- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock History Professor to Teach New Class on Arkansas Icons Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash

John Hill — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:24:32 +0000

The spring semester will present Arkansas history and music enthusiasts with the opportunity to learn more about the two famous Arkansans who have been selected to represent the state in the U.S. Capitol. Dr. John Kirk, George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will teach the new class HIST 4396/5396, an Arkansas history seminar on Daisy Bates, a renowned civil rights leader, and Johnny Cash, the legendary country singer and songwriter, during the spring 2023 semester. “Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash are two Arkansas icons recently chosen to represent the state in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.,” Kirk said. “Why did the state choose those two particular people? What is the historical reality behind the myths and legends about the two figures? It seemed timely to explore these issues and to provide students with a more informed take on current events in public history.” Arkansas currently has statues of attorney Uriah Rose and U.S. Sen. James Clarke, also a former governor, on display in Statuary Hall. Both statues are more than a century old. In 2019, the state legislature approved replacing them with Cash and Bates. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus , the Cash sculptor, and Benjamin Victor, the Bates sculptor, both visited ��Vlog��ý Little Rock earlier in the year to work on their sculptures and visit with the public in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. The statues are expected to be installed in the U.S. Capitol in 2023.

Dr. John Kirk

In this first of its kind class at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, students will learn how race, gender, and class helped shape Arkansas in the 20th century through an exploration of two of the state’s most iconic figures. The class’s two main texts are Daisy Bates’s 1962 memoir, “The Long Shadow of Little Rock: A Memoir,” and Johnny Cash’s 1997 autobiography “Cash: The Autobiography.” The class will also examine representations of Bates and Cash in film, documentary, and other media as well as guest lectures by experts and writers. Each student will complete a class research project that explores topics related to Bates and Cash. Kirk, who is an expert on the civil rights movement and Arkansas history, met and interviewed Bates during the course of his research. He appeared in the definitive documentary about her life, “Daisy Bates: The First Lady of Little Rock,” which was broadcast nationally on PBS in 2012. The class, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, will be taught in downtown Little Rock at the Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration is now open for spring 2023 classes.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Phi Kappa Phi Chapter Celebrates 50th Anniversary

John Hill — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:31:10 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The chapter was originally chartered in January 1972 and is part of the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Each year, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock hosts an initiation and initiates approximately 60 students into Phi Kappa Phi. These honorees are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni across the nation initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. This celebration includes activities, service to both the university and community through a book drive, and opportunities for students to earn a scholarship with our essay contest. “Phi Kappa Phi has provided the university with candidates and faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research, service, and scholarship in multiple disciplines,” said Dr. Jennifer Hune, president of Phi Kappa Alpha. “Our Phi Kappa Phi members always show that ‘Excellences Knows no Bounds.’” Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. During a special 50th anniversary celebration on Dec. 3, 50 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students were inducted into Phi Kappa Phi.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students were inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi on Dec. 3.

In addition to its 50th anniversary, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi has also been recognized as a Chapter of Excellence Gold Award Winner. The awards are given to the society’s top chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence on their local campus and engaging the community of scholars in service to others. This year, the program named 70 chapters with recognition including 23 as Platinum, 20 as Gold, and 27 as Silver. “Our chapters and officers are the foundation of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the chapters that exemplify our mission through the Circle of Excellence Awards.” These chapters are recognized as thriving organizations that hold annual initiations, uphold the Society Bylaws, regularly attend chapter training opportunities, and submit a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program. Chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence distinction receive a commendation letter from the society sent to campus administration, a special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website, a specially designed logo for use in chapter communications, and a cash award.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock MarComm Team Honored for Excellence in Digital Marketing

John Hill — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:43:04 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Communications and Marketing team has brought home a plethora of awards from the . The Education Digital Marketing Awards recognizes the best educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media, and social media. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock won a total of nine awards for their creative work in advertising, social media, videography, and newsletter production. “I congratulate our Communications and Marketing team for their latest awards honoring excellence in marketing, storytelling, and digital communications,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I’m proud of the great work being produced by this hardworking team in their efforts to promote student success and program excellence at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” The MarComm team is committed to advancing the university by providing a unified voice to lead the university’s efforts in storytelling, marketing, and strategy to improve students’ lives and enhance the campus community. “Our MarComm team works incredibly hard to tell the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock story in a variety of ways,” said Dr. Carrie Phillips, chief communications and marketing officer at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This staff cares so much about this university and the opportunities it provides to students. I am incredibly proud to see them recognized for outstanding work.” Judges for the EDMAwards consisted of a national panel of education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals who judged the entries based on creativity, marketing execution, message impact, technology application, and innovative content. More than 1,000 entries were received from colleges, universities, and secondary schools across the country. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock won gold awards in the online display ads category for an ad featuring ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s half-off tuition and fees campaign and in the social media content campaign category for orientation takeovers on Instagram. Additionally, the MarComm team won four silver awards. These include Digital Video Ad – ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Airport, Digital Special Video – ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the Bahamas, Total Digital Marketing Program – ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Brand Launch, and Instagram – ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Instagram. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock also won a bronze award for the admissions website as well as merit awards in digital advertising for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock construction billboard and digital publication for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock now, the university’s monthly newsletter. “I’m proud of the work the web team has done in promoting the university and telling our story,” said Meaghan Milliorn, director of digital strategy. “These projects helped raise awareness of our scholarships, programs, and what life is like as a Trojan. Our team is always focused on those goals, and I’m thankful our work has been recognized by the Education Digital Marketing Awards.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio Honors New Board Members, Outstanding Volunteer

John Hill — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:39:49 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio, home of K��Vlog��ýR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, honored its new board members and one of its most active volunteers during the Nov. 18 annual meeting at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The evening was attended by public radio friends who enjoyed a jazz performance by Rodney Block, voted on new members to the Friends of KLRE/K��Vlog��ýR Board, and celebrated the recipient of the 2022 Beverly Ann Lacefield Award. They also listened to a dual interview with author Janis Kearney about her book, “Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey” and K��Vlog��ýR’s News Director Michael Hibblen about the state of local news and reporting in central Arkansas. The Friends of KLRE/K��Vlog��ýR Board serves as a non-governing, advisory organization to support fundraising and volunteer activities for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio. The new board members who will serve three-year terms from 2023 to 2025 include Stephanie Alderdice, president of 61 Celsius; Jay Barth, director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum; Lamar Davis, counsel at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings; Kevin Jones, retired correctional officer; Eric McDaniel, senior manager at Acxiom; Kathleen McDonald, regulatory and compliance officer at Aristotle Unified Communications; and Ruth Sheppard, retired executive director of Just Communities of Arkansas. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio would also like to thank Board Members Bobbye Levy, Amanda Moore, and Quinten Whiteside who are concluding their service after six years on the board.

Author Janis Kearney speaks about her book, “Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey” and K��Vlog��ýR’s News Director Michael Hibblen talks about the state of local news and reporting in central Arkansas during a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio event.

Additionally, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio honored Kevin Jones, a volunteer of more than a decade, with the 2022 Beverly Ann Lacefield Award. It was created in 2001 to honor an individual for exceptional service to public radio in central Arkansas in memory and honor of a previous staff member Beverly Ann Lacefield. “Over the years, Kevin has provided support and encouragement to volunteers and staff during early morning fundraisers,” said Grace Zafasi, membership director for KLRE/K��Vlog��ýR. “In gratitude, we congratulate Kevin for his service and recognize the invaluable time he has shared with us.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Middle Eastern Studies Program Joins ACPJ for Screening of “My Afghan Diary”

John Hill — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 20:37:22 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock held a screening on the internationally-acclaimed documentary film, “My Afghan Diary,” on Nov. 13. The event was co-sponsored by the Arkansas Coalition for Peace and Justice (ACPJ) and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Middle Eastern Studies (MEST) program. Dr. Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm introduced the film, and ACPJ board chair Donnal Walter led the post-film discussion. In “My Afghan Diary,” Arzu Qaderi returns to Afghanistan for the first time since childhood to interview Afghan women about female empowerment. The documentary film seeks to understand the perspectives of Afghan women who work within the media sector. “My documentary film seeks to understand the perspective of a marginalized audience: Afghan women who work successfully within the media sector despite many challenges and continue to follow their dreams with such strong spirit,” Qaderi said. Qaderi traveled to Afghanistan in September 2017 to shoot her documentary film, which subsequently achieved international acclaim in Italy, India, Canada, Chile, London, Germany, and France. ‘My Afghan Diary’ has also won several international awards, including ‘Best Documentary’ by Festival del Cinema di Salerno; ‘Best Short Documentary’ by Jaipur International Film Festival; and ‘Best Short Documentary’ at Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes. This film contains confidential and controversial interviews in which talented women speak openly about the hardships they have faced trying to balance their home life, careers, and passions. It reveals deep connections between Afghan family members, and the impact that families have on a woman’s decisions for life in Afghanistan society. On the topic of family culture in Afghanistan, one of the attendees at the film-screening, Joshua Mayfield, a board member of ACPJ, asked about the relationships between the father and daughter in Afghan society. This question was asked particularly about one of the interviewees who was given the chance to star as an actress for a play in Afghanistan. From the interview in the film, the audience learned that only upon the father’s approval did the actress decide to go for the role. “My technique of interviewing champions empathy, and the women I have spoken to pursue their dreams with equal passion as we do in the Western world,” Qaderi said. “Afghanistan is a war-torn country and the society that they live within places its own limitations on womanhood so I wanted to ask: how do they keep their dreams alive?” Visit for more details and information about the film. For more information about ACPJ, visit their website at .

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Has Been Recognized for Great Online Programs in Social Work, Sociology

John Hill — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:50:40 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been recognized for its online academic programs in social work and sociology. Best Accredited Colleges, an online education resource website, has ranked ��Vlog��ý Little Rock 14th on the list of and 26th on the list of . Dr. Sharonda Lipscomb, director of online learning, said that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Online helps the university meet students where they are at in their educational journey, which supports ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission of providing an accessible college education to everyone. With nearly 70 academic programs offered fully online, prospective students can choose from our many nationally recognized program offerings including our sociology and social work programs,” Lipscomb said. “While our online programs are competitively priced, students can expect our faculty and staff to provide the same resources and services offered to on campus students. We want to ensure student success during and beyond their time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” The online Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares students for the general practice of social work with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. Building on a person-in-environment perspective, the curriculum is designed to develop knowledge of human behavior and social problems as well as critical thinking, assessment, problem solving, and evaluative skills. The 120-hour online program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The online Bachelor of Arts in sociology degree is dedicated to the study of the social lives of people, groups, and societies. This 120-hour program promotes effective communication, critical thinking, and data analysis through its broad selection of courses. Graduates of this program receive a valuable foundation for direct entry into meaningful careers or graduate study in a wide range of fields like law, education, counseling, social work, public health, and public administration. The rankings were selected based on financial aid awards, the quality of education, faculty, campus resources, and more.

SRI Celebrates ��Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

John Hill — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:54:59 +0000

In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Day on Nov. 8, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Retention Initiatives hosted an event to celebrate the university’s first-generation students and employees. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trio Student Support Services, Student Success Center, Care Team, and Learning Commons all participated alongside SRI by giving out information about their services. The event was held beside the Learning Commons in Ottenheimer Library to show students the academic assistance available to them and encourage them to reach out to the staff if they’re struggling. The Learning Commons is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “Essentially, this is a one stop shop for all things student success, so we want students to be familiar with this space if they aren’t already,” said Tyler Harrison, associate director of Student Retention Initiatives. About one-third of college students in the United States are first-generation, and these students have challenges that go beyond many of their peers. “This is a demographic that needs to be recognized,” said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator. “College is a big step, and it’s great to be here as a touchstone for them to find the support and resources they need or might need at some point. I think the university does a great job in providing a lot of these services, and this is just a good opportunity for us to get together and celebrate that.” Students were encouraged to attend with free popcorn and baked goods, but they left with much more. “My dad dropped out of high school, and my mom tried to get through college but never quite made it, so being able to get farther than either of my parents is a lot of pressure,” said Kayleigh Foster, a senior first-generation biology student. “It’s hard having to work for yourself and make your own money to support yourself and your education. It’s not handed to you; it’s difficult, especially when you don’t know how to manage your time between work and school. I feel like things like this event helps a lot. It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders knowing that other students are in a similar position, both financially and academically.” Dalen Villa, a sophomore computer science student who popped in to check out the event, also mentioned his family and the effect they have had on his college career. “I know I’m setting the next generation of my family up for success by being here. I’m doing this for them, and that’s my main motivation,” Villa said. “I feel a lot of pressure sometimes, but the fact that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock does such a good job accommodating us is one of the main reasons I chose to come here instead of somewhere else.” In the upper right photo, Veronica Tess Myers is a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Military Heroes

John Hill — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:37:42 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock held a Veterans Day Ceremony to commemorate the university’s military students and veterans. “Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony and the ending of this year’s Homecoming week demonstrated how amazing this university’s staff is daily,” said Travis Weigel, director of military student success. “The Arkansas weather threw a wrench in our plans, but these professionals and our outstanding students adapted quickly. I thank everyone who helped or just came out to honor our ��Vlog��ý Little Rock veterans. During the ceremony, Chancellor Drale spoke of supporting our veterans and their importance to our community. While veteran student Jameice Flowers discussed how vital support and community are to adjusting to higher education after taking off the uniform. I would also like to thank Lakaia Massey for her wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.” Chancellor Christina Drale thanked ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 548 student veterans and 81 faculty and staff veterans for their service. She recalled the history of Veterans Day. It began as Armistice Day at the end of World War I when Americans believed that would be the war to end all wars. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954, a day for Americans to gather and celebrate all veterans who have served their country. “We needed a day that would recognize that we will always have veterans and that veterans will always be the ones who have made the biggest sacrifices for our nation,” she said. “I want to recognize our Director of Military Student Success Travis Weigel for all of the great support he and his team provide for our military students and their families. We have made a commitment to our military students. We will help you, we will support you, and we will celebrate your success.” U.S. Navy Veteran Jamiece Flowers, a senior from McGehee, described how she plans to help fellow veterans through a career in social work after Arkansas social workers helped her through one of the darkest times in her life.

Chancellor Christina Drale speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony on campus. Photos by Ben Krain.

The ceremony ended with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Lakaia Massey, a veteran and sophomore at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Following the ceremony, the Military Student Success Center and William H. Bowen School of Law’s Student Veteran Organization provided food truck vouchers to military and veteran attendees as part of the Homecoming Week celebrations. Chancellor Drale invited everyone to consider how to honor veterans not just on one special day of recognition, but all year-round. “For the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, that way is to commit to being a military-friendly campus and to encourage veterans and active military to further their education with us as they translate their experience and their ambitions into the next chapter of their lives,” Drale said. “We further that commitment through participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program to ensure that earned military benefits cover 100 percent of a veteran’s education. We are proud of our designation as a Purple Heart University as we pledge to honor and support wounded veterans and their families.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17

John Hill — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:56:07 +0000

Update: Rent-A-Puppy’s location has changed to the lawn in front of the Donaghey Student Center. Calling all dog lovers! ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will once again host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community will have the opportunity to play and socialize with rescue and shelter dogs of all ages from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Chi Omega Courtyard outside Ottenheimer Library. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Chi Omega Gamma Zeta chapter organizes the event, which raises funds for the chapter’s national philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The national nonprofit organization grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Rent-A-Puppy offers dog rescue and shelter organizations in central Arkansas some public exposure and gives their adoptable dogs an opportunity to receive affection and, potentially, new homes. Attendees donate $5 per 10 minutes to pet and play with dogs. Toys will be provided, and the dogs will be on leashes.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Balloon Release

John Hill — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:36:16 +0000

In an effort to make sure every breast cancer fighter and survivor are honored, the Lifting Our Voices Everywhere (L.O.V.E.) Gospel Choir and the Mu Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held a balloon release to honor all those who have been affected by the disease. “Many of us here know someone who has had breast cancer,” said Keifran Melvin, travel administrator for Procurement Services and advisor to the L.O.V.E. Gospel Choir. “My experience comes from a family member who passed away and two family friends who are going strong. Sometimes you have to share the silence and tears. Being able to overcome it shows anything is possible with positivity and the power of prayer.” The annual L.O.V.E. Goes Pink event takes place every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Members of the campus community are invited to write messages to honor breast cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives. The messages are then tied to pink balloons that are released into the heavens. Chasity Blood, a 2020 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and member of the L.O.V.E. Gospel Choir, wrote a message for her cousin, Ruthie, a survivor. “I like participating in this event because it spreads awareness of breast cancer,” Blood said. “We provide pamphlets for the public. We know breast cancer is hard to go through. We want to let them know that we support them and admire them as survivors.” Donnecia Brown, a senior sociology major, said she wrote a message in honor of her aunt, Maude Rogers. Every year, Brown’s family holds a celebration with a walk and t-shirts to celebrate Rogers’ survival from breast cancer. “She loves that we come together as a family to celebrate that she beat cancer,” Brown said. “I want those with breast cancer to know that they can survive, that God doesn’t put too much on their plates, and to keep fighting the fight.”

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock History Professor to Teach New Class on Arkansas Icons Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Phi Kappa Phi Chapter Celebrates 50th Anniversary

����Vlog��ý Little Rock MarComm Team Honored for Excellence in Digital Marketing

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio Honors New Board Members, Outstanding Volunteer

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Middle Eastern Studies Program Joins ACPJ for Screening of “My Afghan Diary”

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Has Been Recognized for Great Online Programs in Social Work, Sociology

SRI Celebrates ����Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Military Heroes

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Balloon Release