The RazorBug Tour made a stop in Hope today to deliver a diploma to UAHT's Gabrielle Patterson. This tour consists of a traveling group of U of A faculty and staff who are traveling the southern part of the state to present diplomas to some recent graduates who earned degrees in online programs, and it also includes Hog fans' favorite converted Volkswagon Beetle, the RazorBug.
Patterson, a social science instructor for UAHT, today received her diploma for a Master of Education in Community College Leadership and was delighted with the presentation. "It's exciting!" Patterson said. "This program is relatively new so I think it was a good idea to show the partnership we have with Fayetteville. Earning my degree in Community College Leadership while teaching here really helped me in the classroom and has made me a better instructor."
Kay Murphy, with the RazorBug Tour Team, said the entire team was thrilled to be on the tour and travel to the hometowns and workplaces of those who studied online with the University of Arkansas. "It is such a pleasure to be able to meet these people in person and just hear their stories," Murphy said. "Every online student has a special story. Gabrielle is an example. She teaches here at UAHT and she was also able to earn her Master of Education in Community College Leadership because it was offered online."
Dr. Michael Hevel, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources, and Communication Disorders at U of A, travelled from Fayetteville so he could present Patterson with her diploma. "We have a growing online student body, and it's great to get out and meet them in person where they live," Hevel said. "This program is designed to help professionals working in the community colleges spread across the state, and we hope that as they learn more, they then can help their own students and campuses."
The RazorBug Tour will travel on to El Dorado tomorrow for another diploma presentation, but before they leave town, they will be making another stop. The RazorBug will be parked at the Hub in downtown Hope from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for any visitors who would like to see and/or take pictures.
