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

Tiny Desk Arkansas event set for June 28

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:02:14 +0000

Three of central Arkansas’s best bands will perform Thursday, June 28, as part of NPR’s �𱹱�Գ�.�� K��Vlog��ýR FM 89.1, central Arkansas’s NPR station, and its regional program, “Arts & Letters” has announced Black Horse, Monsterboy, and Dazz & Brie as the three groups selected for Tiny Desk Arkansas. K��Vlog��ýR News Director Michael Hibblen will serve as the night’s emcee. The event will be held from 8-11 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m., at Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 107 River Market Ave., Little Rock. The fundraiser showcases three central Arkansas groups who entered NPR’s national Tiny Desk Concert competition. Proceeds will support local music through K��Vlog��ýR and “Arts & Letters.” “These groups are fun and very talented and are all performing for a good cause – to help support both K��Vlog��ýR and ‘Arts & Letters,’ an award-winning show that provides opportunities for a celebration of the arts and humanities in our region and beyond,” said J. Bradley Minnick, executive producer and host of “Arts & Letters.” Black Horse, a progressive surf-punk rock band who performs with an electric energy influenced by the 1960s, will take the stage at 8 p.m., followed by Monsterboy at 9 p.m.

Dazz & Brie

Monsterboy consists of husband-and-wife duo Chris Long and Veronica Wirges of Little Rock, who combine smart, original vocals with powerful sax music. Monsterboy’s reputation was enhanced by their acoustic set at Bonnaroo 2017, where they were featured and interviewed on MTV.com. Dazz & Brie will finish off the night with a 10 p.m. performance. The group was named Arkansas Times’ 2017 Musicians Showcase winners, the 2018 Kit-Kat Jingle winners, as well as ML Magazine’s Rising Idol. Reservations. There will be a recommended donation of $10 at the door. For more information, contact Vanessa McKuin, K��Vlog��ýR development director, at 501-569-8490 or svmckuin@ualr.edu. In the upper right photo, Chris Long and Veronica Wirges of Monsterboy are shown. Photo by Nelson Chenault.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to honor CTEH’s Cory Davis with Fribourgh Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:19:15 +0000

William “Cory” Davis, senior vice president of operations and principal consultant at the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health in North Little Rock, has been selected as the recipient of the ninth annual Fribourgh Award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by my alma mater in this way,” Davis said. “This award not only acknowledges the recipient, it gives other ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students the opportunity to pursue careers in math and science and give back to our state in the future.” The Fribourgh Award honors individuals who have made considerable contributions to the state of Arkansas through mathematics and science. This year’s reception will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6-8 p.m. at the Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. Proceeds will be used to create an endowed scholarship in the Davis Family name to help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock attract and retain high-achieving, full-time students majoring in math and science. “We appreciate this opportunity to recognize Cory Davis for his noteworthy work in our state’s scientific community,” said Thomas Clifton, interim dean of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters and Sciences. “He’s an excellent example of how impactful ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni can be, not just to one individual but to the entire populace.” After graduating from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a and industrial psychology minor in 2000, Davis met Drs. Jay Gandy, Phil Goad, Glenn Millner and Alan Nye of the (CTEH), a management, technology and science-based consulting firm, and was hired as an industrial hygienist. For nine years, he then served as manager of the company’s Toxicology Emergency Response Program (TERP), which is responsible for providing high-level scientific consulting for situations involving the catastrophic release of hazardous materials. Today, he is senior vice president of operations and principal consultant—handling large-scale emergency response, industrial hygiene, environmental consulting and emergency preparedness projects. He is widely known as one of the best advisors in the North American emergency response industry.

Cory Davis/Photo by Ben Krain

Under Davis’ leadership, CTEH has grown to more than 150 employees and nine offices across the U.S. He is thankful to his mentors and colleagues who are dedicated to helping his fellow Arkansans and others in need around the globe. “I’ve been proud to work with my colleagues at CTEH to build a first-class team of environmental, health, safety and management professionals who are willing and able to provide the science and intelligence our partners need during times of crisis,” Davis said. “Every day, we’re developing new solutions—from cutting-edge technology to hands-on training programs—to help protect people, their communities and the environment.” The Fribourgh Award Reception began in 2010 to honor the late Dr. James H. Fribourgh, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock professor emeritus, who served for more than 45 years as chair of Life Sciences, interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and distinguished professor of biology. Past recipients include Jerry B. Adams, president and CEO of Arkansas Research Alliance; H. Watt Gregory III, partner at Kutak Rock LLP; Dr. Charles E. Hathaway, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock chancellor emeritus and Donaghey distinguished professor; Peter Banko, president and CEO of St. Vincent Health System; Dr. James Hendren, former CEO and chairman of Arkansas Systems Inc., Dr. Mary Good, founding dean of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Engineering and Information Technology; and Jerry and Sherri Damerow. Tickets for this year’s reception are on sale for $75 per person, $50 is tax deductible, at . For sponsorship information, please contact Derek Boyce at dcboyce@ualr.edu or 501-683-7355.

Justin Garcia selected in 17th round of MLB draft by Arizona Diamondbacks

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 15:02:09 +0000

Recently graduated University of Arkansas at Little Rock pitcher added one more accolade to his impressive resume, becoming the latest Trojan to be drafted by a Major League Baseball program. Garcia was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 17th round, becoming the 24th player in program history selected by an MLB franchise. A first team All-Sun Belt Conference selection in 2018, Garcia set the program record with 36 appearances, registering 10 saves as the Trojans’ closer, tying for the league lead. Garcia pitched 58.2 innings, ranking seventh among qualifying pitchers with a 3.38 ERA, and finishing with 80 total strikeouts, ranking 17th nationally in strikeouts per nine innings at 12.27. His .210 opposing batting average ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference as he was among the league leaders in fewest hits, doubles, and earned runs allowed. The Colleyville, Texas, native leaves Little Rock as the program’s all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings at 12.20, appearing in 69 games in relief for the Trojans, ranking third all-time. Garcia is fifth among the Trojan record books in career ERA (3.23) in 100.1 innings pitched, striking out 136. Garcia was named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week on March 20 after helping pace the Trojans to a victory over nationally-ranked Louisiana Tech and a series victory on the road at Troy. His performances earned him recognition not just at the conference level, but nationally as well, as he was a nominee for the Senior CLASS award and was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year midseason watch list. Garcia graduated this past May, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance. With Garcia being selected by the Diamondbacks, Little Rock has now had at least one player selected in the Major League Baseball Draft in each of the past six seasons and 12 of the last 13. He is the highest ranked Trojan draftee since Ryan Scott was selected in the seventh round by the Boston Red Sox in 2016.

Charles Baker joins Trojans as assistant coach

Ajani Oyindamola — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:36:19 +0000

Trojan head basketball coach has added to the Little Rock basketball staff as an assistant coach. “I’ve known Charles for a long time and have seen what he’s been able to accomplish in his career,” Walker said. “He is a very good basketball coach with experience at a number of different levels and universities. He has a lot of experience recruiting and coaching at the Division I level, which was important to me, and is well respected. I know we’ve got a good one to help us here at Little Rock.” Baker brings an extensive resume to Little Rock, coaching basketball at numerous levels. For the past three seasons, he has served as the head coach at Southwest Christian Academy in Little Rock, guiding the Lions to the National Association of Christian Athletes (NACA) championship in 2017 and a runner-up finish in 2018. Baker has also been the head coach of the EYBL Arkansas Wings during that span. Baker has coached at six Division I institutions during his career, including serving as the associate head coach at Campbell from 2009-13. During his time with the Camels, Baker helped guide Campbell to the 2009-10 Atlantic Sun championship while being named one of the top 11 Mid-Major Assistants in the country by Basketball Times in 2013. Prior to his time in Buies Creek, North Carolina, Baker spent two seasons as an assistant at Colorado (2007-09), following a one-year stint as an assistant at Louisiana Tech (2006-07). Baker spent six seasons as an assistant at Kansas State from 2000-06, preceeded by his first stint as an assistant at Louisiana Tech from 1998-2000. Baker spent five seasons as the head coach of Shorter Junior College in North Little Rock, leading the Bulldogs to four-straight Arkansas State Junior College championships from 1995-98 after inheriting a team that was 1-29 in 1992-93. Shorter consistently ranked among the top-20 in the NJCAA ranks as he coached over 20 players that went on to play at the Division I level. Before his return to North Little Rock, Baker spent one year as an assistant at both Coppin State (1991-92) and Middle Tennessee (1990-91) after spending five seasons working with the Arkansas Wings Basketball program from 1985-90, the last of which serving as head coach. His time working with AAU programs has resulted in 12 Final Four national appearances and three national champions. A native of North Little Rock, Baker graduated from Ole Main High School in 1984, before earning a general undergraduate degree from Westark Junior College (now ��Vlog��ý-Fort Smith) in 1986. He then went on to play at Eastern Kentucky and was a two-year letterwinner for the Colonels, earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1990. With the addition of Baker, Walker rounds out his staff as the focus for the Trojans now shifts to the important summer workout and development for his team. Little Rock is now just over five months away from the start of the 2018-19 season as the schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

Second ACCE cohort graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000

Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude. She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The joint program between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North Little Rock; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of Little Rock; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of Little Rock; and Jonmichal Walker of North Little Rock. While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North Little Rock Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ýMS/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.

Dates announced for 2018 Trojan Soccer Academy

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 18 May 2018 13:52:03 +0000

Trojan head soccer coach has announced the dates for the 2018 Trojan Soccer Academy, holding three camps during the month of June. Foster and his staff will host a pair of four-day sessions, available to boys and girls ages 5-12. These day camps will be held from June 11-15 and June 18-22 from 9-11 a.m. at a cost of $120. The Academy will also offer a Little Rock ID Camp, open to girls entering the 8th through 12th grades. This camp will be a three-day overnight camp, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, June 15. It will continue with a pair of practices Saturday, June 16, along with a tour of the Little Rock athletic facilities and campus, and conclude with a morning session on Sunday, June 17. The cost of the ID camp is $150. All camps will be held at the Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex, the home of the Little Rock Trojans. Registration is . For more information, contact Trojan assistant coach at ablarson@ualr.edu.

Rock “N” Roar Rivalry continues May 15 at Dickey-Stephens Park

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:32:18 +0000

The Little Rock Trojans baseball team will battle it out against the University of Central Arkansas Bears at 6 p.m. May 15 at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The faceoff is part of the Rock “N” Roar Rivalry series played throughout the series. In the first matchup, the Trojans narrowly defeated the Bears 6-5 in Conway on Feb. 20. Last season they split the first two games before facing off a Gary Hogan Field, but the Bears took the series with a 5-1 win. Tickets and group experiences are available by contacting Seth Jones in the Trojan Ticket Office at 501-569-3393.

Cara Brookins to give keynote address for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 14:53:13 +0000

Cara Brookins, best known as the mom who built her own house using YouTube tutorials, will share her inspiring story Thursday, April 5, at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumna will deliver her keynote speech for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at 6 p.m., followed by a book signing at 7:15 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building. Brookins, a domestic abuse survivor, is an acclaimed speaker whose courage and passion to build a home for her children watching YouTube videos sparked the interest of a nation. In her speech, she will recall her experiences becoming an entrepreneur as a single mother and her story of struggle and success to overcome an abusive relationship. She is the best-selling author of eight books, including “Rise, How a House Built a Family,” which tells the story of building her 3,500-square-foot house with the help of her four children by watching YouTube tutorials and doing Google searches for subjects like foundation work, plumbing, and gas lines. News of the family’s story went viral in more than 65 countries and was viewed a billion times. ��辱��” has now been optioned to become a major motion picture. In December 2017, Brookins completed another milestone in her life and graduated Summa Cum Laude from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional and technical writing. Learn more about Brookins at. Photo of Cara Brookins by Ashley Murphey.

NCAA sendoff for Trojan women set for Thursday

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:01:04 +0000

The Little Rock women’s basketball team is set to depart for its Saturday NCAA Tournament game in Tallahassee, Florida, from the Jack Stephens Center on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. Fans are encouraged to come give the Trojans a proper send-off. All fans are welcome to help cheer on the team as they head to the airport. Fans are encouraged to arrive at the Jack Stephens Center by 9 a.m. The Little Rock Pep Band and Dance Team will also be there to help with the send-off. Tickets for Little Rock’s game against No. 3 seed Florida State in Tallahassee are on sale now via the Florida State Ticket Office. Single-session tickets are available for $20, and all-session tickets are available for $30. To purchase, call 888-FSU-NOLE or . If you are not able to make it to Tallahassee, there will be a watch party in the Legends Room at the Jack Stephens Center on Saturday morning. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact Ryan Miller at 501-569-3411 or romiller@ualr.edu.

Alumnus gives back by joining Dean’s Science Council

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:23:55 +0000

Growing up in the 1970s, Chad Fitz has fond childhood memories of visiting the planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It’s one of the things that got him interested in science as a child. “As a child, I would love to go to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to visit the planetarium,” Fitz said. “It was quite the school trip. The planetarium was always a way for kids to connect the dots to science.” Fitz, now a senior client relationship and delivery manager for FIS, is giving back to his alma mater and helping encourage math and science education through his work on the Dean’s Science Council. Council members advocate on behalf of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and garner community support for science programs. Their efforts include raising funds for faculty and undergraduate research, the Fribourgh Award receptions, and the Science Olympiad. Fitz has been volunteering with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock since 2010, when he worked at Acxiom, which had a committee that partnered with the university. “I am in an industry where it is really important for us to have close working relationships with the local universities, particularly in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),” Fitz said. “I have always had an interest to work closely with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, to work for opportunities for interns, to provide feedback in terms of what we are looking for in graduates. The Dean’s Science Council really fits in well with that.” Fitz attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1990 and later earned a Master of Arts in Technical and Expository Writing in 1992. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, his mentors were Pat Moore, associate professor of English, and Sally Crisp, faculty emeritus of rhetoric and writing. Fitz feels that his ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education, which provided a strong basis in both liberal arts and science and technology, helped him go far in his career. Thanks to the encouragement from his professors, he had good internships and graduated with a great portfolio. “I would tell students to really think about where they want to end up in terms of a job and try to shape their curriculum to point them in that direction,” he said. “I would also recommend good internships. There is potential to turn an internship into a job, and for me that is an obvious progression. You’ve got something to put on a resume and you have built some contacts.” He got his first full-time job at Biotechnical Services, Inc. in North Little Rock through an internship program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and worked there while earning his master’s degree. “I clearly remember that I liked writing and I liked technology. I wondered how I could put it all together,” Fitz said. “It was this connection to the notion of technical writing. All of a sudden there was a track of people who made a living by understanding complex things and writing about them. Pat Moore helped me tie these things together. Pat had applied experience in the field and created a curriculum based on industry knowledge and real-world examples that allowed me to develop and hone my skills to step into a commercial role and contribute right out of college.” Fitz worked as a technical writer at Alltel Information Services, which later became FIS, and soon found himself immersed in the world of software development. “I liked writing, but I was open to stepping into other roles,” Fitz said. “Then I started documenting systems but ultimately got involved in other areas of software development, such as project management, business analysis, and quality assurance. That’s where I got started. My background is in liberal arts, but most of my career has been in the sciences and technology. Coming into that field back then, the aspect of being able to communicate effectively, it was a good time to transition.” In 2000, Fitz joined Acxiom, a global marketing technology and services company, as a business unit leader in software development, where he led development of a real-time marketing solution and successfully implemented it at key customer sites for the financial services industry. He left Acxiom in 2012 as a vice president of product management and now works at FIS, where he is responsible for delivering digital banking services and operations for retail banking clients. Fitz lives in Little Rock with his wife, Julie, and their children, Sullivan and Josie.

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