UA Little Rock Expands Advancement and Communications Teams
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has added two new employees and announced a promotion within its Advancement and Communications divisions, strengthening the university’s efforts to share its story and engage the community.
Molly Coleman has joined the Office of Communications and Marketing as a research communicator. In this role, Coleman helps share the impact of UA Little Rock’s research through compelling stories that connect with the public.
“I’m really excited to be part of a team that values storytelling and creativity,” Coleman said. “What excites me most about this position is getting to connect with researchers and help translate their work into stories that resonate with the public. I’m interested in finding the human side of research and showing how it affects people’s everyday lives. It’s rewarding to help bring those stories to a wider audience and show how much innovation is happening at UA Little Rock.”
Sheila McKinnis has joined the Office of Alumni and Development as associate director of development, where she will manage sponsorships for university events and help advance philanthropic engagement.
“For the last 21 years, I owned my own business, so I have a broad skill set,” McKinnis said. “I grew up on this campus as both of my parents worked for the university, and now my oldest son is a student. Joining the development team at UA Little Rock feels like I am coming home.”
Angela Parker has been promoted to director of donor relations and stewardship. In this leadership role, Parker oversees a comprehensive donor‐relations and stewardship program that includes acknowledgments, impact reporting, recognition societies, scholarship stewardship, and signature donor events.
“My late mother and I are both proud UA Little Rock alumnae, and I’ve witnessed how the education we received changed the course of our family’s story,” Parker said. “Having spent 20 years working here, I feel deeply connected to this institution and its mission. As director of donor relations and stewardship, I’m honored to help celebrate the donors whose support ensures that future generations can experience the same opportunity and transformation. As we approach the university’s centennial, I’m grateful to play a role in keeping affordability and access central to our donors’ generosity, so future students can experience the same life-changing opportunities I did.”
Parker brings extensive experience in strategic communications, donor and community engagement, and high‐profile event management at UA Little Rock, where she has led major university events, directed media relations, and earned recognition for creative campaigns.