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

Phillips Named Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:37:09 +0000

Dr. Carrie Phillips has been named the new chief communications and marketing officer for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “I am certain that Dr. Phillips’s professional experience in this area will serve our campus and community well in the years to come,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Her creative energy has driven results in advancing the university brand, telling the university story, supporting campus collaboration, and recruiting students.” Phillips joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from Arkansas Tech University, where she previously served as director of communications and marketing. In her 14 years at Arkansas Tech, Phillips led a brand study, the university’s first comprehensive brand campaign, and helped develop the campus’s current capital campaign. “I am so excited to be part of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community,” she said. “When I interviewed for the position and came on campus, I could sense the excitement and energy at this university. I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this community.” In her new role, Phillips is responsible for providing vision, oversight, and management of strategic communications, marketing, media relations, publications, and web/social media across the institution. She leads the Office of Communications and Marketing, implementing strategies to increase awareness and positive brand recognition in order to attract students, motivate alumni and donors, recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff. “Education is so important to me and the transformative power that we have,” she said. “My grandfather only had a middle school education. He was very adamant that my dad should pursue a college education. I think that decision changed the direction of our family. I see the transformative power of education. I want to make sure ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is doing everything we can to give our students the same opportunity.” Phillips earned a Doctor of Education in higher education administration this spring from Texas Tech University, where she studied how regional public universities are using marketing efforts to mitigate the enrollment cliff. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Arts in multi-media journalism from Arkansas Tech. Phillips will share her leadership tips in her upcoming OHO U professional development talk, “,” on June 8. In this session, she’ll candidly share managing mistakes she made, offer some lessons she learned the hard way, and provide practical takeaways to support the management journey. In her professional pursuits, Phillips is a member of the American Marketing Association and holds the Professional Certified Marketing credential. She is also a member of the District IV Cabinet for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the University & College Designers Association as well as a conference committee member for HighEdWeb. Phillips and her husband Chris Phillips, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus and lifetime member of the Alumni Association, live in Conway with their Maltipoo, Eleanor Belle, and enjoy reading and traveling in their free time.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Weigel, Loftus, Willis with 2022 Staff Achievement Awards

John Hill — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:00:25 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate has honored three of the university’s outstanding staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, personal growth, and community service. “The three staff members who won these awards represent staff dedication and commitment to our institution and our community,” said Ross Bradley, president-elect of Staff Senate and web and provost office manager. “Their contributions have benefited faculty, students, fellow staff, and our community members in countless ways. Without staff contributions like the ones highlighted in these three staff members, it would be impossible for the institution to meet its goals.” Melody Weigel, admissions and records specialist for the William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award. The award recipient is described to be an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas or support and encouragement of others. Additionally, Ashi Loftus, user interface and user experience designer for the Office of Communications and Marketing, has received the Personal Growth Award. The award winner is described as an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding. Jacqueline Willis, administrative specialist III for the Department of Chemistry, has received the Service to the Community Award. This award recipient is described as an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations/events. The three winners will receive a $3,000 award distributed via payroll distributions. More information about the Staff Achievement Award winners:

Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award

Ever since Weigel joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2016, she has been dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Since 2017, Weigel has served as advisor of the OutLaw Legal Society at the Bowen School of Law, whose mission includes promoting diversity, raising awareness of legal issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, and maintaining an open atmosphere of respect, equality, and justice for all. The OutLaw Legal Society has grown into an influential student organization that has helped attract students who support the local LGBTQ+ community. Since 2016, LGBTQ+ enrollment has increased nearly 60 percent at the Bowen School of Law. Last year, Weigel joined the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Safe Zone Committee, which is committed to improving the overall campus climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. She advocated for the inclusion of students to Safe Zone, and there are now two trained student members. “Melody looks to champion the success of each project large and small,” said Ashley Nipp, an accountant for the Office of Alumni and Development. “Managing the work of exceptional campus and community student leaders is a time commitment. Melody’s office is more than a safe zone for law school students. She is the default mentor to many law school students who use her office as a place to share their concerns, celebrate their victories, or learn of new campus resources.” An active staff leader, Weigel has also served for four years on the Staff Senate, including president-elect, president, and past president.

Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth

While a dedicated member of the Communications and Marketing team, Loftus is also committed to completing her education and to learn new skills to excel at her career. During the fall 2021 semester, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Web Design and Development and a minor in information technology. In addition to her graduation, she also married Liz Loftus in November 2021. Her educational aspirations are far from over. Loftus also plans to graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock a second time in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, a minor in digital graphics, a minor in art history, and a graphic design technical certificate Once she has completed her undergraduate education, Loftus plans to enter a graduate program to earn either a Master of Arts in Art History or a Master of Fine Arts. Her ultimate goal is to become a college professor and give back to college students like the many professors who have inspired her at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She gets plenty of practice as a future professor by giving presentations every year to design and development classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and National Park College. In her professional role, Loftus is highly involved in the redesign and relaunch of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s website, a project that will last at least three years. She is currently using her user experience design skills to improve the overall usability and functionality of the website. “In the past few years, I’ve really seen Ashi grow both professionally and personally,” said Meaghan Milliorn, Loftus’ supervisor and director of digital strategy. “She recently completed her degree and is working on a second one. She has been able to successfully juggle her classes while working full-time as a UI/UX designer on the university web team. Ashi has created countless noteworthy designs that support our digital marketing efforts and her dedication to web accessibility and inclusion is essential as we work to create a better online experience. Ashi is an excellent example of how a degree can change your life and strengthen your career.” While at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Ashi has been a member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Safe Zone Committee since 2017. She also served as a committee co-chair of the Safety, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as well as an accessibility coordinator for the Accessibility Summit Committee and the HighEdWeb Conference Committee.

Staff Achievement Award for Community Service

Jacqueline Willis is a longtime ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff member who has worked at the university since 1995. She started off her career as an administrative assistant in the Department of Biology and has also worked as the higher educational institutional program coordinator for the former College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences (CALS). “Jackie joined the Chemistry department around two years ago,” said Dr. Anindya Ghosh, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “In a short period, with her vast experiences, caring attitude, and strong work ethic, she has become a vital part of the Chemistry family. Chemistry faculty and students are surely thankful to her.” Dr. Shanzhi Wang, assistant professor of chemistry, described Willis as someone who is always willing to help someone with any project. When both the biology and chemistry departments needed administrative assistance in 2019, Willis volunteered to help out both departments while she was already working in the CALS dean’s office. She also assisted the biology department with administrative work when the need arose again in 2021. “Ms. Willis’s service has significantly benefited the chemistry department and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in recruitment, faculty, and student success. Willis has also been highly involved in service to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Christway Missionary Baptist Church, and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches New Campaign with Enhanced Brand Promise

John Hill — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:49:02 +0000

Following months of research and creative innovation, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will launch its newest campaign with an enhanced brand promise: Expect More during the annual BBQ at Bailey event Oct. 12 at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. The comprehensive communications and marketing campaign will reach beyond advertising, reflecting the fresh momentum and energy at the university. “Students choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to create their own transformation story,” said Dr. Christina Drale, chancellor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “We’re helping individuals level up to their potential, which is the essence of our new branding campaign. We want you to experience ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in ways that may challenge what you thought you would find here. You’ll have opportunities that change the way you think about your future. You can expect more of us and expect more of yourself.” The campaign goes beyond a marketing tagline; it infiltrates on-campus life and beyond, underscoring the university’s position in the community and commitment to providing high-quality education. The brand promise is future-focused and inspired by the people and programs at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock accomplishing extraordinary things. The fresh designs, created by , ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s agency of record, and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Communications and Marketing, are marked by bright, eye-catching colors coupled with the traditional ��Vlog��ý Little Rock maroon. Bold, emphatic headlines play a key role in messaging alongside engaging, artful photography. Crisp fonts create visual impact and legibility. “This isn’t an advertising campaign – it’s a brand promise,” said Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl, president and CEO of MHP/Team SI. “As a business owner, member of the College of Business Advisory Board and longtime supporter of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I see the extraordinary work happening at the university and count numerous ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni among our best and brightest team members.” This campaign serves as a call-to-action, both for the university and the community. Not only do students, faculty and staff Expect More from themselves academically, athletically and professionally, the community can Expect More of them as community investors and ready-to-work graduates. Donors can Expect More return on their investment into the university. Employers can Expect More from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates who are serious about their careers and their futures. Community and industry partners can Expect More collaboration and continued creativity with the university.

Faller Earns National Awards in 2021 National Federation of Press Women Conference

John Hill — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:43:01 +0000

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock communications professional was one of many Arkansas professionals who received national awards from the National Federation of Press Women’s 2021 communications contest.�� Angelita Faller, news director at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, earned second place in the Writing, Specialty Articles, Science and Technology category for a story detailing the COVID-19 research of Dr. Nitin Agarwal and his student researchers in COSMOS (Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies) who are working to inform the public of scams and misinformation related to the coronavirus pandemic through a public website and a partnership with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.�� The judges noted that, “The author has taken what might seem like a typical side topic of the global pandemic – misinformation about the virus – and turned it into a strong article that not only informs the reader, it might save lives.”�� She also earned an honorable mention in the Writing, Specialty Articles, Arts and Entertainment category for an article that describes Dr. Angela Hunter’s efforts to translate and publish the most complete edition of 18th-century French philosopher Louise Dupin’s unpublished treatise “Work on Women” and the $133,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities that will help complete the professor’s long-time research goal.�� A second honorable mention in the Writing, Speciality Articles, Religion category came for a story detailing fall 2020 graduate Jason Littleton’s research into the life of Arkansas missionary Pearle McCain. Arkansas journalists earned a total of 35 awards during the National Communications Contest sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women. The winners were among more than 2,000 entries in the 2021 national contest. State awards were presented June 10 during an awards ceremony hosted by the organization’s Arkansas affiliate, Arkansas Press Women, held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. These national award-winning entries had previously placed first in the Arkansas Press Women’s 2021 professional communications contest before advancing to the NFPW competition. More than 50 Arkansas first-place entries competed at the national level. Faller took top honors during the Arkansas Press Women’s statewide contest, earning the 2021 Sweepstakes Award.�� She also earned the following honors in the 2021 Arkansas Press Women contest:

First Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, Science or Technology for “��Vlog��ý Little Rock Researchers Help Identify Covid-19 Misinformation and Myths in New Public Website”
First Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, Arts and Entertainment for “��Vlog��ý Little Rock Professor Receives National Endowment for Humanities Grant to Publish Book on Unpublished Works of Louise Dupin”
First Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, Religion for “��Vlog��ý Little Rock Grad Jason Littleton Details Heroic Life of Arkansas Missionary Pearle McCain”
First Place in Writing, Publications Regularly Written by Entrant Newsletter/other publication, non-profit, government, or educational for “��Vlog��ý Little Rock Now”
Second Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, Hobby for “��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Costume Shop Manager Creates Unique Line of Face Masks”
Second Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, History for “Professor’s Research Leads to Historic Marker for Elaine 12 Member Frank Moore”
Second Place in Writing, Specialty Articles, Social issues for “Care Team Makes Difference in Lives of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students in Need”
Second Place in Writing, Feature Story, Online publication for “Wilkerson Fulfills Dream of Earning College Degree 55 Years After Graduating High School”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Partnership to Bolster Marketing Efforts

John Hill — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:27:03 +0000

After undergoing the competitive bid request for proposal (RFP) process, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has chosen MHP/Team SI, a TraDigital marketing agency headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, as its agency of record (AOR). This partnership will further strengthen the university’s marketing and communications endeavors as it seeks to fulfill its mission of improving students’ lives and enhancing its communities. “This partnership marks the next step in the university’s journey of transformation,” said ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale. “MHP/Team SI is the perfect partner to help us deepen the confidence that students and community members have in our university. Their expertise will enhance our ability to invest in students to create a skilled workforce to fuel central Arkansas’ businesses, nonprofits and local government.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and MHP/Team SI will work together to execute various strategies which support the implementation of its strategic enrollment management plan while simultaneously strengthening student retention and various initiatives put in place by the institution.�� “Our agency is thrilled to be providing our marketing and public relations expertise to support the university and its mission,” said Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl, president and CEO of MHP/Team SI. “As a business owner and a member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business Advisory Board, I’ve personally experienced the role the university plays in equipping the workforce in central Arkansas. We are inspired by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s dedication to supporting its students and the community, and are ready to continue doing great work together.” MHP/Team SI began working with the university in 2019 in a supporting, advisory capacity. In 2020, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock engaged the agency to provide public relations support. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s decision to bring the agency on as AOR marks a distinct deepening of the partnership. “After completing our brand discovery and development work in 2019, we felt that additional expertise would be required to quickly incorporate the new messaging and begin to improve the perception of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the region,” said Jeff Harmon, chief marketing and communications officer of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “MHP/Team SI has the expertise and experience to help us do just that.”

Retirement celebration for Judy Williams to be held Dec. 2

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:24:35 +0000

Judy Williams, associate vice chancellor of Communications and Marketing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has announced her retirement, effective in January. Her final day on campus will be Dec. 19.�� Williams came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2007, having previously served as director of media relations at Hendrix College, senior public relations account executive at Stone Ward advertising agency in Little Rock, and marketing director for Doctors Hospital. She started her career as a newspaper journalist. She expanded ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s communications and marketing department to include a digital division with a greater focus on web and social media and strategic communications and the staff addition of a photographer/videographer. She oversaw the university’s website redesigns, conversions from print to electronic newsletters, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock name rollout, and collaborated with the Athletics Department on rebranding Trojan Athletics to Little Rock’s Team. During her tenure at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Williams oversaw print publications, advertising and marketing, media relations, and internal and external communications, including crisis and emergency communications. She was creative director for several marketing campaigns, including Difference of Degree, My Future@Work, Grads@Work, and Unlimited Pathways campaigns.

Judy Williams (left) and Klansee Tozer (right) from the Office of Communications and Marketing celebrate their 10-year work anniversaries at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Williams also led the team in winning a number of awards, including Council for Advancement and Support of Education awards, International Association of Business Communicators Arkansas Chapter Bronze Quill Awards, a first-place Prism award from the Public Relations Society of America Arkansas Award for the ��Vlog��ýLR Grads@Work campaign, and two national Telly Awards.�� “It will be hard to replace the great energy Judy brought to this role,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She is known for having established a superb organization, hiring top communications professionals, and executing her job and duties flawlessly.” Williams said, “I’m so fortunate to be able to retire from a career in journalism, healthcare, and higher education—institutions that serve people. I got a chance to do what I loved in all of these jobs and meet wonderful people who serve others. The students, faculty, and staff, and colleagues in communications and marketing will always hold a special place in my heart.”�� Williams is a former member of the board of directors for the Arkansas chapter of Public Relations Society of America, a past president of the Arkansas chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and a recipient of the chapter’s President’s Award in Communications Excellence. She currently serves on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Institutional Effectiveness Committee, the Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Steering Committee, and the Retention Committee. Her colleagues and friends are invited to a reception in her honor from 1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter B.

Judy Williams was honored by Kappa Delta sorority as their staff person of the month in April. Photo by Ben Krain.

ATLE workshop:��how to create a professional website

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 16:34:56 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock employees can learn how to create a professional website at the next Academy of Teaching and Learning Excellence meeting.�� Dr. Linda Holzer, professor of music, and Meaghan Milliorn, web communications manager in the Office of Communications and Marketing, will discuss how to create and improve professional websites from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Ottenheimer Library Room 535. Those interested in participating can pre-register by filling out this. For more information, contact the academy at atle@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications and Marketing team wins three awards

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 18:56:05 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Office of Communications and Marketing was recently honored with three awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.�� The communications and marketing team received the awards at the southwest district conference held March 5-7 in Ft. Worth, Texas. The covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Keli Jacobi, director of strategic communications, won the silver award in the Institutional Opportunity and Inclusion Program category for a communications plan focused on the Trojan Food Pantry. Senior photographer Lonnie Timmons III received the silver award in the Color Photography Series category for pictures taken for the “Major Decisions” advertising campaign highlighting successful majors at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Meaghan Milliorn, online marketing manager, won the silver award in the Social Media Campaign category for a targeted digital campaign for student recruitment utilizing the “Major Decisions” advertising campaign. In addition to the awards, Milliorn gave a presentation highlighting how ��Vlog��ý Little Rock covered the Trojans men’s basketball team’s trip to the 2016 NCAA basketball tournament through social media. During “A Cinderella Story: How One School Turned an NCAA Tournament Experience into Social Media Gold,” Milliorn discussed best practices for managing social media when a university is unexpectedly cast into the national spotlight and how to capitalize on that attention. Pictured in the upper right photos are��Meaghan Milliorn (left), Keli Jacobi (right), and Lonnie Timmons III (below). Pictures by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.��

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

Phillips Named Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Weigel, Loftus, Willis with 2022 Staff Achievement Awards

Ben Fry Service to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Award