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�

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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:

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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.

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“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!”

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Christine鈥檚 Graduate Student Experience

鈥淚n my document design class we created a book cover about a biography we have written about our life. I now have experience writing a grant, contract, and proposals. I have really enjoyed learning the techniques and theories. I enjoy how accessible everyone is and that everyone is willing to help out. As a leader of so many organizations on campus, I can say that the faculty is willing to help the students whenever they need it. My plans after getting my graduate degree involve becoming a communications professional. I spent almost two years in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education deans office as the communications assistant. That position embodies every aspect of professional and technical writing that you can think of. I like to have my hands in different projects at once and I realized as the communications assistant that was what my life would be. I loved every second of it!

If you’re thinking about graduate school, I would say take the leap. If you are passionate about learning or a certain program, take the leap and apply. If you work hard, the faculty is going to make sure that you do well!鈥�

Learn more about Christine鈥檚 student experience in this video:

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Helensia鈥檚 Graduate Student Experience

鈥淚 have had an amazing experience here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as an undergraduate student. For the past five years, I have benefited from a full-ride track scholarship. I joined so many organizations and took on so many roles during my time here. Almost half of my college years were greatly impacted by COVID-19 and although school was moved online, I still preserved my position as an employed student-athlete, an intern, and a track and field captain. Now, I am proud to be your favorite residential assistant, graduate assistant coach, counselor intern, and student. In my fifth year of college, I enrolled in the social work graduate program!

I started my first year as a residential assistant and began interning at Living Hope Southeast Mental Health Clinic, while remaining employed for extra financial support. In the last year of my graduate program, I was offered and accepted a position as a graduate assistant coach. After accepting that offer, I also accepted both the residential assistant position and an
internship at U A Little Rock Counseling Services. After obtaining my degree, I plan to obtain my LMSW license and work in the school system at the collegiate level. The advice I鈥檇 have to offer is to be strict with your time management, network within your programs and organizations, and self care. I encourage anyone to take a leap of faith. Trust in God, trust in your process, and most importantly, trust in yourself. If you believe you can do it and you really want it, go for it!鈥�

The post Student Spotlight: Helensia Green appeared first on Graduate School.

Denisse鈥檚 Graduate Student Experience

鈥淢y experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been extremely positive. Every professor and employee of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is extremely kind and considerate. They want to see you succeed and they help you in any way possible to ensure your success. I chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because of how helpful the teachers are. They took time to explain the enrollment process to me. I began to do my own research and felt that as a mom and full-time employee, the part-time option was going to be the best fit for me. So far, my decision is still one I am proud of making. After talking to other social work students from different schools around the country, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is definitely doing a lot of things right. After I complete my degree, I will also work on finishing my certificate in Gerontology. I would like to work in the field of mental health and complete my licensure. Afterwards, my hope would be to open my own practice one day.鈥�

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Daniela鈥檚 Graduate Student Experience

“I noticed almost immediately that all of my classes were small in size. My classmates were interesting and diverse. I learned a lot from students who were experienced in the workforce; their knowledge and stories helped me understand the class material better. I made many great connections through these classmates, opening the door to future career opportunities.

Personally, I found graduate classes less overwhelming than my undergraduate classes were. The classes are fewer, smaller in size, and more focused. I was also able to interact more with faculty members, instructors, and advisors, especially through my work as a graduate assistant for the College of Business. As someone who started with little experience in the business world, this opportunity really immersed me in best practices for business, accounting, marketing, research, and human resources.

I鈥檓 now completing a second master鈥檚 degree in Mass Communication because I know effective communication is vital to succeeding in business. I鈥檓 building a versatile array of skills to help get me to the next level in my career.”

The post Student Spotlight: Daniela Dehaghani 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.

Samantha鈥檚 Graduate Student Experience

“I knew I wanted to go to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because of the undergraduate scholarship opportunities and to stay close to my family. What I didn鈥檛 know was that I would find a second home within the chemistry program. During an undergraduate research project, I decided I wanted to stay at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to pursue my doctoral degree in chemistry.

The most significant part of being a graduate student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been the amazing opportunities to take part in conducting high quality research, gain skills as a teaching assistant, and encourage the next generation of STEM leaders. I have published three peer-reviewed papers on the research I鈥檝e done. My long-term goal is to obtain a post-doctoral fellowship and eventually become a research faculty professor.”

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