Top Employers of UA Little Rock Graduates Represented on 2026 Taste of Little Rock Host Committee
Leaders from several top employers of University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates are serving on the host committee for the 2026 Taste of Little Rock. Many of the organizations represented are among the top fifteen employers of UA Little Rock alumni.
About 85 percent of UA Little Rock graduates stay in Central Arkansas after earning their degrees, working in industries such as healthcare, finance, law, government, and nonprofit leadership.
“This committee reflects a growing partnership between UA Little Rock and the organizations where our graduates are making an impact,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for advancement. “When you look across this list of companies and institutions, you see many of the places where our alumni are building their careers and strengthening the Central Arkansas community.”
Taste of Little Rock is the university’s signature alumni event, bringing together community leaders, alumni, and supporters to celebrate the impact of UA Little Rock while raising support for student scholarships and initiatives that help future Trojans succeed.
For Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development, the makeup of the committee reflects the reach of UA Little Rock graduates throughout the region.
“UA Little Rock alumni are deeply connected to this community,” Smith said. “You see Trojans working and leading in hospitals, banks, law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits across the state. It’s exciting to see so many of those organizations represented on this committee as we come together to support the university and its students.”
2026 Taste of Little Rock Host Committee
- Cheryl Avants, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (retired)
- Nate Coulter, Mitchell Williams
- Jamie Ewing, Arkansas Department of Human Services
- Jake Fair, Wright Lindsey Jennings
- Cameron Fuller, Simmons Bank
- Sarah Giammo, Friday, Eldredge & Clark
- Paul Isbell, Southwest Power Pool
- Cortney Kennedy, Office of the Governor, State of Arkansas
- Summer Khairi, UAMS
- Sheena Olson, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Alfreda Summons, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Faith Thomas, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Carrie Perry, Little Rock School District
- Rodney Abston, Regions Bank
- Stephanie Caruthers, Trio’s Restaurant
- Guy Choate, Arkansas Realtors Association
- Donavon Colclough, Entergy
- Telethe Collins, Make-A-Wish Mid-South
- Loris Fullerton, retired
- Jimmy Harris, Bowen School of Law alumnus
- Jamie Middleton, Immerse Arkansas
- Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Carson Seelinger, CARTI
- Karen Witt, JPMorgan Chase
- Eric Yarberry, World Services for the Blind
Now in its 21st year, Taste of Little Rock has become one of the university’s most anticipated alumni events. The event brings together hundreds of guests and dozens of local restaurants for an evening celebrating Little Rock’s food scene and raising money for scholarships.
Proceeds from the event support scholarships through the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, helping students stay on track to complete their degrees and pursue their careers in Central Arkansas.