Arkansas Money and Politics (AMP) has recognized five UA Little Rock employees on the AMP Power Women for 2021 list.

AMP annually closes out the year by focusing a spotlight on women in Arkansas who are setting themselves apart in the world of business and politics. The AMP Power Women for 2021 were nominated by readers. Each has blazed a trail, exhibited outstanding leadership, or enhanced her company’s performance.

UA Little Rock employees who were named to the AMP Power Women for 2021 list include:

·  Joni Lee, vice chancellor for university affairs

·  Meaghan Milliorn, interim co-director of communications and marketing

·  Dr. Mia Phillips, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs

·  Heather Reed, director of student retention services

·  Elizabeth Small, director of business networking

More information about the honorees:

Lee is responsible for working with local, state and federal offices to elevate UA Little Rock’s position in the region. She has more than three decades of experience at UA Little Rock, and had previously served as a public policy researcher in the Center for Arkansas Initiatives, vice chancellor of university advancement, and chief government relations officer. Lee is a member of the inaugural class of the Civility Leadership Institute of General Wesley Clark’s organization, Renew America Together.

“There are so many women on this list for whom I have the greatest respect because of the amazing things they do every day that moves Arkansas forward.  I’m honored to be listed among them.  I feel privileged to work with an organization in UA Little Rock that impacts our state for the good and that I can be a part of that impact through my work.”

Milliorn heads up web, social media, and graphic design efforts for the university in the Office of Communications and Marketing. A 12-year veteran of UA Little Rock, Milliorn is a 2019 winner of the coveted Red Stapler Award for giving a best of track presentation at the Higher Education Web Professionals Association.

“I am proud to be included in this list of outstanding women in Arkansas, but it’s especially meaningful to be included among these other female leaders at UA Little Rock,” Milliorn said. “The past few years at UA Little Rock have really shown how dedicated our staff and faculty are to fully supporting our students and helping them succeed. I love that our students have so many different backgrounds and experiences, and that we have programs and resources for everyone. The fact that I can help communicate about and promote those programs and resources is really important to me, and I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish as a university in the coming years.”

Reed is also a recent graduate of the Master of Public Administration Program at UA Little Rock, social media chair of UA Little Rock’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the 2021 Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award winner, member of the Heartland of Arkansas United Way Board of Directors, and has recently been selected to join the Southern Regional Education Board Student Success Advisory Council.

“It is an honor to be nominated for the AMP Power Women for 2021,” Reed said. “I hope I can be a role model for other women in higher education but, most importantly, help students navigate their way through college to become future leaders in Arkansas!”

Phillips also serves as the director of the Multicultural Center at UA Little Rock and is the former communications and special project coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor. She also serves as a mentor for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, member of the Vera Lloyd Foundation Board, as well as an advisor for the University’s Gospel Choir. A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and master’s and doctoral degrees from UA Little Rock.

“The women featured on the AMP Power Women for 2021 List are positively shaping their industries and enhancing their respective organizations in so many ways,” Phillips said. “It’s an honor to be included in such good company and to be recognized for doing the work that I love to do.”

Small works with central Arkansas businesses to explore ways to partner and engage with UA Little Rock. She also heads UA Little Rock’s Real Estate Program in the School of Business. Prior to joining UA Little Rock, she served as chair of PDC Construction and president and CEO of PDC Companies. She is also an Arkansas real estate licensed broker as well as a member of several boards and organizations, including Goodwill of Arkansas, Rotary Club of Little Rock, Fifty for the Future, International Women’s Forum, and Arkansas Women’s Leadership Forum.

“It is an honor to be included with such a dynamic group of women in AMP,” Small said.  “Introducing and connecting businesses to outstanding UA Little Rock programs, students, and faculty has been an extremely rewarding experience. Creating new ways and enhancing existing opportunities for businesses to interact with the university is energetic and fun. To be recognized for those efforts is most appreciated and humbling because I work with an amazing team of people.”