Vakeyia Dulaney
Triple Major: Biology, Criminal Justice, Spanish
Year: Senior
Where did you go to High School?
I attended Hall High School in Little Rock, AR.
Why did you choose UALR?
I chose UALR because I was offered the Donaghey Scholars Scholarship. I visited the campus and I loved the atmosphere. The scholars were so welcoming and provided a small support system that I could turn to when dealing with the stresses of transitioning from high school to college.
What impresses you most about UALR?
UALR is a great research institute that offers students the opportunity of engaging in ground breaking research. I am impressed by some of the faculty and staff here at UALR. There is nothing like feeling of support you receive from your professors and the staff in the departments.
The Criminal Justice Department has created a new PhD program in which students will have the opportunity to research entities dealing with the criminal justice system and become immersed with criminal justice agencies and institutes in the central city.
They are willing to work around student’s schedules to assist students with their problems. Also, I am impressed by the non-traditional atmosphere we have here at UALR. I was able to create a strong and diverse network of friends who varied in ages, elasticities, wisdom, and interests.
Attending UALR was an opportunity of a lifetime because it offered me an in depth education and a chance to remain close to my family, mentors, and friends and to continue to have new experiences in the city I grew up in.
What impresses you most about Little Rock?
Little Rock is striving to remain natural while offering great history, restaurants, parks, and opportunities for families to spend time with one another.
Great educational experiences can derive from an outing to the new IMAX Theater, the Clinton Library, or the museums; family time at one of the area parks or the zoo, great relaxation and fun downtown at the River Market are all wonderful experiences people can engage in the city of Little Rock, one of the 100 Best Communities.
What are your career plans?
After graduation I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in Forensic Science. My plan is to work in a crime lab or a part of one of the three letter agencies (CIA, FBI, etc.). I also would love to see a forensic science program developed at UALR. If I can return and offer my services to develop a program for future aspiring students, then I would be willing to become a professor and help educate, as my professors help to educate me.
My career objective is to apply acquired knowledge to the field of Forensic Science, to be productive and accurate about using the necessary tools to assist in solving criminal cases, and to introduce new statistics and research to the field of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
How has living in the capital city influenced your career?
As I experienced growing up here, Little Rock has made progressions in bettering its communities and focusing on creating a safer environment for its residents. I have been touched by the many people who strive to fight poverty in our communities and who value public service and creating safer environments for our children.
As a result of meeting and working with community leaders I have developed a passion for public service. I want join others in the fight against poverty and rising crime rates in any possible way that I can.
What type of opportunities has living in the capital city afforded you?
Living in the capital city has given me great opportunities for networking. I have met community leaders and I have been immersed in many activities geared toward improving the city of Little Rock.
I was given the opportunity to attend a great research university without going into debt and to meet new people who have strong passions and strive to positively change lives.
How have you been involved in public service?
Growing up in the UALR Children International program has introduced me to a world of service. I became involved in community service projects throughout the city of Little Rock, as well as other places like Louisiana and Missouri. I have volunteered with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Arkansas Food Bank, and many other organizations.
During my high school years I took pride in assisting the youth council of UALR Children International with creating a community playground, establishing a college fund for other youth in the program, and with preparing benefits to deliver to other sponsored youth.
My college experiences with volunteering ranged from assisting the Juvenile Detention Center with providing practice ACT preparatory exams for high school students, I have assisted college students with math and writing skills, and I have acted as a mentor to younger students in the Children International program.
Currently I serve as a member to the University District Partnership Youth Advisory Committee and the Criminal Justice Society. With all of the opportunities and experiences that have presented themselves to me and as a result of the caring, courageous, and supportive staff of UALR Children International, Children International, UALR and its numerous partners, public service has become deeply rooted in my blood.
What are your favorite leisure activities (hobbies) in Little Rock/Central Arkansas?
There are a variety of activities available to students in Little Rock. I love to play basketball in the parks and the gym, to go to restaurants and catch up with my friends, to take walks downtown on the riverfront, and to engage in the campus life activities on the campus of UALR.