Trojan Career Closet Expands Access for UA Little Rock Students
The Trojan Career Closet is giving University of Arkansas at Little Rock students more opportunities to build their professional wardrobes, with students now able to visit up to three times per semester for clothing at no cost.
Operated by University Career Services, the Career Closet provides professional attire for interviews, career fairs, conferences, and other opportunities. Students may select up to four items per semester, but the expanded visit policy allows them to return if they don’t find everything they need during their first appointment.
“Allowing up to three visits also recognizes that a student’s professional clothing needs may change throughout the semester,” said Michelle Marshall, career specialist at UA Little Rock. “A student may find a blouse or shirt during their first visit but not find pants or a blazer in their size. They may also visit earlier in the semester when the weather is warmer and later need a heavier blazer or other professional piece as the season changes. Providing multiple visits gives students flexibility to build their professional wardrobe over time.”
The Career Closet is open by appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students can schedule a 30-minute appointment through Handshake — an online platform operated by University Career Services — to browse available clothing, try on items, and receive assistance from student support staff.
Use of the Career Closet has grown in recent years. The closet recorded 96 completed appointments in fiscal year 2024, but roughly doubled that, to 188, in fiscal year 2026. The figures represent appointments rather than individual students because students may visit more than once per year.
Established in 2016, the Career Closet was created to help students access professional attire and understand appropriate dress for interviews and other professional opportunities. Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development, said the resource can be particularly valuable for students preparing to advance in their careers.
“The majority of UA Little Rock students are already in the workforce,” Duvall said. “Many students are nontraditional, and as they finish certificate programs or degrees, they are ready for career advancement. The Career Closet allows students to have access to formal wear that can be expensive to purchase on their own.”
Students use the Career Closet for a variety of professional opportunities, but Marshall said job and internship interviews are among the most common reasons students visit. She encourages students to take advantage of the resource before they have an immediate need for professional clothing.
“Many times, students are coming in shortly before that interview, so they feel rushed to find something,” Marshall said. “That’s why I encourage students not to wait until they have an interview scheduled to visit the Career Closet. Come in early, explore what we have, and find professional attire ahead of time.”
While Career Services assesses its current inventory and student needs, Marshall said one of the best ways the campus community can support the Career Closet is by helping spread the word about the resource.
Meaghan Milliorn, senior director of web strategy and operations at UA Little Rock, recently donated several skirts and dresses to the Career Closet after realizing she no longer wore them.
“I loved the idea of donating them to students who may need some professional clothes,” Milliorn said. “I know it’s hard to buy nice clothes for an interview or presentation when you’re a student, so if I can do one small thing to help out, I am happy to do that!”
Milliorn said the donation process was simple, requiring her to fill out an online form and schedule a drop-off time.
For Marshall, one interaction with a student demonstrated the difference that access can make.
“One experience that stands out to me involved a plus-size student who found a dress and blazer that worked for her,” Marshall said. “As a plus-size woman myself, I understand that it can sometimes be difficult to walk into a clothing store and find professional attire that fits well and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Seeing how excited she was to find something that worked for her really stayed with me.”
Students interested in visiting the Trojan Career Closet can find more information on the Career Closet website.