Operations Management Program Announces Spring 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Master of Science in Operations Management Program in the College of Engineering is delighted to announce the recipients of two departmental scholarships for the spring 2026 semester. These awards recognize outstanding graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, professional promise and a commitment to service.

M.S.O.M. Scholarship Recipient: Julian Tumwine Mpirirwe

Mpirirwe, an online M.S.O.M. student originally from Kampala, Uganda, has been selected as the spring 2026 recipient of the MSOM Scholarship. She is pursuing her Master of Science in Operations Management with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026.

Mpirirwe holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and technology from Shandong University of Science and Technology in China. Her educational and professional journey has taken her across continents, shaping a strong foundation in technical problem-solving, operational efficiency and systems thinking.

Currently a production chemistry field engineer in the energy sector, Mpirirwe supports performance, laboratory coordination and field operations. She brings experience from multiple chemical production environments and has earned additional certifications in sustainable business strategy and project management.

"I am extremely grateful for your belief in me and this investment in my education and professional development. … This support means more to me than words can fully express!" Mpirirwe said.

Going forward, Mpirirwe plans to pursue leadership roles that integrate technical expertise with operational strategy in the energy industry.

Amass Family Award Recipient: Meerim Seiitova

Seiitova, from Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic, has been selected as the spring 2026 recipient of the Amass Family MSOM Award. Seiitova is pursuing her Master of Science in Operations Management with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026.

Seiitova brings a distinguished academic and public service background to the M.S.O.M. program. She previously earned an M.A. in education with honors from Osh State University and later completed a master of public administration and nonprofit studies at the U of A. In addition to her graduate studies, she serves as the co-chair of the Graduate and Professional Student Congress Research Council in Humanities for 2024-25.

Her professional experience spans international development, higher education and public sector administration, including work with the United Nations Development Programme and the Development Policy Institute in Kyrgyzstan. At the U of A, Seiitova has contributed to financial operations, instructional resource development and academic project support. She has also earned multiple professional certificates in data analysis, business analytics, finance and six sigma.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized and supported by such a prestigious award. This scholarship is a significant encouragement and inspiration for me," Seiitova said.

Seiitova aspires to work as an operations or project manager in international, nonprofit or higher education settings.

About the MSOM Program: The Master of Science in Operations Management (M.S.O.M.) at the College of Engineering is one of the University of Arkansas' largest and most established graduate programs with over 50 years of history and over 6,000 graduates and counting. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes practical, industry-focused skills in project management, process improvement, data analysis and organizational leadership. For more information, visit msom.uark.edu.