Cooper Justus

The 51��¥ will host Cooper Justus, manager of Post Production Services & Restoration at Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO, for a one-day residency on Thursday, Oct. 1, featuring events focused on post-production, the entertainment industry and careers in Hollywood.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cooper Justus to UCA as part of our Artists in Residence program,” Kuysik Gam, assistant professor of film, Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing, said. “His visit offers our students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a Hollywood post-production professional and gain insight into the workflows behind major film and television projects.”

Justus’ residency will feature a student event exploring the global media landscape, a public event focused on getting hired in Hollywood, and a student discussion about the post-production workflow at HBO and Warner Bros. All events are located on the UCA campus and are open to the public and free of charge, with no tickets required for entry.

The full schedule for Justus’ residency Thursday, Oct. 1, is as follows:

• 12:15 p.m. – Student Event: “The Next Chapter of the Global Media Landscape,” Stanley Russ Hall 109.
• 1:40 p.m. – Public Event: “Getting Hired in Hollywood,” Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street, Room 167.
• 5 p.m. – Student Event: “Inside Studio Postproduction Workflow: HBO and Warner Bros.,” Stanley Russ Hall 103.

Justus is the manager of Post Production Services & Restoration at Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO, where he collaborates with a bicoastal team of production and post-production professionals to help deliver some of television’s most celebrated and record-setting series, including “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Last of Us” and “Euphoria.” In addition to supporting current productions, Justus has played a key role in remastering HBO’s iconic library, contributing to high-profile projects such as “Sex and the City” and the recent 4K HDR Dolby Atmos restoration of “The Sopranos.”

Beyond his work in post-production, Justus is an active participant in the creative community. He has served as a screenplay competition judge for festivals such as Cinequest and continues to develop his own writing. His short script “Shadows” has earned multiple awards and recognition from organizations including ScreenCraft, the Nashville Film Festival and the Creative World Awards.

Justus holds an MFA in Cinema Directing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri.

More information about the residency is available by contacting assistant Gam at kgam@uca.edu.

The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.

Doreen Ketchens

The 51��¥ will host internationally celebrated jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens for a four-day residency Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 4, with events showcasing her mastery of Dixieland and traditional jazz and her work as a performer and educator.

“We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to host the ‘Queen of Clarinet’ — Ms. Doreen Ketchens,” Dominic Talanca, associate professor and director of bands, Department of Music, said. “Don’t miss your chance to experience a performance by the UCA Wind Ensemble featuring this American icon who has made her mark in music, television and film.”

Ketchens’ residency will feature a series of student-focused events, including a session with the Studio Jazz Ensemble, a clarinet master class and an open rehearsal with the UCA Wind Ensemble. The residency will also include a public performance and meet-and-greet in downtown Conway, as well as a public concert featuring Ketchens as guest soloist with the UCA Wind Ensemble. All events are located on or near the UCA campus, open to the public and free of charge.

The full schedule for Ketchens’ residency is as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:15 p.m. – Student Event: Session with Studio Jazz Ensemble, Recital Hall, Snow Fine Arts Center.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. – Student Event: Clarinet Master Class, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 2:30 p.m. – Student Event: Open Rehearsal with Wind Ensemble, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
• Friday, Oct. 2, 5:45 p.m. – Public Event: Performance and Meet-and-Greet, “Neighbors, An Art Show,” The Brick Room, 1020 Front St., Conway. This event is presented in collaboration with Engage Management’s annual community art exhibition and Create Conway’s October Art Walk.
• Sunday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. – Public Event: UCA Wind Ensemble in Concert Featuring Guest Soloist Doreen Ketchens, Concert Hall, Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street. While this is a free event, reservations are required. Tickets are available at uca.edu/go/doreenketchens.

Born in New Orleans’ historic Tremé neighborhood, Doreen Ketchens is an internationally celebrated jazz clarinetist renowned for her mastery of Dixieland, or traditional jazz, with a vibrant style that emerged in the early 20th century. She has often been called “Lady Louie,” “Miss Satchmo” and “The Female Louis Armstrong,” and Ketchens channels Armstrong’s virtuosity, charisma and exuberant stage presence while forging a musical voice entirely her own.

Her performances combine extraordinary technical skill, emotional depth and infectious energy. Equally at home in gospel, blues, R&B, classical music and jazz, Ketchens brings remarkable versatility to the clarinet. Her work has appeared in HBO’s “Treme,” Comedy Central’s “Drunk History,” Tyler Perry’s “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and “CBS News Sunday Morning.” A recent Instagram video of Ketchens performing “You Are My Sunshine” for her grandchildren received more than 18 million views.

More information about the residency is available by contacting Talanca at dtalanca@uca.edu.

The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at gayles@uca.edu.

“We are pleased to welcome these new faculty and staff members to UCA and to the Conway area,” President Houston Davis said. “As one of the largest employers in Faulkner County, UCA plays an important role in attracting talented professionals to the region.

“We are excited to have these individuals join the university and contribute to the work we do for our students and the communities we serve.”

From left: Levi Edwards, visiting professor of economics, Economics, Finance, and Insurance & Risk Management; Klavdia Evans, assistant professor of management, Marketing and Management; Tim Bisping, dean, College of Business.

From left: Kristin Dooley, chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Megan Tracy, assistant professor, Chemistry; Kari Naylor, College of Science and Engineering Associate Dean.

From left: Kristin Jett, instructor, Exercise and Sport Science, and Teighlor Chaney, social media content manager/administrative specialist, School of Communication.

From left: Meredith Easley, clinical instructor I, School of Nursing, and Andrea Hall, contracts and office manager, School of Nursing.

New faculty and staff for the 2026-27 academic year include:

• Rebecca Van Horn, accountant, Financial Accounting
• Hannah Hunt, administrative locksmith, Physical Plant
• Alexandra Nieves, administrative specialist, Center for Global Learning and Engagement
• Adara Hensley, administrative specialist, Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Samuel Holtkamp, administrative specialist, Music
• Karmyn Meier, administrative specialist, Physical Therapy
• Mikayla Stacy, administrative specialist, Housing and Residence Life
• Lonnie Clemons, admissions counselor, 51��¥ & Enrollment Services
• Joseph Kemp, director of legal services, Arkansas Public School Resource Center
• Bradley Webber, director of school leadership, Arkansas Public School Resource Center
• Connor Herrold, staff attorney, Arkansas Public School Resource Center
• Daniel Beavers, assistant athletic director/director of internal operations, Athletics
• Cade Camp, assistant coach, Football
• Hunter Henderson, assistant coach, Men’s Basketball
• Catelyn Riley, assistant coach, Women’s Softball
• Islam Alhusban, assistant professor, School of Nursing
• Oladayo Apalowo, assistant professor, Nutrition and Family Sciences
• Saqib Hussain, assistant professor, Mathematics
• Pamela Sanchez, assistant professor, Nutrition and Family Sciences
• Ramesh Adhikari, assistant professor of computer science/cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering
• Jurdana Iqrah, assistant professor of computer science/cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering
• Eddy Roberts, assistant professor of graphic design, Art and Design
• Nihal Alaqabawy, assistant professor of journalism, School of Communication
• Klavdia Evans, assistant professor of management (strategy), Marketing and Management
• WeiShu Tsai, assistant professor of music – voice, Music
• TeYhaunna Jackson, assistive technology specialist, Accessibility Resources and Services
• Rebecca Kee, associate director of Procurement, Travel and Card Services, Procurement and Travel Services
• Hannah Lynn, athletic trainer, Athletics
• Kendrick Courtney, Child Study Center preschool teacher, Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education
• Kimberly Benson, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Jamie-Lea Burnett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Elizabeth Coakley, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Dana Cockrum, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Devonda Cox, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Carol Crockett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer,College of Education
• Nicole Holderby, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer,College of Education
• Brandon Massey, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Michelle Puckett, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Kylie Sanders, CLASS Third Party Verification Field Observer, College of Education
• Amy Pinkston, CLASS Third Party Verification Project Director, College of Education
• Kyle Buckner, clinical instructor I, Nursing
• Alyssa Price, community learning assistant, Outreach & Community Engagement
• Brandon Haley, computer support technician, Information Technology
• Andrea Hall, contracts and office manager, Nursing
• Melissa Baggett, coordinator of housekeeping, College Square Retirement Center
• Gordon Schmidt, department chair of Marketing and Management, Marketing and Management
• Anna Mull, director of Development, Athletics
• Sarah Henry, director of Marketing and Finance, Reynolds Performance Hall
• Robert Warner, facilities manager, Windgate Center
• Patrick Tate, visiting assistant professor, Government, Public Service, and International Studies
• Megan Tracy, assistant professor, Chemistry
• Sydney Crouse, financial aid counselor, Student Financial Aid
• Jayden Liszewski, financial aid counselor, Student Financial Aid
• Lauren Scheuter, fiscal support analyst, Financial Accounting
• Tikyra Evans, food preparation supervisor, College Square Retirement Center
• Brent Bolin, grounds equipment operator, Physical Plant
• Selena McNealy, head cashier, Student Accounts
• Austin Davis, help desk technician, Information Technology
• Kristin Jett, instructor, Exercise and Sport Science
• Joseph Gober, instrumentation technician, Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering
• Mary Lee, international admissions counselor/recruiter, Center for Global Learning and Engagement
• Jack Runsick, inventory control specialist, Inventory
• Kenzie Blanchard, Provider – APRN, Interprofessional Teaching Clinic
• Lucius Seger, lecturer I, History
• John Eberhard, lecturer II, Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering
• Robert Jenkins, maintenance assistant, Physical Plant
• Tennille Stanger, manager of Enrollment Services Operations, 51��¥ and Enrollment Services
• Gia Taylor, professional learning coordinator, Mashburn Institute
• Jamie Jewell, project and communications coordinator, Enrollment Services and Student Success
• Gabrielle Kemp, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Lauren Rathbun, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Alayna-Lynn Solerto, residence coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Jordan Rouse, residence life coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Charles Berry, shuttle bus driver, Physical Plant
• Teighlor Chaney, social media content manager/administrative specialist, School of Communication
• Melissa Burgess, assistant professor, Government, Public Service, and International Studies
• Casey Miller, veterans and military benefits coordinator, Veteran Services
• Harland Groves, women’s strength training, Athletics

New employees were honored with a reception sponsored by First Security Bank at the UCA President’s House on Monday, Aug. 24.

More information about employment opportunities at 51��¥ is available at .

The 51��¥ held August commencement Saturday, Aug. 8, at Reynolds Performance Hall, conferring approximately 450 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School.

The 51��¥ has welcomed another freshman class of over 1,900 students in what is expected to be the second-largest full-time freshman class in the state for the 11th consecutive year.

“Our fall enrollment is right in line with our projections, builds on our retention gains and marks a third consecutive historically strong freshman class,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “These results reflect continued interest and confidence in UCA, and we look forward to sustaining this strength throughout the coming decade.”

The preliminary census report shows 1,940 incoming freshmen this fall, with overall enrollment at 9,468 students, including 7,903 undergraduate and 1,565 graduate students. As part of a planned multiyear shift in concurrent enrollment policy, 51��¥ is not enrolling high school concurrent students this academic year. In line with their missions, local community college partners have expanded concurrent course offerings to meet regional demand.

University housing is at capacity for a third consecutive year, requiring additional apartment leases to meet returning student demand. Enrollment data point to continued student engagement and persistence, with students taking more credit hours and UCA attracting transfer students from across the region.

“Seeing our students carry higher credit loads reflects real momentum in degree completion at UCA,” Kevin Thomas, vice president of Enrollment Services & Student Success, said. “Our focus isn’t just on enrollment numbers, but ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to keep moving toward graduation.”

The university welcomed 550 new students as the third cohort of UCA Commitment. This debt-free degree pathway covers tuition and academic fees for incoming Arkansas first-time undergraduate students who are Pell Grant eligible or have an annual household income of $100,000 or less. Since launching in 2024, more than 1,870 Arkansas families have benefited from the program. In spring 2027, the first wave of students will graduate with their bachelor’s degree through the assistance of the initiative.

“UCA Commitment is about giving Arkansas students the opportunity to pursue a college degree and the support they need to reduce their financial burden and reach that goal,” Davis said. “We want these students to know they belong at UCA and are surrounded by a community invested in their success from the moment they arrive on campus through graduation.”

Since the launch of UCA Commitment, the university has averaged 277 more first-year students and continues to see historically strong retention results, with 73% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year.

“As our university has expanded access and removed barriers for more students, we are proud to see that academic quality and student engagement have only strengthened through our student success strategies,” Davis said.

UCA’s emphasis on student persistence and completion is also reflected in its graduation outcomes. The university’s six-year graduation rate has increased for three consecutive cohorts, rising from 53% to 54%.

“This increase in our graduation rate represents the hard work of our students and the faculty and staff who support them along the way,” Thomas said. “We will continue refining our efforts to ensure every student has a clear pathway to completing their degree.”

UCA’s geographic appeal continues to expand as fall enrollment includes students from all 75 Arkansas counties, 48 states and 62 countries.

“We have always been committed to serving Arkansas students and families, and we are equally pleased with the growing interest we see from beyond our borders,” Davis said. “We are proud to welcome these students to UCA and Conway and provide an education that prepares them for very bright futures.”

Dr. Elrod joined the department in 2014 after teaching political science courses at Harding University in Searcy for nearly three decades. At UCA, Dr. Elrod taught sections of the introductory U.S. government & politics course, along with upper-division courses on the United Nations, international law, and American foreign policy. In addition, Dr. Elrod coordinated the annual Arkansas Model United Nations (AMUN) conference for hundreds of high school students from Arkansas and neighboring states each November. In his capacity as a co-faculty advisor for the UCA Model United Nations student organization, Dr. Elrod advised numerous UCA students who participated in collegiate Model UN conferences in Arkansas and Missouri.

Dr. Elrod earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Lipscomb College in Nashville in 1984 and a Ph.D. in political science at Vanderbilt University in 1995. Previously, Dr. Elrod served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation anti-submarine warfare operator from 1976 to 1980. Among his many roles on UCA’s campus, Dr. Elrod proudly served on the university’s veterans affairs committee in 2020-2021 and 2023-2026. Dr. Elrod was appointed by Governor Mike Beebe and served as a member of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) Commission from 2014 to 2020. He was also an active member of the Arkansas Political Science Association (ArkPSA) for nearly four decades, including serving as president of the association in 2002-2003.

Dr. Elrod was a valued member of our university community, and we share in the grief of his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and cared for him. His colleagues and students in the department will especially miss his sense of humor and dedication to higher education and public service.

A service for Dr. Elrod will take place at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, Saturday, Sept. 5, with visitation at noon and the service at 2 p.m.

The 51��¥ (UCA) Film Program has been named to . Noting the impressive films by its students and faculty, top-notch equipment and facilities, its track record of visiting artists, and its affordable and competitive tuition, the magazine has included UCA’s film program with much larger and well-known programs, including those at the American Film Institute (AFI), University of Southern California (USC) and New York University (NYU).

“Being included on MovieMaker’s top 30 list of film Schools in the United States and Canada is a major honor, placing UCA in the same company as well-known film schools like AFI, USC, UCLA, NYU and Columbia,” UCA Film Program Coordinator Bruce Hutchinson said. “Our inclusion as a smaller state school attests to our focus on developing the voice and vision of our students, the dedication of our students to commit an incredible amount of time and effort to becoming practicing filmmakers, and a faculty that cares deeply for the students while maintaining active creative and scholarly careers.

“Additionally, UCA Film has accomplished this with one of the lowest tuition rates of any school on the list.”

UCA’s Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing offers a BA program focused on production, and a three-year MFA program oriented toward writers-directors that emphasizes technical skills and film studies. The 48-credit major consists entirely of film courses, and the university offers the only MFA Film Program in Arkansas. On average, UCA Film has approximately 200 majors, minors and graduate students in the program.

The current issue of MovieMaker () also features Hutchinson discussing . He notes that whatever directions AI may take the film industry, UCA remains committed to developing the unique voice and vision of each of its students.

The magazine describes UCA student films as “strikingly daring and well-made.” UCA student films have played at a wide range of festivals from the Madrid International Film Festival, to top-quality American film festivals like the Austin Film Festival, and a wide range of regional and state festivals, including the Arkansas Cinema Society’s Filmland. Many faculty members are also practicing filmmakers and have screened at festivals around the world from London, Paris and Berlin, to major American festivals in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Chicago and Los Angeles, among others.

Nearly 175 community leaders from across Arkansas and nine other states – Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas – participated in the 40th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the 51��¥ (UCA). The five-day training session, held July 27-31, concluded with a graduation and awards ceremony.

Executive Director of the Women’s Leadership Network Dr. Shaneil Ealy received the Bill Miller Community Development Award as recognition for her leadership and support of CDI. This award recognizes an individual who has had a significant, positive impact on UCA’s CDI. Ealy serves as a CDI speaker, is a former CDI Advisory Board member and previously held various leadership roles in the UCA Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, including coordinating and leading CDI training.

“During her 20-year career at UCA, Shaneil provided guidance, direction, support and leadership to the Community Development Institute in various capacities,” CDI Director Shelby Fiegel said. “Under her leadership as the associate vice president for the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement (including CDI), CDI hit record enrollment numbers and developed new partnerships that have allowed our program to thrive.

“We are thankful for her service to UCA and her continued commitment to CDI.”

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation (CDC) were honored with the Friend of the Community Development Award, offered each year to an individual or organization that demonstrates strong support for community development and CDI. The Chamber and CDC have served as a partner of CDI since its inception in 1987. Chamber and CDC staff provide support to CDI through board service, serving as CDI speakers and as sponsors of the program. Many Chamber and CDC staff are also graduates or current participants of the program.

“Conway was the birthplace of CDI and has been our home for 40 years,” Fiegel said. “For our 40th anniversary, it felt fitting to honor and thank our friends at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation for their support and partnership.

“Our partners are the key to our success.”

The CDI 2026 graduating class chose Tannella Gauthreaux-Foster of Entergy Arkansas as the Ernest Whitelaw Award recipient. This award recognizes an individual for exemplifying the following points: dedication to professional community development practice; proven involvement in the CDI educational experience, demonstrated by enthusiastic individual and group class participation, willingness to assume leadership roles and regular class attendance; a spirit of caring and inclusion shown by a willingness to assist, enable and involve fellow students in the CDI experience; and strong personal integrity.

Rashad Woods of ARVAC Inc. was chosen by his cohort as the CDI Year 1 Champion, and Gary Bass of the Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Association was chosen by his cohort as the CDI Year 2 Champion.

Forty-three (43) leaders from across Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas graduated from the Community Development Institute (listed below).

In addition to the graduation and awards ceremony, the week’s activities featured Dr. Richard Reeves of the American Institute for Boys and Men as the CDI 2026 Keynote Speaker. Participants also engaged in several simulations, case studies and leadership development activities. A group of CDI graduates called the CDI Advanced Year worked directly with the City of Pea Ridge to explore the community and conduct a SWOT analysis to support future community and economic development efforts.

2026 Community Development Institute Graduates:

• Adriana Fuentes Archila of ACC Capital
• Amy Burton of Main Street Searcy
• Amy Finster of FARCO/Precise
• Baylea Birchfield-Renfrow of the City of Bentonville
• Beth Wilson of the City of Marion
• Brody Wamble of Simmons Bank
• Chad Hearne of the Vilonia Community Development Corporation
• Christie Lindsey of Phoenix Youth & Family Services, Inc.
• Christy Burns of the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce
• Contrena Smith of the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind
• Courtney Roberts of the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District
• Darrell Welch of Forward Searcy Inc.
• Mayor David Streeter of the City of Hamburg
• Mayor Ethan Barnes of the City of Hardy
• Georganna Cossey of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
• Heather Edwards of Restore Hope
• Jacqueline Wolven of Main Street Eureka Springs
• Jessica Grady of the City of Bella Vista
• Karen Hicks of the Union County Chamber
• Mayor Kasey Griffin of the City of Heber Springs
• Keith Cox of the City of Bryant
• Kelli Souter of the City of Magnolia
• LaJarlyn (LJ) Wesley of the City of Maumelle
• LaTaaka Harvey of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension
• Mayor Lisa Hicks-Gilbert of the City of Elaine
• Malik Barnes of Americans for Action (A4A)
• Mallory Nelson of the Little Rock Regional Chamber
• Megan Selman of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce & Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development
• Nick Stevens of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Nicole Vogler of the City of Maumelle
• Quan Moore of Entergy Arkansas
• Rachel Jenkins of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
• Rebecca Kidder of the City of Bryant
• Rickey Gulley of the Marine Corps League
• Shannon Newerth-Henson of My HR Pros and the City of Van Buren
• Shellie O’Quinn of Half Associates
• Stephen Partridge at the State of Arkansas
• Susie Cowan of The Creek Media
• Tannella Gauthreaux-Foster of Entergy Arkansas
• Vanessa Weeks of Howard County Economic Development
• Venesha Sasser of the Lafayette County Economic Development Authority
• Walter Lambert of the Northwest Texas SBDC
• Will Hopkins of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

CDI 2027 will be held Aug. 2-6, 2027. More information about CDI is available at uca.edu/cdi.

Graduate headshots available at

Bill Miller Award (from left): Monieca West of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, Joyce Miller (wife of the late Col. Bill Miller), Dr. Shaneil Ealy of the Women’s Leadership Network, Melanie Codemo (daughter of the late Col. Bill Miller), and Shelby Fiegel of the UCA Community Development Institute.

Friend of CDI Award (from left): Jordan Ester of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Brad Lacy of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation, Kim Williams of the Conway Downtown Partnership, Sarah Henry of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Fiegel of the UCA Community Development Institute, and Jack Pillow of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ernest Whitelaw Award (from left): Kevin Sexton of Hot Springs Village, Tannella Gauthreaux-Foster of Entergy Arkansas, Lisa Johnson of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and Shelby Fiegel of the UCA Community Development Institute.

Year 2 Class Champion Award (from left): Chris Wasson of Entergy, Gary Bass of the Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Association, Tandee White of Entergy, and Shelby Fiegel of the UCA Community Development Institute.

Year 1 Class Champion Award (from left): Julie Murray of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, Amy Williams of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Rashad Woods of ARVAC, Shelby Fiegel of the UCA Community Development Institute and Talicia Richardson.

The 51��¥ Public Appearances will present “Ann Wilson the Voice of Heart and Tripsitter” Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall.

Ann Wilson, known the world over as a founder and the lead singer-songwriter of the barrier-breaking band Heart, is here to stay. Widely praised among the greatest singers in the history of rock, Wilson’s extraordinarily powerful voice has helped form the bedrock of modern music for over five decades, earning record sales of more than 35 million, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. As one of the first women to front a hard rock band at arena scale, Wilson helped redefine the possibilities for female artists in rock, delivering era-defining hits like “Barracuda,” “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.”

In addition to her work with Heart, Wilson has built a dynamic solo career that highlights both her range and restless creative spirit. Her solo albums, including “Hope & Glory,” “Fierce Bliss” and “Another Door,” blend rock, folk and orchestral influences while pairing her unmistakable voice with bold reinterpretations and original material. Her newest album, “Consecrated Ground,” is to be released in September of this year. The album was created in collaboration with her band Tripsitter. Tripsitter is composed of guitarist Ryan Wariner, bassist Tony Luciod, guitarist/keyboardist Paul Moak and drummer Sean T. Lane.

She further connects with audiences through her podcast “After Dinner Thinks,” where she reflects on music, culture and the artists who have shaped her journey.

In 2026, Wilson unveils her most intimate project to date: “In My Voice,” a documentary directed by Barbara Hall that traces her extraordinary life through rare archival footage, personal journals and candid storytelling, offering an unprecedented look at the artist behind one of rock’s most enduring voices.

Tickets range from $34.50 to $57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances, or by calling UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student and children’s tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

UCA Public Appearances has continued to grow each year and now offers five unique series: Broadway, POPS, Night Out, An Evening With, and the Windgate Collection. Reynolds Performance Hall has also welcomed over 70,000 pre-K-12th grade students from across the state of Arkansas to experience live performing arts through the Main Stage Education Series. This series educates while entertaining and provides arts accessibility to all students.

(from left): Gennaro Scarfogliero of Valdosta, Georgia; George Moore of Raven, Virginia; Cecil Johnson of Simi Valley, California; Caden Heyen of Edmond, Oklahoma; Wesley Grigartis of Lawndale, North Carolina; Nathan Alden of London, England; Maverick Adams of Simi Valley, California; Axel Acosta of Lancaster, California.

Eight cadets who traveled to the 51��¥ Aviation Academy from all across the nation have completed their intensive summer training program through the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC).

UCA was one of only seven universities nationwide selected for the 2026 program and was the only program to achieve a 100% completion rate for cadets. This marks the second consecutive year that UCA has achieved a 100% completion rate for the eight-week program. Cadets were recognized for their accomplishments by the U.S. Air Force, the UCA Aviation Academy and their flight instructors at a ceremony with their families at the Bill Cope Memorial Hangar at Cantrell Field on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Graduating cadets were: Axel Acosta of Lancaster, California; Nathan Alden of London, England; Caden Heyen of Edmond, Oklahoma; George Moore of Raven, Virginia; Maverick Adams of Simi Valley, California; Gennaro Scarfogliero of Valdosta, Georgia; Wesley Grigartis of Lawndale, North Carolina; and Cecil Johnson of Simi Valley, California.

“We are extremely grateful to the Air Force and very proud to have achieved a top Air Force training status in only two years,” UCA Aviation Academy Director Dr. Brad Teague said. “The Air Force Training Program selection process is tremendous, and we have received stellar students for our two years in the program.

“As long as the Air Force will have us, 51��¥ is committed to this great endeavor for years to come.”

The program, established in 2018, is designed to address the growing demand for pilots while increasing accessibility to aviation careers for high school students. Participants were selected through a competitive process and earned their private pilot license as well as college credit. The UCA Aviation Academy utilized four primary flight instructors who helped the cadets be successful in a short amount of time.

“It’s an honor to be a part of a program that is linked to the Air Force and could potentially have an impact on future service members,” UCA Aviation Academy Lead Flight Instructor Matthew Ganis said. “The Air Force has always been a part of my life because of my dad, and I have the utmost respect for those who serve our country.

“This makes this program special to me because I see it as a chance to give back, having not served myself. I am extremely proud of all of our cadets that went through training and believe they all have bright futures ahead of them. Hopefully I can be a part of it in the future, no matter how small that part may be.”

Air Force Junior ROTC is a Title 10 U.S. Code-mandated citizenship training program that is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, and instill personal responsibility, character and self-discipline. The program achieves this through classroom education in air and space fundamentals and hands-on learning opportunities in a number of fun and challenging co-curricular activities.

The UCA Aviation Academy offers new open-enrollment classes every three months. Multiple pilot certifications are available, including Private, Commercial and Instructor licenses, as well as Instrument and Multi-engine ratings.

More information about the UCA Aviation Academy, including how to apply, is available at uca.edu/aviation or by contacting Brad Teague, director of UCA Aviation Academy for 51��¥ Outreach and Community Engagement, at (501) 450-5244 or bteague@uca.edu.