The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has awarded $250 scholarships to five staff members who are pursuing their education and careers at UA Little Rock. 

“Since the Staff Senate will, unfortunately, not be able to hold the Staff Awards Ceremony this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we increased the amount of scholarship funds awarded to staff members this year to show our support for hard-working staff members who are pursuing their education while working. We are so proud of your accomplishment,” said Staff Senate President Melody Weigel. 

The winners include Cadence Baize, administrative analyst for the associate vice chancellor of Facilities Management and Planning; Brittany “Noel” Bartlett, who works in Procurement Services; Evonne Hair, student program coordinator in the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education; Ashi Franke, a user interface and experience designer in the Office of Communications and Marketing; and Deborah Fudge-Robertson, administrative assistant III in the School of Social Work.

More information about the Staff Senate Scholarship winners:

Cadence Baize

Cadence Baize is on track to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. She finds the human brain fascinating, and her goal is to pursue graduate work in either gerontology or cognitive neuroscience in order to advocate for the elderly.

Brittany “Noel” Bartlett

Brittany “Noel” Bartlett is a senior professional and technical writing major. Once she graduates, Bartlett plans to tackle the master’s degree program in professional and technical writing as well as the online writing instruction certificate.

“After declaring as a PTW major last spring, I’ve realized, with the help of the outstanding faculty and my peers, that my future lies in technical writing,” Bartlett said. “Learning that I was selected as a recipient of a Staff Senate Scholarship was unbelievable. This award is an amazing opportunity that allows me to continue pursuing my bachelor’s degree without such a heavy financial burden.”

Evonne Hair

Evonne Hair is a senior working toward a bachelor’s degree in applied communication with a minor in management.

Her academic advisor describes her as a person who is eager to learn and has an excellent work ethic. After graduation, she plans to make a home at UA Little Rock as well as expanding her sock business, “All About Tha Sockz L.L.C.” In the future, she wants to get her master’s in the Rehabilitation Counseling program.  

“Evonne is a dedicated student, making all As in her classes in her Applied Communication major,” said Dr. April Chatham Carpenter, interim director of the School of Public Affairs. “I am impressed with Evonne’s abilities to communicate in multiple settings, both personally and professionally. She is very organized and is able to multitask on various projects and do them well.”

Ashi Franke

Ashi Franke is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in web design and development and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, as well as minors in information technology, digital graphics, and art history. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in art. 

“I had just entered my junior year of college when I joined the Office of Communications and Marketing in 2016,” Franke said. “Transitioning from full-time student to full-time employee added several years to my expected graduation date, but I found a support system here that I never had before. Scholarships like this will not only help me to finish what I started, but to go farther.”

Franke’s supervisor exemplified her skills as a member of the university web team who uses what she learns in the classroom to improve her job.

“I have been continually impressed with her dedication to serving the university,” said Meaghan Milliorn, web communications manager. “It is not easy to attend multiple classes every semester while working a demanding job with challenging deadlines. However, I believe Ashi’s strong desire to advance her skills and reach her academic goals are the driving forces in her life and are what motivates her to continue working hard.”

Deborah Fudge-Robertson

Deborah Fudge-Robertson is completing her master’s degree in adult education and plans to pursue a Ph.D. at UA Little Rock to use what she’s learned to help other adults that need services to enhance their education. 

“Being the only person in my family of six to go to college has been one of my biggest goals,” she said. “Learning, for me, is a privilege that is earned through hard work and dedication. Being awarded the Staff Senate Scholarship will help me continue my education at the UA of Little Rock.”