The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee held its 2025 commencement exercises 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 career. Ware retired June 30 after five decades of service at the college, according to a news release.
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 those who finished the UAM adult education program and earned their GED certificates.
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The guest speaker was Cyrus Vance, dean of students and chief student affairs officer at Lawson State Community College and former director of student services at UAM-CTM.
Vance 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 since 2016, was honored for his retirement.
During the ceremony, UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss paid tribute to Ware’s contributions to the university and to education in southeast Arkansas.
In recognition of Ware’s 50 years of service and dedication to the university, 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 life-long devotion to education and the community,” she said.
In his remarks, Ware expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the university.
“I could not have achieved what I have without my faculty and staff,” Ware said. “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.”
A native of Tillar, 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 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 22 years.
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,” 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,” she said.
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.
