Taste of Little Rock Raises $196,000 for Scholarships, Brings Community Together in Support of UA Little Rock Students
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s annual Taste of Little Rock brought together alumni, employers, and community supporters for an evening that raised $196,000 to support student scholarships.
Organized by an alumni-led host committee, the event showcased the collective impact of the Little Rock community—uniting business leaders, nonprofit partners, and friends of the university around a shared commitment to student success. Guests enjoyed cuisine from some of the city’s most popular restaurants while connecting with fellow supporters and celebrating the impact of scholarships.
Many of the organizations involved are also among the university’s top employers, reinforcing the strong connection between UA Little Rock and the region’s workforce.
The 2026 host committee included representatives from many of these partners, including:
- 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
“The employers who support Taste of Little Rock are the same organizations hiring our graduates and investing in their success,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for advancement. “Their commitment reflects the strength of our students and the vital role UA Little Rock plays in building Arkansas’s workforce.”
The event also honored Tom Brannon, chief meteorologist at THV11 and a proud UA Little Rock alumnus, whose career and community impact highlight the kind of success UA Little Rock graduates achieve.
Proceeds from Taste of Little Rock directly support scholarships, helping remove financial barriers and expand access to education for UA Little Rock students.