Tymera Marsh, BT天堂Internships and Cooperative Education 2025-26 Intern of the Year

Tymera Marsh has been named the University of Central Arkansas Internships and Cooperative Education 2025-26 Intern of the Year.

The Intern of the Year award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves through exemplary performance that surpassed standard internship expectations and gained meaningful experiences that enhanced both their academic journey and their career trajectory.

Marsh, a senior majoring in Marketing and minoring in Computer Information Systems, earned this recognition through an exceptional internship experience at Apptegy, a Little Rock-based SaaS company specializing in school-community communication.

Marsh served as a Client Experience Intern within Apptegy鈥檚 Client Success division, where she supported more than 2,000 shared client accounts. Her responsibilities included content migration, website design improvements, data accuracy updates and guiding clients through technical processes. Her most significant contribution came when she independently identified a gap in an existing client workflow and took complete ownership of redesigning it.

Working on behalf of the client, Marsh led a multiphase project, coordinated team meetings, created instructional recordings and strategically delegated tasks, resulting in restored client trust and improved overall client sentiment. The project drew high praise from Apptegy鈥檚 Vice President of Client Experience Ashley Coleman, who described Marsh as 鈥渁 natural leader鈥� who exemplified initiative, drive and originality. Impressed by her performance, Apptegy has offered Marsh a full-time position upon her graduation.

Marsh credits her growth to Apptegy鈥檚 collaborative culture and her mentor and says the experience entirely transformed her professional outlook.

University of Central Arkansas Norbert O. Schedler Honors College student Sydney Fallon completed a solo international art exhibition in Seoul, South Korea, over the summer as an Honors capstone project. The exhibition, titled 鈥淎rt & Seoul鈥�, was held July 24-27 at Mi&Gallery in the Jongno district near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Inspired by her own lived experience as a Korean adoptee, Fallon created “Art & Seoul” to explore themes of identity, belonging and the Korean adoptee experience through a series of sculptural works created in collaboration with Korean adoptees around the world. Each sculpture incorporated adoption file materials, personal photographs and participant narratives, resulting in an interactive installation.

The project began as an idea during Fallon鈥檚 interview for admission into the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College. Inspired by her passion for art and travel, she developed 鈥淎rt & Seoul鈥� over more than two years with the support of Honors faculty and mentors in the BT天堂Department of Art and Design.

鈥淓ver since I entered the Art program at BT天堂in 2022, I knew I wanted to focus my artwork on the Korean international adoptee and Korean American experience. I think that my enrollment in the Honors College at BT天堂helped me to dream bigger as an artist,鈥� Fallon said.

With guidance from mentor Sandra Luckett, she selected sculpture as the primary medium and built the exhibition around inspiration from Doljabi (霃岇灐鞚�), a Korean tradition in which symbolic objects are chosen to foreshadow a child鈥檚 future. Participants were asked to select an object representing their relationship with South Korea, forming the conceptual foundation for the work.

The exhibition coincided with the student鈥檚 first extended return to South Korea since her 2004 adoption. The reception on July 26 aligned with the anniversary of the day she first met her parents, adding personal significance to the milestone. More than 70 attendees, including adoptees and advocates involved with EARS (Emergency Action for Records Storage), participated in the gallery event and online tour.

Throughout the development process, Fallon received extensive academic and creative support from Honors College faculty, including Ellen Hostetter, as well as professors Michael Lierly, Jeff Young, Gayle Seymour and David House.
Fallon said she hopes the exhibition encourages viewers to reconsider their perceptions of international adoption and identity. 鈥淚f even one person who interacted with 鈥淎rt & Seoul鈥� was inspired not to stay silent, I believe I will have succeeded,鈥� she said.

BT天堂student Kezia Johnson representing her home country, The Bahamas, at the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

University of Central Arkansas student Kezia Johnson recently represented her home country, The Bahamas, at the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture and communication.

Johnson, a sophomore communications science & disorders major, was selected as her nation鈥檚 delegate to the global forum, which brings together young leaders to exchange ideas, debate pressing issues and present their recommendations and solutions to member states during the UNESCO General Conference. This year鈥檚 theme was 鈥淐limate Action and Social Impacts, Particularly for Young People.鈥� Bringing together 145 youth leaders from 135 member states and associate members, the forum focused on identifying ways to accelerate meaningful climate action and drive positive social change.

鈥淚 am honored to have represented The Bahamas and contributed to meaningful discussions about the future of global education and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淭his opportunity allows young people like me to have a voice in shaping international policy and promoting cross-cultural understanding.鈥�

Since 1999, UNESCO鈥檚 Social and Human Sciences Sector, through its Youth Programme, has organized the biennial Youth Forum. The Social and Human Sciences Sector coordinates youth as a priority group within UNESCO, ensuring that young people鈥檚 voices are integrated into the organization’s policies and programmes. The sector also promotes stronger cooperation on youth-focused initiatives throughout the United Nations system.

鈥淜ezia鈥檚 selection to represent her country at such a prestigious international event is a testament to her leadership, intellect and dedication to global citizenship,鈥� Dr. Kimberly Little, Johnson鈥檚 history instructor and BT天堂director of public history internships, said. 鈥淲e are proud to see one of our students contributing to conversations that shape international policy and cooperation.鈥�

Johnson鈥檚 representation on the international stage highlights the excellence, curiosity and leadership found within UCA鈥檚 student community.

Angelica Thomas, Newman Civic Fellow

Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named the student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who will make up the 2025-2026 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Angelica Thomas, a student at the University of Central Arkansas, was named as a member of the cohort.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Dr. Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact鈥檚 founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Newman鈥檚 leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.

This year鈥檚 Newman Civic Fellow from the University of Central Arkansas is Angelica Thomas, a student leader who has represented her peers in the Student Government Association, served as a peer mentor and pedagogical assistant in the Honors Program, and led the Feminist Union. She is also an advocate and volunteer in the community through causes such as the Arkansas Citizens Climate Lobby, League of Women Voters and AmeriCorps. Thomas has developed partnerships among student organizations, departments and community organizations and made a measurable difference on campus, in the Conway community and in the state of Arkansas. Thomas was selected through a campus-wide nomination process during which faculty, staff and students were asked to submit nominations. All nominees were invited to submit additional application materials for consideration by the selection committee.

鈥淎ngelica is a dedicated public servant, skilled collaborator and diligent problem solver,鈥� BT天堂President Houston Davis said. 鈥淪he has used every opportunity presented to her to build her network of partners in the community and help connect her fellow students to community engagement opportunities, and she will be an excellent representative of BT天堂in this cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.鈥�

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.

鈥淚t is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,鈥� Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said. 鈥淎s higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus.

鈥淎s they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story. From a variety of institutions and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, these Fellows represent a bright future for public problem solving.鈥�

More information is available at . More information about each of the student leaders selected for this year鈥檚 cohort is available at .

About Campus Compact

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities that supports, engages, and challenges higher education to realize its public purpose. Campus Compact empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. Founded in 1985, Campus Compact is the nation’s largest and oldest national association dedicated to advancing the civic and community engagement mission of higher education. Our members make up a force of thousands of presidents, faculty, researchers, students, and civic and community engagement experts. Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. We challenge all of higher education to make civic and community engagement an institutional priority. Learn more at .

Lakoda Caldwell, Allie Wayne, Lucas Hayes, Rebecca Gaither, Jaxson Adams, Izzy Saettele, Kaddie Bailey.

The University of Central Arkansas Theta Lambda chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) recently won first place in the Best Practices competition, Impacting Your Profession division, at the organization鈥檚 2025 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The chapter was also recognized as a Gold Chapter 鈥� for professional and service activities by a chapter 鈥� for the past academic year.

Lucas Hayes, Rebecca Gaither and Izzy Saettele presented the game show 鈥淭he Major is Right,鈥� developed by the faculty advisors and many members of the Theta Lambda chapter, for the win among 10 regional winners competing this this category.

鈥淪everal schools have requested the game to be used to promote accounting as a great major and a great career,鈥� Accounting professor Ashley Phillips said. 鈥淲e are extremely proud that UCA鈥檚 team brought home the win.鈥�

Since 2001, Deloitte has sponsored the Best Practices program, challenging BAP chapters to design and implement projects that demonstrate leadership, professional responsibility and service. Each year, chapters compete by showcasing innovative initiatives aligned with values shared by BAP and Deloitte.

Additionally, BT天堂students Kaddie Bailey and Lakoda Caldwell participated in Project Run With It, a case competition to solve a problem for a not-for-profit.

Others attending from BT天堂were Allie Wayne, Jaxson Adams, faculty advisor Ashley Phillips and regional chapter advocate Connie McKnight.

While in San Antonio, three chapters of BAP from Arkansas 鈥� UCA, University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Little Rock 鈥� enjoyed a river cruise sponsored by the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and provided service to the San Antonio Food Bank.

About Beta Alpha Psi

Founded in 1919, is an honors organization for financial information students and professionals. There are over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 370,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation. Chapters must be accredited members of AACSB, ACBSP, EPAS, EFMD or EQUIS.

The entering Schedler Honors College and Schedler Honors Program classes of 2025 have an average high school GPA above 4.1. The Honors College class includes 117 students from Arkansas and 7 students from out of state. All members of the incoming honors class were selected using a holistic admissions process that factors in the applicant鈥檚 academic performance, writing ability, and service and leadership potential. The process, which requires written essays, letters of recommendation, and participation in a daylong orientation and interview, has been held up within the national collegiate honors community as one of the most in-depth admissions processes in the nation.The students selected represent an exceptional group of students.

Acceptance into either honors pathway comes with access to supplemental scholarship funding for every student, access to a living-learning community in Jefferson W. Farris Honors Hall, and participation in a unique interdisciplinary curriculum. Students in both programs take part in the high-impact practices of service learning, project-based education, collaborative work, and undergraduate research. Honors students also receive exclusive grant funding support for study abroad, undergraduate research, and internships. Established in 1982 by Norbert O. Schedler under the leadership of then-President Jefferson Farris Jr., the Schedler Honors College at BT天堂has become one of the most full-featured honors colleges in the nation and is a leader in providing enhanced educational opportunities in a living learning environment designed to develop students as citizen-scholars.

Established in 2018, the Schedler Honors Program, formerly known as the University Scholars Program, is a four-year honors program that operates alongside the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College. The program was started under the leadership of Honors College Dean Patricia Smith and BT天堂President Houston Davis to increase honors opportunities for a growing number of highly motivated students.

These are the Honors Scholars for fall 2025.

Students using new outdoor solar-powered table.

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

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.

鈥淲e 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,鈥� said Kevin Carter, associate vice president for facilities. 鈥淲e look forward to seeing students’ reactions and usage behaviors, but we think it will be a great addition to campus.鈥�

Branded with the Pepsi and BT天堂logos, 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.听

BT天堂hopes to add more tables like these in the future.

BT天堂student Honey Norfolk

University of Central Arkansas student Honey Norfolk has been accepted to the Oregon State University 鈥淩obots in the Real World鈥� program.

Norfolk, a Little Rock native, is a junior double majoring in engineering physics and sociology with minors in computer science and interdisciplinary studies.听聽

The 10-week summer initiative is part of the university鈥檚 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site (REU) program, which has run for 11 years. During the program, Norfolk will participate in research and get hands-on learning on social robotics. This will involve designing, implementing, and evaluating social interactions between a Quori robot and people.听聽

Her long-term goal is to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in robotics to study robotics and artificial intelligence鈥檚 ethical and social implications.听 In looking towards her future, Norfolk explored several robotics research opportunities throughout the United States. She received word of her acceptance in March.听

鈥淚 was so overwhelmed with joy, I could barely breathe. I had just been accepted to my top choice and couldn鈥檛 have been happier. As soon as I calmed down just a little, I called my mom to tell her the news,鈥� she said.听

She credits her successful admission, in part, to William Slaton, BT天堂professor and engineering physics coordinator,聽 and Patrick Casey, BT天堂assistant professor of sociology.听聽

鈥淏oth Dr. Slaton and Dr. Casey wrote my recommendation letters, and if there鈥檚 anyone I should thank for where I am today, it鈥檚 definitely them,鈥� Norfolk said.听

The REU 鈥淩obots in the Real World鈥� program runs from June 23 to Aug. 29. More information about the program can be found .听

The University of Central Arkansas has announced the Presidential Scholars and Dean鈥檚 List for spring 2025.

Recognition as a聽Presidential Scholar or Dean鈥檚 List聽scholar is based on grades earned during each semester of the regular academic year. Eligibility on the Dean鈥檚 List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours. Students must achieve a 4.0 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours to qualify as a Presidential Scholar.

More than 1,200 students qualified to be Presidential Scholars. More than 1,400 students qualified as Dean鈥檚 List scholars. They are listed below: