The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has recognized four staff members who are pursuing degrees while working full-time at UA Little Rock.

Two UA Little Rock staff members received a $250 Staff Senate Scholarship. The winners include Claire Mitchell, an alumni affairs specialist in the Office of Alumni and Development, and Thomas Redd, IT systems administrator at the William H. Bowen School of Law.

The winners of the Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship include Constance Williams, positive parenting program practitioner at MidSouth, and Alyssa Hall, an admissions specialist in the Office of Admissions.

More information about the scholarship winners:

Claire Mitchell, of Little Rock, is earning a bachelor’s degree in political science.

“As I approach the end of my undergraduate education, my three years of service to the university in the Alumni & Development department has just solidified my goal to continue to forge my own path as a public servant,” Mitchell said. “I will graduate with my degree in political science, and I hope to use that experience and qualification to expand the communities and groups I am able to serve while also hopefully continuing to work for government institutions. I think my generation has a unique responsibility to rebuild public trust within our government institutions, and I plan on rising to that challenge as an overarching career goal.”

Chris Hamilton, associate vice chancellor of advancement services and Mitchell’s supervisor, said she is a great example of staff excellence.

“Claire is an instrumental part of the Office of Alumni and Development in gift processing, and this is a crucial role in our department’s success,” said Chris Hamilton, associate vice chancellor of advancement services. “I am so happy to hear that Claire has been awarded a scholarship as she continues her academic career.”

Thomas Redd, of Little Rock, is pursuing a certificate in information assurance and an associate degree of computer science in computer programming. He eventually plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity at UA Little Rock.

“This is an excellent investment for UA Little Rock,” said Steve Hyatt, IT manager at the William H. Bowen School of Law and Redd’s supervisor. “Thomas is a smart-working, independent, and conscientious employee. I have no doubt these traits will carry over to his academic pursuits.”

Constance Williams, of Monticello, recently completed a graduate certificate in management and is working toward a Master of Public Administration degree.

“I would like to further my career with UA Little Rock MidSouth and become the lead practitioner for the Positive Parenting Program at my site, which is at Monticello. With my management certificate, I know I will serve well in the role,” Williams said. “Receiving this award would release some of the financial burdens I have in regard to pursuing my education. I support my daughter and my sibling, who is currently a student at UAM.”

Alyssa Hall, of Benton, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in economics and then plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration.

“I would like to work as an economist or analyst with a company that provides environmental justice and policy awareness to the public, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or Heifer International, a non-profit organization that teaches others how to live sustainably and how to allocate their resources,” Hall said. “I have previously volunteered for environmental justice organizations, but more recently began volunteering with Heifer, training to give presentations on the work they are doing in my community. I understand the impact that physical environments can have on our lives, and want to work to ensure that new environmental policies do not divide our communities.”