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

Graduate Student Spotlight on Infinity Wallace

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:33:08 +0000

Infinity Wallace is a first-generation student who will graduate on Dec. 14 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She graduated this past May with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program.�� Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m originally from Little Rock and graduated from Hall High School. I have lived in places such as Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans. I have three sisters on my mom’s side and three brothers on my dad’s side. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? It’s complicated. My mom had a drug problem and experienced domestic violence with my dad. I wanted to stay close to home to be near my sisters while my mother and father were in prison. They have since been released. My sisters are now 21, 26, and 30. While my parents were incarcerated, we had to take care of ourselves. Why did you choose your major? While growing up, I had a hard time in school and at home and couldn’t make academics a priority. The struggle was even harder for my peers. At least I had my sisters as resources because there wasn’t a lot of help in school. It’s hard to focus on school when you have so many problems with drugs and poverty in the community.�� I wanted to make a change in the world, so I talked to someone in the psychology department from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and they suggested social work. I took criminal justice electives and learned that people of color are overrepresented in prisons and jails. What were your favorite courses? I loved the policy course taught by Dr. Michael Pelts. I learned about policy and how we are all affected by it. Being a first-generation student, I didn’t know about politics and the broader system. This course taught me about policy and how we can affect change. In my juvenile mentor class with Dr. Tusty ten Bensel and Mrs. Raptopoulos, I learned about at-risk youth and the juvenile justice system. In addition to being a mentor, we also got to go to the courthouse and meet with judges. What activities and work are you involved in? I write spoken word poetry and performed at events such as the Arkansas Literary Festival. I’m a juvenile mentor in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Criminal Justice program, a graduate assistant and intern in the School of Social Work, an ILEAD Life Skills Coach at Children International, and a relief hotline advocate at Women and Children First Domestic Violence Shelter. How would your friends describe you? Dependable, strong, determined, and caring. I always hear I have a good heart. I get this from my mom. Who were some of your mentors? My sisters and several teachers from high school and college. Ms. Diggs at Hall High School and Ms. McAdoo from Central High helped me with my poetry. Dr. Pelts and Dr. Burse at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock went the extra mile to help out. Their doors were always open. What is your favorite memory of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? When I graduated in May, it was the best memory in my life. I am the first person in my family to get not one but two degrees! I wasn’t going to walk in December since I had already done it in May, but now I’ve changed my mind. My family and friends will all be there. What do you plan to do after graduation? I want to stay home, help our community, and maybe work in a juvenile detention center. Some day, I want to run for president! The policy course I took here has inspired me to do so much. My passion was already there, but the policy course cemented it. What would help our community? People deserve the resources if they don’t have them. If you haven’t experienced this, you don’t know how severe the pain is. I know from first-hand experience what it is like not to have shelter, food, and clothes. I’ve stayed in every shelter in Little Rock. I want to help all people, such as people of color who are oppressed and over-represented in the criminal justice system. Most people are oblivious and feel they don’t need to act on anything. We need to provide shelter, quality education, employment, and more resources and opportunities to underserved communities.�� What makes you different? My ability to use my past experiences as a way to make life better. Some of us don’t make it out. God wanted me to make a difference. Infinity is a great name. Why were you named that? My mom was being creative and said it was a Christian’s destiny to go to heaven for infinity. My sisters’ names are Heaven, Destiny, and Kristian. This story was compiled by Toni-Boyer Stewart.

Graduate Student Spotlight on Shakayla Zoss

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:42:17 +0000

Meet Shakayla Zoss, president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and a communications intern for the Arkansas Fly Fishers. Zoss is set to graduate with a degree in mass communications with a concentration in strategic communications and a minor in marketing. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the graduation of Zoss and hundreds of other students during the 9:30 a.m. commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 14, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Jack Stephens Center. Tell us a little about yourself? I’m originally from Fouke, Arkansas, and I graduated from Genoa Central High School. I will be graduating this fall with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in strategic communication and a minor in marketing. Currently, I’m interning at BSR and the Arkansas Fly Fishers. I’ve also been a work-study student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International since I started here in August 2016. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? The location of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is what really made me want to attend. I love living in the city, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock allowed me to be in the city without being too far away from home. Why did you choose your major? I chose my major because I’ve always loved writing and designing, and PR (public relations) allows me to be a storyteller by using both of those things. How would your friends describe you? My friends would probably describe me as a go-getter. They have been some of my best cheerleaders while I’ve been in school. What were your favorite subjects? Some of my favorite subjects have been the journalism, public relations, and applied communications classes that I have taken. What activities were you involved in on campus? Some activities that I’ve been in were the Public Relations Society of America, Kappa Tau Alpha, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and I’ve written a couple of articles for The Forum. Who were some of your mentors? My mentors have been Professor Barnes; Suzette Anderson, the business manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International; and Stephanie Jones, the volunteer coordinator at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. What is your favorite memory of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I think some of my favorite memories at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock have been in PRSSA. It’s been really fun connecting with new students, networking, and planning events. Can you elaborate on what it is that you do as president of PRSSA? PRSSA at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is a professional development group open to all students in any major. We have workshops that help students work on different skills related to public relations, internships, and ambassadorships opportunities, networking events, scholarships, and a job board for when you graduate. As the president, I worked with the vice president to help recruit new students, our semesterly fundraiser, and plan events and meetings. What do you plan to do after graduation? My biggest plan is to find a full-time job within my field and start working towards getting my accreditation in public relations in the next five to six years. How did you ��Vlog��ý Little Rock help you succeed? The professors at the School of Mass Communication are all so amazing. They are really sincere and want you to do well. I also loved that they had experience working in the fields that they were teaching, and the stories and advice that they would share. What advice would you give to a new student? Do as many internships as you can through school. This story was compiled by Alex Brown. Graduation photo of Shakayla Zoss by Hayden Valentine of Unparalleled Images.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: Children International among ‘Forces for Change’

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 17:37:44 +0000

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and her husband Prince Harry, have recognized , the global humanitarian nonprofit that seeks to eradicate poverty, among 15 people or organizations worldwide that are inspiring and noteworthy as ‘.” �� Of the 10 countries that Children International serves, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International location is the only U.S. site. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock center serves approximately 2,300 children and youth in central Arkansas and offers a variety of school- and community-based programs, including after-school and summer programming, cooking classes, emergency food assistance, a children’s choir, dental and medical services, and college preparation and career training. “This very positive announcement recognizes how important Children International’s work has been over the past 80 years,” said Ryan Davis, director of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. “Our organization doesn’t exist to be recognized, but being recognized by members of the British Royal Family gives people a chance to understand our mission and to support the good work our organization is doing.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, holds health education, enrichment, and employment preparation classes for children, youth, and young adults up to age 24. The operation began small with Cheryl Chapman, founding director, and one other employee located in an office on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s campus. Students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Student Literacy Corps started by serving as tutors to 60 students at Bale Elementary. Now the organization operates a dental clinic at Wakefield Elementary and partners with Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s health clinic at Stephens Elementary. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International holds after-school, in-school, and community-based educational and enrichment programs at nine Little Rock School District schools and within city community centers and public libraries.�� This Saturday, Aug. 10, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International is undertaking one of its largest events of the year, the Back to School Jamboree where school supplies will be distributed to approximately 1,000 children. In partnership with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International will host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Jack Stephens Center. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Stephanie Jones, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International volunteer and outreach coordinator, at 501-663-5541 or spjones@ualr.edu. “We are fortunate to have a partner providing school supplies this year,” Davis said. “, a public accounting firm in Little Rock, has donated supplies and is hosting a staff-wide service day on Friday to help pack school supplies. The Junior League of Little Rock has also been a great partner in this event and is bringing a lot of volunteers, food, fun, and school supplies.” Worldwide, Children International helps more than 200,000 children find a with programs focused on health, education, empowerment through life skills development, and employment. Many of Children International’s volunteer partners are mothers (some 9,000 strong) whose children participate in its programs in 67 community centers around the world. “We are thrilled and honored that the Royal couple is recognizing Children International as a leading and inspiring force for change,” said Susana Eshleman,�� president and CEO of Children International. “We hope our new turn in the spotlight will encourage people from all parts of the globe to join us and embrace our mission of creating a world without poverty, where every child, family and community is connected, productive and thriving. Thank you, Royal family, for raising awareness of work to create positive change in the world!” posted a collage of photos taken from nine of the 15 mission-driven efforts: “Many of you have suggested that we use this month as an opportunity to highlight lesser-known organisations and shine a light on those working hard behind the scenes that may not get the level of attention that they so rightly deserve. “These accounts showcase those persevering at the grassroots level, connecting our global community through a shared lens of giving back and helping one another,” the statement on Instagram continued. “We were so happy to learn about them and are now able to share them with you!” In addition to Children International, the Sussex Royal’s “Forces of Change” organizations unveiled today were , , , , , , , , , , , , , ��and . Anyone who is interested in supporting ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International is encouraged to visit the website and find out how they can help the organization and its mission. “We are always looking for ways to expand our programs so we can help more children in Arkansas,” Davis said. “Financial support is one of the most immediate ways, but we also appreciate having good ambassadors in the community and for folks to learn about us and what we do. We have a staff of less than 20 people, so we depend on good volunteers. We are lucky that we have so many, but we always more people who want to help our local children.”�� In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International celebrates its top supporters and partners during its 25th anniversary celebration. Those pictured (L to R) include Joseph Lampo, director of development and external relations for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences: Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Poore; Outstanding Volunteer Brandy Jones; Outstanding Youth De’Meir King; Chrissy Chatham and Weldon Johnson of Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation; and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Director Ryan Davis.��

Volunteers needed to help with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Back to School Jamboree

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 15:18:57 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock is seeking volunteers to help distribute school supplies for hundreds of children in Little Rock.�� In partnership with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International will host its annual Back to School Jamboree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Jack Stephens Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Children International believes that education can help children overcome poverty. Many of the families Children International serves lack the funds and resources to provide school supplies for their children. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Back to School Jamboree, where school supplies will be distributed to children. Bilingual speakers are especially encouraged to consider volunteering to help serve the growing Spanish-speaking population of the area. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, check in volunteers, assist parents, hand out school supplies, manage stations, help children write letters at the CI Post Office, and other activities. The jamboree benefits Children International-sponsored youths in Little Rock and their families. Activities will include health education and wellness stations, games, a community resource fair, and the distribution of school supplies.�� The event will also feature the Junior League of Little Rock’s “Boosters and Big Rigs.” The free community event provides children with an educational and fun opportunity to explore community vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and more. Children will participate in a variety of games and activities while free lunch is also provided. For more information, contact Stephanie Jones, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International volunteer and outreach coordinator, at 501-663-5541 or spjones@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International celebrates 25 years of helping children

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:37:31 +0000

In 1994, Cheryl Chapman, the founding director of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, wanted to find a way for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to get more involved with helping students in the Little Rock School District.�� “We were tutoring in public schools in Little Rock, and we learned about the needs of the children in the schools. We also had students who wanted to work more with the schools, so it was a perfect match,” Chapman said. Then an assistant dean in the former College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Chapman and her colleagues applied for a grant from Children International. Initially called “Share America,” it represented Children International’s first domestic site in the U.S. “In 1995, under the leadership of Chancellor Charles Hathaway, the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships was born and Share America became part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s commitment to engage students in service and learning activities,” she said. The operation began small with just Chapman and one other employee located in an office on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s campus. Students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Student Literacy Corps served as tutors to 60 students at Bale Elementary. In 1995, the Homework Center, Children International’s current office, opened. Students from Bale and Franklin Elementary schools received tutoring and attended after-school classes in art, computers, reading, and gardening taught by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate students and local artists. ��Vlog��ý Little Children International celebrated its 25th anniversary with an April 19 gathering at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, where many came together to share stories about the program’s accomplishments and impact on children in central Arkansas. Director Ryan Davis said the sight of so many friends and supporters at the celebration made him optimistic for the organization’s future. “When I look around the room, I see all the people we can count as friends, and that is a fortunate thing,” Davis said. “We are fortunate to have so many partners who have stuck with us for 25 years, and we are looking forward to many more. This success is made possible by our partnerships with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Little Rock School District, and so many wonderful parents, students, volunteers, partners, and supporters.” The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock program serves approximately 2,300 children and youth in central Arkansas. The program has grown extensively over the years and now offers a variety of school- and community-based programs, including after-school and summer programming, cooking classes, emergency food assistance, a children’s choir, and college preparation and career training. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” said Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” Vakeyia Dulaney, a graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International’s program, said being a part of the program changed her life. She started the program when she was 6, went on to graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and now works in forensic science for the state. “I feel like Children International was the best thing ever,” Dulaney said. “It was a great opportunity to meet kids from other neighborhoods. It offered me a lot of opportunities, and I went on to college with their encouragement and support.” During the celebration, Children International honored several key people and organizations that have supported the nonprofit over the years, including: Outstanding Youth: De’Meir King Outstanding Volunteer: Brandy Jones Outstanding Partner: Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Outstanding Supporter: Windgate Foundation Legacy Award: Little Rock School District Thanks to a generous donation from the Windgate Foundation, Children International will be able to provide additional art programming opportunities for children as well as more scholarships. To start, Children International will expand its summer art camp to include middle school students as well as extend the camp to Fridays. The theme of this year’s camp is “Art in Action.” It centers around creative and performing arts and will provide an opportunity for campers to explore the role they and art play in their communities. Children International will also be able to expand the Hope college scholarship from a one-time scholarship to a four-year renewable scholarship. Additionally, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation has been instrumental in working with Children International to provide dental services for children. In 2000, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International and its partner organizations established the Future Smiles Dental Program to provide services to children without access to adequate dental care. The program started with dental screenings, added a school-based sealant project in 2002, and opened the Future Smiles Dental Clinic in 2005. ��Delta Dental has provided generous funding for the program as well as medical personnel to staff the dental clinics. Dental students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences also volunteer at the clinics. Outstanding Youth De’Meir King, a junior at Hall High School, was brought to tears as she spoke about the impact Children International has had on her life. “When I hear about Children International, I get emotional. I love being a part of it,” King said. “CI has become my home away from home. I know that whatever I do, I will be greater because of CI. They have helped me find my voice. Thank you to CI for knowing that I have no limitations.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International celebrates its top supporters and partners during its 25^th anniversary celebration. Those pictured (L to R) include Joseph Lampo, director of development and external relations for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences: Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Poore; Outstanding Volunteer Brandy Jones; Outstanding Youth De’Meir King; Chrissy Chatham and Weldon Johnson of Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation; and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Director Ryan Davis. Photo by Stephanie Jones.��

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International to celebrate 25th anniversary

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:33:29 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Children International will celebrate the 25th anniversary of a one-of-a-kind partnership that has transformed tens of thousands of lives in central Arkansas over the past 25 years.�� “Together, we cultivate hope in the lives of children and create generational change,” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Director Ryan Davis said. “Help us celebrate those who make it possible: our dedicated staff, committed volunteers, partners, and certainly, the young people improving their lives and neighborhoods.” During the celebration, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International will honor several of the people, partners, and supporters who have made the nonprofit what it is today, including: Outstanding Youth: De’Meir King Outstanding Volunteer: Brandy Jones Outstanding Partner: Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Outstanding Supporter: Windgate Foundation Legacy Award: Little Rock School District Funded by the global Children International nonprofit organization, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock program serves approximately 2,300 children and youth in central Arkansas. Of the 10 countries that Children International serves, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International location is the only U.S. site. The program offers a variety of school- and community-based programs, including after-school and summer programming, cooking classes, emergency food assistance, a children’s choir, and college preparation and career training. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” said Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” The celebration will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. RSVP to Ryan Davis at rddavis1@ualr.edu or 501-663-5541 by April 12.

Outstanding Women of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Paula Rogers

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 12:53:09 +0000

In honor of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is featuring stories about the “Outstanding Women of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are serving as leaders and making a difference for the university and their communities. �� A University of Arkansas at Little Rock employee has dedicated her life to helping children in Arkansas get a better education and prepare for a better future.�� Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, spends her days finding partners and supporters for more than 2,300 students in the central Arkansas area enrolled in the Children International program. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” Rogers ��said. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs with tutoring and mentoring. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” Children International celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Rogers has been a part of the organization for 23 of those years. She began as a volunteer in 1996 as a neighborhood leader who taught art classes and came on board as a full-time education manager in 2002. Rogers ran after-school programs and summer camps for Children International. Rogers utilized her expertise in art education and her interest in social justice to cultivate numerous programs that have left a lasting impression on Little Rock youth. She loved developing programming that inspired the children to be better citizens who gave back to the community. The after-school program Kids’ Club includes homework help and tutoring as well as activities in art, literacy, and service learning. She began the “Mind Your Own Business” summer camp, where students become entrepreneurs by making and selling their own products to the community and then donate the profits to a local charity. Another favorite activity was the Empty Bowl Project, where students made ceramic bowls in partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and then sold the bowls to raise money for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. “These children may have their own needs, but teaching them to give back is an important part of what we do,” she said. “The kids grow beyond themselves so they can see beyond their own circumstances and see a future that is much brighter.” She’s also recruited many ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students to volunteer at Children International. “All of the college students that come through our doors are just so grateful to have the opportunity to change a child’s life,” she said. “I’ve seen many college students change their majors after being involved in our after-school program.” In 2014, Rogers was one of ��10 honorees – and the second Arkansan – who received the prestigious Lewis Hine Award. The National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) presents the award to those who have given a lifetime of unheralded and exception service to young people. It is named for the acclaimed NCLC photographer who documented the exploitation of children in the early 20th century. “To be honored with the Hine Award was a big honor,” she said. “It’s important to think that the work you are doing matters. I see kids who were in my after-school program in the third grade who are now sending me invitations to their weddings. I see all these kids I taught doing great things in life. When you see that, you know that somewhere along the line you made a difference.” Rogers has a long history as a staunch advocate for helping children and improving neighborhoods in Little Rock. As a single parent in the 1990s, Rogers experienced firsthand the lack of local after-school activities for her children. She decided to take action and organized a 4-H club to teach leadership and community action. She has been highly involved in the leadership of neighborhood organizations. Additionally, Rogers directed a puppet ministry for 15 years at Greater Center Star Baptist Church and previously served on the Single Parent Scholarship Fund Board of Pulaski County and the University District Board. She’s also a dedicated member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate and organized last year’s Fall Open House event.�� “I live, work, and play in this neighborhood, and it’s very important to me,” she said. “I helped write the Oak Forest Initiative back in the 1990s and have always been an advocate for this community. Fighting for sidewalks and streets and the community garden was big for me. I’m fighting for the need to be a community. It’s still my hope that we can enlarge our capacity to service our kids in this community.” Rogers has a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren. Her biggest inspirations in life are her mother and daughter. “The woman I look up to the most is my mother. She’s a very strong woman. She went back to school late in life. She worked in the schools in Gary, Indiana, for 55 years and retired at 85. Anyone who is babysitting their great-grandchild at 90 and working until they are 85 is someone I want to be like,” she said. “My daughter is my inspiration as well. She’s shown me how to hold on to faith and hope. I’m a two-time cancer survivor, and I believe I am here because people prayed for me. My daughter has shown me what faith and love can really do. I think the women in my family are very strong women. We have four generations right now, and I am very proud of them.” Once Rogers eventually retires, she wants to take her vision of bringing art to communities across Arkansas on the road. “After I retire, I want to have an art bus where I can travel around from community to community,” she said. “I want the bus to be a mobile art room where we will go neighborhood to neighborhood and bring art to the community.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International seeking donations, volunteers to purchase back to school supplies

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 13:13:47 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock is seeking donations to purchase school supplies for hundreds of children in Little Rock.�� In partnership with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International will host its annual Back to School Jamboree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Jack Stephens Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Children International believes that education can help children overcome poverty. Many of the families Children International serves lack the funds and resources to provide school supplies for their children. Just $10 is enough to provide basic school supplies for one child on their first day of school. Donations can be made by visiting this website. Donors should select “Other” in the fund category and type Children International in the box. Children International is also recruiting volunteers to assist with the Back to School Jamboree, where school supplies will be distributed to children. Bilingual speakers are especially encouraged to consider volunteering to help serve the growing Spanish-speaking population of the area. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, check in volunteers, hand out school supplies, manage stations, help children write letters, and other activities. The jamboree benefits Children International-sponsored youths in Little Rock and their families. Activities will include health education and screening stations, games, a community resource fair, and the distribution of school supplies. The event will also feature the Junior League of Little Rock’s “Boosters and Big Rigs.” The free community event provides children with an educational and fun opportunity to explore community vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and more. Children will participate in a variety of games and activities while free lunch is also provided. For more information, contact Stephanie Jones, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International volunteer and outreach coordinator, at 501-663-5541 or spjones@ualr.edu.

College of Education and Health Professions recognizes top students, employees, and friends

Ajani Oyindamola — Mon, 21 May 2018 13:25:31 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s College of Education and Health Professions recently celebrated it’s top students, employees, and community supporters at the college’s annual awards ceremony.�� Abby Baldwin, of the School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation, received the Outstanding Student Award for a student earning an associate degree. Roger Powell, of the School of Social Work, received the Outstanding Student Award for a bachelor’s student. Meanwhile, Derenda Alexander, a master’s student in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, won the Outstanding Master’s Student Award. Finally, Hsin-Wei Huang, a doctoral student in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, won the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award. In faculty and staff awards, Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison and Dr. Kim Jones, both of the School of Social Work, were honored with the Dean’s Award. Additionally, Dr. Bruce Smith from the School of Education received the Faculty Above and Beyond Award. Kristy Kidd, program director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted and Talented Education, received the Trojan Excellence Award. The college’s Faculty Excellence Award winners included Dr. Amanda Nolen, School of Education, for public research; Dr. Glenn Anderson, School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation, for service; and Dr. Bruce Smith, School of Education, for teaching. Each of the college’s academic departments, schools, and centers honored Friends of the College, an individual or organization that is recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to the College of Education and Health Professions. The Friends of the College include:

Friend of the Audiology and Speech Pathology Department: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 12th Street Clinic and Rev. Gwen Fry of St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church
Friend of the School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation: Barrett Allen, director of University District
Friend of the School of Education: Terese Oliver and Joy Thompson, instructional specialists at Pulaski Heights Middle School
Friend of the Department of Nursing: Becky Russell of Baptist Health Systems
Friend of the School of Social Work: Laura Generou
Friend of the Advising and Support Center: Arkansas Chapter Board and volunteers of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Friend of the Center for Literacy: Dr. Karen Scott, director of elementary learning and federal programs for Ozark Public Schools
Friend of EAST Scholars: Ryan Davis of Children International
Friend of the Jodie Mahony Center: David Hendricks, school performance specialist and legislative advocate, and Empowering and Energizing Education in North Little Rock
Friend of MidSOUTH: Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane
Friend of STEM Education Center: Jane Hurley of Central Arkansas Water

Dr. Greg Robinson served as chairperson of the College of Education and Health Professions Awards Committee. Drs. Catherine Crisp, Bill Garner, Melissa Reeves, Ann Robinson, Linda Dorn, and Heather Reed also served on the committee.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus named 2018 Arkansas Community Service Award Honoree

Jenny Lambert — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:30:38 +0000

Corrigan Revels, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumnus, will be recognized as one of 11 Arkansas Community Service Award honorees on Friday, April 20, for his dedication and commitment to students participating in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Children International program. Each year, the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Communications and Community Engagement, the Office of the Governor, and KARK-TV recognize individuals and companies in Arkansas that conduct outstanding volunteer services, demonstrate unselfish behaviors that benefit the community, and exemplify high ideals of humanitarianism. These honorees are first nominated by the general public, then selected as finalists by statewide committees of community leaders and volunteers. To celebrate those who are chosen as recipients, the Gov. Asa Hutchinson hosts a televised awards ceremony and personally presents the honorees with the prestigious Community Service Award. This year’s event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in West Little Rock. �� Hunger for volunteering For nearly seven years, Revels has given up countless hours of his life to volunteer with Children International’s at-risk youth. From stepping to tutoring and chaperoning to facilitating, Revels has done it all in the name of love. “I definitely feel like I have a hunger for volunteering because I’ve always wanted to have a mentor or someone I could look up to,” Revels said. Growing up as an only child until he was 16 years old, Revels was often surrounded by much older adults, including his mom, aunt, and grandparents, with whom he lived. It wasn’t until he came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2011 that he met people he would eventually consider mentors. During his stint as a mentee in the African American Male Initiative (AAMI) program, Revels encountered JaCarlos Sheppard, an AAMI mentor who instantly made an impact on Revels’ life and became a large part of the reason he began volunteering so vehemently. ‘Someone was willing to invest in me’ As a kid, Revels remembers volunteering for his church during Thanksgiving, passing out food trays to the less fortunate. Although he didn’t mind lending a helping hand, Revels didn’t quite understand the true meaning or significance of giving back at that time. “I knew it was a good thing, but I didn’t take it as ‘this person may or may not be able to share this moment with someone else, or they may not be able to eat this quality of food because they can’t help themselves because they’re elderly or sick,’” he said. Once Revels matured and volunteering was presented to him as an exciting and meaningful experience, he was hooked. “As a member of AAMI, I didn’t have a choice in whether or not I would volunteer because we were required to do 15 to 30 hours of service,” Revels explained. “JaCarlos, who was technically not my official mentor, began inviting me to different places like Bale Elementary, and my love for helping kind of grew from there. I was hungry for more and I loved the fact that someone was willing to invest in me, especially at that point in time.” As a freshman and first-generation college student, Revels had never had a peer mentor or big brother that he could look to when he needed help dealing with circumstances in and outside of the classroom. Because he grew up surrounded by his elders, he always saw himself as a leader when he was among his peers. �� “Having someone that I could look up to and admire was big for me because, besides the adults I had as a kid who I really appreciate, I never had that,” Revels shared. Bridging the gap, building relationships

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumnus Corrigan Revels will be recognized as a 2018 Arkansas Community Service Award Honoree. Photo by Ben Krain.

Being led by Sheppard, Revels found himself waking up at wee hours of the morning to volunteer for events like Race for the Cure, or spending hours after class and on weekends to assist students at Bale or Children International. As time passed, Revels became truly inspired by Sheppard because he saw him not only willingly give up his time for others, but he also witnessed Sheppard build meaningful relationships with those he helped so selflessly. “When AAMI started going to Bale, I saw that JaCarlos already had relationships with some of the students,” Revels said. “I was like, ‘Man, how is that,’ and I started realizing it was because of Children International and that he was working with them on and off the clock.” In 2014, Revels followed in Sheppard’s footsteps and began working for Children International in conjunction with the numerous positions and roles he held at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. From his sophomore to senior year, Revels served as an AAMI mentor, was a University Program Council committee chair member, media crew assistant for Trojan basketball games, intramural sports supervisor and referee, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “I didn’t shy away from using my weekends to do something for the children,” Revels said. “Wherever they had an opportunity for me to help out, or whatever they asked me to do, I was there to do it.” For this reason and more, the Children International students were drawn to Revels. “People would be amazed at some of the things these kids deal with when they go home,” Revels said. “They’re either not eating enough, not getting enough love, not getting enough attention, or they could be successful in the future, but they have no one to push them at home or they have to work just to help out their families.” Success comes from service When Revels spent time with the students, his approach as a mentor was to not concern himself with what they were lacking, but to be all that he could be for them. He was intentional in his ability to make the students feel comfortable around him and motivated about their futures. “Where I am now and even in higher education, we’re here for the students and we’re here to serve the students,” Revels said. “We may get paid for it, but everything you do for the students, if you invest and really take your job seriously, you’ll receive much more than money in return.” Revels now works as a college and career coach at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College. Although his schedule has changed and work doesn’t allow him to participate with Children International as much, he’s still passionate about the organization and open to helping in any way that he can. “I love to do it, I enjoy it, and I know that it’s something that the students can benefit from,” Revels said. Outside of work, Revels continues to pursue his passion as an up-and-coming filmmaker. He says he enjoys telling stories that people can relate to and that uplift those who watch them. “I am big on changing the narrative and I think that’s a service also,” he said. Revels graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s in mass communication with an emphasis in motion pictures in 2015. He received a graduate degree in higher education and student affairs in 2017. Last year, he and Sheppard were recognized by Children International as outstanding volunteers of the year.

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