Julia Mendenhall
jmendenhall@uca.edu
(501) 852-2787
ASUTR, NPC, SEAC & UA-PTC
Julianna Mendenhall is the Assistant Director of Onboarding & Advising for the Office of Online, Transfer & Returning Student Services. She supports prospective and incoming students as they navigate the transfer process. Julianna has served in this role since 2023. Prior to coming to UCA, she served with AmeriCorps as an AmeriCorps VISTA through the University of Arkansas at Monticello and worked in various leadership roles in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and a Certificate of Proficiency in Workplace Spanish from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at the University of Central Arkansas.
What Julianna enjoys most about her work is helping students discover their path in life and creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking support in order to reach their goals. She is especially passionate about simplifying the complexities of the transfer process and presenting information in a manageable and approachable way for students.
In her spare time, Julianna enjoys camping, hammocking, reading non-fiction books, and scrapbooking.
Al Sexton
asexton@uca.edu
(501) 852-2786
ANC, ASUB, ASUMH, ASUMS, ASUN, BRTC, OZC, PCCUA, UACCB & UAEACC
Dairy products aside, working as a transfer recruiter at BTÌìÌÃis a delight because I get to support people in getting to where they want to go in life. Life is messy, folks change, the only constant is transition, and that’s a-okay – people use their creativity, empathy, and resilience to solve things on their own terms, whether that has to do with work and school, their identity, or their relationships. It’s a pleasure to see people go through this growth process and become more themselves byÌýpursuing their academicÌýgoals atÌýUCA, whether that’s at 27 or 72.ÌýOutside of work, IÌýlove Fortnite Zero Build, reading sapphic romance novels, and writing. Looking forward to gabbing with you soon!Ìý
Malcolm SmithÌý
malcolms@uca.edu
(501) 852-8226
CCCUA, NAC, NWACC, SAC, SAUT, UACCHT, UACCM & UACCRMÌý
Hello everybody!Ìý My name is Malcolm and I was born in Oxford, England and raised all over the world. I knew in high school that BTÌìÌÃwould prepare me for the “real world” and I was right. My undergraduate degree in journalism and my graduate degree in higher education strengthened my belief that students can succeed if they have the right support. That’s why I love guiding students to UCA.
As a recruiter I get to see what students need on a personal level. I’ve worked in a small community college and here at BTÌìÌÃso I understand the transition can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m happy to make the journey an easier one. I love meeting new people and getting to hear their stories. It motivates me to better serve them.
In my spare time I write poetry, songs, and enjoy collecting antiques. Nothing beats a day at the beach though! Fins up, surfs up, and bear claws up!
Emily HallÌý
ehal13@uca.edu
(501) 450-5147
Arkansas 4-Year Public, Arkansas Private & Out of State
My drive comes from a desire to make a positive impact in my community. As a first-generation college student who moved through a system my family had limited familiarity with, I experienced firsthand what it means to begin a higher education journey without a clear roadmap. That experience included changing academic direction multiple times and learning how to advocate for myself along the way. These experiences continue to shape my work today, especially in supporting students as they navigate their own educational journeys and future goals.
I am energized by helping others share their stories, connect with resources, and move forward with confidence. In my current role, I continue to learn and grow alongside the students and colleagues I work with, and I value being part of their experiences. I am especially inspired by the creativity students bring to campus, the everyday acts of kindness I witness, and the collaborative spirit that defines the BTÌìÌÃcommunity.
If you are currently enrolled at another institution, it’s never too early to start thinking about your next academic step. Be your own best advocate and take an active role in seeking out the information and support you need. Beginning the conversation early and connecting with available support systems can help you feel more empowered and in control of your transition. It also allows you to plan ahead, ask informed questions, and address potential challenges before they become barriers, ultimately making the process significantly smoother and more successful.
Emily holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Central Arkansas and has served in a professional capacity in various roles and committees at the university since December 2022. When she’s not championing transfer and readmit students, you can find her curled up with a good book, working on a new DIY project, or rolling dice in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with friends.