[{"id":94061,"date":"2026-05-04T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/?p=94061"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:39:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T14:39:05","slug":"angel-cano-turned-opportunity-into-a-college-degree-at-ua-little-rock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/angel-cano-turned-opportunity-into-a-college-degree-at-ua-little-rock\/","title":{"rendered":"Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\nAs Angel Cano prepares to walk across the commencement stage at UA Little Rock, he thinks back to a decision he made as a teenager in Cartagena, Colombia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was 16 when he left home, recruited to the United States to play baseball and pursue an education. It meant leaving behind family, familiarity and everything he had ever known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a new country, baseball was his one constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It became his balance, carrying him through the early years of adjustment \u2014 learning a new environment, building a new routine and figuring out life away from home. But Cano understood this was more than a chance to play college baseball in the United States. It was an opportunity to earn a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cano is graduating with a degree in criminal justice, a career path he plans to pursue when his playing days are over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know there will be life after baseball,\u201d he said. \u201cThe reason I chose criminal justice is I\u2019ve always been fascinated with how law and the process of law works. And I have a lot of respect for law enforcement and what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baseball opened the door for Cano, but his education will carry him forward long after his playing days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI always know baseball isn\u2019t going to be everything,\u201d Cano said. \u201cI came to the United States when I was 16 because of baseball, and I\u2019m still doing what I love. But the reality is, if I would\u2019ve stayed in Colombia, this probably wouldn\u2019t have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cano came to UA Little Rock as a transfer student-athlete from Western Oklahoma State University. As a Trojan, he\u2019s continuing to build on the foundation he laid for himself since he began playing the sport. Since his arrival in the U.S., he\u2019s spent time learning how to adjust to the changes. But baseball was familiar and kept him focused. Over the past two seasons, he has become a steady presence for the Trojans, taking on a larger role in 2025 despite missing time due to injury. This season, he\u2019s playing a major role, hitting .321 with 52 hits and seven home runs across 42 games, providing a reliable, steady presence in the middle of the lineup while anchoring first base with a .985 fielding percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That steadiness, he said, didn\u2019t come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to move through them. Moving away from his native country at 16 forced him to grow up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge was being away from home,\u201d he said. \u201cI had to grow up real fast. Colombia is a developing country, so coming here and seeing all of this \u2014 it\u2019s a dream for a lot of people. As long as you put in the work, it\u2019s a dream that could last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over time, that perspective shaped how he approaches everything around him. Baseball, school, and daily life all require the same mindset: adjust, reset, and keep moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a baseball player, and that\u2019s my mindset in class,\u201d Cano said. \u201cI view everything as a challenge that I have to solve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baseball, he said, has shaped how he handles challenges when they come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBaseball taught me endurance and patience with challenges,\u201d Cano said. \u201cIf I\u2019m struggling with an assignment, I have to figure out the best way to get out of it. It made me a critical thinker.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s also how Cano views leadership: not in speeches or titles, but in how a team responds when things don\u2019t go perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone will have a bad day, and it\u2019s up to your team to pick you up when you do,\u201d he said. \u201cThe team is most successful when everyone can step up for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the thrilling 2025 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, Cano put together the best stretch of his college career. Over five games, he had 10 hits, four home runs, and drove in 15 runs, earning Most Valuable Player honors. He homered in three straight games, including a two-run shot in the second inning against host and top-ranked LSU that helped spark Little Rock\u2019s regional semifinal win. That swing later earned Play of the Year at the Trojan TOP Awards, where Cano was also named Baseball MVP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As graduation approaches, Cano said he is aware of how far he has come \u2014 and how many people back home are part of that journey with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is the dream,\u201d he said. \u201cNo matter why you\u2019re here, this is the dream \u2014 to do it in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For him, that dream has meant responsibility, change, and growth, but also gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s cool for the experience of another country and the environment,\u201d Cano said. \u201cBut you still have to take care of school. It\u2019s why you\u2019re here. For my family and friends back home, this is everything to them for me to be doing this, and I don\u2019t take it for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As Angel Cano prepares to walk across the commencement stage at UA Little Rock, he thinks back to a decision he made as a teenager in Cartagena, Colombia. He was … Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2036,"featured_media":94062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926,1922],"tags":[28389,36044,178,35323,3272,9540,29226,2218],"class_list":["post-94061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-research","tag-college-of-humanities-arts-social-sciences-and-education-chasse","tag-commencement-2026","tag-criminal-justice","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-little-rock-athletics","tag-little-rock-baseball","tag-school-of-criminal-justice-and-criminology","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"\nAngel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/angel-cano-turned-opportunity-into-a-college-degree-at-ua-little-rock\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As Angel Cano prepares to walk across the commencement stage at UA Little Rock, he thinks back to a decision he made as a teenager in Cartagena, Colombia. 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It originated with alumnus Turner Hudson, who appeared in university marketing materials online and on campus posters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After helping his chapter win the Trojan Spirit Award, senior fraternity members began calling Davidson \u201cthe new Mr. UALR.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe nickname spread quickly among the chapter and our friends,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cI love it and have accepted it as a defining part of my time as a student. It\u2019s a sign my chapter brothers recognize the work I\u2019ve put into improving our chapter and student life as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davidson chose UA Little Rock in part because of his mother, Dr. Sloan Davidson, director and professor in the School of Nursing. She has worked at the university since 2008, and he often visited campus as a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAttending freshman orientation and touring campus helped solidify that I made the right decision,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cI liked the smaller campus and class sizes. Coming from a small town, it made me feel comfortable and at home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He became involved on campus almost immediately. On his first day of classes, Delta Chi\u2019s recruitment chair invited him to an event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter attending recruitment week and accepting my bid, I quickly became close with the chapter members and eager to get more involved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davidson said he connected with the fraternity\u2019s values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe guys in the chapter genuinely cared about me and wanted what was best for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was elected Delta Chi president during his junior year in 2024. Wanting to increase student involvement, he ensured the fraternity participated in major campus events. The chapter later won the Trojan Cup and Chapter of the Year honors, and Davidson received the Trojan Spirit Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summer 2025, he became a Student Government Association senator representing the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI saw this as another way to advocate for Greek life and improve student life at UA Little Rock,\u201d he said. \u201cI just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI always thought UA Little Rock had the potential for a strong, connected student body,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m honored to have played a role in improving Greek life, student life, and the campus community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of his favorite memories was leading Delta Chi during homecoming week in spring 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHomecoming includes the Trojan Cup competition, a series of events and challenges,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cI was able to coordinate my team through many of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said the cardboard boat regatta was his favorite event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur team sailed to victory, earning the team spirit award and winning the Trojan Cup overall,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was especially meaningful because it was the first time our chapter had ever won.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later that year, the chapter also won Chapter of the Year for the first time in its history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was honored to lead the chapter during such a historic year,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cReceiving the Trojan Spirit Award that semester recognized my commitment to campus involvement and leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davidson credits faculty members Dr. Barclay Key, Dr. Kristen Mann, and Dr. Stephanie Davis for shaping his experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDr. Key helped me navigate challenges with my courses, motivation, and graduation plans,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen I felt lost, he helped me stay on track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said Mann and Davis also had a strong impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey have a genuine passion for their work and their students\u2019 success,\u201d he said. \u201cThey helped me understand difficult material and truly wanted me to succeed. They\u2019ve helped shape who I am as a student and influenced my decision to pursue graduate school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Davidson plans to continue at UA Little Rock, pursuing a master\u2019s degree in public history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want to focus on historic preservation and begin a career in parks or a related field,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope to help maintain historic sites for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davidson said his experiences at UA Little Rock have prepared him well for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy involvement as a student leader taught me leadership, communication, and a passion for success,\u201d he said. \u201cMy coursework strengthened my research, historiography, and writing skills. Together, those experiences have prepared me for what\u2019s next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His advice to students is simple: get involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re only here for about four years,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t spend all that time in your dorm room. Find what interests you. UA Little Rock has something for everyone \u2014 student government, Greek life, academic and recreational clubs. You\u2019ll build friendships, grow your network, and gain valuable skills that will impact your future.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Known across campus as \u201cMr. UALR,\u201d Noah Davidson, a history major from Beebe, Arkansas, will graduate in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Davidson, who has been <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/ua-little-rock-graduate-earns-nickname-through-years-of-campus-leadership\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> UA Little Rock Graduate Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":94046,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[36044,35323,36026,25167,16288,2002,2218],"class_list":["post-94045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-commencement-2026","tag-leaders-in-the-classroom-and-communities","tag-pat-walker-center-for-nursing","tag-school-of-nursing","tag-sloan-davidson","tag-student-government-association","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UA Little Rock Graduate Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/ua-little-rock-graduate-earns-nickname-through-years-of-campus-leadership\/\" \/>\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 Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Known across campus as \u201cMr. UALR,\u201d Noah Davidson, a history major from Beebe, Arkansas, will graduate in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 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in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Originally from Mexico, Emilia Martinez is preparing to reach a milestone in her family\u2019s history. This May, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/masscomm\/ma\/\">master\u2019s degree in mass communication<\/a> \u2014 becoming the first in her family to earn a graduate degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I have always been a big fan of school, for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I truly believe that school is both a challenge and a form of preparation that helps you grow into a disciplined human being.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Martinez earned a double bachelor’s degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/business\/\">business administration<\/a> and communications with an emphasis in journalism from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. For the Little Rock resident, education reflects the discipline, effort, and accountability required for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“A degree represents the hard work you\u2019ve invested in gaining knowledge and holding yourself accountable,\u201d she said. \u201cThat said, earning my master\u2019s degree has always been a dream of mine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During her time in graduate school at UA Little Rock, Martinez has balanced multiple responsibilities. She is a full-time student and part-time graduate assistant. She also worked for the Arkansas Business Publishing Group during the summer and fall semesters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I\u2019ve been lucky enough to earn my master\u2019s while having two jobs that not only helped pay for my education but also allowed me to meet extraordinary people,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout a demanding schedule, Martinez said the support of others helped her stay grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“I\u2019ve had incredible bosses, professors, family, and friends who made this juggle easier than I expected,” she said. “Easy? No, it wasn\u2019t, but nothing in life that is worth it is easy. Everything comes with challenges and struggles, but that is the beauty of life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of her most meaningful experiences was coaching the university\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lrtrojans.com\/sports\/swimming-and-diving\">Little Rock Swimming and Diving Team<\/a> \u2014 a role she initially stepped into without knowing how much it would shape her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before coming to Little Rock, Martinez had swum for four years as an undergrad on a scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to explore coaching because my dad was my swim coach for 20 years, and I wanted to do the same thing he did for me \u2013 for other people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What began as exploration soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her graduate experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Over the past two years, I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to coach someone into becoming the best version of themselves,” she said. “The fact that the 30-plus women I met along the way allowed me to be part of their growth is something I will always be grateful for.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nathan Townsend, the team’s head coach, said Martinez worked as a graduate assistant and has been a cornerstone of the swimming program. She has shown a top work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEmilia is someone I trust deeply, not only because of how hard she works, but because of the insight and perspective she brings to every situation,\u201d he said. \u201cDuring challenging moments, her steady presence and mindset helped guide our team forward and played a meaningful role in our success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Martinez credits her parents, sister, and boyfriend with encouraging her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams while far from home. After graduation, she plans to work in FedEx\u2019s sales enablement department, focusing on project management and communications content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During her college experience, Martinez gained insights she wants to share with other students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Don\u2019t let fear stop you from doing the thing that scares you the most,” she said. “That is how I approached these last two years while pursuing my master\u2019s. I stepped out of my shell to build real connections with my professors and allowed them to challenge me through different classes and assignments.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Originally from Mexico, Emilia Martinez is preparing to reach a milestone in her family\u2019s history. This May, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/first-in-her-family-emilia-martinez-turns-a-dream-into-a-masters-degree\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":94037,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1925,1926],"tags":[28389,36044,35323,3272,2071,24765,171,2218,36010],"class_list":["post-94010","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-little-rock-athletics","tag-master-of-business-administration","tag-school-of-business","tag-school-of-mass-communication","tag-student-success","tag-swimming-and-diving-team"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master's Degree - News - UA Little Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/04\/first-in-her-family-emilia-martinez-turns-a-dream-into-a-masters-degree\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master's Degree\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Originally from Mexico, Emilia Martinez is preparing to reach a milestone in her family\u2019s history. This May, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a ... 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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. <\/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. <a href=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\/\" class=\"more-link\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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. ... Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/01\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\/\" \/>\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=\"2026-05-01T13:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-01T16:16:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2026\/02\/ASBTDC-setups-2025_256.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"808\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Samantha Koros\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Samantha Koros\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Samantha Koros\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4d2d71db64fc5dad90eaff1ce9387967\"},\"headline\":\"Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-01T13:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-01T16:16:36+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":253,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/ASBTDC-setups-2025_256.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center\",\"Leaders in the Classroom and Communities\",\"Student Success\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Community\",\"Featured\",\"Research\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/\",\"name\":\"Find Your Funding: ASBTDC\u2019s \u2018Lender Quick Connect\u2019 at UA Little Rock - News - UA Little Rock\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/ASBTDC-setups-2025_256.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-01T13:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-01T16:16:36+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/01\\\/find-your-funding-asbtdcs-lender-quick-connect-at-ua-little-rock\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/ASBTDC-setups-2025_256.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ualr.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/240\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/ASBTDC-setups-2025_256.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":808,\"caption\":\"UA Little Rock will host Lender Quick Connect May 13 at the Reynolds Business Center. 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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’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. <\/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. <\/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. <\/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’s journey looks different.\u201d Ambrus said. <\/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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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. 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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, and physics, 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 <\/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 <\/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 <\/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 <\/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. <\/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 <\/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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>“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,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas, Google.org. “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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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. <\/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. <\/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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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’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’ 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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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 <\/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\">…<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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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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