Recruiting Central Arkansas: Chancellor Robinson, U of A Admissions Team Visit Several High Schools

The RazorBug made the trip to Central Arkansas and got a photo in front of historic LR Central High School.

Chancellor Robinson poses with National Merit Semifinalists at Cabot HS.

Chancellor Robinson talks with students at Joe T. Robinson HS.

Chancellor Robinson talks with students at LR Christian Academy.

Students from Vilonia HS pose with the RazorBug.

As part of the tour, Chancellor Robinson met with National Merit Semifinalists at Conway HS.

Photo by John Baltz

Chancellor Robinson, Suzanne McCray and others call the Hogs at Vilonia High School.

The University of Arkansas visited six high schools in Central Arkansas this week promoting the importance of a higher education and how the U of A is best positioned to serve today's high schoolers and tomorrow's graduates. 

Chancellor Charles Robinson was joined by Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admissions, and others from the U of A admissions staff as they spoke with high schoolers in Conway, Cabot, Vilonia and the greater Little Rock area with visits to Little Rock Central, Little Rock Christian and Joe T. Robinson. 

"Recruiting all of Arkansas is a priority for us at the University of Arkansas," Robinson said. "I am happy to join Dr. Suzanne McCray and her team of recruiters who reach out to every high school in the state and to share the message that the University of Arkansas is a great place to get an outstanding education and to pursue your dreams." 

The U of A contingent met with National Merit Scholarship semifinalists at Little Rock Central High School, Cabot High School and Conway High School. These high school seniors' outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT exam placed them among the top 1% of the nation's test takers and qualified them to compete for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, a 68-year-old program that provides funding to a select group of college-bound students in each state.  

National Merit Scholarship semifinalists were announced in September, and scholarships will be awarded between April and July. There are currently 192 National Merit Scholars enrolled at the U of A.  

"It has been wonderful to meet with students at these schools, including National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and their families," McCray said. "Arkansans such as these have tremendous opportunity at the U of A, including strong support from our outstanding faculty and Honors College and the chance to prepare for academic and professional success after graduation. We want them all to be Razorbacks and to bring their intellect and curiosity to the classroom." 

"We are always excited for the chance to partner with high schools in Arkansas and help students dream big about their college careers," said Megan Garland, associate director of Arkansas recruitment. "I'm grateful to the many counselors who welcomed us into their schools this week and to the Office of Admissions team who traveled with us this week for always going above and beyond to celebrate and encourage students in Arkansas." 

Assistant director for Arkansas recruitment Radeanna Garcia, admissions counselor Emily Hartle, admissions counselor Malloree Murdock and senior associate director for communications John Baltz also took part in the recruiting trip.