[{"id":94118,"date":"2026-05-11T10:11:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94118"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:11:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:11:07","slug":"jeremy-ecke-named-dean-of-the-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-at-ua-little-rock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/jeremy-ecke-named-dean-of-the-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-at-ua-little-rock\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Jeremy Ecke dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE)<\/a> following a national search. His appointment will become effective July 1. Ecke has served as interim dean since July 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As dean, Ecke will lead one of the university\u2019s most interdisciplinary colleges, which prepares students for careers in education, the arts, public service, communication, social sciences, and related fields while advancing research, creativity, and community engagement across Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Ecke\u2019s extensive experience in a variety of academic and administrative leadership roles at UA Little Rock has prepared him well for this position,\u201d said Provost Ann Bain. \u201cHis broad understanding of the college and the university will allow him to transition seamlessly into the role and continue the important work in CHASSE.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ecke earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of California at Davis and a Ph.D. in English with a linguistic emphasis from the University of California at Berkeley in 2009. His scholarly work focuses on poetics, linguistics, and the history and structure of the English language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He joined UA Little Rock in 2012 as an assistant professor of English and has held numerous academic and administrative leadership roles at the university, including interim dean of CHASSE, interim associate dean of college operations for CHASSE, director of undergraduate research, chair of the Department of English, director of the Signature Experience Research and Creative Works Program, and student success coordinator for the Department of English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am honored to serve as dean of CHASSE and continue working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and community partners,\u201d Ecke said. \u201cThis college plays a vital role in shaping creative thinkers, educators, and leaders who make meaningful contributions throughout Arkansas and beyond. I look forward to building on our momentum and expanding opportunities for our students and programs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provost Ann Bain also thanked Dr. Brian Berry, who chaired the national search, for his leadership throughout the search process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Berry has provided exceptional leadership during the search and helped facilitate a thoughtful and inclusive process,\u201d Bain said. \u201cWe appreciate his dedication and service to the university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education serves thousands of students through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and plays a central role in UA Little Rock\u2019s mission of education, research, and community engagement.To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit the college\u2019s website or email chasse@ualr.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Jeremy Ecke dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) following a national search. His appointment … Jeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94119,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[2652,28389,2527,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-ann-bain","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-jeremy-ecke","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"\nJeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/jeremy-ecke-named-dean-of-the-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-at-ua-little-rock\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Jeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Jeremy Ecke dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) following a national search. 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Photo by Benjamin Krain"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/jeremy-ecke-named-dean-of-the-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-at-ua-little-rock\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Jeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#website","url":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/","name":"News","description":"UA Little Rock","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#organization","name":"UA Little Rock","url":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2024\/12\/ua-little-rock-logo-yoast.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2024\/12\/ua-little-rock-logo-yoast.png","width":696,"height":696,"caption":"UA Little Rock"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UALittleRock\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/ualrvideo","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/university-of-arkansas-at-little-rock\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ualr\/"],"description":"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities.","email":"ask@ualr.edu","telephone":"501-916-3000","legalName":"UA Little Rock"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/841beab92c4de6b8988cb3708c29b192","name":"UA Little Rock","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1c41d6db803ac229bd6efa630cecf87fd2fa2c4e21272b5560ee4672f1e160d4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1c41d6db803ac229bd6efa630cecf87fd2fa2c4e21272b5560ee4672f1e160d4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1c41d6db803ac229bd6efa630cecf87fd2fa2c4e21272b5560ee4672f1e160d4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"UA Little Rock"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/ualr.edu"],"url":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/author\/ualr\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94118"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94120,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94118\/revisions\/94120"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/94119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":94095,"date":"2026-05-11T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94095"},"modified":"2026-05-07T14:35:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:35:07","slug":"exploring-the-human-mind-inside-ua-little-rocks-innovative-psychology-labs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/exploring-the-human-mind-inside-ua-little-rocks-innovative-psychology-labs\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Human Mind: Inside UA Little Rock\u2019s Innovative Psychology Labs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What happens when people don\u2019t get enough sleep? How does financial stress change the way we think? And what does it mean to interact with a system that can think back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, psychology researchers are exploring these questions through a growing network of labs focused on sleep, cognition, and human-AI interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across three specialized lab spaces, faculty and students are examining how biological, cognitive, and technological forces intersect to shape human behavior. From tracking brain activity during sleep to modeling how stress affects memory and studying how people interact with AI systems, their work is helping answer questions that are increasingly relevant in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-measuring-sleep-and-its-consequences\">Measuring Sleep and Its Consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the department\u2019s Biobehavioral Laboratory, often referred to simply as the sleep lab, Dr. David Mastin studies how sleep and sleepiness affect everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep affects nearly every aspect of daily functioning, from reaction time and memory to mood and overall health. According to Mastin, many people operate at a deficit without realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAlmost everyone carries a sleep debt,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s like being overdrawn in your checking account. You owe your body sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also notes that modern life makes that debt difficult to avoid, as artificial light, technology, and constant stimulation can disrupt natural sleep patterns and keep people from getting the rest they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That deficit can have serious consequences. Even one night without sleep can significantly impair performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf you pull an all-nighter and we put you on a driving simulator, you would make as many mistakes as someone who is legally drunk,\u201d Mastin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The space is equipped with tools designed to measure brain activity, including electroencephalography (EEG), which tracks brain waves during different stages of sleep. A nap bed and observation room allow researchers to monitor eye and body movement without disturbing participants, while biofeedback equipment measures the body\u2019s physiological responses to different stimuli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond these tools, the lab also relies on controlled sleep tests that measure alertness and fatigue, providing objective data that can be compared with how participants report feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of the lab\u2019s research extends beyond campus. Mastin and his students frequently work in the community. Right now, for instance, they are studying firefighters to better understand how sleep impacts performance in high-stakes environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of this research, Mastin and his students attended a firefighter convention in Hot Springs to interview participants about their sleep habits. The next step is to digitize the survey to reach firefighters across different regions and cultures, with the goal of improving both their well-being and performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students play an active role in the research process, contributing to ongoing studies and developing their own projects under faculty guidance. Through this work, the lab connects physiological measurement with real-world behavior, bridging psychology with biological and health sciences to show how sleep quietly shapes nearly every part of daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-how-we-think-under-stress\">Understanding How We Think Under Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just down the hall, Dr. Colton Hunter\u2019s cognitive psychology lab focuses on how stress shapes the way people process and remember information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunter\u2019s research centers on working memory, the short-term ability to hold and manipulate information. Specifically, he studies how socioeconomic status influences cognition, examining how stress from factors such as income, education, and environment contribute to changes in how people process and recall information \u2014 highlighting how psychological processes are shaped by broader economic and social forces.. His primary research examines the effects of financial worry on working memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe idea is that your financial problems might be occupying mental resources,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cIt\u2019s like the equivalent of having too many tabs open on your computer. It\u2019s going to slow down performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one common task used in his lab, participants are briefly shown a set of colored squares before the image disappears and reappears. They are then asked to determine whether anything has changed. While the task appears simple, it allows researchers to measure how much information a person can hold in mind, how accurately they respond, and how quickly they process what they see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These tasks are paired with socioeconomic survey data and written responses in which participants reflect on financial stressors, personal challenges, and neutral daily experiences. Hunter\u2019s research explores whether financial stress uniquely impairs cognitive performance compared to other types of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe idea is that for participants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, writing about financial worries would potentially take away from their working memory performance more than a neutral event, but also more than any other type of stressor,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cThere\u2019s something special about financial stress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A key feature of the lab is a high-powered computing system that allows Hunter to run complex statistical models and analyze large amounts of data quickly \u2014 work that would otherwise take days or even weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lab integrates students into every stage of the research process. Undergraduate participants contribute to ongoing studies as participants, while others serve as research assistants through independent study, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. This approach also allows Hunter to examine how financial worry affects cognition specifically within the student population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-studying-the-future-of-human-ai-interaction\">Studying the Future of Human-AI Interaction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the department\u2019s newest lab, Dr. Mohsen Rafiei is exploring one of psychology\u2019s quickest evolving frontiers \u2014 how humans interact with artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rafiei\u2019s lab focuses on human-AI interaction, examining how people use, interpret, and trust increasingly sophisticated systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are trying to understand how people interact with AI,\u201d Rafiei said. \u201cWe want to understand how you as a human being interact with a smart system so we can learn to optimize that system for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One current project looks at how students use AI in their daily lives, including whether they trust the results from their questions \u2014 and whether or not that trust is warranted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAI systems are probabilistic, which means there is always a good chance they are wrong,\u201d he said. \u201cMany students don\u2019t know this and trust whatever answer they are given. Our goal is to learn how to optimize this so we can address this problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To study these interactions, Rafiei\u2019s lab is equipped with advanced tools that allow researchers to observe both behavior and brain activity in real time. Eye-tracking technology reveals where users focus their attention on a screen, while EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems measure which areas of the brain are active during interaction. Virtual reality headsets allow researchers to build immersive environments \u2014 such as a classroom with an AI assistant \u2014 and study how people respond in more lifelike scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lab also houses an incredibly powerful computer, known as an AI cluster, that allows researchers to run and customize AI models locally. By operating outside of internet-based systems, the lab can test models in a controlled environment without privacy concerns, giving researchers the ability to study how people interact with AI systems specifically designed for the experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these tools allow Rafiei and his students to examine not only what people do when interacting with AI, but also what is happening in their minds as they do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The work is inherently interdisciplinary, combining psychology with neuroscience, computer science, and physiology to better understand how humans engage with increasingly intelligent systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students play a key role in that process, gaining hands-on experience working with AI models and advanced research tools. Skills gained in this lab prepare them for emerging careers in human-AI interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is a new field,\u201d Rafiei said. \u201cWe know about human cognition and perception, but how do we interact with another intelligent system? We don\u2019t even know all the questions we need to ask yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As AI systems become more advanced and increasingly human-like, the challenge becomes even more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not like interacting with a tool,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s more like interacting with another intelligent being. And there are still so many open questions we need to answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-looking-ahead-expanding-innovation-in-psychology\">Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation in Psychology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Across all three labs, a common thread is clear: the future of psychology at UA Little Rock is increasingly hands-on, interdisciplinary, and grounded in real-world impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Dr. Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychology, the new labs mark a turning point in the department\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cResearch has clearly become more prominent,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re intentionally building a department that is more uniformly engaged in research.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That shift is being driven in large part by new faculty hires, whose work is expanding both the scope and scale of research opportunities available to students. In the past, demand for research experience often outpaced availability. Now, that dynamic is reversing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe went from having more students than research opportunities to suddenly being in the opposite situation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the department grows, so does its emphasis on preparing students for careers beyond the classroom. Through lab work, students gain practical experience in skills Sherwin says are valuable across industries such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To support that growth, the department is also introducing a new \u201cResearch Experience\u201d course this fall, designed to give students earlier and more accessible entry into lab work. The course allows students to begin developing research skills before moving into more independent, advanced projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPeople don\u2019t always realize how marketable research skills are,\u201d Sherwin said. \u201cThat\u2019s really where our discipline shines at the undergraduate level \u2014 teaching students how to manage and present data, think critically and analytically, and answer questions effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As psychology continues to intersect with fields like artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and data science, the work happening at UA Little Rock is positioned at the forefront of that shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With new labs, advanced technology, and a growing emphasis on student-driven research, the department is not only keeping pace with the future of the discipline \u2014 it is helping define it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What happens when people don\u2019t get enough sleep? How does financial stress change the way we think? And what does it mean to interact with a system that can think <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/exploring-the-human-mind-inside-ua-little-rocks-innovative-psychology-labs\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Exploring the Human Mind: Inside UA Little Rock\u2019s Innovative Psychology Labs<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2764,"featured_media":94096,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[36004,25799,35323,3448,2218],"class_list":["post-94095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-department-of-psychological-science","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-psychology","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Exploring the Human Mind: Inside UA Little Rock\u2019s Innovative Psychology Labs - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/11\/exploring-the-human-mind-inside-ua-little-rocks-innovative-psychology-labs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Exploring the Human Mind: Inside UA Little Rock\u2019s Innovative Psychology Labs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What happens when people don\u2019t get enough sleep? How does financial stress change the way we think? And what does it mean to interact with a system that can think ... 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The awards celebrate the exceptional staff contributions to student success, innovation, and campus collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2026 Academic Award winners are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tammie Cash, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs \u2014 <em>Customer Service Award<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dana Steele, Office of Records and Registration \u2014 <em>Initiative Award<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons \u2014 <em>Innovation Award<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ronda Petray, Mathematics and Statistics \u2014 <em>Teamwork Award<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThese individuals represent the very best of UA Little Rock,\u201d said Provost Ann Bain. \u201cI am truly excited to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful impact they make every day. Their dedication to serving students, supporting colleagues, and advancing our mission reflects the spirit of excellence that defines our campus community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each award recognizes a different way staff contribute to the university\u2019s work\u2014from supporting colleagues and improving processes to finding new solutions and strengthening teamwork across campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Tammie Cash was recognized for her consistent commitment to providing exceptional support to faculty and staff. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to support the important work happening across campus,\u201d Cash said. \u201cProviding strong customer service means helping others succeed, and I\u2019m proud to play a role in that every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Known for her proactive approach, Dana Steele of the Office of Records and Registration received the Initiative Award for identifying opportunities to improve processes and better serve students. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to be recognized for taking initiative in my work,\u201d Steele said. \u201cAt UA Little Rock, we\u2019re encouraged to find better ways to serve students and colleagues, and that\u2019s something I strive for daily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the Learning Commons, Brandon Sollars earned recognition for developing creative solutions that enhance the student experience. \u201cInnovation is about finding new solutions that improve the student experience,\u201d Sollars said. \u201cI\u2019m thankful to be part of a team that values creativity and continuous improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ronda Petray, a staff member of the Mathematics and Statistics Department, was honored for her collaborative approach and dedication to supporting both colleagues and students. \u201cThis award reflects the collaborative spirit of our department and our campus,\u201d Petray said. \u201cWorking together is how we create meaningful opportunities for our students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Academic Awards recognize the staff members whose day-to-day work helps students and the university succeed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock proudly recognizes four outstanding staff members as recipients of this year\u2019s Academic Affairs Staff Achievement Awards. The awards celebrate the exceptional staff contributions <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/08\/academic-affairs-staff-award-winners\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Academic Affairs Staff Award Winners<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94109,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[2652,32948,33002,35323,2560,2218],"class_list":["post-94101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-ann-bain","tag-brandon-sollars","tag-division-of-academic-affairs","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-office-of-the-provost","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Academic Affairs Staff Award Winners - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/08\/academic-affairs-staff-award-winners\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Academic Affairs Staff Award Winners\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock proudly recognizes four outstanding staff members as recipients of this year\u2019s Academic Affairs Staff Achievement Awards. The awards celebrate the exceptional staff contributions ... 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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\u2019s degree in chemistry from UA Little Rock, Afolabi looks back on how much he\u2019s grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally from Nigeria, he began his academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he built a strong foundation in chemistry. At UA Little Rock, his work began to shift, and he developed his skill in multiple scientific disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCompleting my master\u2019s degree in chemistry means a lot to me, both academically and personally,\u201d Afolabi said. \u201cIt shows how far I\u2019ve come, from building my foundation in Nigeria to developing my research interests at a more advanced level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He found a new direction combining chemistry with technology after seeing the limits of more traditional approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI saw how time consuming, and sometimes subjective, those methods could be,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s what pushed me to explore more data-driven approaches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That shift became central to his work in the lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStephen has been in my research group for about two years,\u201d said Dr. Jerry Darsey, professor in the School of Physical Sciences\u2013Chemistry and director of the Center for Molecular Design and Development at UA Little Rock. \u201cAlthough he chose to pursue a master\u2019s degree rather than a Ph.D., he accomplished some very interesting and useful work for our center.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Darsey said Afolabi developed a software program that allows the lab\u2019s spectral data to be used in its artificial intelligence research. The spectrometer produces data in one format, and before it can be used in AI models, it has to be converted into another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStephen wrote a program to make that conversion possible,\u201d Darsey said. \u201cHe also built a bridge between our quantum simulation program and the data processing system. That kind of work makes our research more efficient and more connected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program was written in Python, making it compatible with many of the lab\u2019s existing research tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also started working on ways to make it easier and faster to identify compounds using infrared (IR) data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor me, it wasn\u2019t just about learning new tools,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was about finding better ways to understand the data and make the process more efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afolabi sees this work as part of a broader shift in how science is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey can help us test ideas faster, handle large amounts of data, and find patterns we might miss otherwise,\u201d he said. \u201cThey don\u2019t replace chemistry, they make it stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That sense of growth hasn\u2019t just happened in the lab. Moving to the United States meant adjusting to a new culture and academic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat experience pushed me to become more independent and more confident in myself,\u201d he said. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t always easy, but it helped me grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also found value in working with students from different backgrounds, which helped him see problems from new angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His academic path has also shaped that perspective. Along with chemistry, he holds a Certificate of Achievement in Geology, which has influenced how he approaches scientific problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt helps me look at problems in a more complete way,\u201d he said. \u201cNot just at the molecular level, but also how those ideas connect to real-world systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate school helped him grow into a steady, collaborative and persistent leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLeadership isn\u2019t always about being in charge,\u201d he said. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s about staying committed, helping others, and working through challenges together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said studying in both Nigeria and the United States shaped how he understands science and the way he approaches problems. His early education focused on theory, while his graduate studies emphasized research and application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoth experiences shaped me in different ways,\u201d he said. \u201cNow I feel more prepared to approach problems from different angles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Afolabi plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and continue working in computational chemistry and machine learning, with the goal of using his research to solve real-world problems in the environment and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want my work to make things more efficient and more accessible \u2014 to help turn complex data into something useful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UA Little Rock has been part of that same progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m ready to keep growing and take on new challenges,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growth has defined Stephen Afolabi\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/08\/ua-little-rock-graduate-student-combines-chemistry-and-technology-to-shape-future-of-research\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94090,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[35931,88,36044,25799,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-chemistry-2","tag-chemistry","tag-commencement-2026","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/08\/ua-little-rock-graduate-student-combines-chemistry-and-technology-to-shape-future-of-research\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Growth has defined Stephen Afolabi\u2019s 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 ... 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Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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 \u2014 two daughters and their mother \u2014 each in different fields, each carving her own path, but all reaching the finish line together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grace Shelton, a biology major with pre-med dreams, Faith Shelton, determined to make her mark in civil engineering, and their mother Aaronda Williams, building her future in construction management, all share the same graduation date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the three women, there are 16 organizational involvements, 13 scholarships, three majors, and one shared journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s crazy to think about,\u201d Grace says, reflecting on the idea of all graduating together. \u201cI don\u2019t think we ever would have thought it would happen, but here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t exactly planned, but maybe it was always meant to be. Aaronda remembers conversations from when her daughters were young, when she would ask them about their dreams and talk through the steps they\u2019d need to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey would ask me, \u2018Mom, what do you want to be?\u2019 And I\u2019d tell them. They\u2019d say, \u2018You can still do that!\u2019 I always said, \u2018Maybe when y\u2019all go back, I\u2019ll go back too,\u201d Aaronda recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aaronda was always grateful for the small moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s so amazing having them on campus. We have lunch together, go to events, and cheer each other on. It means the world,\u201d Aaronda says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not always easy. Burnout, doubt, and exhaustion are familiar hurdles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSometimes it\u2019s hard to keep going,\u201d Grace admits. \u201cBut we always remind each other of our goals. When I felt unsure if I belonged, I could come home, talk it out, and get my motivation back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Aaronda, her daughters are more than just support \u2014 they\u2019re inspiration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re working, going to school, having a social life, and still showing up for me. I can\u2019t complain about working and going to school when I see them doing it all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That mutual inspiration is rooted in the example Aaronda set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSeeing our mom balance everything, that\u2019s what shaped our mindset,\u201d Grace reflects. \u201cHer strength influenced us a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, the women have built their own campus families, branching out into leadership programs, sororities, and student organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve found mentors and friends at UA Little Rock,\u201d says Faith, \u201cbut our family bond is always there, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each woman can pinpoint moments that will stick with her forever. For Aaronda, it\u2019s lunch together at The WOW Cafe with all her daughters. For Faith, it\u2019s the quiet joy of everyone gathered in her dorm, just talking, just being together. For Grace it is the memory of all of them realizing they would be graduating together after all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As graduation nears, emotions run high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll be grateful and at peace,\u201d Aaronda says. \u201cI can finally breathe.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grace knows she\u2019ll be emotional, thinking of how much she\u2019s grown since her shy, uncertain middle school days. Faith, too, feels the weight of her family\u2019s achievement, coming from a background without many degrees, and now adding three new ones at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to the future, they look to the legacy they hope to leave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Grace, representation in medicine is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere aren\u2019t enough Black women physicians. I want to open a practice for underserved communities and be someone people can see themselves in,\u201d Grace says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aaronda dreams of creating a nonprofit to help women enter construction, opening doors that have too often been closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe need more women in construction, and I want to show them the way\u2014give them a clear pathway to a career,\u201d Aaronda says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Faith is focused on civil engineering and preparing for a career in roadway and infrastructure design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want to create infrastructure that strengthens and connects communities,\u201d Faith says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s next? More giving back, more mentorship, more dreams. Maybe even graduate school, Aaronda jokes \u2014 though with two more daughters still in high school, she might have company again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, the focus is on celebrating, on capturing a family photo in cap and gown, on reflecting on just how far they\u2019ve come \u2014 together.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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: <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/07\/a-family-affair-mother-and-daughters-graduate-together\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94093,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[42,28370,36044,2155,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-biology","tag-college-of-business-health-and-human-services","tag-commencement-2026","tag-department-of-construction-management-and-civil-and-construction-engineering","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/07\/a-family-affair-mother-and-daughters-graduate-together\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Walking across a graduation stage brings pride, relief, and sometimes a spark of disbelief. 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Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Born in Vancouver, Washington, Boone has called Arkansas home since 2017.  For her, earning a bachelor\u2019s degree has long been a personal goal shaped by passion and practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I knew that getting an undergraduate degree would give me the opportunity to specialize in something, like graphic design, while also opening doors for me career-wise,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her family\u2019s experience was also a motivation. Her parents didn\u2019t attend college after high school, and her father earned his undergraduate degree in his 40s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Growing up, I remember hearing a lot about how they wished they had gone to college, so I think that influenced me a lot too,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A full-time student, Boone worked while completing her coursework, which felt overwhelming at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Despite the stress, I\u2019m really glad that I continued to work throughout school,\u201d she said. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t, I wouldn\u2019t have developed some of the skills in time management and prioritization that I have now. It\u2019s also been nice to have the opportunity to work for the Communications and Marketing office here because it\u2019s given me a peek into what my career will look like after I graduate. I don\u2019t think the transition will be so difficult now that I have that experience under my belt.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boone found her educational journey rewarding and challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“It\u2019s definitely been difficult, but overall, I would say it was a great experience,” she said. “I\u2019m incredibly grateful to be in the Donaghey Scholars Program, as that\u2019s taken a huge financial burden off of my shoulders while opening a lot of doors for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early on, she had a hard time balancing school, extracurriculars, work, family, and social life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“If I didn\u2019t push myself to endure those challenges, I wouldn\u2019t have had the opportunity to do things like study abroad, participate in art exhibits, make the friends I have now, or get my first internship,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among her most memorable experiences were study abroad opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I got the opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany with the art department, and it was an absolute blast going on those trips with my friends and professors,” she said. “I also studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last summer on my own, and I think that has been one of my most rewarding experiences so far.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Simon Hawkins,  director of the Donaghey Scholars Program, said Boone is committed to both artistic excellence and pragmatism. “Skylar is a thinker and an artist and uses those skills to help every group that she works with,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boone served as president of the Art Club, communication director for the Student Government Association, and as an award-winning executive editor of the Forum student newspaper. She has a BFA art show at the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery at UA Little Rock and has also had a show at the university’s downtown space. These roles and achievements have helped her grow creatively and professionally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muriel Schrepfer, a senior graphic designer in UA Little Rock’s Office of Communications and Marketing, praised Boone’s creativity and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Skylar is a joy to work with and has been such a valuable member of our team this year. Her creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail shine through in every project she works on,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kevin Cates, professor of graphic design, said Skylar’s work evolved as she \u201cput everything she had into every project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe results were excellent, thoroughly thought out and researched, and meticulously built with the software applications,\u201d he said. \u201cDuring the course of the projects, she would enthusiastically build on strengths and correct any weaknesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boone said she\u2019s ready to take the next step in her career path: an internship with mhp.si, a full-service marketing agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I\u2019m incredibly proud of how far I\u2019ve come,” she said. “My experience wasn\u2019t always easy, but I think that every challenge I\u2019ve faced was worth it. I\u2019m excited to take everything I\u2019ve learned at UA Little Rock and finally start my career in the real world.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/07\/designing-her-future-skylar-boone-prepares-to-graduate-with-graphic-design-degree\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":94087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[28389,36044,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-commencement-2026","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/07\/designing-her-future-skylar-boone-prepares-to-graduate-with-graphic-design-degree\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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 ... 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Boone is graduating in May 2026. 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Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university\u2019s highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/commencement\/ceremony-info\/\">UA Little Rock Commencement Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about UA Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/commencement\/\">UA Little Rock Commencement<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/06\/commencement-ceremonies-set-for-may-16\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94099,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[112,6102,28370,28389,36044,25799,122,35323,2218,535],"class_list":["post-94098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-alumni-association","tag-ua-little-rock-board-of-visitors","tag-college-of-business-health-and-human-services","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-commencement-2026","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-graduate-school","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success","tag-william-h-bowen-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16\u00a0 - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/06\/commencement-ceremonies-set-for-may-16\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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. 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Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Dr. Mohsen Rafiei, a faculty member at UA Little Rock, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.idspp.org\/\">Institute for Design Science and Public Policy (IDSPP)<\/a>, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the role of design science in legal and public policy discussions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked about the initial reaction to joining the board, Rafiei described it as both an honor and a responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not just a title,\u201d he explained. \u201cIDSPP is doing important work that bridges research and public policy. The invitation represents an opportunity to contribute in ways that go well beyond traditional academic work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IDSPP is an organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between design research, legal reasoning, and public impact. Its broader aim is to support applied design research and ensure that legal and policy discussions are informed by strong evidence. The organization contributes to public discourse through research initiatives, amicus briefs and working papers \u2013 all aimed at integrating scientific understanding of design into real-world contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe invitation felt like a natural fit because my work consistently explores the ways research can connect human behavior, design and decision making in practical settings. IDSPP\u2019s commitment to bringing rigorous design-related research into public and legal contexts is deeply meaningful to me,\u201d said Rafiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Design science plays an important role in public policy. Design shapes how people interact with products, systems, and institutions, affecting usability, access, behavior, and decision-making. This means design is not just a creative issue \u2013 it is also a public one. By bringing evidence-based approaches to design-related policy questions, organizations like IDSPP help ensure that legal and policy decisions are informed by scientific understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serving on the IDSPP board has already begun to challenge and expand Rafiei\u2019s perspective as a researcher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt expands my thinking by pushing me to consider how research can function outside academic settings,\u201d said Rafiei. \u201cIn research, we often focus on theory, methods and findings, but in a role like this, you also have to think about how evidence is interpreted in broader public, legal and institutional contexts. That is valuable because it pushes me to think more carefully about how research can be communicated, applied and made useful in higher-stakes environments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rafiei also sees the opportunity as one that extends beyond his own work, with benefits for the university community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He hopes to bring back stronger models for how academic research can translate into real-world impact, particularly in public conversations, policy decisions and interdisciplinary collaboration. For Rafiei, seeing how research is applied in legal and policy contexts reinforces the importance of scholarship that contributes to broader societal discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally and professionally, the appointment represents a meaningful milestone for Rafiei, reflecting his commitment to research that extends beyond academia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt reflects the work I care about most \u2013 research that matters beyond academia,\u201d Rafiei said. \u201cIt\u2019s also a chance to work alongside experts from different fields, contribute my perspective, and continue growing as a scholar. It\u2019s about connecting strong research with real-world application \u2013 that\u2019s the kind of work I\u2019m most passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Mohsen Rafiei, a faculty member at UA Little Rock, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Institute for Design Science and Public Policy (IDSPP), a nonprofit <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/06\/ua-little-rock-professor-joins-board-of-institute-for-design-science-and-public-policy\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94084,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[25799,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/06\/ua-little-rock-professor-joins-board-of-institute-for-design-science-and-public-policy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dr. Mohsen Rafiei, a faculty member at UA Little Rock, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Institute for Design Science and Public Policy (IDSPP), a nonprofit ... 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a Simple Ask to a Full-Time Career: Sheranden Miller Makes the Most of Her Time at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As a curious freshman, Sheranden Miller walked up to university photographer Ben Krain and asked if he needed an assistant. Four years later, she\u2019s graduating with a portfolio of real-world experience and a full-time career already underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Little Rock native, Miller has spent her time at UA Little Rock turning initiative into opportunity. A mass communication major with an emphasis in media production and a minor in digital marketing, she built her college experience around hands-on work that prepared her for life after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve always been the type of person where if you don\u2019t ask, you don\u2019t know,\u201d Miller said. \u201cAnd the worst thing they can say is no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That mindset paid off almost immediately. Just days after introducing herself to Krain, Miller was assisting on photography assignments, beginning a mentorship that would shape her creative voice and professional growth over the next four years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s not even just a mentor \u2014 he\u2019s genuinely a friend,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through that experience, Miller developed a strong portfolio that helped her land an internship with Little Rock-based marketing and advertising firm Marian Agency. There, she creates content for clients, including South on Main (SoMa 501), gaining real-world experience working with brands and engaging with the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Miller will transition into a full-time role with the agency\u2014an opportunity she credits in part to the work she began as a freshman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI feel like what I\u2019ve learned has already prepared me for the real world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Miller said UA Little Rock stood out not only for its opportunities but also for its accessibility. With the help of scholarships and campus support, she will graduate debt-free, allowing her to focus on building her future instead of worrying about financial barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAnytime that I needed help, the school helped me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond academics and career preparation, Miller found community through her involvement on campus. As a member of the Chancellor\u2019s Leadership Corps, she participated in service, networking, and leadership development opportunities that connected her with mentors and peers. She also served on the board of the Rainbow Alliance, helping create an inclusive space for students and planning campus events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt allows you to connect with people and be part of a community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those relationships extended into the classroom, where Miller said faculty support played a key role in her success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey really care about the students and the work that you do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now graduating cum laude, Miller reflects on her time at UA Little Rock with a mix of excitement and anticipation. While stepping into a full-time career marks a major transition, she says she feels ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a big change, but I feel prepared and hopeful for the future,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For current and future students, Miller\u2019s advice is simple: take initiative and make the most of every opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCollege is what you make of it,\u201d she said. \u201cPut yourself out there, network and find ways to learn and create.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a curious freshman, Sheranden Miller walked up to university photographer Ben Krain and asked if he needed an assistant. 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Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 he had ever known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a new country, baseball was his one constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It became his balance, carrying him through the early years of adjustment \u2014 learning a new environment, building a new routine and figuring out life away from home. But Cano understood this was more than a chance to play college baseball in the United States. It was an opportunity to earn a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cano is graduating with a degree in criminal justice, a career path he plans to pursue when his playing days are over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI know there will be life after baseball,\u201d he said. \u201cThe reason I chose criminal justice is I\u2019ve always been fascinated with how law and the process of law works. And I have a lot of respect for law enforcement and what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baseball opened the door for Cano, but his education will carry him forward long after his playing days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI always know baseball isn\u2019t going to be everything,\u201d Cano said. \u201cI came to the United States when I was 16 because of baseball, and I\u2019m still doing what I love. But the reality is, if I would\u2019ve stayed in Colombia, this probably wouldn\u2019t have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cano came to UA Little Rock as a transfer student-athlete from Western Oklahoma State University. As a Trojan, he\u2019s continuing to build on the foundation he laid for himself since he began playing the sport. Since his arrival in the U.S., he\u2019s spent time learning how to adjust to the changes. But baseball was familiar and kept him focused. Over the past two seasons, he has become a steady presence for the Trojans, taking on a larger role in 2025 despite missing time due to injury. This season, he\u2019s playing a major role, hitting .321 with 52 hits and seven home runs across 42 games, providing a reliable, steady presence in the middle of the lineup while anchoring first base with a .985 fielding percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That steadiness, he said, didn\u2019t come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to move through them. Moving away from his native country at 16 forced him to grow up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe biggest challenge was being away from home,\u201d he said. \u201cI had to grow up real fast. Colombia is a developing country, so coming here and seeing all of this \u2014 it\u2019s a dream for a lot of people. As long as you put in the work, it\u2019s a dream that could last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, that perspective shaped how he approaches everything around him. Baseball, school, and daily life all require the same mindset: adjust, reset, and keep moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m a baseball player, and that\u2019s my mindset in class,\u201d Cano said. \u201cI view everything as a challenge that I have to solve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baseball, he said, has shaped how he handles challenges when they come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBaseball taught me endurance and patience with challenges,\u201d Cano said. \u201cIf I\u2019m struggling with an assignment, I have to figure out the best way to get out of it. It made me a critical thinker.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s also how Cano views leadership: not in speeches or titles, but in how a team responds when things don\u2019t go perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEveryone will have a bad day, and it\u2019s up to your team to pick you up when you do,\u201d he said. \u201cThe team is most successful when everyone can step up for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the thrilling 2025 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, Cano put together the best stretch of his college career. Over five games, he had 10 hits, four home runs, and drove in 15 runs, earning Most Valuable Player honors. He homered in three straight games, including a two-run shot in the second inning against host and top-ranked LSU that helped spark Little Rock\u2019s regional semifinal win. That swing later earned Play of the Year at the Trojan TOP Awards, where Cano was also named Baseball MVP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As graduation approaches, Cano said he is aware of how far he has come \u2014 and how many people back home are part of that journey with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is the dream,\u201d he said. \u201cNo matter why you\u2019re here, this is the dream \u2014 to do it in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For him, that dream has meant responsibility, change, and growth, but also gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s cool for the experience of another country and the environment,\u201d Cano said. \u201cBut you still have to take care of school. It\u2019s why you\u2019re here. For my family and friends back home, this is everything to them for me to be doing this, and I don\u2019t take it for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/angel-cano-turned-opportunity-into-a-college-degree-at-ua-little-rock\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[28389,36044,178,35323,3272,9540,29226,2218],"class_list":["post-94061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-commencement-2026","tag-criminal-justice","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-little-rock-athletics","tag-little-rock-baseball","tag-school-of-criminal-justice-and-criminology","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/angel-cano-turned-opportunity-into-a-college-degree-at-ua-little-rock\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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. 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