousands of citizens around the state and other states,” Courtway said. “My vocabulary lacks the depth and breadth to describe to you today what this means to me. While I fail in this regard, always know that I’m humbled, grateful beyond words  and will cherish this honor all of my days.”

Unveiling of Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center

The BTĚěĚĂBoard of Trustees approved the renaming at its October 2024 regular meeting. The recommendation was unanimously approved upon motion by Terry Fiddler and seconded by Kelley Erstine.

Under Courtway’s leadership, the former Health Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center Complex was renovated and expanded to include the addition of a pool and racquetball courts, and doubling the size of the weight rooms.

Approximately 200 individuals were in attendance, representing current and present members of the BTĚěĚĂBoard of Trustees and the Arkansas General Assembly, as well as family, friends, colleagues, alumni and students.Ěý

“To any former trustees here, thank you for your service, your advice and everything you’ve meant to me. And to my friends, colleagues, co-workers,  and everyone else that’s assembled here today, on a personal level, thank you very much. But more importantly, thank you for your support of this university and what you do for our students,” Courtway said.Ěý

Former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway with current and past members of the BTĚěĚĂBoard of Trustees

BTĚěĚĂfirst hired Courtway as general counsel in 2002. He left in late 2003 to serve as interim director of the Arkansas Department of Education and returned to BTĚěĚĂas general counsel in 2004. In December 2005, Courtway became vice president of Hendrix College in Conway until August 2006, when he returned to BTĚěĚĂas vice president and general counsel.

Highlights of Courtway’s service as president include the adoption of an official university seal; opening of Bear Hall, a 122,200 square-foot residence hall, which also houses UCA’s Athletics Department offices and skyboxes overlooking Estes Stadium; the construction of a 200-seat campus amphitheater; the 50,000-square-foot expansion to the Lewis Science Center, including a three-story addition with teaching, learning and research areas; the beginnings of the Donaghey Corridor project, with the construction of a 67,500-square-foot, four-story building located on the corner of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue, which is used for retail and residential space; and the completion of the Greek Village Phase I, which houses five sororities on campus and chapter rooms for National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities.

Courtway practiced law for several years in Arkansas. He worked with the Wright, Lindsey, & Jennings Law Firm in Little Rock from 1986 to 1993, when he moved to Conway to establish his own practice. In 1995, he joined the Brazil Law Firm in Conway, and in 2000, he opened the Courtway & Osment Law Firm in Conway where he remained until 2002.

Courtway served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. While representing District 45, he chaired the Revenue and Tax Committee. He also served on the Agriculture & Economic Development Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Insurance & Commerce Committee.

He worked in Washington, D.C., as a legislative aide for U.S. Senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor from 1979 to 1982 and from 1983 to 1986, respectively.

Courtway earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business from Hendrix College in 1975, a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1978, and an LLM (Tax) from Georgetown University in 1983.

Courtway was born in Wynne, Arkansas. He graduated from Conway High School in 1971. His father, Bob, taught at Hendrix College for close to 30 years, and his mother, Betty, was a public school kindergarten teacher.

He and his wife, Melissa, have four sons and ten grandchildren.

Former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway with his wife, Melissa, and members of their family

In a briefing by BTĚěĚĂPresident Houston Davis, he presented current statistics indicating a freshman class that will top 2,100 students for a second consecutive year. Additionally, it was noted that early registrations for fall semester are robust and that overall enrollment for all levels is approximately 3.2% ahead of this same time last year.Ěý

Registration for  Summer Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) sessions is on track with last year’s record numbers, and while the sessions have already begun, those interested in attending some of the remaining, open sessions may still apply at SOAR.

During the meeting, board members voted to approve several campus projects, including updates to Arkansas Hall, a residential facility for female freshman students. Also approved was the buildout of the BTĚěĚĂAviation Academy Hangar, which encompasses furniture, flight simulators and other equipment. With the board’s approval of the 2025-26 budget, BTĚěĚĂfaculty and staff will receive a 2% cost-of-living adjustment effective July 1, 2025.Ěý

“Facility upgrades and maintenance, faculty and staff salary increases, and a growth outlook for our overall enrollment are all indicative of the positive momentum at UCA. These are all signs of a healthy institution with a bright future,” Davis said.Ěý

In other business, the Board of Trustees voted to increase mandatory tuition and fees by 3.96% for undergraduate and graduate students. This increase will result in undergraduate students taking 15 hours per semester, paying an additional $417 for the year; graduate students taking 12 hours would pay an additional $390 for the year.Ěý

“This change in tuition and fees will help to support the campus and our initiatives beyond all of the other cost-effectiveness measures we have taken,” Davis said. “Increasing educational costs for students is never a decision taken lightly or without careful consideration of our stewardship of existing resources. We have worked to position the university to be able to invest in our people, facilities and programs through our Resource Optimization Initiative and other reallocation means and will continue to do so to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.”

Other board agenda items included:

• The 2028-29 academic calendar
• A new Bachelor of Science in Education in Science and Technology
• A new Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language

The University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association has created a children’s book highlighting campus attractions and information. The book title is “

 A special surprise guest reader will highlight the launch party on Thursday, June 5, from 3–4:30 p.m. at Buffalo Alumni Hall. To register for the launch party, visit .

“The BTĚěĚĂAlumni Association has worked on this project for several years and is excited to bring it to fruition. It highlights some of the best spots on campus in a fun, colorful presentation that we hope children will truly enjoy,” said Alison Taylor, executive director of the Alumni Association.Ěý

August 5 is the official release date for the publication. Preorders are available through the , with shipments after the release date. Additionally, books purchased directly from the publisher, , will ship immediately.

The price of the book is $19.95, and proceeds from the book sale will go to the BTĚěĚĂAlumni Scholarship Fund.Ěý

Taylor and Kimberly Graves and Riley Hancock Matheny wrote the book. Jennifer McCune served as editor. Matheny also served as the illustrator.

Former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway

WHAT: Unveiling new name for current BTĚěĚĂHPER Center

WHEN: 1:40  p.m., Thursday, May 29

WHERE: University of Central Arkansas HPER Center

DETAILS:
The University of Central Arkansas will rename the Health and Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center on campus in an unveiling ceremony on Thursday, May 29, at 1:40 p.m.

The new name will honor former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway, who served from 2011 to 2016.Ěý

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
The following individuals will be available for interviews after the event:

• BTĚěĚĂPresident Houston Davis
• Former BTĚěĚĂPresident Tom Courtway
• Vice President for Student Affairs Robin Williamson

Media are invited to attend the ceremony. Those wanting to attend may contact Fredricka Sharkey, (501) 852-2659 or fsharkey@uca.edu.Ěý