Congratulations
Class of 2023Message from the Chancellor
Dear Graduates,
On behalf of the University of Arkansas Grantham faculty, staff and administration, I extend a most sincere congratulations on your achievement of graduation. Now it is time to celebrate your way! Put on your regalia, gather with family and friends, and toast to the hard work you’ve put in to reach this significant milestone.
Thank you for allowing each of us here at the university the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your success. From the moment you joined our UA Grantham family, it has been our privilege to be part of your journey. I hope we have made a difference in your lives, as you have forever made an impact on ours.
Go forth with pride, and please keep in touch. Again, congratulations and welcome to a new class—the class we proudly call alumni.
Award Recipients
Outstanding Advisor AwardSara Galloway
Sara Galloway has earned the Outstanding Advisor Award for helping students achieve their goal of earning a degree. Her expertise and enduring passion for guiding students through their educational journey has benefited countless degree-seekers. She joined UA Grantham in 2014 as an admissions representative, and soon found herself wanting to be a more integral part of her students’ success and became a student advisor. She appreciates the unique opportunity she has, guiding students in their academic endeavors and providing unwavering support along the way.
Resiliency AwardGilbert A. Gallegos
Gilbert A. Gallegos is a retired service member who dedicated his career to law enforcement and the criminal justice system. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from UA Grantham, and despite the challenges of earning a degree while serving in the military, Gallegos graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. He leveraged his newfound knowledge toward a career in law enforcement. Gallegos credits his achievements to the support of his wife and four children, who championed his goals throughout his time at UA Grantham.
Outstanding Graduate AwardRussel Bates
Russel Bates recently achieved a lifelong goal of earning his Master of Science in Information Technology with a 4.0 grade point average from University of Arkansas Grantham in November of 2022, following a 12-year quest for a postgraduate degree. Despite many challenges, Bates was motivated to put in the effort to complete his degree. The adaptability of UA Grantham was instrumental in helping Bates achieve his goal. He is currently considering several professional opportunities following graduation, including a dean position.
Outstanding Faculty AwardCrystal Sears
Crystal Sears—a respected and versatile instructor in communications dedicated to providing students with the skills and willpower they need to succeed after graduation—is the recipient of UA Grantham’s Outstanding Faculty Award. Crystal, who has a PhD in communication, joined UA Grantham in 2012 and has been an instructor for a range of communication courses, such as interpersonal communications and public speaking. Her goal is to empower her students in the classroom, so they feel comfortable and knowledgeable enough to make a difference in their occupations and communities.
Get to Know Your Class
Congratulations, Summer Class of 2023! As we celebrate your summer graduation, here are some fun facts about your classmates. We have a total of 1,013 graduates with 295 earning an associate degree, 451 earning a bachelor’s degree and 267 earning a master’s degree.
Our graduates represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including military personnel and veterans, career changers, and lifelong learners. You have joined a community of more than 20,000 UA Grantham alumni who are making a difference in their fields and communities.
We are proud of your hard work and achievements, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2023, and best of luck on your next adventure!
23 - Youngest Graduate
69 - Oldest Graduate
Join 20,000+ Alumni
BBA Most Popular Degree
All 50 States + 5 Countries
Most Graduates from Arkansas
Graduate Stories
Joshua Davis
Graduate Joshua Davis was in search of a university that supported his end-game educational goals, and UA Grantham offered what he needed. With a focus in business leadership and human resources, Joshua has earned two certificates, as well as his bachelor’s and master’s degree. Joshua is now on his way toward checking off the next goal on his list—attaining a role as a Director or Vice President.
Natasha McRae
Graduate Natasha McRae exemplifies dedication and perseverance. Despite the challenges of juggling a military lifestyle and family commitments, she pursued and earned her degree from UA Grantham for the flexibility and support provided. Her degree holds a deep personal significance as she aimed to make her daughters proud and demonstrate that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.
Mario Noriego
With a strong desire to embrace new opportunities and pursue his passions, graduate Mario Noriega chose UA Grantham to obtain a solid online education. Despite facing disabilities, he exhibited unwavering determination and resilience, and now holds a degree in digital communications. Mario is now equipped to navigate the dynamic world of digital media and leverage his abilities to forge a fulfilling future.
Get Social Graduates!
Share your pictures on social media with the hashtag #UAGranthamGrad to be featured on this page, that way all of UA Grantham can celebrate your achievement! And don’t forget to download our celebration items to make your graduation a memorable one.