Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

For years, Armand Barnard found his voice on stage and on screen. But beyond the spotlight, his ambitions run deeper: to understand people, not just perform for them.

After earning his undergraduate degree at Stellenbosch University, Barnard started exploring opportunities to continue his education in the United States, where his brother was already studying in Texas. Through the international recruitment agency, , he connected with Dr. Mark Davis, dean of at the University of West Alabama.

Barnard said he felt an immediate connection. “I could tell right away that this was someone I wanted to work with.”

With guidance from Davis, Barnard chose UWA, drawn not only to its master’s degree in —clinical psychology option—but also to the sense of community in Livingston.

“I knew it would be an adjustment coming to the States,” he said. “But the South, the people of Alabama, the Christian landscape and the strong sense of community here felt closer to my home country and Afrikaans culture.”

An actor and musician from South Africa, Barnard has built a growing list of screen credits, appearing in productions such as Troukoors (Wedding Fever) (2021), its follow-up series (2021—2022), and the television drama Die Byl (2025). He also appeared in the 2024 music video for ‘A-Okay,’ released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

“Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in people and why they do what they do,” Barnard said. “Acting lets you explore that in one way, but I wanted to understand it on a deeper level.”

While studying at UWA, Barnard focused on global perspectives, preparing a thesis on Japanese attitudes toward therapy, which he said are more positive today than in years past. He hopes to visit the country one day to further explore its culture and evolving views on mental health.

As graduation approaches, Barnard is applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, a highly competitive path he said can be as selective as medical school admissions.

After commencement, he plans to attend Nashville Music Night, hosted by Friends of South Africa, celebrating both his academic achievement and his South African roots alongside his mother and fiancée. The couple plans to marry in December, marking a new chapter in a year of transition.

Although his future plans remain uncertain, Barnard said that he draws strength from one of his favorite Bible passages, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

The post From South Africa to Alabama, Barnard’s path from performer to psychologist appeared first on University of West Alabama.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Growing up in New Delhi, India, Anmol Arora never imagined that a year-long graphic design course in high school would one day lead him to the United States—and eventually a career in instructional design.

Arora arrived at the University of West Alabama in August 2024 to study through a 1+1 program he discovered while pursuing a master’s in animation at Chandigarh University in Punjab, India. He chose the U.S. because he had an aunt in Virginia. “If I was going to study abroad, I wanted it to be somewhere I had family,” he said.

Though the transition to UWA went smoothly, his first grocery trip proved more challenging. “I kept comparing everything to my home currency. A gallon of milk was four dollars, but back home it cost about 400 rupees.”

Unable to work off campus during his first academic year, Arora took a job as a driver for Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) with University Police and immersed himself in the culture and events at UWA’s International House, where he often cooked Indian dishes and helped host events. “Having friends—both international and American—really helped me adjust,” he said.

Eager to support himself once he became eligible for off-campus work, Arora began to fine-tune his resume. He turned to ChatGPT, which generated a short list of companies with potential openings related to his education and experience. One such company was ABB, a global corporation with offices in Memphis. Soon he was on his way to an interview and later secured an internship designing eLearning modules.

“I think it was my broad experience that interested them,” he said.

That experience began during his undergraduate studies in computer applications at Vidyapeeth, Delhi, India, where he redesigned banners for a local shop, started posting his designs on Instagram, and launched a social media marketing start-up called Blue Hounds with three friends. He later designed content for the nonprofit Let’s Do It India and worked in motion design for a children’s book publisher—experience that eventually led him to instructional design.

Moving across the world did not rattle Arora, but it was difficult for his mother. “She worries all the time,” he said. “My father wants me to do everything I can to be successful.” This past Thanksgiving, he flew home for the first time since coming to the U.S., surprising his family. “My mom cried and cried,” he said. “My parents helped support me my first two semesters here, but after my internship I’ve been able to support myself and even pay for my own airline ticket. I even bought a car a few weeks ago. It felt good to be able to do that.”

Still, his visit home created unexpected emotions. “When I was here, I missed India,” he said. “But when I was finally there, I realized it was the people I missed—the feeling of being with them—not the place itself.”

When he returned to campus, he continued working at ABB part time, he resumed his job with University Police, and he earned a graduate assistantship with UWA International Programs, where he kept coordinating events for the International House, including celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colors. The vibrant Hindu festival celebrates spring love, and victory by throwing colored powders and water. “We made a mess, but everyone loved it and are eager to celebrate it again next March.”

Following his graduation during Fall 2025 commencement exercises, he will relocate to Virginia to live with his aunt and begin full-time employment with ABB through Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment work authorization that permits international students to work in their field of study for up to one year.

His role at ABB blends everything he has learned. “I work with subject matter experts on complex systems and break the information down into eLearning modules,” he explained. “I use my design skills, my understanding of how people learn through my classes here at UWA, and even coding when something needs fixing that I learned as an undergrad in India. It’s the perfect fit for me.”

For now, Arora is ready to step fully into corporate life. “I like the 8-to-5 hours,” he said. “Back home it’s more like 8-to-8 or 10-to-9—you get home when you get home just to do it all over again.” He added, “U.S. work culture “offers a better work-life balance.”

Looking ahead, Arora hopes to pursue a Ph.D., possibly at North Carolina State University, and eventually build a career in instructional design. “And if I get a really good opportunity, I’d like to stay in the U.S.,” he says. “I’d love for my brother to come here too, preferably to UWA. That would be great.”

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Story: Lisa Sollie

When Lashontrei Henton’s son, Caleb, was diagnosed with autism, she began keeping a notebook close by to capture her thoughts, questions, and observations. That notebook soon became an invaluable tool for identifying Caleb’s needs, eventually inspiring her to create My Variety Child: A Caleb Book Series — a three-in-one book about an autistic boy named Nicholas Caleb, which Henton published in December 2022.

Although Henton had always considered writing about her son’s journey with autism, it wasn’t until she enrolled in the University of West Alabama’s online Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program that she gained the courage and confidence to pursue her dream of becoming an author. She credits the IMC program for providing her with a solid understanding of branding and marketing, which laid the foundation for shaping a clear identity for the series and creating campaigns that connected with audiences across various platforms. “Every course was exactly what I needed at the time,” she says. “I could apply what I learned in class immediately in the real world. The IMC program is so hands-on that you don’t have to wait until graduation to use your new skills.”

Henton’s path to success wasn’t without obstacles. She faced severe health challenges, including losing her eyesight and undergoing a cornea transplant. She struggled with new technologies and apps and even failed one of her first-semester courses. But Henton’s determination remained unshaken. After retaking the course the following semester, she placed second in The BookFest®, a virtual literary event that debuted in 2020. As a result, her book was featured in a promotional video in Times Square in New York City. “All I could do was be amazed at what God can do,” she reflects.

Writing runs in Henton’s family. Her grandmother and aunt are both self-published authors; now, her 90-year-old grandfather has followed suit. For Henton, writing My Variety Child allows her to process the challenges she faces with her son and has a powerful impact on those around her. “Kids are going to be kids,” she says. “But now, because I have books about Caleb, other children are starting to say, ‘Oh, that’s Caleb— he has his own books.’” This recognition, she explains, has helped others be more supportive and less likely to tease him. “They’re more accepting now. Everyone knows his name. Caleb may not fully understand— other than the fact he has a book with his face on it — but I’m seeing that the more we can help others understand, the better off everyone will be.”

Henton believes the future of The Caleb Book Series is brighter than ever. Following the release of Troublemakers, the second book in the series published in 2023, a new title, Tantrums, is set to be released in 2025. This story explores how nonverbal autistic children express themselves to raise awareness and foster acceptance of autism. Along with her upcoming book, Henton has also launched the “I Matter” movement, reinforcing the series’ core message—that every child matters—by providing children with self-love exercises and creative arts and crafts activities.

Henton says that because there will never be a “perfect time” to do something, she encourages others “to discipline yourself and take the first step.” She says she believes that passion and dedication will attract others, and the challenges each person encounters will become their greatest testimony. “Take life as it comes— the good, the bad, and the ugly—and make something meaningful out of it.”

Copies of My Variety Child: A Caleb Book Series are available on Amazon . Also, check out Troublemakers: A Caleb Book Series

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