Commencement The One Hundred-and-Third
SPRING 2021
The One Hundred-and-Third Commencement
Saturday, May 1, 2021 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 2019 10 a.m. • 2 p.m.
The Stubblefield Center Fort Smith, Arkansas
Chancellor’s Message Graduates and Guests, On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the University of Arkansas System, the Board of Visitors, and our faculty, administration, and staff, I extend our sincerest congratulations to our graduates and their families and friends on this day of celebration. Earning a degree not only puts our graduates in the minority of Arkansas residents, research shows that obtaining a college degree increases lifetime earnings potential, ensures a better quality of life, and provides social mobility for the graduates and their families for generations to come. Although graduates may have completed important milestones in their lives, their educational journeys are far from over. Whether it’s learning a new skill to transition to a different job, learning from mentors and role models in life, or pursuing advanced degrees, our graduates will continue to gain knowledge throughout life that will benefit them as individuals and will create stronger communities. Days like today are joyful reminders of why we come to work each and every day: to educate students who create better lives through college educations. We thank you for giving the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith the privilege of being your university of choice for formal education and look forward to seeing today’s graduates added to a long list of Lion success stories.
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D. ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) Chancellor s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
University of Arkansas System Administration Donald R. Bobbitt, Ph.D. President
University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees
Stephen Broughton, Chair Tommy Boyer Ted Dicky
Steve Cox Kelly Eichler Edward Fryar Charles Gibson III
Morril Harriman Sheffield Nelson Jeremy Wilson
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Administration and Academic Deans Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D. - Chancellor Georgia Hale, Ph.D. - Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lee Krehbiel, Ph.D. - Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Kathy McDermott, M.B.A. - Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Blake Rickman, M.S. - Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of the UAFS Foundation Paul Hankins, Ph.D. - Dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences Lynn Korvick, Ph.D.- Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Latisha Settlage, Ph.D. - Interim Dean of the College of Business Ken Warden, Ed.D. - Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology Linus Yu, Ph.D. - Interim Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Board of Visitors
Michael Barr, Chair Gary Campbell James Cox
Jerry Glidewell Sandra Johnson Eileen Kradel
George McGill Rodney Shepard Cathy Williams
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith The One Hundred-and-Third Commencement College of Health Sciences 7 p.m. Friday, May 7
Welcome and Introductions
Georgia Hale, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Lynn Korvick, Interin Dean - College of Health Sciences
Commencement Address Dr. Melissa Efurd
Conferral of Degrees
Terisa Riley, Ph.D., Chancellor
Graduate Recognition Master’s Degree Bachelor’s Degrees Associate Degrees Certificates
College of Applied Science and Technology 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8
Welcome and Introductions
Georgia Hale, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Ken Warden, Dean - College of Applied Science and Technology
Commencement Address Jay and Talisha Richardson
Conferral of Degrees
Terisa Riley, Ph.D., Chancellor
Graduate Recognition Bachelor’s Degrees Associate Degrees Certificates
College of Business 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Welcome and Introductions
Georgia Hale, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Latisha Settlage, Interim Dean - College of Business
Commencement Address Douglas Babb
Conferral of Degrees
Terisa Riley, Ph.D., Chancellor
Graduate Recognition Bachelor’s Degrees Associate Degrees
College of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Welcome and Introductions
Georgia Hale, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Linus Yu, Interin Dean - College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Commencement Address Dr. Janet Renwick
Conferral of Degrees
Terisa Riley, Ph.D., Chancellor
Graduate Recognition Master’s Degree Bachelor’s Degrees Associate Degrees
Conferral of Engineering Degrees from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Dr. Norm Dennis, Senior Associate Dean - College of Engineering
Graduate Recognition Bachelor’s Degrees
College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences 2 p.m. Sunday, May 9
Welcome and Introductions
Georgia Hale, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Paul Hankins, Dean - College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences
Commencement Address Dr. Nicki Stancil
Conferral of Degrees
Terisa Riley, Ph.D., Chancellor
Graduate Recognition Bachelor’s Degrees Associate Degrees
Commencement Speakers College of Health Sciences 7 p.m. Friday, May 7
Melissa Efurd
Dr. Melissa Efurd is the associate dean of Academic Affairs and Institutional Research at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. After attending Westark Community College (now UAFS), Dr. Efurd completed the dental hygiene program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, graduating in 1979. She spent the next 30 years in clinical dental hygiene private practice. A goal of teaching in a dental hygiene program prompted her return to complete a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, followed by a master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and a Doctor of Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She started her teaching career in 2005 as adjunct faculty in the dental hygiene program at UAFS. Dr. Efurd recently completed seven years of service on the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. She held faculty positions at UAFS and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before her current role at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education.
College of Applied Sciences and Technology 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8
Jay and Talicia Richardson As natives of Fort Smith, Jay and Talicia Richardson made the decision to return to the area in 2014. Since that return, their community activism set the stage for Talicia’s election to the Fort Smith School Board and Jay’s election as state representative of District 78 in the Arkansas Legislature. Talicia received numerous academic accolades before continuing her education at Spelman College in Atlanta. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, she returned to Arkansas to pursue her Master of Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Jay opted for the sports route, receiving an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Westark College (now UAFS). After graduation he attended Southern Arkansas University and later graduated from John Brown University with a Bachelor of Science in business management. The Richardsons’ combined business acumen spans 40-plus years, crossing multiple industries to include logistics, operations, quality control, acquisition, hospitality, and health care. Additionally, they are owners in Bliss Cupcakes, Prohibition Bar and Lounge 78, Walkuri LLC, and Lounge 78. Jay is a partner with Resolution Equity Partners, and Talicia is the executive director of 64.6 Downtown, a non-profit with a mission to revitalize downtown Fort Smith through creative placemaking. Both Richardsons have been and continue to be highly involved in a wide array of extracurricular activities. Jay and Talicia have two children: Yuri, who is part owner and operator of Bliss Cupcakes, and Jag, a fourth grade student at Howard Elementary.
College of Business 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Doug Babb
Douglas J. Babb is a long-time friend of UAFS and the College of Business. His many roles on campus have included adjunct instructor, mentor, Dean’s Leadership Council member, Foundation Board member, and co-namesake to the Center for Student Professional Development. Doug’s industry experience spans the areas of healthcare, consulting, law, and transportation. From 2007 until his retirement in 2014, he was chief executive officer of Cooper Clinic, P.A., one of the largest multi-specialty, physician-owned clinics in the Arkansas region. From 2015 to 2017, he served as managing director for Babb Strategic Services, L.L.P., a consulting and strategic planning services company that he formed in 2006. Prior to forming Babb Strategic, he served 2000-2006 as executive vice president, chief administrative and legal officer, and secretary of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare services to the elderly in the United States. Prior to 2000, Mr. Babb served in various roles at Burlington Northern, Inc., a diversified transportation company and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation as well as staff counsel for the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Babb is a servant leader both in his professional work and as a community member. He has served in leadership roles on the Boards of Cooper, the United States Marshals Museum, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Foundation, and El Pollo Loco. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children.
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Janet Renwick
Dr. Janet Renwick is a professor of computer and information sciences at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Her instruction focuses on research, human-computer interaction, and computer programming and seeks to instill in her students that the computer systems they build should not only work, but are also systems that people like to use. Dr. Renwick has published articles in the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, the Journal of Education for Business, Decision Support Systems, and Database, with the focus of her publications on innovative teaching strategies that engage students. Active in the Fort Smith community, Dr. Renwick is a regular volunteer with the Hope Campus homeless shelter and the Fort Smith Little Theatre and sings with the UAFS Women’s Chorus. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Ph.D. in management information systems from Indiana University. She and her husband, Curtis, have two children.
College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences 2 p.m. Sunday, May 9
Nicki Stancil
Dr. Nicki Stancil is an assistant professor of media communication in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts and the 2021 Lucille Speakman Master Teacher Award recipient. She is a first-generation student from Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of Toledo, a Master of Arts in communication studies from Kent State University, a Ph.D. in American culture studies with an emphasis in critical film and media, and a Graduate Certificate in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from Bowling Green State University. Her research emphasizes critical, feminist perspectives on new media and popular television, as well as the many ways in which audiences/viewers/users interact with these media to build and maintain culture, community, and identity.
Spring 2021 Graduates
College of Applied Science and Technology Bachelor of Applied Science
Lara Ann Brisson Caleb Lee Drewry Kimberly Hinkle Joshua McCrary Erick T Metcalf Samuel Levi Moore
Bachelor of Science
Theresa L Baggett Jake Dwaine Ball Matthew Austin Blankenship Kevin E Bolin Gabrielle Lauren Brooks Spencer Stewart Brown Michael Leonard Brumley Emily S Bures Hannah Rae Chronister Cheston Wayne Cooper Rachel LeeAnn Covington Debra Kaye Dusty Crenshaw Morgan James Crenshaw Scott A David Angela Elizabeth Davis Mason DeWater Hugh T East Jomar-John Dela Cruz Francisco Vannety J Fuentes-Merida Katherine R Grabrick McKenzie Grimes Karsten Bailey-Jean Hatton PaigeLynn Lee Highfill Jeffrey D Holman Chandler LaMonte Hopson Emily Paige Hosier Austin Thomas Howell Nicole Rae Jackson Raymundo Lara Forrest Joseph Lasiter Zachery Longnecker Eddie Muongmany Laura Brianne Myers Anthony Lance Newberry Matthew Jacob Nix Tyler Adam Noetzol Pilar Faye Onstad Sydney Claire Parker Micah Dian Richardson Christopher O’Neal Rollins Jr Rachelle Shainna Ashli Roy
Steffenie B Russell Penny Jean Marie Sangster Richard Schafer Daniel W C Sharp Hallie Hannah Smith Mackenzie Smith Carrie Terry Stephanie Vilayphon Vannaraj Sarah Jane Velazquez Susan Michelle Webster Steven T West Alexander Paxton Woods Anthony C Wright
Associate of Applied Science
Cristian Avila Peyton Chandler Bader Nathaniel George Brethen Daylee Marie Creel Michael Anthony Cruz Sara Cueto Brandon Jacob Dale Colton Davis Dawn G Davis LaToya M Dumas Joseph Tyler Dunlap Courtney Lynn Edmonds Noah Engel Christian Esquivel Orlando Manuel Flores Kevin Matthew Goff Jackson Gregory Wayne Hall Suzanne Elizabeth Helton Ana Carina Hernandez Ashley Nicole Hesson Brady B Hobbs Christopher Paul Holmes Nicholas Cameron Houston David Jonathan King David M Korvick Jennifer Lara Miguel Osbaldo Loera William Garrett Lovell Alicia Tracey-Ann McCall Joshua Luke Merritt James Allen Moore Jr Emma Jo Morris Preston Michael Morrison
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Desiree Nivens Cindy Zucely Palacios-Linares Juan Palafox Eduardo Parga Danny Dat Pham Shawn T Phan Soulysone Mark Phonlasouk Edgar Sanchez Piedra Hayden Lee Pittman Joao Vitor Rachid Scheid Devon Allen Rice Jason Rubio Bryke Brydon Russell Jr Ian Nathaniel Schweizer Casey Andrew Simpson Ethan Michael Skaggs Drake Speaker Nai Jay Thao Jordan M Thompson Moonsa Mason Thongkham Gavin S Vannavong Tyler Walker Terrell Edward Washington Megan Wing
Technical Certificate
Ethan Lee Canoy Hayden Coble Drew Michael Dooly Noah Hendrickson Noah Martin Ketter Sebastian Kane Mickle Jose Luis Morales Miguel Angel Morales Nathan Painter Kevin Alfonso Sandoval Josiah Adin Stevens Jerry C Tucker Robert G Voelkel Jacob Lee Williams
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Milena Achlamov Andrew Hampton Anderson Alexandra Grace Barlow Jeremy Kevin Bates Randall Lane Bieker Chandler Bladen Wyatt Blevins Raymond Legene Boston Sarah Hayden Butler Rehan Chaudhry Diana Silene Cruz Jordan E Dart Lacy M Diaz Logan Wayne Easley Melissa England Ryan Fisher Shelby Danielle Floyd Jay Thomas Frazier Sydnie Reann Gamble Harrison S Glass Juan Manuel Gonzalez Janson Lee Graves Boston Lamar Heil William Herrera Elisabeth Rosalyn Higdon Caleb Joshua Hobday Nathaniel Lewel Holland Amber J L Holmes Alexander James Hopper Holiday Raine Hull
Dylan M Hurt Calvin Ray James Jr Tiffney K Jamison Triston A Jay Parker Gage Jennings Jesse Benton Jones Tristan Kalina Ashley Roya Khodayari Jennifer Ellen Kious Shelby Nicole Kordsmeier Quy Le Derek L Loyd Maxwell Maestri Danniele Yevette Martin Kristi Martin Myrna Matamoros Baxter Nolan Mays Baylee Nicole Miller Alexander Minero Braydon Dale Montgomery Hutchon Montgomery Clarissa Nhi Nguyen Evy Tuyet Nguyen Keesler Nye Leya Morgan Ogier Foster Kyle Pace Sarah Jean Peary Alex James Perito James Logan Petty Samantha Puckett
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Kyle Rackers Cesar Ariel Ramirez Nadia Ray Cristina Esmeralda Recinos Luke Reed Megan Kay Renfro Alejandra Rodriguez Carolina Rosales Ciarra Ryan Maribel Salas Jared Edward Benjamen Sample David Josh Scott Joshua Allen Scott Kyle Self Hayden Sexton Demiko Stephon Shade Yolanda E Simpkins William M Smith Jessica Southerland Jennifer Kay Tipton Brandon D Tran Rita Thao Tran Liliana Uribe Natasha Roshonda Walker Jericka Breann Whitlock John I Wilson Brandon S Woolsey Rodolfo Zapata
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
College of Communication, Languages, Arts, and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts
Christopher Michael Anderson Madison Lane Bare Londan T Barlow Eden Celeste Barney Hannah Elizabeth Bellgard Ethan Garrett Benjamin Illyanna R Bewley Annastazia M Bowden Hannah Brewer Aaron T Bridges Schuyler Paige Brooks Kaitlin Noel Butler Karla Jannette Carbajal Lauren Elizabeth Cervantes Cody Levi Alan Crowe Juwann W Davis Alexandria Nicole Dormois Andrew Duch Kimberly Flores Rebollar Julia Franco Eden Leanne Gardner Macy Geddes William J Gibson Allyson Heathcott Maelle Dannette Hernandez Hannah Darci Holstead Emma Margareta Hunt Julia Kovarovic Justine Paige Kyle Caroline Langham Haylie J Langworthy Brenda Joyce Lewis Andrew Ross Lorenz Tiffany Manikham Danielle Renae Mason Diana Joselin Matamoros Garcia Joseph Edward McAdoo Shandreka Deshea McCullough Safa Mian Madison Elise Miller Cheyenne Renee Moore Savannah Rose Orrison Lucia D Ortiz Anna Grace Phillips Faith Anne Preston Brown Taylor Leilani Ross Stephanie Ann Roth Johnathon Sammons Maebel Elizabeth Ethel Sanders
Mickey Sengchanh John Sewell Cynthia Lynn Steed Breanna Elizabeth Stoufer Jonna Marie Taylor William B Thomasson Hayley Khanh Hoa Tran Nicole Dyan Waters Elijah James Willis Roxanna Elisabet Wylie Andrew C Yardley Madison Brianna Yokey Drew Daniel Young
Bachelor of General Studies
Dana Renee Bojang Ibrahima B Bojang Taylor Raeann Davis Dylan Hall Garringer Matthew Vincent Vera Kia Yang
Bachelor of Music Education
James Gunner Stewart Darci Raquel Wright
Bachelor of Science
Joshua Aden Alec Armstrong Andrea Anahi Arredondo Alex Avillion Lindsey Jo Barnes Jessika Autumn Rose Burris James W Clark Thomas David Clement Kelsey LeeAnn Collins Jaelyn Ashlie Cooper Zachary Robert Delmonico Randall Drake Dye Madelyn B Escojido Lisa Michele Evans Maria Melissa Figueroa Tanner Rae Gilliaum Julio deJesus Gonzalez Diaz McKenzie Danielle Gossett Collin Lee Guillory Jessica Hall Kendra Michele Holmes Katrina L Honeycutt
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Alexis Autumn Huckbay Ellie Elizabeth Keosengphachanh Myles Austen Kerchner Karolyn Manas Migeal Angel Marroquin Briana Elizabeth McLain Andrew James Miller Erica Estella Morales Josh Khang Nguyen Jeffery Lawrence Oxford Alora Perry Kyle Matthew Piechocki Sandra Harris Piggee Belinda Sally Pineda Rangel Cody Joe Smith Justin Michael Szuba Heath Talley Anna Thammovongsa Adam Drew Toland Anna Marie Toland Noah Ryne Turman Russell Wade Abigail Rae Whitson Lindsey Leigh Wilson Carley Lynn Zirbel
Bachelor of Social Work
Ashleigh Ball Kisty Jo Barnes Cole Alexander Brisco Destinee Sierra Ruedell Crossland Samantha Danielle Fisher Nicole Moore Gardner Isamar Gonzalez Sabrina Leader Lauren Adriana Lima Janelle Alexis Moore Ena Vanesa Pacheco Candy Mechelle Phillips Racheal Dawn Phillips Eileene Summer Sharma Daija Mone’ Stokes Makayla Darlene Thacker Kyrene M Thomas Charley Quey Toney Patience Starr Wise
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
Associate of Applied Science
Angel Lynn Dye Tiffany R Harvin
Associate of Arts
Madeline Kate Slatton Benjamin Thomas Small
Associate of General Studies
Lauren Nicole DeBar Teressa Dunlap Bobby Joe Ellis Chelsey Fowler
William Miles Gray Jr Micah Lee Grizzle Rylli Dawn Hammond Kristen Louise Hawkins Terra Ann Hawkins Tito Clemente Hernandez Carrie Janine Hokit Donna M Howard Daisy Lopez Savannah Jade Lyons Joslin Joseph Marschewski Staci Elnora Mashburn
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Jennifer Elizabeth Osborn Allison Elizabeth Ousley Lillian Jade Peters Samira Price Helen Maritza Raya Rodie O’en Snell Samantha Breann Taylor Alisson Valeria Torres Krisangela Grace Welch Kristi Lynn Werschky
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
College of Health Sciences
Master of Science
Loren Elaine Morphew Madison Paige Moschner Bailey Rousse
Bachelor of Science
Morgan Lyn Bissell Abigail Grace Cole Tera Rashae Elkins Madison Dawn Gilmore Ashley N Holubeck Oaklie Jackson Carley Jordan Jones Audrey Anna Legg Celeste Lemus Megan Nicole Moudy Ryleigh Madison Neal Audrey Erin Nordin Nikole Daun Plassmeyer Morgan Paige Reynolds Jamie Gendron Richey Yuliana Stasiv Genevieve Torres Sarah Kate Trotter Kelsey Dale Webb Madison Laine Weir Hannah Westerberg Sarah Emily Carol Wiles Tenessa Jane Wroten
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Haley Rae Allen Chayson J Anderson Jasmine Arellano Irisbeth Ocampo Basilio Allison Ryanne Beames Rebekah Kaitlyn Brasher Morgan Elizabeth Brittain Ronald Anthony Brossard Jr Anne Brown Allison Nicole Church Chelsea Reanne Cole Ny Collett Angela Renee Davidson Anna Claire Delcomyn Leena Nicole Durkin Selena Bello Franklin Josie Greer Garrett Marisol Gilmer
Ashley Aaron Graves Evelyn Alejandra Hernandez Lauren Paige Hill Peter Khanh Hoang Adyson Delain Holt Caroline Elizabeth Hooper Aimee Evette Juarez Rachael Zoe Keomany Holly Ann Knox Christopher James Lann Michaela Brooke Lantz Charles Richard Lauver Matthew Mitchell Lee Jasmine Leon Huerta Perla Soto Lopez Cory McCabe Kierra Nichole McDaniel Andrew Parker McGill Keith A Mereweather Kyla Hope Mitchell Sydney Lynne Mondy Kristen Elise Mooney Nathan Zane Moore Kathryn Colleen Owen Taylor Brooke Petrey April LeAnn Pine Coral Michelle Polk Kaitlyn Michelle Pruitt Stephanie Marie Reyes Daisy Noemy Reyna-Gabriel Kensie Maree Sawyer Jessie Iris Shambarger Haylie Dawn Sigmon Brittany Gail Smith Courtney Leigh Spanel Lauren Elizabeth Stine Jessica Noel Swillum Whitney Faye Tatum Laura-Ashleigh Nicole Thompson Mary D Turner Hannah R Wafler Courtney Lynn Marie Walters Mikelah L Walters Lauren Alene Wherry Madison Renee Williamson Alex Nicole Yates Drew Hayden Young
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Associate of Applied Science
Baylea Ann Cannon Jordin McKenzie Craig Katie Helen Dannenberg Hailey Noell Delp Sabrina Danielle Dillard O’Hara Alexandra Duncan Haley Renae Dunlap Jessica Lynn Farrar Amy Eulalia Galvan Hannah Grace Gilliam Natasha Rose Heath Elham SM Hejaz Hope Marlee Hickman Aubrey May Jones Cambrie Jo Keel Jessica Nokham Luttrell Marely Viridiana Martinez Paris Alexandra Morgan Jessica Nicole Murphy Katie Marie Ogdon Jordan Michael Parker Larissa William Paige Patterson Dallas Kay Pixley Malorie Jo Radley Emilee Marie Rogers Kim Sandoval Desiree Michelle Sherwood Cynthia Raynay Shigley Kaitlyn Renee Smith Zinnia Star Ignatia Smith Jaquline Tyara Thomas Nichole Rene Tran Nathalie Valladares Kaitlin Nicole Williams Courtney L Young
Technical Certificate
Jayleigh Nicole Christine Avington Elbert Zane Brown Taylor Michael Scott Brown Stacy Marie Carpenter Britney Annette Collins Peyton Audrianna Gregory Madelyn Victoria Holland Jacob Fernando Martinez Allison Paige Michael Ember Izabella Rowe Isabella Michelle Stipins Makenzie Brooke Wilburn
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Master of Education
Brianna Gelene Coody Robyn Jean Elaine Lott Golden Michele Mulkey Chelsea Shea Peugh Bobbie J Real
Bachelor of Science
Ira J Banta V Jordan Lynn Blackman Landon R Bradley Jordan Lorene Brodie Ethan Brooks Jeanie Patricia Brown Jacob W Burton Stacie Janell Bynum Casey Cao Jodi Rae Catlett Lauren Justine Chitty George Donald Ethan Cobb III Melissa A Cook Dillon Ray Corbit Sandra Diaz Alexandria Nicole Dormois Katrina L Fisher Renae T Fisher Herbert Luis Flores Nathanael H Fox Alisha Rene Friskey Rachel Rose Marie Gallagher Coleman Gann Diana Jaqueline Garcia-Becerra Caleb James Paul Garner Elise Cleo Godfrey Kaitlyn Dawn Goines David Wyatt Goodman Christian Drake Goshen Phillip Grant Hampton Jacob Harman Jordan Ashley Hill Miya Kay Hoang Holly Paige Hodge Leslie Gail Holland Alexandria R Howard Christina Dawn Hudson Bryan Russell Jackson Alexis Nicole James Candace N Janders Philip G Jansen Harrison E Jenkins
Brandie L Johnson Haliel Juarez Christopher Keuthirath Gunner S Labyer Joseph Brayden Latta Michael D Lee Katelynn Lindley Jacob Lokey Mauricio Kenny Lopez Brandi Lynne Lorenz Lynna Mae Luff Tessie Nichole Luttrell Juan Maciel Tyler Manley Miles Mason Courtney Jo McDaniel Autumn LeAnn McKenzie Lidia Mondragon-Barron Braylin Neal Andy True Nguyen Bao Quoc T Nguyen Elizabeth Michelle Noess Mackenzie Lynn O’Kelley Leslie Denise O’Neal Angelico J Owens Meagan Pabis Payal S Patel Logan L M Pearson Susana C Peraza Victoria Alexis Meeks Wyatt Alan Philpott Alexis T R Phongsavanh Kelsey Danae Porter Elias Torres Quevedo Katie Jean Rauch Morgan Shianne Redding Skyler Ranea Rietman Brandon Salazar Romero Edward P Ruark Isaiah Jordan Schoeppey Tyler D Scott Baylie Leann Sessums Laura Beth Still Cale Andrew Smith Katelyn Brooke Smith Kathryn Anna-Renee Smith Whitley C Smith Jake R Sommers Destiny Strozier
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Joseph Braxton Stubblefield Niko M Tagle Emily Paige Thomas Cordel Thomas Thompson Garison Cole Thompson Whitney Jo Valdivia Bryce Cooper Van Kooten Elizabeth R Vecera Angelin Danielle Walker Bethany Anne Warrington Jacob D Wells Allison Renee Whatley Sara Elizabeth Whatley Zachary D Wolfe Xeng La Xiong Amanda Marie Yandell Tyce DeVaughn Yarborough Taylor Lashay Youngblood
Associate of Applied Science
Ashly Leann Bennett Lari Michele Cox Esmeralda Yaneth Galdamez Araceli Garcia Reyes Lydia Leigh Jackson Cynthia Ann Rose Sterling Ray Scoma
Associate of Science
Cameron Brady Adams Ghaleb David Alaidi Ryan Trevor Arnold Rachal Berry Alec Haven Broomfield Jacob Aaron Cox Abel Diaz-Hernandez James Carl Graham Allison Amber Green Patrick Koenig Jonathan Richard Lamb Luther Eugene Mackey Edwin Minero Captain Cody Austin Pickett Daniel Ramirez Steven Joseph Simon Tory Daniel Sutton
Technical Certificate
Mary Ellen Carroll
Spring 2021 Graduates (continued)
College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Matthew Conley July Parish Brent C Miller
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Steven Wesley Comer Jacob Edge Trynt Gaston Ryan John Keener Carlos Lemus-Perez Ezra M Martin Kasey Niemann Michael Alexander Railey Jose Manuel Sanchez Lira
■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Summer 2021 Graduates
College of Applied Science and Technology Bachelor of Applied Science Logan Kyle Buck
Bachelor of Science
John Bidcole Barbee III Beneda K Belford-Loy Mike Carranza Sarah Lynn Craig William Casey Craig Haley Elizabeth Irene Gilstrap Kevin M Goff Caleb Taylor Grace Elway Inthirathvongsy
Kaitlyn Brooke Mikles DaWaina LaDawn Nolan Joshua D Oddson Alexis Danielle Hope Rodgers Weston F Sagely Jordanna D Shotzman Loran Danielle Standridge Alyssa Nicole Williams
Associate of Applied Science
Shea M Campbell Lindsay Nicole Lucille Casanova Kalen McCrary Griffin Christa D Hibbs Jody L Mayfield Luis Alexander Mendez Jordan Paul Bailey Shores
Technical Certificate
Ashley Bounkhong Derek Daniel Broyles
Grant Michael Davis Samuel Aston Keolaphan Andrew Phomakay
College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Matthew J Anderson Michael Arreola Faith Marie Babb Jonathon James Sean Baggett Starla Renee Baker Jennifer Collene Bonilla
Caleb Eugene Bray Drake Orion Garretson Nathan Bradley Hicks Hudson Crawford Kindy Isaac Robert Lipe Gloria Imelda Martinez
College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences Bachelor of Arts
Ethan Michael Beckham Adison Grace Bennett Isela Maoli Hernandez-Castillo Emily C Hickson Shannon Nicole McGill Marisol Osorio Antonia Villarreal Pfister Tucker Lee Siddons Brandon Stone
Bachelor of General Studies
Associate of General Studies
Latavia Rollinson
Bachelor of Science
Matias Gregory Thunder Nelson Christian Edward Ramirez
Bachelor of Social Work
Douglas Matthews Taylor Jade Nelson Brenda I Sanabria Veronica Elizabeth Sanabria Mymy Thi Tran Jordan Watson
Catherine Elizabeth Brown
Lane Keith Beckett Desiree LaShae Devrow Vanessa Sarai Gutierrez April Elizabeth Hunt Randy Joe North Valicity Marie Pemberton Kendra Marie Thompson Irene Torres
College of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science
Mackenzie Anne Meredith Kathleen Elaine Springwater
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Bachelor of Science
Christine Nicole Dwyer John Preston Liles Samantha M Barnett Israel Perez Travis W Creekmore Jesse R Scott Gary Johnson III Tobin Boyer Smith Dalton B Kesner ■ Denotes summa cum laude 3.90-4.00 (white stole, blue cords, white tassel) ● Denotes magna cum laude 3.80-3.89 (white stole, white tassel) ◆ Denotes cum laude 3.60-3.79 (blue stole, white tassel) H Denotes cum honore, Myles Friedman Honors Program graduate (bronze medallion) s Denotes with distinction, associate graduate with 3.6-4.0 GPA (blue, white, and maroon cords, white tassel)
Associate of Applied Science
Susan Lynn Camp-Wilkins
Associate of Science
Erica Autrand Christopher Chase Case Joseph Lee Kelley
Academic Regalia Academic ceremonies, with their gowns, mortarboards, tassels, hoods, and maces are colorful traditions handed down from European universities of the Middle Ages. The traditional attire worn at commencement is evidence of academic achievement. Its use, which originated at English and European universities during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, came to the United States in 1754 with the founding of King's College (now Columbia University). In 1895 the Intercollegiate Commission, comprising a group of leading American educators, met at Columbia to draft a code which would regulate the design of gowns and hoods for various degrees, as well as to fix the colors that indicate the various faculties. This code has been adopted by most of the colleges and universities in the United States, with revisions in 1932 and again in 1959.
Gowns Although most doctoral gowns are black, some are the color of the university conferring the degree. The doctoral gown is trimmed in velvet, with three two-inch bars on the sleeves and a five-inch border extending from the back of the neck down the two sides in front. Although usually black, the velvet may be a color that indicates the nature of the degree. Gowns worn by master's, bachelor's, and associate degree earners have no such facing. The level of the degree held is indicated by the gown’s cut. Doctoral gowns have full sleeves which are round and open. Baccalaureate gowns have long, pointed sleeves, and master's gowns have long, closed, fuller sleeves which reach nearly to the wearer’s knees. The arm goes through a slit giving the appearance of short sleeves. Hoods The hood seems to have had a more practical origin. During the Middle Ages, monks wore hoods to protect their tonsured heads in the winter and as a container in which to collect alms. It is the most significant part of academic dress. Its shape and size indicate the degree of the wearer. The color of the hood’s velvet edge denotes the nature of the degree, and the color of the silk lining denotes the institution which granted the degree. The length of the hood indicates the level of the degree, with the doctoral hood being the longest. Traditional Colors Accounting, Business.............. Drab Arts, Letters, Humanities....... White Economics.............................. Copper Education..........................Light Blue Engineering........................... Orange Fine Arts..................................Brown
Health.............................. Sage Green Journalism............................Crimson Library Science.......................Lemon Music........................................... Pink Nursing.................................. Apricot Oratory (Speech)............Silver Gray
Philosophy........................ Dark Blue Physical Education.......Salmon Pink Science, Computer Science...... Gold Social Science, Social Work... Citron Theology..................................Scarlet
Mortarboards The mortarboard cap has been conventionalized from the skull cap which was worn by monks of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It is usually black. Tassels are worn over the left front quarter by degree holders; candidates wear the tassel over the right front quarter until the degree is conferred. The Chancellor’s Medallion As a symbol of office, the Chancellor’s Medallion is worn at ceremonial observances as part of the chancellor’s regalia. It has as its central element the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith seal. Each small banner link on the chain of the medallion represents a college within the University.
The Mace The mace is a gift from the first graduating class of engineers of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville/ University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith seal adorns the top of the mace. The four sides of the base include the names of this institution from its creation to the present: 1928-1964 Fort Smith Junior College, 1965-1971 Westark Junior College, 1972-1998 Westark Community College, and 19982001 Westark College. The institution became the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in 2002. The academic mace represents the dignity of the University. At universities throughout the world, the mace symbolizes internally the authority of the chancellor on behalf of the university and the immunity of the university to undue external interference.
Commencement Stoles and Cords The stoles and cords of the honor societies and registered student organizations below are approved for graduates to wear at Commencement. Academic Excellence Award.....................................................Gold medallion inscribed with the seal of the University Alpha Epsilon Delta..........................................................................................................................Two cords of red and purple Alpha Lambda Delta.............................................................................................................Three cords of white, red, and gold Alpha Omicron Pi...............................................................................................................................Red stole with Greek letters Applause............................................................................................................................................Two cords of black and white Arkansas Blood Institute Donor...........................................................................................................Single cord of lime green Baha'i Club................................................................................................................................... White stole with royal blue trim Beta Alpha Psi...................................................................................................................................... Two cords of red and black Beta Beta Beta...................................................................................................................................... Two cords of red and green Beta Gamma Sigma.................................................................................................................. Two cords of royal blue and gold Black Student Association.....................................................................................................Two cords of navy blue and green Campus Activities Board................................................................................................................. Single cord of teal and white Chancellor's Leadership Council....................................................................................................................... Single silver cord Chemistry Club...............................................................................................................................Single silver cord of turquoise College of Business Student Leadership Council............................................................... Single cord of maroon and silver Cub Camp................................................................................................................................ Single cord of navy blue and silver Cultural Network..................................................................................................................... Two cords of green and light blue Delta Gamma......................................................................................................................................Pink stole with Greek letters Distinction in Professional Development...................................................................Braided cords of gold, silver, and blue French Club........................................................................................................................Single cord of purple, green, and gold Freshman Council..................................................................................................................................Single cord of forest green Future Educators Association Professionals............................................................ Triple cord of light blue, green, and red Gamma Phi Beta.................................................................................................................................Pink stole with Greek letters Garden Club........................................................................................................................................................... Single cord of tan Geology Club.................................................................................................... Single cord of forest green, navy blue, and gold Golden Z....................................................................................................................................Single cord of gold and burgundy Graphic Design Association Honor Society..........................................................Single cord of cyan, magenta, and yellow Green Team.............................................................................................................................................. Single cord of dark green Hmong Student Association..........................................................................................................Single cord of green and pink Honors Activity Council..........................................................................................................Single cord of light blue and gold Interfraternity Council.......................................................................................................Single cord of blue, green, and silver International Leadership Council............................................................................................................Single cord of sky blue Kappa Delta Pi..................................................................................................................... Two braided cords of jade and violet Lambda Nu.......................................................................................................................... Gold stole with maroon Greek letters Lions ROAR...............................................................................................................Single cord of light blue and orange Math Club....................................................................................................................... Single cord of black, white, and maroon
Myles Friedman Honors Program Graduate........................................................ Bronze medallion inscribed with letter H National Society of Leadership and Success.................................. Two cords of black and platinum with platinum stole Native American Student Organization............................................................................Single cord of black, red, and gold Non-Traditional Student Organization..........................................................................................................Single cord of teal NuMedia..................................................................................................................... Single cord of black, silver, and dark blue Nurses Christian Fellowship............................................................................................................................ Single cord of red Omnia Vox................................................................................................................................Single cord of lavender and white Panhellenic Council.........................................................................................................Single cord of purple, green, and teal Pi Kappa Phi.......................................................................................................................... Royal blue stole with Greek letters Pre-Vet Club............................................................................................................................ Two cords of teal, white, and gold Psychology Club.............................................................................................................................. Single cord of gold and blue Residence Hall Association and Resident Assistants.........................................................Sky blue stole with navy letters Rotoract............................................................................................................................................... Silver stole with blue letters Salute National Honor Society for Veterans..................................................................................White stole with blue logo Sigma Delta Pi......................................................................................................................................Two cords of red and gold Sigma Nu...........................................................................................................................................Gold stole with Greek letters Sigma Tau Delta............................................................................................................................ Two cords of scarlet and black Skills USA...........................................................................................................................................Two cords of red and white Soccer Club at UAFS............................................................................................... Single cord of black, white, and navy blue Social Work Social Network.............................................................................................. Single cord of citron and navy blue Spanish Club.......................................................................................................................... Two cords of silver and navy blue Student Alumni Association............................................................................................... Single cord of light blue and navy Student American Dental Hygiene Association.................................................................................................Lavender stole Student Government Association...................................................................................... Double cord of red and royal blue Student Government Executive Board..................................................................................... Navy stole with dark red trim Student Nurses Association........................................................................................................... Two cords of blue and white Student Veterans Association.............................................................................................................Red, white, and blue stole Surgical Technology Student Association........................................................................... Two cords of ceil blue and silver To the Smalls (TOTS).........................................................................................................Two cords of forest green and white Tradition Keepers of the University.............................................................................................. Two cords of blue and gold TRIO Student Support Services.............................................................................................................. Single cord of maroon University Student Ambassadors................................................................................... Two cords of maroon and navy blue Veteran of the United States Armed Forces..................................................................... Single cord of red, white, and blue Western Arkansas Technical Center Graduate....................................................................... Two cords of purple and green Young Democrats of Arkansas......................................................................................................Single cord of aqua and gray
Alumni Association Welcome Welcome to the UAFS Alumni Association, a family of more than 47,000 former students of UAFS, Westark College, Westark Community College, Westark Junior College, and Fort Smith Junior College. Our pride runs strong since 1928! As a graduate of UAFS, you automatically have a free membership in your Alumni Association. Your Association serves you by providing opportunities to stay in touch and network with classmates and faculty. Communication with your friends, former professors, and other alumni can all be helpful as you advance your careers. Start by visiting www.alumni.edu and explore the alumni website. You’ll find information on annual events like Homecoming and our popular Little Lions family friendly events. You can also keep up with campus news, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Last but not least, follow and like us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter! If you would like to be even more involved, apply to become a member of the Alumni Advisory Council, which provides important insights and guidance to the Alumni Association. The most important part you can play is to keep us up to date with your contact information as you move or change jobs and careers. Please submit any change of address, email address so we can keep in contact to alumni@uafs.edu. You can also share life events with your fellow alumni such as marriages, births, promotions, or job changes by submissions to be included in the “Class Notes” section of our alumni magazine, The Bell Tower, to alumni@uafs.edu. We are here to help you in any way possible, so please keep in touch as you go forward. Congratulations again on your graduation, best wishes for the future, and please remember we are here to support you in every way we can. Yours with Lion Pride,
The UAFS Alumni Association
Alma Mater All praises sing to the school we hold dear, A part of our hearts will forever be here. Your banner of wisdom our future will guide, The friends that we cherish at our side. Let our song ring out for the White and Blue, To UA Fort Smith we will ever be true. Composed by William Murphy
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