University of Arkansas Human Development & Family Sciences

🎓 Calling all HDFS Seniors – Class of 2026!

You and your family are invited to our Senior Celebration, an open house and reception honoring your hard work and achievements. Enjoy light refreshments, connect with faculty and advisors, and tour the building together.

Friday, May 8, 2026
11:00 a.m. – Open House & Reception | HOEC 108/109
12:00 p.m. – Honors & Awards Recognition | HOEC 102

All seniors are welcome to remain for the recognition ceremony to support and celebrate their classmates. Award recipients will be contacted directly by the award committee prior to the event. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

One Day. One U of A. Supporting Research That Improves Daily Life.

On One Day, One U of A, the Human Development and Family Sciences program invites you to support K9 CozyGo, a faculty‑led research and design project addressing real challenges faced by disabled service dog handlers.

K9 CozyGo is a hands‑free, retractable leash‑pack system created to improve safety, mobility, and independence for individuals who rely on service dogs. Donor support helps fund the next critical steps, including continued prototype development, safety testing, student participation, and preparation for broader implementation.

Your gift supports research that translates lived experience into practical solutions while providing meaningful research and learning opportunities for University of Arkansas students.

Support HDFS on One Day, One U of A:
https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofArkansas/one-day-one-u-of-a-2026

University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

The Online Master’s in Human Development & Family Sciences offers a flexible, career‑focused pathway for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact.
Program highlights include:
• 100% online format
• Flexible coursework for working adults
• Non‑thesis track option
Apply today and prepare for leadership in human services and family‑focused careers.

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

Want a summer experience that actually means something?
Be a mentor for "Mobile Human Sciences Camp" this summer!

Course: HESC 4550V/455HV (5/26-6/26)
✔ Earn academic credit
✔ Leadership experience
✔ Community impact
✔Looks great on a résumé

***Honors students can develop an Experiential Thesis.


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

Are you looking to expand your leadership experience within Bumpers College?

Applications for the Bumpers College Ambassadors program are open February 16 through March 13.

Ambassadors play an important role in welcoming future students, supporting college events, and serving as representatives of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences. Participants develop professional skills, strengthen their communication abilities, and build lasting connections across campus.

If you are interested in growing as a leader while representing Bumpers College, we encourage you to apply before March 13.


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Join us for the Bumpers Honors Lunch and Learn Workshop for an interactive discussion on AI in Honors teaching and mentorship.

Hear from:
Chris Bryson (Office of Academic Initiatives and Integrity)
Chase Rainwater (AI Taskforce)

Two opportunities to attend — March 10 or March 30 at 12 PM in CORD 324. Same content both days!

Seating is limited to 30 participants per session. Don’t forget to RSVP by March 2.


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Stop by Coffee, Cookies, & Creators on Wednesday, March 4 (2–4 p.m., Library Event Space Rotunda Room). Meet Dr. Dave Bostwick and Dr. Lynn Meade and hear about their experiences developing and teaching with open textbooks.

Learn about OER, explore collaboration ideas, and enjoy refreshments in a casual, come-and-go setting.

HDFS Honors Students,

We hope you will join us on Monday, Feb. 16 at 4pm (HOEC 102) for our Upcoming AFLS Honors Research Workshop. Faculty Mentors, we hope you will encourage your students to attend.

Non-honors undergraduate researchers or students interested in applying for the honors program are welcome to attend our workshop!


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences wishes you a Happy Holidays.

We are proud of our students and grateful for the faculty and staff who guide their success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our families and donors whose continued support strengthens our work and our community. May this season bring reflection, connection, and renewed purpose for the year ahead.


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences is thrilled to welcome Dr. Don E. Willis to our faculty as an Assistant Professor!

Dr. Willis is a medical sociologist whose research explores how family environments and broader social conditions influence health and well-being across the life course. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, his master’s from the University of Arkansas, and his doctorate from the University of Missouri, where he focused on health and inequality.

Beyond his research, Dr. Willis is passionate about building meaningful connections with students and colleagues. When he’s not in the classroom or conducting research, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Arkansas waterways by kayak or canoe, and staying active in basketball through both playing and coaching.

We are excited to have Dr. Willis join the HDFS community and look forward to the insight, energy, and expertise he brings to our department.

Read More: https://tinyurl.com/ybkadsrf

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas

Join us in celebrating the Fall 2025 graduates from the Human Development and Family Sciences program! Your journey of learning, growth, and commitment to improving lives has reached a remarkable milestone. We are so proud of each of you and excited for your next chapter.


Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas