High School Students ‘Discover’ UA Little Rock on Campus Visit

More than 1,400 high school students got to experience what life would be like as Little Rock Trojans during the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s annual Discover day Thursday. 

Kaylee Hooper toured the campus this spring, but wanted more information on campus clubs, financial aid, and scholarships. 

“The financial aid part was helpful, and I learned about (several) clubs I didn’t know about” previously, said Hooper, a senior at Poyen High School. “I really like budgeting, and learning about (UA Little Rock’s) real estate program made me a lot more interested in (that program) — there’s really not anything else like it.” 

Star City High School senior Jamee Hogue is already committed to UA Little Rock, but wants to be prepared for next fall, so she’s eager for opportunities like Discover where she can gain more knowledge about the university and campus. 

“I love the campus layout, and there’s no pressure” from UA Little Rock recruiters or other employees, which she appreciated as she was selecting a college, said Hogue, who planned to tour East Hall during Discover, where she expects to live next year. “Everyone here is kind-hearted, and there are plenty of opportunities for me.” 

Students and their families were welcomed to campus for academic showcases, student panels, admissions support, and interactive sessions with faculty and staff. Discover, one of the university’s most impactful recruitment events, gives prospective students a firsthand look at the strong academic programs, personalized support, and vibrant campus experience that define the Trojan journey.

“Discover is one of the most important opportunities we have to introduce prospective students and their families to everything UA Little Rock has to offer,” said Jonathan Coleman, director of Financial Aid & Scholarships. “It allows students to experience our campus firsthand, connect with faculty and staff, explore academic programs, and begin to envision themselves as part of the Trojan community, (but) just as importantly, it gives families the opportunity to see the value of a UA Little Rock education and the opportunities available to their students.” 

Hooper was pleasantly surprised to learn during Discover about all the resources available for students. 

“You can get free clothes for interviews” through the Trojan Career Closet, and students have access to numerous tools — from 3D printers and a sewing machine, to heat presses, sublimation printers, embroidery machines, and a buttonmaker — through the Trojan Forge makerspace, which officially opened in August, said Hooper. “I haven’t seen that anywhere else.” 

Hogue plans to major in business and minor in real estate, preparing for a career in real estate and interior design. She and her parents, Brian and Tanya Hogue, have been impressed by UA Little Rock’s welcoming atmosphere, helpful faculty and staff, and proximity to their home.

“It seems like a safe campus, and it’s not very far from home,” Tanya said, adding that the university has provided Jamee with valuable guidance on financial aid and scholarship opportunities, “which is really important.”

Jamee is “excited for all the new experiences” in college, but she won’t lose touch with her parents, either. 

“My dad is going to visit every Friday so we can play golf together,” she said with a smile. 

Many students, even local students, have never been on campus, so Discover lets them experience what life would be like at UA Little Rock, noted Coleman, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management. “Discover gives those students their first opportunity to see themselves as college students and as UA Little Rock students.” 

Callie Walls is only a junior at Benton High School, so she has plenty of time to select a college, but she came to Discover to learn more about the nursing program and left impressed, as did her mother, Jessica. 

The nursing program is “very interactive,” and features state-of-the-art equipment, all at an affordable cost, which is “definitely a positive,” said Jessica, who was making her first visit to campus, as was her daughter. The campus is “really nice and pretty.” 

Nursing offers Callie an opportunity “to do what I love,” but without as many years of school as becoming a medical doctor or veterinarian, she noted. “I love helping people.” 

To learn more about applying to UA Little Rock, visit ualr.edu/admissions.