By Tara Forste, marketing/PR intern
Even during high school, McGraw demonstrated immense dedication to her future and education by becoming involved in the Beta Club, Key Club, Library Club, Art Club and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
After graduating from Beebe High School in 2016, McGraw enrolled immediately at ASU-Beebe, becoming involved as secretary of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and a member of the Honors Club. McGraw was published in the ASU-Beebe inaugural issue of Uncharted Literary & Art Magazine. She also spent three summers as an intern for the ASU-Beebe Office of Institutional Advancement, which ultimately helped her decide on her minor area of study, public relations.
During McGraw’s time at ASU-Beebe, she benefited from many rewarding opportunities, such as participating in the Sunshine Rodeo and taking an educational trip to Crystal Bridges. She also gained leadership skills by helping organize the on-campus Trunk or Treat student Halloween event, volunteering to support the Kris Allen concert and more.
McGraw used the 2+2 transfer agreement between ASU-Beebe and the University of Central Arkansas, where she is currently enrolled, to complete the other half of her education following graduation from ASU-Beebe. McGraw continues to thrive at UCA, where she is a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She was also recently recognized as an outstanding student in writing at the 2019 University of Central Arkansas Communications Awards. She is set to graduate in December with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Studies.
McGraw says involvement on campus provided her with valuable experiences, which she used this summer as an intern in Marketing and Communications at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas based in Little Rock. McGraw stated that participating with the various clubs and societies at ASU-Beebe and UCA has allowed her to volunteer, learn, and make many good friends.
“When attending college, it’s important to join student organizations to truly get a taste of the college experience and adopt a broader worldview,” McGraw said. Citing a low-pressure environment and the diverse course offerings at ASU-Beebe, McGraw stated, “The educational flexibility makes ASU-Beebe one of the most outstanding colleges in Arkansas.”
“The successes our former students have achieved in their professional and personal life after their time here at ASU-Beebe make them exceptional role models for current and future students,” said Rose Mary Jackson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. “We value our alumni and take great pride in the opportunity to highlight them.”
Arkansas State University-Beebe Alumni Stories is a project of the Alumni Association with the goal of sharing and preserving the ASU-Beebe historical and educational experiences of former students. If you are an alumni and would like to share your story, contact Institutional Advancement at (501) 882-8855.
