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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock dean selected as new executive vice chancellor and provost��

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 13:10:02 +0000

In her first appointment as chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Dr. Christina Drale has selected Dr. Ann Bain as executive vice chancellor and provost. The appointment is effective Oct. 16. Bain, who joined the university 32 years ago, most recently served as dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. She replaces Dr. Drale, who was interim executive vice chancellor and provost before being appointed chancellor in September by University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald Bobbitt. As provost, Bain is the senior academic administrator who oversees curricular, instructional, and research affairs. “I’m honored to have been selected for this position and look forward to working with our new leader, Chancellor Drale, the leadership teams, our faculty, staff, and students,” said Bain. “I recognize that I am accepting this position at a challenging time in the history of this university, but with challenging times comes great opportunity.” In her new role, she will focus on strengthening the university’s connection to the Little Rock community and expanding community engagement and collaboration; expanding student support to enable greater student success; and helping to reshape the university to meet the needs of Little Rock and Arkansas.�� “Dr. Bain has a proven track record as an educational leader at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Drale said. “She has demonstrated her ability to successfully manage a variety of units with an eye towards growth and efficiency. She has built effective student support systems in her college and has cultivated productive relationships with key community partners. Dr. Bain has also played an important role in our institutional efforts towards continuous improvement. She is highly qualified for this position, and I have every confidence that she will continue her excellent work as provost.” Bain currently serves as co-chair of the Institutional Effectiveness Committee and a member of the Higher Learning Commission Steering Committee overseeing university accreditation—two critical committees for moving the university forward. A 1972 graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Bain earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Central Arkansas and began her career in nursing at several hospitals in Little Rock. She joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1987 as an assistant professor of nursing and received a doctorate in higher education administration from the university in 1998. Bain served as chair of the Department of Nursing for 16 years, until she was named interim dean of the College of Sciences in 2013. Over her tenure, Bain grew the nursing department from an associate degree program with about 100 students to a program with five degree programs enrolling about 900 students—the largest academic program at the university. Her work with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of Development to secure external support and grant funding has provided innovative technology and resources for the Nursing Department. She also helped establish partnerships with CHI St. Vincent Health System and Saline Memorial Hospital.�� In 2014, Bain became the first dean of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s newly formed College of Education and Health Professions. During her tenure, she established the college’s Advising and Support Center; implemented 2-plus-2 articulation agreements with Arkansas community colleges in middle childhood education, elementary education, and social work program; and established a partnership with Easterseals Arkansas to enable adults with disabilities to have a college and work experience through ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Bain is active in several community and professional service organizations. She currently serves on the nomination committee for the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing and has previously served as secretary and vice chairperson.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing students ‘Shop with a Cop’

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:02:55 +0000

More than 30 nursing students from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock brought some Christmas cheer to families in North Little Rock by volunteering at the annual “Shop with A Cop” program last month.�� Tommy Norman, a North Little Rock police officer who has gained national attention for his positive community policing and outreach efforts, started the “Shop with a Cop” program, now in its 13th year, to help financially struggling students at Christmas time. Nursing students who participated in “Shop with a Cop” include Mary Akama-Makia, Jeri Baldonado, Aaron Baxter, Lindsey Bowman, Madeline Carnahan, Brittany Dobbins, Alexis Edwards, Lisa Freeland, Charie Gasaway, Tara Gosseline, Blakelee Gray, Renita Hall, David Harris, Macey Highfill, Kimberly Hill, Ashley Holland, Elizabeth Hurtt, Angela Keaton, Sean Lindsey, Natalie Gossett, Christine McEuen, Janelle McGowan, Michael Michelsen, Ashley Moore, Monica Morrison, Jessica Nielsen, Sandi Ortega, William Porter, Nicole Purdy, Abby Sentz, Undrane Tisdale, and Nadine Whitehead. Angela Keaton, president of Alpha Delta Nu, selected “Shop with a Cop” as the nursing student honor society’s service project because she wanted the group to expand their horizon beyond the healthcare field. “We are very acclimated to service projects in healthcare,” said Keaton, who graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this month. “To me, it’s about being service men and women in the community.” Keaton said she met Norman when they both worked at Pinnacle Point Hospital and is impressed by his community outreach projects. In December, 75 families were selected for the program. Each child is given a $200 gift card, so they can buy presents for themselves. In the spirit of learning to give back, the child also buys at least one gift for a family member. The nursing students spent the day at the Walmart on Each McCain in North Little Rock helping children shop for Christmas presents with police officers, wrapping presents, greeting family members, and taking the purchase out to vehicles. “The experience was very rewarding,” Keaton said. “It allowed me to take a step back and be grateful for what I have and what I can provide for my kids. We are looking at underprivileged kids who wouldn’t have a lot for Christmas. These kids are receiving a positive experience that they normally wouldn’t receive. It was very fulfilling and rewarding for myself as well as the other nursing students.” Keaton hopes to stay involved in the program in the future. “I’m really involved in the community, so it’s probably something I will do going forward. I hope future nursing students get to engage in such a rewarding opportunity,” she said.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing students volunteer with Officer Tommy Norman’s annual “Shop with A Cop” program on Dec. 9.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing professor to be honored as Woman of the Year

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 13:33:13 +0000

(W.O.W.), a nonprofit organization in Arkansas dedicated to assisting victims of violence, will honor a faculty member from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as the 2018 Woman of the Year.�� Dr. Jane Evans, associate professor of nursing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will be formally recognized as Woman of the Year on Friday, Oct. 12, during, an annual fundraising event held at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in support of W.O.W. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature live music, dinner, and live and silent auctions. “I am proud that every single day W.O.W helps individuals and families recover their independence and lives,” Evans said. “A nurse’s goal is to assist patients on their journey to wellness. We start with them wherever they are, caring for them in whatever ways necessary, always promoting strength and independence, until they are where they want to be. W.OW. does that too, so it feels right to me.” Evans is a 1978 graduate of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Nursing and a lifelong advocate for those in need. She joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a faculty member in 2011. Prior to teaching, she served as the executive director for the Arkansas State Hospice and Palliative Care Association. As a registered nurse of over 40 years, Evans has helped countless individuals through nursing, research, publication, education, and volunteerism. �� “I was born in Arkansas and have lived here all my 66 years,” Evans said. “I believe I am a citizen of the world and that we must love and take care of one another.” Women’s Own Worth is a nonprofit organization in Arkansas with a mission that empowers women and their families to regain their self-worth by enabling them to sustain an independent life after suffering the effects of trauma. More than a support group, W.O.W. offers individualized services in the areas of emotional support, financial support, therapy, and family programs to victims of violence. Evans has been a volunteer with Women’s Own Worth since the nonprofit organization started in 2012 and has been highly involved with helping W.O.W.’s clients and fundraising. “Jane has been a tireless promoter of the work Women’s Own Worth does,” said Jajuan Archer, founder of W.O.W. “She has been implemental in providing advocacy and education for victims of violence. She has rallied her troops at the university and the community and her friends to raise money for victims in our state. Jane has been a great lady who wants to do good in her community and state. She has been behind the scenes since our inception, and we wanted to recognize her for her worth.”

Second ACCE cohort graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000

Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude.�� She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The joint program between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North Little Rock; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of Little Rock; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of Little Rock; and Jonmichal Walker of North Little Rock. While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North Little Rock Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and��organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ýMS/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.

Department of Nursing honors outstanding students

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 09 May 2018 15:55:19 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Nursing honored this year’s top students during an awards ceremony on May 4.�� The department’s student award recipients included:

Courtney Ellis – Service Award
Courtney Rolland – Leadership Award
Ruby Shepherd – Dr. Irving J. and Marie Spitzberg Transition Award
David Larson – Dr. Irving J. and Marie Spitzberg Traditional Award
Michael Stramiello – Dr. Irving J. and Marie Spitzberg Combination Award
Daniel Ramos – Outstanding First Year Clinician
Xaviery Latimer – Outstanding Second Year Clinician
Erica Davis – Professional Transition Student
Aaron Freeman – BSN Service Award
Kouhoua Yang – BSN Scholarship Award
Allison Ivy Renfro – BSN Teaching Award

Scholarship recipients included:

Andrew Wheat – Florence C. Zook RN Endowed Scholarship
Macey Highfill – Corinne E. Phillips Scholarship
Charlie Gasaway – Hazel Kriegbaum Russ Scholarship
Wesley Smith – Patricia and George Thompson Endowed Scholarship

Garuba earns 2018 Kevin Crass Heart of a Trojan Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 04 May 2018 13:28:38 +0000

Little Rock soccer senior has been awarded the second annual Kevin A. Crass Heart of a Trojan Award at the Trojans’ Senior Honors Luncheon on May 1.�� The award, initiated in 2017, is given annually to a Little Rock student-athlete based on community service, leadership and dedication to their team. A captain for the Trojans in 2017, Garuba played in 75 games during her Little Rock career, scoring 18 goals and adding 11 assists for 47 total points. She ranks in the top-10 all-time in program history in goals, assists, points, shots and game-winning goals, helping lead the Trojans to the Sun Belt Conference semifinals in each of the past two seasons. The Pflugerville, Texas, native is a nursing major, boasting a 3.56 GPA, showing her capacity to balance a challenging school course load, collegiate soccer obligations and undertaking a handful of leadership roles. An active member both on campus and in the community, she served as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as a leader in Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, coordinating and taking part in numerous service events. Garuba joins former Trojan baseball pitcher Cory Malcom as the second recipient of the award. The award’s namesake, Kevin Crass, is an avid supporter of the Little Rock Athletic program, as well as an ambassador, community leader and benefactor in the Little Rock community for over 30 years. Crass has assisted in multiple ways to the department, including serving as a color analyst for the Trojan men’s basketball team for the past two years, recently completing a two-year term as chair of the Trojan Advisory Council. He and his wife, Cathy, have been named the honorees for the 10th annual Spectac��Vlog��ýLR, being held in October. The award was given as part of the annual Trojan’s Senior Honors Luncheon, recognizing those Little Rock student-athletes who will be receiving their degrees and expressing appreciation for their efforts on behalf of the Trojan Athletic department.

Gift of $800,000 to benefit ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education, health professions students

Janea Snyder — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 21:28:01 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received an $800,000 gift from Dr. Bruce Murphy, president and chief executive officer of the , that will benefit students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Murphy’s gift supports the Student Success Initiatives Fund within the college. Funding will be used to employ a full-time social worker and provide emergency funds for student support services such as expanded academic support through tutoring and mentoring programs, career development and financial management workshops, emergency student assistance funds, and scholarships. “Dr. Murphy understands the role ��Vlog��ý Little Rock plays in this city and is willing to support programs that promote student success while helping the economy of the region,” said ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson. “His generous giving to the College of Education and Health Professions to help in the retention and timely graduation of our nursing, social work, and education students clearly serves our students and central Arkansas. I thank him sincerely for his ongoing faith in this university and his commitment to continue to move ��Vlog��ý Little Rock forward in the coming years.” Murphy, a longtime Little Rock cardiologist, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He said he hopes the gift will help equip students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles that might prevent them from getting a college education. “One future Little Rock must face and meet is the hope these kids have to get a college degree,” Murphy said. “This generation needs family-like resources, and we are planning this effort to supply resources to those in need.” About 2,500 students are now enrolled in programs within the College of Education and Health Professions, which includes the ; the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation; the School of Education; Department of Nursing; and School of Social Work. “Students across all of our disciplines have benefited from the availability of these services,” said Dr. Ann B. Bain, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “This is a model of support for students that makes a difference in student success. I cannot thank Dr. Murphy enough for his support.” Dr. Bruce Murphy is shown in the photo at top right.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock/CHI St. Vincent honor new nursing students

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:28:06 +0000

As a surgical technician, Daniel Ramos has witnessed the impact nurses have on patients and their families every day for the past 17 years he has worked at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.�� When the chance came to become a nurse through a new University of Arkansas at Little Rock/program, Ramos, 35, of Little Rock, took a chance to start a new career. “I have been in the medical field for a long time,” Ramos said. “I want to do that one-on-one care that I’ve seen nurses do. I feel like it is a calling. My passion and my love of caring for people pulled me in this direction.” Through the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/CHI St. Vincent Pathway Program, students have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree as part of an accelerated 18-month program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Upon completion, students can obtain their RN license and begin a nursing career at CHI St. Vincent. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and CHI St. Vincent officials welcomed the first 36 participants in the Pathway Program during an Aug. 16 ceremony in which the participants signed their contracts with CHI St. Vincent. Each Pathway participant will receive a $2,500 per-semester scholarship to cover the cost of the accelerated program. The nursing students are expected to graduate in December 2018 and begin working in spring 2019 after they complete their board exams. Graduates will join the nursing staff at CHI St. Vincent for a minimum of 24 months. Pathway participant Elizabeth Hurtt of Sheridan said the scholarship is a “blessing” that will allow her to concentrate on her education without worrying about money. “It means a lot because not only is it helping me with college, but it’s a token of appreciation from God, and I’m very honored to be getting the award,” Hurtt said. “After meeting everyone from CHI Vincent, I feel like I have a whole team supporting me with my journey to becoming a successful nurse.” The Pathway Program comes at a time when the vacancy rate for RNs continues to rise across the state and nation. “This is a great partnership between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and St. Vincent,” said Nisa Trenthem, RN residency manager at CHI St. Vincent. “There is a need for nurses everywhere, since so many nurses are nearing retirement age.” To produce more nurses, schools and instructors need to add programs and increase students, Trenthem said. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has already increased its nursing enrollment — from about 700 to about 780 this year. “I get contacted regularly by people asking how many graduates we have and if they can recruit our graduates,” said Dr. Charles “Preston” Molsbee, chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Nursing. “Hopefully, with the increased enrollment, we can help eliminate that need.”

Pathway Program participant Daniel Ramos and his classmates sign their contracts to work with CHI St. Vincent. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.

Ramos said his three sons – 12-year-old twins and a 10-year-old – gave him the strength to pursue his first college degree and work toward his goal of becoming a nurse to help save lives. “My boys are my biggest encouragement,” Ramos said. “My boys told me I better walk across the stage in 2018. They encourage me to finish my homework like I encourage them in school.” Pathway Program participants include:

��Jasmaine Bass of Mabelvale
��Aarikka Black of Little Rock
��Sydney Bradshaw of Sherwood
��Allison Brown of Conway
��Andranez Bryant of Little Rock
��Tearani Buffington of Bryant
��Zachary Casteel of Searcy
��Morgan Collins of Pine Bluff
��Saige Davis of Pine Bluff
��Alexis Edwards of Little Rock
��David Harris of Conway
��Macey Highfill of Cabot
��Kimberly Hill of Benton
��Elizabeth Hurtt of Sheridan
��Angela Keaton of Conway
��Sean Lindsey of Little Rock
��Alyssa Lloyd of Bryant
��Maggie Marshall of North Little Rock
��Tyler Massey of Bryant
��Makayla McElwee of Lonoke
��Marquita McKissick of Little Rock
��Ashley Moore of Roland
��Monica Morrison of Little Rock
��Dominique Neal of North Little Rock
��Bradley Oldham of Mabelvale
��Jalisha Price of Little Rock
��Nicole Purdy of Benton
��Tiffany Smith of Little Rock
��Veronica Thomas of Alexander
��Jasmine Washington of Pine Bluff
��Daniel Ramos of Jacksonville
��Daniel Ramirez of Little Rock
��Maya Nellum of North Little Rock
��Zabina Swift of Little Rock
��Brittany Reynolds of Little Rock
�� Adama Weatherspoon of Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock/CHI St. Vincent honor first Pathway students

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:54:53 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and will honor the first participants of a program that will address the nursing shortage in Arkansas. In May, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and CHI St. Vincent announced a three-year initiative ��— the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/CHI St. Vincent Pathway Program — to expand student capacity in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Nursing and to fill the nursing staffing needs at CHI St. Vincent. The first 37 students accepted into the Pathway Program will sign their contracts with CHI St. Vincent during a special ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, in Room 206 of the Pat Walker Center for Nursing Education on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. “This is an incredible opportunity to not only help students achieve their educational goals, but also to begin to work towards putting more nurses at the bedside, while continuing to be a part of a longstanding relationship with CHI St. Vincent,” said Dr. Charles Molsbee, chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Nursing. Students who complete the program will earn an associate of applied science degree through an accelerated 18-month program. Upon completion, students can obtain their RN license and begin a nursing career at CHI St. Vincent. Each Pathway participant will receive a $2,500 per-semester scholarship to cover the cost of the accelerated program. Graduates will join the nursing staff at CHI St. Vincent for a minimum of 24 months. “It is an opportunity to be a part of something great,” said Pathway Program participant Daniel Ramos of Jacksonville. “It is truly an honor to be selected in such a program. It also means I’m a part of something more than myself, I will be able to aid and assist in helping others around me.” The program comes at a time when the vacancy rate for RNs continues to rise across the state and nation. There’s a shortage of 700 nurses in central Arkansas alone. In the upper right photo,��Chancellor Andrew Rogerson discusses the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock/CHI St. Vincent Pathway Program, which is designed to address the nursing shortage in Arkansas. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.

Students say goodbye to summer, hello to fall semester

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:25:12 +0000

The first day of school tends to bring a roller coaster of emotions, from excitement and anxiety to anticipation. As ��Vlog��ýLR students said their final goodbyes to summer, they turned their focus to their long-term goals and sought to make their dreams come true. Audrey Kelley, an 18-year-old sophomore from Rogers, Arkansas, is dedicated to helping others.��

Audrey Kelley

To turn her passion into a reality, Kelley hopes to obtain her degree in human resources and work in Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville. While attending ��Vlog��ýLR her freshman year, Kelley joined forces with the campus ministry Chi Alpha and had the opportunity to spend this past summer in Africa on a mission trip. As she settles into the new school year, she plans to put lessons learned this summer into action. “This year, I want to get to know a lot of freshmen, and just love on them the way that God loves me,” she said.

Love what you do; do what you love

Not only does ��Vlog��ýLR have students who enjoy helping one another, but its students also push others to succeed.

Dillon Nash

Dillon Nash is a 22-year-old first-year graduate student from Brinkley, Arkansas, who seeks nothing but the best for incoming students. “I am so thrilled to kick off the new school year and engage with so many freshmen,” he said. Nash is a graduate assistant for the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps working with more than 230 students. Having participated in the corps all four years of his undergraduate career, Nash looks forward to seeing the growth and progression of ��Vlog��ýLR’s future leaders. Today, he has outlined his goals five years into the future. Nash plans to continue inspiring students at universities as he fulfills his goal to work in student affairs.

The road less traveled

The desire to help others is a driving force for many students this semester. However, there are others whose self-motivation pushes them one step further. Twenty-one-year-old Dipesh Patel is a Little Rock native who wants to tear down personal stereotypes.

Sid Patel

Dipesh Patel

“I never liked the stereotypical doctor thing with Indians. I wanted to be different,” he said. Patel is a criminal justice major who is ecstatic about enlisting in the military in spring 2017. He has always been a fan of the television show “Law and Order” and couldn’t wait to get exposed to the real thing. Now that Patel is headed down his chosen path, he hopes to encourage his best friend to live out his own dreams. Sid Patel, a 22-year-old senior moved to Arkansas from India about six years ago. He and Dipesh instantly became friends and are now inseparable. As his friend prepares to leave to start his newest venture, Sid has his thoughts centered on continuing his education. His major in physics and minor in information technology is sure to keep him busy, but for him, there’s no turning back. With plans to pursue an additional degree, Sid sees his first day of the semester as a head start into his future.

There’s a first time for everything

For many upperclassmen, transitioning from fun in the sun to homework and class lectures seems to be a breeze. For first time students, it might take a moment to get the ball rolling.

Princess Bell

Princess Bell is a 17-year-old freshman from Blytheville, Arkansas, with her eyes set on nursing school. Although she is motivated to do her best, adjusting to college life has been a bit of a struggle. Bell spent her first day crying because she missed her parents. As she begins to settle in, she plans on breaking out of her comfort zone and meeting new people. Her primary objective this semester is to make the dean’s list, so she looks forward to staying grounded and focused on her work.

Stairway to success

Breaking in new books and engaging with unfamiliar professors might be the highlight of the day for some, but for this next student, hitting the finish line is all she can think about.

Lottie Richardson

Lottie Richardson, a 20-year-old first year senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, is beginning her senior year with so much on her plate. As a mechanical systems engineering major with a double minor in mathematics and chemistry, time is more precious than it has ever been. With a goal set for a 4.0 grade point average, Richardson is determined to stay focus. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she looks forward to heading to medical school. Along the way, she aims to go on a medical mission trip to Africa to assist those in need. Five years from today, Richardson longs to have her white coat and be in the process of opening a children’s clinic in central Arkansas. Now that the first day jitters have come to an end, students are ready to start the semester off strong.

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock dean selected as new executive vice chancellor and provost��

����Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing students ‘Shop with a Cop’

����Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing professor to be honored as Woman of the Year

Second ACCE cohort graduates from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock