Julie Lewis

Hometown:  Fayetteville, AR

Degree:       BS Education

I chose the U of A because it was my hometown school.  It allowed me to live at home while I attended school, which was the only way I could attend college at the time.

My fondest memory was meeting new people in class and forming study groups with the diverse population of students attending the U of A.  As I returned to school after getting married and starting a family, the non-traditional student organization helped me to transition back into college life. I have stayed connected to many of those same people who were there to support me.

The most influential figure during my time at the U of A was Dr. Shirley Lefever-Davis.  She was one of the founding organizers of the cooperative education partnership with a new elementary in Springdale.  She was so confident and caring, and knew just how to guide us through any situation we encountered during our cooping experience.  She led by example and showed us how a great teacher inspires others to do their best.

 My favorite U of A tradition is calling the Hogs.  Who wouldn’t love having a school “shout out” as unique as ours?!

In regards to opportunities I received while at the U of A, I would say my work study allowed me the experience of working with the Campus Access Office.  I learned what it was like for students who needed assistance to perform at their best while attending the U of A.  The information and skills I obtained during that work study time have made me a better teacher in the classroom.  I am more attuned to the needs and modifications that can help my students be more successful and continue their path to college.  It has led me to new career opportunities as a Campus Intervention Specialist, where I am able to help both the teachers better meet the needs of struggling students as well as provide the support and modifications that help my students be their best.

I am an Alumni Member because after raising my three boys, I wanted to make sure I was involved with my college and showed my school spirit.  The Arkansas Alumni Association is one of the best ways to stay connected to the university I love so much.

 I am involved currently by being a board member of the Dallas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association.  I also volunteer to host watch parties and participate in special events in the DFW area.

I give back to the U of A, because I have learned the hard way that when you do not build a network of support, you have a very hard time in life.  The connections I nurtured after graduation were the ones that led me to better job situations, provided outstanding references, and gave the greatest amount of support in building my teaching career.  I want to make sure that I am paying it forward to the next generation of Razorbacks embarking on the new chapters in their lives.

My favorite Alumni event so far has been the watch parties, but all the volunteer events are also fun.

My favorite Razorback item, besides my beautiful diploma, is my stuffed Razorback and my game day snout.  Both are proudly displayed in my classroom!

 Now in Texas, I am currently an Intervention Specialist at the elementary level.  This is my 15th year in public education in Irving ISD in Irving, TX.  I love the influence that I have in the lives of my students. I love that I am blessed with the ability to inspire them to be the best they can be while sharing my teaching experience and knowledge with the other teachers on my campus, in my district and now, at the state level through conferences.

 I encourage others to join and stay connected no matter where life takes you.  Seek out the other Razorback Alumni in your area.  I had no idea there were chapters around the country, so I did not continue my membership after we moved to the Dallas area.  My biggest regret was not connecting to the awesome alumni in the area even sooner.  It would have made our transition to the new city so much easier, having a connection to home.