Alumni Association

Scholarships supported by generations of University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumni continue to open doors for today’s students. This year, the UA Little Rock Alumni Association awarded $232,247 in scholarships through a combination of alumni-supported funds, including Taste of Little Rock, endowed scholarship funds, the Alumni License Plate Program, and other alumni giving initiatives. … Alumni-supported scholarships provide more than $232,000 for UA Little Rock students

A children’s picture book inspired by a father’s artwork and a daughter’s passion for storytelling has brought national recognition to University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna Susan Polk Van Dusen. Van Dusen’s self-published book, Our Friend The Cowboy: A Wild West Hero, won a Will Rogers Medallion Award in the Western Nonfiction-Young Readers/Illustrated category. … UA Little Rock Alum Wins Will Rogers Medallion Award for Children’s Book

As the University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrates its 100th anniversary, newly dedicated custom street signs are leaving a lasting mark on campus while honoring the university’s century of history. Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event … UA Little Rock Unveils Custom Street Signs for Centennial Celebration

A man who thought he would lose his job after gradually losing his vision learned braille at the encouragement of Anindya “Bapin” Bhattacharyya. By the time he completely lost his sight, he was prepared and able to keep working. Bhattacharyya not only taught the man braille, but also how to adapt to his new world. … UA Little Rock Alumnus Helps Others Find Independence Through Technology

Ouida Newton recalls a time when a group of students walked into her classroom convinced they simply weren’t good at math. They walked out believing in themselves. Helping students gain confidence in their own abilities defined Newton’s 38-year career in education. Recently, the UA Little Rock alumna was recognized with the 2026 Lifetime Educator Award. … UA Little Rock Alumna Honored with Lifetime Educator Award

Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements. “We’re encouraged by … Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign

Andrew Pyle’s passion for teaching and student success has guided his career in higher education and recently led to his appointment as associate dean of undergraduate learning at Clemson University. Pyle earned a Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2011. “I was honored to be … UA Little Rock Alumnus Named Associate Dean at Clemson University

For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting UA Little Rock’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program is an investment in the students who will shape the future of Central Arkansas. “When I learned about Enduring Opportunity, I looked it up and realized it was right in line with my desire to support scholarships,” Gina Pharis said.  Longtime supporters … Gina and Brett Pharis Support Enduring Opportunity to Help Students Succeed

When Mimi San Pedro arrived in Arkansas with her family in the 1970s, they were starting over. After settling in Little Rock, San Pedro graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy and enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with the help of scholarships, grants, and a part-time job. Now, decades later, she is … San Pedro Establishes Endowed Scholarship to Expand Opportunity for UA Little Rock Students

A 2015 University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumnus was awarded the Educator Recognition Award by the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) in February. April Blackburn, longtime K-12 GT teacher for East End School District in Bigelow, Ark., was recognized for her significant contributions to GT education.   Blackburn graduated in 2011 with a … UA Little Rock Alum Uses Closet of 300 Costumes to Inspire Students