Brig. Gen. Amanda Azubuike ’93

Brig. Gen. Amanda Azubuike ’93 has proudly served our country during her illustrious military career. She currently works as Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army, serving at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Azubuike is the only public affairs general in the Army. She has served in the U.S. Army for more than 36 years beginning as a Private in the Army National Guard in 1988 and receiving her commission in 1993 when she graduated from UCA with a bachelor’s degree in communication. After graduating from flight school in 1995, Azubuike served in overseas missions including Sinai, Egypt and South Korea. After transitioning to public affairs, she has served both abroad and at home. Her awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.

Cliff Garrison ’62

Cliff Garrison ’62 has served many during his impressive career as a men’s basketball coach for high school and college teams. He coached men’s basketball at Hendrix from 1972-2003. Including high school, his teams won 578 games, 463 at Hendrix, which made him the third-winningest college coach in the state when he retired. As athletic director in the 1990s, he helped lead Hendrix in the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division III. After retirement, Garrison helped create the Arkansas High School Basketball Coaches Association. In 2015 he received the Guardians of the Game Award in Education by the National Association of Basketball Coaches at the NCAA Final Four. He is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor and the Forrest City Hall of Fame. He is currently involved in raising funds for the Cliff Garrison Fellowship of Christian Athletes established in 2016 to provide scholarships to Faulkner County student-athletes.

After growing up participating in pageants and competing on dance teams, 2025 Miss UCA Tori Kiser was prepared to take the stage and advocate for her social impact initiative. As she prepared to represent the campus at the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition in June, Kiser reflected on her beginnings in competitions, her platform and her time as a part of UCA’s dynamic community.

A Cabot native, Kiser recalled growing up in the Miss Arkansas system because her mother had also competed. As time progressed, she understood it was much more than following her mother’s path.

“I would do pageants here and there because my mom competed in the Miss Arkansas system, and then I was a Diamond. Then I started competing in the teen program, and I really saw how the experience was able to grow these women into who they really wanted to be, to be able to go in front of an interview panel and not only get scholarship funding but grow as an individual. Watching that firsthand and seeing it at such a young age encouraged me to stick to it,” Kiser said.

Crowned Miss UCA 2025 on November 17, 2024, she saw a dream come true and opportunities for the future. “Whenever I decided to attend UCA, I knew winning Miss UCA was a goal. It has offered me growth and a great support system, not just the Miss 51��¥ Board, but UCA as a whole.”

Injuries and treatment throughout her formative years as an athlete on dance teams prepared her for her career path and social impact initiative, “Mindful Recovery: Supporting Athletes’ Mental Health.” A biology major with a pre-medical concentration, Kiser’s goal is to attend UAMS and become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. “I’ve always dreamed of becoming an orthopedic surgeon from about middle school or junior high, and then whenever I had my ACL tear freshman year, I felt like that was the ultimate factor leading me to that.”

That injury occurring during a practice session before the first football game solidified her resolve to heal and help others heal, and her social impact initiative was realized in full.

“I tore my ACL a few days before the very first football game, and I’m on the dance team, so that was soul-crushing. I didn’t realize how much an injury, and I’ve had several, could take a toll on one’s mental health. I always just thought, ‘Oh, it’s just physical,’ but there’s more to it. Not being able to do the thing you love most and not even being able to walk definitely shows how everything can be taken away in a second. And after working with athletic trainers and meeting other injured athletes, I started to form connections, and I quickly realized how much of an impact mental health makes,” she stated.

Her initiative aims to educate athletic trainers and student-athletes about signs of mental distress after an injury and during the healing process, to look at the whole person, not just the injury, and to make connections. Training those in the profession to look for those signs can assist athletes in healing mentally and physically. To her, it is all about connections.

As Miss UCA 2025, Kiser’s goal for her time on campus is to connect with the campus community as much as possible. “I feel like being Miss UCA gives me a whole new opportunity to connect with other students and hear about what they love about the community, just building those connections because I feel like connections are one of the most important things here at UCA.”

She continued, “I want to be the Miss UCA who makes everyone feel heard and seen. I want everyone to know that they have a purpose here on campus and that they are truly making an impact. That’s part of the reason why I love UCA so much.”

The 51��¥ raised $1.51 million in its 11th annual Day of Giving. The total is the fourth time the university has topped $1 million since 2020.

“We are ever grateful for the generosity of our students, faculty, staff, donors, friends and community. I continue to be humbled by their participation and support,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “Each year, I find Day of Giving to be an exceptional expression of the dedication that all have for UCA, and this Day of Giving is no exception.”

Day of Giving is a 24-hour fundraising drive that provides an opportunity to rally the university community and connect donors with specific programs and giving opportunities at UCA. The event was held March 13.

The total was announced during a campus celebration at Buffalo Alumni Hall. Marking the fourth time the university raised more than $1 million, the amount also marks another record-breaking total for the university’s Day of Giving with a 2% increase over last year’s record of $1.47 million.

“We are absolutely thrilled that we have broken another record for Day of Giving. This is a testament to the incredible generosity of everyone who gave — our alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, and parents. This just proves that every gift, no matter the size, adds up to a big impact. Together, we are not only setting a new benchmark but also ensuring that our students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Vice President for University Advancement and UCA Foundation President Mary Lackie.

More than 2,500 donors from 33 states and 78 countries participated in Day of Giving.

Day of Giving raised $1.12 million in 2020, $1.29 million in 2023 and $1.47 million in 2024. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised more than $8.17 million.

Funds raised during Day of Giving support a wide range of needs including scholarships, state-of-the-art equipment, research and experiential learning opportunities that equip students to be leaders in the local, regional and global economies.

Making Connections

Northwest Arkansas is among the nation’s fastest-growing areas for many reasons, and the 51��¥ is one of them. As a long-standing pipeline of professional talent for Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Rogers, 51��¥ is uniquely positioned to shape business, communities and culture in NWA. We serve as the anchor institution for every corner of the state — all within easy reach of the one driving so much progress.

The Importance of UCA to the NWA Region

The 51��¥ took Bear Country to Washington and Benton counties in northwest Arkansas from April 21 to 24 for UCA’s Northwest Arkansas Blitz.

With more than 4,000 alumni in the two-county area, UCA President Houston Davis, along with representatives from Academic Affairs including deans from all seven academic colleges, advancement, admissions, athletics, student affairs, outreach and more connected with local leaders, alumni and future students to celebrate UCA’s growing impact on the region through a variety of events and activities.

UCA’s Office of 51��¥ hosted senior socials for admitted high school students and their families from each of the two counties. During each social, the UCA Foundation awarded a $1,000 book scholarship to a randomly selected attendee.
On April 22, President Davis presented “51��¥ is Central to NWA” to the Rogers Noon Rotary Club. Last summer, UCA hired Paul Gatling to serve as the senior director of northwest Arkansas engagement and began planning the Blitz as a way to “reinforce ties to the area, opening doors for more meaningful partnerships and ensuring that UCA graduates are part of the next chapter of northwest Arkansas’ success,” Davis said.

The following day, more than 400 business leaders from across the state attended the Arkansas Higher Education Roundtable luncheon in Fayetteville organized by the Northwest Arkansas Council and hosted by UCA. President Davis was joined by University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson and Northwest Arkansas Community College President Dennis Rittle for a panel discussion moderated by News Media Executive Roby Brock. The three higher education leaders spoke on topics ranging from affordability and collaboration to workforce initiatives and how higher education is strengthening Arkansas’ economy and driving regional growth.

In discussing how higher education can address workforce needs, President Davis noted the university’s academic advisory councils, which are made up of industry experts who provide guidance on what employers are looking for in college graduates. Davis also said meeting employers where they are is important. “We need to make certain that we are not just having conversations in one nook of the state,” he explained. “We need to make certain that we are coming here, and that is a big part of what we are doing this week, is having direct conversations so that we can be responsive and document that we are heading in the right direction.”

Later that evening, UCA representatives hosted an Off the Clock networking event at Thaden Field in Bentonville for area alumni and friends who wanted to learn more about the new UCA Aviation Academy. Program Director Brad Teague flew in for the day to present to the Bentonville Rotary Club about the Academy and showcased hangar plans for the Aviation Academy during the Off the Clock event.

On the final day of the NWA Blitz, Provost Michael Hargis and Senior Director of Development Mollie Henager presented to the Fayetteville Rotary Club about a partnership with the Walton Family Foundation that is helping to address K-12 teacher workforce needs in northwest Arkansas. The program provides student loan forgiveness to participants who commit to teaching in northwest Arkansas for a number of years.

Also on the final day, Vice President for University Advancement Mary Bane Lackie and incoming College of Business Dean Tim Bisping met briefly with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to discuss collaboration between the company and UCA. The meeting was followed by a tour of the new Walmart campus with Walmart Senior Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Cindi Marsiglio and 10 UCA staff and alumni.

The Blitz culminated in an Alumni and Friends Social at the Leroy Lounge in downtown Fayetteville featuring food, fellowship and fun. Attendees were treated to UCA swag, duckpin bowling, a golf simulator and photo booth. President Davis, Athletic Director Matt Whiting and Executive Director of Alumni Relations Alison Taylor spoke to the crowd about the importance of staying connected to alumni in northwest Arkansas. “We are excited to be here and honored that you have joined us this evening,” Davis said. “Bears are central to northwest Arkansas. Let us build something lasting together.”

Every day, faculty and staff at the 51��¥ shape students’ lives in meaningful ways, though many of those powerful moments often go untold. To bring these stories to light, the UCA Magazine staff invited students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their experiences and recognize those who have encouraged, supported and inspired them.

Name: Laura Marshall (current student)
Nominee: Alicia Cotabish
Professor and Change Leadership Program Director

I am honored to nominate Alicia Cotabish, director at the College of Education, for her unwavering mentorship, leadership and profound impact on my professional and personal growth. Without meeting Alicia, I would not be in my Ph.D. program today —her belief in my potential has been nothing short of transformative.

As a mentor, Alicia has been a steadfast advocate for my success, championing my nomination for both the Doctorate Award and GT Teacher of the Year. She has opened doors to research, conferences and presentations, ensuring that I grow as a scholar, educator and leader. Her guidance has shaped my trajectory in ways I could not have imagined, providing opportunities that have enriched both my academic and professional journey.

Beyond her professional excellence, Alicia embodies the essence of true mentorship. She always lends an ear, offers solutions with wisdom and clarity and approaches every challenge with resilience and strength. She is deeply respected, kind and incredibly funny, making her not only an exceptional leader but also an inspiring presence in every space she occupies.
Alicia’s leadership as Ph.D. director extends far beyond administrative duties — she invests in people, fosters meaningful relationships and creates pathways for success. She has impacted my livelihood and my life, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.

Name: Windy Cantwell 2023-2025
Nominee: Amy Thompson
Associate Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education

Amy Thompson has been an encouraging voice for me throughout this entire program. As an instructor, she helped me grow in breadth and depth of literacy knowledge and understanding. As an adviser, she always takes time to thoroughly answer whatever questions I might have. I could not have made it this far in the program without her guidance!

Name: Whitli Walthall ’22
Nominee: Deanna Rice
Assistant Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education

Deanna Rice is a part of the ELSE [Elementary, Literacy and Special Education] department in the education building. I’ve never met a teacher as caring and selfless as her. She pushed her students to understand ALL types of students. In a nation that created education for a specific race and gender, Rice pushed us to go further to reach all students, no matter their race, gender, religion and more. Her passion for teaching inspired every student in her class to become the best person they could be. She impacted my life by showing me how an effective teacher reaches all students. Without her, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.

Name: Abby Nichols ’19, ’21
Nominee: Amy Thompson
Associate Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education

I met Amy during my undergraduate program for education. During her classes, I formed a love for teaching reading. After graduating, she encouraged me to apply for graduate school. I did just that, and she was able to foster even more of a love for teaching reading. She is an amazing professor and someone I am still in contact with today.

Name: Jonas Munson ’23
Nominee: Gizachew Tiruneh
Associate Professor Government, Public Service, and International Studies
Director of International Studies Program

Gizachew Tiruneh was the greatest professor I ever had. He was the first person to truly believe in my academic abilities, and that belief fueled me to try and succeed in ways I never had imagined I could.

Name: Chandler Losh ’22
Nominee: Brandy Walthall
Assistant Professor Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education

In January of my junior year of college, I experienced an apartment fire that left my roommate, our dog and me temporarily homeless. During this incredibly difficult time, Mrs. Walthall showed me immense grace as a student in her class. Not only did she support me, but she also rallied the other professors in the elementary education department to contribute donations to help us get back on our feet. Their generosity included dog food for our beloved pet, grocery gift cards, meal vouchers, laundry detergent, personal care items and so much more.

I am deeply grateful to Lauren Malm, Catherine Miller, Stephanie Sorbet, Dr. Filer, Shoudong Feng, Lisa Herrington, Dee Dee Cain, Renee Calhoon, Tracie Rushing, Susan Perry and everyone else in the department. Every member of the elementary education program made a profound difference in my life that semester.

However, it was Mrs. Walthall who taught me the invaluable lesson of self-advocacy, empowering me to stand up for myself and navigate the legal challenges of securing a new apartment. I will never forget the overwhelming kindness I received from her and so many others during what were some of the hardest weeks of my life.

Name: Mabel Low ’60
Nominee: B.A. Lewis
(Past) Chair Department of Education

B.A. Lewis was the head of the education department when I was a student at Arkansas State Teachers College. He was very kind and understanding. Whenever I needed to talk to him, he was always available and was such a great example for us future teachers to follow. He was very patient and was very knowledgeable. Because of Lewis and those on his staff, I became the teacher that I was. The instructions that I was given when I was a student in the department of elementary education were invaluable in my career. I was recognized by the school districts where I taught as a first-grade teacher, and I was named “California Adult Teacher of the Year” when I taught in the Downey Adult School in Downey. Today, when I think of UCA, I think of Lewis and how he helped me. My annual donation is in memory of him for the Dr. B. A. Lewis Scholarship Fund.

Name: Jennifer Morehead ’06
Nominee: Norbert Schedler
Founding Director of UCA Honors College

When I first toured UCA, I was an undecided high school senior looking for a large university feel. But once I met Norbert Schedler, everything changed. Schedler spoke with such conviction about the value of UCA and especially its Honors College that I was instantly intrigued. Schedler asked such thought-provoking questions during our visit that I knew I wanted to be a part of the conversation. During my time with the Honors College, we explored deep topics that I had never imagined growing up in a small town in northeast Arkansas. Schedler opened my mind to concepts that broadened my perspective and discussions that deepened my love for lifelong learning that continues to this day.

Name: John Sukovaty ’11
Nominee: Doug Isanhart ’01
(Past) Lecturer I Marketing and Management

Doug Isanhart was a great teacher and patient mentor to a lot of students. I always enjoyed seeing his friendly face at the ball fields and around town. He taught me that the quality of work starts with the people you hire. I have carried that throughout my career and believe it to the fullest extent.

Stepping in unison. Singing in chorus. Outfitted in matching attire. Strolling in one line. Donning the same letters and colors. Members of Greek-lettered sororities often present themselves in a similar manner.

During the 90s, the Lambda Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, (DST), Inc., experienced more than just that. In a six-year span, the chapter welcomed five sets of twins with three identical and two fraternal. UCA Magazine caught up with the ladies this spring.

“It’s phenomenal, and I am kind of in awe that so many twins came through one chapter,” said Audreka Peten ’01. “I think it makes a statement that the best people go through Delta Sigma Theta and then double up with a twin.”

Audreka was initiated in spring 1999 with her identical twin sister, Shameka Peten ’01, noting that pledging the same line was just one of many things they did.

“We’ve taken every class together from kindergarten to our master’s,” Shameka said. “We’ve had all our experiences together.”

The Petens were the last set of twins initiated in the 90s. The first were Tiffany Bumpers ’97 and Stephanie White ’97 in spring 1993.

“Tiffany and Stephanie were part of the reason I wanted to be a Delta. I always secretly looked up to them, and I knew they went to UCA and had come through Lambda Upsilon,” Shameka said.

Bumpers and White are fraternal twins who were initiated in spring 1993. To the best of anyone’s knowledge, they are the first set of twins through Lambda Upsilon.

“It was a lot of fun coming through with my sister,” Tiffany said. “When Audreka and Shameka came along, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, there’s another set of twins.’ And I think shortly before that time, Danielle and Jennice came along, so it just seemed neat to me that so many twins were coming through.”

The Delta Doubles realization came during Homecoming 2024 when Lambda Upsilon celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Fraternal twins Jennice Haynes and Danielle Haynes were initiated together in spring 1994, but the line could have had two sets. One of their line sisters is Melinda Peer, who has an identical twin, Brenda Garlington ’96, who was initiated two years later in spring 1996.

“I think we kept getting mixed up with Jennice and Danielle and it was like, ‘OK,’ but we don’t look anything alike, but people seem to classify you not as individuals. They see you as ‘the twins,’” said Melinda.

Identical twins Melony Phillips ’00 and Melody Bradley ’00 knew they wanted to be Deltas their entire lives because their mother is also a Delta. When initiated in 1997, they did not doubt that they wanted to have the experience with the other one.
“It was just kind of presumed that we would do it together,” the two said almost in unison.

Speaking in unison or finishing the other sister’s thought was common during conversations with the women. They all have multiple sets of twins in their families, some on both the maternal and paternal sides. They each talked about being roommates, sharing cars and doing all the typical twin activities, including their education, as they all expressed either having the same or similar majors.

Tiffany and Stephanie and Brenda and Melinda all majored in health-related fields. Jennice and Danielle majored in biology. Melony and Melody were education majors, and Audreka and Shameka majored in business.

With so many twins initiating through Lambda Upsilon in a short span, the group of ladies noted that none of the sets of twins were ever in the chapter together at the same time, but they have many other “crossovers.” Through their hometowns or immediate family connections, work, church, community service, same alumnae chapter, they have “full circle connectivity,” Melody said.

While the phenomenon of being a twin or having so many from the same chapter, all of the women said they rarely think about being a twin.

“When you’re a twin, it’s just natural. It doesn’t always dawn on me to think that there was something so special,” Audreka said. “It’s just who we are and who we’ve always been.”

Ozark native and senior Schedler Honors College student Madison Mainer never thought she would attend UCA, much less paint one of the most notable murals on campus. As a capstone project, she wanted to represent the programs housed in the newly renovated Schichtl Hall and provide students with sensory disorders a peaceful respite.

Mainer, an interior design major, applied to UCA’s Honors program at the urging of a friend. With no idea of her intended major, she knew she enjoyed art and mathematics but was still unsure until she came to UCA and found her passion.

“When I got to UCA, I switched around majors, but then interior design stuck, and that’s a pathway I can use to go to an architecture graduate program, so I can do both art and math. I’m glad I’m in interior design and have the option to do both,” Mainer said.

As part of her capstone project for the Honors program, she combined her love of design with representing students in Schichtl and helping those who sometimes need a space to reflect and regroup in a busy college environment. The project, a mural on Schichtl’s walls, was only a proposal, but then with the help of her mentors, April Vance, instructor of art and design, and Patricia Smith, dean of Schedler Honors College and Learning Communities, it developed into a reality for the courtyard wall behind the building.

Mainer explained, “At first, it was just going to be a fun proposal, but when I started Oxford, which is the class when we really get started on our capstone, I already knew what I wanted to do. I started meeting with Patricia even though it would probably not get implemented because that’s a historical brick building on campus, but with the courtyard behind it, there was an option for it.”

Experienced in painting murals, the artist’s inspiration for the most recent work is multi-layered. It represents departments, movement, Mainer’s own research and the connections formed by students with UCA’s campus.

“I like getting murals up on campus. Since Schichtl is home to both Honors and the Center for Global Learning and Engagement, I wanted to tie in aspects from both the building’s history and both departments,” Mainer said.

“I had just taken a film class for Honors, and one of the things I learned was about movement in the earliest film recorded, a bunch of images of a horse running, so that was my idea behind the movement in a simplistic way that could be done realistically in a short time frame. I had the idea of rabbits because of another mural artist I was talking to, because of all the rabbits I see around campus, and my movement through the Honors program.”

As she collaborated with Vance, the idea of a Zen Garden mural took shape. The colors and images then came together with ideas coming from research conducted throughout Mainer’s time at UCA.

“The mural’s design is based on my research on sensory processing disorders. My spaces, specifically outdoor spaces, can be used for sensory therapy,” she said.

She related that some colors like reds, oranges and yellows may be overwhelming and that some pastels wouldn’t quite fit, so the color of choice uses a mix of blues.

This compelling work is the product of Mainer’s thoughtful process, inspiring mentorship and the culmination of students volunteering for painting events. Mainer comes in and draws out the images on the wall, and student volunteers come in and paint the objects. Then, she goes in and does touchups. This adds yet another layer of meaning to this project. It is by students, for students, and it forms a lasting connection.

“I feel like things have a lot more meaning when you have some part to play, so I wanted students to have that attachment to it,” she said.

The room came to a curious hush as the hangar door raised and a plane piloted by Rhiannon Umfleet began its way into the facility.

Umfleet had completed a checkride to earn a private pilot’s license just in time to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hangar at the 51��¥ Aviation Academy.

“Come on up here Rhiannon,” said Arkansas Sen. Mark Johnson. “We got a spot right up here for you. You can sit next to the governor.”

Johnson, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders and Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry were just some of the dignitaries making remarks at the groundbreaking. Approximately 250 individuals were on hand for the ceremony.

During her remarks, Sanders announced support from the state in the amount of $750,000 for the buildout and purchase of two flight simulators and other equipment for the hangar.

“Very few programs in higher education or government move this quickly,” said Sanders. “It’s because of the collaboration and partnership of so many people that this has happened. My administration was proud to help direct $750,000 to support this hangar, and I know that UCA, the city and the airport have been major supporters of the project.”

Castleberry said, “We’re excited about our partnership with UCA Aviation Academy. It allows us to enhance our workforce development programs. It allows us to offer internships and career pathways for students. As a city, we have continued to invest out here. We’re adding 500 feet to our runway and taxiway, which will allow larger planes to take off and land.”

After remarks from Sanders and other dignitaries, the ceremonial tossing of the dirt took place on the land space where the new hangar will be located.

Located at the Conway Regional Airport at Cantrell Field, the new hangar will be 10,000 square feet with space for simulators, offices, classrooms and airplanes. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by summer 2025. The UCA Foundation elected to fund the construction through a maximum investment of $1.5 million. The hangar is needed to support the growth of the academy.

“Our initial forecast of 10 to 15 students in the first year has been far surpassed as we sit at 55 students after 10 months,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “This new hangar space will accommodate that growth and what now is an expected demand of 100 students enrolled at any given time in the year. It will be exciting to see what we accomplish once this state-of-the-art hangar and educational facility is in place.”

Umfleet was one of several Aviation Academy students attending the groundbreaking, but she was also honored with a scholarship, the Annie Fitzgerald Award. This scholarship was named in honor of a retired Southwest Airlines pilot who now partners with the Aviation Academy to recruit future pilots.

Another aviation student, Zane Harris, was awarded the Ken Scott Memorial Award, which is funded by the Hendricks Family Charitable Trust.

The Aviation Academy was announced in November 2023 and launched in March 2024. The program selects 15 students for each cohort with three private pilot classes starting each year. More than 400 applications are on file at present. The academy uses three Tecnam P-Mentors and one Cessna 172, and eight instructors work with students.

“We are so appreciative of the many partners of the UCA Aviation Academy. We would not be as far along or as successful without the support of Governor Sanders, Senator Johnson, Rick Edwards, President Davis, Central Flying Academy, the City of Conway, the UCA Foundation, and our great students,” said UCA Aviation Academy Director Brad Teague. “I am proud that UCA had the vision to soar high. I am excited to see what the future holds, and I do not doubt that it will provide our campus, community, and state with a qualified workforce in aviation.”

World War II Air Force veteran, White County native and 51��¥ alum Harley Bridger ’52 came back to visit his alma mater in November 2024; his first visit since graduating more than 50 years ago. At 102 years old, he fondly remembers his time at what was then Arkansas State Teachers College. He was a business education major who graduated in three years using the GI Bill. “The 51��¥ was very receptive to veterans. I finished up in three years and took every course they offered. UCA was a relatively small school where 800 students graduated in my time. It was a great institution, and I have always appreciated the opportunity that the 51��¥ has given me,” he said.

UCA criminology lecturer Robert Norvell summited Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2024. UCA Magazine caught up with him to talk about his experiences.

Q: What brought you to UCA?
A: I’m originally from South Florida, Palm Beach County. I was an attorney and a part-time teacher before deciding to transition into full-time teaching. I accepted an offer at UCA because my sister lives in St. Louis, and I wanted to experience Arkansas.

Q: Why did you choose Mount Kilimanjaro?
A: I wanted an adventure and had never been to Africa. Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb, so it was an attainable challenge.

Q: How did UCA help with your training?
A: UCA’s HPER Center connected me with one of their personal trainers for strength training twice a week, which helped me prepare for the trip. It was essential for the summit night, which involved seven hours of climbing straight up.

Q: What is the hike up Kilimanjaro like?
A: The trip lasted seven days and six nights and took us through four different landscapes, starting in the jungle and ending with cold and snow. You have to turn your water bottles upside down because the water freezes from the top down, and when you get up there, temperatures drop into the negatives.

Q: What was the most challenging part of the journey?
A: The summit push was the hardest. It took seven hours of climbing in freezing temperatures, and it was physically and mentally exhausting.

Q: What did it feel like when you got to the summit?
A: When we first reached the peak, everyone took pictures and I realized we looked exhausted and pretty miserable. There’s the immediate agony, but then you have a moment to reflect, recognize what you’ve accomplished, and savor it a little. Honestly, it was a pretty cool thing to do.

Q: What’s next?
A: I’d like to hike to Everest Base Camp, which takes about a week and a half to reach the foot of the Himalayas. I’d also like to climb Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, which takes about three days. I’ve always wanted to experience the historical and cultural aspects of Peru.