ÿ�մ�����վ Magazine

Features

Kennedy Holland

Kennedy Holland, 21, was crowned Miss Arkansas 2025 in June at the Robinson Center in Little Rock. The Greenwood native was Miss University of Central Arkansas ( ÿ�մ��վ) in 2024 and competed in this year’s Miss Arkansas Pageant as Miss Metro 2025. She is the daughter of Katie and Sean Holland and a senior communication major at ÿ�մ��վ with plans to pursue a master’s degree in nonprofit management.

ÿ�մ��վ Aviation Academy Opens Bill Cope Memorial Hangar

Arcs of water sprayed across the taxiway at Conway Regional Airport Friday, Aug. 22, as the water cannon salute – a time-honored aviation tradition – marked the grand opening of the Bill Cope Memorial Hangar, which is home to the University of Central Arkansas ( ÿ�մ��վ) Aviation Academy.

Homecoming 2025

The University of Central Arkansas ( ÿ�մ��վ) celebrated Homecoming the week of Oct. 27-Nov. 1 with a full schedule of campus and community events. Students, alumni and friends returned to Conway to reconnect, take part in campus traditions and show their ÿ�մ��վ spirit. The week concluded with the crowning of Kyle Payne as Homecoming King and Abby Holycross as Queen.

The STEM Institute

Launching a trash can 20 to 30 feet in the air using liquid nitrogen in front of the oldest building on campus sounds like a college prank, but it is just one of many engaging activities offered by the STEM Institute. The STEM Institute, housed on the second floor of Old Main, is a hidden gem of supplies for K-12 science and math classrooms in Central Arkansas. Stocked with microscopes, learning materials, lesson plans and much more, this institute’s mission is to enrich STEM education with an emphasis on supporting and resourcing K-12 STEM teachers and students.

B is for Bears

Having two young children at home, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Alison Taylor was more than excited when Vice President of University Advancement Mary Bane Lackie brought her the idea for a children’s book. Taylor took this idea and began work on ÿ�մ��վ’s children’s book “B Is for Bears: The ÿ�մ��վ Alphabet.”

Loyalty Society: Celebrating Consistent Support

At the University of Central Arkansas, loyal giving builds the foundation for everything we do. Whether it’s a student scholarship, a classroom renovation or a Saturday night at Estes Stadium, the university thrives because of those who give year after year.

Then & Now

The University of Central Arkansas has undergone numerous changes since its establishment in 1907, from its beginnings as a teacher training college to its current status as a premier destination institution offering more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. ÿ�մ��վʼs campus continues to build, grow and inspire – learning from the past and changing the future.

Bears Give Back

Highlighting student groups at ÿ�մ��վ giving back to the community.

An Afternoon with Ollie

His proper name is Ollivander Aloysious Smith, but those on ÿ�մ��վ’s campus know him as “Ollie the Collie.” He can be seen at sporting events with athletic trainers, in classrooms and in Torreyson Library saying “Hello” to students, faculty and staff. Ollie, an eight-year-old Rough Collie, is a therapy specialist for exercise and sport science athletes and has been serving ÿ�մ��վ’s campus since 2017.

Honoring Leadership & Legacy

Honoring leadership & legacy at ÿ�մ��վ