Outstanding Graduate Award
Outstanding GraduateWinter 2025Daniel LoreyDaniel Lorey is an active-duty military service member who has remained committed to professional and academic growth while serving full time. Beginning his educational journey in October 2022, he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of Arkansas Grantham. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in Project Management, continuing to build on his leadership and operational experience.
While serving on active duty, Daniel successfully balanced the demands of military service with rigorous academic coursework. His education strengthened his skills in leadership, logistics planning, problem-solving, and organizational management competencies he applies daily in operational environments. The flexibility and support offered by UA Grantham enabled him to progress academically without compromising mission readiness, allowing him to translate theory into real-world application
Through his educational achievements, Daniel has become a strong advocate for lifelong learning, particularly within the military community. He encourages fellow service members to pursue higher education as a means of enhancing career mobility, leadership effectiveness, and long-term professional success. As business, logistics, and project environments continue to evolve, Daniel believes education is the foundation that prepares individuals to adapt, lead, and succeed both in uniform and beyond.
Outstanding GraduateSummer 2025Christina SelfChristina Self is the Associate Director of Customer and Consumer Care at Tyson Foods, Inc., where she has worked for over 25 years. She and her husband John have two beautiful daughters, one granddaughter, and a lovably goofy French Bulldog. In April 2025, she earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Arkansas Grantham, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.97 GPA in just three years. During her studies at UA Grantham, Christina sharpened the communication and emotional intelligence skills that would become instrumental in her career growth. Within three years, she earned two promotions, directly supported by her education, which helped her become a better leader, navigate complex challenges, and drive meaningful results across her teams. Christina credits her success in completing this goal to her Tyson Foods family that has amazing leaders encouraging her and offers amazing benefits for furthering education. She also credits her husband, John, who did all the heavy lifting allowing her to stay focused and complete the degree in only three years. In a world where strong communication and adaptability are essential, Christina stands as proof that continuing education is a powerful tool for transformation. “Earning my degree from UA Grantham is something I’m really proud of because it helped me grow—not just for myself, but for the people around me. I became more resilient and more confident in my ability to lead. The communication and emotional intelligence skills I developed made a real difference in how I show up at work, and also in how I support my friends and family. I was promoted twice during the program, and I believe the personal growth I experienced played a big role in that. This journey pushed me in all the right ways and truly changed me for the better.”
Outstanding GraduateWinter 2024Mose Perkins VMose Perkins V is a double graduate of UA Grantham, having earned his Bachelor of 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.”
Outstanding GraduateSummer 2024Maurice Bin BatubengaMaurice Bin Batubenga is a Human Resources clerk and French Interpreter at Tyson Foods. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 2014 from Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, and worked his way up from a parking lot cashier to his current position. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UA Grantham, he is using his education to seek a leadership position within the company.
Maurice encourages his community to pursue education and demonstrates how a degree can change lives: "I came to the USA in 2014, from the Republic of South Africa, with my wife and children. I work full-time for Tyson Foods, and for five years I was a student at UA Grantham. It was not easy as a bread-winner to work ten hours a day, sometimes six days a week and be a college student at the same time. No matter how difficult it was, I do not remember being behind with my assignments or my weekly discussions. Because I know that wherever there is a will, there is always a way. I knew what I was pursuing, that is why nothing could distract me."
Outstanding GraduateWinter 2023Cinderella AlmondMrs. Cinderella D. Almond is working as a Cyber Security Engineer for the Department of the Air Force. After retiring from the Army, 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 Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. 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.
Outstanding GraduateSummer 2023Russel BatesRussel Bates recently 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.