• W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship Recipient •

Online English Degree Offers a Perfect Fit for Texas Scholar

For Madisyn Allen, the 'power of Global Campus' is more than a catchy phrase—it's the reason she can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in English degree from the University of Arkansas without uprooting her life. Balancing work, family, and coursework, she is thriving in a flexible environment designed for student success by enrolling in online undergraduate degree program at the U of A.

"I live in Kingwood which is in the Houston area, so I am a ways away from Arkansas," she said. "Considering that I have family and a job, it would be hard to leave my life behind and be super sucked into university life. Online learning helps me maintain a healthy balance between work, school, and family. Despite being a full-time student with a part-time job, I still have time to myself, and I don't feel so overwhelmed. I guess that's the power of Global Campus, right? Even though I live far away, I can still connect."

From the onset of her educational journey, Allen developed an impressive academic resume, graduating Summa Cum Laude with an associate of arts degree from Lee College in Baytown, Texas. Since transferring to the U of A in fall of 2024, she has earned places on both the Chancellor's and Dean's Lists and is a member of the Tau Sigma Honor Society for transfer students.

"At the beginning of my college career, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do," she recalled. "I wasn't sure what major I wanted to choose, then I got really inspired by seeing my professors and the class content, especially my English classes. When I started taking English classes in college, I felt like, 'I love this. This is what I love to do.' My professors were so passionate about their careers. It really inspires me to go down that path, as well."

Allen, 21, intends to receive her undergraduate degree in English, with a concentration in rhetoric and writing, at the commencement ceremony of spring 2026. Post graduation plans include continuing on to graduate school, with hopes of someday joining the faculty of a higher education institution.

"[Choosing a university that offers an online degree plan] is tricky," she said. "Some of them are still synchronous, so I would still have to be present for classes during specific timeframes. I need asynchronous courses like those offered by the U of A, where I can enroll in class sessions that work with my schedule. I need professors who are really accommodating, who make sure that despite the asynchronous [format], us being behind screens, there's still a lot of connectivity."

Allen has found this connectivity between students and members of the faculty at the U of A.

"All my professors are very caring," she stated. "I can tell that they're passionate about their subjects. I have never had a single class that I regretted taking. Every class challenges me to grow. I'm always writing something new and refreshing. I'm given a lot of different perspectives, and I've learned so much that I did not know beforehand."

While she has nothing but praise for every faculty member she has encountered, one stood out in Allen's mind. Allen especially appreciated her time spent under the tutelage of Professor Lisa Hinrichsen, associate professor in the English department, whose encouragement and student-first approach made a lasting impact.

"She is outstanding," Allen praised Hinrichsen. "She is so supportive of her students. She makes sure that we are heard. Her students come first. I really value that and her positive attitude."

Allen is "beyond proud" to be a Razorback, finding satisfaction on the challenging road that led her to enroll in the online English degree program at the University of Arkansas. After extensive internet searches of various online programs, she made the U of A her institution of choice.

"One of the major challenges I faced in my access to education was ensuring it suited my personal schedule, as I work to fund my own tuition," she said. "I remember excitedly clicking through the U of A's website pages, learning about the in-state tuition, picturing the accessibility and ease of balance in my studies, allowing me to create a school and work lifestyle that suited my needs."

Another reason she chose the U of A was easy accessibility. According to Allen, online degrees are essential in today's fast-changing digital world. They provide students with a high-quality education in problem-solving ways regardless of distance from the physical campus, eliminating the stress of scheduling all while remaining disciplined.

"As an online student, an important part of success includes strong communications skills. Whether face-to-face or online, communication between classmates and professors allows me to uplift my peers and gain supportive recommendations in my studies. My work ethic and personal discipline are also key components of my success as an online student, as we maintain our own schedules and are encouraged to be significantly more independent in our academic careers. These traits allow me to thrive as an online student and also deepen my appreciation for my online degree program at the University of Arkansas."

For Allen, there is more to the U of A experience than just academics.

"I love being a University of Arkansas student," Allen said. "It's been nothing but wonderful for me. I love that there's the Senior Walk, and that online students are included in that. It's just another way that we are heard, you know? That's an amazing opportunity. The University of Arkansas makes sure that all students are valued, whether they're on campus or on the internet. That shows how much the University of Arkansas really loves their students. And of course I love University of Arkansas. So it really worked out."

Allen's immediate family has proven to be a major asset of her time at university. As her biggest supporters, they allow her to remain connected even when the press of work and studies propel her forward.

"My family are my biggest supporters," she said. "They are very passionate about my career at U of A. I feel very proud of my situation—not only am I able to thrive because of the University of Arkansas but also because of my family's assistance. It has worked out really beautifully for me."

Allen 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.

"I want to sincerely thank you for awarding me this scholarship," Allen said. "The funding will be used towards my academic achievement and will allow me to continue to thrive as an online student. This scholarship is a rare opportunity that online students need. The scholarship application process was not difficult at all. The prompts were really straightforward. Just be authentic in your application. Honestly, at the end of the day, it doesn't hurt to apply."