University of Central Arkansas

"i.d.e.a.l. provided me with the opportunity to learn the components of leadership and put my leadership skills into action. Through Ideal, I was able to meet other amazing young leaders like myself, and form friendships that will make for great connections and a strong network in the future. Ideal was a building block for me to be able to adjust to college life and get plugged in immediately.  -- Lindsey Cason

"i.d.e.a.l. is an organization that takes you out of your normal comfort zone of friendships. It creates a bond among the most unique people on UCA campus, all of these people have in some way or another the same "tick" inside their clocks. As a freshman coming from an unreal high school schedule this was the perfect way for me to see that same schedule evolve in my college career as well."  -- Anna Lee Carter

"i.d.e.a.l. was absolutely the best thing that I participated in my freshman year. When asked to this day how to define what i.d.e.a.l. is, I can not put a definition to it. I met thirty different individuals from all around the state that were just like me. We all came together for one common purpose, and that was to become better leaders. i.d.e.a.l. allowed me to be myself and it gave me the confidence that I needed to explore UCA's campus. It's hard being a freshman and not knowing what to do or where to even start. I'm so passionate about this organization because it has led me to find my very best friends and it has given me the skills that I needed to become a stronger leader and role model. I'm so thankful that I was able to participate in this organization, and I would recommend it to all freshmen that will be attending UCA." -- Stephanie Sanders

“After a year in college, I am proud to say that I have accomplished some of my goals and I am steadily striving to reach the others.  I know that I can achieve them, one at a time…”  --April Smith

    “The best way to lead is by example.  There is nothing better than encouraging others with your consistency and dependability.  A leader who shows rather than tells others what to do inspires them to be better.  Talk the talk and walk the walk…”  --Scott Smith

     “In the future, now that I have been a part of i.d.e.a.l., I see myself as having an obligation to use my acquired skills on campus in becoming an influential student leader…”  --Joel Harris

     “I would recommend that others take part in [i.d.e.a.l.] because it is an experience that will make the transition into college much easier for freshmen by allowing them to meet people and become acquainted with UCA, while at the same time honing their leadership talent…”  --Tracy Hopkins

    “I feel that I have an advantage over my peers who have not been through i.d.e.a.l. because of the people in leadership roles that I have formed relationships with.  Leadership provides confidence, and confidence is the key to success.” --Amy Bozarth

    “i.d.e.a.l. has allowed me to become more familiar and comfortable with the UCA campus and atmosphere.  Therefore, I am more confident and happy about being here at UCA and in Conway.”  --Carly Storts

    “As my freshman year comes to an end, I am proud that I am well-educated about the University and about college life.”  --Jonathan Davis

    “I think I have a an upper-hand because of i.d.e.a.l..  I don’t have to second-guess myself.  I feel that I don’t have to ask those million questions freshmen usually have to ask because I know where almost everything is located.  I know where to go and who to ask for help or advice with different problems or decisions to be made.  I know how to work better with people and to communicate with people different from me.”  --Mable Block

Alumni of i.d.e.a.l. have gone on to serve as SGA Executive Presidents, SGA Executive Vice-Presidents, SGA Class Officers, Fraternity and Sorority Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Executive Members, Homecoming Chairs, and RSO Executive Members.  Many alumni and members of i.d.e.a.l. have gone on to form their own clubs and are active in the great Conway and Arkansas community.

Many i.d.e.a.l. members and alumni are recognized each semester for academic success as both Dean's List students and Presidential Scholars.  Additionally, each year six graduating/senior students are named as Outstanding University Students for both academic and extracurricular success.  Since i.d.e.a.l.'s founding most of those recipients have been i.d.e.a.l. alumni!