• W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship Recipient •

Manning Scholar Transforms Passion into Purpose

For Alora Claggett, giving back has never been a hobby—it has been the thread that continues to shape her education, her career goals, and her place in the Razorback community. Her commitment to helping families and children led her from on-campus classes at the University of Arkansas to an online degree program where she could thrive, work full time, and continue making a difference.

She began her U of A experience as an on-campus student in poultry science before transferring to the online BS in Human Development and Family Sciences degree program, also through the University of Arkansas. She is on track to graduate in May 2027.

Claggett's instinct for service carries over into her job in the Child Development Center at the Little Rock Airforce Base in Jacksonville. It even influences which undergraduate degree she plans to pursue.

"When I first started at the U of A, I didn't really know what I wanted to do," Claggett admitted. "Then I got this job and I'm like, 'This is what I want to do!' so I went looking. I could study anywhere I wanted. It didn't have to be in Fayetteville. I didn't even have to be in Arkansas. When I found the online HDFS degree at the U of A, I liked what I saw. It gave me the classes I need to help me pursue my career, as well as give me more information about my current job and help me with that."

Claggett admits to another reason for her switch of majors—she feels more comfortable learning in an online environment. Like many in her generation, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered Claggett's life path. In 2020, she was about to enter high school, a pivotal time in a teenager's life, when everything shifted from in-person to virtual learning.

"COVID had a big impact on me," she said. "All my high school years were COVID. Going face-to-face in college never felt right because, in high school, I wasn't ever in classes because of COVID. Everything was online. I was so used to doing everything online and shifting to in-person was harder for me. When I found a degree I liked that was available online, I decided to switch."

Among the many services and organizations with which Claggett has associated, the most common include organizing events for family support programs, volunteering at local shelters and shaping events to raise awareness about support programs and helping with Special Olympics.

"Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others," she said. "These activities have taught me valuable skills in communication, empathy, and organization—skills that I plan to apply in my future career. My new major reflects my passion for learning and helping others, particularly children and families facing challenges. Education is a powerful tool for change, and I am determined to make the most of the opportunities available to me."

Being valued within the community has been another key element of Claggett's Razorback experience, from being recognized not only for her academic achievements all the way to her contributions outside the classroom.

"The university encourages all the students to engage in various extracurricular activities and volunteer work so that the whole community can be uplifted," she said. "I have been lucky to be a part of quite a few organizations, wherein opinions, skills, and efforts of mine are always appreciated. My being here matters, and my viewpoint and talents add to the richness of the Razorback community. It feels so reassuring when you feel valued. It makes me remember that it's not all about me and my success here but the good change I can bring into others' lives."

Claggett's personal experiences within the Razorback community have allowed her to find her place and create a sense of belonging,

"I feel connected to others, supported in my academic and personal growth, and valued as an individual," she said.

Claggett is one of 35 recipients of the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship for online U of A students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship began with small gifts from many people who passionately believe in the transformative power of education. It was created in 2018 to financially assist students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.

"With limited resources, I rely on scholarships and full-time work to support my studies." Claggett said. "The W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship has relieved some of the financial burden and allows me to focus more on my academic and career goals."