Student-Athletes Enjoy Diverse, Challenging UA Colleges

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With its comprehensive and wide range of academic majors, Razorback student-athletes at the University of Arkansas have an opportunity to explore their academic and vocational interests by participating in nationally-recognized programs taught by a dynamic faculty.

During the 2016 fall semester, 39 percent of Razorback student-athletes were enrolled in the College of Education and Health Professions. The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the Sam M. Walton College of Business finished in second and third place, with 30 percent and 22 percent of Razorback student-athletes enrolled in each college, respectively.

Nine percent of student-athletes were enrolled in the College of Engineering and Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, while eight percent of student-athletes were associated with the Honors College. Two percent of student-athletes were enrolled in graduate school.

“Through my education major, I have made many friends and connections that could be very helpful in the future,” said Payton Stumbaugh, a member of the women’s track and field team and the College of Education and Health Professions. “Everyone in my major also gets to know one another so there is a deep connection between all the students which is unique and helpful. Professor Susan Mayes really impacts the education program by her energy, passion and love for getting to know every single one of her students academically and personally.”

Barrett Loseke, a baseball player enrolled in the College of Engineering, said he enjoys the rigor of his program and having the chance to apply real-life concepts and applications taught in the classroom to efficiency and safety issues.

“The department has professors that are understanding and challenging as well as making it possible to learn a lot while I’m focusing on baseball,” Loseke said. “Professor Brewer and his teaching assistant Babak Nezhad have been the best learning experience for me so far. They taught the class really well and made it easy to learn the content.”

Jared Collins, a football player taking graduate courses in the College of Education and Health Professions said he enjoys how his program deals with aspects of sports away from actual competition.

“I get to learn about the behind-the-scenes work that takes place,” Collins said. “It’s interesting viewing sports from a different perspective. Dr. Stephen Dittmore has positively impacted my experience. He’s a great professor. Anytime I have an issue or question, he is always there to help.”