Good morning, Conway.

On Oct. 1, the UCA Honors College held its annual Stone Dam Creek Clean up event titled 'Don't Trash Your Planet' from 4 p.m. to 5:30 in a park near Bear Village.

Only eight of the 29 sign-ups attended—participants said the cleanup kept their campus environment looking nice.

The UCA administration approved a contract with Google to give students access to the Gemini AI program and is preparing faculty training to guide ethical use—Dr. Amy Hawkins said disclosures on assignments will help maintain academic integrity.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership is reviewing policies from major universities as AI use grows.

Today, Dr. Leslie Graybeal announced that ILS will hold a Halloween dance on Oct.

20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for special needs adults, and the meeting also covered a $7,177 funding request for UCA homecoming events along with a $1,980 ask by the cyber security club for the National Cyber League — with funding talks set to continue at the next meeting on Oct. 13.

The Arkansas Department of Education has chosen two Faulkner County teachers for the first Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program—an effort to improve classroom instruction.

They will receive mentorship and support to enhance their teaching skills.

Dr. Mary Bane Lackie, vice president at UCA and president of the UCA Foundation Inc., was named the 2025 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Arkansas Chapter of AFP—she has 39 years of experience and helped raise over $124 million, with her award recognition coming at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Nov. 6.

UCA student Angelica Thomas was honored as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact for her civic leadership spanning 38 states & Washington, D.C.

The honor marks her commitment to public service in higher education.

State lawmakers have hired Excel Services Corporation to study whether small modular nuclear reactors can replace retiring coal plants and meet rising energy needs—Rep. Jack Ladyman said the report will review designs, safety, and financial benefits with results expected within 10 months. Pope County is eyed as a promising location for expanding nuclear power in Arkansas.

RetroFest Arkansas 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — Conway Expo and Event Center — Ticket prices vary — A nostalgic celebration featuring vintage games, clothing, and iconic personalities.

Front Porch Bluegrass Concert

8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Kings Live Music — Ticket prices not specified — Experience high-energy bluegrass with a blend of old-time mountain sounds.

Indigo Girls Concert

7-10 p.m. — Reynolds Performance Hall — Tickets required — Experience the timeless harmonies of iconic folk music duo Indigo Girls.

City of Colleges Half Marathon

Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run — — Buffalo Alumni Hall, Conway, AR — Great running festival for all ages and abilities.

Voices of Liberty Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts — VOICES TICKETS — Experience a powerful musical journey featuring Rossini and Sibelius.

Ghost-to-Gobble 5k

1-3 p.m. — Conway, AR — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate Halloween with a spirited 5k run that's festive and fun for the whole family.

Trout Fishing in America Concert

4-10 p.m. — Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a multi-generational musical journey with dynamic performances from the beloved duo.