Cassie Riddick, an undergraduate student, has faced many challenges, including a life-changing car accident.  

Despite tragedy, Riddick continues to persevere, from being crowned Ms. Arkansas Wheelchair to excelling academically. Riddick was awarded the M. Blair Hart Scholarship (2024) and the Virgil & Lillian Baker Scholarship (2023), two generous funds that are each awarded to one communication undergraduate student annually.  

Riddick is a first-generation, non-traditional student. She is also a mom to her 11-year-old daughter, Natalie. Riddick graduated from Northwest Arkansas Community College with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies in May 2022 before joining our department. After a car accident left Riddick with life-changing injuries and caused the tragic loss of her six-year-old daughter Violet, she was determined to not let the tragedy end her goal of earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas. Riddick said, “I have always had a dream of being a Razorback, and thanks to the generosity of this scholarship I have the opportunity to pursue that dream.” 

Riddick expressed her gratitude, saying, “This prestigious scholarship will make a major difference in my educational journey by allowing me to take all the needed classes to obtain my communications degree. Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to pursue my educational and career dreams.”  

Riddick said that this generous funding has allowed her to pursue her dream of one day attending law school, adding, “It has helped me overcome many obstacles that I face as a nontraditional student. I plan to use my communication degree to apply to law school. I want so much to give back to the community as a disability rights attorney.” 

Riddick chose to major in communication because of the flexible online program, the ability to improve her public speaking skills, and the opportunity to learn more about diverse cultures, adding, “What I enjoy most about the University of Arkansas are the amazing professors that take the time to work with and accommodate nontraditional students like myself.” 

Riddick previously held the state title for Ms. Arkansas Wheelchair: A nonprofit organization and pageant representing and empowering women with disabilities through an advocacy platform. Riddick’s platform was One Parent: One Power. She focused on educating and helping other parents with disabilities live independently, with an emphasis on single parents. Riddick represented Arkansas in the national Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan in August 2023. 

Additionally, Riddick founded and currently operates a non-profit called Violet’s Victory in honor of her daughter, whose heart was donated to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to help another child in need of a transplant. Cassie also volunteers through the Christopher Reeve Foundation as a regional disability advocate, and through Arkansas State Independent Living Council at the 2023 National Disability Awareness Conference. 

 As Riddick continues to pursue her degree, she hopes to offer advice to future students, “My goal is now to show other students that no matter what obstacles lie in your path, with a little faith, a lot of hard work, and the generosity of this scholarship you can achieve anything.” 

Written by Lacie Bryles, marketing and programs specialist

Photo by Lacie Bryles, marketing and programs specialist