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

Graduating Student Spotlight: Jack Ferguson

John Hill — Wed, 18 May 2022 13:18:21 +0000

Jack Ferguson has graduated with a Bachelor of Art in applied communication from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Why did you choose to study your major? I chose a communications major because I am in the real estate industry which requires a lot of communication. Communication is incredibly important in any business, but I believe it is highly applicable to building and selling real estate. How did you end up as a student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I attended the University of Arkansas for one year. A construction company out of Little Rock offered me a job opportunity where I could learn how to build residential homes for them. When I came back to Little Rock, I switched to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was able to work full time while still going to college. What are your thoughts on graduating? I am incredibly excited to graduate as working full time and being a full-time student is a lot. I have enjoyed the experience, but I am certainly ready to have my degree. Do you have a favorite professor or moment from your time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter has been absolutely great to me and has been incredibly helpful through the ups and downs of trying to balance work and school. I owe a lot to her for her service. What are some of the highlights from your college career? I think just being able to pursue business goals while still being able to go to school is an incredible opportunity for people. I would call that my highlight. What are your future plans now that you are graduating? My brother and I just started a company called Ferguson Real Estate for building custom residential homes. We can be found on Instagram. I also just got my real estate license as a realtor, and I am hoping to work really hard to make a career out of real estate for myself. What is the best advice you were given or would like to give to new college students? The best piece of advice I can give to any student starting college would be to make a list early Monday morning of everything the week requires and continually work at getting the work done and scratching the list off as you go. Communicating with your professors often can go a very long way in keeping yourself updated and being able to understand things better.

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.

Chatham-Carpenter to Moderate Discussion on Teaching Race in Public Schools

John Hill — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 16:14:20 +0000

Braver Angels of Arkansas is seeking participants for a new workshop coming to Arkansas to discuss teaching about race in public schools.�� The “Common Ground Workshop” will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 17, via Zoom. The event will bring together liberals and conservatives to seek common ground on a specific issue. Braver Angels of Arkansas will work through the issue of teaching critical race theory, the 1619 project, and the history of race in the country through civil dialogue.�� Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Department of Applied Communication, will co-moderate the event. Chatham-Carpenter serves as state co-coordinator of Braver Angels of Arkansas along with Glen White, a local psychologist. They, along with a seven-member executive committee, volunteer their time organizing local Braver Angels events every other month. They also speak to a variety of civic groups, churches, school groups, and other organizations about the Braver Angels mission and strategies for decreasing polarization.�� Those who would like to attend the workshop as a participant or observer may .

GRAD��Vlog��ýTE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ON PARKER LEHNEN

John Hill — Tue, 25 May 2021 14:10:29 +0000

Parker Lehnen, a native of Van Buren, Arkansas, graduated this semester with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication. He eventually wants to work in higher education so he can advocate for students with disabilities. He also aspires to speak at conferences on Autism awareness.�� Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m adopted, and I have two sisters who were adopted as well. I’ve lived in Van Buren all of my life. My family owns and operates Paul’s Bakery which has been in the family for over 65 years. It’s a tourist attraction in Arkansas. Tennis is one of my passions. I have a USTA intermediate ranking and play every day. I have over 13 years of experience on the courts. I have a passion to become a better person. Right now, I’m reading “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman. In this book, the author emphasizes that emotional intelligence is as important as IQ for achieving success in one’s personal and professional life. I am also looking for the next project in my search on autism. You were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at 10 years old and were told you wouldn’t lead a normal life. What was that like and how did you overcome it? This was so hard for my mother. When the doctor told me I wouldn’t live a normal life, it was like putting handcuffs on me. They might as well have said I would never be successful. My mother, psychologists, and counselors were committed to helping me. Unfortunately, I was the weird kid in high school and the target of bullying. People with disabilities are an easy target for bullies. I’ve learned how to hold my own now, and address bullies with communication instead of confrontation. I want to inspire others with disabilities to stand up for themselves because they are “perfectly imperfect.” Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I considered going to ��Vlog��ý Fayetteville, but ��Vlog��ý Little Rock spoke out to me because of the diversity of central Arkansas. Little Rock has allowed me to expand my horizons, and I love the variety of cultures, food, and things to do. There are more interesting things to do in Little Rock than in northwest Arkansas. Central Arkansas is my home away from home. Why did you switch your major from business to applied communication? At first, I wanted to major in business with an emphasis on human resources. This interested me because my family owns and operates a business. However, I later realized that human resources just was not the right fit for me.�� Then I took Professor Cheryl Johnston’s Intro to Communication class. This changed everything! It influenced my decision to change my major to Applied Communication, and it changed my life. I feel like I’m a better person and communicator because I have Asperger’s. I never knew that my autism would make me an amazing speaker. What is your advice for people with autism? My advice is to talk with your parents. Talk to them about your goals and write them down. Reach out to your high school counselor and to college faculty. I always had conversations with my teachers either in person, email, or Facetime. Volunteer in organizations to help your communication skills. Communication skills are the foundation of almost everything. Autism is something that should never hinder your success. You should treat it like a fashion statement and rock it! Tell us about some of your favorite courses. Abnormal psychology, the study of psychological behaviors, helped me understand more about autism. I also enjoyed a class called persuasive presentations. This teaches you how to persuade an audience with a thesis statement. My presentation was on why Daylight Savings Time should be abolished. There’s lots of research to support this. Think about it. Losing an hour of sleep is bad and affects your health.�� Who were some of your mentors? Regina Wade-Carter, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s chief of police, saved my life. I was having thoughts of suicide and had to go to the hospital to get a psychological evaluation. When I got back, Regina and Captain Aaron Birmingham checked on me often. Regina treated me like one of her children, and it motivated me to get better. Former Vice Provost and Dean of Students Dr. Brad Patterson has also been an incredible influence for me. Dr. April Chatham-Carter has been amazing as well along with all professors and staff of the Department of Applied Communication. You mentioned that you would like to work in higher education. What do you want to do?�� I would like to work in student affairs so I can inspire students with disabilities to see that they have a place on campus. I’d like to encourage student organizations to include students with disabilities. Students need to know that we’re all in this world together, and we can’t be judgemental. I’m interested in diversity in communication, gender equity, disabilities, and cultures of the world. And I would love to be the chancellor or vice chancellor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock one day. Do you have any advice for future students? Make sure you major in something you are interested in. If it is something you enjoy, you’ll do well at it. Motivation comes from your skills. Use that to drive your success in college. We need to inspire future generations with positive communication. I’m a diamond in the rough, and I’d like to show people how successful I’ve been at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Afterall, Arkansas is the diamond state! �� This graduate profile was compiled by Toni Boyer.

GRAD��Vlog��ýTE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ON JENNIFER TIPPIT

John Hill — Fri, 21 May 2021 17:32:14 +0000

Jennifer Tippit, of Benton, Arkansas, graduated in the spring 2021 semester with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication. She transferred to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from ��Vlog��ý-Pulaski Technical College and is the first in her family to get a bachelor’s degree.�� Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Bryant in 2002. I’ve been married for 16 years and have a beautiful 9-year-old daughter. I’ve worked at Arkansas School for the Deaf for 15 years. My college journey started after high school at the University of Central Arkansas for only a year and a half. In 2016, I transferred to Pulaski Tech and finished my degree at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I enjoyed going to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because the student population is so diverse. You see people from 18 to 80 years old. They could be single parents or international students. Why did you choose to major in applied communication? I originally majored in mass communication but switched to applied communication because I could take classes online to fit my schedule. It was a good move because I enjoyed the courses so much more. Plus, I think the perfect learning environment is both in-person and online. Applied communication teaches you the science behind communications and how to apply it in everyday situations. Everyone thinks they are a good communicator, but communicating consistently in a positive way takes skill. I’ve learned how to deliver good and bad news with my training. Tell us about working for the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Deaf people are no different from hearing people. They have the same hopes and dreams, and are just like everyone else. It has been very inspiring to be a part of this campus and community.

Jennifer Blanks, center, communicates in sign language to other staff members at the Arkansas School for the Deaf about boarding students onto buses before the school’s weekend dismissal. Photo by Ben Krain.

What were some of your favorite courses? Surprisingly, I enjoyed crisis communications and conflict management. The persuasive presentations course teaches you how to overcome your fear of public speaking. Now, I have no problem standing on stage and presenting to my peers at the deaf school. Who were some of your mentors? Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter and Professor Katie Halford pushed me to do my best and have always been there for me while a part of this department. Dr. Kristen McIntyre helped me with my capstone project. She taught me how to be real and avoid perfectionism. She said done is better than perfect! Professor Joli Livaudais told me that students pay for their education and must advocate for themselves, and that I belonged here as much as the next person. The former communication director at the Deaf School, Stacey Tatera, told me something that has always stuck with me. She said, “Always remember who you are addressing when you send a message and adjust to accommodate them. Always ask yourself before, ‘Who am I talking to?'” What do you want to do with your degree? I would love to stay at the Deaf School eventually overseeing communications on campus. I think effective communication is desperately needed in public education. So wherever I end up, I would like to stay within the educational realm.�� How did you celebrate your graduation? My husband and daughter walked with me in the hybrid graduation ceremony. Dr. Carpenter was there to cheer me on. My whole family will celebrate together when the graduation video is posted in June.�� My 80-year-old grandmother is my best friend, and in 2019 she was hospitalized. I made her promise me she would come to my graduation and she said only if I graduated with honors. Well, I got a cumulative 3.5 GPA and a current GPA of 4.0 this semester. I busted my rear to keep my promise. Since she couldn’t come to my graduation, we are going to have a photoshoot together where she will be wearing my honors cord. I kept my part of the bargain, so now she is going to do her part of the bargain! This graduate profile was compiled by Toni Boyer.��

Graduating Student Spotlight: Carletta Rainey

John Hill — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:29:15 +0000

Carletta Rainey is achieving a lifelong dream of completing her bachelor’s degree as she graduates this month from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication.�� Rainey works as a nurse at the ��Vlog��ýMS Women’s Health Clinic and is a U.S. Army veteran who has served overseas in South Korea and Kuwait. “As a transfer student who stopped out for many years, she came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2019,” said Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication. “Facing the odds against her with a recent cancer diagnosis, she has overcome these odds to complete her education.” Tell us about yourself. My name is Carletta Rainey, and I am originally from Verbena, Alabama. I am an Applied Communication student. I have been a resident of Arkansas since 2003 when the military brought me here. I served in the United States Army active duty for 8 years and my MOS was an ammunition specialist.�� I also graduated from Baptist School of Nursing in 2006 and have been a nurse for 15 years. I currently work for ��Vlog��ýMS Women’s Health part time. I am a Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor! How do you feel about your upcoming graduation? I am excited! I’ve reached the end of the tunnel. The journey is over. Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, I believe the virtual graduation experience will feel just as real as possible, like we were doing it in person. Kudos to the person who thought of this. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I wanted to attend a well known university and who better than ��Vlog��ý Little Rock!!! Why did you choose your major? Well let’s just say Dr. April was the one who gave me confirmation that this was IT! What teachers inspired you at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, Dr. Kristen McIntyre, Dr. Gerald Driskill, Mrs. Katie Halford, Dr. Carol Thompson, Dr. Bailey Oliver, and Dr. Avinash Thombre. What do you plan to do after graduation? Go on a well overdue getaway hopefully. What is your favorite memory of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I remember my Persuasive Presentation class with Mrs. Halford. That was nerve racking but I made it through it and it was lovely. What advice would you give to future students? Continue to strive for your dreams so they will become your reality. Make the best out of college so you will have memories to tell others. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Congratulations to the Class of 2021. God Bless you all.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock professor to lead April 5 panel on Media and Polarization

John Hill — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:57:21 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock professor will lead a panel discussion on how members of the media affect the polarization of politics.�� Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will moderate the “Media and Polarization” panel discussion held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 5, via Zoom. The panel will feature Philip Martin of the Democrat Gazette; Donna Stephens, journalism professor at the University of Central Arkansas; Gwen Moritz, editor of Arkansas Business; and Wesley Brown, publisher of the Daily Record. The panelists will share their views about the media’s influence on political polarization. Attendees will then have an opportunity to ask questions. The panel is sponsored by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Applied Communication, the Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System, and by Braver Angels of Arkansas, a nonprofit organization Chatham-Carpenter co-leads along with Glen White, a semi-retired psychologist who will also serve as a moderator for the panel. “I chose to get involved in Braver Angels because the mission of the organization is consistent with my ��Vlog��ý Little Rock department’s mission to ‘co-create better social worlds through positive communication,’” Chatham-Carpenter said. “As a member of this organization, I am dedicated to working towards depolarization within relationships, and recognize that the news we consume plays an important part in what we believe about the other side. Americans are increasingly divided into bubbles and echo chambers with limited exposure to the other side, consuming news that confirms their opinions and stereotypes. I am hoping that this panel will help bring to our level of awareness what we can do as citizens to better educate ourselves about these issues.” Launched in 2016, Braver Angels is an organization that brings Red and Blue Americans together 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. “Our goal is not to push an agenda or change participants’ minds, but rather, to encourage respectful discussions among those who value our country and its people over a political party,” White said.�� The event is free and open to the public. Please visit the to register for the panel discussion.

Bassett finds new love of learning, second chance at college degree with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:54:28 +0000

Julian Bassett, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication this month, said coming to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock made him a more independent learner and gave him a second chance to earn his college degree. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Bassett first attended Henderson State University and played on the men’s basketball team. Bassett admits he didn’t take college as seriously as he should have the first time around. After deciding to return to college, Bassett began taking classes part-time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2017 while also working full-time as an assistant store manager at AT&T. “This school really pushed me to learn how to not give up,” Bassett said. “I had to argue for my grades, build a portfolio, come up with my own research project, and use communication theories to support my research questions. The Applied Communication department pushed me into becoming comfortable being uncomfortable. It took lots of patience from my professors to help me through this transformation I was going through.” He found dedicated mentors in Dr. Kristen McIntyre, professor of applied communication, and Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Communication, who taught him about the value of positive communication. “Positive communication does change your world,” Bassett said. “If someone who is a doctor says you are smart, it makes you work harder. When you are told most of your life that all you are meant to do is play basketball, it can make it challenging when it comes to school. They really reshaped how I saw myself as a student, when there were times when I saw myself in a negative light. They became my mentors because they had such a positive impact on my life.” Bassett also credited the tutors at the Communication Skill Center for helping him develop great public speaking skills. “Dr. McIntyre and Dr. April (Chatham-Carpenter) introduced me to the Communication Skill Center,” Bassett said. “When it comes to speeches, the center helped me by giving me a trainer to help with research, writing, and public speaking. They give lots of positive feedback through the sandwich method.” Bassett’s professors credit his amazing work effort for his success at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Julian is an amazing young man,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “He has continued to work towards completing his degree part-time, while working full-time over the last few years. He has shown resilience in overcoming challenges that would lead many to quit. I admire Julian’s persistence and dedication to his learning!” Now that he has achieved his goal of completing his undergraduate degree, Bassett is looking forward to a career in human resources and eventually plans to get his MBA. “Me coming to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock made me a better student,” Bassett said. “It made me more independent. The biggest thing I had to learn was to be resilient. I was a quitter. I quit when assignments were hard. I didn’t know how to manage my own time. I wasn’t organized. When it came to big projects, I felt overwhelmed. The only way I was able to overcome that was to change my circle. Most of the people in my circle did not do well at school. I started hanging out with people who were really good at school. We didn’t have much in common at first, but we began to find things in common. Now I make sure that the company I keep includes quality, positive communicators.”

Wilkerson fulfills dream of earning college degree 55 years after graduating high school

John Hill — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:03:33 +0000

At 73, Carolyn Wilkerson has completed her lifelong dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.�� “My journey has been one the most rewarding personal decisions that I’ve ever made,” Wilkerson said. “This is probably the only major milestone that I have ever established for myself. I’ve done some things that I think are monumental but nothing of this magnitude, especially at my age. This has been quite rewarding. It’s been a phenomenal journey.” The Little Rock native will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in applied communication and a minor in sociology this month from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Wilkerson joined ��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.” Having graduated from Little Rock’s Horace Mann High School in 1965, Wilkerson is the third of her high school classmates who have graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in recent years, including Philip Bryant in 2016 and Vivian Littrell in 2019. “When I came out of high school, I went to vocational school and I ended up with a very nice job,” Wilkerson said. “Once you get into the job market and you make good money, it’s hard to quit to go to school, especially as a mother and wife. I had a friend who encouraged me to go, Philip Bryant.” Being the eldest of eight children and only the second to earn a college degree, Wilkerson said her extended family has mixed views on her decision to pursue a college degree at 68.�� “Needless to say, every possible mental reason not to attend surfaced, reminding me of the time span, the young students on campus, and that real loud voice that said ‘You’re a grandmother,’” she said. “A couple of my sisters and some of my family members think I am crazy. They couldn’t believe I would do this at my age. This is something I wanted to do for me, not for anybody else.” Wilkerson and her husband, Ronald, pastor of Faith Temple Deliverance Church of God in Christ, have a blended family with a total of seven children, 24 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. “My husband has been the greatest supporter anyone could have asked for. He got his master’s degree three or four years ago, so whatever I needed to do to make the grade was okay with him,” Wilkerson said. “My children all graduated college and quite well, but I never saw that for myself. They said, ‘Momma, we got it from somewhere. I did not ever think that I would make the Chancellor’s List or the Dean’s List, but I’ve done that nine times and will graduate Cum Laude.”

Carolyn Wilkerson

Wilkerson has found several mentors on her road to success. “In applied communication, I would say my mentors are Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter and Dr. Kristen McIntyre,” Wilkerson said. “They were both phenomenal. Dr. McIntyre was the biggest cheerleader you could ever have. They just don’t get any better than Dr. David Briscoe in sociology. When I hit a slump, Ida Humphrey (senior instructor in mathematics and statistics) was my go-to professor.” McIntyre, professor of applied communication and director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communication Skill Center, said that Wilkerson helped many students find confidence during her time as an intern at the center. “Carolyn’s joy and enthusiasm for learning is contagious,” McIntyre said. “She’s always willing to try new things, tackling whatever challenges cross her path with grace and humor. She’s an amazing support to her classmates. During her time as a CSC intern, she was a favorite among students seeking help on their ACOM 1300 assignments. So much so, Carolyn inspired one of the incredibly anxious ACOM 1300 students she helped to join the CSC staff so she could continue building her communication skills and pass on that same support she received from Carolyn to others.” Now that her education is complete, Wilkerson will 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. She also wants to use her degree to help people and “do something that will make a difference in the community.” As she reflects on her long road to a college degree, Wilkerson has the following advice for college students. “I would say, especially for young people, that it is a mistake to doubt your capabilities,” Wilkerson said. “As a young woman, I doubted my ability to get into a college arena and really excel. As a senior citizen, I would say that it’s never too late to learn. I wouldn’t know if I hadn’t dared myself to take an adventure that most normally don’t take at my age. I don’t think anyone that wants a degree can’t get it. If I can do it, I believe anyone can do it.”

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