DEAC Outstanding Graduates
DEAC Outstanding Graduate Award Recipients
The DEAC Outstanding Graduate Award is presented each year by UA Grantham to honor a graduate whose accomplishments represent the highest standards of our university community. This distinguished honor celebrates not only academic excellence, but also the determination and commitment required to succeed in a rigorous online learning environment.
Recipients of the award exemplify UA Grantham students’ core values of grit, perseverance, and excellence. Through sustained academic performance, meaningful engagement with the university, and a demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth, these honorees represents the spirit of students who balance education with work, family, and service.
The award is presented in conjunction with the annual DEAC conference, highlighting the recipient’s accomplishments on a national stage among peer institutions and educational leaders. It serves as both a recognition of individual achievement and a reflection of the strength and impact of the UA Grantham community.
2026 Outstanding GraduateCody EricksonCody Erickson recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas – Grantham, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration. A dedicated finance professional, Cody serves as a Director of Finance, where he brings a thoughtful, people‑first approach to leadership and problem‑solving.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cody is a proud father to a six‑year‑old who inspires him daily. His biggest source of strength and motivation has been his wife, whose unwavering support carried him through both his career growth and his return to higher education. Cody credits much of this milestone to her encouragement, partnership, and belief in his potential.
Balancing family, full‑time work, and academic excellence, Cody’s journey reflects resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to building a meaningful future for those he loves most.
2025 Outstanding GraduateMose PerkinsMose Perkins V is a double graduate of UA Grantham, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree in 2023, Cum Laude, and Master of Science in Information Management Technology degree in 2024, With Distinction.
Mose successfully navigated competing priorities of work and family as part of his education journey: “Juggling the demands of military service, parenthood, and academics was no easy feat, but it taught me valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today."
"There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to give up. The support I received from my professors, fellow students, and military comrades was invaluable. Their encouragement and understanding helped me stay motivated and focused, even during the toughest times. Their belief in me fueled my determination to succeed, no matter the obstacles I faced."
"Through perseverance and hard work, I not only earned my degree but also grew as a person. My experience at UA Grantham taught me that with dedication and resilience, anything is possible.”
2024 Outstanding GraduateCinderella AlmondMrs. Cinderella D. Almond is working as a Cyber Security Engineer for a military department. After retiring from active military, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity, and later a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Arkansas Grantham. Cinderella graduated from her MBA program with a 4.0 GPA which provided her opportunities to apply for senior leadership positions within the Department of Defense and companies that provided services to numerous military branches. Her education helped her to enhance her proven performance in management, leadership, and communication. She was able to highlight her tactics as a detail-oriented individual by using her studies, analytical and problem-solving skills to meet her objectives, prepare and resolve issues due to the rapid changes in information technology.
2023 Outstanding GraduateRussell BatesRussell Bates achieved a lifelong goal of earning his Master of Science in Information Technology with a 4.0 grade point average from University of Arkansas Grantham in November of 2022, following a 12-year quest for a postgraduate degree. Despite many challenges, Bates was motivated to put in the effort to complete his degree. The adaptability of UA Grantham was instrumental in helping Bates achieve his goal. He is currently considering several professional opportunities following graduation, including a dean position.
2022 Outstanding GraduateJanet WhiteTwo-time UA Grantham graduate, Janet White, understands the value of learning and hard work. Janet has held multiple positions in healthcare, and to better equip herself for the business aspects of leadership, she earned her Master of Healthcare Administration after completing her Master of Science in Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership. She graduated from both programs with a 4.0 GPA. Her dedication to continuing education has paved the way for significant career growth. She began as a Nurse Manager, and is now Interim Director of Surgical Services at an underserved rural community hospital.
2021 Outstanding GraduateMichael AliamusMichael Aliamus brought decades of professional experience to his academic journey. After more than 30 years in aerospace — rising to Senior Distinguished Engineer and Spacecraft Architect — he fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology in 2021. He went on to deliver the virtual commencement speech, highlighting perseverance, family support, and the personal growth that comes with completing his degree later in life.
2020 Outstanding GraduateCraig ElliottCraig Elliott was recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Graduate for his academic excellence, perseverance, and commitment to professional growth. While balancing career and personal responsibilities, Craig successfully completed his degree program with distinction. His educational journey reflects determination, discipline, and a dedication to lifelong learning — qualities that exemplify the spirit of UA Grantham’s Outstanding Graduate honor.
Craig is a three-time Grantham University graduate with nearly 32 years of active duty military service. Dedicated to advancing both his military career and his education, Elliott completed several deployments and moved from station to station across the country while earning his degrees. Elliott’s educational achievements at Grantham, including a Master of Business
Administration in Project Management, ultimately forged him into his current role as the Marine Reserves Aviation Readiness Program Manager.In addition to his job in the military, Elliott is an adjunct instructor at another online institution, where he teaches organizational behavior. Elliott has named himself an unofficial ‘Grantham Recruiter’ because of his passion for higher education and positive experiences at Grantham.