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

University District receives $24,000 matching grant to boost affordable housing program

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 14:22:23 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock-based University District Development Corporation has received a $24,000 matching grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas and four local members: , , , and . These funds will be used to help University District’s mission of providing affordable housing to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� “The Partnership Grant Program gives certain flexibility to organizations. It allows us to partner with member banks and apply those funds to impact the community,” said Barrett Allen, executive director of University District. “I think it is something that is needed, and I’m thankful for the program. We have worked with the local banks in the past on several other issues, and we thank them for supporting us.” FHLB Dallas is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 820 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Through FHLB Dallas’s Partnership Grant Program (PGP), member institutions provide grants to local nonprofit organizations, which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio up to $12,000 per member and $24,000 per year in grant money that is distributed through a lottery system. In 2019, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds that was combined with $142,500 contributed by 25 FHLB Dallas members for a total of $442,500 to the organizations. “The Partnership Grant Program is intended to strengthen the relationship between our members and the communities they serve,” said Melanie Dill, community and economic development manager at FHLB Dallas. “Our 3:1 match enables our members to provide additional support for community-based organizations.” University District will receive a total of $24,000 in PGP funds from FHLB Dallas and four members: Bank OZK, First Security Bank, Arvest Bank, and Simmons Bank.�� Martie North, director of community development/Community Reinvestment Act at Simmons Bank, said that Simmons feels it’s important to invest in the communities they serve.�� “Affordable housing is the cornerstone for strong and vibrant communities. The University District Development Corporation (UDDC) works hard every day to provide quality housing that is affordable and attractive within the University District,” North said. “Investing in the communities in which we operate, work, and play is a priority of Simmons Bank. The FHLB Partnership Grant provides us with a wonderful opportunity to financially support organizations like the UDDC in their efforts to strengthen our communities. We believe in the work the UDDC is doing and value our partnership. The local banks have served as community partners to help the University District in its mission to provide quality, affordable housing within the University District neighborhoods. “Neighborhood revitalization is critical to communities. It improves quality of life for families and individuals, makes home ownership possible, contributes to the appeal of the city and gives hope, among other benefits,” said Jim Cargill, president and CEO of Arvest Bank in central, northeast, and southwest Arkansas. “Our associates work every day in support of this mission, and we applaud the results the UDDC has achieved here in Little Rock.” The grant funds will be used to boost University District’s affordable housing programs, which began in 2009. The University District purchases homes to rehabilitate and lots to build new homes. These homes are then sold to those needing affordable housing within University District. The need-based First-Time Homebuyer Program provides first-time homebuyers up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs to purchase a home constructed or renovated by University District.�� The First Time Homebuyer Program is financed through the City of Little Rock with funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Program. UDDC is now creating a plan and implementation strategy to rehabilitate, build, and sell new single family market rate homes. Buyers will be able to use conventional mortgage loan financing options to purchase a home and not be concerned about program restrictions that accompany the first-time homebuyer program. The organization is also discussing a single family rental program. “This is the third time we’ve been selected in the lottery, and we are going to utilize the funds to support our affordable housing programs,” Allen said. “We believe that anyone making a prevailing wage should be able to live in University District at an affordable price, and we work with all the neighborhood associations who make up University District to make this a reality. These funds will help to support and shore up our acquisition of properties and to build up our reserves so we can work with banks to go after larger lines of credit.” According to Barrett, University District’s goal is to complete 10-12 houses a year, either through renovation and resale of older homes or new construction on lots within University District neighborhoods.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to partner with coalition working to expand access to banking in underserved communities

Janea Snyder — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:00:49 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is partnering with Bank On Arkansas+ to help ensure that underserved Arkansans have access to banking options that help improve their financial outlook. One in 10 Arkansas households does not have a bank account. Of those that do, over 22 percent rely on costly services to access their own money or cover monthly basics like rent, utilities, food, and medicine—paying more to just get by. Recognizing that these individuals often fall victim to high-risk, costly financial situations that trap them in a cycle of debt, dependency, and potential poverty, the Arkansas Asset Funders Network seeded a coalition to address these issues. Bank On Arkansas+ is a partnership among financial institutions and community organizations to promote accounts that are free or low-cost and have no to low opening deposit requirements and no overdraft fees. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the No. 1 reason people do not have a bank account is that they believe they “don’t have enough money” to open and maintain an account. This concern is sometimes compounded by the fear of encountering high and unpredictable fees, including overdraft fees. Bank On Arkansas+ will officially launch on Nov. 1 with a media event at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. On Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 3, local community events will take place around the state to highlight financial services and partners in specific communities. “The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is pleased to be included in the coalition of partners supporting the mission of the Arkansas Asset Funders Network’s Bank On Arkansas+ initiative,” said Dr. Andrew Rogerson, chancellor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “I applaud their efforts to serve the unbanked and underbanked in promoting financial literacy and relationship building with trusted financial institutions and community partners. Our missions are aligned in our intention to elevate lives through education.” �� Currently, six financial institutions in Arkansas have nationally certified Bank On accounts: Bank of America, Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union, IBERIABANK, Southern Bancorp, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. Others are in the process of having their accounts certified—Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, First Security Bank, and Simmons Bank. Recognizing that bank accounts are just a first step in helping people become more financially stable, the Bank On Arkansas+ initiative is working with “Plus Partners” that can offer additional services such as financial education and coaching, credit building, debt repair, micro loans, and small business development. “Financial capability services are designed to help people solve issues, build relationships with financial institutions, and grow their wealth,” said Alden Napier, executive director of Credit Counseling of Arkansas. “We want to help the single mom who needs to save money on her car payments by improving her credit score. We want to help the college graduate create a plan for repaying his student loans as he begins his first job. It takes partnerships between financial institutions and financial capability providers to help our neighbors build a brighter financial future.” �� Bank On Arkansas+ is supported by sponsorships from Arvest Bank, Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation, Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Entergy Arkansas, First Security Bank, IBERIABANK, Regions Bank, and Southern Bancorp. The coalition is continually accepting partnership opportunities from financial institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations that want to engage in the initiative. To request more information, email Stephanie Matthews, director of Bank On Arkansas+, at stephanie@assetfunders.org. Bank On Arkansas+ is a special project of the Arkansas Asset Funders Network. Arkansas AFN is a regional chapter of grantmakers who invest in opportunities for low- and middle-income individuals and families to build economic well-being. Members include private, public, corporate, and community foundations, public-sector funders, and financial institutions who want to help Arkansans secure economic stability, for now and for years to come. For more information, visit.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business to honor Guinn, Holbert as 2018 Distinguished Alumni

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:56:41 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will honor Marcus Guinn, executive vice president and loan manager at, as the College of Business Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. The university will also honor Drew Holbert, principal and vice president of brokerage at, as the Dean’s Award for Excellence winner at the 2018 College of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Oct. 17.�� The special award luncheon, presented by Arvest Bank, will be held at the Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza. Registration opens at 10:45 a.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. The highest honor granted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business, the Distinguished Alumni award is given to a graduate who has made a significant impact in business or a nonprofit organization and who has served the community and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Guinn is a 1998 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree of finance. He is a seven-year veteran of Arvest Bank and has enjoyed a successful 33-year career in banking. In his current position, Guinn leads a team of 50 commercial bankers and is responsible for the overall growth and profitability of Arvest’s loan portfolios in central, southwest and northeast Arkansas, worth more than $1.5 billion. Guinn and his wife, Valencia, live in Little Rock. He is the father of one daughter, two sons, and one grandson. Guinn is an active alumnus of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock dedicated to the future success of College of Business students. He is a member of the College of Business Advisory Board. Through his work at Arvest, which often partners with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business, Guinn attends many College of Business events and fundraisers, advising business students, giving valuable advice as a guest speaker, and mentoring those who intern at Arvest. “The College of Business is pleased to honor Marcus Guinn as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2018,” said Dr. Jane Wayland, Stephen Harrow Smith Dean of Business. “Marcus has been a very active member of the College of Business Advisory Board and has taken time to talk to our students and tell his story. He represents everything we want for our students – achievement and leadership.” In his other volunteer roles, Guinn serves as president of the Central Arkansas Risk Management Association as well as a board member of Baptist Health Foundation, Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids (P.A.R.K), and TENDAJI Community Development Corporation. He is also a regular presenter at Money Matters, a financial literacy and education program at Saint Mark Baptist Church sponsored by Arvest. “I am very honored to be recognized,” Guinn said. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock will always be near and dear to my heart. I am really appreciative of the university education and what it has allowed me to do professionally. I think this award is a testament that I have done some positive things to make the university proud.”

Dean’s Award for Excellence

The Dean’s Award for Excellence is granted to a graduate of the past 10 years who has shown promise as a leader in business or nonprofit work, and who is actively involved in serving Little Rock and the university. Holbert received his Master of Business Administration from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2010. He is a member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and an active participant in the annual College of Business Golf Tournament. He started his career at Colliers International | Arkansas (then Dickson Flake Partners) in 2005 as an intern, was named a shareholder in 2013, and a principal in 2015. Since that time, Colliers Arkansas has grown from 50 employees and approximately 6 million managed square feet to 120 employees and over 18 million managed square feet. Colliers Arkansas was founded in 1971 as Barnes, Quinn, Flake and Anderson, and is the state’s largest commercial real estate, property management and development management firm. Holbert and his wife Lindsey live in Little Rock with their three children, Beau, Tess and Violet. “Drew has moved rapidly in his firm and proves that success can be achieved with a vision and a good work ethic,” Wayland said. “He has found time to serve his community and is an excellent role model for our students.” In 2017, Holbert was selected as one of Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40. He was a founding member of Create Little Rock, a 2010 initiative of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce to retain, attract and develop young professional talent. He is also a board member and past president of the Downtown Little Rock Kiwanis Club, a member of the activities board of the Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, and president of the Arkansas Chapter of the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, which recognizes expertise in commercial and investment real estate. “I am so honored to receive this award,” Holbert said. “I wasn’t expecting it, and it’s such an honor for me to be chosen when so many talented people have come of out this university and the College of Business.” Tickets for the event are $100 and can be purchased online. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Dr. Wayland at 501-569-3356 or jpwayland@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to celebrate new Windgate Center of Art + Design with scholarship fundraiser

Janea Snyder — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:39:33 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the opening of the Windgate Center of Art + Design on Friday, Feb. 16, with a signature scholarship fundraiser for art and design students presented by Affirmative Risk Management. The event begins at 7 p.m. and honors the Windgate Charitable Foundation for its generosity in making the new visual arts facility possible and its ongoing support of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Department of Art and Design. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and faculty members will conduct art demonstrations throughout the evening, and libations and hors d’oeuvres, sponsored by Trio’s and ROXOR Artisan Gin, will be located throughout the building to encourage exploration. Tickets are $100 for general admission, $50 for lifetime members of the Alumni Association and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees, and may be purchased at ualr.at/cre8. A VIP reception for sponsors will take place from 6-7 p.m. The 65,000-square-foot center brings all programs in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Department of Art and Design under one roof. The department currently has the broadest art and design course offerings in Arkansas, including the only programs in furniture design and metalsmithing. All proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will go toward the $3 million goal to endow art student scholarships. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has raised more than $1 million for endowed scholarship funds for art and design students since 2016, said Tom Clifton, interim dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences. Scholarship funds raised will substantially enhance the 10 existing scholarships dedicated to art and design students. The increased scholarship opportunities are expected to help attract the most talented and promising art students to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “The Windgate Center for Art + Design scholarship initiative is an incredibly worthy endeavor, and all Little Rock citizens have an opportunity to be part of this legacy by helping students achieve success and by helping the university gain national attention as a great art center,” said Mark L. Pollack, a 1988 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and founder of Affirmative Risk Management. “Giving back to those who have helped my wife Patricia and me reach our goals in life is one of the most rewarding things we’ve had the honor of doing,” Pollack continued. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock has provided us the underpinning that enabled us to reach a point in our lives where we are able to give back and help other students reach their goals through higher education.” Other event sponsors include Mark and Patricia Pollack, Thompson Electric, Arvest, BK Moulding & Mainframe Artworks, Glass Erectors, Anne Mourning, LaRand Thomas, Hogan Taylor CPA’s + Advisors, and WER Architects/Planners. For sponsorship information, contact Joseph Lampo, director of development for the arts, at 501-569-8326 or email jwlampo@ualr.edu.

Meet the Trojans Day set for Oct. 26

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:16:08 +0000

With basketball season just weeks away, University of Arkansas at are invited to Meet the Trojans Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Jack Stephens Center. The event will also provide an opportunity for fans to pick up their season tickets for the 2017-18 Trojan basketball season.�� Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with food and activities around the Stephens Center concourse, followed by the official program getting underway at 6:30 p.m. All of the Little Rock athletic programs in town will have a presence at the event, organizing various activities to engage with fans. Hot dogs will be provided by Arvest Bank with concession stands open to provide drinks and other snacks. The Trojan men’s and women’s basketball teams will be introduced at 6:30 p.m., followed by a full slate of events, including performances from the Trojan Dance Team, a three-point shooting contest, and a dunk contest. There will also be giveaways and contests for fans in attendance. In addition to the introduction of the Trojans, 2017-18 season ticket holders will be able to pick up their tickets at the Legends Room on the main concourse. Parking passes, as well as information about Little Rock’s new clear bag policy, will also be distributed that evening. Meet the Trojans will serve as an official “tip-off” for the 2107-18 season, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, when the men’s basketball team hosts an exhibition contest against Southwest Baptist at the Jack Stephens Center. The regular season begins with the men’s game against Ouachita Baptist at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The women begin the defense of their Sun Belt Conference title the following day, taking on Memphis at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Both of the regular season openers will take place at the Jack Stephens Center. Fans looking to get their tickets for the 2017-18 Little Rock basketball season still have time as season tickets, flex plans, and single-game tickets are all on sale through the at 565-8257.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock adds bachelor’s degree programs on Benton Campus

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 14:46:03 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Benton business leaders are taking steps to make getting a college degree more convenient and affordable for people living in Saline County and surrounding communities.�� Beginning next fall, students will be able to complete two new bachelor’s degree programs at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Benton Campus. The degree programs include a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The programs are open to recent high school graduates, transfer students, and students who left college and want to complete a degree. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson announced the new degree offerings during a Sept. 26 news conference on economic development called by Benton Mayor David Mattingly at the Benton Municipal Complex. “Our university’s commitment to Saline County is to provide a better pathway to a four-year degree,” Rogerson said. “To achieve this goal, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock must find creative ways to make college more accessible and affordable—and ensure that students graduate in a timely way with a meaningful degree that sets them up to thrive in careers and life.” �� Mattingly said the two degrees will benefit Benton residents and aid in economic development of the city. “I am sure the new two degrees – Interdisciplinary Studies and Business Management – will be successful and assist in our continued partnership to strengthen economic development in our community,” he said. “Education has always been the key to a community’s vitality, and we are most appreciative of the growth in educational offerings that are being implemented here in Benton.” At the Benton Campus, the interdisciplinary degree allows students to customize their degree plan to fit their professional needs. It combines three minors – two from the social sciences and a third from any discipline. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is teaming with the Mayor’s Office and the Benton Campus Advisory Board to raise scholarship funds specifically for students who want to attend the university in their local community at the Benton campus. These scholarships, along with other university scholarships and financial aid, will be available to qualified entering freshmen and transfer students.

Benton Mayor David Mattingly and Chancellor Andrew Rogerson shake hands during a news conference announcing new bachelor degree programs at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Benton Campus. Photo by Lonnie TImmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.

In addition, the university has already secured partnerships with six Saline County businesses to offer paid internships that will allow students to earn college credit while on the job:

Bryant branch of Arvest Bank, owner-operator of 16 community banks in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
Saline Memorial Hospital, a Benton hospital that has served residents of Saline County and surrounding areas for 60 years.
Access Control Devices, Inc., (ACDI), which specializes in print management software and helps organizations lower their print costs and environmental impact.
Pear Tree Wealth Management, an independent financial planning and wealth management firm that helps clients with their financial goals and life’s dreams.
Ferguson’s Furniture, one of Saline County’s oldest furniture retailers.
Slim Chickens, a casual dining restaurant that’s one of Saline County’s newest businesses.

“In a nutshell, this initiative gives students the convenience and cost savings of taking classes close to home, the ability to work and go to college or find a paid internship with college credit, and the opportunity for scholarships and financial aid,” said Rogerson. “That’s what affordability and accessibility is all about.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has partnered with the City of Benton for more than 40 years. The collaboration started in 1975 with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock providing evening college courses at Benton High School. In 1995, in partnership with the Saline County Education Association and Benton city leaders and the business community, the university opened the Benton Campus in the heart of the city. About 250 students are currently enrolled in classes on the campus, which offers full student services including financial aid, admissions, academic advising on site, as well as computer labs, and student lounge areas.

Community invited to Little Rock Trojan Track and Field Day

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 15:00:46 +0000

Community members can show their support for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock track and field team at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex.�� will honor the senior men’s and women’s track and field team student-athletes during Senior Day as they compete in the Little Rock Open. Arvest Bank and Little Rock Athletics will provide free hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

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

University District receives $24,000 matching grant to boost affordable housing program

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to partner with coalition working to expand access to banking in underserved communities

����Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business to honor Guinn, Holbert as 2018 Distinguished Alumni

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to celebrate new Windgate Center of Art + Design with scholarship fundraiser