Dominique Mack has loved shooting and editing video ever since she started filming services at her church, Anointed Word International Ministries, as a high school student in Chicago Heights, Illinois. 

“I loved it, and I wanted to further my education in it,” she said. “I love to spread knowledge and help other people.”

The 25-year-old is graduating with a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock this spring.

After earning a full scholarship for playing the alto saxophone in the marching band, Mack first attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 2015.

She continued her education with the goal of becoming a college instructor to share her love of mass communication with future students.

“I had planned on going to Georgia, but I saw UA Little Rock’s program, and they sold me right off the bat,” Mack said. “I heard it was a great program, and I did indeed learn a lot over the past two years.”

Her first year of graduate school started off rough. Three of Mack’s family members – two uncles and a grandmother – passed away.

“It was very hard for me,” Mack said. “Sometimes, I wanted to say, ‘Forget it. I am tired.’ I stuck in there, because I knew my family members wouldn’t want me to stop.”

She also lost her car, the sole possession she had left from her grandmother, Daise Mack, who passed away while Dominique Mack was attending Pine Bluff.

“She was like a second mother to me,” Mack said. She has found a new car and named it “Daise” in honor of her gradmother.

Throughout her many challenges, Mack found solace with her classmates and fellow Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members.

“I have met a lot of very genuine people here. I have never bonded with so many of my peers ever,” she said. “I had my college family, and they made everything easier for me. “

While in Little Rock, Mack gained invaluable experience through internships with Fox 16/KARK and the Arkansas Minority Health Commission and a graduate assistantship with UA Little Rock Counseling Services.

She’s thankful to her mom, family, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers, God, and the UA Little Rock School of Mass Communication for helping her graduate.

“All the staff was great,” Mack said. “They were ready to help me with everything. I could not have done it without them for sure. I appreciate UA Little Rock for giving me this opportunity to receive my master’s degree, and I will always come back and support my alma mater.”