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The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) held its 2025 commencement exercises on Tuesday, June 24, at the Fine Arts Center on UAM’s Monticello campus. This year marked a historic milestone for UAM-CTM, as 238 students graduated, the largest class in the college’s history. The ceremony also honored Bob G. Ware, vice chancellor of UAM-CTM, for his distinguished 50-year career. Ware retired on June 30 after five decades of service at the college.

Graduates were recognized with the awarding of certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees in the following programs: Automotive Service Technology, Business Office Technology, Diesel Technology, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technician, Health Information Technology, Heavy Equipment, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Tractor Trailer Operations and Welding Technology. Diplomas were also presented to completers of the UAM Adult Education program who have earned their GEDs. 

Guest speaker Dr. Cyrus Vance, dean of students and chief student affairs officer at Lawson State Community College and former director of student services at UAM-CTM, congratulated the graduates and their families and friends, offering words of encouragement and reflecting on the significance of the moment. The college also recognized its 2025 Outstanding Alumnus, Geraldine Renfroe, with a commemorative plaque. In addition, George Venable, instructor of diesel technology at UAM-CTM, was honored for his retirement after joining the university in 2016.

During the ceremony, Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, paid tribute to Ware’s contributions to the university and to education in southeast Arkansas. A native of Tillar, Arkansas, Ware began his career in higher education when the Great Rivers Vocational Technical School (later renamed UAM-CTM) first opened in 1975. He was hired as the assistant director and was the only remaining original staff member of the school still serving at UAM-CTM. Over the years, he held various positions, including director of Student Services, director of Financial Aid and director of Instruction. He was named president of Great Rivers Vocational Technical Institute (GRTI) in 2000, a role he held until 2003, when GRTI merged with UAM to become UAM-CTM, and he has since served as vice chancellor for twenty-two years.

Dr. Doss praised Ware’s leadership and character. “Mr. Ware is the very definition of servant leadership. He has always placed the students, faculty and staff at the heart of every decision he makes, guiding with wisdom, humility and deep personal care. His belief in the transformative power of education and his passion for workforce development have fueled innovation and growth across the UAM-CTM campus,” Dr. Doss said. “His legacy is one of vision, integrity and compassion. Generations of students and colleagues have been inspired by his example — by his unwavering faith, his commitment to service and his belief in the potential of every individual. His impact will continue to guide and inspire all of us for years to come.”

In recognition of Ware’s 50 years of service and dedication to the university, Dr. Doss announced that the student center at UAM-CTM will officially be named the Bob G. Ware Student Center. “This tribute will serve as a lasting reminder of Mr. Ware’s lifelong devotion to education and the community,” she said.

In his remarks, Ware expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the university, stating, “I could not have achieved what I have without my faculty and staff. I often credit them for their unwavering support and for helping sustain this longevity. Without their dedication, I wouldn’t have been able to serve this university with the same passion and purpose over the years.”

For more information on UAM-CTM’s commencement or programs of study, contact Elaine Hargraves, assistant vice chancellor for UAM-CTM, at 870-460-2106.