By Emma Bracken

After months spent studying inside by the fireplace, spring weather has arrived in the Ozarks. Students are tying up hammocks and taking hikes as they soak up the last stretch of the spring semester. Northwest Arkansas is home to many hiking trails, state parks, and lakes for locals to explore when the weather is nice. In the South, often venturing out to state parks and landmarks means facing traces of the state’s history, particularly in the form of Civil War memorials and battleground sites. While sometimes the history is just written on a plaque that is easy to pass, other times locals create full-scale battle reenactments and informational battle anniversary events. The state of Arkansas recognizes 17 of these Civil War battlefields, including Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, which host annual events around their part in the Civil War.

Pea Ridge National Military Park in Benton County is home to several Civil War weapon demonstrations, where volunteers will don period-accurate garb and demonstrate the use of pistols, rifles, and cannons in the war. This past March marked the 163rd anniversary of The Battle of Pea Ridge, which opened the door for demonstrations and memorial events to remind people of the region’s history. Travis Cott, chief of interpretation and education at Pea Ridge, explained the park has moved in the direction of demonstrations rather than full-scale reenactments because of the safety hazards. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park participates in reenactments every other year, giving locals the ability to experience this history in numerous ways. 

Though both parks also host field tours and informational events, it is often these big productions that draw crowds and stick in people’s minds when they picture the Civil War. Demonstrations and reenactments are exciting and easily capture the attention of people taking a stroll through a park. However, it is important to remember when attending these types of events that they only tell a small part of a much larger story. 

“Because collective remembering always involves some degree of collective forgetting, mythologizing the Civil War has typically gone hand-in-hand with the popular forgetting of slavery and especially reconstruction,” University of Arkansas professor Matthew Stanley said. 

UA professor Patrick Williams explained that these types of simple conflict demonstrations perpetuate the narrative of North versus South, with Arkansas often fighting for the Confederacy. According to Williams, this does a disservice to the reality of Civil War history in Arkansas because much of it was guerilla warfare between Arkansans. For the Natural State, the war was personal and between neighbors.

“I don’t see reenactments of guerrilla fighting, and I don’t see many reenactments involving Black troops,” Williams said. 

Despite not being represented often in historical memory and reenactments, Williams said there were 5,500 Black troops in Arkansas fighting for the Union army. Because the war was centered on upholding slavery as an institution in the South, it is important to highlight the history of enslaved people who fought alongside the white Arkansans we typically see in history books. It is also impossible to create clear boundaries between the North and South as well as the Union and Confederate. Pea Ridge, for example, was a battle between Missouri citizens and Arkansans, not between Arkansas and Missouri. 

“While most white Arkansans would remember the Confederate history of the state, as exemplified in the fact that one of the stars on the Arkansas flag represents the Confederacy, few know that over 8,000 men served in the Union Army during the Civil War,” U of A Professor Eric Totten said. 

The lack of order and concentrated power in Arkansas led to chaos and sporadic, violent battles across the state. Cott explained that it is important to remember the lives lost and the lasting impact that the war made on Arkansas. Understanding the conflict that caused the war is also crucial in understanding the existing culture divisions in different regions of the country. As a divided state during the war and a border state between the South and the Midwest, Arkansas’ sense of identity and culture is complex. 

The Confederacy is often associated with or grounds for what it means to be a Southern state, but in reality, there are not as many distinct boundaries between armies. The rhetoric that mythologized a purely Confederate South ending in Arkansas and a fully Unionist North beginning in Missouri seeps into the cultural divides we see today. There is not such a cohesive Southern attitude, especially when it comes to the racial politics of the Civil War and its lasting effect on Black people in America.

“Anybody who studies the South and lives in the South will tell you that this is a remarkably diverse region,” Williams said. “Whether we’re talking about politics, whether we are talking about accents, whether we’re talking about barbecue—anybody who thinks there’s a homogeneous, unitary South that can be characterized in a certain way is misleading you.”

Williams also explained that Southern culture is so influenced by African American history in the region and that there is no “South” as we know it without the coalescence of Black culture, abolition, and even Unionism into the more recognized Evangelical Confederate South.

Arkansas is not a white state, nor a Confederate state; rather, it seems to represent the heart of what the modern South truly is, which is a diverse and complicated region plagued by the footing on which it was founded. Most of all, Arkansas as a Southern state serves a reminder that there is no permanent synthesis of ideology in American history, and every region has the ability to adapt and progress beyond their inherited regional dogma. 

The post Arkansas Civil War History and Self-Fashioned Southern Identity appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ella Miller

From game-day buttons to custom hats to painted 21st birthday signs, entrepreneurship among college students has immensely grown in recent years. At the University of Arkansas, many students have turned their talents into full-blown businesses, all while still pursuing a degree, illuminating the fact that business ownership as a college student is completely possible. 

For many entrepreneurs, businesses start as a hobby, passion or side project before turning into a full-fledged endeavor. U of A sophomore Aubrey Holloway discovered her love of floral design while working at a flower shop in high school. When Holloway couldn’t fit time in her schedule to continue working there, she decided to launch Designs By Aub, specializing in custom floral arrangements and bouquets. 

What started as designing prom bouquets for friends quickly expanded into a business with a strong customer base in Northwest Arkansas. 

“My favorite part about owning my own business is working with clients,” Holloway said. “I’m a big people person and a big left-brainer since I was a kid. Flower arrangements allow me to combine my love of creativity with my passion for making connections with people.”

Holloway said she feels pride in being able to transform emotions into tangible gifts, especially because flowers are typically given for special occasions.

This past Valentine’s Day, Holloway created 23 arrangements and delivered about half of them. She said it felt like an ‘I’m making it’ moment.

Senior Tori Sloan Stevens found her passion for crocheting that started as a creative outlet in 2023. 

“I picked up crocheting on a whim, and once I started making clothes, I fell in love with the process,” Stevens said. “What really clicked for me was when I wore one of my pieces to Row, and people kept asking where they could buy it. That’s when I knew I had something special, and instead of just making things for myself, I started offering custom orders. From there, it took off, and I kept pushing my designs further,” Stevens said. 

Now, Sewn by Sloan, has grown from small personal projects to custom designs for major photographers and stylists across the country.

“Seeing my work go from a personal hobby to being recognized in professional creative spaces has been surreal.” Stevens said. 

Stevens expressed her goal is to redefine the fashion industry by showing that handcrafted pieces are just as high-fashion as mass-produced pieces. 

Junior Cortlyn Beavert started her business, ButtonsByCort, in 2022 after seeing an opportunity for custom buttons at football games. 

“I thought the concept was so great, but the designs were not as creative and cute as I thought they could be, so I watched a YouTube video and figured out I could make them very easily,” Beavert said. 

Beavert received a button machine and the first round of supplies for Christmas her freshman year, and since then ButtonsByCort has expanded, offering custom designed buttons for graduations, gamedays, birthdays, teams and more. ButtonsByCort now sells buttons in boutiques in five Southeastern Conference towns. 

“My favorite part of owning ButtonsByCort is definitely getting to walk around to sporting events on campus and getting to see customers wearing my buttons,” Beavert said. “I love getting to make connections with people all across the nation.”

Beavert said staying creative and aligned with trends can be unexpected yet rewarding, and a way to push herself.

Behind the passion of each unique business, balancing this ownership while earning a college degree can come with challenges.

On top of owning Designs By Aub, Holloway balances being an architecture student and coaches gymnastics several times a week.

“My schedule can get really full, so trying to figure out my time management can be more stressful than some realize,” Holloway said.

Holloway said she manages school deadlines by planning, even though work for Designs By Aub can feel like free time expressing her creative side. 

“Running my business comes with busy and dead days,” Holloway said. “Busy days consist of picking up and ordering flowers and designing and even delivering. Dead days I focus more on school and try to keep everything balanced.”

Beavert said there is always something to get done, whether it’s emails, posting, designing or getting supplies. Besides Beavert working on her business, two U of A marketing students help assist in the process.  

“I definitely have to keep up with a lot of different tasks at once,” Beavert said. “However, I have learned that color coded excel sheets are your best friend while owning a small business in college.”

As a STEM major, Stevens said she has to be intentional about time management, especially as each crochet piece can take up to 40 hours to create. Stevens said every day is a mix of school, brainstorming and sketching, finishing orders or coordinating with photographers. Sometimes she will listen to lecture recordings while crocheting.

To combat the balance of school and work, Stevens said Sewn by Sloan is shifting toward a website-based drop model, where Stevens releases limited pieces on her own schedule to give more creative freedom.

Despite the challenges that come with juggling school assignments and owning a business, these students said they’ve learned transferable, lifelong skills, and their businesses have even affected their long-term career goals. 

“In school we’re graded by letters, but in owning a business, I know that my work is worth paying for, which makes me feel successful and determined to uphold a good reputable business that others want to recommend,” Holloway said. “I feel like owning my own business allows me to make connections in ways I don’t through my classes.”

Holloway said Designs By Aub has allowed her to think more creatively overall, and she can see herself merging her flower business with her childhood dream job in the future.

“I’ve been set on being an architect since I was young, but to me, flower arranging speaks the same language as architectural design,” Holloway said. “I would love to always be creating and designing for whatever community I am a part of post grad.”

In addition to redefining success and shedding light onto future plans, Holloway said her business has taught her about connections.

“Through this, I feel like I have learned to read people in ways that I can’t explain with words,” Holloway said. “It’s an unspoken connection between me and my customers.”

In the future, Beavert said she wants to continue owning her own business but on a larger scale. Her experience also influenced her major switch from nursing to marketing. 

“Owning ButtonsByCort definitely opened my eyes to a new world,” Beavert said.

Additionally, Beavert said ButtonsByCort has improved her social skills and customer service skills. 

“I have learned that the customer is always right, but if it comes to an opportunity or idea and someone tells you no, there is always someone else who will tell you yes,” Beavert said.

Stevens said the biggest thing she’s learned through running Sewn by Sloan is that connections and networking are immensely important. 

“School teaches you that success is about how well you perform academically, but in reality, the most successful people are the ones who build strong relationships and put themselves in the right rooms,” Stevens said. “I’ve seen firsthand how knowing the right people can open doors that no degree alone ever could. I’ve gotten opportunities to work with well-known photographers, stylists, and influencers, not because of a resume, but because I put myself out there and made those connections.”

Besides networking, Stevens said that running a business teaches real-world problem-solving skills including marketing yourself, directing finances, and overall dealing with challenges.

When Stevens started college, she said she expected to follow the traditional path of pursuing a degree and after graduation working a job in the medical field.

“Discovering this hidden talent completely changed the way I see my future,” Stevens said. “Running my own business has given me the confidence to pursue a more creative, nontraditional career path that actually excites me.”

After graduation, Stevens plans to move to Miami and expand her business. In May, Stevens‘ pieces are set to be featured in Miami Swim Week, and she is working to have her pieces showcased in future major fashion shows. 

Stevens, Beavert and Holloway’s successes highlight an even broader trend: Becoming a successful entrepreneur isn’t limited to people with certain degrees or profitable backgrounds.  Aspiring entrepreneurs can start with a passion or potential opportunity and not only achieve their goals but learn real-world skills, which could change the path of their life. In today’s world, college-age students are able to manage and succeed in these endeavors. 

The post Passion to Profit: The Rise of Student Entrepreneurs appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Annabel Simmons

Towering mountains peaked with snow, their rugged ridges cutting through the clouds, lush forests draped in greenery, pristine waters with rushing currents and cascading waterfalls — United States public lands preserve much of America’s most treasured landscapes and ecosystems. From national parks to national monuments, these lands offer far more than just natural splendor, rendering recreational opportunities, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation and economic benefits. Yet, there are growing notions that these cherished public lands may undergo significant transformations under President Donald Trump’s administration, but what exactly does this entail?

The federal government manages approximately 640 million acres of public land, with administration taking place primarily under four land management agencies — the National Park Service (NPS), Forest Service (USFS), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). All agencies differ in their management purposes, yet they all play a vital role in guarding the nation’s natural resources in federally owned parks, forests, refuges, historic sites and more.

In February, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new advisory body under the Trump administration, terminated thousands of federal employees within public land agencies. Those within the probationary period, the one-to-two-year period before civil servants receive final appointments, were primarily targeted by the layoffs. Sixty-three national parks and over 400 national park units were left critically understaffed right before the busy summer season.

Proper management and funding are required to ensure that these lands and ecosystems remain resilient. The implications that come with inadequate funds and staff have been seen in the past. When Yellowstone National Park was established as the first federally protected national park in 1872, it lacked the resources to uphold basic structures and hire law enforcement rangers. Ineffective administration of the park led to immense destruction of wildlife, as poachers, squatters, woodcutters and vandals were rampant throughout Yellowstone, according to the NPS website. 

National parks are in desperate need of structured management by professionals who understand the unique needs of these preserves. The insufficient administration of Yellowstone from 1872 to the early 1900s demonstrated this need, laying the groundwork for the establishment of an agency dedicated solely to overseeing national parks: The National Park Service.

With a vast background in geological and environmental sciences, stone and architectural restoration, cultural heritage management and geology, Dr. Tom Paradise is a university professor of geoscience, who has taught at the University of Arkansas since 2000. 

Paradise explained that U.S. public lands serve in diverse ways to preserve and conserve natural resources. National parks, under the U.S. National Parks Organic Act of 1916, were originally established to preserve natural landscapes for recreation, study and appreciation. “‘Preserved’ is a legal term that is about leaving ‘as is’ and in its original state for posterity,” Paradise said. This act prohibits mining on all national park lands. Under the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, National Forests were established to conserve forests and water resources, permitting the use of resources in a sustainable manner. Conservation is a legal term that implies sustainable use.

With the recent cuts to federal employees in land management agencies, many of the problems Yellowstone faced over a century ago could reemerge. Paradise explained that “understaffing will probably facilitate an unsupervised use of parks — like animal poaching and hunting, devastation of the landscape and water diversion — and forests — like illegal logging, clear-cutting, water diversion and resource exploitation that cannot be sustained. Imagine spray-painting Half Dome in Yosemite or dying the prismatic hot spring in Yellowstone.” 

Prior to the recent layoffs, land management agencies were already underfunded and understaffed, raising concerns about the potential effects of further cuts. Many of these federal employees reside in the communities that they support, and through a deep commitment to the lands, they perform work that is crucial to the health, safety, accessibility of public lands. Within the NPS, employees are responsible for managing trails, campgrounds and facilities. Their jobs also involve assisting visitors, responding to emergencies and monitoring wildlife. 

The Trump administration is also poised to end several NPS leases and offices, which serve as visitor centers, law enforcement offices, museums and other places essential to park services. These sites are vital for archeologists, scientists, superintendents and others to perform their work. Additionally, these buildings store millions of important artifacts that must be kept in climate-controlled facilities, as stated by the National Parks Conservation Association. 

Further implications may include the potential closure of trails, campgrounds and visitor centers.  Concerns have also been raised for public safety, as public land employees, such as park rangers, inform visitors about local wildlife and weather conditions, assist in medical emergencies, conduct search and rescue operations and oversee wildfires.

Caroline Cheek is a junior who is double majoring in environmental, soil and water science and english and minoring in geography at the U of A. She is also an intern for the Office for Sustainability, primarily working with biodiversity and communications. Cheek addressed the importance of national parks, emphasizing their role in biodiversity and ecosystem protection. “The national parks encompass some really unique landscapes and diverse biomes that are dwindling as climate change and greenhouse gas emissions continue to warm the planet, so having our national parks to help safeguard those ecosystems is super important,” Cheek explained. “They also help protect culturally significant sites.” Additionally, national parks generate significant revenue for the national economy and local communities For these reasons, Cheek said it is crucial to have proper staffing in parks. 

“Globally, we’re in a population crisis, and being able to understand and research how to use our resources wisely, with the future in mind, is so important,” Cheek said.

In 2010, Cheek moved to Arkansas from Colorado. Having lived next to the Rocky Mountains, she admitted that she wasn’t expecting much from Arkansas lands, but her perspective shifted quickly once she arrived. “When we got here, it was just stunning,” Cheek said. “Arkansas is so beautiful. You hear Appalachian songs about the rolling hills and the deep woods and just like these beautiful rivers, and this place is incredible. I’ve spent so many days out at the Buffalo (River) paddling, camping, climbing, and it’s just so joyful spending time in nature and having this public land for people to love and access and use.”

The National Park Service oversees nine areas in Arkansas: Arkansas Post National Memorial, Buffalo National River, Butterfield Overland Historic Trail, Fort Smith Historic Site, Hot Springs National Park, Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home Historic Site and Trail of Tears Historic Trail. 

Many of these destinations were affected by the reductions in the federal workforce. Located at the Hot Springs National Park, The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum serves as one of eight historic bathhouses, where visitors may speak with park rangers and receive vital information. Recently, the bathhouse was forced to reduce its operating hours. The Buffalo Point Ranger Station, at Buffalo National River, also closed until further notice, according to the parks website.

Stacy Ramsey was one of four Buffalo National River employees terminated Feb. 14. Ramsey shared her story in a Facebook post the day after she was fired, stating that she lost her “dream job.” In the post, she explained that her termination was based on her “probationary” status, as she was in the first year of a four-year Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funded term position. Her primary position was as river ranger, but she had worked in various positions in the park for five years. Ramsey was part of the visitor and resource protection division, spending most of her time ensuring the safety of visitors through preventive search and rescue education.

Mabrie Baldwin, a sophomore studying earth science at the U of A, commented on how meaningful national parks and public lands are to her. “There’s just something different about being in nature,” she said.

Baldwin has ventured to many national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Arches, Grand Canyon, Big Bend, Redwood, Denali and Indiana Dunes. She remarked on her time at Redwood National Park as one of her most memorable experiences. “I remember hugging this tree, and my brothers and I’s arms together didn’t even fit around it,” she said. During 2022, she went to the Grand Canyon. “We hiked rim to rim, and it took us almost 12 hours, but it was so beautiful,” she said. “It was also a bonding experience because we met so many new people.” 

Baldwin transferred to the U of A after spending her freshman year at the University of Central Oklahoma, where there are no current national parks. “One of the biggest draws to Arkansas, specifically, was the nature and how close it is to so many national and state parks,” Baldwin said. 

Alongside national parks, several national monuments may be jeopardized, such as the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California and the Chuckwalla National Monument in southern California. Featuring scenic mountains and canyons, Chuckwalla spans 624,270 acres of federal land, primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Sáttítla includes 224,676 acres of national forest land and is a haven for bald eagles, salmon and black bears. The lands are sacred to Indigenous peoples, who advocated monument status to prevent activities like logging, mining and energy development. 

In a White House fact sheet published March 14, it was stated that proclamations of new national monuments may be terminated, as they “lock up vast amounts of land from economic development and energy production,” according to the Mercury news. However, the provision was later deleted from the sheet, leaving the fates of these monuments unclear.

There may be similar motivations behind terminating newly established national monuments and federal employees of public land agencies. President Trump has made misleading claims of a “current energy crisis emergency”  in the U.S., stating that because of this “crisis,” it may be necessary to permit mineral and oil exploration, drilling and mining on national park and national  monument lands. Paradise explained that this notion of an energy crisis is false, as petroleum production in the U.S. alone is far greater than that of Saudi Arabia and Russia. 

“John Muir called our national parks ‘lands as sacred as the cathedrals of Earth,’” Paradise said. “Most U.S. public lands and national parks scholars, lawyers, environmentalists and the American public at large are terrified at the notion that laws and policies can be manipulated to permit mining in ‘sacred’ lands like America’s great parks, often called ‘our best idea’ and ‘crown jewels’ like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains and Joshua Tree.”

There is a possible connection between the layoffs of federal employees, the defunding of many of the agencies responsible for maintaining public lands and the potential terminations of national monuments to the president’s discussion of permitting energy development on public lands because of an energy crisis.

This raises questions over whether the recent cuts may be part of an effort to privatize these lands for potential energy development. “The point of this ‘might’ be to set up a degrading or degraded landscape that will shift public perception and opinion from federal trust protection to private interest sale, use and exploitation,” Paradise said. “Many of the American public lands workers, scholars, lawyers and again the polled public-at-large, believe that the connection is real, obvious and dangerously close to happening.” Possible emergency-driven mining and drilling on public lands has been supported by the idea of an energy crisis. 

Opening public lands to extractive industries and corporate development, particularly to increase fossil fuel production, could have many harmful implications. Mining technologies and extractive industries are extremely environmentally degrading. “Their effect on the landscape is enormous and at a scale often inconceivable,” Paradise said. Extensive mining, specifically, would likely disrupt these lands, with both short- and long-term implications. 

“Such a notion to drill, excavate and mine on these unique landscapes is not only a current travesty but a devastating ‘gift’ to our children and all national and global posterity,” Paradise said. 

To preserve the natural grandeur within Arkansas and other U.S. landscapes, we must support the agencies working to protect public lands. 

The post Preserving the Natural State by Protecting Public Lands appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ella Karoline Hendricks

Despite chilling winds the past few weeks, spring is just around the corner. And with the beautiful nature and vibrant outdoor life Northwest Arkansas has to offer, warmer weather cannot come soon enough. In the heart of the Natural State, students are getting ready for the incoming warm months. 

Olivia Reid’s favorite season is spring. A sophomore mechanical engineering major at the University of Arkansas, Reid values her time outdoors and cites it as one of the major reasons she chose to go to the U of A. 

“I’m from Norman, Oklahoma,” Reid said, “and while I love my hometown, the beauty of Arkansas is what drew me to the school.”

And beautiful it is. With rolling hills and dazzling natural resources, Northwest Arkansas is home to over 487 miles of hiking trails, 47 parks, and 22 lakes, offering many spaces for free, public enjoyment. 

One spot popular with students is along the White River in West Fork. Located 20 minutes from campus, the river offers a reprieve from the stress of college. Sydney Swartzer is one such student who utilizes the river as a place to hang out with friends. 

“I’m a really big fan of the river in West Fork when it gets hot outside,” Swartzer said. “There’s lots of space to tan and swim, and I love the ledge for cliff jumping.”

The cliff jumping ledge is a hopping spot, as it offers a natural thrill. Swartzer’s first time going to the river was to meet some of her sorority sisters as a new member and remembers it as a fond experience. 

“It was a really great bonding experience,” Swartzer said. “It was a way I met some of my closest friends and a good activity for getting to know people better. Plus, it was a great reprieve from the heat.” 

Arkansas heat and humidity can be unbearable to some and the coolness of the river is a great way to beat the heat. With ample green space and a place to tan, the West Fork river access is a spot for those looking to swim under the sun. 

Devil’s Den, an Arkansas state park, is another popular spot among students. Jocelyn Brown, a sophomore, is a repeat visitor to the state park, hitting the hiking trails often. 

“I go whenever I can,” Brown said. “I think it’s a cool option. It’s a pretty easy hike. We went after it rained a bunch, and there was a really pretty waterfall. I would definitely recommend it.” 

Another cool hiking spot is the one-mile hike to Airship Coffee at Coler, located in Bentonville. A cool, brutalist-style cafe, Airship Coffee provides refreshments and pastries for hikers, whether they continue on with their journey or stop and enjoy the scene. They do not offer Wi-Fi, instead curating a device-free setting in which friends are encouraged to come and chat, bring a book or simply enjoy the view. 

Another great place to look at the views is Mount Sequoyah, at the lookout. Overlooking the city and hosting reflective benches, Mount Sequoyah is a great place to take a breather from the hastiness of day-to-day life. Journaling or even just sitting in silence is a great way to slow down your day and connect back to yourself. 

Northwest Arkansas hosts a great community of cyclists, with people biking as they go around town, running errands and shopping on the square. Even staying close to campus and enjoying campus life in Fayetteville is a great option for making the most out of the nice weather. Some students hang hammocks in between trees and nap for hours in the sun, while others march to Old Main with blankets and sunglasses. 

Reid makes sure to get outside every day, in between long hours of classes and labs. She and her peers will take walks from Bell Engineering Center in between classes, soaking up the sun between rounds of lab coats and goggles. Swartzer utilizes her sorority house’s patio, sitting outside while studying and chatting with friends, while Brown prefers to actively hike and explore new grounds. 

With the changing weather, make sure to spend some time outside! Enjoy the cool air and sunshine, while exploring all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. 

The post Springing into Outdoor Life appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ella Miller

It’s no secret that college students are busy. Even though students juggle classes, studying and social lives, some choose to add another task to the mix: owning a dog. For many, the idea of returning home after a day of classes to a wagging tail is enough to outweigh the added responsibilities. But what is it really like to own a dog while balancing the chaos of college life?

University of Arkansas senior Ashlyn Massey always knew she wanted to own a dog in college. Now, Massey’s 1-year-old goldendoodle, Oaklee, is a source of comfort, routine and companionship. Massey said that owning a dog has changed her college experience but in the best way. 

“Getting my dog was probably the best decision I ever made,” Massey said. “Even if I didn’t know it at the time, it was something I really needed in my life. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her now.” 

Owning a dog in college isn’t just about companionship; it changes students’ lifestyles. Massey said that Oaklee has helped her create and maintain a steady schedule.

“It helps me get outside more, helps to keep a fairly consistent routine, and it’s nice to have a dog to come home to,” Massey said.

However, Massey said this comes along with being mindful of how long she’s away from home or leaving events early to take care of Oaklee. Massey said this can be a good thing, as it holds her accountable. 

U of A senior Ty Neidlein adopted his Pitbull mixed breed dog, Obi, from the foster-based dog rescue Big Paws of the Ozarks.

“Fitting Obi in is harder than one might think,” Neidlein said. “I need to get up early enough to walk, feed and hang out with him before my classes start. Whenever I have time between my classes, I usually head home to take him outside again or just hang with him.”

Regardless of the added tasks that come with owning a dog, both Massey and Neidlein have had many special standout moments with their pets. Massey said her favorite memory with Oaklee was during a spring day when her and her friends took the dog to Mamaka Bowls. 

“The people at Mamaka gave her a little dog treat, and we all sat at the tables with swings and had our smoothie bowls and enjoyed the nice weather,” Massey said. “But honestly any day that I get to go home and see how excited she gets to see me is a great experience.”

Neidlein said his favorite memory with Obi was when his roommate returned from a semester of studying abroad. 

“Obi acted like he’d known him forever, and he was just another roommate he’d met thousands of times,” Neidlein said.

Besides lifestyle shifts and happy memories that come along with owning a dog, both students highlighted the financial aspects that come with owning a dog. Neidlein said monthly costs are something to plan for, but there will always be surprises. Added expenses such as food, treats, vet bills and haircuts can add up.

“The hardest part is definitely the money,” Neidlein said. “Dogs are so expensive. Especially when they have health issues.”

Dr. Denise Beike, a social and cognitive psychologist and U of A psychology professor said “there is a clear negative effect of owning a pet for young adults that is not psychological: Pets are expensive.”

Other than added expenses, Big Paws’s Director of Operations and Marketing Maisie Carothers said some obligations students may not take into account when looking to adopt a dog are training, cleaning, regular exercise and socialization and how schedules or living situations may change. 

Housing can also be a barrier for students when looking to adopt a dog. Some college apartments have strict pet rules or additional fees for owning pets. 

“People may treat you differently because of (owning a dog), both in good and bad ways, and it’s not as easy to live in the apartments on campus with a dog as I had thought it would be,” Massey said.

Despite the difficulties of owning a dog in an apartment, Massey said having Oaklee has helped her while living alone. 

Massey and Neidlein both said owning a dog in college has had a positive impact on their college experience. Besides the companionship, Oaklee has helped Massey mentally and physically. Massey also had Oaklee certified as an emotional support animal, so she is able to take Oaklee places with her if she needs to.

“Any time I was having a hard day or wasn’t motivated, I had her to either make me feel better or motivated,” Massey said. “It was also very helpful to take her on walks and was something that at the time I didn’t realize I needed, but became very beneficial when I was stressed or just needed to get out of the apartment.”

Carothers said owning a dog can reduce stress levels, loneliness, and encourages you to care for someone.

“About 40% of college students today have moderate to high levels of depression,” Dr. Beike said. “I always find compelling research showing that people who are depressed often report that their pet was what saved them and kept them alive. What better psychological benefit is there than saving your life?”

Dr. Beike said having healthy and secure attachments benefit overall well-being, health, and performance at school and work. College students have a secure attachment to their pets, around a similar level to a secure attachment to a sibling. 

“I’ve found in my own research that students who are more strongly attached to their pets are also more strongly attached to friends and family, suggesting that pets are part of our healthy social network of close relationships,” Dr. Beike said. 

The psychological concept of self-disclosure also comes into play with owning pets. Self-disclosure is a way people are able to open up to others about themselves and their struggles, helping to form relationships and creating psychological benefits. College students may struggle with self-disclosure, as living away from home could contribute to difficulty in trusting new people. 

“Research shows that people self-disclose to their dogs more than they do to their family and friends, and to the same extent that they disclose to their spouse or partner,” Dr. Beike said. “This makes sense, because pets are great listeners, and they never judge or share your secrets with anyone.”

In addition to the psychological benefits of owning a dog, Carothers said owning a pet teaches responsibility and provides lifelong friendship.

“I have adopted dogs to several students that all know each other- siblings, friends, etc. over the last few months and they have shared their experiences and learned from each other,” Carothers said.

“Owning a pet in college was the best decision I’ve made here,” Neidlein said. “(Obi’s) brought so much joy to myself and my roommates every single day.”

Both students agree that while owning a dog in college is something more students should consider, it isn’t something to take lightly.

“It’s not as easy as a lot of people think,” Massey said. “I worked really hard trying to train her, and even though she’s a great dog, I have to do a lot of extra things now that I didn’t have to before I had her.”

Neidlein’s advice? “Save up!”

Massey’s advice? “If you think you’re ready for it, then do it.”

“Whenever a student tells me they’re adopting a dog, I think of it as something to celebrate,” Dr. Beike said. “I think of all the joy and unconditional love they are about to bring into their lives. But I would counsel any student to think carefully about what it means to adopt a pet.”

Owning a pet, especially a dog, in college might not be for everyone. For those who are debating adopting a dog, it could be one of the most rewarding college experiences they have. Dogs can provide the home-away-from-home feeling in college and teach students valuable skills. Both Neidlein and Massey prove that with planning, dedication, and love for their dogs, balancing the hectic college life and owning a dog is completely possible and rewarding.

The post Four-Legged Roommates appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Karyk King

They strum along. “They” being talented musicians with a dream. From University of Arkansas graduates to current students, music is vibrant on the U of A campus. The entrepreneurial spirit of rising musical talent echoes across campus with pockets of unique sound around each corner. Fayetteville has a vibrant local music scene, with these few bands at the heart of it. 

Squash Garden is a musical combination of many flavors composed of talented musicians: Michael Kaufman, Prezley Strait, Luke Riley, Presley Janes, Landen DeWolf and Julian Cohenour. Originating mostly from the South, the U of A brought these students together. First assembled in December 2022, playing for a friend’s birthday in a garage, they got their first taste of what the future had in store for them. 

They kept jamming together, and eventually, three members— Kaufman, Strait and Riley —got a band house in August 2023. The band then rose to local prominence in November 2023, when it won the University Programs’ “Battle of the Bands,” against another local band, Ozark Riviera. 

Squash Garden now performs live with an eclectic set, featuring several members switching between roles such as drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and vocals. With many moving pieces, a diverse range is directly reflected by the band’s makeup.

 “Everything we get to hear today, we are influenced by and is a part of us and a part of our music,” Kaufman said. “That’s kind of why it’s all over the place is because that’s how it feels.”

With inspiration from genres such as country, jazz, rock, reggae and blues, each member connects with different elements across the musical spectrum. 

Squash Garden plays original hits along with covers of well-known songs. Regardless of what it is playing, there always seems to be an attendance of screaming fans and heart-struck girls. The band has one song recorded and on popular streaming services, with plans to get back in the studio and record many more. 

“I feel like music is just everything you see and feel…you put that in the feeling, and that comes through in all the songs we play,” Kaufman said, attesting to what makes their sound unique and how every member has their own element they bring to the table.

One band that rocks across campus with a sound dubbed as indescribable is Mongolian Firefight. The group says it like to use the known term, “indie rock” to describe its sound. 

 “Some say we are the frontier of music as a whole,” said Shep Dollahon, the bassist.

Cole Clark, lead guitarist and vocalist, started writing music with Dollahon around six years ago when they were still in highschool. They did not start playing live until their freshman year at the U of A when they started playing at tailgates. 

The two then met their drummer, Peter Kohring, and they said it was love at first sight for them when they clicked together.

 “It was like an instant connection, instantly we started talking, and from that the phoenix that is Mongolian Firefight rose from the ashes,” Dollahon said.

Clark got his start playing guitar in high school and fell for chords and songwriting saying, “I feel like I’ve always loved music, but I kind of found out I loved doing it in high school.”

Dollahon got his start in bass following guidance from his uncle and his passion to “just keep playing,” he said. 

“Playing covers is fun,” Dollahon said. “Jamming is fun. Improvising is fun.” And that’s exactly what music is to them — fun. 

Drawing influence from different genres, the band has combined its sounds into the sweet spot of rock it has now. Dollahon got influence from blues, metal and punk and popular bassists such as Thundercat, Geezer Butler, John Paul Jones and Charles Mingus. Clark gets his taste from the ‘70s rock scene along with more soft rock such as the sounds of Mac DeMarco, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. From many different walks of life, they have combined their sound together into the ultimate phoenix that is Mongolian Firefight. 

Thoughts on Bowling is of the youngest local music groups but definitely holds its own in comparison to other providential bands. Starting just a year ago, Thoughts on Bowling is composed of two U of A freshmen and a high school junior. Bassist Taten Juan, guitarist Berkeley Wasson and drummer/vocalist Arden Warr all met in Bentonville High School before Wasson and Juan moved to Fayetteville this past year to start college. 

Thoughts on Bowling is a Midwest emo/fifth wave emo band that garners around 65,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. The group started playing live shows around six months ago and has played around 10 shows to date. The band currently plays shows throughout the South and Midwest. The Midwest emo genre resonated with the members as they wanted to tap into the unexpressed feelings of their generation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wanting to express relation to melancholic feelings with an upbeat sound, this genre helps them accomplish that. In addition to the emotions behind their ambition and what they want their music to symbolize, they really just love the sound. 

“Instrumental-wise it really just itches my brain the right way,” Wasson said. 

With great sound comes great energy, described Juan, adding, “My favorite thing is probably just playing the shows. I love matching the energy of the crowd and just having a good time.” 

Thoughts on Bowling’s inspiration across the board vary with consistent hints of an emo/punk flavor.

“I’ve had some really weird (music) phases,” Warr said, accounting for his taste. They attribute popular bands such as Mom Jeans, Title Fight, Basement, TRSH and Pierce the Veil in concocting the band’s sound.

“Just kind of the genre we play, that’s who I’m kinda inspired by,” Wasson said.

These bands, whose members walk among us, all find emotion in the music they get to create and perform. With Squash Garden’s vibrant flow across genres, the energetic blaze Mongolian Firefight fosters and the raw angst of the emo rock subgenre Thoughts on Bowling taps into, these local bands all express passion with their sound as they continue to pursue their dreams within music. 

The post What’s that Sound? Bands on Campus!  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Angie Ramirez

UAConnect is a student information system that University of Arkansas students, faculty and parents use when navigating their college experience. This spring will be the last time students use UAConnect. Students will still be able to register for summer classes through the system, but starting fall 2025, the new student information system will be Workday. In February, students started to receive emails from Workday about the new change and were provided instructions on how they can start the onboarding and financial aid processes. However, instructions to register for classes have yet to be sent to students. 

Laura Tilley-Stagni, the Workday Student Change Management Lead, explained how the university is one of the 15 schools who are part of the University of Arkansas System Office and the system established a group called Project One and that their mission is to have the System act more like a system where the schools work together. 

“One of the ways all 15 schools can work together is by having the same student information system,” Tilley-Stagni said. “Having everyone on one system means that students will have an easier time moving between schools and that all of our schools are using up-to-date technology and information. Another goal of moving registration to Workday is that this will let students see their campus employment and registration all in one place.” 

Students have used UAConnect since they first began in the university. The system has made it easier for students to find all information about their academic records, and about financial aid or payments. It is also a great way for students to be aware of the classes they are required to take and stay on top of that each semester. For many years, students have also used UAConnect to register for classes. They would add the classes they want to take in the “shopping cart” and wait until their given time to enroll. But with the change for the upcoming school year, it may affect the habits students might have developed over the years while using UAConnect. 

“I’m not too conflicted about it,” said Macey Hunter, a U of A freshman. “I have been previously introduced to (Workday) during my high school career, but since I am a freshman this year and was introduced to something else, I know the switch can be different.” 

Workday is a system that employees working a job correlated with the university use. It is a financial management tool that includes payroll, accounting, position management and budgeting. All of the on-campus jobs use Workday to receive their pay. 

“I have experience with Workday because I use it to fill in my hours, so I am a bit used to it that way,” said Shamiah Sheppard, a sophomore at the U of A. “I feel like it’s going to be something new for many students because not everybody (has) a work study that uses Workday for work, so it’s inconvenient for a lot of people.” 

Freshman Cameron Guerra also has a job on campus and said she thinks that registering for classes on Workday will be stressful. 

“As a student worker, I think it is inconvenient because I feel like it’s going to be overwhelming to split (work and school responsibilities) up,” Guerra said. “I don’t think registration is going to be as easy as UAConnect, but I feel like making advising appointments will be easier and more direct.” 

As the enrollment time nears, students continue to make appointments with their advisors to discuss the upcoming semester and the best choices for their classes. It is in their best interest to ask about the transition to have a smooth path in enrolling. 

“I feel like if you’re a person that doesn’t pay attention to emails, it may be easy to miss this kind of change,” said  Ashley Rico, a U of A freshman. “I have no issues with this transition, but I could see how some may run into some.” 

Some students run into the issue of not checking their email as often as they should, and missing important emails from school. With this transition, students are advised to be on the lookout for upcoming emails since they can contain valuable information about enrollment. 

“Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” Tilley-Stagni said. “Students can use the training website, submit a Help Ticket, visit a Workday help table during registration, or email wstudent@uark.edu.” 

Students should be aware of the current tasks on Workday. There are downloadable guides for completing the onboarding and accepting financial aid tasks, and can be found on the Student Information System website. Though not much information has been released, students should keep a close eye on their emails and logging into Workday for any new student activities. 

“The only thing that I would personally add is for students to go ahead and start exploring Workday Student before registration,” Shane Barker, assistant dean for academics said. “Click around, learn how it works, and ask for help.” 

The post The New System: Students’ Adjustment to Workday appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Annabel Simmons

Music is an essential element to human life — influencing our emotions, fostering connections and enhancing everyday experiences. Walking around the University of Arkansas campus, you will see an abundance of students wearing various listening devices, immersed in their own musical worlds. But how exactly does music play a role in student life, especially in the face of college complexities? 

University students, in particular, significantly rely on music. The medium has become a necessity for most U of A students — weaving its way into various aspects of daily routines. From getting through the day to winding down at night, music seems to be innately nestled into the mundane, ordinary activities of life. 

Camille Wright, a sophomore at the U of A studying biology, noted she listens to music throughout the entirety of her day. For her, having the continuous background noise makes the day more enjoyable. 

“I listen to it when studying, driving, working out, walking from class to class, cleaning and even showering,” Wright said. Using music to simply accompany everyday experiences is a common trend for most students.

One of the most common times students use music is during studying and completing coursework. For many, music is considered to be an integral piece to their study routine, enhancing one’s ability to complete coursework and increasing academic performance. However, reasons for use when studying vary among students. Music may be used as mere background noise. 

“Background noise kind of drowns out the stray thoughts in my head, so I can focus better,” Wright explained. 

The preferred genre for completing academic work differs depending on who is listening. For some students, listening to lyrical music tends to be distracting in times of needed focus. Because of this, Wright said she typically listens to instrumental guitar or slow classical playlists, which is a popular option for many students. 

When using music as a stimulus for creativity and motivation, others prefer listening to their favorite artists and more upbeat playlists during coursework. Several students claimed that streaming a playlist full of their most cherished songs has the capacity to raise their mood, better motivating them to complete strenuous assignments. The right song can help shift perception, making difficult tasks feel more manageable.

However, music can bring a dichotomous effect to productivity. Belle Chapal, a sophomore at the U of A, emphasizes how music often serves as a source of inspiration, increasing her creativity and productivity. She also notes that good music can sometimes be distracting. 

“I think it’s such an influential medium,” Chapal said. “I’ll sit down to study, and the right song can inspire me to get through a paper in half an hour, but the wrong album can distract me.” The inconsistent influence that music can have is hindering at times; however, credit is still due for its creative impact.

“Listening to music might redirect my energy, but I think a lot of my energy comes from listening to music as well,” Chapal said. Balancing music as a tool for efficiency versus enjoyment is key to optimizing its benefits.

Beyond academics, music is very involved in most students’ social lives. It serves as a means of connection, fostering friendships and creating lasting memories. “I think music definitely brings people together and creates a sense of community around campus,” Chapal said. “I met one of my best friends at a local concert freshman year, and we’ve had so many memories together since. When me and my friends want a weekend away, we always plan it around concerts and festivals.”

Chapal works as the station manager at KXUA, the student-run radio station at the U of A. Through KXUA, Chapal is constantly introduced to new artists and genres by her peers, she said. “Talking to other students about music can introduce you to new songs, but I think more importantly it can bring you closer together,” Chapal said. Recently, she has been enjoying artists such as FKA Twigs, Jane Remover and Caroline Polachek. “The first few months of spring semester always seem pretty bleak, so I’m looking for something rich, energetic and fun,” she said. “It’s an art pop spring.”

Isabella Galloway, a sophomore studying chemical engineering, also recognizes how music fosters community. She played the clarinet throughout middle and high school but had to give it up in college due to the demands of her coursework. Despite this, music remains a staple in her life. “I don’t go a day without listening to at least a few hours of music,” she said. Attending local concerts has allowed her to form meaningful connections, similar to Chapal’s experiences. “I’ve made so many great friends going to local shows and concerts,” she said. One of her favorite places to watch shows with local artists is Vinos in Little Rock. “I just love the community there,”Galloway said. 

Music also plays a huge role in nightlife culture, providing a break from academic stress. Many students use music to set the tone for nights out. Kaitlynn Miller, a sophomore studying psychology, emphasizes how music helps create a positive atmosphere before going out with friends. “It really helps us all feel more connected and confident,” she said. Sharing admiration for many of the same artists, it’s easy for them to enjoy music with one another, she said. 

Stress is inevitable for students. Academic expectations can be overwhelming and hard to navigate. However, music is a notable outlet for these pressures, providing a boost of serotonin and catharsis when needed. It is a significant tool for aiding overall well-being and mental health. “Music is like a form of therapy for me,” Miller said. “I turn to it in so many different situations because it helps me better myself.” She notes it as something she uses to relieve anxiety and stress because of its ability to take negative thoughts off of her mind. 

Whether one is listening to study, socialize or relieve stress, music remains a vital part of student life, enhancing the college experience in countless ways. As students navigate the highs and lows of university life, music will undoubtedly remain a powerful force in guiding them through their journey. 

The post The Soundtrack of Success: The Role of Music in Student Life appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ella Karoline Hendricks

Up-close, raw and personal, told by the only one who knew the real Eve Babitz, the book “Didion and Babitz” offers a look into the relationship between the larger-than-life authors of Los Angeles in the ’60s: Joan Didion and Eve Babitz. Following the course of their lives as they navigate the tumultuous ’60s and how the women gained their respective reputations as the voice of the 1960s. The book, written by Lili Anolik, also serves as an extension of sorts to Anolik’s previous biography of Eve Babitz, entitled “Hollywood’s Eve.”

Running in overlapping circles, Didion and Babitz shared a relationship that has not been discussed in detail before — with Didion acting as a friend, editor and mentor during Babitz’s writing career. Didion’s letter of approval and urge for publication resulted in Babitz’s first work “The Sheik” to be published in Rolling Stone magazine, which set her on a path toward becoming the accredited Eve Babitz we know today. 

Yet, this working relationship was short lived, with Babitz swearing off Didion as an editor — although the pretenses of friendship, and antagonism, remained for the rest of their lives. Anolik characterizes Didion and Babitz as foils — one in the same yet opposites, often clashing. 

“Didion and Babitz” is captivating; Anolik does an incredible job of drawing you straight into LA in the ’60s, right in the middle of the sex, drugs and conflict of the era. 

Beginning with Babitz, as Anolik states “Eve… is the key that unlocks the very good and very important Joan,” the author dives into her story beginning in high school — the moment, as she puts, when “a person becomes aware — socially aware, sexually aware, self-aware.”

Chronicling the lives of Babitz and Didion, while focusing more closely on Babitz, Anolik takes us through both the lives of the authors, coming to full form when the pair met in 1967 at a Didion-Dunne dinner party. Babitz was free, unattached and critical towards Mrs. “Dunn” (Babitz’s nickname for Didion in the early years of their friendship). Didion was married to John Greggory Dunne, a fellow writer. In each other, Didion and Dunne found a built-in editor, and famously, they did not edit outsiders’ work.

Except, Didion made an exception for Eve Babitz. 

Grounded in letters (sent and unsent) from Babitz found posthumously, the book extensively covers both women, the ins and outs of their lives, with Anolik leading the way through the messy and complicated. Rich with sex, pop culture and wit, it is wonderfully detailed and fully fleshed out, telling a compelling story from start to finish. 

Anolik’s voice is inexplicably linked in every aspect of the book, from her views on Didion to Babitz to everyone they interacted with. Anolik’s work shows a bias toward Babitz and a need for self-insertion not often found in this genre. Anolik states multiple times that she is on Babitz’s side, which cannot be faulted as she knew Babitz personally, as opposed to Didion, whom she only saw through the lens of Babitz and Didion’s public perception. 

Anolik’s voice lives on every page as she takes the role of Babitz, almost fictionalizing lives. It’s as if Anolik got wrapped up in the Hollywood glamour of the scene and can’t help but further push a Babitz-like narrative — blending truth and narrative. Anolik frames Babitz as a quintessential Californian — muse, artist, author, draped in excess, while Didion is an outsider in utter control: cunning, cold and calculated. 

This book is begging you to pick — Didion or Babitz, one to root for, one to critique. In doing so, it unconsciously negates the talents and impact of two writers who were so often pitted against each other (even if it was themselves doing the pitting). 

Despite this, the book takes a deviation at the end from this ruthless struggle between the two in order to tell the reader that, in fact, Didion and Babitz are one and the same, two sides of the same coin, soulmates even. 

In Chapter 26, A Friend from Hollywood, Anolik wrote, “Eve is Joan’s ideal self,” in reference to Babitz’s life — chaotic and vital, romantic and real. Then Anolik switches the statement: “If Eve is Joan’s ideal self, then Joan is Eve’s practical self.” Didion represents the things Babitz could not maintain — regiment, control and order. 

They mirror one another in all aspects — their differences showing the ways the other has failed or succeeded. But despite it all, they are connected in one link — being alone. 

In her closing statements, Anolik wrote, “I mean alone always, alone fundamentally. At their cores, these women were solitary, private, implacable … Brides of Art. No man truly touched either. And each was the closest the other had to a secret twin or sharer.” 

While I agree with the statement, and Anolik gives convincing evidence to the fact, it is not necessarily a reasonable conclusion to draw from the case she builds in the bulk of the book. Instead, the majority of the book seems an attempt to revisualize Didion from her maternal, otherworldly public view to cold and calculating, while framing Babitz as vivid and complicated as life itself. 

Anolik’s voice is integral to the story itself, with inserts of her own life and reflections on her interviews. Yet, this creates a unique outlook on the lives of these icons, with a personal and modern voice blending it all together seamlessly.

Anolik successfully creates a portrait of two high-profile writers and artists whose work we revere, yet whose lives we have never truly known. If you are interested in learning more about the life and career of Eve Babitz and how Joan Didion was irrevocably a part of that life, I would highly recommend “Didion and Babitz.”

The post Unveiling “Didion and Babitz:” A Personal Look into America’s Favorite ‘60s Authors  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Annabel Simmons

Dr. Karen Sebold has taught in the University of Arkansas’ political science department since 2011, but her journey to success distinguishes her from many others. “I have a background that most professors are not going to have,” Sebold said. 

A person’s socioeconomic origins often play a significant role in shaping their educational and career paths. Most professors tend to grow up in middle class or upper middle class lifestyles. However, Sebold is an exception to this norm, as many of her family members never graduated from high school.“I definitely feel different from most professors as a result of my background,” she said.

She was born in Fayetteville and raised in Springdale by a single mother. Moving around a lot, she attended various elementary schools in the area. “That’s kind of the byproduct of being poor,” Sebold said. “You’re forced to move from one place to another because you don’t have the money to pay the rent.” She spent much of her childhood in public housing at Applegate, one of the oldest housing developments in the region.

Sebold’s mother eventually remarried, and her stepdad worked in the chicken processing industry. Although not much, this provided her family with a little more stability and the resources needed to survive. While her father was present in her life, he struggled financially. “He kind of lived off the land,” she explained.

In the early 1990s, Sebold dropped out of high school during what would have been her sophomore or junior year. Being pregnant at the time, attending school became increasingly difficult to navigate.

Sexual and reproductive health education has long been a controversial and stigmatized topic in the South. Many schools have historically focused on abstinence-based programs, often omitting information about contraception and other birth control options. “It was the late 80s, early 90s, and there wasn’t a lot of information on birth control or sexual education in this area,” Sebold said. “It was a Bible Belt state where they didn’t believe in teaching about that.” 

After dropping out of school, Sebold moved to Fayetteville for two years, where she discovered her passion for politics. Even from a young age, she had been drawn to political journalism, closely following the news throughout elementary to high school. When Arkansas’ own governor, Bill Clinton, ran for president in 1992, this served as a pivotal moment in Sebold’s life.

“Clinton did a lot of campaigning here in Northwest Arkansas, and that really drew me and my friends in,” Sebold said. “The things that he talked about made me feel like I mattered, even though I always thought, well, I’m kind of just a worthless person. I’m just a mistake. He and Hillary Clinton were big inspirations to me growing up in this state because they always tried to improve the lives of the poor.”

Sebold began volunteering for Clinton’s presidential campaign, and bringing her son along in his stroller, she would knock on doors. She even handmade buttons and sold them. “Doing something bigger than me or my problems was really cool, and that’s what really hooked me on government and politics,” Sebold said. “I got to see Clinton speak, about two weeks before he was elected, on the front lawn of Old Main, and that was the most exciting experience I’d ever had in my life up until that point.”

After her first son was born in 1991, Sebold became pregnant with her second child at 20. “At that point, I’d relocated to Kansas with my husband at the time, and shortly after my second son was born, I started community college,” Sebold said. She recalls her consistent admiration for learning, which prompted her going back to school. “Even through the difficulties, I’d always been kind of a nerd,” she said.

She attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where she earned an associate degree in 1997. Raising two sons, Sebold was motivated to build a better future for her family. She realized that the jobs she was working–waiting tables and taking on any available work to earn an income–were not what she envisioned for her future.“I wanted to provide stability for my kids,” she said.

When Sebold started school at Coffeyville, she was unsure of exactly what she wanted to do career wise. She initially considered pre-law and journalism but ultimately decided against both. “Having kids limited me,” Sebold explained. She needed to pursue a career that would allow her to maintain a balanced work-life relationship, ensuring she could be present for her children. “I wanted to really raise them,” she said.  

After obtaining her associate degree, Sebold was accepted into a journalism program at Kansas University. However, at the time, she was a newly single mother going through a divorce, and attending was not an option. “I didn’t have the resources,” she said. “It’s really difficult to navigate college when you don’t have kids, and when you do, it’s next level.”

She took a break from school and worked in radio, broadcasting and sales, where she met her current husband, with whom she has been with for nearly 25 years. The couple moved to Nebraska so that her husband could continue his radio broadcasting career, and she could work toward getting a bachelor’s degree. She spent a year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha before becoming pregnant with her third son and leaving school due to sickness. Almost two years later, Sebold and her family moved back to Kansas. She resumed her studies at Rogers State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, commuting nearly an hour to campus. In 2005, she received her bachelor’s degree in political science.

During college, Sebold found relief in new support systems. “My husband would work at night, and I would go to school during the day, and we managed to raise the kids while getting me through school.” She also received significant assistance from government programs, including aid for childcare, food stamps, grants and medical insurance. “That kind of helped me create some bootstraps to pull up,” she said. “I could not have gone to college and made it happen without that support.” 

Sebold began working toward her graduate degree soon after completing her undergraduate studies and has remained in academia ever since. She moved to Fayetteville in 2006 and applied to the University of Arkansas’ political science department to pursue her master’s degree. It was during this time that she realized she wanted to become a professor. She began her doctoral studies in 2008 and completed her dissertation in 2013, earning a doctorate degree in public policy. Shortly after, she was offered a position as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas. Initially on a non-tenure track, she transitioned to the tenure track in 2020.

Adjusting to a larger university was daunting, particularly because of her unique background, she said. However, Sebold said she believes facing these challenges made her stronger and more confident. She expressed feeling torn between two worlds–academia and the one she grew up in. During times of transition, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. 

Throughout her educational journey, Sebold was primarily her own support system and credits her success to having an unfaltering mindset. She states that it wasn’t easy. “It takes time,” she said. “It’s trial and error. It’s finding the resources to support your goals. But ultimately it all comes down to having a goal and being ambitious — the idea that I’m not going to settle for something just because these are my life circumstances.” 

Sebold went against the grain and pushed herself forward.

“Unfortunately, my parents were only able to help so much,” Sebold said. “I was always my own support system but also my own cheerleader.” 

She also doesn’t view her challenges as things to regret. “I never looked at having kids early as a mistake,” Sebold remarked. “It got me on the right track. Yeah, I made some mistakes; I messed up along the way, but I don’t regret that. Because, usually, it’s those mistakes that teach you more about life and help you figure out who you are.” 

There were many moments when Sebold didn’t know if she would prevail, but she notes that the hardship has made her success even more rewarding. “I was able to go from a bad situation to really embracing and loving my career,” she said. “I’m in love with my career.”

Currently, at the University of Arkansas, Sebold specializes in American politics. She has a book under contract with Kansas University Press titled: “Loose Laws, Partisan Politics, and a Gridlocked Federal Election Commission” and has many other published works in her areas of research. Her research focuses on campaign finance, the presidential nomination process and election administration. She has taught courses such as the Chief Executive, the American National Congress, Money and Politics, Political Parties, Federalism, and American National Government. This is also her first year teaching Politics and Policy on Film. 

Many of Sebold’s students attest to her influence in the classroom. Camryn Hinkle, who is currently enrolled in Politics and Policy on Film, said that upon one of her first classes with  Sebold, she could tell that her professor has a deep passion for teaching. “I immediately felt like her class would be refreshing and different from any of the other political science courses I’ve been involved with,” she said. 

Hinkle also noted the positive impact Sebold continues to have on students. 

“Almost every class has a good memory in it, but I love when she speaks to us about how she got to where she is today,” Hinkle shared. “She is great at reminding us life doesn’t have a timeline when it comes to reaching our goals and that the world will have great things to offer regardless of our own timeline for ourselves.”

Caroline Koch, who took American Political Parties and is currently taking Politics and Policy on Film with  Sebold, recognizes how she stands out from other professors. “The classroom always has an upbeat vibe, with freedom for open discussion and opinions, which is what we need more of,” she said. “Dr. Sebold is constantly reassuring students that she can be like a Mama Bear to them if needed. She is very understanding of our generation, which I give credit to her having her own children around our age. I think that helps her a lot connecting with students.”

Outside of her university work, Sebold enjoys watching professional cycling with her husband. Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, she loves to hike and has made countless trips to Devil’s Den. Sebold deeply values time with family, relishing moments spent with her grandkids and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Recently, she’s taken up watching animal webcams, with eagles and owls being among her favorites. “That’s my new hobby recently, to get away from the news,” she remarked.

Sebold’s adversities allow her to offer meaningful advice to college students facing similar obstacles. “You have to be diligent about knowing who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and what you can do to navigate challenges,” she said. “I would tell young people don’t be afraid of hardship. Don’t avoid the hard stuff. Don’t put your head in the sand.” She notes that it is often the adversity we face that helps us determine who we are and what we’re made of. 

“I know what I’m made of,” she said.“I’ll tell you real quick what I’m made of. I’m made of some tough stuff,” she said. “It’s important to know that these things will not kill you. They may challenge you, but they are likely to make you stronger.”

The post Against the Odds: Dr. Karen Sebold’s Story of Success appeared first on Hill Magazine.