Skip to main content

Graduating Student Spotlight: Carletta Rainey

Carletta Rainey is achieving a lifelong dream of earning her bachelor’s degree as she graduates this month from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication.
Carletta Rainey is achieving a lifelong dream of earning her bachelor’s degree as she graduates this month from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication.

Carletta Rainey is achieving a lifelong dream of completing her bachelor’s degree as she graduates this month from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication. 

Rainey works as a nurse at the UAMS Women’s Health Clinic and is a U.S. Army veteran who has served overseas in South Korea and Kuwait.

“As a transfer student who stopped out for many years, she came to UA Little Rock in 2019,” said Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication. “Facing the odds against her with a recent cancer diagnosis, she has overcome these odds to complete her education.”

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Carletta Rainey, and I am originally from Verbena, Alabama. I am an Applied Communication student. I have been a resident of Arkansas since 2003 when the military brought me here. I served in the United States Army active duty for 8 years and my MOS was an ammunition specialist. 

I also graduated from Baptist School of Nursing in 2006 and have been a nurse for 15 years. I currently work for UAMS Women’s Health part time. I am a Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor!

How do you feel about your upcoming graduation?

I am excited! I’ve reached the end of the tunnel. The journey is over. Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, I believe the virtual graduation experience will feel just as real as possible, like we were doing it in person. Kudos to the person who thought of this.

Why did you choose UA Little Rock?

I wanted to attend a well known university and who better than UA Little Rock!!!

Why did you choose your major?

Well let’s just say Dr. April was the one who gave me confirmation that this was IT!

What teachers inspired you at UA Little Rock?

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, Dr. Kristen McIntyre, Dr. Gerald Driskill, Mrs. Katie Halford, Dr. Carol Thompson, Dr. Bailey Oliver, and Dr. Avinash Thombre.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Go on a well overdue getaway hopefully.

What is your favorite memory of UA Little Rock?

I remember my Persuasive Presentation class with Mrs. Halford. That was nerve racking but I made it through it and it was lovely.

What advice would you give to future students?

Continue to strive for your dreams so they will become your reality. Make the best out of college so you will have memories to tell others.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Congratulations to the Class of 2021. God Bless you all.