What鈥檚 something about your journey that people don鈥檛 see on your r茅sum茅鈥攂ut it shaped you the most?
My journey has been shaped much by being my mother鈥檚 seventh (7th) child of eight, (five boys and three girls) and being born as a premature baby. In reflecting on this, I am often reminded that I had to persevere and be determined to overcome various challenges at birth in order to remain alive, and ultimately to overcome any of life鈥檚 obstacles along my journey. Additionally, having lost three of my older brothers (all as adults), their untimely deaths forces me to view each day as an opportunity in life to achieve new things, and to never feel defeated by any of life鈥檚 obstacles; instead, always be ready for any opportunity that life brings you!

When you think back to your time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, what鈥檚 one lesson, moment, or person that still sticks with you today?
Wow, there are so many. However, I鈥檓 reminded of the positive impact so many of my professors had on me鈥擠r. Dewdor Morais Ford, the late Dr. Charles Ford, Dr. Karen Kuralt, Dr. David Montague, Dr. Mary Parker, Dr. Brian Mitchell, Dr. L.T. Williams, Dr. David Briscoe, and Dr. Art English, to name a few. I mention these professors in particular because I often spoke with them and stayed in touch as I progressed through college.

As far as a moment I reflect back on, it would be the first day I arrived on campus for class. My very first class was an evening communication course taught by Dr. Michael Hemphill. He was an outstanding professor, but at the time, he seemed somewhat intimidating because of his strong voice and stature. To my surprise, though, it wasn鈥檛 him that intimidated me鈥攊t was my fear of being in college at 糖心Vlog传媒LR. I remember sitting in class thinking about my late 21-year-old brother, Alvin Frazier, who was murdered on Dec. 27, 1993鈥攖wo weeks before what would have been his first semester at 糖心Vlog传媒LR. I remember telling myself, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e here, Deran. You are Mom鈥檚 very first son to attend college. Do it, and be determined to finish, no matter what!鈥�

What motivates you on the tough days鈥攚hen the work feels heavy or the stakes feel high?
I remain motivated by my childhood struggles. No matter how my lifestyle may look to others, I grew up poor鈥攂ut I never fully felt the weight of that struggle because of the many sacrifices my amazing mother made. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude, and that continues to motivate me. Lastly, I remind myself of a golden principle: there is always a reward at the finish line. No matter how big or small, the finish line is filled with a promise. No matter how long it takes to complete the task, and no matter how tough the day may seem, it will yield a reward if you remain determined to finish.

What鈥檚 one belief or value you try to lead with no matter where you are or who you鈥檙e serving?
Never compromise your integrity, always do an honest day鈥檚 work, and keep God first in all that you do.

What鈥檚 the best piece of advice you鈥檝e ever received鈥攁nd who gave it to you?
I have received advice from many important people in my life鈥攖eachers, mentors, friends, my older siblings, my mother, and others. What comes to mind most right now are the words of wisdom from my mother, Daisy Frazier-Jackson, who has always instilled in me the importance of 鈥渄oing right in all things.鈥� She often reminds me that 鈥渓ove and kindness toward others will always overshadow the hurt or wrong that others may do to you.鈥� In other words, always keep a gentle and humble spirit, even when you have been wronged or taken advantage of by others.

If you could leave people with one quote they鈥檇 remember you by, what would it be?
If I were to be remembered by one quote, it would be: 鈥淣o matter life鈥檚 obstacles, never accept defeat as an option鈥攁s for God created you to be victorious and triumphant over all things and all situations you encounter.鈥�

The post Alumni Spotlight: Deran Ford appeared first on Graduate School.

How did your time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock shape your perspective on educational leadership?

Initially when I entered 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I was enrolled in the journalism program. Through some volunteering and mentoring experiences I decided that I wanted to enter the education program. The faculty, staff and advisors were instrumental in helping me choose the program that would be more suitable for me. I was initially only pursuing a teacher’s certification but quickly decided I wanted to continue with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock on a leadership path.

Was there a specific mentor or moment on campus that set you on the path to becoming Assistant Superintendent?

Absolutely, my advisor Dr. Judith Hayn, was definitely instrumental in pursuing a leadership pathway. If I am being honest, I did not like Dr. Hayn when we met, not because of anything she did but because she replaced someone that I really had a great bond and working relationship with. So I wasn’t excited about starting over, but Dr. Hayn really took me under her wing and gave me guidance. She even gave me leadership opportunities on the campus once I graduated, speaking to some of her middle childhood education students, doing mentoring for novice teachers, and it was her and other mentors that pushed me into considering administration.

What advice would you give to Black graduate students or professionals who aspire to leadership roles in education?

The most important thing is to understand that leadership begins where you are. You don’t become a leader when you are put into a supervisory role, leadership is from within. A lot of us wait or think that we have to gain a position in order to be leaders. But it’s important to understand that you can lead from where you are. All of us, in every role that we are in have the ability and capacity to impact significant change right from the seat that we are in. So don’t wait until a position comes open or until you are promoted to start being a leader in your school community, home community, or cultural community…lead from your seat.

You often speak about the ‘transformative power of one.’ How does that philosophy guide your work as Assistant Superintendent, and how can we empower students to believe they are that ‘one’ catalyst for change?

I think a lot of times many of us recognize the need for change but we are waiting on a movement, initiative or someone in a leadership seat to start that change. I believe the change can start with one person and that one person can be you. Somebody has to go first, so why not me? That is the same message that I share with students, teachers, and young administrators that I mentor. You see a need for change or an area of inequity or where there is a lack of diversity or fairness, why don’t you go first? Why aren’t you the first person to speak up or take a stand to propose and idea or take steps to make a meaningful or positive change.

As a Black woman in a top-tier leadership role, what does it mean to you to be a ‘living history’ for the young girls currently sitting in LRSD classrooms?

Wow, I never really thought of myself as a “living history” so I feel that is a big responsibility. But I do hold myself responsible for being and example or model for other young women to follow. Not that I am perfect, I actually want them to see my mistakes. I want them to see the times where my decisions didn’t go well. I want them to see how I rebound or how I reflect and how I come back and do better the next day. My goal is always to be a better person tomorrow than I was today. I take that with me into every classroom, meeting, and every interaction that I have with people. It’s just to encourage them to show up as your authentic self with a goal of always being better tomorrow than you were today.

Dr. Loring, you鈥檝e been a vocal advocate for the ‘Conscious Classroom’ model. For those unfamiliar, how does this shift the traditional power dynamic between teacher and student, and how has this approach specifically helped address the achievement and discipline gaps for Black students in Little Rock?

Many of us in the world of education enter into our careers practicing strategies and classroom instructional practices that we know from our time as students. It’s almost automatic. There wasn’t a lot of thought to whether or not these things worked for us, let alone whether it worked for all students. So the idea of a conscious classroom is to be intentional about the activities, strategies, and culture that you are building inside of the classroom. Be conscious of who you are building this culture for, who you are planning instruction for and building strategies for. When you keep the student at the forefront of your planning and decision making, then you are making conscious decisions about what is in the best interest of the students. That is not to say that teachers and administrators are purposely making poor decisions, it’s just that sometimes we get in a cycle of doing what has always been done. The idea of a conscious classroom is making intentional and thoughtful choices based on the student in front of us today about how we are going to make that student successful. That is the ultimate goal of any educational organization is to make students ready for the next step in their life after school.

When you look back on your legacy at both 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and LRSD, what is the ‘meaningful change’ you most hope to be remembered for?

I hope to be remembered as a person who, first and foremost, was an advocate and a champion for all children and learning. But also, more specifically, that I was an advocate, champion, and supporter for children who look like me at first. Then teachers, administrators, and district personnel who look like me and come from the places that I come from. Hopefully, people will see my journey and see my work and know that there is excellence all around our community and neighborhoods. What we really need is a champion, a teacher, or an advocate to see it and then to tap into it. So I hope that if I leave nothing else, I leave people with that.

After a long day in district leadership, what鈥檚 your non-negotiable reset鈥攎usic, food, TV, or sleep? Why?

It should be sleep but it’s not, I actually think it’s music. I come from a very musical family so I can relate any point in my life or thing that has happened in my life to a song, band, or era of music. So music really is a soother for me or an energizer if I am feeling tired. So I think music, of that list, would be my go to right now. I recycle artist, so right now, I am very much back in my Luther and Mary J. Blige era so I’ve been listening to them on repeat a lot lately.

To see the full video, click on the the link below:

The post Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring appeared first on Graduate School.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate School is excited to feature recent graduate of the business administration graduate program, Mahesh Thombre. Originally from Pune, Maharashtra in Western India, Thombre dedicated his service to the Air Force and enjoyed a successful career as a human resource director. Despite already holding a master’s degree in personnel management, his aspiration to empower others motivated him to pursue a master’s in business administration. Check out more of Mahesh’s story below!

What is your favorite aspect about your career?
I have always liked interacting with people. I enjoy getting to talk with students who come from diverse backgrounds and making sure that they are being served to full possible extent under my capacity.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
The proudest moment was to walk the graduation ceremony and receive my MBA degree. It was as if all the hard work that I had put in for the last two years had been realized and rewarded.

What makes you laugh the most?
Now a days I laugh the most watching TikTok videos of cats and dogs performing antics and putting on a show for us.

What are your hobbies?
Currently, my concentration is working out in the gym and playing badminton. Of course post completion of my MBA I am also concentrating on reading, apart from the academics.

What was the last book you read?
I recently finished reading the book, The Heat will Kill You First, by author Jeff Goodel. I am currently reading, Small Teaching, by James M. Lang.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Mahesh Thombre appeared first on Graduate School.

“I had nothing but a grand experience attending graduate school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. It had been nearly 10 years since I graduated as an undergraduate at Stephen F. Austin State University. I was very nervous about doing web-based graduate work and I felt I was a little “old school” considering, I wanted to be present in a classroom and I needed to see the teacher. However, it was completely opposite of how difficult I expected it to be.

It was always a goal of mine to go back to school, but my previous job did not allow the time. When I was hired by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock – MidSOUTH, I browsed through the graduate programs and thought sport management was perfect! I spoke with advisors from other colleges about this specific program but decided 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was much closer in case I needed to come to campus. Also, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock sport management program was around longer. Once I started the program, I realized I had the greatest professor, Dr. Katie Helms. She was so supportive and available for any questions. In addition, the web-based courses were so convenient for me because I had a full-time job and three children: a 7-year-old and 1-year-old twins. In fact, I gave birth to my twins while in grad school. So if I can do it, anyone can!”

The post Alumni Spotlight: Zedralyn Butler appeared first on Graduate School.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate School is excited to feature international graduate student, Babatunji Ogunjobi, also known as Ted. Ogunjobi grew up in Lagos, Nigeria but he has lived in the US for almost 2 years. After successfully earning a degree in engineering and working in Nigeria for 6 years he decided to travel to America to earn his Master鈥檚 degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. As a young entrepreneur, he has started three companies: Teedech (Technology), Healby (Healthcare), and Agberere Farms (Agriculture).

Check out more of Ted’s story below!

What is your favorite aspect about your career?
My career opens me up to opportunities to experience and learn from diverse individuals across different sectors and cultures.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is embarking on my Master of Science degree in Business Information Systems and graduating with a 4.0 GPA. This accomplishment means so much because it’s 15 years after I was refused a visa to study in the US because the consular officer said I was mediocre.

What makes you laugh the most?
I laugh the most when I鈥檓 outdoors exploring nature and travelling with friends.

What are your hobbies?
Cooking and travelling!

What was the last book you read?
A promised land, Barack Obama

The post Alumni Spotlight: Babatunji Ogunjobi appeared first on Graduate School.

Frank Scott, Jr. earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration with a concentration in sales management from the Fogelman College of Business at the University of Memphis. In 2009, Scott earned a master鈥檚 degree in business administration from the College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock).

Prior to serving as an executive with First Security Bank, he served in leadership roles for five years in the Office of Governor Mike Beebe. He first served as deputy policy director and was later appointed to the role of director of intergovernmental affairs. By 2009, Governor Beebe appointed Scott to serve as Arkansas鈥� interim health information technology coordinator for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Having served as both a state highway commissioner and a member of the board of directors for both the Little Rock Port Authority and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Scott had his sights set on a new career.

Scott decided it was time for real change and ran for Mayor of Little Rock. Not only was he successful, he solidified his name in the history books as the first popularly elected African-American mayor of Little Rock.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Frank Scott Jr. appeared first on Graduate School.

While some of our alumni plant their roots in Little Rock after graduating, many take their talents and passions to other locales. Kristin Hodges, a 2013 graduate, is no stranger to exploring new and challenging environments. After graduating with her baccalaureate degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2008, Kristin moved to Washington, D.C. to complete two summer internships鈥攐ne in journalism and one in Congress. Later, Kristin spent almost a year working as a multimedia fellow in southwest Virginia.

Having always been interested in pursuing higher education, Kristin began working towards her master鈥檚 degree in Journalism in 2009. Though she considered other schools, Kristin states that 鈥渨hen I visited 糖心Vlog传媒LR, I knew it would be the best for me. The classes were small enough for real discussion and participation, and the faculty was supportive of my goals and interests.鈥�

One such influential faculty member, Dr. Dale Zacher, helped spark the idea for Kristin鈥檚 final thesis while they were brainstorming research topics. In investigating how the Arkansas Gazette and the Arkansas Democrat covered Senator Hattie Caraway, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Kristin was able to use her knowledge of Washington to give a well-rounded analysis of Senator Caraway鈥檚 first year in office. Ultimately, Kristin鈥檚 thesis combined her passions of journalism, Southern history, politics, and women in politics in one cohesive project.

While at 糖心Vlog传媒LR, Kristin held an assistantship on campus. As an assistant in the Dean鈥檚 Office of the former College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Kristin had the opportunity to refine her skills in public and media relations. However, Kristin鈥檚 graduate career was not without its struggles; before she had finished writing her thesis, she found herself moving back to Washington for a new internship. 鈥淭rying to juggle interning on Capitol Hill while searching for a full time job and finishing my research was the most challenging part of completing my degree,鈥� Kristin says.

Thanks to hard work, a few research trips to Fayetteville, ready access to the Library of Congress鈥� newspaper collection, and the support of 糖心Vlog传媒LR faculty, Kristin completed her thesis and graduated with her master鈥檚 degree in December 2013. The insight and understanding of Kristin鈥檚 thesis committee, especially her committee chair, Dr. Christina Drale, proved invaluable to the process.

Now settled in Washington D.C., Kristin is working for the Missouri School of Journalism鈥檚 D.C. program. Though her talents and skills stand on their own, Kristin credits her graduate career at 糖心Vlog传媒LR with providing her the opportunity to solidify her interests and expertise in journalism.

Kristin Hodges graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒LR in December 2013 with an MA in journalism. Previously, she earned a BA in journalism at Louisiana Tech University in 2008. Hodges was an intern for Congressman Rodney Alexander and the House Committee on Veterans鈥� Affairs. She now works for the Missouri School of Journalism鈥檚 Washington, D.C. program. Currently, Kristin is writing articles about Hattie Caraway, in addition to researching her genealogy and Georgia鈥檚 role in the American Civil War.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Hodges appeared first on Graduate School.

Since I was a little boy, I have always been fascinated by science in general and the nature of matter in particular, from the tiny atoms all the way up to the giant galaxies. Pursuing my love for physics, I entered the College of Science at the University of Duhok in Iraq in 1997. I graduated with my bachelor鈥檚 degree in physics in 2001, ranking first among that year鈥檚 graduates from the College of Science. Two years later, I started my master鈥檚 program in atomic physics at the same university.

After receiving my master鈥檚 degree in 2005, I was granted a faculty position by the department of physics at the University of Duhok, where I taught undergraduate classical mechanics for two academic years. However, though I enjoyed teaching, I still dreamed of being involved in high-standard applied research that I could develop and test in real life. Research with a global impact that would allow me to publish in reputable journals. That was when my goal of coming to the United States began. In the fall of 2008, after receiving a scholarship from the Iraqi government, I started my Ph.D. program at 糖心Vlog传媒LR in the applied science department. I conducted my research at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences as a member of Dr. Alexandru Biris鈥檚 group.

As a result of hard work and Dr. Biris鈥檚 guidance, I started publishing in distinguished journals for our work in developing anti-wetting and anti-icing surfaces that utilize nanotechnology, a project funded by the US army. During my doctoral career, I published seven peer-reviewed papers and attended multiple international conferences. I have never been so excited in my life as when I was exposed to this high-level research with a global impact. I am indebted to Dr. Biris for his support and for introducing me to these opportunities in our field.

Currently, I live in Little Rock with my wife, who is pursuing her Ph.D. at 糖心Vlog传媒LR in the applied science department. While here, I am still engaging in independent research in nanotechnology with Dr. Tansel Karabacak鈥檚 group. I and two other colleagues from the University of Duhok have also submitted a proposal to that university to build a nanotechnology center; it is currently in the initial stages of consideration.

Finally, I must say that all I have achieved wouldn鈥檛 be possible without my parents鈥� encouragement, sacrifice, and perseverance through very difficult times. Additionally, I am thankful for the support of my wife Zubayda, colleagues like Dr. Haydar Al-Shukri and Dr. Hanan Al-Mahdi, and friends, as well as the inspiration my two cute sons, Varie & Shad, bring me.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Khedir R. Khedir appeared first on Graduate School.

Such achievements never come easy, but Dr. Alagoz鈥檚 focus and dedication to his work made his academic career successful. He states that 鈥淓very failure in my research was another reason to find a better way to solve the problem, so I learned to be persistent.鈥� Dr. Alagoz graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒LR in the spring of 2013 with his Ph.D. Now back home in Turkey, he has continued to pursue professional excellence. He is currently employed as a senior researcher at TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, the top national research center in Turkey. He tells us that, in his brief time there, he has been involved in several projects related to solar energy technology.

Dr. Alagoz carries his time at 糖心Vlog传媒LR with him, asserting that 鈥淚 am still missing my friends, colleagues at 糖心Vlog传媒LR, and great student activities.鈥� We know that in Istanbul, he will continue to build the legacy of hard work and success that he left at 糖心Vlog传媒LR.

Alumnus Bio:

Dr. Arif Sinan Alagoz graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒LR in 2013 with a Ph.D. in Applied Science. Previously, he earned an MS in 2007 and a BS in 2004, both from the Middle East Technical University of Ankara, Turkey. He currently works as a senior researcher under Materials Institution, Photonics Technology Group, at TUBITAK Marmara Research Center. Outside of work, his interests include camping, trekking, fishing, and ice skating.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Arif Alagoz appeared first on Graduate School.

But Dr. Khaleel also insists that this determination made up just one factor in his success; love for his studies proved invaluable throughout his education.

鈥淗ard work alone was by all means not enough to complete this journey. Passion is what got me through it all鈥 was in a deep love with my research, so much that I felt like I was entering a different dimension every day. More and more, my work became an enjoyment to me, and less of an obligation.鈥�

While the daily work of graduate studies can sometimes feel like drudgery, Dr. Khaleel鈥檚 positive perspective and dedication allowed his work to shape his future.

鈥淭he experience I had with experimental research is wonderful. Thankfully all my work was published in highly ranked journals and conferences. In those little trips of knowledge, I learned many skills, some of which apply to my daily life; the skill of making professional relations, of a neat presentation, of being informative and prompt.鈥�

Khaleel also insists that this determination made up just one factor in his success; love for his studies proved invaluable throughout his education.

鈥淗ard work alone was by all means not enough to complete this journey. Passion is what got me through it all鈥 was in a deep love with my research, so much that I felt like I was entering a different dimension every day. More and more, my work became an enjoyment to me, and less of an obligation.鈥�

Like many of our graduate students, Dr. Khaleel worked as a Teaching Assistant while completing his studies at 糖心Vlog传媒LR. His time as a teacher led him to realize personal and professional strengths.

鈥淏eing a teaching support and later an instructor was the ultimate experience. I soon discovered that my strongest quality in being a teacher was my patience and love for transferring the information I have to the students as clearly as possible. Taking my time with each and every one of them gave me a very pleasant and pleased feeling that was worth my extra time.鈥�

Though Dr. Khaleel successfully earned a Master of Science and a Doctoral degree at 糖心Vlog传媒LR, and now teaches elsewhere as a tenure-track professor, he hopes to always engage in a life of learning.

鈥淚 am thirsty for new knowledge and will always be looking to expand my horizons no matter what becomes of me. The experience I had in these past few years at 糖心Vlog传媒LR will by no doubt last me a lifetime, and I know it is the start of my wild eruption to come.鈥�

Alumnus Bio:

Haider Raad Khaleel received his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Telecommunication option, in 2012, and his M.S. in Applied Science in 2011, both from 糖心Vlog传媒LR; in addition, he earned an M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from New York Institute of Technology in 2006 (highest honors). He was a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Systems Engineering at 糖心Vlog传媒LR between 2008 and 2012.

Dr. Khaleel has published 2 book chapters, and over 40 peer reviewed journal and conference papers on research fields of his interest, which include: flexible and wearable antennas; antennas for Telemedicine and Wireless Body Area Networks, implantable antennas, Metamaterials, Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) structures, Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMC), antennas for MIMO systems, and Global Positioning Systems. He is currently authoring a book on flexible and wearable wireless systems.

Dr. Khaleel is also the recipient of the first place award of the Institute of Engineering and Technology 2012 Present Around the World competition, 糖心Vlog传媒LR鈥檚 Outstanding Teaching Support Award, and AAMI/TEAMS Academic Excellence Award in 2012. Dr. Khaleel is currently a tenure-track professor in the Department of Engineering Science at California State University, Sonoma.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Haider Raad Khaleel appeared first on Graduate School.