Ana Ayala Barker Named Director of SOAR

Ana Ayala Barker was recently named director of Strategic Outreach, Advocacy and Retention (SOAR) in the Student Success Office. As the director, she will focus on advancing student success, academic progress, retention and degree completion.

In her new role, Ayala Barker will work alongside academic advising offices and student success teams across campus to develop a deeper understanding of students' experiences and find practical ways to help them advance toward graduation. She will work to develop efficient methods for supporting students who face social, academic or financial challenges by utilizing student data, campus research and student feedback. Additionally, she will oversee a team of professionals dedicated to student success.

"Ana's extensive experience helping students navigate challenges and achieve their academic goals makes her exceptionally qualified for this role," said Deborah Korth, senior associate vice provost for student success and academic excellence. "Ana has served as an adviser and financial advocate, and she has provided academic support to thousands of students during her time at the university. I know she'll continue to make a significant and positive impact on our students and their success as the director of SOAR."

SOAR, part of the U of A's Student Success Office housed in the Cordia Harrington Center for Academic Excellence (CORD), offers undergraduate students academic coaching and financial education to remove barriers to academic success. SOAR programs include Major Exploration Coaching, the Financial Empowerment Program and Success Coaching.  

Prior to serving as the director of SOAR, Ayala Barker was the assistant director of academic outreach and financial advocacy, where she helped students navigate financial challenges while also making progress toward completing their degrees. Ayala Barker has also served as a success coach, advocate, academic adviser and undergraduate recruiter at the U of A.

"Working in Student Success has provided me an opportunity to lead a team of passionate individuals who care deeply for the success of individual students," Ayala Barker said. "I am so grateful to continue this work as a director and to have the support of leadership on campus to contribute in our shared goal to increase retention and graduation rates in a meaningful way."

Ayala Barker has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Education in adult and lifelong learning.

For more information about SOAR and the student success resources available at the U of A, visit success.uark.edu.