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The University of Arkansas at Monticello held its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 9, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing master’s degrees to associate degrees during the ceremonies. 

Commencement was split into two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 10 a.m. ceremony included the School of Arts and Humanities (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education (undergraduate and graduate). The 2 p.m. ceremony included the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies.

Todd McMillen, campus minister for Weevils for Christ, gave the invocation, and Scott Bearden, associate professor of music, sang the national anthem and alma mater at both ceremonies. 

Dr. Michael Moore, vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas System, spoke during the ceremonies.  

UAM Board of Visitors members Gregg Reep, of Warren, and Scott Saffold, of Monticello, were in attendance at both ceremonies, and Roger George, of Warren, was in attendance at the 10 a.m. ceremony. 

Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president for Academic Affairs at National Park College (NPC), was in attendance at the 10 a.m. ceremony to celebrate a milestone in UAM’s “campus within a campus” partnership with NPC, which allows students to complete all four years of their UAM bachelor’s degree in Hot Springs, Arkansas. On Friday, the first cohorts of graduating business and education students of the program were recognized during the ceremonies.

During both ceremonies, Dr. Doss congratulated the graduates and challenged them to aim higher than personal success. “Your journey here has prepared you for far more than a job. … I challenge you to strive for something even greater: to become healers and peacemakers,” Dr. Doss said. “Use your talents not only to build stronger communities but also to construct bridges of hope. … Your success strengthens all of us.” She also made special acknowledgments of several groups of graduates, including those who were first-generation students, parents, active in campus organizations or members of the armed forces. 

Crystal Halley, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, announced the finalists for the 2025 UAM Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award: Becky Phillips, associate professor of accounting in the UAM School of Business; Dr. Eric Prichard, associate professor of psychology in the UAM School of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Tom Richard, professor of art in the UAM School of Arts and Humanities. Dan and Charlotte Hornaday, both alumni of UAM, established the annual award in 2010 to recognize excellence in faculty teaching, research, scholarship and public service. 

Halley announced Becky Phillips as the 2025 Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award recipient. Since joining the UAM School of Business in 2007 as a visiting instructor of accounting and business administration, Phillips has invested in the university, community and professional associations and built strong connections for her students through extracurricular activities with the Arkansas Society of CPAs and its Southeast Arkansas Chapter. She sponsors or co-sponsors several student organizations, including the UAM Investment Club, the IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program and the UAM Accounting Society and serves on key university committees such as the Curriculum and Standards Committee, the Athletic Committee and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition, she is the NCAA Faculty Athletic representative. Halley stated, “Ms. Phillips has taught and mentored many students, ensuring they are prepared at the highest level for entry into the accounting industry.”

Dr. Doss announced Lance Gasaway, of Star City, Arkansas, as UAM’s 63rd Distinguished Alumnus. Gasaway graduated from UAM in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree. During his time at UAM, he joined UAM Football as a walk-on and became one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history, with 113 receptions or 1,605 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was an honorable mention NAIA Division I All-American in 1985 and a two-time first-team All-AIC selection in 1984 and 1985. In 2015, he was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame. He currently runs G & L Gasaway Farms, in Gould, Arkansas, with his brother, Greg, his two sons and his nephew. He also manages an agriculture flying service with six locations across southeast Arkansas. Influenced by his father, Gasaway has had a life-long interest in horse racing. In 2024, he achieved an extraordinary feat when Mystik Dan, a horse that he co-owns and co-bred, won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mystik Dan wore kelly green and black silks during the race, a tribute to UAM’s colors.

A short video honoring Lance Gasaway as UAM’s 63rd Distinguished Alumnus can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.

A photo album for UAM’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony is available on UAM’s Facebook page.

A video recording of UAM’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.

A photo album for UAM’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony is available on UAM’s Facebook page.   

A video recording of UAM’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.