Executive Committee of the Committee on Racial Equity for Students
Keya McGee (Chair of CRES)
Serving since 2024
“I am an undergraduate nursing major and I am pleased to serve as the chair of this organization. I joined in hopes of providing a safe space for those who may not feel comfortable speaking for themselves or others.”
Email: ksowells@ualr.edu
Nistha Neupane (Vice-Chair)
Serving Since 2024
“I am an undergraduate student majoring in clinical biology and chemistry minor, pre-med. I am extremely passionate about racial equity, awareness, and providing a voice for those who need a safe space to communicate their struggles without fear of judgment. I am very optimistic about our committee’s personal commitment to creating this unified safe space for students and faculty alike.”
Email: nneupane@ualr.edu
Dr. Mark Baillie (Faculty Advisor of CRES)
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I am a chemistry professor here at UA Little Rock. I serve on this committee because I believe that systemic inequities exist all around us, and we need to dedicate time and collaborative effort to removing as many barriers as possible.”
Email: mtbaillie@ualr.edu
Christine Jones (Secretary and Past Chair)
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I have been honored to serve CRES since its inception in August 2020 as a graduate student, and I still proudly serve as a staff member today. I am the academic editor and web manager in the Office of Records and Registration. I edit the Academic Catalog, manage the Student Records group of web pages, and handle most of the communications for the office. As past chair, I can only repeat my original statement as to why I still serve as a member, today: I want to effect equitable change on campus for all students.”
Email: cmjones10@ualr.edu
Shadanah Oliver (Treasurer)
Serving since 2024
“I am a part of something that creates a more supportive environment for all students. As a social work major, helping students feel represented and valued in their education is every reason why I am on the committee and a Trojan!”
Email: soliver2@ualr.edu
Members of the Committee on Racial Equity for Students
Clara Cardriche
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I’m a resource family trainer with MidSOUTH. I became a member of the Committee on Racial Equity for All Students because I’m concerned about students of color not feeling welcomed and accepted on campus and I want them to know about resources and services that they can benefit from.”
Michelle Crain (Past Chair)
Serving since 2024
“I currently serve as an adjunct lecturer for the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at UA Little Rock. As a graduate student, I initially chose to join CRES because I wanted to ensure that my young children had a model for racial equity in our community. I continue to be involved because I want my students to know there is a safe place with the university to be seen and heard. I want students to understand they are supported and not alone.”
Bobbie Handcock
Serving since 2022
“I am a graduate student in the professional and technical writing program and I work as a web content specialist at UA Little Rock. I serve on this committee because I believe in equity for all. By serving with CRES, I hope to support students by helping to create a safe environment for those who may struggle to voice their concerns.”
Dean Richard Harper
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I currently serve as the dean of students at UA Little Rock. I chose to join CRES because, as a student advocate, I want to ensure the university fosters an environment where all students feel supported.”
Dr. Jennifer Hune
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I’m an associate professor of special education in the School of Education. I became a member of the Committee on Racial Equity for All Students because there continues to be a need to bring attention to the effects of discrimination on students of color on our campus. My reason for joining was to ensure that students have a safe space to seek help when discrimination occurs and help them navigate UA Little Rock’s systems to resolve issues related to discrimination and to overcome roadblocks to their success.”
Alexa Kincade
Serving since 2024
“I am an undergraduate student majoring in English and gender studies. I joined this committee because I am very passionate about creating and cultivating safe spaces for everyone, regardless of background.”
Dr. David Montague
Serving since 2022
Faculty Member and Administrator
Hyginus Ukadike
Founding Member – Serving since 2020
“I am a psychological counselor with the Office of Counseling Services. I am honored to serve as a member of the Committee on Racial Equity for Students. My presence in this committee as an international person is a testimony of the university demonstrating that equity and inclusiveness are important in our university.”