Faller gains in-depth knowledge during Little Rock’s R.O.C.K. Academy
Angelita Faller, news director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, graduated this summer from the six-week R.O.C.K. Academy. The acronym stands for Residents Obtaining Community Knowledge.
Through R.O.C.K. Academy, Little Rock seeks to provide citizens with in-depth knowledge of city government, its departments, programs, and how they can impact residents.
In addition to being the state’s capital, Little Rock is Arkansas’s largest city, with over 202,000 residents. Faller was among 40 residents who attended the academy.
“We received an overview of Little Rock’s city government, budgeting, and economic development, as well as safety departments like police, fire, and 911,” she said. “We also explored quality of life topics like parks and recreation and sustainability measures, housing and neighborhood programs, and the city’s social service programs and community resources.”
Faller said exploring the city’s public safety was particularly fascinating.
“I thought the most interesting session of the program was the third week, when we learned about those who are working to keep citizens of Little Rock safe,” she said. “We visited the Little Rock Fire Department training facility and met the police chief and fire chief. We also heard from the people who run the Department of Emergency Communications and the Emergency Management Division. I thought it was really interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep Little Rock safe during emergencies.”
Faller, a Little Rock resident since 2016, said the academy provided excellent learning opportunities.
“Participating in R.O.C.K. Academy has been an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of local government and highlighted the vital role of citizens being involved in their community,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see firsthand how dedicated service on boards, commissions, and volunteering can drive meaningful change in our community.”
She’s thankful to have had the opportunity to learn more about the city she calls home.
“I would really like to thank Melissa Mitchell, creative economy and special projects advisor for the city of Little Rock, and all the other city of Little Rock employees who did such a great job organizing R.O.C.K. Academy presentations,” Faller said.
