UA Little Rock Student Miesha Robinson Finds Opportunity and Support Through Corporate Partnerships Program
For Miesha Robinson, earning a college degree isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating a brighter future for her two-year-old son, Malachi.
As a single mother balancing work, school, and parenthood, Robinson is pursuing a marketing degree with concentrations in professional sales and digital marketing at UA Little Rock, thanks in part to the university’s Corporate Partnerships Program.
“I remember thinking that I could go through life without a college degree, but I want my son to have a better future,” Robinson said. “Going back to school is about having a better life and leaving a better legacy for my son. I want to reach my full potential.”
Through her job at Yellow Rocket Concepts, Robinson is one of more than 400 students receiving a 10-percent scholarship on tuition, a $25-per-credit-hour book scholarship, and a waived application fee through participation in the Corporate Partners Program. With almost 50,000 eligible employees in more than 100 companies across Arkansas, the Corporate Partnerships Program is making higher education more accessible for working professionals like Robinson.
Robinson’s college journey hasn’t been a straight path. She first enrolled in college in 2012 while still in high school, taking concurrent credit and AP courses. She later attended the University of Arkansas but faced overwhelming challenges. In 2015, a devastating car accident left her with serious, long-term injuries, making it difficult to keep up with coursework, and she eventually withdrew from school.
“When I left Fayetteville, I felt like no one cared about me,” Robinson said. “I was just another number. But when I came to UA Little Rock, everything changed. They didn’t label me as disabled. They treated me like a student who needed support, and that made all the difference.”
Robinson works as a front-of-house employee at Yellow Rocket Concepts, where she wears many hats. Yellow Rocket Concepts owns popular dining options like Lost Forty Brewing, Big Orange, Local Lime, Camp Taco, and ZAZA. She serves tables, trains new staff, models for company marketing, and is in the process of becoming a tour guide. A six-foot billboard featuring her smiling face even greets customers at one of the company’s locations.
She enjoys the job and the people she meets, especially those passionate about the craft of brewing.
“I didn’t know how much science goes into making beer,” Robinson said. “The people I work with are incredibly knowledgeable, and they’ve taught me to respect the industry.”
Yellow Rocket Concepts’ support extends beyond the workplace.
“They work with my schedule, encourage me to study when I have downtime, and even talk to me about future opportunities within the company once I graduate,” Robinson said. “They don’t expect me to serve tables forever. They are cheering me on, and they want me to succeed.”
Despite the challenges of balancing work, school, and motherhood, Robinson is determined to graduate in Spring 2026.
“Being a single parent makes it harder,” she admitted. “There are days when I feel overwhelmed. But my son motivates me. I want to build a better life for him.”
Robinson has big plans for her future. With a background in both marketing and insurance, she dreams of opening her own business that combines both fields—an advertising agency with an insurance component.
“I want to own my own business,” she said. “I have my life and health insurance license, and I want to merge that with my passion for marketing. It’s about creating opportunities, not just for myself, but for my son and others who come after me.”
She believes that earning her degree will open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
“College is about more than just education. It’s about discipline, networking, and setting yourself up for a better future,” she said. “UA Little Rock has put me in a place where I can make connections and grow in ways I never imagined.”
Overcoming Obstacles and Looking Ahead
Robinson’s path hasn’t been easy. She has faced health challenges, financial struggles, and the pressures of single parenthood, but she remains committed to her pursuit of success.
“It’s not for the weak,” she said. “There are sacrifices, and I do regret not getting back on track sooner. But I know that education gives me a chance at a better future. My son was born on Valentine’s Day, and he was my lifeline when I was struggling. Now, everything I do is for him.”
She also values the support system she has found through the Corporate Partnerships Program and the university.
“UA Little Rock has helped me with childcare, connected me with financial resources, and made sure I didn’t fall through the cracks,” she said. “They’ve given me the chance to keep going.”
As she continues her journey, Robinson hopes her story will inspire others facing similar obstacles.
“If you’re struggling, don’t give up,” she said. “Find the support you need and keep pushing forward. Education changes lives. I know because it’s changing mine.”