[{"id":94391,"date":"2026-07-08T09:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94391"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:03:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:03:30","slug":"ua-little-rock-promotes-sheila-wold-mckinnis-to-lead-development-for-chasse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/08\/ua-little-rock-promotes-sheila-wold-mckinnis-to-lead-development-for-chasse\/","title":{"rendered":"UA Little Rock Promotes Sheila Wold McKinnis to Lead Development for CHASSE"},"content":{"rendered":"\nThe University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Sheila Wold McKinnis director of development for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), effective July 1.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McKinnis, most recently associate director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, will lead fundraising efforts for one of the university’s largest colleges. She succeeds Stephanie Purifoy, who retired earlier this year.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before joining UA Little Rock earlier this year, McKinnis spent more than two decades as owner of The Pilates Studio of Little Rock, where she built a successful business while developing lasting relationships across central Arkansas. Earlier in her career, she served as business director for Ballet Arkansas, helping lead fundraising, community outreach, and organizational operations.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sheila has a genuine love for this university, and people see that the moment they meet her,” said Christian O’Neal, vice president of advancement. “She’s done an incredible job leading campus tours for prospective donors and partners. With her family’s ties to the university, this role is both professional and personal, and I can’t think of a better person to help tell CHASSE’s story.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeremy Ecke, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, said McKinnis’ background and passion for the arts and education make her an ideal fit for the college.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“CHASSE prepares educators, artists, communicators, social workers, public servants, and community leaders who make a difference across Arkansas and beyond,” Ecke said. “Sheila understands the transformational impact of these disciplines, and her passion for building relationships will help create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and programs.”
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McKinnis said she looks forward to working with alumni, donors, and friends of the university to strengthen the college’s impact.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ve spent much of my career working alongside people who believe education, the arts, and community engagement can transform lives,” McKinnis said. “I’m excited to connect alumni and supporters with opportunities to invest in our students and help expand the college’s impact for years to come.”
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McKinnis earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of North Texas. To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit ualr.edu\/chasse.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Sheila Wold McKinnis director of development for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), effective July 1. 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Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” said Lloyd Webre, director of development for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Every sponsorship represents someone who believes in creating opportunities for students and our community to experience science in a hands-on, inspiring way. We’re grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to ensure the Shellam Flake Planetarium is a UA Little staple for generations to come .”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provost Ann Bain became the program’s first supporter, sponsoring two seats in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,” Bain said. “Knowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Centennial Co-Chair Alfred Williams has been instrumental in securing many of the campaign’s seat sponsorships. Campaign cabinet members Mike Williams, James Bobo, RJ Martino, Courtney Little, and Thomas Dickinson have also demonstrated their support by purchasing seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each $2,500 sponsorship includes a personalized nameplate displayed on a planetarium seat for five years. Sponsors may recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Proceeds from the program provide long-term support for the Shellam Flake Planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements, helping ensure it remains a premier destination for student learning and community engagement for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When open in the spring, the restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space welcoming K-12 students and community members for educational programming and public shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seat sponsorships remain available. To learn more or sponsor a seat, visit <strong>ualr.edu\/planetarium<\/strong> or contact Lloyd Webre at <strong>501-951-1794<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/08\/community-support-builds-for-shellam-flake-planetarium-seat-campaign\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":93543,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[35323,36040,2218],"class_list":["post-94385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-planetarium","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign - 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\/07\/08\/community-support-builds-for-shellam-flake-planetarium-seat-campaign\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, ... 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Personal Loss to Purposeful Healing: UA Little Rock Alumna Advocates for Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna Kimberly Robinson is encouraging people to seek support without shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspired by her mother’s illness, Robinson has spent the last 26 years helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges as a licensed certified social worker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Little Rock native, Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/sociology\/\">sociology<\/a> with a minor in <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/academics\/undergraduate\/psychology\/\">psychology<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/socialwork\/master-social-work\/\">Master of Social Work<\/a> from UA Little Rock. When her mother became ill, Robinson wanted to connect her with the resources she needed to get well. Although her mother passed away before Robinson received her acceptance to graduate school, that experience shaped a career dedicated to helping others through life’s most difficult moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I will say it once, and I will say it again. There is no shame in seeking support,” Robinson said. “We seek support for physical health, but somehow think mental health can be treated by being positive and keeping it to ourselves.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robinson credits UA Little Rock with preparing her to serve her community by connecting her with organizations and mentors who shared her passion for advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her journey to graduate school, however, wasn’t easy. After not being accepted the first time she applied, Robinson enrolled in a post-baccalaureate social work course before applying again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I did not get accepted the first time, but I was determined to get into the program,” Robinson said. “I applied the second time and got in. My life was never the same.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout her time at UA Little Rock, faculty members also helped shape Robinson both professionally and personally. As an undergraduate, the late Dr. Doug Buffalo encouraged her to become a teacher’s assistant after recognizing her talent in social statistics. During graduate school, the late Judith Faust left a lasting impression by emphasizing the importance of communication, writing, and advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“She believed that social policy can change the world, and I agreed with her,” Robinson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Robinson once dreamed of becoming a singer or dancer, encouragement from her father ultimately led her to social work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“My father, Ocie Robinson, told me I should be a social worker when I was a kid because I always listened to my friends and offered advice,” Robinson said. “I did not want to do that and wanted to be a singer or dancer. However, I began to think about how I enjoyed helping others and seeing the lightbulb go off when they made decisions that were healthy for them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Twenty-six years later, Robinson remains passionate about social work because of its flexibility and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Throughout her career, she has embraced new opportunities whenever she felt ready for a change, allowing her to continue serving others while avoiding burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I am proud of the longevity of my career,” Robinson said. “There is nothing wrong with pivoting if it keeps you vibrant and continuing to work in your field.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the course of her career, Robinson has also witnessed a significant shift in conversations surrounding mental health, particularly in communities of color. While stigma still exists, she said more people are willing to seek help than when she first entered the profession, a change she believes accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Mental health was considered taboo when I graduated from the MSW program, especially with African Americans and other minorities,” Robinson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those considering therapy, Robinson encourages people to keep searching until they find someone who feels like the right fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“If you do not feel comfortable with the person you picked, try again,” Robinson said. “We try on clothes until we find the right fit, right? The same goes for therapy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The greatest reward, Robinson said, has been watching people transform their lives and gain the confidence to navigate difficult seasons on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I get satisfaction knowing that the people I work with are improving their lives and that they know how to handle the bad days based on the tools we have worked on in treatment,” Robinson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As she reflects on the journey that began at UA Little Rock, Robinson hopes current students remember to use the resources available to them, including the university’s counseling services, and never let setbacks define their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Stay encouraged. Be of good cheer. This journey will lead to many other roads. Please do not give up on your dreams,” Robinson said. “I was not accepted the first time I applied to the graduate program. But I knew that I wanted to help others and applied again. If you get a no, that is fine. If you believe you are chosen for something, you keep going.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna Kimberly Robinson is encouraging people to seek support without shame. Inspired by her mother’s illness, <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/08\/from-personal-loss-to-purposeful-healing-ua-little-rock-alumna-advocates-for-mental-health\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> From Personal Loss to Purposeful Healing: UA Little Rock Alumna Advocates for Mental Health<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":94375,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925],"tags":[28370,35323,36050,2218],"class_list":["post-94374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","tag-college-of-business-health-and-human-services","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-psychology-2","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>From Personal Loss to Purposeful Healing: UA Little Rock Alumna Advocates for Mental Health - 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\/07\/08\/from-personal-loss-to-purposeful-healing-ua-little-rock-alumna-advocates-for-mental-health\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From Personal Loss to Purposeful Healing: UA Little Rock Alumna Advocates for Mental Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna Kimberly Robinson is encouraging people to seek support without shame. Inspired by her mother’s illness, ... 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This July, classrooms across UA Little Rock will transform into laboratories, design studios, fantasy worlds, and musical stages as students gather for the annual program. For two weeks, the campus will buzz with curiosity as young learners from across Arkansas explore subjects that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and discovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer Laureate is designed for curious and motivated learners in grades K\u20136 who thrive when given opportunities to ask questions, solve complex problems, and pursue topics in depth. The two-week summer program, hosted by the UA Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, offers a uniquely engaging mix of science, engineering, mathematics, language arts, history, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Summer Laureate is one of the longest-running campus enrichment programs in the U.S.,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, center director. “Yet, each year, the creativity and innovation of the teachers, the program administrators, and the students make the learning experience fresh for everyone. For nearly half a century, UA Little Rock has embraced the program and celebrated its contributions to our community. We are delighted to be a part of the university’s centennial year.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each summer brings a new lineup of classes, allowing students fresh opportunities to explore new passions, strengthen their talents, and discover new interests to carry with them long after summer ends. This year’s program features 21 new classes designed to spark curiosity through subjects and themes not typically found in traditional classrooms. Inspired by children\u2019s interests and current trends, the curriculum is reimagined each year to keep students engaged and excited to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many classes blend multiple subjects into one hands-on course, encouraging students to make connections across disciplines. Young learners might investigate insects through art and science or explore world cultures through music and language. Older students can combine engineering and artificial intelligence, travel through ancient civilizations and mythology, or develop strategic thinking through chess and coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSummer Laureate gives young learners the freedom to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and discover new interests alongside peers who share their curiosity,\u201d said Dr. Monica Meadows, assistant professor in the School of Education. \u201cIt is exciting to watch students engage with topics they may not encounter during the regular school year through fun, meaningful learning experiences. During Summer Laureate, students are not simply learning about a topic; they are designing, creating, questioning, and bringing their ideas to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program\u2019s influence extends beyond its students. What sets the program apart is its team of instructors, which includes graduate students in gifted and talented education, experienced classroom teachers, and subject-matter experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. For graduate students, the program provides hands-on experience designing curriculum, teaching alongside veteran educators, and translating gifted education theory into classroom practice, helping build a strong pipeline of gifted and talented education teachers for Arkansas classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond academic enrichment, the program fosters a vibrant community where advanced learners can connect with peers who share their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. As Summer Laureate enters its 47th year, it continues to inspire young learners while helping cultivate the next generation of gifted and talented educators, strengthening gifted education across Arkansas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For 47 years, the Summer Laureate\/University for Youth program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has provided gifted elementary students with unique summer learning opportunities. This July, classrooms <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/07\/summer-laureate-returns-to-ua-little-rock-with-21-new-classes-for-young-learners\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Summer Laureate Returns to UA Little Rock with 21 New Classes for Young Learners<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94370,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[2651,28389,335,35323,3350,29159],"class_list":["post-94369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-ann-robinson","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-jodie-mahony-center-for-gifted-education","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-summer-camps","tag-summer-laureate-university-for-youth-slufy"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Summer Laureate Returns to UA Little Rock with 21 New Classes for Young Learners - 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\/07\/07\/summer-laureate-returns-to-ua-little-rock-with-21-new-classes-for-young-learners\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Summer Laureate Returns to UA Little Rock with 21 New Classes for Young Learners\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For 47 years, the Summer Laureate\/University for Youth program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has provided gifted elementary students with unique summer learning opportunities. 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Photo by Benjamin Krain"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/07\/summer-laureate-returns-to-ua-little-rock-with-21-new-classes-for-young-learners\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Summer Laureate Returns to UA Little Rock with 21 New Classes for Young Learners"}]},{"@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\/4d2d71db64fc5dad90eaff1ce9387967","name":"Samantha Koros","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/43fc0575707bd2562cfafa14c6272ed1fb5a02915def80a826f51f931c5ed4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/43fc0575707bd2562cfafa14c6272ed1fb5a02915def80a826f51f931c5ed4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/43fc0575707bd2562cfafa14c6272ed1fb5a02915def80a826f51f931c5ed4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Samantha Koros"},"url":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/author\/skoros1\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94369","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\/2906"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94369"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94372,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94369\/revisions\/94372"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/94370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":94367,"date":"2026-07-06T13:10:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T18:10:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94367"},"modified":"2026-07-07T10:23:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T15:23:22","slug":"twenty-five-students-selected-for-ua-little-rocks-prestigious-donaghey-scholars-honors-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/06\/twenty-five-students-selected-for-ua-little-rocks-prestigious-donaghey-scholars-honors-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Twenty-Five Students Selected for UA Little Rock’s Prestigious Donaghey Scholars Honors Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Twenty-five outstanding students from across Arkansas and beyond have been selected to join the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the 2026-27 academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Selected from an applicant pool of 115 students, the incoming class enters UA Little Rock with an average high school GPA of 4.29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Donaghey Scholars Honors Program provides a scholarship package valued at approximately $92,000 to $100,000 over four years. Scholars receive full tuition and fees, a housing subsidy, a stipend, a laptop, and funding for a required international study experience, allowing them to focus on research, leadership, service, and academic exploration throughout their college careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of the Donaghey Scholars experience is an interdisciplinary curriculum where students from every academic discipline explore complex questions through discussion, writing, collaborative projects, and engagement with the Little Rock community. The program encourages scholars to think across traditional academic boundaries while using Arkansas’s capital city as an extension of the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1987 through the support of the George W. Donaghey Foundation, the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program reflects a legacy that stretches back nearly a century. Former Arkansas governor George W. Donaghey and his wife, Louvenia, established the Donaghey Foundation in 1929 with a singular purpose: to support Little Rock Junior College, the institution that would eventually become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Their gift, recognized as the largest bequest in Arkansas history at the time, created one of the longest-standing philanthropic partnerships in the university’s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>George Donaghey believed education created opportunity and dedicated much of his public life to expanding access to higher education in Arkansas. Through the George W. Donaghey Foundation, his vision continues today by supporting student success, academic excellence, leadership development, and transformative opportunities at UA Little Rock. The Donaghey Scholars Honors Program is one of the Donaghey Foundation’s signature investments in preparing future leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne of the greatest privileges of the Donaghey Foundation is helping open doors for extraordinary students,\u201d said Greg Flesher, president of the Donaghey Foundation. \u201cThese scholars have demonstrated exceptional talent, curiosity, and leadership. We are proud to invest in their futures and are excited for the difference they will make in Arkansas and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That investment continues to pay dividends through the accomplishments of Donaghey alumni. The Donaghey Scholars Honors Program has prepared hundreds of graduates for careers and advanced study in medicine, law, business, education, research, public service, and the arts. More than 70% of Donaghey alumni go on to earn graduate or professional degrees, nearly double the national average. Among program alumni, approximately 15% earn doctoral degrees, 10% become physicians, and 10% earn law degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. Nearly two-thirds of Donaghey alumni remain in Arkansas, where they are helping strengthen communities as physicians, educators, engineers, attorneys, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That legacy continues to grow each year. During the past year alone, Donaghey alumni earned three doctoral degrees, three medical degrees, three law degrees, one veterinary doctorate, and five master’s degrees. Alumni also received a National Science Foundation award, Windgate Foundation fellowships, recognition in Best Lawyers in America, and statewide honors for leadership in healthcare, law, public service, and community impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“We’re excited to welcome this year’s class of Donaghey Scholars,” said Dr. Jessica Scott, associate director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. “They are outstanding students academically, but what stands out just as much is their curiosity and willingness to engage with new ideas. They bring a wide range of interests and experiences, and we know they’ll challenge one another, learn from one another, and make meaningful contributions both on campus and throughout the Little Rock community.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Admission to the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and intellectual curiosity. Finalists participate in an on-campus interview process with program leaders, faculty members, and current scholars before the incoming class is selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Class of 2030 includes Arkansas Governor’s School alumni, nationally recognized speech and debate competitors, Model Arab League and Model United Nations award winners, accomplished athletes, artists, writers, student leaders, entrepreneurs, aspiring physicians and engineers, and the first twins admitted to the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program in more than a decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-meet-the-2026-27-donaghey-scholars\">Meet the 2026-27 Donaghey Scholars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Graydon Anderson<\/em> of Little Rock graduated from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she earned second place in the cell and molecular biology category in the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair. She also earned a Distinguished Delegation Award at the Arkansas High School Model Arab League Conference. She plans to major in anthropology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Noah Beaver<\/em> graduated from Russellville High School, where he qualified for the National Speech Debate Association National Tournament in Big Question Debate. He plans to major in criminal justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sadie Berry<\/em> graduated from Bryant High School, where she earned an Honorable Mention as head delegate for the United Kingdom delegation at the Arkansas Model United Nations conference. She was also in concert band for six years and wind symphony for two years. She served as the head captain of the color guard. She plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Naomi Brooks <\/em>graduated from Conway High School, where she was named a National Speech Debate Association Academic All-American, an honor earned by fewer than 2% of the organization’s student members. She plans to major in American Sign Language and English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Jericho Brown<\/em> graduated from Cabot High School, where she earned the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing proficiency in English and another language. She was a member of Spanish Honor Society, and she plans to major in social work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Miray Fahmi <\/em>of Little Rock graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School after attending Arkansas Governor’s School and being named Academy Ambassador of the Year through the Academies of Central Arkansas. She plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Mohammed Fahmi <\/em>of Little Rock graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School after attending Arkansas Governor’s School and being recognized by Soir\u00e9e magazine as the school’s Head of the Class for 2026. He plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Meckenzie Fassett<\/em> of Gassville graduated from Cotter High School after attending Arkansas Governor’s School and earning third place in Business Communication at the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference. She plans to major in computer science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kayden Forrest<\/em> of Paragould graduated from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where he was active in the school’s literary arts community and performed original work during the Hot Springs Wednesday Night Poetry open mic series. He plans to major in political science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kennedy-Lailany Henton<\/em> of Benton graduated from Bryant High School after attending Arkansas Governor’s School, Girls State, and interning with the Saline County Public Defenders Office. She plans to major in philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ruslan Kadyrov<\/em> of Semey, Kazakhstan, studied at Little Rock Central High School during the 2025-26 academic year as a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program participant. A product designer, he also served as a FLEX and Civic Education Workshop ambassador. He plans to major in management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Samantha Lindstrom<\/em> of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School. She won the National Council of Teachers of English Essay Competition and was selected for the National Student Leadership Conference. Additionally she served as a Museum of Discovery camp counselor, and she plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Daniel Lopez<\/em> of Glenwood graduated from Caddo Hills High School and attended Arkansas Boys State. He was a member of varsity track and field, quiz bowl, and the vice president of Future Business Leaders of America. He also served as president of the Senior Beta Club and on the Mt. Ida Chamber of Commerce Student Advisory Board. He plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tristan Lowry<\/em> of Little Rock previously attended high school on a military base in Japan. While at Yokota High School, he was a member of the Drama Society, the Library Management Society, and the soccer and track and field teams. He is currently a SAT math tutor. He plans to major in geology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Vanessa Marsh<\/em> of Friendswood, Texas, graduated from Clear Brook High School, where she was a state-level swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle and breaststroke before signing to compete for the UA Little Rock swimming and diving team. She plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Zada McCain<\/em> of Hempwallace graduated from Lake Hamilton High School, where she was recognized as one of the top 5% of graduates in Garland County. She was president of Educators Rising, an art club member, and part of the cross country team. She plans to major in art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Lillie Parker<\/em> of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School, where she was the Class AAA girls 145-pound state wrestling runner-up and was active in the school’s award-winning creative writing program. She plans to major in marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gargi Patel <\/em>of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School after earning a certificate of proficiency through concurrent enrollment. She was part of the Central High Principal’s Cabinet and took part in UA Little Rock Summer Engineering Scholars Program. She plans to major in civil and construction engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Logan Roggeman<\/em> of East End graduated from Communication and Community Central Academy, where he completed concurrent college coursework while in high school. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Andrew Schlesier<\/em> of Salem graduated from Bryant High School, where he served as percussion ensemble captain and section leader for the band. He plans to major in computer science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bayyinah Sherrill<\/em> of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School as an AP Scholar. She was also active in the Arkansas Young Artist Association and National Beta Club. During the summer, she took part in Kamp Khalili Youth Summer Leadership Camp. She plans to major in art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Jacob Torello<\/em> of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School, where he served as team captain of the state runner-up Mock Trial team and earned third place for Best Bill at the Arkansas Student Congress. He plans to major in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sameer Walajahi <\/em>of Little Rock graduated from Little Rock Central High School, where he was a finalist in the Perfect Pitch Competition. He was also secretary of the Central High Brain Bee and a member of math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta. He plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kamryn Young <\/em>graduated from Conway High School, where she placed third in the ACTM Regional Mathematics Contest and was a member of the school’s award-winning Speech & Debate team. She plans to major in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Nathalie Young <\/em>graduated from Russellville High School after attending Arkansas Governor’s School, earning AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, serving on the Russellville Youth Council, and being selected as the school’s Colors Day Queen. She plans to major in nursing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier this month, the incoming scholars gathered on campus for orientation, where they met one another, connected with current scholars and faculty, and began the journey that will officially continue this fall. Learn more about the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at <a href=\"http:\/\/ualr.edu\/donagheyscholars\">ualr.edu\/donagheyscholars<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twenty-five outstanding students from across Arkansas and beyond have been selected to join the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the 2026-27 academic <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/06\/twenty-five-students-selected-for-ua-little-rocks-prestigious-donaghey-scholars-honors-program\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Twenty-Five Students Selected for UA Little Rock’s Prestigious Donaghey Scholars Honors Program<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94299,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[28727,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-donaghey-scholars-honors-program","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Twenty-Five Students Selected for UA Little Rock's Prestigious Donaghey Scholars Honors Program - 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\/07\/06\/twenty-five-students-selected-for-ua-little-rocks-prestigious-donaghey-scholars-honors-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Twenty-Five Students Selected for UA Little Rock's Prestigious Donaghey Scholars Honors Program\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Twenty-five outstanding students from across Arkansas and beyond have been selected to join the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the 2026-27 academic ... 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Little Rock’s Dr. Brian Walker Receives $72,000 Grant to Advance Anti-Cancer Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Dr. Brian Walker, assistant professor of <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/chemistry\/\">chemistry<\/a> at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has received a $72,000 grant through the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) to support research aimed at developing new compounds with the potential to fight cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working in collaboration with researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Walker’s project focuses on creating and studying derivatives of prodigiosin, a naturally occurring compound that has shown promising anticancer properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur goal is to synthesize and characterize prodigiosin analogs and evaluate their biological activity against cancer cell lines,\u201d Walker said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the research is still in its early stages, Walker said the project could help lay the groundwork for future cancer therapies. By developing and testing how new analogs interact with cancer cells, the research will help determine which chemical structures are most promising for future drug development. The findings could eventually contribute to the development of more targeted cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The collaboration combines expertise from both institutions to strengthen the research. While Walker’s laboratory specializes in designing and synthesizing new chemical compounds, Dr. Robert Griffin and his team at UAMS bring expertise in cancer biology to evaluate how the compounds perform against cancer cells. Together, the teams can more thoroughly evaluate how well the compounds work and how they affect cancer cells, helping researchers identify the most promising candidates for further study. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe INBRE funding supports student stipends, laboratory supplies, and access to analytical instrumentation,\u201d Walker said. \u201cThese resources allow us to carry out the synthesis and purification of analogs and identify their structure using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to advancing cancer research, the project is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists by providing students with meaningful research experiences and opportunities to present their work at conferences and contribute to scientific publications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne of the most exciting aspects of this project is the opportunity to bridge fundamental chemistry with meaningful biomedical applications,\u201d Walker said. \u201cThe potential to discover new compounds with real therapeutic relevance is highly motivating. Equally exciting is the role this project plays in student development, providing hands-on research experiences that prepare them for careers in science and healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the collaboration with UAMS, Walker and his team hope to advance the search for more effective, targeted cancer treatments while providing UA Little Rock students with transformative, hands-on research experiences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Brian Walker, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has received a $72,000 grant through the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/06\/ua-little-rocks-dr-brian-walker-receives-72000-grant-to-advance-anti-cancer-research\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock’s Dr. Brian Walker Receives $72,000 Grant to Advance Anti-Cancer Research<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2764,"featured_media":94365,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[35565,30185,35931,88,25799,35323,2218,756],"class_list":["post-94364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-arkansas-idea-network-of-biomedical-research-excellence","tag-brian-walker","tag-chemistry-2","tag-chemistry","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success","tag-uams"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock's Dr. Brian Walker Receives $72,000 Grant to Advance Anti-Cancer 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\/07\/06\/ua-little-rocks-dr-brian-walker-receives-72000-grant-to-advance-anti-cancer-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's Dr. Brian Walker Receives $72,000 Grant to Advance Anti-Cancer Research\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dr. Brian Walker, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has received a $72,000 grant through the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) ... 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Coaches see the move as an opportunity to elevate their programs, strengthen recruiting, create new rivalries and compete against some of the nation’s top mid-major programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message throughout the department is consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring it on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to play the best competition we can,\u201d women’s basketball head coach Steve Wiedower said. “Playing in a conference with a little higher RPI ranking is going to make us even better when March gets here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That competitive mindset is shared across every corner of the department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For first-year men’s basketball head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/lrtrojans.com\/staff\/travis-ford\">Travis Ford<\/a>, the UAC was one of the factors that made Little Rock such an attractive destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne thing that got me really excited was being a part of something new,\u201d Ford said. \u201cBeing part of something that’s really taking a step forward, especially for a basketball league. The UAC could be an incredible athletic conference. It’s bringing together a lot of really strong basketball programs. That’s something you don’t get to be a part of very often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think it’s really thrilling and exciting, and a league our fans are going to really enjoy being a part of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ford believes the conference has all the ingredients to become one of the nation’s premier mid-major basketball leagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think every team that’s joining the UAC is taking a step up,\u201d Ford said. \u201cThis is going to be a really strong mid-major basketball league. It’s a lot of schools with tradition, schools that have won, a lot of really good coaches and a lot of talented basketball players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baseball head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/lrtrojans.com\/staff\/chris-curry\">Chris Curry<\/a> sees similar potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fresh off the greatest season in program history\u2014one that included a second straight NCAA Regional appearance, a Hattiesburg Regional championship and the program’s first NCAA Super Regional\u2014Curry believes the Trojans are entering the UAC at exactly the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think it’s a great move,” Curry said. \u201cI think it’s very forward thinking by Frank and Chancellor Drale. We are dead in the center of the conference, so either side you go, the drive is about the same for us. With a third of our team being from Texas, that will increase even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt could be a two-bid league, so that’s a good thing, and I think we’re prepared for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The move also expands Little Rock’s visibility in one of its most important recruiting territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soccer head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/lrtrojans.com\/staff\/kelly-farrell\">Kelly Farrell<\/a> believes that could pay immediate dividends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think now it’s nice to be able to say, ‘Hey, we’re probably guaranteeing you two games back in the state of Texas,\u2019\u201d Farrell said. \u201cI think our Texans will enjoy the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd and show that Texas pride.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But recruiting is only part of the appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Farrell has no intention of easing into the new conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy expectation is that we’re going to come in and compete for a UAC championship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That confidence reflects where Little Rock Athletics stands entering this new era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Trojans arrive in the UAC after one of the most successful years in department history. Baseball advanced to the NCAA Super Regional for the first time ever. Men’s golf and women’s golf captured conference championships. New leadership has energized men’s basketball and volleyball, while several programs continue building championship expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Curry, the conference move only adds to that momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think the energy and excitement around the program is at such a fever pitch, at an all-time high, that the timing could not be better,\u201d Curry said. “People want to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The United Athletic Conference also represents more than new opponents. Through its strategic alliance with the Atlantic Sun Conference, the league is positioned to create innovative scheduling opportunities, operational efficiencies and long-term growth while maintaining independent conference identities and NCAA postseason access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Little Rock, the move represents another step forward in the department’s continued rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the Trojans officially become members of the United Athletic Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wednesday, the pursuit of championships begins.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wednesday isn’t just the start of a new conference affiliation. It’s the beginning of a new challenge. As Little Rock officially joins the United Athletic Conference on July 1, excitement <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/01\/trojans-join-united-athletic-conference\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Trojans Join United Athletic Conference<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94354,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925],"tags":[35323,3272,2218],"class_list":["post-94353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-little-rock-athletics","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Trojans Join United Athletic Conference - 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\/07\/01\/trojans-join-united-athletic-conference\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Trojans Join United Athletic Conference\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wednesday isn’t just the start of a new conference affiliation. It’s the beginning of a new challenge. As Little Rock officially joins the United Athletic Conference on July 1, excitement ... 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Today, UA Little Rock serves 8,000 students, offering programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Through education, research, and public service, the university strengthens Arkansas and prepares graduates to lead in their communities and careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UA Little Rock will mark its Centennial with a yearlong celebration from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, honoring its past and present while looking ahead to its next century of impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Reaching our Centennial is both a celebration and a moment of reflection,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “The vision and determination of those who founded this institution created opportunities that have transformed lives for generations. As we honor the people, achievements, and milestones that shaped our first 100 years, we are also looking forward to a future filled with possibility for our students, our community, and our state.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The university began in 1927 when Little Rock Junior College opened in what is now Little Rock Central High School. Founded to expand access to higher education in central Arkansas, the institution quickly grew beyond its original home and moved to its current campus in 1949, establishing a permanent foundation for future growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1957, Little Rock Junior College became Little Rock University, marking its transition from a two-year college to a four-year institution. The change expanded educational opportunities for students in central Arkansas and established the university as a destination for students seeking to earn bachelor’s degrees without leaving the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new chapter began in 1969 when Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller signed legislation merging Little Rock University into the University of Arkansas System, creating the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. At the time, what was then known as UALR offered 28 undergraduate programs and enrolled approximately 3,500 students. Within a decade, the university had expanded to 73 degree programs, including 14 graduate programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, UA Little Rock is known for expanding access to higher education, advancing research that addresses real-world challenges, developing Arkansas’s workforce, and building partnerships that strengthen communities across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the university prepares to enter its second century, the Centennial offers an opportunity to reflect on that remarkable journey and celebrate the people, achievements, and milestones that made it possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the Centennial year, UA Little Rock will share <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/centennial\/2026\/07\/01\/moments-of-impact-1920s\/\">“100 Moments of Impact,”<\/a> highlighting the people, achievements, innovations, and defining moments that shaped the university’s first century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members can also take part in events, exhibits, and traditions that unite generations of Trojans and honor the university\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“The Centennial is an opportunity to celebrate the people who built UA Little Rock, the students and alumni who continue to shape its story, and the possibilities that lie ahead,” said Carrie Phillips, chair of the university’s Centennial Planning Committee. “We want this year to bring together generations of Trojans while showcasing the impact this university has had on our city, our state, and the lives of those we serve.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dedication of new UA Little Rock-branded street signs on July 16 will kick off the university’s Centennial celebration and welcome visitors to campus for years to come. When students return for the fall semester on August 24, they’ll celebrate the first day of classes with Centennial-themed cupcakes and the opportunity to sign a commemorative banner that will be preserved in the university’s centennial time capsule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Centennial celebration will also be woven into many of the university’s longstanding traditions. At BBQ at Bailey on October 7, alumni and friends will receive special centennial giveaways during the event. During Winter Fest, attendees will get a special preview of the newly renovated Shellam Flake Planetarium before it officially reopens this spring after nearly two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The celebration will continue throughout the spring with the opening of a special history exhibit at UA Little Rock Downtown in February and a Centennial campus picnic celebrating every decade of Trojan history in March. The university will conclude its Centennial year with the burial of the Centennial time capsule, preserving memories and messages from the milestone celebration for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Centennial arrives at a transformative moment for UA Little Rock. During its 100th year, the university will celebrate the successful completion of the Centennial Campaign, a historic effort expected to raise $250 million in support of scholarships, faculty, technology, and academic excellence. The campaign has already increased the university’s endowment by more than 200 percent, creating opportunities for future generations of students and strengthening the university’s long-term impact on Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“The Centennial Campaign is a powerful reflection of what can happen when alumni, donors, and friends believe in the future of this university,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “As we celebrate 100 years of impact, we are also building a foundation for the next century. The generosity of our supporters is creating opportunities for students today and strengthening UA Little Rock for generations to come.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A century after opening its doors, UA Little Rock is celebrating not only how far it has come, but also where it is headed. With a growing endowment, a historic campaign nearing completion, and a continued commitment to student success, the university enters its second century positioned to make an even greater impact on Arkansas and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the Centennial celebration, explore the “100 Moments of Impact” series, and view upcoming events and activities at <a href=\"http:\/\/ualr.edu\/centennial\">ualr.edu\/centennial<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A century ago, the institution that would become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was just beginning its journey. Today, UA Little Rock serves 8,000 students, offering programs ranging <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/01\/ua-little-rock-to-celebrate-100-years-of-impact-during-centennial-year\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[33343,36048,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-centennial-campaign","tag-centennial-celebration","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year - 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\/07\/01\/ua-little-rock-to-celebrate-100-years-of-impact-during-centennial-year\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A century ago, the institution that would become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was just beginning its journey. 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This summer, that tradition continues as MT Stage: <em>From the Bard to Broadway!<\/em> returns, inviting a new group of students to explore how a classic story can be reimagined for today’s stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education will host MT Stage from June 29 to July 3, inspired by Shakespeare’s <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>. This year’s program explores one of musical theatre’s most enduring creative practices: adaptation. Students will examine how Shakespeare’s classic tragedy has been reimagined for Broadway and contemporary audiences before creating their own interpretation. Each summer, MT Stage challenges students to use research, collaboration, and creativity to transform ideas into an original production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the theme changes every few years, the heart of the program has remained steadfast since its creation in 1994. MT Stage was founded by Leslie Dudley Corbell, then a graduate student at UA Little Rock, who saw an opportunity to blend musical theatre with the learning principles she was studying in gifted education. As part of her master\u2019s work, she designed MT Stage as an internship project for submission to the state-funded Academic Enrichment for Gifted\/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) programs, developing an experience that went beyond a traditional theatre camp and gave students ownership of the entire creative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than simply performing a musical, students take part in every aspect of bringing one to life \u2013 writing, composing, acting, and directing their own work. What began as a graduate internship project quickly resonated with students and turned into one of the Jodie Mahony Center\u2019s longest-running summer enrichment programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Corbell even captured that vision in the program\u2019s name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Obviously, MT Stage stands for music theater stage, but it was also meant to represent an empty stage,” she said. “The idea was that you would bring together a group of young people with their own perspectives, experiences, and interests, give them a theme, and then watch them create something entirely unique.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every summer, that concept comes to life as kids step into the roles of writers, composers, actors, and directors. Working together, they turn research and ideas into an entire production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Corbell, the goal was never simply to teach theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I hoped they would share that love of musical theater and learn history, but also understand more about themselves,” she said. “When you look at stories, you learn about human nature, motivation, and how people solve problems. Those lessons stay with you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach reflects a core principle of gifted education: students learn most deeply when they are given the freedom to pursue subjects that genuinely capture their interest. Through the process of creating an original musical, students develop far more than artistic abilities. They learn to collaborate, communicate, solve problems, manage disagreements, and think critically as they work toward a shared goal. Whether writing lyrics, developing scenes, or performing onstage, students are constantly challenged to turn ideas into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Learning follows interest,” she said. “Once you’re emotionally attached to something or personally interested in it, your learning can go very deep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than three decades after its founding, MT Stage continues to give students the opportunity to transform their ideas into something entirely their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMT Stage is a gem of a program at the Jodie Mahony Center,\u201d Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center at UA Little Rock, said. \u201cIt was created by Leslie Dudley Corbell, one of my former graduate students, and now, thirty years on, has been adapted by the current program director, Lori Delk, who is also an alumna of UA Little Rock’s graduate gifted programs. MT Stage showcases the creative vision of adults committed to providing children and adolescents with engaging experiences in a campus environment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this year’s theme is Shakespeare’s <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>, the program’s mission remains unchanged: encouraging young people to create, collaborate, and discover where their imagination can take them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The public is invited to experience the results of that creative journey at the Student Showcase Performance at 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, in Ledbetter ABC of the Donaghey Student Center, where participants will present the original production they developed throughout the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 30 years after MT Stage began, Davis Hendricks, director of the program, sees the same spirit of creativity and collaboration that audiences will experience at this year’s Student Showcase Performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I am continually amazed not only by the creativity of these young people, but by the talent they bring to the table,” Hendricks said. “Watching them work together and collaborate is incredible. I’ve been involved with MT Stage for about six years and have served as its director for the past four, and I’ve never had as much fun as I have with this program.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For more than three decades, gifted middle and high school students from across Arkansas have gathered at UA Little Rock to transform an empty stage into an original production. This <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/30\/mt-stage-returns-continuing-over-30-years-of-student-creativity-and-collaboration-at-ua-little-rock\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> MT Stage Returns, Continuing Over 30 Years of Student Creativity and Collaboration at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1923,1925,1926],"tags":[335,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","category-community","category-featured","tag-jodie-mahony-center-for-gifted-education","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>MT Stage Returns, Continuing Over 30 Years of Student Creativity and Collaboration 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\/06\/30\/mt-stage-returns-continuing-over-30-years-of-student-creativity-and-collaboration-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=\"MT Stage Returns, Continuing Over 30 Years of Student Creativity and Collaboration at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For more than three decades, gifted middle and high school students from across Arkansas have gathered at UA Little Rock to transform an empty stage into an original production. 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Neelie Dobbins set out to become the best educator she could be. Her commitment to growth, mentorship, and student success has guided her from earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UA Little Rock to a career preparing future teachers at Southern Arkansas University, where she has been named dean of the College of Education and Human Performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEvery time a new opportunity presented itself, I sought out books, podcasts, and resources to help me grow into it,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cGrowing as a leader has really been about learning to hold both the results and the relationships together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dobbins said she was excited to step into the role and continue building on the strong foundation established by outgoing dean Dr. Kim Bloss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat means the most to me is the culture we’ve built together,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cI’ve always believed we do our best work when we operate as a true team, and one of my top priorities as dean is to keep nurturing that collaborative spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As dean, Dobbins will oversee programs that prepare educators, coaches, athletic trainers, and other professionals. She said she’s excited for the opportunity to support the entire college while continuing to grow both enrollment and the quality of its graduates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat excites me most about this new role is the chance to support the entire college, not just one department,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cI want to make sure every person has what they need to succeed in their role and reach their fullest potential.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dobbins’ path into education began with an unexpected conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an undergraduate mathematics student, she planned to pursue a doctorate in pure mathematics. But while sitting in her sister’s kitchen one evening, that changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI remember the moment that changed, though, sitting in my sister\u2019s kitchen when my mom called and asked the very practical question of how I planned to make a living while pursuing that degree,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cShe suggested teaching, and my sister quickly agreed with her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The conversation led Dobbins to explore teaching and eventually connect with Dr. Pam Warrick, a UA Little Rock faculty member who became one of the most influential mentors in her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShe believed in the idea and helped me see a path forward,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cFrom there, I simply trusted her guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dobbins also credits Dr. Jennifer Hune with helping shape both her career and leadership philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoth of these strong women shaped who I am today, not just as an educator, but as a leader,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cI try to carry their example of mentorship forward in how I support others now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Dobbins now leads a college, she said becoming dean was never part of a long-term career plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI actually became department chair somewhat by default,\u201d she said. \u201cAt the time, our faculty were untenured, and there wasn’t anyone else positioned to step into the role.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The experience forced her to grow as a leader through what she describes as \u201clearning, failing fast, and fixing fast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 15 years at Southern Arkansas University, Dobbins said she felt ready to continue the college’s legacy as dean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among her proudest accomplishments has been helping develop the Rider Residency model, which provides yearlong, paid teaching residencies that prepare future educators through extended classroom experience alongside mentor teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe depth of support and learning that comes from a full year in the classroom is truly wonderful,\u201d Dobbins said. \u201cIt produces teachers who are far more prepared on day one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Dobbins said her priorities include strengthening the college’s collaborative culture, developing interdisciplinary academic programs, and maintaining high standards as enrollment grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGrowth means nothing if it comes at the expense of the quality of our programs or the candidates we prepare,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For students preparing for careers in education or academic leadership, Dobbins offers one guiding principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLead with grace,\u201d she said. \u201cIf we model that standard for our students now, they’ll carry it forward into their own classrooms, gyms, and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. C. Neelie Dobbins set out to become the best educator she could be. Her commitment to growth, mentorship, and student success has guided her from earning bachelor’s and master’s <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/30\/ua-little-rock-alumna-named-dean-at-southern-arkansas-university\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock Alumna Named Dean at Southern Arkansas University<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94344,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Alumna Named Dean at Southern Arkansas University - 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\/06\/30\/ua-little-rock-alumna-named-dean-at-southern-arkansas-university\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Alumna Named Dean at Southern Arkansas University\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dr. C. Neelie Dobbins set out to become the best educator she could be. Her commitment to growth, mentorship, and student success has guided her from earning bachelor’s and master’s ... 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