Lights are bright, smiles are flashing, cameras are clicking, and a sea of caps and gowns stretches out in front of me. On graduation day in May 2025, the energy is electric, and I have to remind myself to pause and let it sink in. Because this is a huge moment for every single student whose hand I’m shaking—all 1,785 of them.

Some of life’s greatest accomplishments are those we never dreamed of tackling. That’s certainly true for Sue Walk Burnett, B.A. ’68, a celebrated CEO and an alumna of the Department of Journalism, which is now the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SJSM).

Fulbright College student Lily Eisold, a sophomore journalism student, works in the Dean’s Office as a photographer and is passionate about capturing the essence of a moment.

To understand just how outstanding Peter Ungar’s scholarship and research contributions are, consider one of the most recent of his many accolades: being the first and only University of Arkansas faculty member tapped to join the National Academy of Sciences.

With a little hope, a humanities education, and a lot of hard work, advertising and public relations alumna — and Hope, Arkansas native — Vickie Lynn Fielitz B.A. ’91 has turned her career dreams into a reality.

The most impactful lessons don’t always occur in the classroom, as some of life’s most meaningful instruction often comes from hands-on experiences. Essential to all lifelong lessons, though, is a great teacher.

Two University of Arkansas professors are rethinking how mental health care is delivered to traditionally underserved populations in Arkansas. Ana Bridges, distinguished professor of psychology, and Michael Niño, associate professor of sociology, have both seen the breakdown of health care from their respective disciplinary perspectives and are working to improve it.