Razorbug Drives Home Student Success

From central to western to allll the way down in south Arkansas, the Global Campus is showcasing graduates of online degree programs with the fifth year of the Razorbug Diploma Tour.

The tour began today, June 8, and continues through the end of this week. You can watch videos from previous years on the Razorbug Diploma Tour website.

The Bug - a converted Volkswagen Beetle with razor spine, hooves, snout, tusks and curly tail - draws smiles, waves and cell phone cameras as it pulls into small towns and hamlets hours away from Fayetteville. This rolling symbol of the U of A serves as the backdrop for a diploma presentation ceremony at graduates' workplaces, homes and favorite community spots. Past tours have also hit high gear through eastern Arkansas.

"The Razorbug Diploma Tour is one way that Global Campus brings awareness to online degree programs while celebrating the hard work, dedication and persistence of graduates," said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education. "These people have amazing stories that we know inspire others to see what the future can hold for them."

A video crew captures the moment a faculty member dressed in commencement regalia hands over a framed diploma with congratulations from the college of their degree program. The U of A offers more than 100 online degree, licensure and certificate programs in fields including education, nursing, engineering, business and agriculture.

"The Razorbug Diploma Tour is a very visual way to acknowledge the university's commitment to serving Arkansans no matter where they live," said Kay Murphy, director of marketing and communications. "The tour celebrates successful students who chose an online path to join the Razorback community."

Online degree programs extend access to U of A degree programs, helping the land-grant institution meet its mission of serving all of Arkansas. These graduates are typically working adults, taking care of families and other responsibilities as they earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. They pursue higher education to boost their careers or start a new one, improving their lives and their communities at the same time.