每日大赛网站

Menu

每日大赛网站 College of Business Recognizes Outstanding Students of 2025-2026

At its annual Outstanding Student Awards Banquet, the 每日大赛网站 College of Business announced and celebrated the Outstanding Students selected for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The awards given celebrate students who stood out for their academic performance or their service to student organizations. The following students were selected because they have optimized their education by combining exemplary academic performance with internships, volunteerism, professional development, experiential education, and participation in clubs and other important experiences.

One student selected for an academic award is then chosen as COB’s Outstanding Student of the Year.

Outstanding Students of the Year

ACADEMIC AWARDS

College of Business Outstanding Student of the Year

Mason Smith
Also: Outstanding Finance Student of the Year

Future plans: “I have accepted a position as one of two banker foundation trainees at Simmons Bank. I will work at their headquarters in an 18-month training program rotating through departments such as corporate finance, retail banking, HR, and credit. I am excited to work with one of the best banks in Arkansas to learn how banks operate and contribute to helping communities.”

Outstanding Accounting Student

Lucas Hayes

Future plans: “I will assume an audit position at Ernst & Young in Rogers, Arkansas, starting in September.”

Outstanding Master of Accountancy Student

Jarrod Wheeler

Future plans: “Continue working at Landmark CPAs in the Tax Department.”

Outstanding Information Systems Student

Isaiah Kelly

Future plans: “After graduation, I intend to start my career as a data analyst and continue developing my technical and analytical skills. I plan on building experience with tools such as SQL, Python, and data visualization, with the long term goal being a senior data analyst.”

Outstanding Computer Information Systems Student

Wyatt Held

Future plans: “Work full time earning certifications, after experiencing work for a while I will consider grad school.”

Outstanding Data Analytics Student

Keegan Neeley

Future Plans: “Hopefully I’ll reach the job market with enough heat that they find me the best available candidate, but that’s not where I plan on stopping. I would love to go after my masters (or even my doctorate) in the future. Hopefully I can do both as me and my family move forward on our separate and joined journeys.”

Outstanding Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics Student

Katie Brown

Future plans: “After graduation, I plan to continue working in data analytics and use my skills to support data-driven decision-making and improve outcomes within my organization.”

Outstanding Economics Student

David Tooley

Future plans: “I intend to pursue my doctorate in economics at Florida State University.”

Outstanding Insurance & Risk Management Student

Macy Moring

Future plans: “After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the insurance industry in the Central Arkansas area. I hope to work at an agency that offers a clear path toward becoming a producer. My goal is to continue building my knowledge of insurance and risk management while gaining hands-on experience in the field. I look forward to developing strong professional relationships, growing my skills, and establishing a long-term career helping clients protect what matters most to them.”

Outstanding Management Student

Ashlyn May

Future plans: “I am going to get my master’s in Information Management here at 每日大赛网站 and continue playing on the Women’s Soccer team.”

Outstanding Marketing Student

Rylie Melton

Future plans: “For the first 6 months after graduation, I plan to go through a 6-month online portfolio school program. So I will not immediately be applying for jobs after graduation. I will be going through an Art Direction program where I will learn everything about Art Direction in Advertising, including designing, creating campaigns, and working with Adobe. Once I complete that program, my goal is to pursue a full-time position in an Advertising Agency!”

Outstanding Innovation & Entrepreneurship Student

JoAnna Young

Future plans: “To find a job after graduation, connect with other entrepreneurs, and get started on opening my own business.”

Outstanding Logistics & Supply Chain Management Student

Angela Weng

Future plans: “I’ve interviewed for a job, and I’m in the onboarding process right now!”

Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student

Joseph Somervell

Future plans: “I aimed to begin teaching adjunct classes and take the next steps in my career. I started teaching the semester after I graduated. I use the skills I have gained in my current role and am exploring options for the right next full-time role.”

Outstanding Human Resources Student

Kierston Huff聽(not pictured)

Outstanding General Business Student

Drew Duckhorn聽(not pictured)

Outstanding Online Business Student

Savannah Smith聽(not pictured)

SERVICE AWARDS

Outstanding BUILD Student

Logan Redd

Future plans: ” I intend to become an auditor for a firm with the future hope of becoming a forensic accountant.”

Outstanding Beta Alpha Psi Leader

Alexandra L. Wayne

Future plans: “By utilizing my financial and healthcare administration skills, which I have developed over my academic career and will further develop through my internship, I want to pursue a career with a hospital or healthcare organization to make an impact on their long-term sustainability and achieve more favorable patient outcomes.”

Outstanding Accounting Club Leader

Kady Harper-Morrison

Future plans: “After graduation, I intend to pursue CPA licensure as I work full time as an audit staff.”

Outstanding Gamma Iota Sigma Leader

Madelyn Neel

Future plans: “After graduating in December, I plan to start working full time in the insurance industry and continue my education through attaining insurance designations.”

Outstanding BASCOM Leader
(Bears for Advancing Supply Chain and Operations Management)

Grant Kemp

Future plans: “After graduation I hope to land an inventory management role here in Central Arkansas. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned here at 每日大赛网站 and my internships at the Allen Lund Company and Tractor Supply Company.”

Outstanding FBLA Collegiate Leader

Kaddie Bailey

Future plans: “Upon graduation, I will start my MAcc degree in the fall of 2026. I then plan to prepare and sit for my CPA licensure exam. One day in the future, I plan to open my own consulting firm, focusing my services on small and family-owned businesses. I also aspire to open my own foundation that focuses on youth financial literacy. I also plan to eventually go to seminary and do a two-year Journeyman program with the North American Mission Board.”

Outstanding Girls Who Code Leader

Jewell Callahan

Future plans: “Work as a software engineer for a couple of years before eventually transitioning into DevOps or cybersecurity.”

Outstanding Marketing & Sales Club Leader

Rylie Melton


see also: Outstanding Marketing Student of the Year

Outstanding Finance Club Leader

Payton Jarvis

Future Plans: “After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in finance while continuing to grow my business experience. As a licensed pilot, I also hope to explore opportunities in corporate aviation, combining my passion for flying with my professional goals. Long term, I hope to build a career that blends finance and aviation.”

Posted in: Accounting, CISA, COB News, draft, EFIRM, Featured News, Gamma Iota Sigma, Girls Who Code, Insurance and Risk Management program, Marketing & Management, _Awards on April 27, 2026 Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Students Share Impacts of Donor Support

On March 12, we have 24 hours to come together and make a difference for students. Gifts that support students are truly life-changing.

Hear from our senior business students of all majors as they share how 每日大赛网站’s Day of Giving contributes to scholarships and experiences that drive them toward success. Every gift matters!

You can make an impact right now by visiting聽聽and giving to any of our business funds. Current business students want you to know that all gifts, large or small, impact their success when you participate in 每日大赛网站’s Day of Giving.

KIMBERLY NURICUMBO

每日大赛网站 Economics major with a Finance minor, expected graduation in May 2026

Thanks to the support of our donors, it has been possible for me to dive into life-changing academic and personal growth opportunities, like pursuing my passion for Economics and Finance while studying abroad. As a first-generation student, that support makes a profound impact on my success, and that kindness inspires me to eventually give back to the community that has so generously supported me. I鈥檓 beyond grateful we have donors ready to invest in the future of our community, and I am truly honored to be a recipient of that support!

TYMERA MARSH

每日大赛网站 major in Marketing with a minor in Computer Information Systems, expected graduation in May 2026

The scholarship I received has played an important role in my success as a student at 每日大赛网站 by significantly reducing the stress I experienced during my first two years of college. Before receiving it, my family had to contribute toward my tuition, which often caused anxiety鈥攅specially around class registration time when payments were due. Since receiving this scholarship, a financial burden has been lifted off me and allowed me to focus more on my academics, leadership roles, and overall college experience rather than worrying about how my education would be paid for. Beyond financial support, the scholarship has created meaningful opportunities for connection and growth. At the Scholarship Reception, I met other recipients, networked with faculty, and heard inspiring stories from panelists that reinforced the importance of perseverance, community, and giving back. This scholarship has not only supported my education financially but has also encouraged me to stay motivated, pursue opportunities, and continue working toward my goals as a marketing student. It makes me feel even more connected to and supported by the 每日大赛网站 community, reminding me that I am truly a part of the 每日大赛网站 family.

IZZY SAETELLE

Current Master of Accountancy student with expected graduation in May 2026,聽BBA in Accounting in ’25

With the聽help聽of generous donations to the 每日大赛网站 College of Business, I have been able to supplement聽my education with trips to student conferences and competitions to gain real world聽experience and expand my professional network beyond聽central Arkansas.
The scholarships I received have allowed me to keep my education at the front of聽my mind by helping聽alleviate聽the financial pressures of college, but a聽scholarship聽can do so much for a student beyond just helping聽pay the bills. It can be a vote of confidence that someone believes in you, and that extra reassurance that you deserve to be here.

MASON SMITH

每日大赛网站 double major in Finance and Insurance & Risk Management, expected graduation in May 2026

Being a recipient of scholarships has provided me with the stability and confidence to excel within the College of Business. This generous support has allowed me to participate in opportunities that have bridged the gap between the classroom and the real world.聽Instead of focusing on financial constraints, I鈥檝e had the time to engage deeply with my coursework and secure internships that are preparing me for a career in finance.聽I am honored to share my story to ensure future students have access to the same life-changing resources, and聽I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to the donors who invest in our success and make these opportunities possible.

ABBY BOUNDS

Current Master of Science in Data Analytics Student, BBA in CISA ‘ 25

Being a part of the College of Business has been one of the greatest blessings of my college career. My classmates have become close friends and my professors have become mentors through my time here. Because of generous donations to the college, I have also been on 3 life-changing trips. The first was the chance to compete at Manhattan College, and the second and third trips were there WECode Conference at Harvard University (2025, 2026). In my time here, I have been able to teach 11,000+ Arkansas students about computer science and technology, and the college has more than supported me on this dream. I never imagined that my college would become one of my greatest cheerleaders. These experiences gave me experiences, insights, and connections that have directly led to me pursuing a higher degree and being competitive in the job market. I am so grateful for the growth I have seen in myself over these past few years, and it is special to look back and see how the College of Business was a part of that journey. When you give, it makes a difference, and we get to grow.

On March 12, Bears across the country will come together to support scholarships, academic programs, and the organizations that help students thrive. It鈥檚 one day to show what this community can do when we stand together.

Your participation matters. Every gift. Every voice.

Take it directly from these students – By giving to the 每日大赛网站 College of Business, you can help students reach their educational goals and impact their lives for the better.聽Stay tuned for more student stories as we build toward 每日大赛网站’s Day of Giving on March 12!

If you want to learn more about 每日大赛网站 Day of Giving or give to other 每日大赛网站 funds, visit聽.

 

Posted in: COB News, Featured News on March 9, 2026 Tagged: , , , ,

AR Insurance Hall of Fame Honors Five Inductees & Awards Seven Scholarships

Hundreds of industry professionals gathered as the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame honored five new inductees and awarded seven scholarships to insurance students at its annual Induction Banquet on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

The 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame inductees are:

Sonia Bell, LUTC Retired owner, Sonia Bell Agency, Conway, AR pictured with her daughter Angela Bickford

* Charles C. 鈥淏uddy鈥� Campbell (1923 鈥� 2003)
Retired Executive Vice President, Rebsamen Insurance, Little Rock, AR
Campbell’s daughter, Pam Plummer, pictured

Jim House, CHC, CLU
Retired President and CEO, USABLE Life, Searcy, AR
pictured with his wife Sue

Roland W. Julian, CIC, CLU, ChFC
President, Rogers Insurance Agency, Rogers, AR

Terry Youngblood
President, Youngblood Insurance Agency, Inc. 鈥� a division of Crosspointe Insurance Advisors, LLC, Texarkana, AR

Gabriella Adkins, Mason Smith, Cole Vangsnes, Samuel Roper, Peyton 鈥淜ai鈥� Davis, William Van Asche, and Emma Daughtrey were named the 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame Scholars at the banquet.

Full-time 每日大赛网站 students qualify for the scholarship if they major in Insurance and Risk Management and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame was created in 2015 to identify and honor distinguished insurance industry professionals with strong ties to Arkansas who exemplify innovation, social responsibility, leadership, and professional excellence; have made broad-encompassing and lasting contributions to advance the role of insurance in society; and have significantly impacted the lives of many Arkansans.

每日大赛网站 was chosen as the host and beneficiary of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame because of their diligent work to create and nurture a nationally recognized undergraduate degree program in insurance and risk management.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame seeks to remind the public of the important role the insurance industry plays in securing the well-being of both individuals and businesses, to inspire the next generation of leadership to reach these high levels of accomplishment and to encourage young Arkansans to consider careers in the insurance industry.

Posted in: COB News, Featured News, Insurance and Risk Management program, _Awards, _Scholarships on October 19, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,