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

Bowen honors alumni, raises $80,000 for access to justice initiatives

Janea Snyder — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:20:39 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law honored two of its alumni for outstanding public and professional service during its 9th annual scholarship luncheon on Monday, Oct. 1, while raising more than $80,000 to support the school’s access to justice initiatives. More than 400 people attended the luncheon at the Marriott Grand Ballroom to honor the late Don Zimmerman, the longtime executive director of the Arkansas Municipal League, and Bowen Associate Dean and Professor of Law Terrence Cain. Bowen Law Dean Theresa Beiner said proceeds from this year’s luncheon will support Bowen’s access to justice initiatives, which help provide legal services to under-represented citizens in Arkansas. Proceeds from previous luncheons have funded five scholarships totaling $150,000 for deserving students; funded a student emergency fund that supports students who experience short-term financial crises; and helped fund the Delta Clinic, which expanded to two additional counties – Ashley and Drew – this year. The clinic also serves clients in Dermott, Dumas, Lake Village, McGehee, and Warren. Zimmerman, a 1972 alumnus of Bowen, passed away in June. He had worked 52 years for the Arkansas Municipal League, including 42 years as its executive director, which made him the longest-serving director of a state municipal league in the nation. Zimmerman’s wife, Jan Lea Zimmerman, accepted the award on her husband’s behalf. “I know Don would be pleased as he dedicated his life to helping public servants across Arkansas’s 500 cities and towns,” she said. “Don was very proud to be a graduate of this law school. I know he has many friends in the room today and that warms my heart.” Zimmerman represented Arkansas municipalities before the Arkansas General Assembly. A 1978 U.S. Supreme Court ruling held that municipal corporations could be held liable for damages to an individual, which set off a flood of litigation against cities. Because insurers considered cities a bad risk, Don created the Municipal Legal Defense Program, which allowed cities to pool their risks. It was the first of its kind in the country. Don worked incredibly hard to create more optional benefit programs to offer League members, including the Municipal Health Benefit Fund, the Municipal League Workers’ Compensation Trust, the Firefighters Supplemental Income Protection and Death Benefit Program, and Municipal Vehicle and Property Programs. These programs have saved Arkansas municipalities millions of dollars over the last three decades. In 1981, Zimmerman and the League pressed for a local option sales tax for cities and towns. Since then voters have passed local sales taxes to fund essential services like public safety, street and infrastructure, and amenities like parks and recreation facilities. Michael Flannery, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law at Bowen, introduced Terrence Cain, this year’s recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award in Public Service. Cain, a 1999 Bowen graduate, has been on the faculty at the law school since 2007 and serves as the school’s associate dean for faculty development. In the classroom, he challenges his students to critically evaluate current legal doctrines and consider whether they deal effectively and fairly with contemporary issues. Cain was nominated for the award by Bowen law students, Flannery said. Bowen’s graduating classes of 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018 all selected Cain to serve as faculty marshal or hooder at their graduations. In addition to his class and administrative responsibilities, Cain devotes more than 100 hours per year to pro bono legal representation of people who cannot afford to pay an attorney. These cases, primarily in the areas of family law and criminal law, help low-income people deal with life-changing legal matters. Photos by Benjamin Krain Top right: Jan Zimmerman accepts the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law award for public service for her late husband, Don Zimmerman, former longtime executive director of the Arkansas Municipal League. Presenting the award is Mark Hayes, the League’s current executive director. Above left: Bowen Law professor Terrence Cain gets a thumbs up from Rita Gruber (right), chief judge of the Arkansas Court of Appeals, after being honored with the Bowen School of Law award for public service.

Assistantship experience at small business center gives ��Vlog��ý Little Rock grads a boost up career ladder

Janea Snyder — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:48:49 +0000

Graduate assistants at the learn by doing, and many ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni say their hands-on experience at the center is helping them in their professional pursuits. “I actually consider my experience learned from the ASBTDC as the launch pad of my success and getting into marketing research,” said Jennifer (Neubauer) Griswold, research and analytics manager for the Wyoming Office of Tourism. As a graduate assistant, she compiled and summarized market research for the center’s small business consultants and clients, identifying key pieces of the data. Now, market research and analysis is her career.

Jennifer Griswold (far right) with colleagues at the Wyoming Office of Tourism

Griswold finished her Master of Business Administration degree and assistantship in 2012. She briefly worked full-time at the center before becoming a researcher for Arkansas Parks and Tourism followed by TravelNevada. She left Nevada to start the research program in Wyoming. “As a part of my role, I help leadership make strategic decisions and guide the organization using data,” Griswold said. “I enjoy working in tourism research because every day presents new opportunities to help citizens, small business owners, volunteers, government officials and destination marketing organizations create jobs and value in their towns. Tourism is an impactful economic force in the country and it’s exciting to be able to help states and counties realize their potential as tourism destinations.” Career Development Just two years after earning his master’s degree, India native Allwin Leo Lobo is a data warehouse architect for Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

Allwin Leo Lobo

“I plan, design and build data mart and report solutions to support clinical, research and administrative activities,” he said, happy to be pursuing his field of interest, enterprise data management. “My graduate education in business information systems and experience I gained from ASBTDC have had a significant role in advancing my career and helping me reach my short-term professional goal of becoming a data architect,” Lobo said. Hands-On Learning ASBTDC has high expectations for its graduate assistants, and in exchange, provides engaging, interesting projects the students enjoy and learn from, particularly in the area of market research, said Heather Robinette, the program’s consulting and market research manager. Like Griswold and Lobo, current graduate assistants play a pivotal role in preparing the cutting-edge financial, market and industry data ASBTDC provides to its small business clients. The in-depth information comes from the proprietary market research databases to which ASBTDC subscribes as well as Esri geographic information systems software licensed by the center. “Our graduate assistants have always been involved in research, but the nature of the research has evolved. A few years ago, we invested in GIS mapping software and subscriptions to proprietary databases, and demand took off,” Robinette said. “Without the GAs, we couldn’t meet the increasing demand from clients and our other offices for high-quality market research and analysis.” In Robinette’s two decades with the program, she estimates she has worked with more than 60 graduate students. In 1997, Robinette herself was a graduate assistant for the center while completing her MBA. “Graduate assistants are vital to what we do. In turn, they get a robust experience and exposure to many industries and types of businesses,” she said. Professional Problem-Solver T.J. Thompson of Little Rock, a senior consultant for BKD Wealth Advisors’ Benefit Plan Consulting group, said his assistantship positioned him well for his current job.

T.J. Thompson

“I was able to get a well-rounded knowledge of business,” Thompson said. “Understanding the problems business owners face on a small level really helped me grasp the picture overall and have those ‘light bulb’ moments.” Thompson, a 2012 graduate, said assisting small business clients taught him problem-solving skills. “We had to take what the business owner said, break it down to understand what they needed and go get the information that would be most helpful to them so they could make informed business decisions. I greatly valued my experience with the ASBTDC and use many of those skills today,” he said. Working Abroad When Rebecca Van den Houte completed her MBA in 2012, she returned to her native Belgium. Following a year at Vlerick Business School, she went to work for Unilever as a key account manager. “I negotiate our contracts on ice cream, Lipton Ice Tea and Lipton Hot Tea with one of the biggest customers in Belgium, Carrefour,” Van den Houte said. “The combination of a little bit of work experience at the ASBTDC and my degree helped me to easily find a good job.” Assistantships to Doctorates While the GA experience at ASBTDC transfers well to the business world, a pair of former assistants consider it good preparation for a career in academia, also. Kayla (New) and Pradeep Sapkota met while both were graduate assistants at the center. Married since 2012, they live in Baton Rouge, La., where Pradeep is pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting at Louisiana State University. His goal is a tenure-track faculty position.

Kayla and Pradeep Sapkota

“I love teaching and training, but I also enjoy data management and reporting. Since I’ve done both, I get to be the flexible one,” said Kayla, who expects to finish her Ed.D. in higher education in 2018 through ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Her focus is marketing curriculum development and technologies. She received her MBA in 2011. At the center, she worked with small business clients on startup and business planning and did market research. “I feel like the people skills, organization skills, business savvy and awareness and general professionalism that I learned at ASBTDC helped me greatly,” she said. “I learned so much and was situated nicely to enter the job market. No doubt, this assistantship was the best one I could have gotten.” Sapkota, a 2010 graduate, said the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is one of the best places he has ever worked. “I think the two best aspects about ASBTDC are wonderful co-workers and professional work environment,” he said. “As a graduate assistant, I never felt I was treated any differently than one of the business consultants. I was given proper training and opportunity to perform my duties. The things I learned at ASBTDC have very much helped me in the real-world setting.” Future Entrepreneur Current graduate assistant Jaya Raj will complete his master’s degree in business information systems with a certificate in business analytics in December. He plans to start his own business in the next five years. “My assistantship has motivated me to achieve my long-term plan and gives me the foundation of how to go about setting up a business,” he said. “Handling multiple research requests for entrepreneurs and working with so much data has helped me interpret business findings and helped build a picture of how to approach the market.” Learning That Lasts Graduate assistantships at the center are a great opportunity for students, according to Dr. Jane Wayland, the Stephen Harrow Smith Dean of Business. “Experiential learning is an important facet of graduate students’ education, and the rich assistantship experience at the ASBTDC equips students to succeed wherever their career path may lead,” Wayland said. While the maximum length of an assistantship is two years, the lessons and relationships last. “Everyone I know from ASBTDC and the experience I gained from ASBTDC have been a positive influence in my life,” Lobo said. The ASBTDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. ASBTDC assists new, existing and innovation-based small businesses, providing free consulting and market research services plus affordable educational events. In top right photo, graduate assistant Jaya Raj works with Heather Robinette, a consulting and market research manager for Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center Contributing writer: Gwen Green, communications coordinator for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

American Bar Association honors Bowen alum for public service

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:03:03 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law graduate is one of five national recipients of an American Bar Association award that honors public service in the legal profession. William (Bill) Waddell Jr., a partner at, will receive the American Bar Association’s during an Aug. 12 awards luncheon in New York. The award is given to lawyers and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. These services are of critical importance to the increasing number of people living in poverty who need legal representation to improve their lives, according to the American Bar Association. “In the end, increased access to justice is crucial,” Waddell wrote on the American Bar Association website. “Individuals in need, particularly women and children, often have nowhere to turn but legal aid, and their unmet problems, which can often be resolved with minimal assistance, result in a loss of community.” Waddell has devoted hundreds of hours as a volunteer, handling more than 300 pro bono adoptions for Bethany Christian Services. He also serves as legal counsel to the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops and has served as chancellor to the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2009, Wadell’s work led to the creation of the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation, where he served as chair of the board of directors for eight years. The foundation later merged with Arkansas’ Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts program to diversify support for legal aid. Waddell is a 1978 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and a 1984 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock law school graduate. He is a recipient of a 2017 Outstanding Lawyer Award from the American Bar Association, a 2016 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award from Legal Aid of Arkansas, and a 2013 Arkansas Bar Foundation Equal Justice Distinguished Service Award.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock hosts Alumni Night at Dickey-Stephens Park

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:20:43 +0000

All University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumni, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy a night at the ballpark during the university’s second annual Alumni Night at Dickey-Stephens Park on Friday, Aug. 25. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni and friends can enjoy an all-you-can-eat dinner while watching the Arkansas Travelers battle the Tulsa Drillers. The dinner and networking will begin at 6 p.m. at the Club Car on the concourse overlooking the field, followed by the game at 7:10 p.m. The menu will include hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato chips, popcorn, soft drinks, sweet tea, and water. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online through Wednesday, Aug. 23. For more information, contact Danielle Hendrix at 501.683.7502 or dnhendrix@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock hosts “Socialize and Salsa Night” for alumni

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:43:51 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a night of salsa dancing, networking, and lively music for alumni Friday, Aug. 4. “Socialize and Salsa Night” will begin at 8 and continue to 11 p.m. at Club 27, 614 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock. The evening kicks off with a private social hour at 8 p.m. on the lower level of Club 27, followed by a salsa lesson with Sarah Catherine and Jorge Gutierrez. Open dancing begins at 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online and cost $10. They include entry into Club 27 and one cocktail. Dress is casual. For more information, contact Sarah Hamilton at schamilton1@ualr.edu or 501.907.9041.

��Vlog��ý Little to host event for Washington, D.C. alumni

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:08:10 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association will host its fourth annual party for all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni in the Washington, D.C., area Thursday, July 27. The celebration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beacon Bar and Grill, 1615 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. In addition, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni Jeff Dutton and Bryan Goodman will host a reception from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 28, at Dutton’s home in Washington, D.C. The reception will raise money for the Stonewall Endowed Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who raise awareness for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. Since 2010, seven students have received scholarships totaling $13,000. Those interested in attending either event should contact Kristi Smith, senior director of development, at klsmith4@ualr.edu or 501.569.8739.

Golf Tournament raises $115k for student success initiatives in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:39:06 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business raised more than $115,000 for student success initiatives at its sixth annual golf tournament. “This tournament is something we look forward to year after year,” said Dr. Jane Wayland, Stephen Harrow Smith dean of Business. “Dillard’s has presented the tournament for four years now, and we are very grateful to them and to each and every sponsor, player, donor, and volunteer who all make this event a success.” This year’s tournament was held June 12 at Pleasant Valley Country Club and presented by Dillard’s. Next year’s tournament has been set for June 11 at the same location. Money raised from this year’s event will be added to the newly established Student Success Endowment fund, which was created fall 2016 with the help of a lead gift from U.S. Bank.

This endowment was established to provide for the ever-changing needs of students and can be used for scholarships, competitions, student enrichment, career placement, study abroad programs, and competitive support for gifted and talented students. “We are excited to announce a goal of $250,000 for the Student Success Endowment. This endowment will ensure that funds are available to assist students for years to come. Successful students mean success for Arkansas and the business community,” Wayland said. Fifty-two teams participated in the 2017 tournament that featured morning and afternoon flights, a silent auction, participant gifts and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all players. Sponsors include Textbook Brokers, Pettus Office Supply, Ace Liquor, Diamond Bear Beer, Gateway Bank, Pepsi, Westrock Coffee, Ben E. Keith, Malvern National Bank, and Golden Corral. For more information, contact Sheena Howell, director of development and external relations for the College of Business, at 501.569.3208 or smhowell1@ualr.edu.

Volunteers help raise money for student success initiatives during the sixth annual University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament June 12 at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

Event raises nearly $55k for audiology and speech pathology students; recent grad gets unexpected surprise

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 15:27:34 +0000

The eighth annual Jazz and Juleps event raised more than $54,000 for audiology and speech pathology students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The May 25 event, which was held at the Clinton Presidential Center, honored Cassandra Steele, director of special programs for the and a 1988 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. All funds raised from the event will go toward an endowed scholarship fund in Steele’s name. In her role at Little Rock School District, Steele oversees nearly 60 speech pathologists and more than 200 special education teachers. They provide services to about 2,700 students who receive special education lessons within the district. During her speech, Steele gave one recent graduate of the joint ��Vlog��ý Little Rock-University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences audiology and speech pathology graduate program the surprise of a lifetime.

Cassandra Steele (left) celebrates Madison White’s (right) acceptance of a job offer as a speech-language pathologist with the Little Rock School District. Photo by Nelson Cheanault.

During the 2016-17 academic year, Steele helped establish a partnership in which 10 audiology and speech pathology graduate students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and ��Vlog��ýMS earned professional experience and stipends by serving as interns with Little Rock School District. Steele asked one of the interns, Madison White, to come to the stage during Jazz and Juleps. Believing that she was there to tell the crowd about her experiences as an intern, White was quite surprised when Steele offered her a job as a speech-language pathologist with Little Rock School District. “As I walked to the front and stood next to her, I was thinking about what I would say about my intern experience,” White said. “So I was completely caught off guard when she offered me a job. I was overwhelmed by the immediate amount of support and encouragement I received from everyone at the event, and I was so flattered that she would honor me in that way during her speech as the event honoree.” After congratulating White, Steele encouraged ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni to find ways to give back. “When you graduate from the department, you know that you are equipped to be the best in the profession,” Steele said. “As you delve into life after school, never pass on an opportunity to teach, mentor, or to serve. Together, we can accomplish so much for those with speech and hearing difficulties.” In the upper right photo, celebrity auctioneer Craig O’Neill takes pictures with the upbeat crowd at the 8th annual Jazz and Juleps event at the Clinton Presidential Center. Photo by Nelson Chenault.

Ward to receive 2017 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presidents Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:27:52 +0000

When Rebecca Ward discovered a need for social work student scholarships at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she quickly jumped into action. Ward, a 1979 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a Master of Social Work degree, organized fellow social work alumni into a community advisory board with the goal of creating an endowed scholarship for social work students at the university. “I came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and the first week it snowed and I fell on the ice,” Ward said. “It was an awful beginning, but turned out to be a life-affirming experience after I had just been divorced. The professors were great, and I felt like I got a great education. I wanted to give something back. If you love your university, it’s natural.” Ward’s philanthropic spirit and desire to help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students are among the reasons she was named the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association’s Presidents Award winner. The award is bestowed on individuals with career success and a profound dedication to the university. Ward will be honored during the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration, presented by Baptist Health, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, in the Great Hall of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Her foray into fundraising was a learning process. The advisory committee’s first fundraiser in 2010 earned about $1,500. After six years, the group raised more than $100,000 for social work scholarships. Ward arrived at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1977 at a time of great transition. Having recently divorced, she was the quintessential nontraditional student out to earn an advanced degree and a better career to provide for her young son, Dan Smith. She had to leave her home in Arkadelphia at 5 a.m. to make it to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for 7 a.m. classes. Although he kept it a secret for many years, her son, who was 9 at the time, used to stand at the window to watch his mother leave for school and ask God to please bring his mother back to him. “When your mom is a single parent, your mother is your whole world,” said Smith, who is now a dermatologist in Little Rock. Originally, Ward thought she would become a language teacher. She earned bachelor’s degrees in English and French and completed the educational requirements for teaching certification from Ouachita Baptist University in 1964. After reading “What Do You Say After You Say Hello” by Eric Berne, she became interested in psychology and social work as a way to help people. She was also inspired by her aunt, Dr. Virginia Boyle, who worked as a clinical psychologist in North Carolina. Ward studied psychology at the University of Central Arkansas before completing a master’s degree in social agency counseling at Henderson State University in 1977. During her career, Ward worked at Arkansas Children’s Colony, Greater Little Rock Community Mental Health Center, Ouachita Regional Mental Health Center, and several private practices. She has been in private practice with her partner, Howard Turney, the past 10 years. The two think of each other as family and “try to out-nice each other.” After serving as chair of the School of Social Work Advisory Committee, Ward joined the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association board of directors as president from 2010 to 2014. Ward and her fellow board members help oversee hundreds of scholarships for potential and current ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. Additionally, Ward is a past chair of the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board, Arkansas Hospice, and Thea Foundation. She has also served on the Arkansas Association for Marital and Family Therapists. She spent 17 years as the therapist on the television show “Good Morning Arkansas,” is a contributor to AY Magazine, and is the author of the 2000 book “How to Stay Married Without Going Crazy.” Ward is currently writing a book for caregivers inspired by the person she admires most, her husband, Don, who had a stroke in 2015. “My husband has shown great dignity and perseverance. I look for people who persevere and show grace under pressure,” she said.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock honors Corby with Distinguished Alumni Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:54:16 +0000

When Candice Hunter Corby was in her junior year at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, her successful internship at BKD CPAs and Advisors in Little Rock helped launch her financial career. Now the 1994 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate, named one of the top female CEOs in the country in 2016, is the recipient of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association’s highest honor. “I am certainly very honored and humbled by the recognition,” Corby said. “When I reflect on who has been honored in the past, I am pleased to be included with such accomplished individuals who truly represent the character and carry the foundation of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission in all that they do.” Corby will be recognized during the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration, presented by Baptist Health, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, in the Great Hall of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Corby was named one of the Top 10 Female CEOs of 2016 by dotCEO. Additionally, the Austin Business Journal recognized her as a 2015 Profiles in Power – Women of Influence in Central Texas finalist.

Road to success

A native of Massachusetts, Corby found herself in Arkansas when a family member, a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, was stationed in Little Rock. At first, she majored in education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. After doing incredibly well in some accounting classes, her career path changed. “The professor came up to me and asked me if I had ever thought of going into accounting,” Corby said. “He said I could do very well, and it would be a good base for a business career. It was literally my professor who steered me into business and accounting.” After completing an internship at BKD CPAs and Advisors during her junior year at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Corby began her career as a senior auditor at BKD. At 26, she then became the youngest chief financial officer of the Times Record News, an E.W. Scripps Company. After a transition to law firms, Corby served as chief financial officer of Godwin Gruber, LLP, chief operating officer of Baker & McKenzie, LLP, in Dallas, and chief operating officer of Mayer Brown in New York City. She is now the CEO, president, and one of two female board members of Cobra Legal Solutions, LLC. Based in Austin, Texas, with offices domestically and abroad, Corby leads an incredible staff of legal experts and technologists to help corporate legal departments and law firms manage their information management needs consistently and cost-effectively. When she became a CEO, Corby looked forward to emails she would receive from her father, Ralph Hunter, who passed away in 2012. He was so proud of his daughter that he took pleasure in writing emails with the subject line “Notes to the CEO.” “He would give me business advice, and I saved all his emails,” Corby said. “Last year when I ran my first marathon, I carried my father’s silver dollar in my pocket so we could run it together in a way.” In addition to her father, Corby’s husband has also been an incredible source of support and strength. “Throughout your life and career, there are many ups and downs,” she said. “Without the love and unwavering support of my husband, Ken Corby, I would not be where I am today. He is my rock.”

Accomplishments

Corby is a frequent speaker and mentor, having been interviewed by the Harvard Business School Executive MBA program on “How Key Women Succeed.” She also moderated panel discussions at The University of Texas McCombs Executive MBA Program on “Championing Women in the Workplace” and participated on a panel for the Four Seasons Hotel – Austin’s program on “Women in Leadership.” To be successful in today’s environment, Corby advises students to remain positive in a world that seems filled with negative attitudes. “My advice to students would be to persevere,” she said. “In this sort of turbulent environment, both politically, economically, and socially, stay with your beliefs and focus on them. Do not let them interfere with your ability to be a patriot and to move forward and be a positive beacon.” Corby is an advocate for many causes that are near to her heart, including the arts, health, women’s initiatives, diversity, and eradicating homelessness. She serves on the boards of Zach Theatre, Austin Opera, University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music Directors’ Council, and Ellevate Network. She was also co-chair of the 2016 “I Am Waters Supermodel Luncheon,” a national movement that provides water bottles and inspiration messages to the homeless. Corby is an avid runner who has recently started competing in marathons. She also enjoys travel, skiing, wine and cheese, and spending time with her husband, Ken, and “furry child,” Tiberius.

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

Bowen honors alumni, raises $80,000 for access to justice initiatives

Assistantship experience at small business center gives ����Vlog��ý Little Rock grads a boost up career ladder

American Bar Association honors Bowen alum for public service

����Vlog��ý Little Rock hosts Alumni Night at Dickey-Stephens Park

����Vlog��ý Little Rock hosts “Socialize and Salsa Night” for alumni

����Vlog��ý Little to host event for Washington, D.C. alumni

Golf Tournament raises $115k for student success initiatives in ����Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business