UA Little Rock Launches New HR Career Training Program with Rock Region Consulting

UA Little Rock’s Division of Corporate and Community Education, in collaboration with Rock Region Consulting, Inc., is launching a new human resources career pathway pilot designed to meet growing workforce needs across Arkansas.

The pilot course, “HR Essentials: What You’re Expected to Know,” will run April 1–22 at the Reynolds Business Building. The program prepares entry-level HR professionals, career changers, business owners, and organizational leaders with practical training in compliance, documentation, employee relations, and workplace risk management.

“This is exactly the kind of program our new Workforce Development Center was created to deliver,” said Nick Stevens, director of Corporate and Community Education. “We work closely with industry leaders to identify real workforce gaps and respond with relevant, high-impact training. By piloting programs like this, we’re building scalable pathways for professional advancement and strengthening Arkansas’ workforce.”

The university partnered with Gina Smith, PHR, MA, CEO of Rock Region Consulting, Inc., and a board member of the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association (CAHRA), the local affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), to integrate direct industry insight into the course design.

Rock Region Consulting provides human resource consulting, compliance guidance, and workforce development training to organizations across Arkansas.

“Organizations need HR professionals who are prepared before they’re faced with high-stakes decisions,” Smith said. “This program blends core knowledge with applied learning so participants leave with practical skills they can immediately use. We’re proud to partner with UA Little Rock to strengthen the HR talent pipeline in our region.”

UA Little Rock maintains long-standing partnerships with CAHRA and continues building relationships across the professional HR community to ensure programs remain responsive to workforce needs.

As part of Corporate and Community Education’s expanded professional development strategy, the pilot will inform the launch of additional HR continuing education and certification preparation opportunities for working professionals, alumni, and current students in the School of Business. Registration is now open for the April cohort.

Learn more about the program or register here:
https://ualr.edu/continuingeducation/professional-development/hr-professional-essentials/