UA Little Rock Students Bring Home Awards from Southeast Regional Model Arab League
A group of UA Little Rock students won multiple awards while competing in the Southeast Regional Model Arab League (SERMAL) at Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Model Arab League (MAL) is a diplomacy and policy simulation where students take on the roles of diplomats representing different Arab League countries. They engage in debates, draft resolutions, and collaborate on solutions to real-world issues affecting the Middle East.
The UA Little Rock students who competed include Vivian Angeles, Carlee Felty, Abigail Gavina, Owen Haynes, Bex Little, Yuliana Murillo, Larry Rhodes, Endalynn Seals, Jack Stokes, Axton Tackett, Kie’Erian Carter, and Jace Owens.
“I had four students who competed in their first MAL conference ever and won awards,” said Dr. Rebecca Glazier, a professor of political science and MAL faculty advisor. “My amazing students are thoughtful, hard-working, well-spoken, and I am so grateful to be their professor. This conference is a great opportunity for our students to get out of the classroom and learn international politics by doing.”
Jack Stokes, a graduate student at the Clinton School of Public Service, served as chair of the Joint Defense Council at the conference and received the Outstanding Chair Award.
“SERMAL has been a part of my life for four years! It is always incredible because it combines both high school and collegiate levels, and it’s impressive to see the different groups compete,” Stokes said. “Model Arab League provides a rich experience for anyone seeking to learn about the Middle East and its vast cultures and politics. It also provides incredible networking opportunities.”
Vivian Angeles, a senior double majoring in criminal justice and English, competed in the Joint Defense Council representing Somalia. Angeles was elected vice chair of the committee and won an Honorable Mention Award.
“Initially, I was very nervous. Although I felt prepared, I was still anxious to debate with people that I knew had more experience than me,” Angeles said. “Once I was there, I realized there was no reason to be nervous. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and the debate itself went very smoothly.”
Carlee Felty, a political science major from Beebe, Arkansas, also earned an Honorable Mention Award in her first-ever MAL competition.
“My experience at SERMAL was truly amazing,” Felty said. “At first, Model Arab League intimidated me because I had never taken a single debate class and wasn’t very educated on the Middle East. However, I have learned so much from my peers and have grown as a debater. Not only are you able to grow personally, culturally, and politically, but you are able to build such a beautiful community within the Model Arab League.”
Additional students who won awards include Kie’Erian Carter (Distinguished Delegation, Environmental Committee), Jace Owens (Distinguished Delegation, Environmental Committee), and Endalynn Seals (Honorable Mention, Political Committee).
The UA Little Rock students will next compete at the National Model Arab League Conference in Washington, D.C., from April 2-6.