The BT天堂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 University of Central Arkansas 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 BT天堂Tutoring and Academic Support Center has worked hard to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA鈥檚 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鈥檚 high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation as an integral part of their overall tutoring program.

鈥淭his certification reflects the dedication of our staff and peer tutors to creating a supportive, high-quality learning environment for BT天堂students,鈥� Jacob Christie, associate director for Student Success – Tutoring and Academic Support Center, said. 鈥淓arning 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.鈥�

The BT天堂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 University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees adopted the new BT天堂2035 Strategic Plan, approved the university鈥檚 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 鈥� including faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and community partners 鈥� contributed through surveys, community conversations, feedback labs and working groups.

The resulting BT天堂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鈥檚 people, systems and infrastructure are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next decade.

鈥淏T天堂2035 is rooted in who we have always been as a university 鈥� an institution that believes education strengthens lives, communities and opportunities,鈥� Provost Michael Hargis, who led the effort, said. 鈥淭his plan builds on more than a century of preparing students for successful careers and engaged citizenship while positioning BT天堂to meet the opportunities of the next decade.

鈥淚t reflects our commitment to student success, innovation, mentorship, applied learning and community engagement, while ensuring our graduates continue to leave BT天堂prepared to contribute immediately and meaningfully in Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

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.

鈥淯CA鈥檚 proposed operating budget reflects a careful balance between strategic investment and long-term sustainability,鈥� BT天堂President Houston Davis said. 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

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.

BT天堂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 BT天堂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. BT天堂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.

BT天堂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 University of Central Arkansas鈥檚 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers course during the spring 2026 semester. During the 2026 filing season, BT天堂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 University of Central Arkansas 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鈥檚 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, BT天堂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鈥� 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.

鈥淭hese students are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Central Arkansas,鈥� Associate Profressor of Accounting Ashley Phillips, who runs the VITA program at UCA, said. 鈥淣ot 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.鈥�

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 BT天堂business majors, faculty and staff in spring 2026, and it is now available to College of Business alumni.

鈥淚n today鈥檚 competitive job market, employers are more likely to hire a graduate who has also earned a professional certificate or micro-credentials,鈥� Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the BT天堂College of Business and professor of economics, said. 鈥淲e are excited to strengthen employment outcomes for our students and alumni by launching this tool at no additional cost to our college鈥檚 community.

鈥淕oing 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.鈥�

BT天堂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鈥檚 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 BT天堂College of Business is available at uca.edu/business.

鈥淭he Pout Pout Fish鈥�

University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances has announced an all-new season of performances, including Broadway hits 鈥淐LUE鈥� and 鈥淎 CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical鈥�; family-friendly shows such as 鈥淭ales From the Field With Jeff Corwin鈥� and 鈥淔raggle Rock: Back To The Rock!鈥�; exciting nights out with 鈥淐irque Kalabante: World of Words鈥� and 鈥淣apoleon Dynamite Live鈥�; 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.

鈥淲e could not be more excited to unveil a season that truly raises the bar,鈥� BT天堂Public Appearances Executive Director Amanda Horton said. 鈥淔rom iconic voices like Ann Wilson to crowd-pleasing Broadway productions like 鈥楳rs. Doubtfire鈥� and 鈥楽hucked,鈥� and unforgettable appearances by actors like Richard Thomas and Jon Heder, this lineup is packed with can鈥檛-miss moments.

鈥淚t is a dynamic, star-studded series that showcases the very best in live entertainment.鈥�

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

Broadway Series

• 鈥淐lue鈥� 鈥� Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine, Eric, Rob and Isaac and Chicken Salad Chick.
• 鈥淢rs. Doubtfire – The New Musical Comedy鈥� 鈥� Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Dixon Properties, Conway Copies and Log Cabin Democrat.
• 鈥淎 CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical鈥� 鈥� Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by First Security Bank.
• 鈥淪HUCKED鈥� 鈥� Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Rush and Linda Harding and Arkansas Times.

Night Out Series

• 鈥淐eltic Angels Christmas鈥� 鈥� Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by B98.5.
• 鈥淢ark Twain Tonight starring Richard Thomas鈥� 鈥� Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by College Square.
• 鈥淐IRQUE KALABANAT脡 – WOW World of Words鈥� 鈥� Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Power 92.3.
• 鈥淭ales From the Field With Jeff Corwin鈥� 鈥� Thursday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.

Pops Series

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

An Evening With

• 鈥淒ominate the Storm With Reed Timmer鈥� 鈥� Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at the Windgate Center. Sponsored by Log Cabin Democrat.
• 鈥淣apoleon Dynamite Live: A Conversation With Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez & Jon Gries鈥� 鈥� Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine.

Add On

• Straight No Chaser 鈥� Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Arkansas Times and Banana Graphics.
• 鈥淪eptember 30, 1955鈥� Film Screening and Talk Back featuring Richard Thomas 鈥� Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by BT天堂Foundation.

Windgate Collection (Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts)

• 鈥淐antus: Land That I Love鈥� 鈥� Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by BT天堂College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
• 鈥淓XILE鈥� 鈥� Sunday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by BIG 92.7.
• 鈥淭witty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway and Loretta鈥� 鈥� Saturday, April 3, at 7 p.m.

Main Stage Education Series

• 鈥淰elveteen, A New Musical鈥� 鈥� Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• 鈥淐urious George – The Golden Meatball鈥� 鈥� Monday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• 鈥淐atkid Comic Club the Musical鈥� 鈥� Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. and noon.
• 鈥淒oktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!鈥� 鈥� Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Conway Corp.
• 鈥淭he Pout Pout Fish鈥� 鈥� Friday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Toad Suck Daze.
• 鈥淐IRQUE KALABANAT脡 – WOW World of Words鈥� 鈥� Friday, March 12, at 10 a.m.

Benefit for Main Stage Education Series

• 鈥淔raggle Rock: Back To The Rock!鈥� 鈥� Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.
• 鈥淭he Pout Pout Fish鈥� 鈥� Friday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� Horton said. 鈥淏y 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.鈥�

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 鈥� when those who bought season packages may purchase individual tickets to shows before they open to the public 鈥� 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 鈥淔raggle Rock鈥� Benefit show ranges from $30-$50 for adults and $10 for children/students. 鈥淭he Pout Pout Fish鈥� 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 鈥淧ick Six鈥� 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 University of Central Arkansas professor and associate chair, has been awarded a grant from the Emerging Research Leaders Program.

Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) today announced that University of Central Arkansas (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.

鈥淲e鈥檙e strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 research capacity by cultivating research leaders from within the state,鈥� Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA President & CEO, said. 鈥淎rkansas鈥檚 research community works to make our food supply safer, our energy more efficient and our medicine more effective.

鈥淚nvesting in our scientists improves the quality of life in our state and contributes to our competitiveness and economic growth.鈥�

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.

鈥淭he ERL Program is the nudge that creates momentum for research,鈥� Sarah B. Smith, ARA Program Director and Principal Investigator for AR-NETWORK, said. 鈥淲hen ERL participants win those larger federal awards, there are a lot of positive side effects.

鈥淪tudents 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.鈥�

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.

鈥淚 aim to advance a focused, high-impact research program aligned with Arkansas鈥檚 strategic priorities while positioning our work for sustained external funding,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

This year, 12 researchers from 10 campuses across Arkansas received ERL support: Craig Porter (Arkansas Children鈥檚 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 (University of Central Arkansas).

鈥淏uilding a substantial research program starts with talented scientists who have a clear vision for their program,鈥� Barnhouse said. 鈥淪arah and her team did an exceptional job of designing the program, curating applicants and choosing 12 researchers who truly exemplify what this program represents.鈥�

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.

鈥淭he interest this program has generated truly underscores Arkansas鈥檚 enthusiasm for expanding its research capacity,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e were only able to select 12 applicants, but we received applications from 14 institutions across the state.鈥�

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鈥檚 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 University of Central Arkansas, 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 and master鈥檚 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 University of Central Arkansas 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.

鈥淲e are extremely honored to be selected for a TIAA Innovation Award,鈥� BT天堂Vice President for Student Affairs Robin Williamson said. 鈥淭his award will allow BT天堂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鈥� success.鈥�

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 鈥淪calable鈥� 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 鈥淐reative鈥� 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鈥� 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淲ith 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,鈥� Dr. Stephanie Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward, said. 鈥淏T天堂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.鈥�

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.

鈥淭IAA 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,鈥� Laura Turner, Head of Community Impact at TIAA, said. 鈥淢any of us at TIAA are first-generation college students ourselves, and we know how a bachelor鈥檚 degree can lead to a more secure financial future, including a financially secure retirement.鈥�

More information about first-generation efforts at BT天堂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 University of Central Arkansas’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鈥檚 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鈥橠wyer, 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.

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Film Program has partnered with the Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) and the Women鈥檚 Foundation of Arkansas – Girls of Promise Initiative (WFA) for the eighth annual Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls (FL4TG). The free educational program will be held June 8-26 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA). Space is limited, and applications are now being accepted at .

鈥淚 had the opportunity to serve as a directing mentor for the lab two years ago, and I was so impressed at the passion and drive by the young women,鈥� BT天堂Film Professor and FL4TG Program Director Emily Railsback said. 鈥淚’m excited to be the program director this summer, mentoring the girls who will create their own film in collaboration with professionals in the region, including BT天堂Film alumni.

鈥淭he girls will get time to develop their own stories, make a movie and screen the finished product at ACS鈥� Filmland Festival. I think how lucky my BT天堂film students would be if they had this educational opportunity early on to help set them up for what they want to do.鈥�

Taking place this summer in Little Rock, the FL4TG program gives young women a chance to experience screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, production design, lighting and sound recording, as well as ask questions about careers in the male-dominated world of cinema. ACS is taking one small step to help correct this inequity of women in the film workforce by giving young women the opportunity to take on leadership roles while learning the craft of this visual art under the watchful eye of industry professionals.

The FL4TG program is free for participants, which would not be possible without the generous support of the Women鈥檚 Foundation of Arkansas.

鈥淭he Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is thrilled to continue our support of the Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls,鈥� Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of WFA, said. 鈥淧roviding young women with hands-on experience in this dynamic STEAM industry is an investment in their future as creative leaders.

鈥淭his program exemplifies our commitment to empowering women and girls through education, fostering stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.鈥�

Participants will develop a short story rooted in women鈥檚 empowerment and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), followed by filming and editing the 5-minute short, which will screen during Filmland 2026 to be held Aug. 12-16 at AMFA. Past students from the Lab have had the opportunity for a private Q&A session with writer Lucy Alibar, Bert of directing duo Bert & Bertie, and award-winning actor and producer Jessica Chastain.

Additional information and past films are available at arkansascinemasociety.org/educational/filmmaking-lab-for-teen-girls.

About The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas

Since 1998, the guiding principles have been consistent 鈥� to understand the diverse needs and realities facing women and girls so we can respond through purposeful action and engaged philanthropy. An investment in women and girls is an investment in stronger families and communities. Households that are not self-sufficient create a cycle of poverty, which drains social service resources and hinders the pursuit of higher education. However, the cycle can be broken when women are educated, healthy and economically secure.

About the Arkansas Cinema Society

The (ACS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing a thriving film community in Arkansas. ACS provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, fosters connections among film lovers, and supports emerging and established talent throughout the state. Through festivals, screenings and educational programs, ACS aims to inspire more Arkansans to engage with and contribute to the art of filmmaking. To learn more or support ACS, visit .

About the University of Central Arkansas Film Program

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a four-year public university in Arkansas. UCA鈥檚 Film program offers both undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate degrees (M.F.A.). The mission of the program is to develop creators, innovators and leaders for the future of filmmaking by combining new technology with the fundamentals of storytelling to produce creative, original stories, with an eye towards emerging technologies that enhance the production, distribution and exhibition of those works in the global marketplace.