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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Wendell Scales Competes for $1 Million Yass Prize

John Hill — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:00:10 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus Wendell Scales Jr., deputy director of innovation at Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools, is competing for the biggest award in American education on behalf of his employer that would fund a program designed to expand student mindsets on what it means to have a career in agriculture. The $1 Million Yass Prize celebrates the country’s education provider which best demonstrates the STOP (Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, Permissionless) principles. The annual award was established in 2021 to reward educators who delivered exceptional experiences for students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowing how important agriculture is to the local and state economy, Scales, a 2019 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate and Lonoke native, said to continue developing their unique AgriSTEM initiative to build Arkansas’s first K-12 Ag/STEM school. “The Yass Prize award is an amazing opportunity to amplify the work we are doing in Arkansas,” Scales said. “Cultivating the next generation of diverse agriculture professionals for an agriculture state is very important. I was honored to pitch our AgriSTEM initiative at Arkansas Lighthouse at the 2nd Annual YASS Prize Accelerator and Pitch Competition.” Originally selected as one of 32 semifinalists who will each receive a $200,000 grant, Scales represented Arkansas Lighthouse during an accelerator program and pitch competition earlier this month in New York City. “Connecting with a phenomenal group of 32 individuals and organizations who have made it to the semi-final round, competing for the 1-million-dollar prize for their ideas around Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless education, has also been very rewarding,” Scales added. The prestigious $1 million Yass and the six amazing innovator-finalists, who will each receive a $500,000 prize, will be announced to a packed house of past and present winners, judges, supporters, and friends on the evening of Dec. 14. Before that, you can cheer on Scales during the Yass Prize Semifinalist Summit from Forbes Media in New York City. The event, which celebrates American education’s hidden heroes who are doing what’s right for students of all ages, at 2 p.m. EST (1 p.m. CST in Arkansas).

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Marquese McFerguson is using spoken word poetry and hip-hop to make a difference

John Hill — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:40:44 +0000

Spoken word poetry became a lifeline for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus Marquese McFerguson, an assistant professor of intercultural communication at Florida Atlantic University, to express his thoughts and emotions during the turbulent time following the death of his mother in 2005.�� “During my final semester of undergrad studies, my mother passed away,” McFerguson said. “She had been battling cancer. It was a time in my life when I was a senior in college, and I questioned whether I would be going back to finish college. You don’t meet many 21-year-olds who don’t have a living parent. I started writing and journaling to process my emotions.” McFerguson later shared his poetry at an open mic night in Little Rock. When he realized this his words resonated with the audience members, that was the beginning of a promising career that has already led to extensive traveling across the country (and as far as the United Kingdom) to share his work. “I had no idea when I started writing that spoken word poetry would allow me to travel to over 20 states,” he said. “I had no idea I would be writing poetry books for kids. It’s been an amazing journey. Sometimes you think you have life figured out, but little things pop up that become mountains that change the direction of your life, and poetry has been one of those things for me.” McFerguson is a Little Rock native who earned his bachelor’s degree in studio art from Ouachita Baptist University. He joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and earned his master’s degree in interpersonal and organizational communication in 2010. “I enjoyed my time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” McFerguson said. “It was equally amazing when I took classes with Dr. (Carol) Thompson, Dr. (Kristen) McIntyre, and Dr. Avinash Thombre. It allowed me to better understand the field of communication studies. It was a good time, and it challenged me academically. Being a first-generation college student, no one could tell me what it was going to be like. It informed my decision to get a Ph.D. I’m very thankful to the faculty there.” After finishing his degree at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, McFerguson continued his career in education by working as a student support specialist at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, director of college and career advancement at Little Rock Preparatory Academy, and as a career coach at ��Vlog��ý-Pulaski Technical College. After deciding to get his doctorate, McFerguson earned a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of South Florida in 2020. His dissertation explored the intersection of hip-hop, home place (a concept developed by bell hooks), and Black masculinity. As an assistant professor, McFerguson studies contemporary Black popular culture and hip-hop studies. He’s teaching a class this semester that examines the history of spoken word poetry and slam poetry. “We look at the different ways you can use these tools of poetry and apply them in everyday life, since I know not a lot of people have aspirations to be a poet,” he said. Now that McFerguson is a professor, he’s reminded of conversations from long ago with Dr. Thompson where “we would talk for hours about the freedom to teach the classes you want to teach.” While he’s had a love of hip-hop since 13, when Outkast just dropped their second album, McFerguson is still pleasantly surprised by the fact that he can study hip-hop as part of his academic role. “When I heard Outkast, it was the first time I heard hip-hop artists that sounded like me. You could hear the Southern slang they used,” McFerguson said. “It was like I was listening to an older uncle share stories. Hip-hop filled that male void I had in my life. I started studying hip hop. When I found out I could write articles about hip-hop research, I was like, ‘I can do this for a living,’ I still pinch myself sometimes. I just published two articles on hip-hop. I teach workshops, and students get the chance to learn about other cultures through the lens of hip-hop.” McFerguson brought his knowledge of hip-hop to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock last year as part of the 2020-21 Leadership Lecture Series in a talk entitled, “Between Hip-Hop, Communication, and Community Building.” Among his recent honors, McFerguson served as the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Artist for Black History Month in February. He’s thankful to Christina Shutt, director, Courtney Bradford, curator, and Brian Rodgers, community liaison, for the opportunity to share his poetry with his hometown. He’s previously worked with the MTCC to provide student workshops when McFerguson was a poet in the Foreign Tongues Poetry Troupe, an artistic organization that travels, conducts workshops, and performs poetry in Arkansas and throughout the U.S. As the MTCC’s artist of the month, McFerguson wrote and performed a signature series of poems inspired by MTCC exhibits and figures like Bayard Rustin, Sue Cowan Williams, Pharoah Sanders, and the North Little Rock Six. “It was an amazing opportunity,” McFerguson said. “The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center holds a very special place in my heart. It was a great opportunity because the previous artists of the month were visual artists, so this was the first time they reached out to a performance artist. A lot of times, people don’t think of spoken word as an artform. It was amazing to be able to write poetry about Arkansans and those that are often overlooked but have made significant contributions.” McFerguson was especially interested in exploring often overlooked events in Arkansas history. As an example, McFerguson pointed out that almost everyone has heard of the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957. However, few people have heard of the North Little Rock Six, a group of six Black students from Scipio Jones High School who attempted to desegregate North Little Rock High School in 1957. The North Little Rock School District would not desegregate until 1964, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. “I had a chance to learn about a lot of Arkansans,” McFerguson said. “You hear about the Little Rock Nine, but you never hear about the North Little Rock school integration attempt. I learned about people and things that had an impact on my life, but I never knew about.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Share Secrets to Success in Couple’s First Book

John Hill — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:29:04 +0000

Drs. Stanley and Jessica Ellis, both 2011 graduates of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, share a love of life, education, and mentoring that they are now sharing with the world through their first book, “.”�� Their book, released in October 2020, is a guide and journal that allows readers to focus on their personal goals and build daily habits that propel them toward success in 66 days. “One thing that has been very prevalent is what you choose to be happy about today,” Stanley Ellis said. “We’ve got a response to that because we are telling people that happiness is a choice, and we make that choice everyday. It’s another opportunity to shine. For us, it’s an opportunity to bless someone with the wisdom through the book that can benefit their lives and lead to their success.” While the success strategies in the book can be utilized by anyone, the couple is writing a second book, to be released this summer, focused on helping women gain success. “Women wear many hats as mothers, professionals, and caretakers,” Jessica Ellis said. “Women have to be extremely intentional in how we approach our success. In this book, I help them to plan their success and plan their day, which will give them time to pursue things to make them successful.” The Ellises are educators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Married for 16 years, the couple co-owns Sille Educational Consulting, LLC and J. Maxwell Investments, LLC. They have been educating and training youth to achieve their goals for nearly three decades. The couple also graduated together from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in December 2011. Jessica earned her second master’s degree in the combined program between the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Applied Communication and ��Vlog��ýMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Stanley earned a doctorate in higher education leadership. “Both Stanley and I are first-generation college graduates,” Jessica Ellis said. “Going through our undergraduate years, we navigated our education without much knowledge about how to achieve success. For us, it’s very important to reach back to students who are like us, either first-gen or those that are struggling to find their way and navigate the educational system.” After 15 years of leading educational workshops, the couple was inspired to write the book to share their strategies for success. “Have you ever seen a basketball team win a championship or even a single game without a plan? You can’t just say I have a plan and it’s not written down. Otherwise, it’s just a thought and thoughts evaporate.” Stanley Ellis said. “One of the things I noticed in our workshops for young people is that they never came to the workshop with a concrete plan. We decided to develop a winning strategy for these youth so they could build a habit of planning each day. There is not an individual who wins in life who doesn’t plan for it. You have to plan to win.”

Drs. Stanley and Jessica Ellis are sharing their secrets for success through their first book, “Winning is Planned: A Guide for Young Men Who Plan Their Greatness.”

The Ellises encourage readers who want to succeed to commit to the plan for 66 days. “It’s accountability for each day,” Stanley Ellis said. “Most scientists say it takes 66 days to build a good habit. If they do this for 66 days, it’s likely they will continue to do it even after 66 days.” When asked how they are successful partners in life and business, Stanley Ellis said the key to his success is knowing his wife is “always right.” “In both of the businesses, I’m the CEO and president and Jessica is the CFO and COO,” Stanley Ellis said. “She controls the money, and she just lets me think I am running things. We allow each other the space to be who we are. I understand that she likes to hear the numbers, while I like to hear about the abstract and vision. I had to learn to communicate with her about these business ventures in the way she needed to receive it. We also have fun. I do get in trouble a lot. It’s not all peaches and crème.” On the other hand, Jessica Ellis said that the couple complement each other and work hard to make their relationships as husband and wife, business partners, friends, and soul mates a success. “When I met Stanley, I was looking for a life partner that went beyond a husband. I wanted someone to support me in my endeavors and work alongside me,” Jessica Ellis said. “We’ve worked on our marriage to make it work. We plan for our marriage to be successful and it’s intentional. We are friends. I’m conservative and he is liberal. He always has a plan. He has the numbers, and I’ve learned to trust him in that way. I think we compliment each other. We work because we choose to work and we understand one another and we let the other person say their piece. I think it is a choice that we make to work together.”�� The Ellises say that what makes their book unique is the focus on personally defining one’s success. “A lot of times people think about success as a grand thing that will bring them a lot of money,” Jessica Ellis said. “Success can be losing weight or making yourself happy. You define success and what makes you happy. It’s a holistic approach to what success means for you. If you want the success that you define for yourself, this book can definitely take you there.” “We help you to work to achieve the success you want and deserve,” Stanley Ellis added. “We don’t define it in any particular terms. It’s whatever you think your success is.” To find out more about Stanley and Jessica Ellis, visit .

Trojan Community Raises Nearly $168k during ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2021

John Hill — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:48:29 +0000

Friends and supporters of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock came together for the university’s that raised almost $168,000 for scholarships, student-athletes, diversity and inclusion initiatives, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio, emergency support for students affected by COVID-19, and more.�� The March 18 event represents the university’s most successful Giving Day to date. The first Giving Day in 2018 had 131 donors, while more than 330 people donated to this year’s event. The 2021 total also represents an increase of nearly $138,000 over last year’s event, which raised approximately $30,000. �� “I am blown away by the generosity of our donors on Giving Day,” said Samantha Wiley, director of annual giving. “It was exciting to see all of the engagement from more than 300 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students as they made contributions to enhance the student experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”�� The 2021 Giving Day campaign pillars focused on scholarship and student support, program excellence, and learning environment. Donors shared personalized messages about what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock means to them and why giving is important. “As lifetime members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, we were very happy to contribute to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day by donating to the Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship,” said Jeremy and Katrina Owoh, who are lifetime members of the Alumni Association. “We know that education is the one thing that can never be taken away from a person, and it is also one of the most precious gifts a person can give to someone. Just as we were fortunate to obtain a quality education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, we wanted to make sure that others had the same opportunity as they pursue their goals and dreams.” Giving Day was also made successful through a variety of generous dollar-to-dollar matches as well as the addition of alumni, board members, faculty, staff, and students who served as social media ambassadors to increase engagement on different social networks. Julie Brown, a 1998 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, made a match of up to $15,000, while the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Foundation Fund Board provided a match of up to $16,000. An anonymous donor matched up to $1,000 for the Allan Ward Scholarship, which benefits students majoring in speech communication.�� The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock funds that received the most donations include:�� Vlog��ý Little Rock Foundation Fund Board Endowed Scholarship – $29,550 Greg and Marilyn Brown Academic Success Center for Athletics – $18,825 Annual Fund for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock which supports the area of greatest need – $14,010 Alumni Association Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship – $6,065 “Giving Day would not have been successful without the support from members of our Alumni Board of Directors and Foundation Fund Board,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Not only did they serve as social ambassadors, but they also contributed themselves financially. Under the leadership of Cheryl Shuffield, chair of the Foundation Fund Board and member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campaign Cabinet, the Foundation Fund Board Endowed Scholarship was the top fund of the day. The generous matching gift from Julie Brown generated much excitement leading up to the day.” Jessie Burchfield, associate dean for the information and technology services and director of the Law Library at William H. Bowen School of Law, also provided a $1,000 match for any donation on Giving Day. As a graduate of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and a first-generation college student, Burchfield knows how important scholarships can be for students to succeed. She was empowered to get her law degree through Bowen’s part-time program and is now an associate professor of law as well. “I deeply believe in the mission of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the Bowen School of Law,” Burchfield said. “As a scholarship recipient, I’ve benefited greatly from the generosity of donors, and I know personally the transformative power of higher education.” Whitney Burgess, the 2020 recipient of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Business Dean’s Award of Excellence and vice president of marketing and strategy at MHP/Team SI, said she gives back to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because she believes in the success of graduates from the School of Business.�� “I participated in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day because supporting the university is important in fostering a thriving economy in Little Rock,” Burgess said. “When I was a student, I gained the confidence to develop my skills in marketing and the tools to succeed in the workplace. I have always appreciated that the faculty had real-life experience with big marketing and advertising campaigns and corporations because they were able to translate methodology into execution, bringing the material to life. As an alumnus, I’m very proud of having graduated from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Business and want to continue to do my part to ensure future scholars have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be confident leaders in Central Arkansas.”

Women to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Kristi Smith

John Hill — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:21:12 +0000

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and in the community. The next Woman to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock of 2021 is Kristi Smith, senior director of alumni and development.�� Tell us about yourself? I’m the youngest of four. I grew up in Marche, Arkansas. I went to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Master of Public Administration. I am married to Greg, and we have two miniature schnauzers, Dottie and DiDi.�� This is actually my second time to work at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. In my first position, I served as Assistant Dean of the Graduate School. I traveled to other schools in the state to recruit for our graduate programs. I also oversaw the TEAMS (Teaching Enhancements Affecting Minority Students) program, which provided extracurricular activities to both undergraduates and graduates. I am still in touch with several of the students who participated in the program to this day. What was your experience like as an undergraduate student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I had a great experience. I was a part of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, and I often tell the story of the international study abroad component. I went to Strasbourg, France, the summer between my freshman and sophomore year. That was my first time on a plane. I studied French and French history. It was a six-week trip, and I learned a lot about myself and my place in the world. I have ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to thank for that.�� I also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1993 when I was a junior. I made the most of my experience. I was a traditional college student, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was my first choice for several reasons. I had several opportunities to come on campus when I was a junior and senior in high school. I was part of the Academy Orchestra, and we practiced in the Fine Arts Building. I was already familiar with the campus since my sister was a student here.�� With being a Donaghey Scholar, I knew that I would have help with my tuition. If not, I would have had to incur student loans. I have friends that I made in the Donaghey Scholars Program, in the sorority, and elsewhere across campus that I still have today. What does your job entail as senior director of alumni and development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am responsible for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni, annual giving, and planned giving. I have the opportunity to reach people at all ages, whether alumni or friends, and I get to connect with them at whatever stage they are in life. I am also the director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. I get to interact with alumni, and one of my goals is to come up with programming that will interest all our alumni. We have alumni who are 22 and just graduated, and we have alumni who are 92 and older. There is always a challenge to figure out how to connect with our alumni at all ages. What other charitable and professional organizations are you involved in?

Greg and Kristi Smith. Photo by Ben Krain.

I’m a part of CASE (Council for Support and Advancement of Education). I’m also a member of Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a social organization that does a variety of community service activities including the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association. I’m also a board member of the Little Rock Diamond Foundation, the charitable arm of the Little Rock Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.�� What’s next in your professional career? Professionally, I want to accurately and passionately share the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock story with others. I think it’s a hidden gem, and we have so many amazing students, faculty, staff, and alumni. In our city, there are so many opportunities for people to learn. I want to tell our story in an effort to raise money and raise awareness of the needs of our students. What woman has inspired you the most and why? I would say my mother, even though she is no longer with us. It was years ago that she worked at the Baldwin Piano factory and later as a housekeeper for several families. When I was in 9th grade, she decided to go back to school. She did very well on the ACT and came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for classes. To me, it was amazing that she undertook that journey. I know it was very intimidating for her, but she excelled. I believe that she wanted to prove to herself that she could go to college while being a mother and continuing to work.�� In her later years as she became ill, she was still graceful in her sickness and was a wonderful example for others to follow.�� What advice would you give to the next generation of women in higher education?

Kristi Smith, left, presents a T-shirt to Chancellor Christina Drale, right, during the 2019 BBQ at Baileys. Photo by Ben Krain.

My advice is to find a mentor who understands what it means to uplift. At the same time, you should reciprocate. Always share with people what your goals are. Otherwise, they won’t know what you are working toward. Unless people know what you’re striving for, they can’t help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; if there is someone in a position where you think you want to be, reach out to them and ask to shadow them. Also, never underestimate the value of a handwritten thank you note. How have you adapted to life during COVID-19? I am back in the office, but I enjoyed working from home during the first months of the pandemic. I have grown to appreciate nature a lot more. I spent my time going for walks in my neighborhood, and I am happy for spring because I am looking forward to that “me” time when it’s just me and an audiobook. I personally know a few people who died from the coronavirus, andI have more of an appreciation for being thankful for what I have and continue to have during this time.�� What is a little-known fact about yourself that people who know you would be surprised to learn? I can deadlift 285 pounds.

BBQ @ Bailey Canceled for Fall 2020; Trojan Food Pantry and Campus Garden to Benefit

John Hill — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 21:44:08 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will not hold its annual campus-wide picnic BBQ @ Bailey this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While students, employees, and alumni won’t celebrate this beloved tradition that kicks off the new semester together this year, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association has decided to celebrate by donating the money designated for the event to campus organizations that provide food to those in need. “BBQ at Bailey has become an awesome event that we look forward to each year! However, during this Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of our alumni, students, faculty, and staff is of the utmost importance,” said James Bobo, president of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board. “Therefore, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors decided that in lieu of our 2020 BBQ @ Bailey event, we will donate the dollars ordinarily spent on the event to the Trojan Food Pantry and the Campus Garden.” The picnic-style event is usually held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus and is hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. It’s a fun way for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community to enjoy some great barbecue, fun, and fellowship as well as an opportunity to join or renew their Alumni Association membership. “This would have been the 14th annual event, and we are disappointed that we are unable to provide an in-person way for our community to celebrate the beginning of another academic year,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development and interim director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Food Pantry is open to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff. A recent survey found that 50 percent of the university’s students and staff either know someone who is food insecure or suffer from food insecurity themselves. “The Trojan Food Pantry has made a great impact on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community,” said Corrigan Revels, assistant director for student leadership and development and coordinator of the Trojan Food Pantry. “This year, the pantry is more important than ever, and we are truly thankful to have the support of the Alumni Association. This support allows us to continue serving and supporting our Trojan family.”

Visitors harvest produce from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden. Photo by Ben Krain.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden is a place for education, research, and outreach about food production, sustainability, economic botany, ecology, and more. Much of its food harvested from the Campus Garden is donated to the Trojan Food Pantry. “The Campus Garden has been a vital part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the surrounding community for many years,” said Dr. Stephen Grace, faculty advisor of the Campus Garden and associate professor of biology. “With the economic and social hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission to provide fresh local produce and educational opportunities for people wanting to grow their own food is more important than ever. This generous donation from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors will enable us to continue our efforts to build a vibrant, sustainable food system to serve the needs of our campus, city, and the people of central Arkansas.”

You can also be a part of this year’s celebration by donating to support the university’s students and employees who face food insecurity by visiting the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving website.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Foundation gifts total nearly $48 million in record-breaking fundraising year

John Hill — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:38:16 +0000

While 2020 has been a year full of challenges, the generosity of supporters of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has resulted in the university’s highest fundraising year to date with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni and friends donating a record-breaking $47,941,061.�� “Now more than ever, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is grateful for the support of our donors who continue to invest in the future of our university,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “Even now, as people are coping with a global pandemic, our community has continued to give so that we can provide students with opportunity and a pathway to success.”�� Fiscal year 2020 included the largest gift received in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 93-year history, a transformational gift of $25 million from an anonymous donor to support the university’s strategic enrollment management plan. The gift includes $10 million for a Student Success Endowment Fund to expand and permanently support the university’s student retention and success initiatives and $15 million for need-based scholarships for undergraduate students. When the gift was announced in May, the donor said, “We have watched the rapid transformation of the institution under Dr. Drale and her team’s leadership. The purposeful, strategic approach to solidifying ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s unique and crucial role in the Arkansas educational system gives donors like me the confidence to invest.” The incredible year of fundraising also included:��

An 8-figure anonymous estate gift to provide scholarships for students.
Increased annual giving toward emergency scholarships to help students with unexpected financial burdens due to COVID-19.
Expanded national fundraising efforts that brought about giving from alumni living outside of Arkansas, including a $250,000 endowed scholarship to the College of Business, Health, and Human Services from Marvin Presnall, of Tacoma, Washington, as well as a $269,160 gift from Wiley D. Cavin III, of Austin, Texas, to create the Wylie D. Cavin Endowed Scholarship for students at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.��

The gifts are part of a comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to increase the number of endowed need-based scholarships, grow the student support endowment, raise support for high-quality faculty through endowed chairs, raise endowed maintenance funds for existing buildings, and help renovate existing facilities. More than 6,800 individuals, corporations, and private foundations gave 25,901 gifts between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. This is the fourth consecutive year of gift growth for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, with $20 million raised in 2019, $17.7 million in 2018, and $17.5 million in 2017.�� Fundraising support on campus has also grown. This year, 52.85 percent of faculty and staff contributed to the annual campus campaign fund drive, a 7 percent increase over the previous year.�� “I’m inspired by the generosity of our donors,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I hear stories on a daily basis from current and former students who have felt the difference private support makes in their lives and in our community. This keeps the case for giving to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock strong.” In the upper right photo, Bowen Dean Theresa Beiner (center left) presents alum Wylie Cavin III (center right) with a plaque naming the Dean’s Conference Room in his honor after a $269,000 donation for student scholarships. Also pictured are Christian O’Neal (left), vice chancellor for university advancement, and Wanda Hoover (right), Bowen’s assistant dean of external relations.��

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2020 Brings Community Together

John Hill — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:07:17 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community came together to show their love of the university and raised more than $18,000 during ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s second annual Giving Day on March 19. During the 24-hour fundraising event, more than 140 individuals from 11 states showed their support for a variety of initiatives to raise a total of $18,497. ”��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission to provide a quality, affordable education to our students is made possible by the generous support received from our donors,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Thank you for making Giving Day 2020 a success!” Donors took to social media to share personalized messages about what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock means to them and why giving is important. “I realize the value that my ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education has had on my career and life and wanted to support students in their pursuit of a quality ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education,” said Charles O. Steward, the 1987 recipient of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presidents Award. All funds raised will support many areas at the university and have a huge impact on the students and the community. “Giving Day is an important avenue to make sure that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is able to continue providing meaningful, innovative education and opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Angela Hunter, interim associate vice chancellor and associate professor in the Department of English. “That’s why I chose to give to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Annual Fund to help implement micro-grants for students, the Trojan Food Pantry, and the Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching, a great program that helps faculty increase student success through techniques like active learning.” University members offered their support to a wide variety of causes. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Bands, which includes the Trojan Pep Band and Department of Music ensembles, received the highest amount of donations during Giving Day with $3,336 raised from 28 donors. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family also took it upon themselves to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous donor pledged to match $5,000 to support the greatest needs of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students through micro-grants to help students dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 26 donors took up the call and donated $1,865, the second highest amount raised for the day. “I am truly in awe at the level of support received from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and students on Giving Day,” said Samantha Wiley, assistant director of development. “In the midst of a pandemic, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family has seized the opportunity to show their support for students and their continued success.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alum writes new children’s book emphasizing emergency weather prep for families

John Hill — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:09:18 +0000

Sharon Jones-Scaife, a 1989 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who now lives in Sachse, Texas, has written a new children’s book that focuses on the importance of being prepared when faced with weather emergencies. “It is up to parents to help their children overcome fear, whether it’s fear of the monster under the bed, fear of insects, or weather-related fears,” Jones-Scaife said. “This story will help them start the fear conversation with their children.” will be released May 3 by Frog Pond Publishing. Written in rhyming stanzas and paired with vibrant and engaging illustrations, the story leads children on a trail of fun play through a game of hide and seek while introducing them to safe places to hide in the event of a weather-related emergency. In addition to helping parents have a conversation with their children about weather and safety, the book contains an emergency planning sheet, tip sheets, and children’s activities.

“Lil’ Marco Plays Hide and Seek” will be released May 3 by Frog Pond Publishing.

“I included emergency preparedness information and activity sheets that relate to the story theme,” Jones-Scaife said. “It is an established fact that children feel safer when they know what to do in an emergency situation.” Jones-Scaife, who graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design/illustration, is the author of several children’s books, including “I Miss You, Papa.” She wrote the book following the death of her husband, Albert, in 2015 and the effect it had on her then 4- and 7-year-old grandchildren. Additionally, she is the publisher of Teen Graffiti, a magazine that serves as a voice for teens, as well as the author of “Mrs. Hughes is Missing,” “It’s Bedtime Lil’ Marco,” and “Becoming,” a collection of original poems and illustrations. When she was 18, Jones-Scaife enrolled at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, following her three older siblings who already attended the university. She said her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock helped her to become more independent and get a good start in her career. “I had a good time. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock gave me an opportunity to learn to be responsible,” she said. “It taught me a lot about life, how to be on my own, and it gave me a solid start to my career.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alum Wylie Cavin donates $269,000 for Bowen law school scholarships

John Hill — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:36:30 +0000

A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is hoping his gift of nearly $270,000 will help other Arkansas law students complete their education. Wylie Cavin III, a 1986 graduate of the William H. Bowen School of Law, has donated $269,000 to the law school. The gift will be used to create the Wylie D. Cavin III Endowed Scholarship for Bowen students. “The law school has meant so much to me and my career,” Cavin said. “I knew I wanted to practice business law. With Little Rock being the capital city, I thought ��Vlog��ý Little Rock would be the best place to learn business law, and that turned out to be true. I wanted to leave a legacy and give back to the school for everything it did for me.” To honor Cavin for his generous donation, the Bowen School of Law renamed the Dean’s Conference Room after Cavin during a Jan. 22 celebration at the law school. “We are happy that Mr. Cavin has returned to Bowen for this occasion and are honored to receive his generous gift,” said Theresa Beiner, dean of the Bowen School of Law. “This gift will continue to benefit students by creating additional scholarship funds to help offset the costs of their legal education. We appreciate the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Development Office’s work with Mr. Cavin and Bowen to make this gift a reality.” Cavin, a Little Rock native who now lives in Austin, Texas, is a 1975 graduate of Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock and a 1979 graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After graduating from college, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served four years of active duty aboard destroyers. He is a former commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Bowen alum Wylie Cavin III (left) and Bowen Dean Theresa Beiner (right) tour the William H. Bowen School of Law. Photo by Ben Krain.

He graduated from Bowen in 1986, having served as editor-in-chief of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Law Review. He later served as an adjunct instructor of banking law at Bowen. “You can’t forget where you came from,” Cavin said. “Bowen was a great experience for me. All the professors were down to earth and approachable. Hopefully, I’m returning some of what I received through my gift.” After law school, Cavin joined Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, PLLC, where he practiced corporate law from 1986 to 1995. In 1996, Cavin entered the banking industry by joining First Commerce Corporation in New Orleans. Cavin co-founded Red River Bancshares, Inc., a publicly traded bank holding company, in 1999, where he worked until his retirement in 2010. The scholarship will benefit full- and part-time Bowen students in good academic standing and can be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Financial need will be strongly considered.

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