Commencement 2026

Jazmine James decided she wanted to be a lawyer when she was in fifth grade. Years later, that dream seemed deferred. However, a setback became the push she needed to pursue law school. “I was working as a paralegal and loving it, but I was laid off, and alongside applying to more jobs, I finally … Guided by Purpose: Jazmine James Finds Her Calling in the Law

Growth has defined Stephen Afolabi’s journey. From his early studies in Nigeria to his research in the United States, he has moved from traditional chemistry into emerging work in machine learning. As he prepares to graduate with a master’s degree in chemistry from UA Little Rock, Afolabi looks back on how much he’s grown. Originally … UA Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research

When Skylar Boone graduates in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she will mark years of determined effort to build a career in the arts. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Boone has called Arkansas home since 2017.  For her, earning a bachelor’s degree has … Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree

Walking across a graduation stage brings pride, relief, and sometimes a spark of disbelief. For one Little Rock family, that moment will carry a rare sense of unity and accomplishment: three women — two daughters and their mother — each in different fields, each carving her own path, but all reaching the finish line together. … A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together

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 

As a curious freshman, Sheranden Miller walked up to university photographer Ben Krain and asked if he needed an assistant. Four years later, she’s graduating with a portfolio of real-world experience and a full-time career already underway. A Little Rock native, Miller has spent her time at UA Little Rock turning initiative into opportunity. A … From a Simple Ask to a Full-Time Career: Sheranden Miller Makes the Most of Her Time at UA Little Rock

As Angel Cano prepares to walk across the commencement stage at UA Little Rock, he thinks back to a decision he made as a teenager in Cartagena, Colombia. He was 16 when he left home, recruited to the United States to play baseball and pursue an education. It meant leaving behind family, familiarity and everything … Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock

Known across campus as “Mr. UALR,” Noah Davidson, a history major from Beebe, Arkansas, will graduate in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Davidson, who has been deeply involved in student life, said the nickname began as an inside joke within the Delta Chi Fraternity. It originated with alumnus Turner Hudson, who … UA Little Rock Graduate Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership

Originally from Mexico, Emilia Martinez is preparing to reach a milestone in her family’s history. This May, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a master’s degree in mass communication — becoming the first in her family to earn a graduate degree. “I have always been a big fan of … First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree

What began as a return to campus for a job has come full circle for Sydney Ambrus. A familiar face at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the social media coordinator will graduate May 16 with a master’s degree in mass communication. Ambrus is not only telling the university’s story — she’s actively shaping … UA Little Rock Graduate Student Sydney Ambrus Turns Passion for Storytelling into Strategic Communications Career