UCA hosted the Poulter Commons dedication ceremony March 18.
Part of the space in the Student Success and Veterans Resource Center at UCA is now known as the Poulter Commons, named in honor of former provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, Patricia Poulter.
Poulter served in this role from 2018-2024.
Poulter said, “My favorite part about working at UCA was the culture of possibility and belief in the power of education to change lives for the better. That atmosphere allows for creating and sustaining a culture of support, professionalism, best practices, and individual and community success.”
UCA President Houston Davis said, “Dr. Poulter’s tenure at UCA was marked by visionary leadership, academic excellence and an unwavering commitment to student success. Throughout her service, she championed initiatives that strengthened UCA’s academic reputation, fostered faculty development and enhanced student learning experiences.”
While Poulter was at UCA she positively affected many students’ lives.
Davis said, “Under her leadership, UCA expanded innovative academic programs, broke down barriers for students and strengthened institutional accreditation efforts.”
There were approximately 100 individuals at the ceremony.
Davis said, “Kevin Thomas, vice president for Enrollment Services and Student Success, welcomed all and introduced our program with me following making comments about Dr. Poulter’s impact on our campus. I then introduced Dr. Poulter, who spoke about her love for the university and the students that we serve. We also showcased a model of the plaque that will be placed in the Poulter Commons that speaks to Dr. Poulter’s time with the university.”
This space was dedicated to Poulter because of who she was while working at UCA.
Davis said, “The renovation of this facility into the Student Success and Veterans Resource Center is a staple of Poulter’s vision, leadership and her impact on this campus. It was made possible, in part, due to her imagination and determination to see it through.”
A huge part of this space is to make sure that students know they are valued and they matter.
Poulter said, “I hope this space continues to be a place of meeting students where they are at in the moment, providing support and encouragement and advice. I hope it is a place where the people who work there walk in the door and feel valued. I want every person to know they are respected, worthwhile, and capable.”
Davis said, “Dr. Poulter made a tremendous impact in her role as chief academic officer for our university. As they interact in this space, I hope that current and future students will get to know her through this named space and be inspired by her legacy.”
Poulter’s dedication represents many more people than just herself.
Poulter said, “Personally, the dedication of this space is the most humbling honor I have received in my long career. It represents the thousands of students, faculty, student support professionals, administrators and students with whom I have had the privilege to work toward a shared vision of empowering others to live lives of purpose, choice, and meaning.”