Commencement 2026

For years, Karen Grace Johnson was the one offering guidance. As a respiratory therapist and later a pulmonary disease navigator, she encouraged others to continue their education and pursue new opportunities. When she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree herself, it was her son, Jeffrey Andrews, who helped show her the way. This spring, the … A Family Milestone: Mother and Son Graduate Together from UA Little Rock

For Cory Baker, graduating this spring represents more than earning a law degree. It represents perseverance through loss, personal growth, and honoring loved ones who helped shape his journey. Baker graduated with a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It follows a journey … From Loss to Purpose: Cory Baker’s Law School Journey Defined by Growth

Continuing a family tradition as a third-generation University of Arkansas Little Rock graduate, Josie Eanes has turned a lifelong love of storytelling into a journey of growth and creative achievement. This spring, she received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Instead of a minor, she completed two additional concentrations: nonfiction … Writing Her Next Chapter: Josie Eanes Builds on Family Tradition at UA Little Rock

Lawson Bear came to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock four years ago to study music. Now, after graduating with a degree in music and a minor in theatre arts, he’s preparing to pursue a new ambition: acting. The Dallas native graduated this month as a member of the Donaghey Scholars, an honors program … UA Little Rock Graduate Lawson Bear Finds a New Calling in Theater

When Jamal Hockaday crossed the commencement stage at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he celebrated more than earning two degrees. His graduation marked the fulfillment of a promise — one made to his father before his passing and built on more than three decades of service in law enforcement. Hockaday earned a Bachelor … Serving Beyond the Badge: Hockaday Graduates with Honors

Long before becoming a four-year starter for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock wrestling team, a PAC-12 champion, or an NCAA All-American, Matthew Bianchi was a high school wrestler standing in front of a microphone after a match. That brief interview stayed with him. “I felt like the coolest kid,” Bianchi recalled. That experience … Trading the Mat for the Microphone

Minden Taylor spent years doubting whether she belonged in graduate school. This spring, she’s earning a Master of Social Work degree from UA Little Rock. “I envisioned getting the degree, and at the same time, it didn’t seem possible that I would get accepted into the program,” Taylor said. “I actually applied ‘knowing’ I would … From Self-Doubt to Social Work: Minden Taylor Earns Master’s Degree at UA Little Rock

While many graduate students spend evenings studying in the library, Cole Clark spent his time balancing coursework with the fast-paced demands of Little Rock Baseball. For the Clarksville, Arkansas, native, earning a master’s degree in sport management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock meant learning both in the classroom and in the dugout. … Cole Clark Combines Baseball and Academics at UA Little Rock

For the last several years, Karmin Sproles has spent her days working full time, her evenings caring for her three daughters, and her late nights studying for one of the most demanding academic programs at UA Little Rock. This spring, the Little Rock native will graduate with her associate degree in nursing, becoming a registered … UA Little Rock Graduate Builds Educational Legacy for Her Daughters Through Nursing Degree

Kaylee Smith is leaving her undergraduate career at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock earlier than expected — and with honors. Smith, a management major from Little Rock, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university’s MBA program. A setter for the … Trojan Setter Kaylee Smith Graduates Early with Honors