UCA Career Services announced that senior Kristi Fraley is the 2024-2025 student worker of the year.

Students are nominated for this award by their supervisors for their amazing work.

Assistant Director of Career Service Céline Evans-Kennard said, “The student chosen as the winner stood out based on their specific achievements and proven dedication to going above and beyond. As the winner, Kristi received a $100 scholarship and a plaque.”

Fraley works for UCA’s Living Learning Communities.

Fraley said, “I am a community mentor for the Minton Commuter College LLC. I help freshman/sophomore student’s locate resources around campus, provide them with advice and help facilitate an open and welcoming environment for students who may not feel as included on our campus.”

Evans-Kennard said, “Kristi was selected as student worker of the year because of her exceptional commitment, reliability and willingness to go above and beyond in her role as a community mentor for the Minton Commuter College. In a position that requires both independence and initiative, Kristi has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, empathy, and dedication — not only to the commuter students she serves but also to the broader Living Learning Communities program.”

As a student worker, Fraley went above and beyond to help UCA and its students.

Evans-Kennard said, “Whether staffing important campus spaces, planning events, supporting fellow student workers, or stepping up to help with department-wide tasks, Kristi exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a student leader at UCA.”

Evans-Kennard said, “Kristi’s work has had a significant and wide-reaching impact on UCA. Through her efforts, hundreds of commuter students have found a welcoming, supportive environment in the Minton Commuter College — helping them stay connected to campus life, build relationships and access key resources.”

Fraley has changed students’ lives through her work and the changes she has helped make with the intention to improve students’ lives at UCA.

Evans-Kennard said, “Her dedication to maintaining and improving physical spaces like the commuter lounge and Lavender Library has created meaningful places for students to gather, study, and unwind. Beyond her immediate responsibilities, Kristi’s willingness to assist across all nine Living Learning Communities has strengthened the program as a whole, setting a high standard for service and community engagement at UCA.”

Fraley said being honored with this award is a huge accomplishment.

“I am honored to have the award because it shows that I have been able to help build a community on campus and left a mark on our department,” Fraley said. “It is always so special when someone recognizes your hard work, and I am very passionate about helping support underrepresented or challenged groups, like our commuters. My biggest goal coming into this job was to help others feel welcomed and appreciated on campus just like I was, and I think we are doing just that.”

Fraley has had the opportunity to grow and improve her skills for her future career. 

Fraley said, “This position has definitely helped my communication skills and working in a team. I am currently studying to be a speech language pathologist, and one big part of that is interdisciplinary work. I have been so grateful for the opportunities to work with other departments, majors and clubs on campus.”