UA Little Rock Graduate Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership

Known across campus as “Mr. UALR,” Noah Davidson, a history major from Beebe, Arkansas, will graduate in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

Davidson, who has been deeply involved in student life, said the nickname began as an inside joke within the Delta Chi Fraternity. It originated with alumnus Turner Hudson, who appeared in university marketing materials online and on campus posters.

After helping his chapter win the Trojan Spirit Award, senior fraternity members began calling Davidson “the new Mr. UALR.”

“The nickname spread quickly among the chapter and our friends,” Davidson said. “I love it and have accepted it as a defining part of my time as a student. It’s a sign my chapter brothers recognize the work I’ve put into improving our chapter and student life as a whole.”

Davidson chose UA Little Rock in part because of his mother, Dr. Sloan Davidson, director and professor in the School of Nursing. She has worked at the university since 2008, and he often visited campus as a child.

“Attending freshman orientation and touring campus helped solidify that I made the right decision,” Davidson said. “I liked the smaller campus and class sizes. Coming from a small town, it made me feel comfortable and at home.”

He became involved on campus almost immediately. On his first day of classes, Delta Chi’s recruitment chair invited him to an event.

“After attending recruitment week and accepting my bid, I quickly became close with the chapter members and eager to get more involved,” he said.

Davidson said he connected with the fraternity’s values.

“The guys in the chapter genuinely cared about me and wanted what was best for me,” he said.

He was elected Delta Chi president during his junior year in 2024. Wanting to increase student involvement, he ensured the fraternity participated in major campus events. The chapter later won the Trojan Cup and Chapter of the Year honors, and Davidson received the Trojan Spirit Award.

In summer 2025, he became a Student Government Association senator representing the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

“I saw this as another way to advocate for Greek life and improve student life at UA Little Rock,” he said. “I just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.”

“I always thought UA Little Rock had the potential for a strong, connected student body,” he added. “I’m honored to have played a role in improving Greek life, student life, and the campus community.”

One of his favorite memories was leading Delta Chi during homecoming week in spring 2025.

“Homecoming includes the Trojan Cup competition, a series of events and challenges,” Davidson said. “I was able to coordinate my team through many of them.”

He said the cardboard boat regatta was his favorite event.

“Our team sailed to victory, earning the team spirit award and winning the Trojan Cup overall,” he said. “It was especially meaningful because it was the first time our chapter had ever won.”

Later that year, the chapter also won Chapter of the Year for the first time in its history.

“I was honored to lead the chapter during such a historic year,” Davidson said. “Receiving the Trojan Spirit Award that semester recognized my commitment to campus involvement and leadership.”

Davidson credits faculty members Dr. Barclay Key, Dr. Kristen Mann, and Dr. Stephanie Davis for shaping his experience.

“Dr. Key helped me navigate challenges with my courses, motivation, and graduation plans,” he said. “When I felt lost, he helped me stay on track.”

He said Mann and Davis also had a strong impact.

“They have a genuine passion for their work and their students’ success,” he said. “They helped me understand difficult material and truly wanted me to succeed. They’ve helped shape who I am as a student and influenced my decision to pursue graduate school.”

After graduation, Davidson plans to continue at UA Little Rock, pursuing a master’s degree in public history.

“I want to focus on historic preservation and begin a career in parks or a related field,” he said. “I hope to help maintain historic sites for future generations.”

Davidson said his experiences at UA Little Rock have prepared him well for the future.

“My involvement as a student leader taught me leadership, communication, and a passion for success,” he said. “My coursework strengthened my research, historiography, and writing skills. Together, those experiences have prepared me for what’s next.”

His advice to students is simple: get involved.

“You’re only here for about four years,” he said. “Don’t spend all that time in your dorm room. Find what interests you. UA Little Rock has something for everyone — student government, Greek life, academic and recreational clubs. You’ll build friendships, grow your network, and gain valuable skills that will impact your future.”