UCA’s Innovation Leap, and A Famous Criminologist Comes to Conway
Delivering the heart of Conway, every Thursday.
What’s Inside?
UCA’s new Innovation Campus.
A chilling night with Dr. Scott Bonn.
Live music and Conway events
Career Corner - Who’s hiring
Hello Conway Neighbors! 👋
Well, we’ve officially survived the first major snow blast of ‘26!
After a week that turned Faulkner County into a giant snow globe, the city is starting to move again.
But don’t put those heavy coats away just yet, while the sun is out, the temperatures are staying decidedly crisp.
In this week’s edition of Roundabout Conway we’re talking about the big announcement about a new UCA campus that will change the local tech landscape.
And, get your tickets ready for a spine-chilling evening with the world’s most famous “serial killer profiler.”
Plus, we’ve mapped out the best spots to grab a hot brunch to reward yourself for all that snow-shoveling!
Stay warm, stay local, and let’s dive in! ⬇️
🚀 UCA Unveils New “Innovation Campus”
The University of Central Arkansas is officially leveling up.
This Tuesday, the UCA Board of Trustees voted to transform the office complex formerly occupied by HP at 355 Ledgelawn Drive into a 70,000+ square-foot Innovation Campus.
In partnership with the Conway Development Corporation (CDC) and UACCM, the campus will house the UCA College of Science and Engineering and the Arkansas Coding Academy.
Why it’s a game-changer:
The Model: UCA will lease half the complex, with the other half occupied by regional businesses who are actively hiring.
Cutting-Edge Spaces: Plans include fabrication labs, high-tech engineering workshops, and modular classrooms designed for rapid response to industry needs.
The Timeline: Renovations begin this spring, with classes officially kicking off in August 2026.
“This is not just another building—it is a new and dynamic model for how UCA connects education to opportunity.”
— UCA President Houston Davis
🕵️ Chilling Thrills Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
True crime fans, mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 19.
UCA Public Appearances is bringing “SERIAL KILLERS WITH DR. SCOTT BONN” to the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
Dr. Bonn isn’t your average analyst, he has personally interviewed and profiled some of history’s most terrifying predators, including BTK (Dennis Rader) and the Son of Sam (David Berkowitz).
Not to mention he has written a bestselling book on the subject of serial killers, and has appeared as a guest on many popular TV shows.
The Details:
The Experience: Bonn takes his audience inside the nature vs. nurture debate, explaining the psychological complexity of killers based on his direct interactions with them.
Tickets: On sale now at the Reynolds or Windgate box offices. Prices range from $23 to $46 ($11.50 for students).
Note: This event contains adult themes and is intended for mature audiences.
❄️ LOCAL NEWS: Weather & Road Report
Conway took a hit with roughly 6 inches of snow this past week, and while the “Great Thaw” has begun, nature isn’t quite finished yet.
The Weekend Forecast:
Friday: Mostly sunny but cold (High: 37°F | Low: 13°F).
Saturday: Sunny and crisp (High: 29°F | Low: 13°F).
Sunday: Clouds return with a 25% chance of light snow (High: 36°F | Low: 20°F).
Road Safety: Be extremely wary of black ice on overpasses and secondary streets tonight. With temperatures dipping into the low teens, any melt can refreeze into a glass-like sheet by morning.
🎉 THIS WEEKEND IN CONWAY
Note: Please verify status with venues as some schedules may shift due to lingering ice.
Friday, Jan 30
👨🎨 Magnets Clay Class | 17:30 PM | Glazin’ Pottery Studio
🧵 Basics of Hand Sewing Class | 6:00 PM | The Lucky Button
🍨 Angel’s 10 Year Celebration | Angel’s Boutique (Free gift & discounts)
🎲 GUNDAM: GD03 Release Event | 6:00 PM | Roll and Play
🎤 Friday Night Karaoke | 9:00 PM | Bear’s Den Pizza
🎸 Josiah Spicer & the Tumbleweeds | 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM | Kings Live Music
🎵 Prop Hunter | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM | TC’s Midtown Grill
🎤 Caitlin Dickerson LIVE | 7:00 PM | The Rogue Roundabout
🎸 Mr. Lucky | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | JJ’s Grill
👨🎤 Karaoke Dance Party | 8:00 PM | The RAB
Saturday, Jan 31
🤸 State Championships: 2026 AGF Arkansas State Gymnastics | Conway Expo Center
🎲 Sorcery Contested Realm Weekly Play | 9:30 AM | Roll and Play
🏀 UCA Men vs. Eastern Kentucky | 3:30 PM | Farris Center
✨ Astrology Themed Painting Party | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Good Day Pottery🥪 The Big Recoup Event | Starts 8:00 AM | Cross Creek Sandwich Shop
🍷 St Joseph Alumni Beer & Wine Social | 7:00 PM | SJHS Cyber Cafe
🎵 Covington Creek | 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM | Kings Live Music
🎤 Friday Night Karaoke | 9:00 PM | Bear’s Den Pizza
🎸 Karla Case Band | 7:00 - 10:00PM | TCs Midtown Grill
Sunday, Feb 1
🏆 Gymnastics Finals: AGF State Championships Day 2 | Conway Expo Center
🎲 Warhammer 40K Learn to Play | 12:00 PM | Game Goblins
🥋 Women's Self Defense Seminar | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts🎯 Game Day: Yu-Gi-Oh Weekly Play | 5:00 PM | Roll and Play
🃏 Sunday Night Poker | Bears Den Pizza (6:00 PM)
🍳 THE SUNDAY BRUNCH GUIDE
The storm is over, and it’s time to treat yourself to a belly-warming brunch. Here are our top picks for a post-snow Sunday reset:
Brick & Forge Taproom: From 11 AM to 3 PM : Hot food and friendly vibes
Streetside Creperie: If you’re looking for a downtown vibe, their savory breakfast crepes are the perfect warming meal.
Stoby’s Restaurant: A local icon. If the cheese dip doesn’t wake you up, their hearty BBQ Nachos will.
🏢 Local Business Spotlight
Seven Oaks Steak & Seafood: Keep an eye on the Halter Building! This new “Arkansas Delta fusion” spot is nearing its grand opening.
The Bourbon Collective: Meeting tonight (Thursday, Jan 29) at Popular on Markham at 5:30 PM. Premium selections, special pours, and Whole Hog BBQ! 😋
💼 Now Hiring: Conway Opportunities
City of Conway: Hiring for an Airport Line Technician and Telecommunicator Trainee.
Academy Sports: Looking for new team members
Insomnia Cookies: Hiring for the Cookie Crew at the Conway location.
Westrock Coffee: Still recruiting for Materials Handlers at their new massive facility. (check their website HERE)
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
If you want to keep an eye on upcoming events, mark your calendar with these dates.
Feb 2: St. Olaf Band | James H. Clark Auditorium (7:00 PM)
Feb 9: Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) | Reynolds Performance Hall.
Feb 13: John Waite (Missing You) | Reynolds Performance Hall.
Mar 1 - Mar 7: Rhea Lana’s HUGE Spring/Summer Sale | Conway Expo Center. (Tickets go on presale Feb 26th - 28th)
May 1–3: Toad Suck Daze 2026 | Only 3 months away. It will be here before you know it! 🐸
🎯 Weekend Weather Tips
✅ Tire Check: That low-pressure light on your dash isn’t a glitch. Cold air causes tires to deflate. Stop by a gas station and top them off!
✅ Pothole Patrol: The “freeze-thaw” cycle is hard on our streets. Watch out for new craters forming on Dave Ward and Donaghey.
✅ Support Local: Shops were closed for days during the storm. If you’re heading out for brunch, consider buying a gift card or tipping a little extra!
🐸 That’s a wrap for this week, Conway!
Remember to drive slowly, stay safe on the roads, and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
We’ll be back next Thursday with a deep dive into the latest Conway happenings and more exclusive business openings.
Your friends at Roundabout Conway ✨ 🙋♀️