“There’s a sense of community, a sense of family, a sense of belonging,” Williams said. “I’m known all over this campus because I get out and I just try to network with people all over. It feels like a family.”

Williams, an academic adviser and director of the Unlocking College Academics Now (UCAN) Program, encourages students to be equally involved, if not more.

“Students, don’t stay in your own little world. Get out and get involved. See what’s going on and utilize all your resources here on campus.”

Williams has devoted his time to advancing students’ success because giving back to the UCA community by helping students, faculty and staff has always been his desire.

As UCAN director, he works with students facing their first academic suspension. Under his leadership, the program has helped 347 students obtain their degrees.

With the help of UCA colleagues Reesa Ramsahai and Brian James, Williams helped establish the Bear Necessities Food Bank, which serves students, faculty and staff.

“It became a passion of mine to see something on this campus, to see Bears taking care of Bears. The UCA community taking care of their own,” Williams said.

He is also known for his singing ability and is often called upon at UCA events to sing songs such as the National Anthem and the UCA Alma Mater. “Just whenever the opportunity presents itself I like to use what little bit of talent I have to share with others,” Williams said.

For all these efforts and many more, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton named Williams the “Arkansan of the Week” during the month of September 2016.

“On a regular basis he experiences the difficulties of life as students bring him their circumstances, and he walks with them when they have no one else to turn to,” Cotton said when making the announcement of Williams’ selection. “The impact Marvin has on student’s lives cannot be overstated.”

For Williams, it’s just the right thing to do.

“I do what I do, not to be recognized, but to make an impact. However, it’s encouraging when what you do is recognized by others,” said Williams.

Admiring Sims, Kelsey leaned over to her twin sister, Kailey, and said, “That’s going to be me one day.” Kailey responded, “I’m not going to let you forget it. You’re going to do it.”

From the moment Kelsey became a freshman in fall 2013, that’s exactly what she set out to achieve, but she has done much more.

Upon entering UCA, Broaddrick was elected by her peers as SGA freshman class president. With the success of a great term, Broaddrick kept the momentum, and later attained SGA sophomore president and vice president of operations her junior year. Now as a senior, she is executive president.

“It’s empowering, but I’m not going to say it’s easy,” said Broaddrick.

Throughout Broaddrick’s time at UCA, she has served tirelessly to embody all that it means to be a proud 51��¥ Bear.

“There are so many ways to get involved and meet people, faculty or staff, that unless you are actually trying not to be connected, you will be,” said Broaddrick. “People talk all the time about how the community of 51��¥ is what makes it so great, but you really don’t understand how incredible it is until you experience it.”

In addition to serving four years on SGA, Broaddrick has served three years on the Student Orientation Staff and has served as director of Lead Team, a program composed of undergraduate and graduate level students that provide leadership development training for student organizations. Broaddrick is a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority where she has served as a Panhellenic Delegate and other leadership roles.

“I have gained so many mentors along the way, some of the most important being my three advisors in SGA- Rick Tarkka, Hank Phelps and Charlotte Strickland. They have honestly shaped me into the best leader that I could be,” said Broaddrick. “Dr. Tarkka teaches me to be logical and think things through before acting or making a decision. Hank teaches me to respect everyone that I work with and demonstrate true leadership. Charlotte teaches me to be empowered in what I am doing, to not be afraid to be aggressive, and to always fight for what I think is right.”

“I was attracted to UCA by the type of institution that it was. I loved the fact that it had its roots in being a teachers college, that UCA got its start training teachers and that really had an appeal to me and its core mission,” said Rosenow.

Rosenow has an educational background in history and political science with specializations in the U.S. History Since 1865; Gilded Age and the Progressive Era; Labor and Working-Class History; and U.S. Immigration and Race.

“One of the positive things about UCA, we really get to teach what we love and that definitely counts for me,” said Rosenow, who joined the 51��¥ Bears family in 2008.

With this, he has been able to connect with a diverse group of students over the years.

“We have wonderful faculty in the history department that will just ignite the passion and spark curiosity,” Rosenow said. “Just declare a history major. Take some classes and be exposed to our faculty.”

Rosenow’s favorite activities to conduct are service-learning projects that get the students involved and engaged in their lesson and community.

“I view my job as a professor as number one, being a good teacher and trying to be an effective teacher and inspire students both in history and just in life to be engaged and find something to be passionate about,” said Rosenow.

Throughout Rosenow’s time at UCA, he has noticed a trend of high performing students who are involved both on campus and in the community. From Student Government Association, Greek life and student-athletes to the 200-plus registered student organizations at UCA, Rosenow has come across many diverse students and appreciates the uniqueness the individuals bring to his class.

“I think that a lot of times those students who are motivated, driven and good with time management follow the trend that the University has set with getting involved,” said Rosenow.

Rosenow is the published author of “Death & Dying in the Working Class.” He is currently conducting research on how people experienced death on the job between the Civil War and the 1920s.

“UCA has positively impacted my life by giving me the opportunity to grow and develop as a teacher but also supporting my research goals and agenda,” said Rosenow.

“I think the day that I stepped on campus to sign up for my classes, I really fell in love with the campus because it’s just beautiful. The history behind the college, the buildings, especially Old Main and the library along with the welcoming feeling that my adviser provided to me was another thing that made me choose UCA,” said Jumde.

When reflecting back on her time spent at UCA, Jumde is thankful for all the memories.

As a freshman living in Carmichael Hall, Jumde recalls memories that made her time at UCA unforgettable. In one instance, she and others in the residential hall made “care packages” for the UCA football team.

“We did a little gift for football players…just to cheer them up. We set up little water bottles filled with candy, and I felt that was very sweet for all of us to cheer them on, encourage and motivate them,” said Jumde.

After graduating from UCA with a Bachelor of Science, Jumde earned a Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M before returning to Conway. She first served as district representative for former Congressman Tim Griffin. Presently, she is district representative at Congressman French Hill’s field office.

In this role, Jumde often has to visit the UCA campus, sometimes with Hill. One particular trip, she recalls being on a tour with Hill and other campus dignitaries. During the tour, Bear Force One, the 10-passenger golf cart, got stuck in the mud.

Former UCA President Tom Courtway and Hill helped to push the vehicle out of the mud.

“It was definitely very interesting to see,” Jumde said. “Someone took a picture, framed it and presented it to my boss. We still have that picture in our office.”

Jumde credits her beloved UCA professors and undergraduate internships for her success today. “Internships are what got me this job. I started out as an intern after I graduated from UCA and before I joined Texas A&M,” she said.

Offering wise counsel during her time at UCA were Dr. Jennie Davis, Dr. Kim Hoffman and Dr. Clay Arnold who all made a lasting impact in her life.

“I would definitely say that I’m in my position today because of them,” said Jumde.