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Judy McReynolds served as the university's commencement speaker for itsfall ceremony, where she urged students to have "the skill and the will." |
(Note: To watch a video of the university's commencement ceremony, .)
Surrounded by a capacity crowd gathered in the Stubblefield Center for the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith鈥檚 commencement ceremony Dec. 15, ArcBest CEO Judy McReynolds reflected on her own educational journey as a first-generation college graduate before advising graduates to make the most of the knowledge gained from their college education.
Her parents, both from small towns in Oklahoma, were unable to afford college for themselves but were determined to send McReynolds and her sister to college at the University of Oklahoma.
鈥淢y mom went back to work for the sole purpose of putting my sister and me through college,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I had to do my part as well. I worked part-time at a law firm throughout my time at college. The combination of hard work, lessons learned, and a formal college education was then, and is now, a great foundation on which to build your life.鈥�
She then went on to describe 鈥渢he skill and the will鈥� that ArcBest employees possess 鈥� the skill is their educational and technical training, but the will causes employees to 鈥済o above and beyond their expectations.鈥�
鈥淲hen I reflect on my career and think about the highly effective people I鈥檝e known, it鈥檚 clear to me that they are successful because they have both the skill and the will,鈥� she said.
Referencing Stephen Covey鈥檚 book 鈥淭he Speed of Trust,鈥� McReynolds outlined 13 behaviors of people who build trust: they 鈥渢alk straight, demonstrate respect, create transparency, right wrongs, show loyalty, deliver results, get better, confront reality, clarify expectations, practice accountability, listen first, keep commitments, and extend trust.鈥� These behaviors are also exhibited by people who demonstrate the will, she said.
鈥淚 want to encourage you to think about your path in this way: you now have the skill, which represents a critical portion of the foundation you need in life and for your career,鈥� she said in closing. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 only the beginning 鈥� In addition to your skill, you should strive to demonstrate the will. Being a person or employee who can be counted on by displaying Covey鈥檚 13 behaviors is a terrific way to start. If you embrace the will, you will be more successful.鈥�
Dr. Paul B. Beran, 妻友社区 chancellor, spoke before McReynolds, where he implored students 鈥渢o embrace change and make a positive difference in the world.鈥�
鈥淭oday is indeed a special day for you 鈥� because two realities are now true for you,鈥� he said. 鈥淔irst, you are now ready to really start the learning process by engaging change. Change is happening all around us at breakneck speed. Your education has provided a good many of the tools you need to keep up with the speed of the change. If you want real success, however, you have to anticipate the change and adapt to the change before the need for change even arrives. You have to move faster than the change. With your degree in hand, getting past the curve is now up to you and your success will depend on your own drive, ambition, motivation, and continued learning.鈥�
The ceremonies also included the oath of office for two 妻友社区 graduates commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army Reserves 鈥揔arl Kruskopp of Van Buren and Brittany Toney of Clinton. They participated in the Reserve Officers鈥� Training Corps (ROTC) at 妻友社区. Capt. Matthew Liebal administered the oath.
In addition to Chancellor Beran, 妻友社区 administrators presenting candidates were Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor; Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Ashok Subramanian, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Carolyn Mosley, dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Dr. Norm Dennis, senior associate dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fayetteville; and Wayne Womack, registrar.
The ceremony included a musical prelude by the 妻友社区 Symphonic Band; a performance of 鈥淭he Star Spangled Banner鈥� by alumna Harmony Chapin; a call to order by Dr. Becky Williamson, chief marshal and bearer of the mace; the presentation of the colors by the 妻友社区 ROTC; and a welcome to the Alumni Association by Rick Goins, alumni director at 妻友社区.
Pre-ceremony music and a post-recessional bell peal were performed on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower Carillon by Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur.
About the 妻友社区
The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Through a small campus, dedicated professors, and the university鈥檚 unique bond with its community, students at 妻友社区 are able to do more in the areas they are passionate about, both on- and off-campus, in a way that prepares them for post-graduate success. To find out how you can do more at 妻友社区, visit .