Alumni | Arts and SciencesAugust 21, 2025

Upward Bound to Law School

Written By: Ian Silvester

Sarahi Ibarra, a 2025 graduate of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, is a shining example of how the university comes alongside each student in their pursuit of an education and career. 

While in high school at Northside, Ibarra took concurrent classes at UAFS and was enrolled in Upward Bound – a college preparation and access program funded by U.S. Department of Education grants to aid students through their transition into higher education and a successful completion of their college degree.  

Ibarra, the youngest of four girls, followed in the footsteps of her sisters to be the first generation of her family to go to college. She made that path her own by choosing to attend UAFS. 

Once at UAFS, Ibarra found support through TRIO Student Support Services. 

That support helped her earn a degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science in just three years. 

“I would meet with advisors who really helped me,” she said. “They were always there. Even if it was just needing a Scantron, they were there.” 

It wasn’t only the programs that helped Ibarra succeed; it was the community she found while at UAFS. 

Ibarra was an active member in two registered student organizations, the Criminal Justice Club and the Psychology Club. 

She also was an employee at the Recreation and Wellness Center throughout her UAFS career. It was there that she met Meighan Pendergrass, executive director of campus recreation and wellness, who become her biggest champion and ally for what came after graduation. 

“[Meighan] was a really great support system to have throughout my time,” Ibarra said, explaining how Pendergrass helped her with her law school application 

Ibarra began law school this fall at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After completing her law degree taking the bar exam, she intends to pursue becoming a practicing prosecuting attorney. 

At UAFS, Ibarra was drawn to criminal justice and a desire to learn more about how the legal system works. She found through her studies and interning at the Sebastian County Public Defender’s Office that she could be an advocate for the most vulnerable communities. 

“I want to help people strengthen their voice and be more confident in our system,” Ibarra said.  

As she takes the next steps in her education and begins her professional path, Ibarra will not forget her roots her where she got her start. 

“A lot of people told me that you need to get your bachelor’s degree at the biggest school you can to get into law school. I wish more people would know that a bachelor’s degree at UAFS is more than enough to be able to do that,” she said. 

• Tags:
• First-Generation Student
• Alumni
• Criminal Justice