Commencement 2025

When Austin Herndon started college, teaching wasn’t part of his plan. But after gaining real-world experience in the classroom through UA Little Rock’s teacher residency program, he found his purpose. “My internship time out here at Fountain Lake Middle School with Michael Carey in eighth grade social studies solidified to me that this is what … Austin Herndon Discovers Calling to Teach Through Hands-On Experience

Bailey Ellis didn’t always know she wanted to be a teacher. In fact, after high school, she imagined herself becoming a beautician. But a feeling she couldn’t quite shake during college orientation set her on a new path—one that led to a degree in education and a lifelong career in shaping young minds. Originally from … UA Little Rock Graduate Finds Her Calling in the Classroom

Kai Ahn Harris, a nursing student from Dumas, will graduate with a deep sense of purpose as she earns her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from UA Little Rock on May 17. “Graduating feels surreal. It’s a mix of excitement, pride, and reflection,” Harris said. “Nursing school has pushed me in every way possible, … UA Little Rock Nursing Student Finds Purpose in Perseverance

Sarah Fowler, originally from Lebanon, Tennessee, has been a caregiver most of her life. She became a certified nursing assistant at 17, inspired by a family full of nurses. But it was the experience of caring for her daughter Kyla, who was born at just 23 weeks, that gave her nursing career a deeper purpose. … Nursing Graduate Honors Late Daughter Through Care and Compassion

Tinaya Brown has always had a history of helping children. Now, she’s turning that passion into a career as she prepares to graduate from UA Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education on May 17. Brown, a Pine Bluff native, is part of UA Little Rock’s innovative teacher residency program with Little Rock … UA Little Rock Education Graduate Tinaya Brown Finds Her Calling in the Classroom

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate its 2025 spring graduates with ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Jack Stephens Center. About 1,420 UA Little Rock students are eligible to graduate and are invited to participate in the commencement ceremonies with their friends and … UA Little Rock to Celebrate Spring Commencement May 17

For Adrian Rogers, college has been more than just academics. It’s been a launching pad for discovery, creativity, and connection. Born in Miami but raised in Little Rock, Rogers also claims another place as home.   “I consider my second home to be San Salvador, where my mom and her family are from,” he said. Rogers … From Arkansas to Australia: Adrian Rogers’ College Journey

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Paige Blair, a first-generation college student from Twin Groves, Arkansas, as the recipient of the 2025 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, the university’s highest honor for a graduating senior. Blair is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a Certificate of Proficiency in Applied Archaeology. … UA Little Rock Names Paige Blair as 2025 Whitbeck Award Winner

Kelsey Miller, a first-generation college student from Hardy, Arkansas, will graduate summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. She is a senior biology major with a concentration in environmental and organismal biology and has a passion for animal behavior and conservation. During her time at UA Little Rock, … First-Gen Student Kelsey Miller Aims to Inspire Change Through Conservation

Adison Cummings, a senior double majoring in architectural engineering and civil engineering, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, Cummings has made the most of his time at UA Little Rock through a mix of academic excellence and campus involvement. He has been actively … From Curiosity to Construction: Adison Cummings on Finding His Passion in Engineering