These are just a few of the success stories from fall 2025. To hear more good news, follow us on social media or on ourĚýwebsite.ĚýIf you have any good news, please send it to us. We enjoy sharing the success of our alumni, students, faculty/staff, and community partners.

• Lucas Hayes, Rebecca Gaither, and Izzy Saettele won first prize in the Deloitte Best Practices competition for their creative presentation at the Beta Alpha Psi annual conference; also, the chapter was recognized as ”Gold” status.
• Gamma Iota Sigma officers Amecia Ellis, Madelyn Neel, Mason Smith, & William Van Asche and Insurance faculty member, Ivan Hudson, travelled to the 2025 conference, where our COB chapter was recognized as “Excellent.”
• Many thanks to the Conway Chamber for allowing some of our Student Ambassadors and Girls Who Code Officers to attend the Women in Business ceremony this fall.
• The Girls Who CodeĚýchapter has officially impactedĚýoverĚý10,000 Arkansans through its outreach programming, thanks to its participation in the Launch Conway Career Expo! At this high-impact community event, student mentors from UCA introduced hundreds of K–12 students and families to coding, robotics, and technology career pathways.
• The Arkansas Trucking Association’sĚý“” (p. 38) magazine recently ran a feature on the 10th anniversary of the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program (ACTSEP).ĚýUCA’s College of Business was significantly involved inĚýcreatingĚýACTSEP, whichĚýsubsequentlyĚýprovided funding for the Scott E. Bennett Arkansas Highway Commission Endowed Chair in Motor Carrier Management.
• Six FBLA Colliegiate students in our COB competed against over 2,000 from across the nation in business-related events at the FBLA Collegiate National Conference in Dallas, TX the following placed in competition:ĚýKaddie Bailey,Ěý also elected as National Vice President of Development;ĚýLaney Bounds; and Melany Valesquez.
• Dr. Leah Boustan, Economic History ProgramĚýDirector at Yale University, was invited by COB’s Arkansas Center for Research in Economics to deliver a public talk entitled “America’s Untold Story of Immigrant Success.” She also spoke to classes and networked with students.
• Many thanks to the for setting aside a day to spend time with our students and share their expertise with us!
• Faculty and Staff were honored with 2025 Excellence Awards (pictured L to R): Engaged Teaching – Benjamin Garner, Associate Prof. of Marketing; Research – Bob Fang, Associate Prof. of Accounting; Innovative Teaching – Anthony McMullen, Associate Prof. of Business Law; Service – Joe Thomas, Associate Prof. of CISA; Boundary Spanner – Mike Casey, Prof. of Finance; Societal Impact – Connie McKnight, Prof. of Accounting; COB Impact – Jacob Bundrick, Lecturer II of Economics; COB Impact – Harrison Downs, Administrative Assistant.

ACCOUNTING

• Our Beta Alpha Psi chapter received aĚýcommendation from the IRS for UCA’s commitment to VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), led each year by tax professor Ashley Phillips.
• held the 11th annual Fear the Strike. Eight firms bowled with UCA accounting students: , , Hudson Cisne, , , , , and Rasco Winter Thomas. Team Frost had the highest team score and won the bowling pin trophy. On top of the fun and networking, $1000 will also be donated to Haven Conway.
• UCA’s Theta Lambda Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was recognized as a Bear CLAWS recipient at the October 51ÇŕÂĄ Board of Trustees meeting. Representing the chapter were Izzy Saettele, vice president of membership, and Lucas Hayes, chapter president.
• Dr. Stephanie Watson on the subject of budgeting.
• Dr. Stephanie Watson has performed Continuing Professional Education Opportunities for schools across Arkansas this semester.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS & ANALYTICS (CISA)

• Susan Shaw of Conway, Arkansas, was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.ĚýShaw, a doctoral candidate at Marymount University and lecturer, will use the funds from the award to travel to the Academy of Management Annual Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Instructor Susan Shaw presented at the DSI Conference in Orlando and participated in the Best Student Paper Award Showcase.
• Dr. Saif Bhuiyan had three papers published, authored with his COB colleagues.
  • Bhuiyan, S., & McKinzie, K. (2025). Engagement and satisfaction in OS software development: The impact of job characteristics.ĚýThe Journal of Applied Business and Economics,Ěý27(3), 64-90.
  • Bhuiyan, S., Lyons, L., & Thomas, J. (2025). The role of fairness in retaining open source software contributors: An organizational justice framework for platform engagement.ĚýThe Journal of Applied Business and Economics,Ěý27(5), 100-123.
  • Julies, M., Bhuiyan, S., & McMurtrey, M. (In Press). Hotel Supply Chain: Enhancing Operational Efficiency, Sustainability, and Resilience.ĚýThe Journal of Strategic InnovationĚýand Sustainability,Ěý20(4).

ECONOMICS, FINANCE, and INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT (EFIRM)

• The EFIRM Department launched a new minor program, Economics and Insurance of Healthcare Administration, to help students understand the business of wellness.
• The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame held its annual induction banquet on campus on October 16. Six Arkansans were inducted, and five scholarships were awarded to UCA insurance students.
• The UCA Finance Club was established this semester under the leadership of Sarah Campbell. Its first meetings invited speakers including Chris McClanahan, Head of IB Recruiting; Anna Grace Mills, Associate in the Financial Institutions Group and Head of IB analyst program; and Evelyn Griffith, UCA grad and Associate in Private Wealth Management.
• Internships are an important way to get experience before graduation. Just ask junior insurance major Madelyn Neel! Check out this video where Madelyn shares about her internship at and the ways she’s gaining experience.
• Insurance major Connor Black received a $1,000 scholarship from PIA. PIA is the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Arkansas. PIA is on campus a couple of times each academic year hosting TheĚýForum, in partnership with UCA’s Gamma Iota Sigma (the insurance student club). The goal of the forum is to maximize networking opportunities and career readiness for students, especially students that have chosen Insurance & Risk Management as major or minor.ĚýThis is a campus-facing event, and industry professionals will also be in attendance.
• Encore Banks’s Erin Simpson shared expertise with Dr. Huiqiong Duan’s Money and Banking class.
• Dr. Mavuto Kalulu . The paper is titled, “Ethics CommitteesĚýand Corruption: Do Ethics Committees Reduce Corruption Cases within State Legislatures?” When faculty coauthor with students, the faculty give these students valuable experience and increase the students’ chances of getting into graduate school.
• Ivan Hudson, Director of the UCA Center for Insurance, was recentlyĚýsworn in as the Treasurer for the Arkansas Association of Realtist, the local Board of . Ivan has been a member of NAREB for about 8 years.
• Students in our insurance program had the opportunity to hear guest speakers from one of the fastest-growing independent agencies and companies in the Inc 5000. Ěýguest speakers,Ěý and Luke Koenigseder, shared some incredible insights on the industry, gave an account of a day in the life of an independent insurance agent, and explained why their organization is poised for growth. It wasn’t just the classroom presentations that impressed, but the conversations that continued afterwards. They are committed to investing in the next generation of insurance and risk management talent.
• Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl is busy as always making everyday economics more accessible for scholars and citizens. Here are a few of his publications in the , on blogs, and on social media.
• Dr. Stephen Yao also .
• , CFO of Restaurants at FoxDen Capital, spoke to Sarah Campbell’s Student Managed Investment Fund class on October 27. With a 14-year career as a Research Analyst at Stephens before he joined the private equity firm , Justin brought a wealth of insight into evaluating investment ideas and opportunities.
• Granger Davis from Edward Jones put his whiteboard skills to the test for Sarah Campbell’s Student Managed Investment Fund class. Bringing decades of experience advising clients on investing for their futures, Granger provided a terrific perspective on how to bring finance skills to bear on behalf of clients.
• Representative David Ray had a discussion with Thomas Snyder’s Law/Econ class.Ěý He talked about the job of a legislator, the role of government, lawmaking, and economic policy.
• Justice Rhonda Wood from the Arkansas Supreme Court talked to Dr. Snyder’s Law and Economics class, sharing about recent relevant cases.
• Dr. SnyderĚýThomas invited David Friedman to talk (via zoom) to his Law and Economics Class. David Friedman has had a distinguished career, including authoring the textbook used in Dr. Snyder’s class (“Law’s Order”). ĚýDuring class, David Friedman talked about “Legal Systems Very Different from Ours,” which is the title of another book he wrote.
• Sarah Campbell invited Jay Strickland from Legacy Capital talk to her Student Managed Investment Fund class. Jay gave a wide-ranging talk that touched on how to build a portfolio and how to manage clients’ biases. Jay is a UCA alum, and we were thrilled to have him back.
• Dr. Horpedahl spoke to students at Samford University in Alabama on September 18th, discussing trends in the wealth of recent generations and previewing some of the results that will appear in his book on that topic. He was hosted by Samford professors Art Carden and Joy Buchanan.
• , “Prescription opioid spillovers: Retail pharmacy level analysis,” in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.
• ĚýAlumni Ryder Pierce is an investment manager for the Bank of the Ozarks and was recently included on Arkansas’s prestigious 40 under 40 list.

MARKETING & MANAGEMENT (M&M)

• As this fall’s Allison Entrepreneurship Series Speaker, Jakob Michaelis, a partner at Dave Creek Media, shared lunch and his extensive experience identifying timely solutions, including a new app, with students and faculty.
• Dr. Benjamin Garner led a new “Speed Selling” event this semester involvingĚý10 companies and 24 marketing and sales students. Each student completed 3-4 interviews and received feedback on their performance from potential employers. Huge success – connections were made; internships and jobs discussed.
• The Introduction to Business (BUAD 1300) students gave presentations this semester, and the top 7 groups presented in front of a full auditorium. Professor Ben Britton got a shout-out by the group presenting on Best Buy. Professor Tracy Suter got shout out by the group presenting on Amazon. Joe Cangelosi advised the group that reasearched Fedex.
• Undergraduate students, Oluwadamilola Osundolire (Economics) and Robert Walker (Finance), mentored by Dr. Alex Chen presented their artificial intelligence research at the DSI conference in Orlando, FL. Dr. Ming Li also presented her research.
• Dr. McKenzie’s Project Management class completes service-learning projects each semester. One of those projects included a group of students whoĚýorganized a clean-up of the Stone Dam Creek to assist in preserving the natural beauty of the UCA campus.
• Drs. Jamila Maxie, Ben Britton, David McCalman, and Tracy Suter had their case study about Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment conditionally accepted for academic journal publication.Ěý This was part of a strategic effort to tie the John W. Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series to clearer, longer-term teaching and research outcomes by showcasing and highlighting local firms in globalĚýoutlets.
• Our Conway-area 75StrongĚýgroup met with our local coalition at the ConwayĚýChamber to build out an even stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem locally and statewide.
• Conductor hosted a widely attended series of workshops throughout the semester, including a student pitch competition.ĚýLocal CPAs Zee Barfoote and Austin Malone discussed handling a startup’s early finances in their Conductor session called “Your Startup’s First CFO: YOU!” as part of the ConductorĚýseries.
• Dr. Steve Schlachter’sĚýclass, MGMT 3346 Strategic Human Resource Management, hosted guest speaker Moriah Bruner, Manager of Health and Well-Being at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
• Kaddie Bailey was honored with the Postsecondary ACTE Region IV Outstanding Business Student Award, issued by Association of Career and Technical Education.ĚýThe Postsecondary ACTE Outstanding Business Student Award recognizes outstanding business students at the postsecondary level. To be eligible, students must be nominated by a member of the Business Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and must demonstrate leadership potential through business courses and involvement in career and technical student organizations. The award is designed to honor five postsecondary students from each region, including Region IV, who have made significant contributions to their field.
• A few years ago, Dr. GarnerĚýcreated a Content Marketing course at UCA to help students blend creativity, storytelling, and strategy in today’s digital landscape. As part of the class, students completed service-learning projects with and other Central Arkansas organizations — gaining real-world experience while giving back. in Industry and Higher Education (2025).
• The Bears Advancing Supply Chain and Operations Management (BASCOM) club invited several guest speakers this semester, including J.B. Hunt’sĚýJasmine JohnĚý— Early Career Recruiter, Corporate;ĚýBryan EppersonĚý— Capacity Procurement Representative; and studentĚýBrody PattersonĚý— Integrated Capacity Solutions Intern.
• Dr. Tracy Suter was invited to join the Editorial Review Board of the Business Case Journal. It is one of three journals affiliated with the Society for Case Research.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Dr. Mark McMurtrey was honored this evening as an MVP, most valuable professor, for his impact on UCA’s student-athletes. He was nominated by Sugar Bear Samantha Cousins, who attends Dr. McMurtrey’s MBA Operations & Supply Chain Management course this semester.

It’s nearly impossible to highlight all the wonderful accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. If we missed yours,Ěýplease let us know!

Congratulations to:
– : Graduate Student in Accountancy and Data Analytics, COB Student Ambassador, Awarded Academic Achievement Award
– : Accounting Major, Awarded Bear Spirit Award
– Kierra Collier: Marketing Major, COB Student Ambassador
– : Information Systems Major, Awarded Third Runner Up, Producers Award, Miss Congeniality, Overall Evening Gown Award, and People’s Choice Award

They competed in the Best Practices category “Impacting Your Profession,” presenting the game show “The Major is Right,” developed by the faculty advisors and many members of the chapter.

With 10 regional winners competing in this category, UCA came out on top! Several schools and the American Institute of Public Accounting have requested the game to be used to promote accounting as a great major and a great career. Lucas Hayes, Rebecca Gaither, and Izzy Saettele were the presenters of the project that brought home the win!

Also, while in San Antonio,

• Two UCA students, Kaddie Bailey and Lakoda Caldwell, participated in Project Run With It, a case competition to solve a problem for a not-for-profit.
• Also attending from UCA are Allie Wayne and Jaxson Adams, plus faculty advisor Ashley Phillips, and regional chapter advocate Connie McKnight.
• UCA was recognized as a Gold Chapter for this past academic year. Gold is the highest recognition for professional and service activities by a chapter.
• Three chapters of Beta Alpha Psi from Arkansas (UCA, UofA, and UALR) got together for a river cruise sponsored by the Arkansas Society of CPAs.

Crystal Calhoun

• Bachelor of Business Administration, fully online
• Named 2025 Outstanding Online Business Student

Why did you choose your major?

As a non-traditional student, wife, and work-from-home mom of six, I bring over 20 years of experience working as an accountant for small businesses. I’ve always had a passion for numbers and math, but over time, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by business strategies and what drives success. Through my experience working in the back office of various companies, I’ve come to realize just how crucial business planning and strategy are for any organization.

Now that I have graduated, I hope to secure a remote job where I can grow with a company and contribute to its success. I plan to apply the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, I am excited to continue brainstorming business ideas and hope to start my own business in the future.

What is your advice for other COB students?

The UCA COB program is an excellent opportunity! My advice to fellow students is to put in 150%, work hard, and take advantage of networking opportunities while in the program. These are lessons I learned in the workforce before returning to school. A strong work ethic and the right connections can make all the difference in your career. The impressions you make and the relationships you build in the COB program could prove invaluable down the road.

Crystal with COB Associate Dean, Dr. Laci Lyons

Jane pictured with Dean Mike Casey receiving her award for College of Business Outstanding Student of the Year

Jane Nim

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems, minor in Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Studies | graduated magna cum laude May 2025
• Named 2025’s College of Business (COB) Outstanding Student of the Year, Information Systems Outstanding Student, and Business & Information Technology (BIT) Club Outstanding Member
• Served in Ěýas an officer and traveled to compete on many winning teams at conferences, as a COB Student Ambassador, and on the Executive Board of Team Global
• Completed an internship
• Completed herĚý: “Unveiling the Invisible: Understanding Public Awareness of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Applications.”

Why did you choose your field of study?

I chose my major because I was inspired by my dad and my oldest sister, Denise. Growing up, I saw how passionate they were about their work in this field, and they became my role models. Their influence, combined with my own love for working with data and statistics, made this the perfect path for me.

What are your plans post-graduation?

After graduation, I hope to build a career in my field where I can apply my academic knowledge in a professional setting and contribute to meaningful work.ĚýI want to work in a company that not only cares about earning profits, but also cares about its shareholders and other ethical concerns within the community.

What is your advice for other students?

I’m deeply grateful to those who supported me throughout this experience. College isn’t easy, especially when we’re juggling full-time studies, part-time jobs, and the challenges of adulting. It’s important to work hard for what you want, but don’t forget to prioritize your emotional well-being. Remember, you’re not alone—reach out for support because we’re all on this journey together.

Jane received the President’s Medallion from President Houston Davis upon graduation

The awards given celebrate students who stood out this year in our academic programs and student organizations. The following students were selected because they have optimized their education by combining exemplary academic performance with internships, volunteerism, professional development, experiential education, and participation in clubs and other important experiences.

Outstanding Students of the Year

ACADEMIC AWARDS

College of Business Outstanding Student of the Year
Also: Outstanding Information Systems Student
Jane Nim

Jane Nim pictured with Dean, Dr. Mike Casey

Outstanding General Business Student
Caitlin Hambuchen

Caitlin Hambuchen pictured with Dr. Ashley Phillips, Associate Professor of Accounting

Outstanding Fully Online Undergraduate Student
Crystal Calhoun

Crystal Calhoun pictured with Associate Dean, Dr. Laci Lyons

Outstanding Accounting Student
Matthew Warren

Matthew Warren pictured with Accounting Department Chair, Dr. Stephanie Watson

Outstanding Computer Information Systems Student
Olivia Balentine

Olivia Balentine pictured with Dr. Jim Downey, Professor of CISA

Outstanding Cybersecurity Management Student
Caleb Goines

Caleb Goines with Dr. Jim Downey, Professor of CISA

Outstanding Data Analytics Student
Elizabeth Yancey

Elizabeth Yancy pictured with Dr. Mike Ellis, Associate Professor of CISA

Outstanding Economics Student
Perla Zapata

(not pictured)

Outstanding Finance Student
Cooper McClellan

Cooper McClellan pictured with Dr. Joe McGarrity, Chair of the EFIRM Department

Outstanding Insurance & Risk Management Student
Emma Daughtrey

Emma Daughtrey pictured with Ivan Hudson, Director of the UCA Center for Insurance and Risk Management

Outstanding Management Student
Joshua Baros

(not pictured)

Outstanding Marketing Student
John Brady Littler

John Brady Littler pictured with Dr. Benjamin Britton, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Outstanding Innovation & Entrepreneurship Student
Ally Loter

Ally Loter pictured with Dr. Ron Duggins, Associate Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Outstanding Logistics & Supply Chain Management Student
Matthew Moix

Matt Moix pictured with Dr. Michael Cross, Lecturer of Management

Outstanding Human Resources Student
Brandon Miller

(not pictured)

Outstanding Master of Accountancy Student
Sidney Mack

Sidney Mack pictured with Dr. Stephanie Watson, Chair of the Accounting Department

Outstanding Master of Applied Data Analytics Student
Brittany Miller

Brittany Miller pictured with Dr. Samira Nichols, Assistant Professor of CISA

Outstanding Master of Business Administration Students
Caitlyn Bellamy & Jason Brown

Jason Brown pictured with Dr. Mark McMurtrey, MBA Program Director

Caitlyn Bellamy pictured with Dr. Laci Lyons, Associate Dean

SERVICE AWARDS

Outstanding College of Business Ambassadors
Izzy Saettele & Michael Isaac

Izzy Saettele and Michael Isaac pictured with Lainey Morrow, COB Student Ambassador Program Coordinator

Outstanding Beta Alpha Psi Student
Carson Griffin

Carson Griffin pictured with Dr. Ashley Phillips, co-sponsor of Beta Alpha Psi

Outstanding Accounting Club Student
Lucas Hayes

Lucas Hayes pictured with Accounting Professor Dr. Ashley Phillips

Outstanding Gamma Iota Sigma Student
Gabriella Adkins

Gabriella Adkins pictured with Ivan Hudson, Director of the UCA Center for Insurance and Risk Management

Outstanding BASCOM Student (Bears for Advancing Supply Chain and Operations Management)
Matthew Moix

Matt Moix (not pictured – BASCOM Sponsor, Dr. Michael Cross)

Outstanding BIT Club Member
Jane Nim

Jane Nim pictured with Dr. Mike Casey, Sponsor of the BIT Club

Outstanding Girls Who Code Member
Abby Bounds

Abby Bounds pictured with CISA Lecturer Susan Shaw, co-sponsor of Girls Who Code

Outstanding Marketing & Sales Club Member
Emily Greer

Emily Greer (not pictured, Dr. Ben Britton, sponsor of the Marketing & Sales Club)

Outstanding BUILD Student
Nick Self

Nick Self pictured with Dr. Louisa Moseley, Director of Student Experiences and BUILD@Carmichael Academic Coordinator

In November, Susan and Dean Davenport were recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists on National Philanthropy Day by the of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Susan is an alumna of the UCA Accounting program.

They were recognized for their years of dedication to the . said in the Davenports’ feature article,ĚýĚýSusan reflects UCA’s four pillars – success, culture, wellness, and excellence – as well as the Ronald McDonald HouseĚýCharities mission to provide every family comfort and care.

Several members from UCA were on hand to congratulate and thank the Davenports for their community impact.

pictured: Accounting Professors Dr. Patricia Mounce (retired), Dr. Stephanie Watson (Dept. Chair), COB Dean Michael Casey, Mrs. Susan Davenport, and Mary Bane Lackie, Ed.D., VP of University Advancement at UCA

Hundreds of industry professionals gathered as the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame honored five new inductees and awarded seven scholarships to insurance students at its annual Induction Banquet on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

The 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame inductees are:

Sonia Bell, LUTC Retired owner, Sonia Bell Agency, Conway, AR pictured with her daughter Angela Bickford

* Charles C. “Buddy” Campbell (1923 – 2003)
Retired Executive Vice President, Rebsamen Insurance, Little Rock, AR
Campbell’s daughter, Pam Plummer, pictured

Jim House, CHC, CLU
Retired President and CEO, USABLE Life, Searcy, AR
pictured with his wife Sue

Roland W. Julian, CIC, CLU, ChFC
President, Rogers Insurance Agency, Rogers, AR

Terry Youngblood
President, Youngblood Insurance Agency, Inc. – a division of Crosspointe Insurance Advisors, LLC, Texarkana, AR

Gabriella Adkins, Mason Smith, Cole Vangsnes, Samuel Roper, Peyton “Kai” Davis, William Van Asche, and Emma Daughtrey were named the 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame Scholars at the banquet.

Full-time UCA students qualify for the scholarship if they major in Insurance and Risk Management and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame was created in 2015 to identify and honor distinguished insurance industry professionals with strong ties to Arkansas who exemplify innovation, social responsibility, leadership, and professional excellence; have made broad-encompassing and lasting contributions to advance the role of insurance in society; and have significantly impacted the lives of many Arkansans.

UCA was chosen as the host and beneficiary of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame because of their diligent work to create and nurture a nationally recognized undergraduate degree program in insurance and risk management.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame seeks to remind the public of the important role the insurance industry plays in securing the well-being of both individuals and businesses, to inspire the next generation of leadership to reach these high levels of accomplishment and to encourage young Arkansans to consider careers in the insurance industry.

The faculty and staff were recognized for their exemplary service to the students and their peers in the College of Business as well as in their areas of study and impact in the community.

Dr. Michael Hargis

First, Dr. Michael Hargis was honored with the COB Impact Award. Dr. Hargis served for more than a decade as the College Dean before being selected as UCA’s Provost and executive VP of academic affairs.

Ms. Christy Peel

The second COB Impact Award for 2023-2024 was given to Christy Peel for her excellent service as one of COB’s Academic Advisors.

Dr. JiHoon Jhang
Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Jhang was presented this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. Jhang was honored with the Excellence in Research Award. His accomplishments include:

• Published 14 peer-reviewed journal articles from 2021-23 with 12 being A*
• eight of these publications came out in 2023
• many external collaborators and co-authors
• works-in-progress with several departmental colleagues
• recent research has focused on travel and tourism, both state-level priorities.

Dr. Joe McGarrity
Engaged Teaching Award

Dr. McGarrity was presented this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. McGarrity was chosen for this award for many reasons:

• For many years, he has helped students publish op-eds in local newspapers, and he has continued to do so. Getting students to write a polished and persuasive piece is labor intensive, andMcGarrity has created (and published) a method on how to efficiently edit and improve a first draft.
• He created a new class in Fall 2023, Law and Economics, and it was instantly a big hit.
• McGarrity has recently designed and implemented class experiments.
• McGarrity’s own column in the Log Cabin Democrat (every 2 weeks) is often applicable in economics class. Students regularly choose economics as a major because they enjoyMcGarrity’s Modern Political Economy class.
• He has also worked on writing textbooks and incorporates examples in class that he has learned from numerous sources gathered through textbook preparation.

Dr. K. Mike Casey
Innovative Teaching Award

Dr. Casey was presented with this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. Casey was chosen for this award because:

• He combines active research on AI usage in the classroom with his various courses, specifically CISA 3300 Introduction to Computer Architecture and Programming and CISA 3328 Systems Analysis and Design.
• He has carefully constructed lessons appropriate for novice programmers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of generative AI relating to creating computer programming code. These lessons take the form of instructor-led demonstrations, in-class exercises, as well as homework-style assignments.
• Casey demonstrates and encourages students in the systems analysis and design course to explore the use of generative AI to find more efficient and innovative approaches to solving complex problems.
• Of particular note is how he has incorporated a highly relevant marketplace innovation into his course materials in a very short period of time. In doing so, he has been able to maintain an appropriate level of rigor while simultaneously helping students discover proper ways to use this new technology and prepare them for its usage in industry.

Dr. Karen Oxner
Excellence in Service

Dr. Oxner was presented with this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. Oxner serves as MAcc Program Coordinator, where she advises all the MAcc students and also serves as Graduate Faculty Coordinator for the Department. She is nominated in this category because of two things:

1. Dr. Oxner always shows up. She is always there for what is needed from her. She is active in faculty meetings and offers guidance and opinions. She does this with measured consideration and a comparison to her high ideals and standards. Everything she offers is valuable even if it is not the route taken.
2. Dr. Oxner has been an amazing representative on the Graduate Council. Her efforts to focus on what is right for students has an impact on the way UCA’s undergraduates and post-bacc students are being given opportunities to register for graduate-level courses when appropriate.

Susan Shaw
Societal Impact Award

Susan Shaw was presented with this award by Dean Casey.

Susan Shaw is an active member of COB’s faculty in many ways that impact our students and our community.

• Shaw has served as IT Career Camp director for 5 years directly working with junior high and high school students to inspire them into careers in IT and related fields
• She has led the Analytics case competitionĚýat Manhattan College for 2 years, leading teams of graduating seniors to a nationwide competition in data analytics on topics such as food safety and security in sub-Saharan Africa
• She is a “Girls Who Code” faculty advisor. This is a new club that includes students from under-represented demographics and exists to inspire them to completeĚýtheir academic goals in IT-related disciplines
• Even with all this extra activity for students outside the classroom, Shaw is completing her DBA and working on her dissertation.

Dr. Garner was presented with this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. Ben Garner
Exemplary Boundary Spanner Award

Dr. Garner was chosen because:

• Dr. Garner has created two new upper-division courses – Managing Customer Relationships and Content Marketing – and shepherded both through curriculum committee processes. He highlights experiential education in both.
• In the Managing Customer Relationships course, he has partnered with the UCA Foundation and Arkansas PBS so that students can have hands-on experiences.
• In the Content Marketing course, he has worked with different Arkansas tourism organizations so that students can produce real-world media content in both written and video formats.
• Aside from his teaching and research at UCA, he released his own conservation documentary this year.

Dr. Horpedahl was presented with this award by Dean Casey.

Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl
Exemplary Boundary Spanner Award

Dr. Horpedahl was chosen for this award because of his extraordinary ongoing impact:

• He co-authored The Future of Arkansas Tax Reform that offers detailed suggestions to AR lawmakers on the best way to reform AR taxes.
• Horpedahl regularly offers his expertise in media stories:Ěý9 different outlets including New York Times, Financial Times, Newsweek, and Bloomberg;ĚýSix op-eds in City Journal, Arkansas Business, Arkansas Dem Gaz and others; 3 television appearances; participant on 5 podcasts;Ěý52 blog posts covering economic data and news, with over 40,000 unique views.
• For the past 12 months, he has engaged over 19,000 followers earning over 41 million impressions through posts covering economic news and statistics on current events.
• In addition to his usual media appearances, Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl is also participating in an important form of outreach and public service, as a member of the “Property Tax Advisory Council” in Montana. This council was called by the state’s Governor and has been meeting throughout 2024. Dr. Horpedahl has been providing a national perspective, as well as bringing his experience from Arkansas tax reforms to assist Montana as they try to lower property taxes for homeowners.

Recognition at the Annual UCA Convocation

Ms. Deanna Abrego, Admin to the Dean, was recognized as a finalist for UCA Employee of the Year.

Ms. Deanna Abrego was given this plaque by President Houston Davis.

Dr. Ashley Phillips was recognized as a finalist for the UCA Public Service Award.

Dr. Ashley Phillips was given this award by President Houston Davis.

Congratulations to all our award winners this year!

Abby Bounds, a junior Computer Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) major and the President of Girls Who Code, was presented with the Outstanding Community Outreach by a Student at the 2024 51ÇŕÂĄ Student Involvement Awards on Thursday, April 25.

This award is presented to a student who prioritizes volunteerism and service to UCA and the local community. It is given to a student who has made an impact within an organization by leading with courage and being a positive role model to others.

Talley, Bounds, and Shaw

Bounds is pictured here with the two faculty who recommended her for the award, COB Lecturer Susan Shaw and CNSM Lecturer Michelle Talley, both of whom advise the student group Girls Who Code.

“What truly sets Abby apart is her proactive approach to extracurricular involvement,” said Talley in her recommendation letter. “The success of the Girls Who Code club, earning the ‘New RSO of the Year’ award in 2023, is the result of Abby’s tireless energy and unwavering enthusiasm.”

Citing Bounds’ efforts as a student, RSO leader, and student worker, Shaw echoed Talley’s comments about Girls Who Code. She also reported about Bounds’ leadership at the annual IT Careers Camp for High School Students that Shaw organizes.

“She was an integral part of the camp, helping to plan, coordinate, teach classes, and serve as a mentor for the high school students,” said Shaw.

To name a few of her involvements and accomplishments, Abby Bounds served as:

• Founder, Former Vice-President, and President of Girls Who Code, named UCA’s 2023 “New RSO of the Year”
• Active member and officer of the Computer Science Club for 2 years
• Active member of the Robotics club
• Speaker at the Arkansas State FBLA Conference for High School Students
• Computer Information Systems IT Career Camp mentor and instructor
• Student worker for the Arkansas Coding Academy
• Guest instructor in Camden, AR to teach Harmony Grove’s robotics class for a day
• A helpful peer in classes

Speaking of the impact of her experiences, Bounds said, “Growing up, I had very little exposure to anything STEM-related. I never thought I could make it into a related field because I thought I did not have the power to learn the necessary skills. That’s why these opportunities are what I love most because I get to reach more rural areas and leave a personal impact that state-wide and nationwide programs aren’t always able to reach.”