Alumni Updates
INST Alumni: Making a Global Impact
From classrooms in Fayetteville to communities around the world, International and Global Studies alumni are turning their education into action. Whether serving in the Peace Corps, conducting research, advancing global security, or shaping policy and justice, our graduates carry the INST spirit of curiosity, leadership, and global citizenship wherever they go.
Each of their stories reflects the transformative power of an interdisciplinary education — one that inspires critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Meet some of our recent outstanding alumni who continue to exemplify what it means to think globally and act locally.
Avery Frances (B.A. ’25)
Avery Frances, a 2025 Magna Cum Laude graduate in International and Global Studies, Political Science, and Italian, embodies INST’s spirit of global learning and service. During her time at the University of Arkansas, she studied abroad for a year in Rome, interned with a humanitarian aid organization in Greece, and led campus initiatives as President of Rotaract and Outreach Lead for Tree-Plenish.
Now serving as an English Literacy Educator with the Peace Corps in Samoa, Avery continues to promote education and cross-cultural understanding.
Reflecting on her INST experience, she shared:
“The friendships and community I found in INST carried me through some of the tougher moments of university… Make sure to visit the Study Abroad Office to explore programs and scholarship opportunities!”
Avery’s journey showcases how INST students turn their global education into meaningful action around the world.
Daise Rehbock (B.A. ’24)
Daise Rehbock, a 2024 Summa Cum Laude graduate in International and Global Studies, exemplifies academic excellence and a passion for global service. With a concentration in European and Transatlantic Affairs and minors in Spanish, History, and Gender Studies, she explored international issues through both scholarship and action.
Her honors thesis, “Gender Equality Threatened: A Digital Communication Analysis of Spanish Right-Wing Political Parties,” earned first place in the Arts and Humanities category at the U of A Honors Research Symposium.
Now serving as a Youth Development Facilitator with the Peace Corps in Panama, Daise is turning her academic insights into real-world impact.
Reflecting on her time at the University of Arkansas, she shared:
“The INST program prepared me immensely for a hands-on role in international development. I’m eternally grateful for the mentors and professors who helped me grow as a student, leader, and scholar.”
Her advice for current students:
“Get to know your professors! They can open your eyes to new perspectives and pathways in International Studies.”
Allyson Layman (B.A. ’21)
Allyson Layman graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2021 with a remarkable triple major in Political Science, International Studies, and Arabic. Building on her passion for international affairs, she went on to earn a Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.
Today, Allyson works as an Embedded Threat Monitoring and Global Intelligence Analyst for the British intelligence firm Sibylline, where she supports Apple Corporate in Austin by providing intelligence on global threat actors and geopolitical developments.
Reflecting on her INST experience, she shared:
“I took a research writing course through INST that was incredibly helpful for writing in graduate school. Dr. Hammond’s Islam in Asia course also gave me a broader understanding of Islam beyond the Middle East and helped me approach new topics with an open mind.”
Her advice for current students:
“Lean into courses that interest you — and take classes you might not have considered!”
Allyson’s journey from global studies to global intelligence shows how INST graduates are shaping the world through informed analysis and cultural understanding.
Benjamin Hepler (B.A. ’19)
Benjamin Hepler graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2019 with a degree in International Studies (Concentration: International Security) and a minor in Criminal Justice. After graduation, he attended the University of Colorado Law School, earning his J.D. in 2022 and passing the Colorado Bar the same year.
During law school, Benjamin gained hands-on experience through internships with a private law firm and the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where he now serves as a Deputy District Attorney, maintaining a felony docket.
“I absolutely love this job,” he shared. “I work to keep the community safe and advocate for victims of anything from theft to domestic violence and sexual assault.”
Reflecting on his path, Benjamin credits INST for shaping his perspective and analytical skills:
“My INST degree was very helpful in law school. My professors taught me how to look at problems and come up with creative solutions — skills that make me a better trial attorney.”
His advice for current students:
“Study abroad! Take advantage of office hours — the mentorship you get from professors is invaluable.”
Benjamin’s journey from global studies to the legal field illustrates how INST graduates apply global awareness and critical thinking to serve their communities.