Arkansas

Community College Launches U of A Graduate’s Educational Journey

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2024

Community College Launches U of A Graduate’s Educational Journey

University of Arkansas

Jennifer Miller receives her framed diploma for a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from Alishia Ferguson, associate director of the School of Social Work at the U of A. The Razorbug Diploma Tour ceremony June 24 took place in downtown DeWitt.

Jennifer Miller of DeWitt in southeast Arkansas started her college career a bit later in life, but she’s going full steam ahead now, completing a U of A bachelor’s degree last spring and enrolling in graduate school this fall.

Her path began with community college.

The Razorbug Diploma Tour honored Miller last summer during two weeks when graduates of online degree programs are recognized all over the state. Alishia Ferguson, associate director of the School of Social Work, presented Miller’s framed diploma for a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies. Miller chose social work as one of the three minor programs of study she combined for the degree.

Miller had been out of school for two decades when she enrolled in 2020 at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. She was coming off three years of sobriety at the time, following 11 years of addiction. She went on to earn two associate’s degrees while attending the DeWitt campus. PCCUA also has campuses in Helena-West Helena and Stuttgart.

She earned a behavioral health associate’s degree in two years and then went back for a third year to earn general education credits. Often, community college students earn their general education credits before they transfer to a four-year institution. That was not Miller’s original intent, but the people at PCCUA encouraged her, she said.

“I was not sure after the behavioral health (degree) that I even wanted to get a bachelor’s degree,” Miller said on a sizzling hot afternoon in Arkansas County, east of Pine Bluff. “I was not sure that I wanted to continue my education, but a lot of people at Phillips pushed me to continue and get that bachelor’s degree. I loved it. There was nothing stopping me from there.”

Students and others may not realize it’s also a cost-effective path with the lower tuition rates at U of A System community colleges that follow the student upon transfer to the U of A in Fayetteville. There are seven two-year colleges in the U of A System whose students are eligible to benefit from the Arkansas Transfer Achievement Scholarship.

Miller worked as a librarian while going to school at PCCUA and then took a position as a peer support specialist for the Arkansas County Circuit Court, where she assists Drug Court members. In her position, she uses her personal experience of addiction as well as what she learned in the three minors that make up her B.A. in interdisciplinary studies: social work, child advocacy and substance use disorders.

“In the job I’m doing now, I have been where the people that I’m helping have been,” Miller said. “I work with the prosecutor in my county, and I work with the public defender. We are able to pool our ideas together to get the best possible help for the person.”

A mother of three and grandmother of seven, Miller works a second job at a restaurant on the DeWitt downtown square where her diploma presentation took place.

“I try to be a role model and an advocate for people,” she said. “I try to bring a lot of hope to people. I have really been blessed.”

Miller said she chose the online degree program because of its convenience.

“I have a family, two jobs, and I live in a small town, and I just couldn’t pack up and leave my grandkids and my kids,” she said. “Everybody depends on me here.”

Students can choose their three minors for the interdisciplinary studies degree from among several academic colleges. The degree is designed, in part, to help working adults who already earned several college credits, sometimes from years earlier, and want to return to school to finish a degree.

Miller, a first-generation college student, graduated with high distinction in May from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on social work and human development and family sciences. During her bachelor’s degree, she visited the Fayetteville campus two times, once for a ring ceremony to receive her college ring and once for commencement. She advised anyone interested in pursuing a degree online to be dedicated and deliberate.

“Take your time and be sure you know that this is something you want to do,” she said. “Don’t go in there and think that it’s going to be very easy, and you’re going to breeze through it. Be sure you’re dedicated to this program, and you will do wonderful.”

This wasn’t the first time Global Campus has honored Miller. She is a two-time recipient of the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship for students in online degree programs. She describes more of her life experiences and how she got to where she is now in a story announcing the first time she received the scholarship.

The 2024 Razorbug Diploma Tour, in its third year, travels the state in the summer to highlight graduates of online degree programs. The Razorbug was on loan from the Office of Admissions. Global Campus staff drove the Bug more than 2,100 miles through western, southern, eastern and central Arkansas to present 16 diplomas in 15 counties. Only two of the graduates earned bachelor’s degrees. The rest were master’s degrees and one doctorate. In academic year 2024, the U of A awarded 1,013 online degrees and certificates.

Vicki Martin of Global Campus contributed to this story.

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Arkansas

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

Published

8 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the transfer portal reshaping rosters overnight and elite freshmen arriving every summer, projecting the next college basketball season has become an exercise in controlled chaos.

Still, a handful of programs have positioned themselves early as national title contenders through roster continuity, program consistency and coaching stability.

Arkansas will once again be in the mix, but its true preseason forecast will come once the portal is mostly wrapped up. Coach John Calipari knows what type of player he needs to add for his team to advance past the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and probably won’t sleep a whole lot until he signs at least one major contributor in the paint.

No. 1 seed Michigan had a stellar run in its second season under coach Dusty May, who competes for a national championship against No. 2 seed UConn Monday night. He goes up against two-time championship coach Dan Hurley, who is looking to join elite company by winning his third trophy with the Huskies.

Which teams are best equipped already for next season? Here’s an early look at who can make a run in 2026-27.

1. Michigan

UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) possesses the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the first half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Wolverines absolutely make sense regardless of if they win a national title Monday night. May added a commitment from 5-star guard Brandon McCoy Saturday who projects to be a lead guard at the next level.

Key big man Yaxel Lendeborg will be a huge loss after being a critical piece to Michigan’s championship game run. Power forward Morez Johnson should return after averaging over 13 points and seven rebounds per game.

Another likely returnee is Trey McKenney, who played well as a freshman averaging 11 points and 44% shooting in the month of March.

1B. UConn

UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) reacts after a made three point basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Whether Hurley’s bid for a third title falls short, his brilliant coaching in the NCAA Tournament is worth keeping the Huskies near the top of all college basketball rankings.

Veterans such as Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed are seeing their eligibility expire while freshman Braylon Mullins could opt to enter the NBA Draft.

Veteran guard Silas Demary has been a nice addition from Georgia out of the portal this season and will likely return as the Huskies’ starting point guard.

3. Duke

The Blue Devils are set to lose the Boozer twins, but have signed capable replacements in true freshmen Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey, Jr.

Coach Jon Scheyer’s group will continue to run the ACC until anyone else decides to be up for the challenge. If he can find a way to keep Patrick Ngongba around for next season as his key big man, then there’s no reason to count out Duke as national title favorites once again.

Duke Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

4. Michigan State

No one will ever doubt coach Tom Izzo’s ability to assemble a championship contender and he did just that with Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears and company this season.

With a top high school recruiting class and a couple of key portal additions on the perimeter, the Spartans will be Big Ten title contenders and earn a Top 4 NCAA Tournament seed.

5. Illinois

Coach Brad Underwood has made the Fightin’ Illini a raging success and nearly led his team to the promised land this season.

He discovered freshman wing Keaton Wagler before anyone else, and became a household name and potential lottery pick after arriving to school as aTop 150 prospect.

Lightning might not strike twice next year, but he’ll probably have another solid team built for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Sharpshooter Andrej Stojakovic and forward David Mirkovic are both expected to return after playing key roles in Illinois’ first Final Four run in two decades.

6. Arizona

The Wildcats were no match for Michigan in the Final Four and are likely going to lose key freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries to the NBA Draft. Keeping veteran big man Mo Krivas and key wing Ivan Kharchenkov in the rotation is key.

Adding McDonald’s All-American MVP Caleb Holt won’t hurt either as the next great freshman for the Wildcats.

7. Arkansas

Coach John Calipari knows his biggest assignment will be adding a big man or two to round out his rotation. He has a three 5-star freshmen in Jordan Smith, Jr. (No. 2 ranked prospect, JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure coming in with potential key returnee Billy Richmond to potentially lockdown the perimeter.

Jordan Smith Jr during the McDonalds All American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arkansas fans are hungry to see their team get back to the Final Four and have been inching closer each of the previous five seasons.

8. Purdue

The Boilermakers are set to lose All-American guard Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn which will be hard to come back from for any team.

However, Matt Painter continues to reload with guys who often fly under the radar or lesser known on the recruiting trail out of high school. His next team may not be as talented, or veteran laden but should be fixtures in the Big Ten no matter what the offseason brings.

9. St. John’s

Arkansas guard Boogie Fland (2) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) fight for a rebound against St. John’s guard Aaron Scott (0) during the second half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Amica Mutual Pavilion. | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Red Storm will find it tough to replace versatile big man Zury Ejifor, but if anyone can do so it’s hall of fame coach Rick Pitino. His team has been close to breaking into national title contention over the previous two seasons.

Pitino’s combination of Ian Jackson, Dylan Darling and Ruben Prey can give St. John’s a boost next season.

10. Alabama

Nate Oats has the Crimson Tide at a level never before seen in Tuscaloosa with at least a Sweet 16 or better finish in each of the previous four seasons.

Star guard Labaron Philon is probably headed to the league as a mid-first round prospect which leaves a gaping hole in Alabama’s rotation for next season.

Top 20 freshman guard Qadyden Samuels is potentially a solid replacement with a complete offensive skillset as a three-level scorer. If his length translates well to college, he can be an exceptional perimeter defender.

Oats will need to find a way to keep key big men such as Amari Allen and Aiden Sherrell around or pick up a couple out of the transfer portal to stay near the top of the SEC.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats looks on in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. | David Banks-Imagn Images

11. Iowa State

The Cyclones were on the verge of a breakthrough before falling short in the Sweet 16. Losing All-American Joshua Jefferson early in the tournament sidelined any hopes of coach T.J. Otzelberger leading his team to its first Final Four since 1944.

Iowa State will probably make a strong run in the portal to replace other key contributors. But one thing is sure that this program has staying power on the national scene.

12. Kansas

Kansas Jayhawks forward Justin Cross (25) is welcomed by Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self before the Sunflower Showdown game against Kansas State Wildcats inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Each passing year it seems that the biggest question is whether or not coach Bill Self will return for another year.

He is, at least this year, but even with his exceptional recruiting skills and a deep portal budget, it seems like a slight nosedive has taken place since winning the national title in 2022.

Star freshman Darryn Peterson’s one-and-done stay in Lawrence certainly didn’t live up to the hype. Big man Flory Bidunga is currently evaluating his options, which shouldn’t give anyone a reason to rank the Jayhawks higher.

13. Iowa Hawkeyes
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs
15. Florida Gators
16. North Carolina Tar Heels
17. Louisville Cardinals
18. Wisconsin Badgers
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
20. Houston Cougars
21. Providence Friars
22. St. Louis Billekins
23. Texas Longhorns
24. Auburn Tigers
25. LSU Tigers

HOGS FEED:

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Arkansas

EDITORIAL: What a ride | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

21 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

EDITORIAL: What a ride | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Arkansas’ Best News Source

Editorial

Get the tight pants out

8 hours, 4 minutes ago

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Arkansas

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

Published

1 day ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A major event aimed at raising awareness and funding cancer research in Arkansas is coming up this weekend.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk benefits the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, helping fund cancer research, clinical trials, and long-term survival studies, with every dollar raised staying in Arkansas.

Joining us this morning are Elizabeth Birrer, co-chair of the walk, and Lesley Murphy, this year’s emcee.

Murphy, a professional travel journalist, has shared her own cancer prevention journey after undergoing a preventative double mastectomy at UAMS when genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene. She now uses her experience to help educate and raise awareness about cancer prevention.

The walk is designed to bring the community together, survivors, families, and supporters, while highlighting the importance of research and patient care. Participants can expect a day of walking, activities, and opportunities to learn more about the institute’s ongoing work.

Online registration is available at here and closes at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1st. In-person registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2nd at War Memorial Stadium, Gate 1.

Every dollar raised during the event directly supports research and clinical studies here in Arkansas, helping to advance treatment and improve outcomes for patients across the state.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk is a community effort that combines awareness, education, and support, all focused on the fight against cancer.

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