Degrees That Open Doors: Fulbright College Alumni Experience Early Career Success

The University of Arkansas’ Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has a long history and tradition of fostering an environment of discovery across a wide range of academic disciplines.

And with 19 departments and schools and numerous centers and academic programs, it offers students a rich and widely varied academic path that leads to post-degree success in graduate or pre-professional school and multiple career paths.

The following featured young alumni exemplify how dedication coupled with a degree from Fulbright College can translate into early career success.

Karlie Barnett

Karlie Barnett, a 2023 graduate, has been using her degrees in history and political science to advance her political aspirations. She said her studies have allowed her to pursue her interests while translating those interests into a meaningful career.

Barnett reflected on how Fulbright College gave her the freedom to explore her varied passions and supported both her academic and professional growth. She specifically credits Kelly Hammond, an associate professor and director of the International and Global Studies program, and Janine Parry, a University Professor Emeritus of political science, as faculty members who enriched her experience.

Currently, Barnett works as a research consultant for the Election Standards Research Service, where she applies her degrees by conducting research that informs policymakers and everyday citizens about the political and electoral environments in the U.S.

She also shared her excitement about being selected for the 2025 cohort of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School. The bipartisan program offers a curriculum taught by campaign experts to support those interested in running for office or assisting with others’ campaigns.

“I feel grateful to learn from these professionals, and to do so alongside a truly inspiring cohort of women,” Barnett said.

Looking back on her time at the University of Arkansas, Barnett emphasized the importance of community.

“I learned so much in the classrooms of Fayetteville, but the relationships I gained through exploring my interests expanded my worldview and provided invaluable support in my life,” she said.

With the success she has achieved so soon after graduation, Barnett also offered advice for current Fulbright College students.

“Identify ways your degree can be used professionally and then work or intern in those career pathways before graduating,” she said. “Doing so helps you determine whether you enjoy those career paths while also building connections and learning from those who are already in the field.”

“Ensuring you have the interest, experience, and connections for a certain career sets you up for success post-graduation,” she added.

Ben Howard

After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, Ben Howard came to the University of Arkansas to pursue a master’s in geology, specializing in chronostratigraphy. He graduated in 2023 and has already established himself as a career geologist.

Howard credits Fulbright College’s Department of Geosciences for providing both the technical expertise and the professional exposure that prepared him for success.

“Wherever you want to go, we’ll help you get there,” he said, recalling the department’s guiding spirit.

Howard spoke on how Fulbright College specifically supported his ambitions.

“My degree prepared me for a demanding world that celebrates ambition to better oneself,” he said. “The Fulbright College, and the Department of Geosciences helped fund trips to scientific conferences, recruiting events for the [oil and gas] industry, and meetings with geosciences alumni who were in the roles I wanted to emulate.”

He also said highlights of his time at the college included the mentorship provided by Adjunct Professor T.A. (Mac) McGilvery, Professor Christopher Liner, and Associate Professor Glenn Sharman, all of whom challenged him to excel and equipped him with the tools to advance in his field.

Today, Howard works as an operations geologist with Edge Systems and remains actively involved in the professional community. In his free time, he contributes to the Dallas Geological Society, a nonprofit organization that supports geoscientists and provides scholarships for future professionals.

Howard said one of his proudest achievements post-graduation is starting his family.

Daisy Rehbock

Daisy Rehbock graduated in 2024 and is now in Panama serving with the Peace Corps. Rehbock earned her degree in International and Global Studies, a program that she says not only inspired her to pursue service abroad but also gave her the tools to envision a career in international relations and development.

Her study abroad experience in Madrid solidified her decision to apply to the Peace Corps.

Reflecting on her time in Fulbright College, Rehbock emphasized the way her degree provided a strong foundation across history, economics, and political science while also encouraging her to chase her true passions.

She spoke especially about the mentorship she received from Fulbright College faculty, noting the guidance of Spencer Allan, teaching assistant professor in the Department of History and associated faculty in the International and Global Studies program, Richard Sonn, professor and director of the Jewish Studies Program, and Lisa Corrigan, professor in the Department of Communication and director of the Gender Studies Program.

In Panama, Rehbock currently serves as a Youth Leadership Development Facilitator, working with students aged 10–25 and local educators to teach life skills, community engagement, and workforce preparation. She has helped organize programs for more than 150 Panamanian youth and considers her Peace Corps service one of her proudest accomplishments.

Beyond her professional work, she also celebrated a personal achievement: climbing to the highest point in Panama, a volcano.

Looking back, Rehbock says her biggest takeaway from her time at Fulbright College was the value of pursuing opportunities and building authentic connections. Whether applying for scholarships that allowed her to study abroad or collaborating with classmates and professors, she emphasizes the importance of “spreading a wide net” and seizing every chance to grow.

As she prepares to finish her service in Panama, she carries forward the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and connection that Fulbright College helped her cultivate.