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

Conque steps down as vice chancellor, director of athletics

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:36:51 +0000

Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque today announced his resignation from Little Rock Athletics. Conque will depart Little Rock later this month to assume the role of vice president and director of athletics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. “Today is very bittersweet,” Conque said. “Over the past four and a half years, I have had the distinct opportunity to lead Little Rock Athletics and am very grateful to have witnessed some transformational years. Our competitive success and record-breaking academic achievements are just the tip of the iceberg.�� “I have been blessed with the hardest working staff in the country and some amazingly dedicated coaches that have all worked to enhance the Trojan student-athlete experience. The Little Rock Trojan brand is stronger today because of their tireless work. I simply cannot thank the campus community, central Arkansas and all our fans and supporters for what they have contributed these past several years.” Since being named the Trojans’ director of athletics in January 2015, Conque led a resurgence of Little Rock Athletics over the past four and a half years. Centering around the rebranding initiative of making the Trojans “Little Rocks Team,” the department has experienced success both on and off the playing surfaces.�� During Conque’s tenure, Little Rock has won a combined 19 team and individual Sun Belt Conference championships with Trojan athletic programs combining for six NCAA tournament appearances. Both Little Rock’s men and women’s basketball teams have advanced to the round of 32 during his time while soccer and track and field have each represented the Trojans on college athletics’ biggest stage. Promoted to vice chancellor and director of athletics in 2017, Conque has placed a major emphasis on success in the classroom as Little Rock has maintained its position as a leader among both the Sun Belt Conference and its peers in the state of Arkansas. The department set an impressive new record following the fall 2018 semester as the department’s cumulative GPA for all 15 programs was a 3.36 with 124 Trojan student-athletes recorded a 3.0 GPA or higher. The department currently boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.34�� For six of the last seven years, Little Rock has posted the highest Graduation Success Rate of any NCAA Division I institution in the state of Arkansas, graduating 82 percent of Trojan student-athletes. Six Trojan athletic programs were recognized by their respective national organizations for academic excellence this past season.�� Understanding the necessity of remaining competitive in Division I Athletics, Conque has been active in helping the department reach new heights. Since taking over as AD, the department’s budget has grown considerably, mainly through increased revenues and giving. After a record-breaking fundraising year in 2017-18 which saw the department raise a record $4.3 million, the department followed that up with just over $3 million in 2018-19 to bring its total to over $11 million over the past three years. Conque helped Little Rock make national headlines in the spring of 2018, announcing the addition of Division I wrestling, the first program in the state of Arkansas, which begins competition this fall as a member of the Pac 12 Conference. Additionally, he has spearheaded a number of facility renovation projects, all with the goal to enhance the student-athlete experience. “Lisa and I are grateful for the many friendships we have made and will forever pull for Little Rock’s Team,” Conque said. “With that said, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to lead University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics. UTRGV President Guy Bailey is building something special in the Rio Grande Valley, and I look forward to working with him and his leadership team to elevate Vaquero Athletics.” A nationwide search for Little Rock’s new director of athletics will commence in the coming weeks.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock extends baseball coach’s contract��

Janea Snyder — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 16:33:29 +0000

Little Rock head baseball coach Chris Curry has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the Trojan dugout through the 2023 season. Curry recently completed his fifth season with the Trojan baseball program, posting 120 victories during his time in Little Rock. His teams have won 26 games or more in three of his five seasons, including the Trojans’ 29 victories in 2019, its most since the 2010 season. Chasse Conque, vice chancellor and director of athletics, announced the contract extension on July 24. “Coach Curry has done an outstanding job revitalizing our baseball program and taking our level of play to new heights,” Conque said. “During his time at Little Rock, his ball clubs have given us memorable moments on the field and numerous accolades, including record success in the classroom. We are fortunate to have Coach Curry and his staff leading our program and look forward to even more success in the coming years.” ��“I’m grateful to Chasse Conque and Chancellor Andrew Rogerson for believing in what we’re building here at Little Rock and their commitment to support our program long term,” Curry said. “The key to any successful organization is the caliber of people in it, and our coaches and players are the best. We’re very excited to be here in Little Rock and continue building a championship program.” ��During Curry’s tenure with the Trojans, Little Rock has posted six victories over top-25 opponents, including three in 2019. The Trojans toppled ninth-ranked Arkansas 17-7 in Fayetteville, followed by 8-5 and 14-0 victories over 24th-ranked Coastal Carolina two weeks later. ��The 2019 season was one of the most memorable in recent Trojan history as Little Rock finished third in the Sun Belt with an 18-11 conference mark, its most conference wins in program history. In addition to the wins over ranked foes, Little Rock held the unique distinction of going undefeated against fellow in-state schools, going 8-0 against the other four Natural State Division I programs. Curry was the 2016 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year.�� One of Curry’s priorities has been advancing to postseason play, and Little Rock has qualified for the Sun Belt Conference tournament in each of the past four seasons.�� Under Curry’s tutelage, seven Trojans have earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors, and seven Trojans have been drafted by Major League Baseball programs. ��Curry’s success with the Trojans extends beyond the diamonds as Little Rock’s team academics have improved significantly since his hiring. Little Rock has been named the Sun Belt’s Academic Champions in both 2018 and 2019. ��Coming off 57 wins over the past two seasons, expectations are high for Curry and his team heading into the 2020 season. The Trojans will begin fall practices in October with the regular season schedule to be released later this fall.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock sets fundraising record, endowment tops $80 million

Janea Snyder — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 20:37:24 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock raised $20 million in private gift support during the fiscal year that ended June 30, marking an 11% increase over the previous fiscal year. This also marked the largest fundraising year in the university’s history since receiving gifts for the Jack Stephens Center and the Windgate Center for Art and Design. More than 7,600 individuals, corporations, and private foundations gave 26,366 gifts between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. This is the third consecutive year of gift growth. New endowments totaled $2,774,937, bringing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s total endowment to more than $80 million. ��“These gifts from our generous donors support efforts to maintain our distinction as a recognized research university while advancing the social and economic well-being of our students and the community,” said Chancellor Andrew Rogerson. “Making college education affordable remains a top priority for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. With the help of private philanthropy, the university is able to make a college education more affordable and ensure this generation has access to a world-class education close to home.” One of the largest gifts this year includes a $754,000 gift from the Windgate Foundation supports the Windgate Center for Art and Design and its programs. “The fundraising success ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is experiencing is possible thanks to the generous donations of alumni, parents, foundations, friends, and businesses,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Our donors are helping to grow our city, our campus, and giving students a world of opportunity. We are extremely grateful for their support in changing lives.”�� Trojan Athletics received more than $3 million this year. The Donaghey Foundation helped fund a $725,000 renovation of the Donaghey Athletic Center on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s campus. The project provided significant upgrades and much-needed enhancements that have allowed the athletic program to better serve and prepare student-athletes for success. This investment has also helped the athletic program with recruitment of student-athletes and with competition for championships. All 15 Division I Trojan athletic programs are benefitting from several legacy gifts totaling more than $1 million from donors. Some of the gifts were in the form of three naming rights throughout the Jack Stephens Center. The Lot 16 entrance on the northwest corner is named the Dr. Bob Young Entrance. The student-athlete entrance, located on the ground floor, is the Mary and Rick Edwards Family Entrance. The Athletic Administrative offices located on the third floor are named the Patricia and Mark L. Pollack Athletics Suite. Included in the suite is the Victor Jacuzzi Family Office of Director of Athletics.�� “The Little Rock Trojans continue to benefit from tremendous support from our community,” said Chasse Conque, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “This past year provided another strong fundraising campaign leading to nearly $7.5 million in support over the past two years which has directly enhanced our student-athlete experience. We are most grateful to our loyal supporters who continue to invest in Little Rock’s Team and our mission of graduating champions.” “Our development team is dedicated to changing lives through education,” added Holly Rose, executive director of development. “It is through their work with our generous donors that we can provide students a quality, affordable education, some of the best facilities and programs in the region, and teaching excellence.” Other noteworthy achievements in FY 2019:��

The university awarded $1.52 million in private scholarships, an all-time high. These scholarships helped students with tuition, books, and other school-related expenses. Some students who were near graduation but had particularly dire financial hardships received “Last Mile” funds to help them complete their degree.
The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association membership grew to a record 3,300 members�� and raised $113,452 in online gifts from 131 donors in one day. The popular Taste of Little Rock event also generated $141,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales, and in-kind and general donations.��
First-ever nationwide development efforts celebrated alumni in 21 cities across America. University events were held in Atlanta; Austin; Chicago; Dallas; and Hollywood.
$100,000 in private funding was awarded to 100 students for Signature Experience grants to pursue research and creative endeavor projects. This is the second year that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students could receive grants to work on faculty-mentored projects, allowing them to gain knowledge and skills to compete in a competitive work workforce after graduation.��
Forty-six percent of benefits-eligible employees donated through the annual faculty and staff giving campaign, demonstrating an investment in future students, faculty, and staff.

In the photo above right, a student discusses her breast cancer research with a group of students during the Research and Creative Works Expo. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock awarded $100,000 in research grants to 100 undergraduate students this year. The grants were made possible by private donations from university supporters.�� Photo by Benjamin Krain

Trojans Unveil ‘We Are One’ Season Ticket Campaign

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:15:39 +0000

With the 2019-20 athletic season on the horizon, Little Rock Athletics officially launched its “We Are One” season ticket campaign for the upcoming Trojan basketball season. The campaign builds off the familiar theme of “Our City. Our Team” which was utilized for the past two seasons to help promote the Trojans as Little Rock’s Team. The concept also helps encompass the vision to unite the city of Little Rock, with the Trojans helping serve as a valuable component in that idea. “Our primary focus continues to be creating a synergy between the capital city and our student-athletes that represent Little Rock’s Team,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque “‘We Are One’ further demonstrates the unity college athletics can bring to our community. We look forward to another exciting year of Trojan basketball and hope fans of all ages will join us in our quest to continue to compete for championships.” “We Are One” will soon have a prominent presence throughout the Little Rock metro area, including digital through Lamar Outdoor Advertising as well as radio and television commercials through local media outlets. Affordable price points continue to be available for season tickets at the Jack Stephens Center, and season ticket packages include all men’s and women’s home games. Upper Leather season tickets can be purchased for $350, and Lower Chairback seats are only $250 with each additional Lower Chairback costing $100. End Zone General Admission tickets for every home game are only $99. University of Arkansas Little Rock employees will receive a 30 percent discount on selected sections as university employees have the option of payroll deduction. Premium seating and other game day experience options remain available as we head into the 2019-20 season. The Junior Trojans Club will return for another season and remains priced at $50 per child with each additional child costing $40. Faculty and staff of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will receive a discounted rate of $35 for the Junior Trojans Club. Season tickets can be purchased by contacting the Trojan ticket office at 501-565-8257. Online purchases will be available in the coming weeks. Excitement is high heading into the 2019-20 season for the Little Rock Trojans. Head coach��‘s women’s team is coming off its 10th Sun Belt title and sixth NCAA tournament appearance, all of which have come since 2008. On the men’s side, head coach��is entering his second season and brings a mix of veteran players with talented newcomers. Schedules for both the Trojan men and women are still being finalized with the full schedules expected to be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to LRTrojans.com as well as the Little Rock social media outlets for all the latest information surrounding Trojan Athletics.

Little Rock wrestling joins Pac-12

Janea Snyder — Fri, 24 May 2019 15:07:40 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s wrestling program now has a conference affiliation. The Trojans accepted an invitation to join the Pacific-12 Conference as an affiliate member in the sport of wrestling. The Pac-12 Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the western United States, participating in 24 sports at the NCAA Division I level. Little Rock joins Arizona State University, Oregon State University, Stanford University, California State University at Bakersfield, and California Polytechnic State University in providing the conference with a sixth member in wrestling, beginning in the fall of 2019. “This is a monumental day both for the Little Rock Athletic Department and our wrestling program,” said Chasse Conque, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s vice chancellor and director of athletics. “Today’s announcement is further proof of our commitment to building a nationally competitive wrestling program. We are most appreciative for the support from the Pac-12 Council and conference officials��as we��look forward to competing this fall in one of the nation’s premier conferences. Our membership in the Pac-12 will provide our wrestling program instant credibility and further strengthens the Little Rock Trojan brand.” The Pac-12 Conference dropped from six members to five after Boise State discontinued its��wrestling program after the 2017 season. While the NCAA requires a conference to have at��least six active members that sponsor the applicable sport to be eligible for��automatic qualification in the NCAA Championships, it does provide a two-year transition period to allow for a conference to secure a sixth member. “We are very excited and grateful to the Pac-12 for extending this invitation for a conference affiliation,” said head coach Neil Erisman. “I’m incredibly thankful to the Pac-12 for believing in us and our vision for the future. We will be a great asset to the Pac-12, and I look forward to being able to compete out west with some of the top programs in the sport.” At its recent Pac-12 CEO meetings, the presidents and chancellors approved extending an invite��to Little Rock to compete as an affiliate member in wrestling. Little Rock will enter its inaugural season in 2019-20 after becoming one of the newest NCAA Division I wrestling programs and the first in the state of Arkansas. Little Rock announced the addition of wrestling as its 15th intercollegiate athletic program on March 17, 2018, prior to the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. Erisman was announced as the program’s first head coach on June 20, 2018, and has spent the past 11 months building his roster to begin competing in the Trojans’ inaugural season in 2019-20. The Pac-12 Conference has sponsored wrestling for its membership since 1963. Arizona State��captured the 1998 NCAA title, becoming the first and only team west of the Rocky Mountains to��claim an NCAA title in wrestling. In addition, Pac-12 wrestlers have claimed 37 NCAA individual��titles. Erisman continues to put together the Trojans’ inaugural schedule, which will begin in November. Home matches will be held at the Jack Stephens Center, and season tickets can be purchased by calling (501) 569-3393. General admission seats are $30 with limited mat side seating also available.

Trojans Team Up to Fight Cancer May 11

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 16:10:52 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock baseball players will team up with the Pediatric Brain Tumor’s Vs. Cancer program on Saturday, May 11, when the Trojans take on Texas State at Gary Hogan Field.�� Throughout the season, the team is raising awareness and funds for local kids with cancer, and they will celebrate their efforts during their Sun Belt Conference home game against the Bobcats. The opening pitch for the Trojans Vs. Cancer will be at 2 p.m. on May 11 with a number of area children battling brain tumors and their families on hand to throw out the first pitch. Donations will be collected throughout the game as well, benefiting the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Started by pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate baseball player Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund child life programs in local hospitals and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors. “We applaud the efforts and generous spirit of the Little Rock baseball team,” said Tammy Bates, director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s southeast region. “Vs. Cancer wasn’t just built by athletes for athletes. We were started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor, and we see every day how important family support and research are for children to thrive. With the support of this incredible team, we’re fighting for healthier, happier futures for these kids!” Trojan fans can visit ��to learn more about the team’s fundraising efforts and make donations as well. The event��will be a highlight of the final home stand of the season for Little Rock in a key Sun Belt Conference showdown with Texas State, currently leading the Trojans by a game and a half in the race for the West Division title. Tickets are available through the Trojan ticket office by calling 501-569-3393.

Bridgett Norwood announces retirement from Trojan golf program

Janea Snyder — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 15:39:04 +0000

Trojan women’s golf head coach Bridgett Norwood announced her retirement on April 22 after being a part of the program for more than 25 years.

Norwood has been the head coach of the since 2003 and has been associated with the department since the program started in 1992, serving in both assistant coach and volunteer assistant roles. During her time with the Trojans, Norwood has helped mentor nearly two dozen All-Sun Belt Conference players.

A nationwide search for Little Rock’s next head women’s golf coach will begin immediately.

“This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life to be able to be a part of this program and coach these young women,” Norwood said. “I’m incredibly grateful I was given this opportunity to be able to build those relationships, and this decision is very bittersweet. Little Rock Athletics will always be a special place for me.”

Under Norwood’s guidance, Little Rock captured 11 team tournament championships and 19 individual tournament titles, including three Sun Belt Conference tournament champions in Mallory Fraiche (2009), Stina Resen (2015), and Shania Berger (2016).

Twenty-six of Norwood’s golfers picked up All-Sun Belt Conference honors, including 23 of which were first team honorees. Additionally, she recruited and mentored the 2015 Sun Belt Conference Golfer (Stina Resen) and Freshman (Sabrina Bonanno) of the Year, as well as All-American Sara Wikstrom, the first Trojan women’s golfer to enter the Little Rock Hall of Fame.

“I am personally grateful for the many years of service Bridgett has given to our golf program,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. “Over the years, she has not only grown our women’s golf program, but she has made a significant impact on our young women and their families. The Norwoods are synonymous with Little Rock golf, and this department will forever be grateful for their many contributions.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Women’s golf has consistently remained in the mix in tournaments across the country. Little Rock finished in the top five at the Sun Belt Conference Championship 10 times from 2003-2019, including runner-up finishes in both 2008 and 2009 while placing third in 2010, 2011, and 2015. During Norwood’s time as head coach, Little Rock finished in the top 10 among the team standings in nearly 80 percent of the tournaments it competed in.

The Trojans have not only been successful on the golf course, but also in the classroom. Little Rock regularly has been recognized by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association for its academic accomplishments, placing five Trojans on the All-American Scholars Team four times in the last five seasons.

Additionally, Norwood has been an instrumental part in the success of the Trojans’ annual Little Rock Women’s Golf Classic at Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs Village. A tournament that routinely is referred to as one of the favorites by opposing teams, Norwood organizes the effort which involves dozens of area volunteers, as well as host families for the competing teams to stay with during the tournament.

Norwood will continue to serve as the tournament’s director. She and her husband Wyn, Little Rock’s former men’s coach and Trojan Hall of Fame inductee, will continue in their roles as ambassadors for the Little Rock golf program.

Norwood has been active in the Arkansas women’s golf circle for more than 25 years, including serving on the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Women’s Golf Association. She bolsters an impressive playing career herself as past champion at both North Hills Country Club and Chenal Country Club, where she claimed the title in 1997, 2000, and 2001.

2019 Golf Shamble to honor Kim Backus

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:18:21 +0000

The fifth annual Little Rock Golf Shamble has been set for Monday, Aug. 26, at Pleasant Valley Country Club. This year’s event will honor Kim Backus, who has been a tremendous supporter of the Little Rock golf programs for a number of years.�� “Kim Backus is one of the most humble and selfless people I have ever met,” said Director of Golf Jake Harrington. “Everything he does is because he genuinely cares about those around him. For over 30 years, the men’s and women’s golf coaches at Little Rock have relied on one man to outfit their players with the best apparel possible, and that is Kim Backus.” “In addition, his passion for the game of golf, our student-athletes, and this community are second to none. He is one of the most respected people in the Little Rock golf community and has made an incredible impact on the lives of our current and former student athletes and coaches. I am excited to be able to honor him this August for all that he has done for Little Rock golf.” Backus has been an avid supporter of Little Rock men’s and women’s golf programs and he and his wife Priscilla have also been long time season ticket holders for basketball. “We’re very appreciative of Kim Backus and his decades-long support of our Trojan student-athletes,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. “He has gone above and beyond to assist our golf program and it seems only fitting to honor him at this year’s Golf Shamble.” Backus will join Norwood, John Elliott, Dan Snider, and Bruce Munson as past honorees at the annual shamble. “Kim has done more for golf in Arkansas and for the Little Rock golf program than any person I know,” said former head coach and Trojan Hall of Famer Wyn Norwood. “He’s done it from a position not wanting or expecting any gratitude. He does it for his love of golf and for the community.” The Little Rock Golf Shamble has evolved into an incredibly successful event, raising funds to support both the Trojan men’s and women’s golf programs. The 2018 event raised nearly $56,000 for the teams, which goes directly to help the Little Rock golf student-athletes compete at the highest level. The entry fee for this year’s event is $1,600 per team as each foursome will compete with a “celebrity,” including former and current Trojan golf student-athletes. Team entries will be served on a first-come, first-served basis as spots fill up fast. For more information, please contact Tyson Baldwin, director of athletic advancement, at 501-350-4653 or��twbaldwin@ualr.edu.

Campus Night provides great perks for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:40:54 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate its employees with free tickets and concession dollars during Campus Night at the men’s basketball game Thursday, March 7.�� All ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty and staff members will receive two free tickets courtesy of the Little Rock Athletic Department to watch the Trojans battle the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at 6:30 p.m. March 7 in the Jack Stephens Center. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock offices and departments can request block tickets so groups can enjoy the game together. The first 500 faculty and staff members to arrive also will receive $6 in Chancellor Bucks, courtesy of Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, to be used for concession purchases. The Chancellor Bucks will be available at the chancellor’s table near the Jack Stephens Center entrance. All ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students can get into the game for free with their student ID and will receive a free hot dog or popcorn and drink. “Athletics is excited to partner with our campus community to present our first Campus Night in conjunction with our upcoming basketball game on March 7,” said Chasse Conque, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “This will be a special night where we celebrate our faculty, staff, and students that make our university special. We hope all Trojans will join us for a fun night as we salute our campus community and together cheer on Little Rock’s Team!” Tickets can be ordered individually, while offices and departments can request block tickets for groups, by calling the box office at 565-8257 or emailing lrtrojans-tickets@ualr.edu. Campus Night tickets must be picked up prior to game night. The ticket office at the Jack Stephens Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-4 p.m. Additionally, employees can pick up tickets in the Donaghey Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a table in front of the campus bookstore on Tuesday, March 5. To show their appreciation for faculty and staff, Sodexo will host a March Madness $6.50 employee lunch special at the Trojan Café from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5 with a valid ID. Members of the faculty and staff will be honored and participate in media time-out promotions during the game. Wear maroon and be sure to pack the Jack on March 7!��

50-year-old fieldhouse gets new look, new name

Janea Snyder — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 22:06:27 +0000

Little Rock Athletics officially unveiled the updates to the newly named Donaghey Athletic Center (DAC) on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus on Feb. 8. The renovations are a significant upgrade to one of the original athletic facilities, which was constructed as the Trojan Fieldhouse in 1969. The $725,000 project was funded in part through a generous private donation from the George W. Donaghey Foundation. The project will provide much needed enhancements and updates to areas used by Little Rock student-athletes. “Today marks another milestone moment for Little Rock Athletics,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “The investment from the Donaghey Foundation has helped better position our programs. We will see a positive impact on recruiting as well as our ability to compete for championships. The renovations have surpassed our expectation, and I know our coaches, student-athletes, and administrators are proud to call the Donaghey Athletic Center their new home.” The nearly 15,000-square-foot Donaghey Athletic Center houses coaches’ offices and meeting space, locker room and training facilities, and academic support services for the Trojan swimming and diving, soccer, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s track and field/cross country programs. It also houses the Aquatic Center, the home pool for the Trojan swimming and diving team. “This was a great project, and I know Little Rock will be good stewards of the new Donaghey Athletic Center,” said Greg Flesher, president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation. “This looks tremendously different, and it’s a great accomplishment.” “This building was built in 1969 – 50 years ago – and we can now compete with other schools at a top-tier level in the recruiting arena,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Richard Turner. “This is where our coaches have graduated student-athletes and have trained world-class athletes, Olympians and national champions. Ten of our 15 sports and over 50 percent of our student-athletes will be able to benefit from the Donaghey Athletic Center.” The renovated center provides student-athletes with an updated weight room and team meeting space, as well as the addition of a nutrition center. The coaching and administrative offices were also remodeled, along with the locker rooms and common areas. Renovations began in August, and most of the work was completed in January. Photo top right: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student-athletes visit the newly remodeled Donaghey Athletic Center. Above: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, Greg Flesher, and Chasse Conque attend the grand opening ceremony for the Donaghey Athletic Center on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. Photos by Benjamin Krain

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