Commencement 2025

When Averee Betts walks into a classroom, everything else fades away. The single mother from Benton has faced more than her share of obstacles—balancing motherhood, chronic health issues, school, and a part-time job. But through it all, she never let go of her belief that teaching is where she’s meant to be. “There were times … UA Little Rock Graduate Finds Purpose in the Classroom

After years of working in tech and real estate, raising a family, and even earning a pilot’s license, one might say that Allison Baker of Little Rock has done it all. With the completion of her fourth degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Baker has proven that it’s never too late to … Latest UA Little Rock Grad Proves It’s Never Too Late to Chase a Dream

After balancing law school, clerkships, and public service, Olivia Halsey is graduating with a Juris Doctor — and a new title: Miss Arkansas USA 2025. Halsey, who grew up in Jonesboro, has lived in Little Rock for the past three years and plans to stay. She knew early on that her path would lead to … Law Graduate and Miss Arkansas USA: Olivia Halsey’s Dual Triumph

Whether in the courtroom or the classroom, Owen Haynes has always been drawn to the fight for constitutional and civil rights. The White Hall native, who majored in political science with a concentration in international studies and a minor in Middle Eastern studies, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May … UA Little Rock Graduate Owen Haynes Finds Global Passion on the Path to Civil Rights Law

Whether slicing through water or solving complex equations, UA Little Rock senior Jaelle Carlson is known for giving her all as both a standout student-athlete and a driven future engineer. A mechanical engineering major with a 3.97 GPA and a minor in mathematics, Carlson was named the 2025 Most Valuable Player for UA Little Rock’s … Star Swimmer Jaelle Carlson Leaves Her Mark in the Pool and Beyond

John Rainwater will conclude his time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. He will be graduating with his Master of Business Administration degree.  Rainwater has spent the last six years at UA Little Rock earning two degrees and he admits he’s sad about leaving his home away from home “It … Rainwater’s Chapter at UA Little Rock Comes to a Close as He Graduates with Master’s Degree

After spending much of his youth in Michigan’s foster care system, Curtis Harris Jr. knew he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. That sense of determination has fueled Harris’s mission to become a social worker, where he can serve … UA Little Rock Graduate Turns Childhood Struggles Into Lifelong Mission to Help Others

Stephanie Giblin will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in sociology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17.  Originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Giblin chose UA Little Rock because of its amazing social work department and affordability. To Giblin, Little Rock had everything a student … ‘Time makes you bolder’: Stephanie Giblin Reflects on Her Time at UA Little Rock

Most people don’t start a new career in their 50s, much less in one of the fastest-evolving fields in the world. But Slynn McMinn isn’t most people. The 60-year-old Christiansburg, Virginia, resident will soon graduate from UA Little Rock with a Master of Science in information science, a milestone in a journey marked by resilience, … Resilient and Relentless: 60-Year-Old UA Little Rock Grad Redefines What’s Possible

Colleen Gilliland, a graduating senior at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is setting her sights on a future in dentistry, but only after experiencing an upcoming gap year filled with travel, growth, and adventures abroad. Gilliland, a Donaghey Scholar and former soccer captain, will graduate May 17 with a Bachelor of Science in … UA Little Rock Graduate Colleen Gilliland Prepares for a Global Adventure Before Dental School