Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA: Indian-origin data specialist Uthara Unnikrishnan has been recognised as the University of Arkansas Global Campus Employee of the Quarter for her outstanding contributions to data innovation and workforce development.
Unnikrishnan, who works as a data and innovation resource specialist with the Professional and Workforce Development (PWD) team, was celebrated for her efforts in modernising data management systems and enhancing initiatives that support workforce growth. The award was presented by Cheryl Murphy, Vice Provost for Distance Education and head of the Global Campus, during a staff gathering in October 2025.
“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition,” Unnikrishnan said. “It was unexpected, but it inspires me to keep learning and contributing every day. This award is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Since joining the Global Campus in November 2024, Unnikrishnan has played a central role in developing and maintaining Slate, the university’s platform for registration, learner success tracking, and outreach. She also contributed to her team’s achievement of the Global Campus Lightbulb Award for Innovation in the third quarter of 2025.
Her colleagues highlighted her pivotal role in standardising reporting and registration processes, designing Slate-based tools for various campus departments, and compiling the data needed for the state workforce report submitted to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
“Uthara has become an invaluable member of our team, spearheading a major project with wide-ranging impact on the university,” her teammates noted.
Eve Canty, PWD Director at Global Campus, praised Unnikrishnan for revolutionising the university’s data systems. “Her contributions have been transformative, not only for Global Campus but for the entire University of Arkansas,” Canty said. “Modernising these systems has made data collection easier and improved the educational experience for our learners.”
Before joining the Global Campus, Unnikrishnan worked as a banker at South Indian Bank in Kerala and served as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas. She holds a master’s degree in information systems from the University of Arkansas and a master’s in chemistry from St. Thomas College, Thrissur.
The Employee of the Quarter award celebrates staff members who make meaningful contributions to Global Campus objectives and the university’s mission. Winners receive a certificate and a monetary award, and quarterly honorees are eligible for the Employee of the Year recognition.
