Cassandra "Sandye" McCraw, graduate admissions specialist in the Graduate School and International Education, will retire from the U of A July 29, following 36 years of service to the institution.

McCraw began at the university in 1985 after earning a bachelor's degree in history from Hendrix. She served first in the Mullins Library before moving to graduate and international admissions in 2001, first as an international credential evaluator and later a student applications specialist.

Her colleagues will miss her warm demeanor, strong work ethic and collaborative spirit.

"She has a warm heart and is considerate and supportive of each applicant," coworker Kimberly London wrote in 2020 during a recognition for her 35th year at the university. "With a professional demeanor, she provides great service to applicants, program faculty and staff. She is an unsung hero, and we can always count on her to get the work done and done well."

"Our office is made better by her presence, humor and her lively style of storytelling," London added. "It is truly an honor to recognize Sandye and thank her for her service."

While McCraw was a celebrated employee within GSIE, she passionately pursued hobbies in her spare time as well. She serves as a longstanding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism and participates in historical reenactments of the Middle Ages through the group. She loves cross-stitching and has been a lifelong learner, regularly taking courses at the university since her graduation more than three decades ago. Additionally, she and her husband, Steven Boyd, enjoy traveling and attending plays and musicals. She also has a daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

"She has been such a wonderful colleague and friend," said Beverly Lackey, a fellow graduate admissions specialist. "Though I'm losing her as a coworker, I'm grateful she will still be my friend. Her work ethic and outstanding personality will be missed."

"We have been so fortunate to have an employee like Sandye give more than 35 years of her life to the university," said Curt Rom, dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "Sandye has been a steady and shining presence in our school since she came here more than 20 years ago. She was a model employee in her service to the institution, facilitating the admissions of thousands of graduate students. We are sad to see her go but wish her all the best in retirement."

Those wanting to wish McCraw well in retirement are encouraged to contact her via email at cmccraw@uark.edu.