University of Central Arkansas

Charlotte Yates, of UCA's Department of Physical Therapy, participated in the discovery of a new brain mechanism that may help explain how human beings wake up, as well as how certain anesthetics put us to sleep and how certain stimulants wake us up.

Yates joined researchers from UAMS in the first published study on this topic, which found that some neurons in the reticular activating system, a region of the brain that controls sleep-wake states, are electrically coupled. The study, "Evidence for Electrical Coupling in the SubCoeruleus (SubC) Nucleus," documenting this cellular new mechanism, was published in the April issue of the Journal of Neurophysiology. In June, the research team presented additional findings at the annual meeting of the Associated for Professional Sleep Societies in Minneapolis.

According to a UAMS press release, the research article was accompanied by an editorial that called the finding "seminal" in the field of sleep-wake research.

"The findings of [the researchers] provide novel and exciting avenues for understanding sleep-wake control as well as for the treatment of sleep and arousal disorders," said the editorial.

Douglas F. George, Assistant Professor of Sociology, recently co-wrote an article entitled "Racial Aspirations for Late Twentieth Century Multicultural America" that was published in Sociological Imagination (43: 52-68).

UCA Police Officers Keith McKay and Michael Jones recently graduated from the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy class 2007-A in Pocahontas, Arkansas. Officers McKay and Jones were two of 52 officers who successfully completed the Basic Police Training Course.

McKay, 22, is from Silverdale, Washington, came to UCA as a student in 2005, and joined the UCA Police Department as a work-study student. McKay was hired as a full-time police officer in July 2006. McKay and his wife Allison live in Conway. He is now a junior at UCA pursuing a degree in political science.

Jones, 22, is from Russellville and entered UCA as a student in 2005. Jones was hired as a full-time police officer in October 2006. Jones, now of Conway, is a freshman at UCA pursuing a degree in mass communications.

The 13 week, 587-hour course which began January 15 included instruction in standard police tactics, firearms, legal, educational, technical skills and practical exercises. In each course, emphasis is placed upon the officers achieving excellence in both academic subjects and firearms training. An officer must maintain an academic score of at least 70% on each examination, and consistently fire at least eighty during firearms training exercises to successfully complete all phases of the course.

Officer McKay served as the squad leader for squad C and achieved the distinctions of second place in physical training, third place in academics, second place overall, and set a new academy record of 445 pounds for bench press.

State Farm Insurance recently presented an $11,539 grant to the University of Central Arkansas for the development of an online property and casualty insurance study course.

This is the second gift from State Farm to UCA in the last three years. In 2004, State Farm Vice President Rendi Black presented UCA President Lu Hardin with a $75,000 grant for UCA?s Insurance and Risk Management Studies program.

Dr. John Bratton, Professor of Insurance and Risk Management at UCA, will coordinate the faculty development of the online study material which will be designed as a preparatory resource for those pursuing the CPCU (Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriting) designation through UCA?s Academic Outreach and Extended Studies Division. The course will also provide property and casualty study materials for UCA students pursuing a major in insurance and risk management.

Marcus Wallace, State Farm?s Agency Field Executive for Central Arkansas, explained the company's motivation for making the gift.

"One responsibility of corporate citizenship is to give back to the communities where we do business," he said. "We view institutions, such as the University of Central Arkansas, which are making noticeable and significant contributions in the education of our youth, as strategic partners in our efforts to build a better tomorrow. Insurance issues impact all of our lives. We are pleased to be able to have a part in providing the opportunity for enhanced insurance knowledge to UCA students, whether on campus, or long-distance learners."

State Farm is the largest insurer of homes and autos in Arkansas and in the nation, according to company spokesman Gary Stephenson.

Myles Quiben, of UCA's Department of Physical Therapy, recently became the first Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) in Arkansas. Quiben, who recently was certified as a clinical specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), is now one of 535 physical therapists certified in neurology in the United States. APTA is a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members, and as of 2006, there are 6,745 individuals who have been certified as clinical specialists in one of seven specialty areas. New board certified specialists were recognized during the opening ceremonies of the APTA Combined Sections Meeting held in Boston last February. Quiben also was awarded the Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) in 2004. Quiben specializes in movement analysis and neuromuscular examination and treatment of adult and geriatric neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson?s disease. In the fall semester, she will be co-teaching neuromuscular dysfunction course in which graduate physical therapy students evaluate and treat volunteers from the community with neurologic conditions.

There will be a UCA Planetarium Show this Wednesday, August 1st, at 7 p.m. in Lewis Science Center 10. The show includes a tour of the August sky and events, and flights through the universe. Admission is free. No admittance once show has begun. Children under 5 years not recommended.

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution sponsored by U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder to recognize the 100th anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas.

UCA was commended for a wide range of accomplishments, including "[having] more than 100 undergraduate courses of study, 33 masters degree programs, and 3 doctoral programs" and "establish[ing] one of the first honors colleges in the United States."

Read the entire resolution here.

UCA student Micah Dailey is the 2007 recipient of the Mary McMillan Scholarship Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dailey, a Batesville native who will graduate on August 10 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, is one of ten students selected from nearly 200 physical therapy programs across the nation. He received a $5,000 cash award and was recognized at the APTA Annual Conference on June 29 in Denver. Dailey has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout PT school and his undergraduate work at UCA as well. He was selected for this award for not only his scholastic achievements but for leadership, service, and participation in research including a poster presentation at the national APTA 2007 Combined Sections Meeting and multiple mission trips such as Tsuanmi Relief in Thailand.

This is the second year in a row and second time in the school?s history that a UCA DPT student has been selected for this national award.

Garry Craig Powell of the Department of Writing has just published a short story, "The Perfume Trees of Arkansas," in the literary magazine Zone 3.

Terry James, chairman of UCA's Department of Leadership Studies in the College of Education, currently is president of the national Association of Teacher Educators, which is convening this week for its national conference in Milwaukee.

Jacquie Rainey, Associate Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, recently was elected to serve as the Vice-Coordinator of the Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialist (DBCHES) and to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). NCHEC's mission is to improve the practice of health education and to serve the public and profession of health education by certifying health education specialists, promoting professional development, and strengthening professional preparation. The BOC is comprised of 11 individuals who govern and are accountable for all NCHEC activities including defining the mission, strategic planning, establishing policies and overseeing the division boards. The DBCHES assures periodic review and evaluation of certification and examination processes, recommends policies and procedures for CHES examination and ensures that NCHEC?s competency testing meets acceptable standards. Dr. Rainey had previously been serving as a director on the DBCHES.

When Miranda Morris found out in the Spring that Minton Residential College had to close for scheduled facility upgrades, she had two questions:

--What student-learning opportunities could this possibly present for the University?
--What will Minton Residential College be when the building reopens?

Following the UCA tradition of inventiveness and collaboration, two answers quickly emerged:

--Create a new learning community especially for off-campus students.
--Rebuild Minton green.

"We know that our commuter students are at the greatest risk for feeling 'left out' of the college experience because they are less likely to get involved in on-campus activities," said Morris, the faculty-in-residence at Minton Hall. "Our new program, Satellite Minton -- or SaM -- will give these students the type of on-campus experience which allows for mixing community and learning."

Sally A. Roden, Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, has been a strong advocate for learning in community and is excited about this new challenge. "No one else in the state has a program like this for commuter students, and we want these students to feel as valued and connected as our residential college students do."

Starting in Fall 2007, SaM students will have several of their classes in a new classroom created especially for them in Baridon Hall. They will also have volunteer upper-class mentors who will help them get involved in UCA activities and tutor them in key general education classes. Monthly luncheons will be held for the students and organized academic and social events will bring them together with international students, on-campus students, faculty, and staff.

During that time, Minton Residential College will be re-configured as a Green program. According to Paul McLendon, Vice President for Financial Services, the renovations to Minton Hall will allow UCA "to promote consideration of environmental issues such as the use of recycled materials and the reduction of energy cost as achievable and cost efficient." He further adds, "The responsibility in caring for our environment lies within our reach and now is the time to put the visions that have been seen by many, but practiced by few, into action."

Indeed, the rebirth of Minton Residential College as a Green "Center of Learning" will allow a greater emphasis on environmental issues as matters of everyday living and learning. McLendon adds, "It will provide a study home for those who live within its walls and an example for others to follow around the state and nation."

Since 1997, when UCA opened the first Residential College at an Arkansas public institution, UCA has opened a total of five living/learning communities for freshman and sophomore students. The third of UCA's residential colleges, Minton Residential College is a highly successful living/learning community which blends the academic and social lives of students through shared general education classes, a technology-rich classroom, upper-class mentors, tutoring, cultural trips, social events, and a live-in element where a faculty member lives in the building, side by side with the students. In the 10-year history of the program, students spending their first year in a Residential College have higher rates of graduation and academic performance.

Dong Xie, Assistant Professor in UCA's Department of Psychology and Counseling, recently presented a paper titled "The Cross-Cultural Reliability and Validity of Career Perspective Inventory (CPI)" at the 2007 National Association of Career Development (NCDA) conference in Seattle, Washington. Supported by a UCA summer research stipend and a URC grant, Xie's research examined the reliability and validity of the Career Perspective Inventory (CPI) on a dataset of 200 Chinese college students and 200 Chinese high school students in Mainland China. The results indicated that the structure of career development constructs may be different across different cultures and some of the constructs common to the Western cultures may not be valid constructs for the Chinese students. The research also provided directions for further revision of CPI in order to make it a cross-culturally reliable and valid career assessment tool which can measure the cultural influence on career development in both practice of career counseling and research in career development.

Xie also published a paper entitled "Buffering or Strengthening: The Moderating Effect of Self-Efficacy on Stressor-Strain Relationship" in the Journal of Career Assessment. The study suggested that the self-efficacy may buffer or strengthen a stressor-strain relationship depending how participants interpret the discrepancy between their self-efficacy beliefs and their actual performance in a stressful working environment. This study makes a contribution to the field by linking the self-efficacy theory to the cognitive dissonance theory.

Patrick Carnathan, a third-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at UCA, recently was honored with the Outstanding Student Member Clinician Award for 2006 from the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association (ArPTA). This award is annually presented to an ArPTA student member who exemplifies professionalism, promotes both membership and association with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and demonstrates outstanding abilities in a clinical environment. Carnathan, a native of Tupelo, Miss., has been a member of the APTA since his first year in PT school and has served as class president through his three years in the program. Persons nominating Carnathan stated that he practiced at an extremely high level and exuded clinical competence during each of his internships, always demonstrated professionalism during clinical interactions with patients and staff, and actively and enthusiastically participated at the Component and National level of the APTA on a consistent basis throughout his education at UCA.

During the May 2007 intersession, nine UCA Students and one Hendrix College student traveled halfway around the world for a study-abroad experience in East Africa. Sponsored by the UCA Honors College and the Department of Sociology, the trip to Tanzania was led by Rick Scott, Honors College Director and Professor of Sociology, and Allison Wallace, Associate Professor of American Studies in the Honors College.

For most of the three weeks in country, the group lived on the campus of the University of Dar es Salaam, enjoying frequent academic and social interactions with African students and faculty. Topics explored included Kiswahili language and literature, African development, and the 1994 genocide in neighboring Rwanda. Short trips into the city included a drive through a coastal neighborhood housing several national embassies, as well as visits to the National Museum and to an open-air market called Mwenge, where students practiced their bargaining skills as they shopped for gifts and souvenirs.

Excursions to other parts of the country included a morning spent at the U.N. Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (held in Arusha, a city in northern Tanzania); two and a half days of safari in the Serengeti and in Ngorogoro Crater, both of which lie in the Great Rift Valley; and two and a half days in the village of Bagamoyo, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, renowned center of the East African slave trade as far back as the 14th century. A day trip to the storied island of Zanzibar also added much to students? understanding of that trade, and of the Arabian contribution to East African history and culture.

Plans are currently underway to repeat the course with a new crop of students during the May 2008 intersession.

UCA political science professor T. Clay Arnold published "The Moral Economy and Politics of Water in the Arid American West" in Charles Brown and Ted Toadvine, ed., Nature's Edge: Boundary Explorations in Ecological Theory and Practice, SUNY Press, pp. 161-175.

Mary Sue Passe-Smith, Lecturer in UCA's Department of Geography, this summer presented a paper entitled "Planning for Disaster by Pinpointing Populations Vulnerable to Hazards" at the 27th Annual ESRI International GIS User Conference in San Diego, California. She constructed a weighted vulnerability index for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), based on a recently published county-level study, but with much finer detail (at the census block group level). The outcome was correlated with the distribution of Katrina fatalities both visually and statistically to test the predictive capabilities of the resultant index. Indices of this type can pinpoint specifically where special needs planning and extra attention should be focused prior to onset by emergency managers, as well as on education efforts at both the K-12 and adult levels.

Michael Hargis in UCA's Department of Marketing and Management published the article "A Multidimensional Approach for Evaluating Variables in Organizational Research and Practice" in Personnel Psychology (Volume 60, Number 2) with co-authors James M. LeBreton, Brain Greipentrog, Frederick Oswald, and Robert Ployhart. Personnel Psychology is frequently considered one of the top journals in the field of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management.

Cheryl Lyons, UCA's Director of Financial Aid, this month received a State and Regional Leadership Award from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators during the organization's annual conference in Washington D.C. The NASFAA State and Regional Leadership Awards are presented to one individual in each region who exhibits high integrity and character, who has shown creative leadership and has inspired and encouraged others to actively participate in professional development, who has made outstanding contributions at the regional and state levels over a sustained period of time, and who supports the goals and objectives of NASFAA. Lyons was recognized as a dedicated member of the Arkansas Association, the Southwest Association and NASFAA. She has been the Director of Financial Aid at UCA since Februrary 1999.

The University of Central Arkansas last week hosted the 2007 UCA Challenge, a summer science program for 4th and 5th grade students organized by the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education within UCA's College of Education.

"The UCA Challenge summer program is designed to offer students an exciting curriculum not offered in many schools," said Lisa Herrington, a UCA clinical instructor who directed the program along with UCA Associate Professor Mark Cooper. "We believe all students want to be challenged, and we organized hands-on activities guaranteed to promote curiosity and fun."

The one-week program was designed for students interested in science-based learning, all of whom attended three classes that each met daily for one hour and forty minutes:

"Of Cabbages and Chemistry": The students learned the basics of chemistry by using various materials to conduct tests on many common household chemicals.

"Beastly Body Biochemistry": The students explored the complexities of animal systems.

"Calling All Engineers": The students learned how to build and test simple systems, such as bridges, boats and batteries.

The UCA Challenge faculty includes UCA professors who are experts in their subject areas and have experience working with students in this age group.

The total enrollment fee for the UCA Challenge program was $150, which included a t-shirt.

UCA Challenge is an expansion of the UCA Super Kids summer program that began in 1999. For more information, call 501-450-5453 or 501-450-5444.

The University of Central Arkansas recently added two staff to the Division of Institutional Advancement and Development.

Bart Shaw of Conway is the new director of development for the College of Business. He earned a bachelor?s of business administration from UCA in 2004 and a master?s of business administration in 2007.

Shaw previously worked for Sigma Phi Epsilon National Headquarters in Richmond, Va., as regional director and then as director of learning communities. He was also a graduate assistant in the UCA College of Business.

As a student, Shaw was a member of the Association of Future Alumni, Student Government Association and Student Orientation Staff, as well as president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

"I am pleased to return to UCA as a member of the advancement team," Shaw said. "I look forward to working with alumni, faculty and staff from the College of Business and meeting other alumni and friends at various university events throughout the centennial year and beyond."

Carter Walker also of Conway is the director of development for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He earned his bachelor?s of business administration from UCA in 2005 and a master?s of business administration in 2006.

Before coming to UCA, Walker was an assistant abstractor with Faulkner County Title Co.
As a UCA student, he co-founded the Bear Den, a student-led sports promotion and school-spirit organization. He was also a member of the Association of Future Alumni and the president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

"I am truly honored to be given this opportunity during what is one of the most exciting times in my alma mater's history. The University of Central Arkansas has given me life-long friendships, priceless memories and an unparalleled education, and now I have the chance to return the favor as a development officer."

Shaw and Walker will be responsible for raising private funds for their respective colleges through the UCA Foundation.

"We are delighted to have Bart and Carter join our advancement team," said Kelley Erstine, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Development. "We also appreciate the College of Business and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for partnering with the UCA Foundation in an effort to secure private funding for those college?s needs including student scholarships, faculty and program endowments and capital projects."

The University of Central Arkansas announced on Tuesday two gifts totaling $225,000, with most being designated to the College of Business.

During a special reception at the president?s home, alumni Scott and Laura Roussel of Searcy along with Steve and Lana Russell of Little Rock were recognized for their generosity. UCA President Lu Hardin unveiled two plaques honoring their gifts as the university's newest endowments.

The Roussels designated $100,000 of their gift to the College of Business? Department of Economics, Finance, Insurance and Risk Management (EFIRM) to set up an endowment. The Scott and Laura Roussel EFIRM Excellence Fund will provide support to supplement faculty travel to attend conferences, journal submission fees, student scholarships and other departmental needs.

The couple gave an additional $25,000 for the Foundation?s Margin of Excellence Fund to be used for private fund-raising efforts.

The Roussels are graduates of the university, both earned bachelor?s of business administration degrees in 1978. The Roussels are regional owners of EXIT Realty Arkansas and Oklahoma, and Scott is a member of the UCA Board of Trustees.

?Love is a powerful emotion and because we love this institution, we wanted to give this gift,? Scott said. ?We hope this isn?t the end, but rather the beginning of our giving.?

Laura said, ?UCA has given our entire family a lot. A college degree is today what a high school degree was five or 10 years ago. It?s really the starting point in life for individuals now, and we recognize how important that is.?

Steve Russell, a 1976 graduate, is president of First Arkansas Insurance, an independent agency in Little Rock. His $100,000 gift was designated to the Insurance and Risk Management program within the College of Business. The Steve Russell Excellence in Insurance Endowed Fun will provide funds to supplement student scholarships, faculty travel, faculty certification fees, library needs, student field trips and the national insurance society, Gamma Iota Sigma.

?The professors in the insurance program at UCA put on their marketing caps and sold me on the importance of their program, so I was happy to establish an endowment to support it. My fellow classmates, Rush Harding, Hal Crafton and Scott Roussel, also inspired me with their generosity to this university, and I hope this gift will inspire many others,? Russell said.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development Kelley Erstine expressed appreciation for the gifts. ?These two couples are representing a wonderful contribution to this university and to the UCA Foundation. They made these gifts not because they seek the limelight but because their hearts are with this university. Their generosity is helping to build momentum for future fundraising efforts.?

The Roussels and Russells are also serving in leadership positions in an upcoming major fundraising effort by the university.

?These gifts are significant because they are generous and they are helping students and faculty directly,? President Hardin said. ?We are especially proud of the extensive curriculum offered through the UCA College of Business in the areas of economics, finance, insurance and risk management.?

The University of Central Arkansas honored John L. Ward among a host of family and friends during a luncheon on Tuesday as the UCA Foundation announced the John Ward Scholarship Fund reached endowment level.

Ward, a former campaign manager and advisor to both Winthrop Rockefeller and Win Paul Rockefeller as well a former editor of the Log Cabin Democrat, served on the UCA staff for eight years. From 1988 to 1996, he was vice president for public affairs, a journalism instructor and president of the UCA Foundation.

Upon his retirement in 1996, a roast was organized to celebrate his career and to begin raising funds for a journalism scholarship in his honor.

Recently, the fund reached $25,000, which is endowment level for a UCA Foundation scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a journalism student who has completed 60 credit hours and has at least a 2.75 grade point average.

During the luncheon, President Lu Hardin unveiled a plaque honoring the scholarship fund for achieving endowment level.

Once a fund is endowed, it is permanently established with the foundation. Only the interest earned from the fund is used for scholarship support.

Ward, who was a UCA (then Arkansas State Teachers College) student in the early to mid-1950s, said he was only able to attend college because of a scholarship.

?I didn?t have one red cent to go to college. I know the value of a scholarship, even a modest one,? Ward said. ?Betty and I are delighted to reach the point that we can see this scholarship reach maturity and soon be awarded to a deserving journalism student.?

?The John Ward Scholarship Fund is critical in that it is named after someone who is a legend in Arkansas politics, in journalism and in public affairs,? President Hardin said. ?We are proud of you, John, and we are proud of your association with the University of Central Arkansas.?

For more information about the scholarship fund or to make a contribution, please contact the UCA Foundation at (501) 450-5288.

For the seventh straight year, the University of Central Arkansas will host the National Conference for Academic Deans from July 21 to 23 at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center on campus.

More than 50 deans from across the nation are expected to attend, with some coming from as far away as Florida, South Dakota and Minnesota.

The conference offers the opportunity for professional development and networking in a relaxed, intimate setting.

"There will be several useful sessions," said Neil Hattlestad, dean of UCA's College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. "It is a wonderful opportunity for deans and associate deans at UCA and elsewhere to gain timely information that will allow them to function more effectively."

The theme for this year's conference is "Building Bridges, Building Teams: Issues of Change for Academic Leaders." Plenary sessions and panel discussions will center on the findings of Jim Collins, the internationally-recognized author of the best-selling book, "Good to Great." A copy of Collins' most recent publication, "Good to Great and the Social Sectors," will be distributed to each conference participant.

Established in 1941 by Schiller Scroggs and Henry Bennett of Oklahoma State University, the NCAD is the oldest organization of its kind. The conference was held at OSU until 1996, when it relocated to the University of Memphis. In 1999, the conference moved to Texas Womens' University before settling at UCA in 2001.

In 2004, the conference planning committee recommended that UCA become the permanent host.

"It is good for UCA to have higher education administrators from around the country visit our campus and become acquainted with all of the good things happening at UCA," Hattlestad said. We recruit faculty nationally, so it helps to have administrators we can call, when hiring faculty, who have first-hand knowledge of UCA."

Hattlestad said another highlight of the conference will be an address at the Saturday banquet by Jane Earley, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

"Dean Earley is a very articulate speaker and highly regarded nationally as a leader in higher education," Hattlestad said. "She was the program chair for the 1980 conference, which is indicative of her long history of active involvement in the NACD."

The program chair for the conference is Dr. Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Troy University in Alabama. Fulmer has enlisted the help of other experienced administrators, including Dr. Kaylene Gebert, Provost at Middle Tennessee State University and Dr. Ed Roach, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of Troy University.

The perennially popular session for new deans will be directed by Dr. Robert Houston, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Henderson State University, and Dr. Bette Midgarden, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

The University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association today awarded its first service award to Bill Plummer of Plumerville.

The service award was designed to honor an individual or couple, who through their deeds or actions, reflect and recognize the importance of the UCA Alumni Association and demonstrate extraordinary commitment, dedication, service and loyalty to the association.

Plummer is a 1951 graduate of the university and has served the association since 1994, holding positions on various committees and the executive board. He is currently serving his fourth term as the alumni association president. He holds a lifetime membership with the association, is a member of the Half-Century Club and has established a scholarship for students majoring in theatre at UCA. Plummer also has served on numerous university committees and currently serves on the UCA Foundation Board.

Fellow alumna Betty Ramsey was one of many who nominated Plummer for the award. In her nomination letter, she wrote, "He is an excellent example of an alumni member who continues to serve long after graduation."

Another alumnus wrote, "When I think of the UCA Alumni Association, it is hard not to equate it with Bill Plummer. He epitomizes the spirit and support that has provided the vision and strength that has made our alumni association and our university what it is today."

After a program reflecting on the history of the alumni association and recognizing its past presidents, UCA President Lu Hardin presented Plummer with the award.

"Bill Plummer is not only a great friend of the university, but he is a close personal friend of mine as well. Bill perfectly embodies the spirit of a UCA alumnus; he is committed to the university, active, hardworking and generous with his time and devotion to UCA," President Hardin said.

"I am so honored to receive this award," Plummer said. "I never expected to receive an award for doing something I love so much. Volunteering and serving this university and its alumni association is my passion. I benefit as much as I give because being involved keeps me connected with old friends and helps me make new ones. I would encourage all alumni and friends of the university to become a part of the alumni association. It will change your life."

Jan Newcomer, director of alumni services, said, "In 2005, the alumni board began to discuss the need for a venue to recognize the service and volunteerism of our most dedicated alumni. It was decided that UCA?s centennial year would be the most appropriate time to present the first award, and I can think of no one more deserving of this inaugural award than Bill Plummer."

The University of Central Arkansas Honors College today is hosting the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Workshop on Technology in Education.

"UCA continues to be a leader in honors college education," said UCA President Lu Hardin in his welcoming remarks this morning. "As the home of the first honors college in Arkansas, UCA is a place other universities consult about how to construct a world-class honors college."

The workshop, which runs through Sunday, is a partnership of the NCHC and UCA's Honors College, and it aims to educate and empower participants in the principles and practices of using technology to enhance honors programs and colleges.

Participants include deans of honors colleges from some of the largest universities in the nation.

Sessions will examine uses of technology in the classroom, in administration (such as record keeping, communication, and recruiting), and in the establishment of a strong web presence with dynamic websites and decentralized content management strategies.

UCA's Honors College is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and is one of only five degree-granting honors colleges in the nation. It was one of the first honors colleges established in the nation, and it is one of the most fully developed honors colleges.

The Honors College serves UCA and the larger community by providing a specially designed curriculum of interdisciplinary studies for academically talented and motivated undergraduate students. More information is available at (501) 450-3198 or http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/honors.

The University of Central Arkansas will host the 20th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) from July 30th to August 3rd in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center on the UCA campus in Conway.

CDI trains local officials, board members, and citizens from all walks of life to strengthen their local economies and build communities.

UCA is home to the nation's first Community Development Institute, which was founded in 1987. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, West Virginia, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council (CDC), has been created. Now referred to as CDI Central, the Arkansas program has attracted sponsors such as Entergy, AT&T, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Community Development Society.

The complete institute experience involves a curriculum of over 100 hours with corporate, academic and governmental community and economic development professionals serving as faculty. Participants complete one-third of the total curriculum each summer for three summers. At the end of the third summer, many participants take the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) test, which is sanctioned by the Community Development Council (CDC), a professional certification organization which sets curriculum guidelines for Community Development Institutes throughout the country. Graduates of CDI are invited back to continue their education each summer through participation in the Advance Year Option, which offers in-depth study of key current community education topics and best practices.

Students can also earn continuing education units and graduate credit by attending CDI. The CDI curriculum is now linked to the UCA?s Master of Science in Community and Economic Development (MSCED) graduate degree program.

Registration information is available by contacting Mary Ellen Klotz at 501-450-5372 or e-mail mklotz@uca.edu. Visit the Academic Outreach web site for a brochure and application at www.uca.edu/aoep/cdi. This project is coordinated by the UCA Division of Academic Outreach, which offers educational opportunities to Arkansas communities.

Theater patrons purchased almost 3,000 tickets to attend the inaugural Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, which included three productions performed last month at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

"I think any way that you measure it, we had a successful first season," said Matt Chiorini, the festival's producing artistic director. "The audiences were all pleased and excited to find such high quality professional family-friendly theater outside of Little Rock and have vowed to make this trip an annual outing."

The festival took place from June 14-24, with performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Man of La Mancha," and "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare." Curtain speeches were delivered by Donna Sossamon Townsell, State Senator Gilbert Baker, and UCA President Lu Hardin.

Residents of Faulkner County comprised the bulk of attendees, but a surprising 25 percent came from other areas, including Bentonville, Fayetteville, Greenbrier, Hot Springs, and Fairfield Bay, as well as Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Audience surveys revealed a diverse mix of ages, races, education and income levels.

Since the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre was launched seven months ago, it has raised approximately $134,000, with significant contributions from UCA and the Conway Advertising and Promotions Commission.

"The Arkansas Shakespeare Festival was the perfect combination of live theater featuring talented actors, both new and familiar," said Penny Hatfield, who is a member of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre's board of directors. "AST is a tremendous opportunity for Conway. It brought people from all over Arkansas -- in fact, I visited with a family from Walnut Ridge. Audiences really enjoyed the performances and learned that Shakespeare doesn't have to be stiff and dull; it can be lively, exciting and a lot of fun. As Conway continues to grow and increase its arts offerings, it will become a destination for live theater in Arkansas."

With that in mind, Chiorini has even more ambitious plans for next year's festival.

"Our audiences will be able to see more great theater, but spread out over three weekends instead of two," Chiorini said. "Additionally, some of their favorite actors, directors, and designers will undoubtedly be returning, along with some more local favorites. We'll likely announce the shows in a few months, but I think we can safely say that our audiences can expect more hysterical comedy, great drama, and classic Shakespeare. We've had a lot of suggestions on where to go from here, and we've taken them all to heart. This year's festival was a great start, but next year will really put us on the map not just in Central Arkansas but throughout the Southeast."

A team from the University of Central Arkansas placed second in a national case study competition sponsored by StudentAffairs.com.

"This is another example of UCA students achieving excellence among the best universities in the nation," said UCA President Lu Hardin.

The UCA team included Brandi Mair, Rikki Turner, Casey Stephens, and Steven Yeagley, who recently completed their first year in UCA's College Student Personnel Services and Administration master's degree program. Dr. Charlotte Cone, UCA's assistant provost, served as the advisor for the UCA team, and Dr. John W. Smith is the program coordinator for the College Student Personnel Services and Administration program, which is located in the Department of Leadership Studies within UCA's College of Education.

Forty teams submitted final presentations for this year's competition, which required the development of a PowerPoint presentation on "Hot Topics" in technology.

The top five teams were:
1. Florida State University
2. University of Central Arkansas
3. University of Texas
4. New York University
5. North Carolina State University

A team from UCA finished third in the competition last year.

More information about the competition is available at http://www.studentaffairs.com/vcs/index.html.