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

Single Mother Who Left College to Care for Autistic Son Earns Bachelor’s Degree 15 Years Later

John Hill — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:20:11 +0000

In 2006, Veronica Tess Myers, of Little Rock, made the difficult decision to leave college to ensure her son, Alexander, got the education he deserved. Myers promised herself that she would one day return to complete her college education. “I started my college journey at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2000, and then stopped out in 2006 due to the dynamics of being a single mother and to take care of my profoundly autistic son, Alexander,” Myers said. Fifteen years later, Myers fulfilled her lifelong goal of completing college and graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication at the end of the fall 2021 semester. “Veronica was one of our outstanding graduating seniors of 2021,” said Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication. “She returned to complete her remaining 18 hours of coursework this past summer at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She has started a nonprofit, entitled ., to help other parents and caregivers of autistic children better advocate and educate their children.” In 2007, Myers’ management position with Bombay Company was coming to a close as the company filed for bankruptcy. She considered returning to college, but decided to focus on Alexander’s schooling instead. “Of course, I chose the latter and went to school with my son nearly every day of his four years of high school until 2011 when he received his diploma,” she said. After Alexander graduated from Hall High School, Myers said she faced immense challenges in finding support for individuals with autism who are transitioning to their adult lives and beyond. She became a staunch supporter and advocate for disability rights in Arkansas. Retired State Sen. Uvalde R. Lindsey invited Myers to serve as an advisory parent member of the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism, where she was the first African American to sit on the committee. She also joined the Disability Rights Center of Arkansas, now known as Disability Rights Arkansas PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Advisory Council, during the same timeline. “My son can’t step forward into the spotlight to tell his story,” Myers said. “That’s why I’m here to share his story and others like his. We can’t ask for change without being on the forefront making that change happen. I have to fight for his right to stay at home with me and still fight for the services and support that he is entitled to due to his lifelong disability diagnosis. That is a fight every year, and he’s 28.” In fall 2020, Myers met with her academic advisor with the intention to start classes again during the spring 2021 semester. Her college plans faced one more life challenge. “I got blindsided with the guardianship responsibilities of my estranged father who was allegedly assaulted in his high-rise apartment and left unconscious and suffered a 2/3 massive left-brain stroke,” Myers said. “After advocating for my father’s rights for fair and decent treatment in a nursing home and in doing so becoming a member of both Arkansas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents and Arkansas Caregivers for Compromise support groups, I was finally able to return to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” While transitioning to a virtual learning environment during the pandemic, Myers said several applied communications professors – Drs. Chatham-Carpenter, Kristen McIntyre, Carol Thompson, and Avinash Thombre – served as mentors who helped her graduate. “I also want to say a very special thank you to the ladies of the Communication Skills Center,” she said. “Your patience and love for what you do is beyond exceptional.” Now that she’s finished with college as a first-generation graduate, Myers said the research she completed for her capstone project, “Autism advocacy: Single mothers saving face among a world of chaos,” will help her in the development of the autism strategy consulting services and workshops she creates with her nonprofit. Myers is also looking to finish her memoir, “Raising Alexander,” an attestment to her and Alexander’s journey. She is also working on a business plan for an autism transition residential facility in Little Rock to help individuals with autism transition to adulthood in a community-inclusive environment. “There are families going outside of Arkansas to enroll their autistic loved one in places like 29 Acres, an autism transition academy located in Crossroads, Texas,” Myers said. “Having a facility in Little Rock will ensure an effective transition process of life after high school to give individuals with autism spectrum disorder here in Arkansas a true quality of life on their own terms.”

Chatham-Carpenter Selected for National Position in Braver Angels

John Hill — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:17:16 +0000

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the former state co-coordinator for , has been selected to serve as co-director of field communications for Braver Angels National. “Although I usually prefer working at the grassroots level, sometimes opportunities come along that allow you to serve and learn from leaders at a different level,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “That’s what happened here. I want to learn from the folks at Braver Angels National and do what I can to help further the mission of depolarizing America.” Launched in 2016, Braver Angels is an organization that brings together red (conservative-leaning) and blue (liberal-leaning) Americans in a working alliance. Recent polls show that a majority of Americans feel the country is more divided than ever. Through programs and workshops, Braver Angels creates opportunities for meaningful discussion among members of opposing political parties. As director of field communications, a volunteer position, Chatham-Carpenter will work to empower Braver Angels leaders throughout the country and improve the way information is communicated to them, as well as disseminate success stories of their work. “This is a huge honor for April,” said Glen White, co-coordinator for Braver Angels of Arkansas. “We’ve been lucky to have her involvement and expertise in our local organization for more than two years, and we know she will do great things in her new position with Braver Angels National.” Her professional background as applied communication chair at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock makes her uniquely qualified to serve Braver Angels National in this capacity. She also accepted the position because she believes so strongly in the mission of Braver Angels and wants to make a difference. “I believe that the work of Braver Angels helps bridge the political divide we face in our relationships and communities and is so important,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “The mission of Braver Angels is consistent with my department’s mission to foster the co-creation of better social worlds through positive communication.” Chatham-Carpenter feels comfortable stepping away from her role with Braver Angels of Arkansas because another qualified volunteer, David Childs, is already slated to take her place as red state co-coordinator. He has served as membership chair for Braver Angels of Arkansas since early 2021 and is excited to move into the red state co-coordinator role. Braver Angels is a citizens’ organization composed almost equally of conservatives (reds) and liberals (blues), along with some independents (purples). The organization’s goal is for citizens and politicians alike to be willing to hear one another and work toward compromises where common ground can be found. Through workshops, debates and other programs, Braver Angels members learn to discuss potentially volatile issues such as politics and race in a way that is civil and productive. A recent national Braver Angels debate about election integrity drew 2,000 attendees. Leaders participating in the debate discussed the issue of voter fraud and voter suppression civilly for two hours, while observers watched, listened and learned.

��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 .

Dahl gets second chance at finishing college 16 years after leaving

John Hill — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 18:13:48 +0000

While 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for many individuals, one woman took the opportunity to complete the college degree she started in 2002 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Lorien Dahl will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication this month after rejoining her program online in the spring 2020 semester. “It feels a little bit like a miracle to me,” Dahl said. “I never thought I would finish my degree. When I actually had the idea, it wasn’t about getting a job for me. It was about doing it for myself and hopefully getting a better sense of self-esteem from knowing that I had finished what I started so long ago.” After earning her associate degree from National Park College, Dahl first attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from 2002 to 2004, when her major was known as speech communication. After leaving college, Dahl spent a decade putting her creative side to good use by working as a reporter, photographer, and editor at The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs. “Working as a photojournalist was my first goal in professional photography work, so I was fortunate that path unfolded for me,” Dahl said. “After caring for my father as he declined from dementia, I was able to take time off work. I lived in New Mexico for two years, where I spent much of my time photographing the outdoors. During that time, I decided to finish my degree.” Dahl finished the final year of her degree online. While she did find classes somewhat different from her first time here, Dahl considers herself a natural learner who adjusted well to an online environment. “I was born to be a student,” Dahl said. “I am interested in the world around me, so that makes me a natural student. I get excited about learning things and pouring myself into the creation of whatever my instructors tell me to create.” She found mentors in applied communication professors April Chatham-Carpenter, Kristen McIntyre, and Gerald Driskill. “Lorien has been a joy to have as a student this past year,” said Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication. “Choosing to finish her degree after having been out of college for more than 15 years is quite the accomplishment. Her determination and choices to better herself and achieve her dreams serve as an inspiration to all of us.” Dahl completed a senior capstone project on self-talk through the lens of emotional intelligence theory that she is submitting to an honors conference. “Lorien’s senior project explored the way a person’s intrapersonal communication or self-talk is impacted by their emotional intelligence,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “She did her own action-based research on being aware of and changing her own negative self-talk to positive self-talk as part of additional coursework she did this semester. Her findings demonstrate her own personal journey of growth, from which I have learned as I have served as her instructor.” After graduation, Dahl plans to find a job in a remote position that combines her photography, writing, and intrapersonal communication skills. “Finishing my degree has allowed a personal transformation,” Dahl said. “It’s never too late to invest in your own growth.”

Applied Communication Professor to Participate on Panel to Discuss Political Polarization

John Hill — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:00:23 +0000

Braver Angels of Central Arkansas, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Department of Applied Communication, and CALS Library System will host a public program featuring a panel on Oct. 5 that will discuss various aspects of political polarization, including its causes, influences, impacts, and solutions. Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, a professor of applied communication at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is one of the panel speakers. She will focus on various communication practices that help us improve our political conversations. Additional panelists include Glen White, a local psychologist, who will report on what social sciences research has to say about polarization, and Jerry Henderson, a retired psychologist, who will explore the latest thinking among political scientists and others about how polarization can have detrimental impacts on democratic governments. The event is Monday, Oct. 5, from 6-7:30 p.m. To register and obtain a zoom link for the program, go to Eventbrite at .

71-year-old working hard to fulfill dream of earning college degree

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 14:28:07 +0000

At 71, Carolyn Wilkerson of Little Rock loves life as a full-time college student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, working to fulfill a lifelong goal of earning a college degree.�� “The fact that I have decided to obtain a degree at my age would be surprising to most people,” she said. “Many of my peers are in awe when they discover a grandmother in their classes.” Wilkerson started attending ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2016, fulfilling a promise she made to herself many years ago. “I didn’t go to college when I graduated high school,” she said. “I always said to myself that when I retire, I am going to go to college. After I retired, my daughter opened a daycare, and I started helping her. Then my children reminded me that I said I was going to go. I always wanted a college degree.” Beginning college at age 68 as an applied communication major turned out to be a unique experience for Wilkerson. “It was very strange and different,” she said. “I’m like the elephant in the room. When I first started, I would see students eyeing me, wondering what the grandmother was doing in the room. Most of my friends have been the professors, but I have made friends with quite a few young people over the years.” Wilkerson credits Ida Umphers, senior instructor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, as one of the teachers who has made a difference in her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “When I came to college, I took an entrance exam. My lowest score was math, so I had to take Foundations of Algebra with Ida Umphers,” Wilkerson said. “That was the first course in my entire life that I didn’t pass. I never considered myself good in math. I had to pass that class. Umphers was so encouraging. When I finished the course the second time, she sent me an email and congratulated me for making an A+ in her class. That was a big hurdle I had to cross. I don’t think I could have gone on if I hadn’t. That is what I consider my most momentous moment here. To fail the class was devastating, but to be able to pass it was amazing.” The long road to college After graduating from then Horace Mann Senior High School in 1965, Wilkerson attended Pulaski Vocational School for clerical job training. During her first job after vocational school, she worked for Westinghouse, which is no longer located in Little Rock, and remembers being the first black person in their office pool. She married her husband, Ronald Wilkerson, in 1993. They have a blended family with a total of seven children, 24 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Ronald is the pastor of Faith Temple Deliverance Church of God in Christ. Wilkerson describes being a pastor’s wife as a blessing that comes with many responsibilities. With a small congregation, she is often responsible for creating the church bulletins, doing the budget, cleaning the church, cooking for events, planning church events, and teaching Sunday School. Wilkerson also heads a women’s department with members from seven churches in her district. Being the eldest of eight children, Wilkerson said her extended family has mixed views on her decision to pursue a college degree. “I think my family thinks I’m a little crazy when I say that I was up until 3 a.m. working on homework,” she said. “My husband, my 88-year old mother (Bobbie Landers), and children are very supportive, but my brothers and sisters think I have serious issues, except for one brother who went back to school later in life. They accomplished what they wanted to in life, and the last thing they want to do during retirement is go back to school. “I have two daughters who graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, one that graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, who is a neurologist, two children currently working on master’s degrees, my husband has a master’s degree in divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary, and several grandchildren in college. Education is big because I know the importance of it.” After she graduates in 2020, Wilkerson will continue to use her education to help students who attend the city-sponsored youth program,, which she has been helping to run since her husband started the program in 2011. The program serves at-risk youth ages 13-19 in Little Rock, both male and female. “I would like to use the knowledge that I acquire for young people. With my acquisition of life’s tenure and the fact that I am a mother and grandmother coupled with my education, I can provide advice to young people if they will allow me,” Wilkerson said. “Through the youth program, I have already assisted with the use of computers, math, communication, and research skills to help youth at Bridge 2 Success. Some of them have begun to call me Nana and my husband Papa. You sense that they know we care. I do love them. There is no getting around it.” She has found a home in the Department of Applied Communication, where professors like Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter and Dr. Kristen McIntyre have helped her learn valuable skills. “The Applied Communication Department has introduced me to communication concepts that literally required me to think outside of myself and from another’s point of view,” Wilkerson said. “I now know what it means to consider the value of another’s culture and how we bring value to one another in important ways.” Wilkerson is thankful to all the people who are helping her complete her goal of earning a college degree at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “The sheer fact that I have returned to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for five semesters is proof that it’s never too late to realize a dream,” she said. “My professors and instructors have made me feel included in their classroom structure, without exception. I’ve needed assistance multiple times and I have never felt that it was a bother for any of them. My classroom experience has been great!” In the upper right photo, 71-year-old Carolyn Wilkerson, left, credits her success as a late in life student to Ida Umphers, right, senior instructor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Wilkerson says Umphers is one of the teachers who has made a difference in her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock ranked top college for affordable online journalism education

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:29:27 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been ranked among the most affordable colleges in the country offering online degrees in the journalism field.�� ranked ��Vlog��ý Little Rock seventh on its list of the “30 Most Affordable Online Colleges Offering Degrees for Journalism Jobs 2018.” For an affordable $280 per credit hour, hopeful journalists can earn a Bachelor of Arts in applied communication online, which consists of 120 credit hours and teaches students how to analyze messages, develop messages, anticipate communication barriers, accomplish communicative goals, embrace difference, and influence discourse. Students can also complete this degree in an accelerated format with eight-week courses. Another journalism-related option, the Bachelor of Arts in professional and technical writing offers a curriculum that provides practical writing, editing, and document design skills. The program has two concentrations: nonfiction and technical writing. This online bachelor’s degree can earn graduates positions as grant writers, freelance writers, teachers, nonfiction writers, ghostwriters, web developers, and editors. Students also have the option to continue their studies with online master’s degree programs like the Master of Arts in mass communication, which offers a media research option and professional mass media option, or the Master of Arts in professional and technical writing. According to the , the outlook for reporters, correspondents and broadcast news analysts is dim with a 10 percent decline from 2016 to 2026 with almost 5,000 fewer jobs in the market. On the other hand, employment of general media and communication occupations is projected to grow 6 percent during those 10 years, which is about the average growth for all occupations and will result in about 45,300 new jobs. The BLS states, “Demand for media and communication occupations is expected to arise from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.” The rankings were based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Database, the individual school’s website, and additional college resource websites.

The BridgeWay starts scholarship/internship program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:05:25 +0000

, a mental health and substance abuse facility in North Little Rock, is partnering with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to provide students in the Department of Applied Communication with a unique opportunity to receive a scholarship and gain professional experience at the same time.�� The BridgeWay will donate $2,500 a year to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to sponsor a scholarship and internship program for applied communication students in the College of Social Sciences and Communication. Beginning in January 2019, one student will be selected per year to receive a $2,500 scholarship and an internship at The Bridgeway. Bruce Trimble, director of business development for The BridgeWay and a passionate advocate for mental health in Arkansas, graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2006 with a Master of Arts in applied communication. “When I graduated, I wanted to do anything to help with the applied communication program because I got so much out of it,” Trimble said. “This is another way to honor the program and give students an opportunity for a great scholarship and internship experience.” The students selected for the scholarship will assist Trimble in developing communication strategies and messages targeted at combatting the stigma surrounding mental health and expanding The BridgeWay’s services. “One of the things I’ve learned over the years is the stigma that surrounds mental health can largely be combatted by communication,” Trimble said. “The interns will be assisting with messaging around mental health and helping me identify targets and barriers to expand our services within the state of Arkansas. This internship is a way to give back and expose this area of communication to young leaders.” The BridgeWay provides inpatient mental health services, outpatient care, and counseling to Arkansans. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the hospital is the largest freestanding psychiatric facility in the state and serves nearly 5,000 people a year. In 2014, Trimble experienced a paradigm shift when he realized that Arkansas was a leading state for suicide. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Trimble to the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council. This involved building connections to hospitals and treatment centers, challenging the stigma associated with mental health, and educating the populace about resources in the state, particularly for people who are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide. Trimble has also been instrumental in establishing a call center in Arkansas for the Suicide Prevention Hotline, which opened in December 2017. �� “Statistically, Arkansas is eleventh in the nation for suicides, and that is definitely something we could reduce if more people got help,” Trimble said. “Every day is a wakeup call. Each number is a person, and we need to reverse that trend.” Trimble received the 2018 Alumni Making a Difference Award, which recognizes ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni for being instrumental in their community to foster the co-creation of better social worlds through positive communication. Receiving the award was a highlight for Trimble, who was happy to share the experience with his proud father, 90-year-old Robert Trimble. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Applied Communication which helps connect community businesses, nonprofits, and alumni with the university. Trimble is one of the featured speakers in the 2018-19 Leadership Lecture Series. On Nov. 1, he will deliver his lecture, “Language Matters: Our Role in Destigmatizing Mental Health Issues.” In the upper right photo,��Bruce Trimble (left) celebrates with his father, Robert Trimble, after receiving the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock 2018 Alumni Making a Difference Award.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock honors employees, departments making a difference in students’ lives

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 17 May 2018 13:09:47 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recognized 57 faculty and staff members as well as 24 departments and programs who have made an impact in the lives of graduating students.�� The Division of Student Affairs hosted the Student Advocate Awards Ceremony on April 27. Through a survey, graduating seniors identified ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees and departments instrumental in their success. The faculty and staff members honored include:

Charles Anderson, Rhetoric and Writing
Neveen Amin, Sociology and Anthropology
Aresh Assadi, Counseling Services
Thomas Barrett, Education
William Baltosser, Biology
Emily Bell, Study Abroad
David Briscoe, Anthropology and Sociology
John Bush, Biology
Cai Carvalhaes, Counseling Services
Kelly Chaney, Biology
April Chatham-Carpenter, Applied Communication
Catherine Crisp, School of Social Work
Jane Evans, Nursing
Erin Finzer, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Mark Funk, Accounting
Marc Glidden, Criminal Justice/Campus Living
Camille Guess-Mitchell, Financial Aid
Shannon Gwinn, Business
George Jensen, Rhetoric and Writing
Amar Kanekar,��Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation
Tara Kittrell, Counseling Services
Cheryl Kleeman, Military Student Success
Gaurav Kumar, Accounting
Jason Kushner, Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation
Katina Leland, Education
James Levernier, English
Ann Marie Lott, Disability Resource Center
Kristin Mann, History
Bradley Minnick, English
Steven Minsker, Computer Science
Robert Mitchell, Business Information Systems
La’Donnia Mothershed, TRIO Student Support Services
Charles Molsbee, Nursing
David Montague, eLearning
Ibrahim Nisanci, Systems Engineering
Yvette Palmer, Undergraduate Academic Advising
Mary Parker, Criminal Justice
Sonya Premeaux, Business
Bennie Prince, Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation
Ann Robinson, Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education
Jessica Scott, Donaghey Scholars Program
Sherry Rankins-Robertson, Rhetoric and Writing
René Shroat-Lewis, Earth Sciences
Amber Smith, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Bruce Smith, Education
Janea Snyder,��Counseling, Human Performance & Rehabilitation
Nick Steele, Concurrent Enrollment
John Talburt, Information Science
Cynthia Taylor, Accounting
Rachel Tennial, Psychology
Rikki Turner, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Hyginus Ukadike, Counseling Services
David Weekley, Mass Communication
Jim Winter, Arkansas STRIVE Program
Karen Wisdom, Criminal Justice
Paul Yoder, English

The departments and programs honored include:

African American Female Initiative
Accounting
Anthropology
Applied Communication
Art and Design
Business Information Systems
Chancellor’s Leadership Corps
Counseling Services
Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy
Donaghey Scholars Program
Early Childhood Education
English
Greek Life
Nursing
Philosophy
Psychology
Rehabilitation Program
Rhetoric and Writing
Science Scholars Program
School of Social Work
Theatre Arts and Dance
TRIO McNair Scholars
TRIO Support Services
��Vlog��ýLR Teach

College of Social Sciences and Communication honors McIntyre, student research winners

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:54:39 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Social Sciences and Communication presented Dr. Kristen McIntyre with the Faculty Mentor Award and awarded six additional student research prizes during the college’s Research and Creative Works Showcase on Feb. 27.�� Dr. Julien Mirivel, interim dean of the college, said McIntyre is deserving of the award, which was created to celebrate a faculty member from the college who goes above and beyond in being a positive role model and mentor for their students. “She is always mentoring, always teaching, and always available to students,” Mirivel said. “I think this award is well deserved. We have great faculty in every unit of our college, and Kristen is a great example. She is very engaged with her students.” McIntyre, associate professor of applied communication, said she was surprised, humbled, and overwhelmed to receive the award. “I think the secret to being a good faculty mentor is listening,” McIntyre said. “I think you have to love your students, and you have to practice tough love sometimes. You have to give students what they need even if it’s not what they want.” The showcase featured about 65 presentations from students, faculty, and staff of the college, many of which highlight the college’s mission to apply “theory and research to drive social change and inspire human expression, reflection, and interconnection.” “I really believe that we use our own work not just to understand, but to reach out and try to improve the world around us,” Mirivel said. A prime example of the college’s belief in improving the world through research is the recipient of the Community Engagement Award, which recognizes the research project that most affects the community. Leonardo Moya, who is majoring in rhetoric and writing, won the award for his project, “Homeless in Little Rock.” Moya’s faculty mentor was Dr. Heidi Skurat-Harris. Additional award winners include:

��Student Government Association President Brian Gregory, a senior political science major, won the Undergraduate Research Award for his project, “Growing Grace.” Dr. Rebecca Glazier served as Gregory’s faculty mentor.
��Mass Communication student Dallas Smith won the Undergraduate Creative Works Award for his presentation of the film, “The Bombastic Scholastic,” which he and several of his colleagues from their Cinema Techniques class at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock produced. ��His colleagues on the project included Zatches Allen, Eric Holsomback, Bailey Park, and Nathan Treece.
��Mary Hughes, a criminal justice major, won the Graduate Research Award for her paper, “Is My Health Why I’m Scared? Examining the Effects of Perceived Health Conditions in Fear of Crime.” Her faculty mentor was Dr. Robert Lytle.
��Kristena Merritt, a graduate student in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, won the Graduate Creative Works Award for her paper, “Powerfemme Conversations.” Dr. Londie Martin served as her faculty mentor.
��Tabrina Bratton, a criminal justice major, won the Poster Presentation Award for her research, “Predicting Regional Hate Crime Rates: The Relationship between Fundamentalism and Attitudes Toward Sexual Orientation.” Bratton’s faculty mentors were Dr. Tusty ten Bensel and Dr. Robert Lytle.

Iveta Imre, assistant professor of mass communication, headed the showcase’s task force, which included Chatham-Carpenter, Lytle, Martin, and ten Bensel. In the upper right photo, winners of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Social Sciences and Communication Research and Creative Works Expo (L to R) include Tabrina Bratton, Poster Presentation Award; Mary Hughes, Graduate Research Award; Kristen McIntyre, Faculty Mentor Award; Julien Mirivel, interim dean of the college; and Dallas Smith and Nathan Treece, Undergraduate Creative Works Award.

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