Desarae Nelson, Ed.D.
Project Director | dxnelson1@ualr.edu | 501-916-6165
Dr. Desarae Nelson
Education: Doctorate of Higher Education Administration from UA Little Rock; Master of Science in Sports Administration from Henderson State University; Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ouachita Baptist University
Short Bio: Born and raised in Arkadelphia, AR, I come from a family of TRIO professionals. I love fishing and spending time with friends and family. Education is my passion. I love helping people expand their educational horizons because education, once achieved, can never be taken away. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”-Nelson Mandela
What do you love about TRIO: I love that TRIO provides nontraditional and underrepresented students opportunities to be successful in post-secondary education. There are so many times when students may consider giving up on their hopes and dreams because life just seems to knock them down. Thankfully, TRIO is always there to encourage them and support them along their journey so that they can continue to move forward one step at a time.
Why should Students Join SSS: Students should join SSS because there are so many ways that SSS can assist them. Students don’t always consider what needs they have outside of everyday academic needs. While SSS provides assistance with academic needs, SSS also provides networking opportunities and relationships that will last well beyond the student’s time here at UA Little Rock. TRIO SSS is a nurturing, family atmosphere. Come join our TRIO family because TRIO works!
Marty Mayfield, M.A.
Project Coordinator| mnmayfield@ualr.edu | (501-916-6163
Marty Mayfield
Education: M.A. Human Resources Management, Webster University; B.A. in Management Information Systems, UA Little Rock
Short Bio: I have over 14 years of professional higher education experience. I’m from Little Rock, Arkansas and was the first in my family to graduate from a 4-year institution. I understand and can relate to first-generation college students. Family time is my hobby!
What do you love about TRIO: What I love about TRIO is how everyone works together to ensure that our students are informed about the different activities happening across campus. The TRIO program also visits other universities to prepare our students for Graduate School opportunities on their academic journey past an undergraduate degree.
Why should Students Join SSS: Students should join TRIO because we can relate to them.
Jarvis Kelly, M.Ed.
Student Development Specialist | jxkelly1@ualr.edu | 501-916-6164
Schedule an Appointment (Students’ Last Names A-L)
Jarvis Kelly
Education: Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arkansas.
Short Bio: I was born and raised in Helena, Arkansas. I am a first generation college student with a passion for education, people, and understanding. I enjoy sitting on the bank of a river or lake, country music, working out and sports. Proverbs 19:8 “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul; He that keepeth understanding shall find good.”
What do you love about TRIO: I love that TRIO provides services for underrepresented students nationwide. Being a first generation college student myself I understand the great challenges that come with that. College is all about navigating and transitioning to adulthood and not having a support system for certain challenges can hinder a student. With TRIO underrepresented students have a support system and I love that.
Why should Students Join SSS: Students should join SSS for the support system and genuine care the SSS team has for student success. You would not feel alone during this stage of life and have people to push you, even when you don’t need/ want it. Come join TRIO to grow, have fun and be motivated to be the best you.
Michita Merriweather, M.A.
Student Development Specialist |mkmerriweath@ualr.edu | 501-916-6166
Schedule an Appointment (Students’ Last Names M-Z)
Michita Merriweather
Education: M.A. in Communication Studies, Arkansas State University; B.A. in Communication Studies, Arkansas State University
Short Bio: I am an Arkansas State University Alum from Little Rock, AR. I have been working in higher education for 8 years and I have spent 7 of those years with TRIO programs. I enjoy working with students and assisting them with being successful throughout their college journey and life in general.
What do you love about TRIO: I love that TRIO is a big family with the same goal which is student success.
Why should Students Join SSS: Students should join SSS to have additional resources and assistance with navigating through their journey.
Mahesh Thombre
Graduate Assistant |mmthombre@ualr.edu | 501-916-3481
Mahesh Thombre
Education: Pursuing my full time MBA from University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Masters of Personnel Management from Pune University in 2005 in First Division;
BA from Indira Gandhi National University in 2003 in Higher Second Division; Languages known : English, Hindi, Marathi, basic Spanish
Short Bio: I am working as Graduate Assistant at Student Support Services for TRIO. My professional experience is a mix of serving for the Air Force in India in Human Resource to working in the corporate sector in the capacity of Human Resource Business Professional as Director – Human Resources for India, Middle East and Africa region. During my corporate life, I worked to set up an Engineering Design Centre in Pune, India, to work in a manufacturing plant and Sales and Service division (Frontline Unit) for my organization. As a part of my work, I have been responsible for Recruitment, Talent Management and developing & implementing training programs for employees in my organization. I have also led the IMEA Market Area safety team consisting of 4 members coordinating country safety efforts in line with global Safety policy.
What do you love about TRIO: TRIO is a program which supports the students from first generation or economically unprivileged backgrounds to get their footing in the educational institution. It helps them to get them professional education, so that they perform better in their professional careers and be a role model for their friends and family in society. It also supports the students to get wholesome learning by arranging fun workshops, field study trips, books and tutorships classes whenever there is a need.
Why should Students Join SSS: Students should join SSS, as it is very professional and at the same time friendly when it comes to taking care of their needs. The advisors are very open and welcoming to guide them in their studies. The whole staff of Advisors / Coordinators make available resources from other departments to support the students in their educational journey. It also has a fully equipped computer lab with printer and other stationery material for students to not only study but to do their assignments or school projects. The students can rely on SSS to get timely support at any time.
Jennifer Harrison
Graduate Assistant/Tutoring Coordinator | jxharrison2@ualr.edu | 501-916-3481
Jennifer Harrison
Education: Currently enrolled in a Master’s of Education program in Learning Systems Technology; Graduated Summa Cum Laude from UA Little Rock in 2021 with 2 Bachelor degrees: English and French with a minor in secondary education.
Short Bio: I am a graduate student of UA Little Rock. I work full time as a Business Office Manager at an assisted living facility and part time as a Tutor for the TRIO program. I’m married and have a 9 year old son with autism. He was my motivation to go back to school and advance my career and life. I hope to one day be an administrator and couple my love for helping people with my educational background to help people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. I love spending time with my family, playing video games, watching TV, and playing with my cats when I have free time.
What do you love about TRIO: There’s a sense of family in TRIO. I know that every staff member who works in TRIO cares about me as not only a student, but a person, and they will do anything for their students.
Why should Students Join SSS: SSS is a great resource for students, not only for the additional help they provide, but for the knowledge they provide their students.
