[{"id":94053,"date":"2026-05-01T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94053"},"modified":"2026-04-30T16:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T21:33:00","slug":"find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\/","title":{"rendered":"Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small business owners to fast-track their funding search at the upcoming Lender Quick-Connect event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organized by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), this event connects current and prospective business owners directly with local lenders in a dynamic environment. The event will take place May 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Reynolds Business Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lender Quick-Connect will bring together 14 banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with lending professionals, gaining valuable insights into funding options, application requirements and what lenders look for in loan applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLender Quick-Connect is an excellent opportunity to pitch a project to several potential local funding partners in a short period of time and explore financing options available through banks, credit unions, microlenders, and Community Development Financial Institutions,\u201dsaid ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event aims to empower entrepreneurs to confidently pursue the capital they need to launch or expand their ventures. Whether you\u2019re a startup seeking seed money or an established business looking to grow, Lender Quick-Connect offers a unique platform to learn about financial resources and make meaningful connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required. <a href=\"https:\/\/asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com\/events\/70372508\">Reserve your spot online<\/a>, or contact ASBTDC\u2019s Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu. For more information, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/asbtdc.org\/fast-track-your-funding-search-at-lender-quick-connect\/\">ASBTDC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small business owners to fast-track their funding search at the upcoming Lender Quick-Connect event.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":93467,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[1932,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-arkansas-small-business-and-technology-development-center","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 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\/01\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-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=\"Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small business owners to fast-track their funding search at the upcoming Lender Quick-Connect event.&nbsp; ... 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A familiar face at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the social media coordinator will graduate May 16 with a master\u2019s degree in mass communication. Ambrus is not only telling the university\u2019s story \u2014 she\u2019s actively shaping it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ambrus earned her undergraduate degree in journalism in 2023 from the University of Central Arkansas and was convinced she had closed the school chapter of her story.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cA few months after graduating with my bachelor&#8217;s, I applied for a social media coordinator position at UA Little Rock. Once I got the job and experienced the campus, everything just felt like divine timing\u2014going from one college campus to another,\u201d Ambrus said. \u201cAfter encouragement from a close family friend and falling in love with the campus, I pushed myself to keep going and pursue a master\u2019s degree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That sense of \u201cdivine-timing\u201d became a defining chapter in both her academic and professional career.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/masscomm\/ma\/\">Master of Arts in Mass Communication<\/a> program, Ambrus had the opportunity to explore the world of public relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn undergrad, my minor was in public relations, and after graduating, I realized I connected more with the strategic and creative aspects of PR than traditional journalism,\u201d Ambrus said. \u201cI enjoyed the storytelling side, but I was especially drawn to how messaging, branding, and audience engagement all come together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shift in focus allowed her to invest in the skills that aligned with her evolving career aspirations. Through her coursework and hands-on experience, she strengthened her abilities in areas such as social media strategy, campaign planning and audience analysis. She was then able to turn around and directly apply what she was learning to her job, providing additional insights to the Marketing and Communications department.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m proud of Sydney\u2019s hard work in graduate school and her ability to tell UA Little Rock\u2019s story through engaging social media. Her drive and determination reflect the very best of our students,\u201d said Meaghan Milliorn, senior director of web strategy and operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working in a real-world communication environment while completing her degree was invaluable, yet did not come without its challenges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBeing in a real-world university communications setting gave me a significant advantage because I was able to bridge the gap between theory and practice in a very hands-on way,\u201d Ambrus said. \u201cI chose UA Little Rock because the online format was convenient and the program was affordable and flexible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her dedication did not go unnoticed. She earned the honor of being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. An accomplishment that is open only to the top 10% of graduate students. She has also been recognized multiple times by her high school alma mater as a successful alum and role model for current students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind those academic accomplishments was consistent mentorship from faculty. Ambrus said Dr. Timothy Edwards, a professor within the school of mass communication and her professional project chair, provided steady guidance, sharing scholarship opportunities and was always available to provide support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSydney is focused, determined, disciplined, and hardworking. I always knew she would exceed\u00a0expectations and succeed professionally,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her experience as a graduate student has served her far beyond just academics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBalancing a full-time role with an online program pushed me to take ownership of my learning and adjust to competing priorities,\u201d she said. \u201cMore than anything, it taught me to keep going, keep learning, and that knowledge truly is power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For students considering a similar path, she offers practical advice rooted in her own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGraduate school is a marathon, not a race. Take it one step at a time, lean on your support system, and remember that everyone&#8217;s journey looks different.\u201d Ambrus said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What began as a return to campus for a job has come full circle for Sydney Ambrus. A familiar face at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the social <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/ua-little-rock-graduate-sydney-ambrus-turns-passion-for-storytelling-into-strategic-communications-career\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Graduate Student Sydney Ambrus Turns Passion for Storytelling into Strategic Communications Career<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94034,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[28389,36044,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","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 v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Graduate Student Sydney Ambrus Turns Passion for Storytelling into Strategic Communications Career - 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\/01\/ua-little-rock-graduate-sydney-ambrus-turns-passion-for-storytelling-into-strategic-communications-career\/\" \/>\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 Sydney Ambrus Turns Passion for Storytelling into Strategic Communications Career\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What began as a return to campus for a job has come full circle for Sydney Ambrus. A familiar face at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the social ... 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Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When Spencer Knight first chose UA Little Rock, his decision was grounded in practicality. The Donaghey Scholars Program offered him a path to graduate debt-free, an opportunity that allowed him to focus fully on his future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What he found went far beyond financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knight, a double major in electrical and computer engineering, said he initially struggled to connect socially after arriving on campus.. Living in the residence halls, especially his time in North Hall, became a turning point. Surrounded by peers and immersed in new experiences, he gradually grew into someone confident, curious, and eager to engage with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUA Little Rock fostered an environment where I was able to learn to engage with my community,\u201d Knight said. \u201cThrough that, I was able to find a great number of opportunities.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That growth proved transformative. Through connections he built on campus, Knight secured internships, including a NASA internship through the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium experience that helped define his career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than pointing to a single breakthrough moment, Knight credits his success to steady, incremental growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy growth comes in small steps,\u201d he said. \u201cA lot of small things have clicked over time.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A key influence throughout that journey was the Donaghey Scholars community. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded students helped normalize ambition and reinforced his own goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a struggle to aim high when you feel like you\u2019re the only one on that path,\u201d Knight said. \u201cBut when your closest friends are passionate about their fields, it feels almost natural.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knight also found hands-on learning to be essential. Lab-based and project-focused courses gave him the ability to engage deeply with material and strengthen his academic foundation. Combined with internships earned through campus connections, these experiences prepared him for life beyond graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside the classroom, Knight believes his greatest impact came through supporting others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCollege has been the toughest time of my life filled with adversity, and I know I\u2019m not alone in that,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing there for others\u2026when done consistently over time can have a profound impact.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many students, Knight faced challenges, especially staying motivated with coursework. But being surrounded by peers working through the same struggles made a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStruggling can be tough, but it\u2019s a lot easier when you\u2019re doing it with others,\u201d he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through study abroad experiences and conversations with a diverse campus community, Knight broadened his perspective and strengthened his sense of purpose. Now, as he prepares to graduate, he sees the future as wide open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGraduating means I finally have the freedom to find my path in the world,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd that is extremely exciting.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As he graduates, Knight plans to pursue a career in engineering, building on the hands-on experience, technical skills, and professional network he developed at UA Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His advice to future Trojans reflects the mindset that guided his own journey: stay open, step outside your comfort zone, and invest in personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen you do those things,\u201d he said, \u201cyou\u2019ll find yourself in places and situations you would never expect, and that\u2019s where life-changing opportunities happen.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Spencer Knight first chose UA Little Rock, his decision was grounded in practicality. The Donaghey Scholars Program offered him a path to graduate debt-free, an opportunity that allowed him <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/from-connection-to-opportunity-spencer-knight-finds-his-path-at-ua-little-rock\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  From Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[2074,25799,28727,35323,3345,2218],"class_list":["post-94025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-arkansas-space-grant-consortium","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-donaghey-scholars-honors-program","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-nasa","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>From Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path 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\/01\/from-connection-to-opportunity-spencer-knight-finds-his-path-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=\"From Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When Spencer Knight first chose UA Little Rock, his decision was grounded in practicality. 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Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $1 million in funding from <a href=\"http:\/\/google.org\">Google.org<\/a>, the company\u2019s philanthropy, to establish a statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students while delivering critical cybersecurity support to organizations across Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new initiative builds on the university\u2019s leadership in the Cyber Learning Network, a collaborative effort that brings together colleges and universities across the state to strengthen cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is an important step forward for our students, our partners, and communities across Arkansas,\u201d said UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. \u201cAt UA Little Rock, we are committed not only to preparing students for the future, but to applying what we do in ways that directly strengthen our communities. This initiative does both.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Cybersecurity Clinic Network will connect students, faculty, and partner institutions to provide real-world cybersecurity services to underserved organizations, including small utilities, municipalities, rural healthcare providers, K\u201312 schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Support from Google.org makes it possible to scale this work statewide, expanding access to hands-on learning while strengthening cybersecurity capacity for organizations across Arkansas. In addition, prior funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), secured through Senator John Boozman\u2019s office, supported the development of key technologies that enable the clinic\u2019s cybersecurity assessment and remediation services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Navigating the recent increase in disruptive cyber attacks on essential services\u2014from local power grids to hospitals \u2014 will rely on a strong cyber workforce capable of defending against everyday threats,&#8221; said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas, Google.org. &#8220;Cyber clinics are a crucial part of this effort: it gives students the hands-on experience they need to start careers, while at the same time providing vital, no-cost security services to local organizations that need them most. It\u2019s a smart investment in both our workforce and the critical infrastructure that communities depend on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students participating in the clinics will work under faculty supervision to conduct cybersecurity assessments, recommend secure systems, deploy monitoring tools, and assist with remediation planning using industry best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur goal is to ensure students have meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them to succeed in critical fields like cybersecurity,\u201d said Provost Ann Bain. \u201cThis model connects classroom learning with real-world challenges, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills while making a meaningful impact across our state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program is expected to train more than 500 students and support more than 150 organizations statewide over the next six years. It will also be part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/cybersecurityclinics.org\/\">Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics<\/a>, providing students with access to expanded training, collaboration, and career pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Philip Huff, director of the UA Little Rock Center for Research in Cybersecurity Engineering (CORE), said the initiative reflects years of collaboration across Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen the tremendous potential of connecting education directly with service,\u201d Huff said. \u201cThis investment allows us to expand a proven model that strengthens our workforce pipeline while improving the resilience of critical infrastructure across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Cybersecurity Clinic Network is a systemwide effort involving institutions across the University of Arkansas System, community colleges, and private partners, ensuring access and impact in communities across Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis effort brings together higher education institutions across the state to expand opportunity and strengthen our economy,\u201d said UA System President Jay B. Silveria. \u201cBy building a skilled cybersecurity workforce and supporting critical infrastructure, this initiative will benefit every corner of Arkansas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By strengthening the state\u2019s cybersecurity workforce pipeline while supporting critical infrastructure, UA Little Rock is leading a model that delivers real results for Arkansas communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $1 million in funding from Google.org, the company\u2019s philanthropy, to establish a statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/30\/ua-little-rock-launches-statewide-cybersecurity-clinic-network-with-1-million-google-org-funding\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94057,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[2290,35704,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-cybersecurity","tag-cyberspace-operations-research-and-education-center","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding - 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\/04\/30\/ua-little-rock-launches-statewide-cybersecurity-clinic-network-with-1-million-google-org-funding\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $1 million in funding from Google.org, the company\u2019s philanthropy, to establish a statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for ... 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She will continue to serve in an advisory role as past chair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CASE \u2014 the Council for Advancement and Support of Education \u2014 is a global professional organization composed of colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit institutions. It supports professionals in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, and provides strategy and tools to strengthen enrollment, engagement and long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The end of Phillips\u2019 formal leadership marks the culmination of a nearly 20-year volunteer journey with CASE District IV that began, she said, almost by accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis was never the plan,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter getting my degree, I planned to work for a year or so at a college while the economy got better and then find something else. Instead, I found a career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That early work in higher education led to what she describes as a \u201cvoluntold\u201d assignment \u2014 attending a CASE district conference that quickly pulled her into volunteer service. From there, she moved into successive cabinet and conference leadership roles, including serving as District IV conference chair in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI left the first conference with a volunteer spot the next year. The rest, as they say, is history,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When she stepped into the chair-elect role, Phillips said District IV lacked a cohesive structure for engagement outside its annual conference. That gap became the foundation for what she considers her most significant contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur district didn\u2019t quite have an identity,\u201d Phillips said. \u201cI developed the engagement model that our district implemented. We created a plan that didn\u2019t exist and executed it. That plan resulted in more than 1,000 engagements each year outside of the conference for our district. I\u2019m really proud of that effort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phillips said the work positioned the district for continued growth. The framework she helped design has since been adopted by all seven other CASE districts. She also shared the results with CASE trustees at a national meeting a few years ago, elevating both District IV and UA Little Rock\u2019s presence in national advancement discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leading a district that spans Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, required alignment, Phillips said. Member institutions vary widely in size, mission and resources. She and the District IV cabinet worked to build a shared framework that could connect and support those institutions through intentional outreach and programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe sat down as a cabinet and looked at our overall engagement goal, identified the groups we wanted to reach and developed tactics to support them,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a very marketing-driven approach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That systems-focused leadership mirrors Phillips\u2019 work at UA Little Rock, a metropolitan research institution committed to expanding access to education and preparing career-ready graduates for the regional workforce. In her role at the university, she oversees institutional marketing and communications strategy. That work shapes UA Little Rock\u2019s enrollment messaging, strengthens brand positioning, and aligns the university\u2019s storytelling across campus. Through her involvement with CASE, Phillips has connected UA Little Rock with national best practices and peer institutions addressing similar priorities in enrollment, communications and institutional positioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCASE is good for UA Little Rock,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are so many institutions that we can always learn something from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those connections have had practical impact. Phillips said early planning for the university\u2019s upcoming centennial celebration has been informed by conversations with CASE colleagues across the country. She also has contributed to CASE efforts to establish professional metrics for marketing and communications \u2014 standards designed to help institutions assess effectiveness and improve operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBecause of my involvement at the leadership level, we\u2019ve been able to give feedback and help shape those standards,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen complete, that work will be a key tool to help units across the world assess their approach and continue improving their marketing and communications function.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She credited UA Little Rock leadership, including Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Vice Chancellor Christian O\u2019Neal, with supporting her service and recognizing its institutional value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have to begin with thank yous,\u201d Phillips said. \u201cChancellor Drale and Christian O\u2019Neal were both incredibly supportive of my CASE involvement. They saw the bigger picture of how this could help the institution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O\u2019Neal said Phillips\u2019 leadership strengthened both District IV and UA Little Rock\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCarrie\u2019s leadership has elevated not only our work at UA Little Rock, but the visibility of our institution across the CASE District IV region and beyond,\u201d O\u2019Neal said. \u201cShe brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to everything she does and has a unique ability to connect people and ideas in meaningful ways. Carrie has managed well at home and well at CASE. We are all better for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chancellor Drale said Phillips\u2019 impact has been just as significant within the university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCarrie brings to the table a consummate professionalism that has allowed us to transform our marketing and communication division into the powerhouse it is today,\u201d Drale said. \u201cShe has an impressive creative talent as well as sharp analytical skills. But her superpower is her ability to understand the importance of mission and purpose and translate those into strategy, structure, and messaging. And for an extra bonus, she is a delight to work with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Phillips, the most lasting impact of her CASE journey is rooted in community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCASE friends became family,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are better together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As she hands leadership to her successor, Baleigh McCoin, executive director of Advancement and Marketing at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, Phillips is confident in the district\u2019s continued progress. Phillips said she is especially proud that McCoin is the first leader from a two-year institution to serve in the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve built the framework, and I\u2019m excited to see her build on it and continue to refine it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While her term comes to a close, her involvement continues, as does the work of advancing institutions such as UA Little Rock through collaboration and shared purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the CASE District IV Conference convened in Dallas in April, Dr. Carrie Phillips marked the approaching close of her term as district chair, capping four years of growth, stronger <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/30\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94051,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[32961,36024,5112,6730,3203,35585,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-carrie-phillips","tag-chancellor-christina-drale","tag-christian-oneal","tag-christina-drale","tag-communications-and-marketing","tag-council-for-the-advancement-and-support-of-education","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage - 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\/04\/30\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As the CASE District IV Conference convened in Dallas in April, Dr. Carrie Phillips marked the approaching close of her term as district chair, capping four years of growth, stronger ... Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/30\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UALittleRock\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-30T13:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2026\/04\/Carrie-CASE.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Justin Bates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Justin Bates\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Justin Bates\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a8336890d544505fbdbb0f0e689814a7\"},\"headline\":\"Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-30T13:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1069,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Carrie-CASE.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Carrie Phillips\",\"Chancellor Christina Drale\",\"Christian O\u2019Neal\",\"Christina Drale\",\"Communications and Marketing\",\"Council for the Advancement and Support of Education\",\"Leaders in the Classroom and Communities\",\"Student Success\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Community\",\"Featured\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/\",\"name\":\"Dr. Carrie Phillips\u2019 CASE Leadership Elevates UA Little Rock on National Stage - News - UA Little Rock\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Carrie-CASE.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-30T13:00:00+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/30\\\/dr-carrie-phillips-case-leadership-elevates-ua-little-rock-on-national-stage\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Carrie-CASE.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Carrie-CASE.png\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"Dr. Carrie Phillips speaks at a past CASE District IV Conference. 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Nathan Treece received the Personal Growth Award, Sydney Ambrus received the Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award, and Ronda Petray received the Community Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Established in 1989, the Staff Senate Achievement Awards recognize employees who have brought distinction to UA Little Rock through personal achievement, service to the university, and service to the community. The awards are presented annually during the Staff Senate Awards Ceremony, which celebrates staff contributions and recognizes employees for their impact on the university and the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about each award and its recipient below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personal-growth-award\">Personal Growth Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nathan Treece, reporter and local host for Little Rock Public Radio, has received the Personal Growth Award. It recognizes an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI would like to thank everyone at Little Rock Public Radio for considering me for this honor,\u201d Treece said. \u201cI couldn&#8217;t imagine a better group of people to work with. The team is so supportive of one another and works hard to bring critical information and educational programming to Arkansas&#8217; airwaves every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treece earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with honors from UA Little Rock in 2017. He previously worked as a public information officer for the Arkansas Division of Heritage and spent four years in television news as a producer for KARK and KLRT. In his current role, he serves as a reporter and host of NPR\u2019s <em>Morning Edition<\/em> for Little Rock Public Radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ben-fry-service-to-ua-little-rock-award\">Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sydney Ambrus, social media coordinator and videographer in the Office of Communications and Marketing, has received the Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award. It recognizes an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas, or support and encouragement of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is truly an honor to receive the Ben Fry Service Award. I love being out on campus, volunteering and collaborating with different committees and departments, and connecting with so many people across the university. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the UA Little Rock community,\u201d Ambrus said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ambrus produces digital content that highlights university initiatives, student success, and campus life. She plays a key role in leading the university\u2019s Maroon Monday campaign, a social media initiative that encourages students, faculty, and staff to wear maroon in support of the Trojans and helps build school spirit across campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-community-service-award\">Community Service Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ronda Petray, a program coordinator in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has received the Community Service Award. It recognizes an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or has had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously very exciting to win a monetary award and to be recognized for continued support and contributions to my department, to my college, and to the university as a whole \u2014 there\u2019s no way I could have gotten anywhere near as far if I didn\u2019t have my core support team around me,\u201d Portray said. \u201cEveryone I work with contributes to my daily successes. I couldn\u2019t do anything without them all!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Petray supports student success initiatives and academic programs and is actively involved in student engagement efforts on campus, including her work with student organizations such as the Math Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the UA Little Rock Staff Senate, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/staffsenate\/\">ualr.edu\/staffsenate<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has honored three staff members for their exceptional work in the areas of personal growth, service to the university, and community service. Nathan <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-honors-treece-ambrus-petray-with-2026-staff-achievement-awards\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Honors Treece, Ambrus, Petray with 2026 Staff Achievement Awards<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94042,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[3203,25799,35323,35560,2108,233,2218],"class_list":["post-94041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-communications-and-marketing","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-little-rock-public-radio","tag-staff-achievement-awards","tag-staff-senate","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Honors Treece, Ambrus, Petray with 2026 Staff Achievement Awards - 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\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-honors-treece-ambrus-petray-with-2026-staff-achievement-awards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Honors Treece, Ambrus, Petray with 2026 Staff Achievement Awards\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has honored three staff members for their exceptional work in the areas of personal growth, service to the university, and community service. 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For Wilson, the journey to a career in <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/masscomm\/\">broadcast journalism<\/a> has been a story of family inspiration, perseverance and self-discovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Storytelling has always been close to home for her. Inspired by her father, a passionate writer who spent years balancing creativity with a demanding career, she found her voice early through poems, songs and short stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s really what pushed me,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cHe loved storytelling, but didn\u2019t always have the time to pursue it. That made me want to see if I could take it somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her passion for storytelling blossomed in high school journalism classes, but it was at UA Little Rock that Wilson found her niche. Media courses, along with opportunities in radio and TV journalism, ignited her interest in broadcast journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through an internship at KATV, Wilson turned classroom experience into hands-on work in producing and reporting within a fast-paced newsroom, gaining valuable insight into the world of news production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt definitely broadened my knowledge in so many different things,\u201d she said. \u201cIn school, you learn a little bit of everything,\u201d she said. \u201cBut at the station, you see how it all comes together in real time. At KATV\u2026you really get the nitty gritty of their job and what goes into it. So it\u2019s definitely broadened my personal skills, because now I have more real-world experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her work at KATV has already begun to open new doors. Following her internship experience, she has been invited back, this time as a paid intern, giving her the opportunity to continue building on the skills she developed in the newsroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Balancing the roles of student, intern and mother is no simple task. Wilson has faced her share of challenges, but she approaches them with resilience. She acknowledges that some days are more difficult than others, yet her motivation remains constant\u2014her daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOver anything else, this little person is looking up to me and seeing what I\u2019m doing, and I want her to look back and be able to say, \u2018my mom did that.\u2019\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her perspective on higher education is deeply tied to her journey. While she recognizes that many in her generation and younger question the value of a college degree, Wilson sees her experience as proof of its impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a growing skepticism around college, but for me, it\u2019s made all the difference. I wouldn\u2019t be where I am today without it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That perspective has become a message Wilson hopes to share with others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by the demands of pursuing a degree later in life or alongside other commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou have to do it, and you have to do it tired,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s nobody else that\u2019s going to do it for you\u2014you have to do it for yourself and for the life you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Wilson prepares to walk across the stage, she is looking ahead to what comes next, carrying with her the experience she\u2019s gained both in the newsroom and in her everyday life. From balancing classes and an internship to raising her daughter and building a future for her family, her journey reflects the determination it takes to keep going. Now, as she steps into the next chapter of her career, she hopes her story shows others that even with competing responsibilities, reaching your goals is possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This spring, University of Arkansas at Little Rock student, Grace Wilson, will cross the stage not only as a graduate, but as a mother and emerging broadcast journalist with real <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-student-grace-wilson-balances-motherhood-broadcast-journalism-on-path-to-graduation\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Student Grace Wilson Balances Motherhood, Broadcast Journalism on Path to Graduation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2906,"featured_media":94018,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[28389,36044,35323,171,2218],"class_list":["post-94017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","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-school-of-mass-communication","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Student Grace Wilson Balances Motherhood, Broadcast Journalism on Path to Graduation - 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\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-student-grace-wilson-balances-motherhood-broadcast-journalism-on-path-to-graduation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Student Grace Wilson Balances Motherhood, Broadcast Journalism on Path to Graduation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This spring, University of Arkansas at Little Rock student, Grace Wilson, will cross the stage not only as a graduate, but as a mother and emerging broadcast journalist with real ... 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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are preparing to graduate this May, compete in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Track and Field Championships, and get married\u2014all within the span of just one week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hodge, a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Manatt, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, were both introduced to UA Little Rock through athletics. Hodge competes in jumps for Little Rock Track and Field, while Manatt is a pole vaulter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The couple will compete on the day of the university\u2019s official commencement ceremony but plan to participate in the Athletics ceremony the following Monday. Their wedding is set for Thursday, May 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI am absolutely stoked to start this new chapter. I\u2019m going to miss vaulting and running track, having a team, etc., but this new chapter is so exciting! Having a degree and chasing another, and getting to do that with my wife\u2014sign me up!\u201d Manatt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hodge learned of the Donaghey Scholars Program and decided to apply to UA Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was drawn to the scholarship opportunities, the chance to compete in track and field at the collegiate level, and the opportunity to study abroad through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program,\u201d Hodge said. \u201cBecause of the DSHP funding and study abroad, I was able to continue studying Spanish in addition to my biology and pre-med studies, which has opened so many doors and allowed me to pursue new volunteer opportunities in the medical field that I would otherwise not have been able to.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manatt said his understanding of the university expanded during his athletic visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt wasn\u2019t until I came on my athletic visit that I learned about all the opportunities like Chancellor\u2019s Leadership Corps (CLC), Chi Alpha, and so much more. I fell in love with how close-knit the track team was and how much the coaches and admin really cared for the program and all the athletes,\u201d Manatt said. \u201cUA Little Rock has so many opportunities for students to graduate with no student loans, and with grad school in mind, that was huge for my family,\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hodge is graduating with a double major in Spanish and biology, while Manatt is graduating with a degree in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThrough personal and volunteering experiences, I came to see a significant need for compassionate, culturally competent healthcare in our communities and realized that medical school will give me the opportunity to one day fill this need,\u201d Hodge said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sutton was inspired to pursue physical therapy during his time at UA Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to help people like me who have had injuries, back problems, health issues\u2014all of the above. I want to be someone who can make a difference. In my years here at UA Little Rock, I\u2019ve had so many different injuries, but each one of them I\u2019ve been able to come back stronger because of our ATs (athletic trainers) and PTs (physical therapists),\u201d Manatt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Hodge and Manatt reflected on moments during their time at UA Little Rock that made them especially proud. For Hodge, studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, stands out as a defining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne moment that has made me especially proud academically and personally was when I studied abroad in Valencia, Spain. After a couple weeks, I was able to confidently navigate the city and get to class, and I realized that I was actively living in a dream that I never thought I would be brave enough to make a reality,\u201d Hodge said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy time at UA Little Rock greatly increased my confidence in my abilities, thanks to every professor who poured into me and encouraged me along the way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manatt pointed to his success with the track and field team as a source of pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne thing that I\u2019m especially proud of is the three Track and Field championship rings that I get to wear. Being a part of a winning team was always something I dreamed of, especially on the D1 level.\u201d Manatt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe bond that I\u2019ve created with my guys on the team is something I\u2019ll cherish and never forget,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They shared that the close bond with their team will be what they miss most after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI am definitely going to miss getting to live and train and study with this group of people that are more like family than friends at this point, and I think it will be a big transition to not always have my workout and study buddies with me everywhere I go,\u201d Hodge said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy circle of guys that I\u2019m around most are so influential in my life. A few are going to be in my wedding, and many more are guys I know I can call at any time, and they will have my back or be there for me in an instant,\u201d Manatt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, the couple will be moving to Oklahoma. Both have been accepted into the University of Oklahoma, where Hodge will attend medical school and Manatt will pursue physical therapy school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they prepare for their move to Oklahoma, both reflect on the significance of being closer to family in this next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDuring our time here at UA Little Rock, we have been able to spend more time with Sutton\u2019s family, and it has been such a joy and blessing to have their support and get to know them over the past four years. I am really excited now to have that same opportunity with my family during our next chapter of life, and I hope that Sutton will be as encouraged by the support and love from my family during PT school as I was by his family during undergrad,\u201d Hodge said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI joked with Sutton a couple of years ago that we would spend our undergraduate years here in Little Rock, in his home state and near his family, and then it would be his turn to live in my home state near my family for the next four years, so it is pretty funny to me that that is exactly how it has worked out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve been so lucky to be close to home these past four years, being from Hot Springs. I\u2019ve gotten to be at family events and watch my little brother grow up and be at his baseball games. It\u2019s been really nice having them just an hour away, but I know Ragen has missed her family so much. Any chance we get to go up to OK and see her family, we always come back to school so rejuvenated and relaxed. I\u2019m so happy that we get to spend the next four or so years closer to her family so we can give her family the same thing my parents have had the last four years,\u201d Manatt said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An unforgettable week is on the horizon for Ragen Hodge and Sutton Manatt. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are preparing to graduate this May, compete in the <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/a-milestone-week-graduation-championships-and-i-do-for-ua-little-rock-couple\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  A Milestone Week: Graduation, Championships, and \u201cI Do\u201d for UA Little Rock Couple<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":94008,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[42,451,36044,25799,28727,35323,3272,2009,2218],"class_list":["post-94007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-biology","tag-chancellors-leadership-corps","tag-commencement-2026","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-donaghey-scholars-honors-program","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-little-rock-athletics","tag-spanish","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Milestone Week: Graduation, Championships, and \u201cI Do\u201d for UA Little Rock Couple - 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\/04\/29\/a-milestone-week-graduation-championships-and-i-do-for-ua-little-rock-couple\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Milestone Week: Graduation, Championships, and \u201cI Do\u201d for UA Little Rock Couple\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"An unforgettable week is on the horizon for Ragen Hodge and Sutton Manatt. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are preparing to graduate this May, compete in the ... 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Hodge competes in jumps for Little Rock Track and Field, while Manatt is a pole vaulter. The couple will compete on the day of the university\u2019s official commencement ceremony but plan to participate in the Athletics ceremony the following Monday. Their wedding is set for Thursday, May 21. 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This spring, the first-generation student will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and plans to begin a master\u2019s program this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennington is originally from Eagletown, Oklahoma, and later moved to Prescott, Arkansas, her husband\u2019s hometown. When choosing a university, flexibility mattered most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI chose UA Little Rock because it offered a flexible online program that fit my life,\u201d she said. \u201cIt allowed me to pursue my degree without putting my responsibilities as a Marine and a parent on hold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Pennington, who is earning a degree in middle childhood education, graduation is about more than academics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt means breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and giving my family something to be proud of,\u201d she said. \u201cI wanted to show that you are not defined by your past\u2014you can break generational cycles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Balancing military service, family life, and school required structure and discipline. Her days were focused on her duties in the Marine Corps, followed by time with her children in the evening. Once they were settled, she turned to schoolwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy weeks were all about time management, planning ahead, and staying disciplined,\u201d she said. \u201cI often reminded myself that you can\u2019t pour from an empty cup\u2014and that hard work pays off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There were challenges along the way, especially trying to manage everything at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere were times when it felt like there weren\u2019t enough hours in the day,\u201d she said. \u201cI stayed organized, set priorities, and reminded myself why I started. The support from my husband and my own determination kept me going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to completing her degree, Pennington earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and maintained a high GPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cConsistency and discipline were key,\u201d she said. \u201cMy biggest motivation was being someone my children would be proud to call their mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said her experience in the Marine Corps shaped how she approached school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt taught me discipline, resilience, and accountability,\u201d she said. \u201cThose values carried into my education and helped me stay focused.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As she looks ahead to graduate school at UA Little Rock, where she seeks a master\u2019s degree in curriculum and instruction, Pennington is ready for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m excited to keep growing and building on everything I\u2019ve worked for,\u201d she said. \u201cI also want to show my children that learning never stops.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Balee Pennington is raising two children, balancing military life, and using every spare moment she has to pursue a college degree. This spring, the first-generation student will graduate from the <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-student-balances-service-family-and-school\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  UA Little Rock Student Balances Service, Family, and School<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94013,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[28389,36044,35323,2785,2218],"class_list":["post-93987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","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-online-education","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Student Balances Service, Family, and School - 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\/04\/29\/ua-little-rock-student-balances-service-family-and-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UA Little Rock Student Balances Service, Family, and School\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Balee Pennington is raising two children, balancing military life, and using every spare moment she has to pursue a college degree. This spring, the first-generation student will graduate from the ... 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Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Nistha Neupane was in the middle of presenting her research at the UA Little Rock Research Expo when she got the news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHonestly, pure shock,\u201d she said. \u201cWithin a matter of two minutes, I was surrounded by my closest friends hugging me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The moment quickly turned into something else. Her first thought was to call her parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs first-generation immigrants who built our lives from the ground up, they have sacrificed the world for me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neupane is the winner of the Whitbeck Memorial Award. Established in memory of Edward Lynn Whitbeck, a senior at Little Rock University who passed away in 1965, the award was created by Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck to recognize exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Recipients receive a plaque, a monetary award, and deliver a speech at the spring commencement ceremony. She is completing degrees in biology and chemistry while spending more than three years conducting research in Dr. Noureen Siraj\u2019s lab. Neupane&#8217;s work focused on developing gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapies, and she presented her research at national conferences, including the American Chemical Society. Neupane was recently selected as a semifinalist in America\u2019s Startup, an official program of America250 that highlights emerging innovators from across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her research and entrepreneurial vision have also earned national recognition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Born in Nepal, Neupane moved to the United States as a child and grew up relocating as her father pursued his Ph.D. She said those early experiences shaped her ability to adapt and build community, something that carried into her time at UA Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She chose UA Little Rock because of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, which offered the kind of interdisciplinary education she was looking for. Its proximity to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provided the research and clinical opportunities to match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At UA Little Rock, she did both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her interest in medicine started long before college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a child, she dealt with years of chronic, undiagnosed pain while her family navigated the healthcare system without insurance. She said many doctors dismissed her symptoms until one physician took the time to listen and advocate for her, leading to the diagnosis of a tumor that was later removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat experience changed how I see medicine,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to be someone who listens and advocates for patients who feel overlooked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her perspective is also shaped by her family\u2019s experiences. She recalls stories about her grandfather, who died in a rural village in Nepal where access to medical care was limited. During an internship in Kathmandu, she saw similar challenges firsthand while working in a hospital with limited resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That focus on access and advocacy has guided her work on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neupane served as president of the Pre-Health Club and co-president of the American Chemical Society student organization, helping students prepare for careers in healthcare and STEM. She also worked with the Committee on Racial Equity for Students to support her peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo me, impact is about making the path clearer for the students coming after me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Balancing research, leadership, and service required discipline. Neupane said she relied on the values her family instilled in her, along with a strong sense of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere were times I questioned myself,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I kept coming back to why I started.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She credits faculty mentors across campus for helping her navigate challenges and grow as a student and leader, along with a close group of peers who supported her throughout her time at UA Little Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back, she said those challenges helped her better understand the importance of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey showed me that I was never doing it alone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiving the Whitbeck Award, she said, is a reflection of that journey and the broader impact of her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt means the world to know that the energy I poured into this campus was seen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Neupane will attend the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine as part of the Class of 2030. She plans to pursue a career that combines clinical care, research, and community advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want to be a physician who takes the time to listen,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s what made the difference for me.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nistha Neupane was in the middle of presenting her research at the UA Little Rock Research Expo when she got the news. \u201cHonestly, pure shock,\u201d she said. \u201cWithin a matter <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/28\/whitbeck-award-winner-nistha-neupane-focuses-on-advocacy-in-medicine\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Whitbeck Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":94023,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[36044,25799,28727,3520,35323,2218],"class_list":["post-94022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-commencement-2026","tag-donaghey-college-of-stem","tag-donaghey-scholars-honors-program","tag-edward-l-whitbeck-memorial-award","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Whitbeck Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine - 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\/04\/28\/whitbeck-award-winner-nistha-neupane-focuses-on-advocacy-in-medicine\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Whitbeck Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Nistha Neupane was in the middle of presenting her research at the UA Little Rock Research Expo when she got the news. \u201cHonestly, pure shock,\u201d she said. \u201cWithin a matter ... 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