The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university in Conway, Arkansas, known for its strong education, business, and health‑sciences programs plus spirited Bears athletics and a residential‑college feel. Students often rave about the many clubs and organizations, lively campus events, Division I sports energy, and the chance to be involved in Greek life and student‑run performances right from their first year.

State

Arkansas

Student Population

12,000

Acceptance Rate

90–90.5%

GPA Range

3.13–3.45

SAT Range

940–1120

Common Majors

business, education, psychology, nursing and health sciences, biology

“The University of Central Arkansas feels like a small‑to‑mid‑size campus where you can study in strong professional programs, join lots of clubs and Division I game days, and still be close to Conway’s friendly town life, and many students say they were surprised by how quickly the Bears community and campus‑run events made them feel at home.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

$7,140 / $14,280

Conference

Atlantic Sun Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

73.2

Avg Women's Scores

Men's Team Notes

Central Arkansas men's golf team grinded through tough tests at the Twin Oaks Intercollegiate and home courses like the UCA Golf Course, relying on steady mid-70s rounds from leaders like Miles Smith. They notched top-10 individual finishes amid stacked fields, building momentum with balanced scoring and birdie bursts on par-5s for solid mid-pack team results.

Women's Team Notes

The Bears women competed fiercely at Golfweek Fall Challenge and ASUN Championship on challenging layouts, highlighted by Valeria Ramirez's 75.00 stroke average and top-20 showings including a seventh-place gem at 214. Resilient play through windy conditions drove consistent cuts made, showcasing depth with multiple top-25s across demanding regional fields.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Josh Turnock

Women's Coach

Summar Roachell

Men's Email

jturnock1@uca.edu

Women's Email

sroachell1@uca.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Josh Turnock is University of Central Arkansas men’s head golf coach, leading the Bears in the Atlantic Sun Conference. A former UCA golfer and graduate assistant, he became interim head coach in January 2025 and was later named permanent head coach, guiding the program to its first ASUN Conference championship and historic first‑ever NCAA Regional in 2025. Turnock emphasizes fundamentals, scoring‑oriented play, and a strong recruiting culture aimed at sustaining UCA as an ASUN‑championship‑and‑postseason‑capable team.

Women's Coach Bio

Summar Roachell is University of Central Arkansas women’s head golf coach, directing the Bears in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Hired in 2023, she brings prior experience as an assistant coach at Conway High West, Blessings Golf Club, and UCF women’s golf. Roachell focuses on fundamentals, short‑game work, and building a high‑academic, team‑driven environment, aiming to steadily improve the program’s ASUN finishes and national‑ranking presence within the conference.