Alumni Association

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

UA Little Rock will confer approximately 1,125 degrees and certificates upon graduates during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Jack Stephens Center. Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day. Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services … Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16 

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock continues to build support for the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift focused on sustaining the facility for years to come. The gift from UA Little Rock alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake … UA Little Rock Receives Gift to Support Long-Term Success of Planetarium

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Board has welcomed several new members whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service reflect the impact of Trojan alumni across Arkansas and beyond. “These alumni represent the best of what it means to be a Trojan,” said Derek Boyce, director of alumni and corporate and foundation relations. … UA Little Rock Alumni Board Welcomes New Members

More than five years ago, UA Little Rock alumnus Larry Golden and his wife Debbie first heard Chancellor Drale talk about strengthening the campus living and learning environment — the spaces and experiences that shape student life beyond the classroom, where students gather, recreate, and build community. For Golden, the concept resonated as a powerful … Alumni Investment To Enhance Student Experience at UA Little Rock