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

Cultivating Student Success: How ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Resources Empower First-Generation Students

John Hill — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:44:55 +0000

November is First-Generation College Student Celebration Month. With more than 40 percent of its student population being first-generation students, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is especially committed to providing resources that help this special group of students reach their potential.�� “One of the biggest challenges first-generation students face in college is navigating a complex system such as a university,” said Heather Reed, director of Student Retention Initiatives. “There are so many processes that involve many offices. Luckily, Student Retention Initiatives can assist first-generation students in learning the university. It can be difficult to ask for help, and we make it easy through the Care Team, a support network for all students.” Members of the Care Team work closely with students to establish steps to reduce barriers to success. They take proactive action to support students in their pursuit of academic success, connect individuals to campus and community resources, create a supportive and caring culture for students, and establish best practices and standard protocols of response for academic referrals. Students who need assistance can contact the Care Team by filling out while faculty and staff who are concerned about a student can fill out . “We also offer peer mentors who are upper-class students who have successfully navigated various processes and have knowledge of the university,” Reed said. “First-generation students can request to be matched with a peer mentor to help them with a variety of issues, such as building locations, learning traditions, tips for academic success, and how to get involved on campus. Many of the staff in our office are first-generation college students so we understand first-hand the challenges students face and how to overcome those challenges.” The Office of Student Retention Initiatives also holds welcome events for new students and celebrates first-generation students every November during First-Generation College Student Celebration Month. “For me, being a first-generation student is a catch-22. I’m very excited that I decided late in age to go back to school,” said Veronica Tess Myers, a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration. “I finally finished getting my bachelor’s and am looking forward to acquiring my master’s degree. However, it’s also a little bit of sadness. I’m considered to be a know-it-all because I went further. A lot of the reason why I went further is because of my autistic son and having to learn what I needed for him to succeed.” Since 1978, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s TRIO Student Support Services has provided resources to help increase the rates of academic achievement, retention, and graduation among historically disadvantaged students. “TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides services to a limited number of eligible ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students,” said Dr. Desarae Nelson, director of TRIO SSS. “Eligibility requirements include: first generations, and/or limited income, and/or disabled. SSS offers: a scholarship, weekly workshops, financial literacy, cultural events, textbook loans, tutoring, career readiness, and graduate school trips. SSS seeks to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The goal of the program is to increase participants’ college persistence, support them through graduation, and facilitate the transition from one level of higher education to the next. The program is funded by the US Department of Education.” Dr. Mike Kirk, director of health services and counseling services, said that both units offer great resources to help first-generation students adapt to college life. “Health Services for certain can immediately impact first-generation students,” Kirk said. “To have a convenient family care clinic right here on campus is excellent for them. They can get in and take care of virtually any medical issue that you go to the doctor’s office. Also, the cost is going to be less here than when you go outside to your doctor’s office.

Dr. Mike Kirk

Counseling Services can help normalize the college experience. It’s not as easy to get students to come see us in Counseling Services. We know students can get anxious and concerned about succeeding in college. We can help normalize those feelings and give students strategies to help make them successful.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock also supports students in several other ways. The office of Student Retention Initiatives coordinates peer mentoring, academic coaching, and tutoring to help all students thrive. Additionally, student researchers in the Signature Experience Program receive grant funding and are mentored by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty, helping prepare students for advanced study and improving persistence. The Multicultural Center provides several mentoring programs that help empower, support, and assist African American students, Hispanic/Latinix students, and students of color in achieving their goal of earning a college degree. Students in these programs meet with career and professional mentors for regular support. The university’s Learning Commons, which opened during the spring semester, provides a space where students have access to study space and tutoring assistance. The Learning Commons is the home of the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “The Learning Commons is a great free resource available to students,” said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator. “In this space, we can help students be successful by providing them with direct access to resources that can help them in their courses. Collectively our centers cover a large variety of subjects, everything from intro-level courses, math, writing and communication. We also provide a comfortable space for students to study individually or to study in groups. Here in the Learning Commons we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and strategies that they need to be successful.” Genesis Dominguez, a junior double major in Spanish and anthropology and first-generation student, helps many students in her work at the Communication Skill Center. “The Communication Skill Center is a great opportunity for the students,” Dominguez said. “This center helps students do presentations, organize slide presentations, prepare them for a speech or interview, rehearse, organize ideas, and manage anxiety while speaking. It has a great team that is willing to help you every step of the way and will celebrate with you every win that you make.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has a number of student ambassador programs that create leadership opportunities for successful students who serve as tutors, mentors, and guides for their fellow students.

Learning Commons Coordinator Brandon Solllars and Michelle Malone and De’Ja Johnson, applied communication graduate students, give a presentation in the Communications Skills Center in Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I intend to help create pathways for opportunities for other ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and specifically veterans, students of color, and nontraditional students to gain access to resources that hopefully will help generate more student success,” said Bryan Hernandez, a first-generation student and ambassador for the School of Business. “I hope to show that programs like the student ambassador program work! That they help to create a sense of community at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and build confidence in students that may deeply need it.” Additional campus resources that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students will find useful include:

Trojan Works is an institutional work study program that provides on-campus employment opportunities as well as a unique experience that prepares students for success beyond graduation.
Career Services provides opportunities for students to prepare for careers through internships, job postings, career fairs, and career coaching.
Trojan Career Closet offers a career closet to help ensure students are dressed for interviews and internships. Each semester, students can select outfits to wear for professional settings.
Trojan Food Pantry is open to assist students, faculty, and staff with food needs they may have throughout the year.
The Military Student Support Center offers support for the university’s more than 700 Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard Members, Veterans, and their families utilize the center each year.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Sollars as New Coordinator of Learning Commons

John Hill — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:00:57 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired Brandon Sollars, of Little Rock, as the coordinator of the university’s new Learning Commons. The Learning Commons, which opened during the spring 2022 semester, provides a one-stop location for tutoring services across the university. The 13,000-square-foot-facility located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “I’m very excited to be here, and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Sollars said. “I know I am on the right path. I feel confident that the Learning Commons will be everything we intend it to be and more. We want to provide easily accessible centralized resources that are available to everyone on campus.” As the Learning Commons coordinator, Sollars is responsible for sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students and educational team members. He will monitor and coordinate daily operations of the Learning Commons and oversee Trojan Tutoring, which provides tutoring in areas not served by the other academic centers in the Commons. Trojan tutors will also provide a variety of services to support academic success such as study skills, time management, homework assistance, and much more. “We are delighted to have Brandon join the Learning Commons to provide leadership and his expertise to develop Trojan Tutoring,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Brandon brings varied perspectives including being an adjunct instructor, graduate student, and former member of the Communication Skills Center.” Sollars is a two-time graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in applied communication as well as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Applied Communication. As a student, Sollars used many of the resources that are now available in the Learning Commons to succeed in school, and he plans to share that knowledge with today’s students. “As a graduate assistant, I worked as one of the assistant directors in the Communication Skills Center. I also have used the University Writing Center and the Math Assistance Center,” Sollars said. “These are all services I used in my time as a student, and I believe in what they can do for a student’s academic career. I am excited�� to find out how I can contribute to the success of our students.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches New Program to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students

John Hill — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 18:41:56 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has launched a new program to help university students find and afford quality child care so they can complete their college education. The Child Care Connections program is two-fold. First, it will provide child care funding for eligible students though a federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Second, the program helps connect student parents with the resources and support they need to finish college. Child care funding will be available to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who are eligible to receive Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, though most Pell Grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, about 39 percent of undergraduate students are Pell Grant recipients. The Child Care Connections child care funding is provided by a (CCAMPIS) four-year grant of $581,128 from the U.S. Department of Education. The program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services. “With the Child Care Connections program, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will be able to provide a unique service for students by helping provide child care coverage,” said Shanna Parker, director of Child Care Connections. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is only the second university in Arkansas to receive a CCAMPIS grant, so students will receive something that other colleges won’t be able to provide. Eligible students will be able to focus more on their education knowing that their child is being cared for while they attend school.” The program also provides assistance for students who don’t qualify for the federal child care funding. Parker will provide consultations to help students navigate child care services in central Arkansas. They can also provide wrap-around services to help student parents get the support they need to be successful in school and in life. These include referrals to the Care Team, student support specialists, success coaching, tutoring, and other campus and community resources. “We want students to understand that we can provide many services to help them succeed in school,” Parker said. “We want to nurture the entire family by providing the resources they need. We can connect them with a student success coach to help them stay in school and connect them with other resources on campus. We won’t make the choices for students, but we will guide them and give them the tools necessary to do what is best for their families. We will exhaust all avenues to help them.” A priority for the child care funding will be given to single parents. Parents who are going to college face a tougher road than traditional college students and have lower student retention and graduation rates. Single mothers are particularly hard hit. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there are nearly 2.1 million single mothers in college today, many of whom are women of color. Shamari Burnett, a junior psychology major, is applying for the program to help keep her 1-year-old son at the great daycare center he currently attends. “As a new single mom and full-time college student, it’s hard because I want to make sure he’s getting great care while I spend a lot of time studying,” Burnett said. “When I first heard about the program starting last semester, I was excited because it’s just what I needed! The cost started to get really expensive, and I was debating on taking him out of the daycare he currently attends, but I decided to wait and apply for Child Care Connections. I’m always looking for ways to save money while working towards my career and educational goals.” Johna Rocha, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student who plans to apply for the Child Care Connections program, said this program could help provide her with peace of mind while she is attending classes to complete her nursing degree. “Because of COVID, child care has become scarce, inconsistent, and it is also extremely expensive,” Rocha said. “I have two children who need care while I am in class, and I am scrambling every week to find someone to watch them. I want quality care for my children so that I can fully engage in class and create a better life for them by finishing my degree. Good child care is vital for me to do that.” Students may fill out an application for child care funding . State-licensed child care providers who maintain general liability insurance and agree to a Memorandum of Agreement can participate in the CCAMPIS program. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will host two virtual sessions for child care providers interested in being a part of the program from 7-7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7. For more information, contact Shanna Parker at childcare@ualr.edu or 501-916-5648.

Five ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Employees Honored as AMP Power Women for 2021

John Hill — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:11:24 +0000

Arkansas Money and Politics (AMP) has recognized five ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees on the list. AMP annually closes out the year by focusing a spotlight on women in Arkansas who are setting themselves apart in the world of business and politics. The AMP Power Women for 2021 were nominated by readers. Each has blazed a trail, exhibited outstanding leadership, or enhanced her company’s performance. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees who were named to the AMP Power Women for 2021 list include: ·�� Joni Lee, vice chancellor for university affairs ·�� Meaghan Milliorn, interim co-director of communications and marketing ·�� Dr. Mia Phillips, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs ·�� Heather Reed, director of student retention services ·�� Elizabeth Small, director of business networking More information about the honorees: Lee is responsible for working with local, state and federal offices to elevate ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s position in the region. She has more than three decades of experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and had previously served as a public policy researcher in the Center for Arkansas Initiatives, vice chancellor of university advancement, and chief government relations officer. Lee is a member of the inaugural class of the Civility Leadership Institute of General Wesley Clark’s organization, Renew America Together. “There are so many women on this list for whom I have the greatest respect because of the amazing things they do every day that moves Arkansas forward.�� I’m honored to be listed among them.�� I feel privileged to work with an organization in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock that impacts our state for the good and that I can be a part of that impact through my work.” Milliorn heads up web, social media, and graphic design efforts for the university in the Office of Communications and Marketing. A 12-year veteran of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Milliorn is a 2019 winner of the coveted Red Stapler Award for giving a best of track presentation at the Higher Education Web Professionals Association. “I am proud to be included in this list of outstanding women in Arkansas, but it’s especially meaningful to be included among these other female leaders at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Milliorn said. “The past few years at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock have really shown how dedicated our staff and faculty are to fully supporting our students and helping them succeed. I love that our students have so many different backgrounds and experiences, and that we have programs and resources for everyone. The fact that I can help communicate about and promote those programs and resources is really important to me, and I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish as a university in the coming years.” Reed is also a recent graduate of the Master of Public Administration Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, social media chair of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the 2021 Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award winner, member of the Heartland of Arkansas United Way Board of Directors, and has recently been selected to join the Southern Regional Education Board Student Success Advisory Council. “It is an honor to be nominated for the AMP Power Women for 2021,” Reed said. “I hope I can be a role model for other women in higher education but, most importantly, help students navigate their way through college to become future leaders in Arkansas!” Phillips also serves as the director of the Multicultural Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and is the former communications and special project coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor. She also serves as a mentor for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, member of the Vera Lloyd Foundation Board, as well as an advisor for the University’s Gospel Choir. A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and master’s and doctoral degrees from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “The women featured on the AMP Power Women for 2021 List are positively shaping their industries and enhancing their respective organizations in so many ways,” Phillips said. “It’s an honor to be included in such good company and to be recognized for doing the work that I love to do.” Small works with central Arkansas businesses to explore ways to partner and engage with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She also heads ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Real Estate Program in the School of Business. Prior to joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she served as chair of PDC Construction and president and CEO of PDC Companies. She is also an Arkansas real estate licensed broker as well as a member of several boards and organizations, including Goodwill of Arkansas, Rotary Club of Little Rock, Fifty for the Future, International Women’s Forum, and Arkansas Women’s Leadership Forum. “It is an honor to be included with such a dynamic group of women in AMP,” Small said.�� “Introducing and connecting businesses to outstanding ��Vlog��ý Little Rock programs, students, and faculty has been an extremely rewarding experience. Creating new ways and enhancing existing opportunities for businesses to interact with the university is energetic and fun. To be recognized for those efforts is most appreciated and humbling because I work with an amazing team of people.”

Reed Named to SREB Student Success Advisory Council

John Hill — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:04:31 +0000

Heather Reed, director of Student Retention Initiatives, has been selected to join the The SREB Student Success Advisory Council was established to identify challenges, shared interests, and recommend changes in policy and practice to support the successful retention, graduation, and workforce entry of underserved and low-income students. As Arkansas’s state representative, Reed will work toward achieving greater rates of postsecondary success for low-income, rural, and underrepresented backgrounds and support the council’s goal to fulfill critical industry workforce demands and build a stronger economy in SREB states. “I am honored to represent the state of Arkansas and excited to work with the best of the best in the region who support and study student success,” Reed said. “I am thrilled to highlight the work we are doing as an institution and within the state. I hope to glean new initiatives to implement for our students.” Reed is joining the ranks of presidents, provosts, state senators, directors of student success centers, and more across Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Maryland, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Reed’s new volunteer role fits in well with her ��Vlog��ý Little Rock position, where she works with staff and faculty to develop, implement, and assess data-driven retention initiatives that are informed by best practices and part of a comprehensive retention plan. She also heads the Care Team, who work closely with students to establish steps to reduce barriers to success. Reed is pursuing a Master of Public Administration from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and will graduate in December. She also earned a B.A. in English/linguistics from Truman State University, an M.S. in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and an Ed.S. in higher education and student affairs from the University of Iowa.

U.S. Department of Education Awards ��Vlog��ý Little Rock $581K Grant to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students

John Hill — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:20:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been awarded a federal grant worth more than $581,000 from the U.S. Department of Education that will help pay child care expenses for low-income students to help them complete their college education. “The child care support provided by this grant will help our students who are parents and is another example of our institution’s commitment to student success,” Provost Ann Bain said. “This grant is particularly exciting because the baseline data to support the need for grant funds involved our faculty and our students, and the final grant submission was a collaboration between Dr. Daryl Rice and graduate student Cassie Jo Gehring.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock received a (CCAMPIS) four-year grant of $581,128. The program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services. Funding will be available to students who are eligible to receive Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, though most Pell Grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, 39 percent of undergraduate students from the fall 2021 semester are Pell Grant recipients. “The grant will allow us to pay support for child care to Pell-eligible students with children using established and licensed child care providers,” said Dr. Daryl Rice, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for student success. “The amount is based on a sliding scale. The program will also provide assistance in accessing child care support from other sources, such as the Arkansas Department of Health’s voucher program and child care provided by Early Start, Head Start, and the Little Rock School District.” A priority will be given to single parents. Parents who are going to college face a tougher road than traditional college students and have lower student retention and graduation rates. Single mothers are particularly hard hit. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there are nearly 2.1 million single mothers in college today, many of whom are women of color. Only 8 percent of single mothers who start college earn an associate or bachelor’s degree within six years, compared with about half of women who are not mothers. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research also shows that providing support for parents in college, such as free child care, financial assistance, and social skills training, would allow more student parents to graduate in less time. During the spring 2021 semester, four Master of Public Administration (MPA) students in Dr. Kirk Leach’s social entrepreneurship course did background research for the grant, including a phone survey of local child care providers about capacity, prices, availability, and partnership opportunities with the university. The students include Andrea Neloms, Cassie Jo Gehring, Heather Reed, and Jenifer Tindle. Dr. Rice and Gehring wrote the final proposal and are co-principal investigators for the grant. “Being a parent while a student myself, I thought of how difficult it must be for those who don’t have resources or support to advance themselves through higher education,” said Gehring, associate director of advancement services at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “As a student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I have participated in many service-learning projects. I was inspired to think that the research I am doing as a student and my connections in my personal and professional life can come together to make a real-world change that will make a real impact for students who are looking to make a better life for themselves and their children.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock previously had a child care center that closed down in 1993. A 2020 survey of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff found that 46 percent reported having primary responsibility for a child under 18. There is a current and anticipated demand for child care, specifically for children five and under. A third of respondents (33 percent) currently have a need for after school care for a child between the ages of 5-12. Student respondents indicated that child care issues have had a direct impact on coursework and class attendance. More than a third of respondents reported that they have had to drop or withdraw from a class due to child care issues. In addition to funding for child care, students accepted for the program will also have access to student success resources in the Office of Student Retention Initiatives, including success coaching, peer mentoring, and a licensed social worker. “It isn’t often that a person’s educational career and professional career intersect,” said Heather Reed, director of Student Retention Initiatives and a MPA student who helped write the grant. “This is one opportunity where the research team for the Social Entrepreneurship MPA course with Dr. Leach led to the university being awarded a grant that will be put into direct action to support students. This is a humbling experience as a graduate student and professional to see theory to practice in action with the end result helping promote student success.” The child care funding will be available to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students beginning in the spring 2022 semester. A full-time director will be hired to run the program in the Office of Student Retention Initiatives. All students who are eligible for the program will receive an email with more information later this semester. Students can also or visit this website for more information. If you’d like to donate to help support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students with child care needs, please donate via this link. In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has been awarded a federal grant worth more than $581,000 from the U.S. Department of Education that will help pay child care expenses for low-income students. Pictured, from left to right, are three of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees responsible for researching and writing the Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant: Heather Reed, Dr. Daryl Rice, and Cassie Jo Gehring. Photo by Angie Faller.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Receives $40,000 Donation to Create Dr. Moira Maguire Student Support Fund for History Students

John Hill — Wed, 19 May 2021 14:26:56 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a $40,000 donation to create a student support fund in honor of Dr. Moira Maguire, a history professor who worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for 15 years and had a reputation of going above and beyond to help students succeed.�� The Dr. Moira Maguire Student Support Fund will help students in the Department of History in times of need. The fund, a quasi-endowment, will help students with housing, car repairs, utilities, food insecurity, and other expenses.�� Patricia Merry, of Rhode Island, made the donation in honor of her daughter, who was always looking for ways to help students. “Moira was the most caring person I ever knew,” Merry said. “After enjoying her time at ��Vlog��ýLR, she moved back to Massachusetts to be closer to family. Moira also gave generously of her time. She helped with the Feed the Hungry program in Little Rock and was a tireless worker for FuRR, Feline Rescue and Rehome. This past year Moira organized a campaign to distribute backpacks loaded with school supplies to students in need.” Maguire was born in Boston and went to high school in Reading, Massachusetts. In 1982, the family moved to Little Rock when her parents received job offers to build Channel 16. Maguire graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, a master’s degree from Northeastern University, and a Ph.D. in history from American University. After spending six years conducting research for her dissertation in Ireland, Maguire taught in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of History from 2000 to 2015. She also served as dean of liberal arts at Schenectady County Community College and dean of social sciences for Holyoke Community College. She is remembered by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of History as a tireless and fierce advocate for students.�� “The fund’s unique purpose couldn’t be more fitting for its namesake,” said Dr. Jess Porter, chair of the Department of History. “Dr. Maguire had a heart of gold and was a true servant to her students and her community. She worked so hard for her students in the classroom, but also as an advisor. I know there are many, many history graduates out there that benefited from her time and attention. Our students face so many challenges and it seems like this has become even more acute during the past two years. To be able to draw upon this fund in a student’s time of need is something that Moira would cherish.” Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, a professor of history and friend of Maguire’s, recalls how she would often hear Maguire on the phone helping students find temporary housing, ensuring they had groceries, and helping secure scholarships. “Moira took time to research the specific circumstances of each student’s journey to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and to ask questions that would help determine the most advantageous paths for them to follow to complete their degrees,” Dutcher-Mann said. “As a first-generation college student, she understood the challenges that many of our students often face. Throughout it all, she aimed to cultivate skills of organization, self-reliance, critical thinking, and writing in her students so that they would be prepared to manage whatever challenges came their way after college. I can think of no more fitting way to honor her than to establish this fund in her honor.” Providing students with financial support helps increase student retention, since financial difficulties are a common barrier for students to remain in college. “Students can face many large and small barriers to completing their educational goals,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Making funds available for students can help meet needs such as car repairs, food, and housing expenses. Donations such as the Moira Maguire Student Support Fund can be a life saver for students. A sum of $2,500 from the donation will be used to help students beginning in the fall semester. History students who would like to apply for assistance from the fund in the fall may contact Chair Jess Porter or a history department faculty member.�� Maguire passed away Nov. 3, 2020, from a blood clot. She was 55 years old. Memorial services for Maguire will be held on June 4 in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and June 5 in Green Harbor, Massachusetts. In the upper right photo, Dr. Moira Maguire celebrates the launch of her book in Ireland in 2010.

Reed Recognized For Volunteer Work with Phi Kappa Phi

John Hill — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:34:38 +0000

Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is one of four�� across the nation who was highlighted in celebration of National Volunteer Week. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week was created as a way to celebrate service and the volunteers that transform our world.��Phi Kappa Phi acknowledged the efforts of its board members, committee members, and chapter officers that serve on more than 300 campuses across the U.S. and the Philippines. Phi Kappa Phi sought to “lift up our volunteers who keep us moving forward. Their commitment, service and hard work supports our mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education.” Reed serves as social media chair of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter. She was inducted in Phi Kappa Phi in 2004 while studying at Western Illinois University. She transferred her membership to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2016 when she arrived on campus. She has been involved as a chapter member in initiation ceremonies and helps maintain communication with the alumni base through social media.�� “I moved to the south to start a new job at a college campus and was feeling disconnected,” Reed said. “When I found Phi Kappa Phi on campus and started to get involved, I felt like I was finally home. The other faculty and staff involved with the Phi Kappa Phi chapter helped me navigate the university and welcomed me with open arms. The best thing I knew to do was to get more involved and volunteer!” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter has been recognized in recent years as a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, the second-highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization. The distinction is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and that demonstrate sustainability and vitality. In addition to her work student retention initiatives, Reed is also the leader of the CARE Team at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program, and was recently honored as the 2021 Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award winner.

Reed, Rigby, Medlock selected as 2021 Staff Achievement Award Winners

John Hill — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 19:36:48 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate honored three of its staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, community service, and personal growth. Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives, has received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award. Additionally, Kelly Rigby, project coordinator, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Community Service. Tina Medlock, director of communications at William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth. “The Staff Senate are very excited for our annual Years of Service Awards,” Staff Senate President Cody Henslee said. “Chancellor Drale was kind enough to expand this year’s top category awards to $3,000 over our previous year’s $2,000 per category. We are delighted to be able to honor members of our staff for all of their hard work and to afford them an award of this value as a token of our appreciation and support for their continued contributions to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” The three winners will receive a $3,000 award distributed via payroll distribution. More info about the Staff Achievement Award winners: Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives and leader of the CARE Team, has received the 2021 Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award.

Heather Reed

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. “Heather is a caring, dedicated, creative problem-solver, and strategic builder of support networks to help students thrive at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Dr. Daryl Rice, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “She exemplifies the ideals of the Ben Fry Service Award. I am honored to recommend her.” A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Reed has 20 years of experience helping students succeed in college drawing on her time in housing/residence life, learning communities, crisis management, mentoring, judicial affairs, first-year experience, and success coaching. She has served as an assistant dean at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and now focuses on building and leading the SRI team. Reed is passionate about student success/retention and believes in reducing barriers for students to achieve success. A colleague of Heather’s writes that the team she is “not just supporting the students, but also supporting one another – forming a community of care that touches all levels of the organization.” Staff Achievement Award for Community Service Kelly Rigby, project coordinator at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the 2021 Staff Achievement Award for Community Service. 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.

Kelly Rigby.

“At least twice a week, Kelly tells me about a function or event happening in support of a local nonprofit,” said Ashley Nipp, alumni and development associate. “She advocates for causes she believes in and has demonstrated success in organizing community events. An exemplary event, Little Rock Zoo Wild Wines, was voted the best fundraising event in the state by AY Magazine readers. Kelly is the chair for this spectacularly successful event for the second consecutive year, previously holding the position of vice chair for two years and a committee member in 2015.” Wild Wines is the largest fundraiser that supports the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit organization raising funds for the growth and development of the Little Rock Zoo. More than 1,500 participants are expected to attend this year’s event on April 26 and 27. The funds will be used to help build a new conservation and play area at the Little Rock Zoo’s education building. “Lucie’s Place is another organization where Kelly dedicates her time and energy to foster a more inclusive, welcoming community within Little Rock,” Nipp said. “Lucie’s Place has a mission to ensure lifelong acceptance, stability, and success for LGBTQ young adults experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas. Kelly has served for three years as a member of the organization’s advisory group, helping to plan and execute fundraising events such as the annual Lucie’s Place Cabaret at The Studio Theatre and the Drag Benefit for Lucie’s Place at South on Main.” In addition to the Little Rock Zoo and Lucie’s Place, Rigby is an active member of planning committees for multiple events for other community organizations, including the annual Garden Party for Planned Parenthood and the Cattle Barron’s Ball in support of the American Cancer Society. Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth

Tina Medlock

Tina Medlock, director of communications at William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth. The award winner is described as an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding. Theresa Beiner, dean of Bowen, described the enthusiasm that Medlock applies to her position. “Tina first voluntarily assumed the Law School’s communications duties while also maintaining another job at the Law School,” Beiner said. “She eventually was officially placed in the position of Director of Communications. With a background in expository and technical writing, Tina is entirely self-taught in a variety of social media platforms and other communications software and systems. In the last year, she made a major pivot to increase our visibility virtually due to the pandemic. She is well-qualified for this award based on growth in skills and creativity she has shown over the past several years.” In the past year, Medlock completed the Digital Marketing Certificate Program with ��Vlog��ý-Pulaski Tech and Facebook.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s newest student support specialist wants to help students succeed

John Hill — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:25:50 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired a new student support specialist to provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed in college. Gertrude Thompkins, who joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in January, assists in the retention of undergraduate and graduate students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She offers support and resources to students, including emotional and mental health, financial stress, academic support, and personal difficulties. “I’m an alumni, so being back on campus is really nice,” Thompkins said. “I enjoy working with students and helping them.” Thompkins works with existing campus services to provide referral systems for tutoring, mentoring, financial management, counseling, and health services. “Sometimes students aren’t aware of the Trojan Food Pantry, Counseling Services, and all of the different resources the university offers,” Thompkins said. “I try to relieve any stressors the students are having by connecting them with the resources they need.” In the future, Thompkins will also determine areas of need and develop and implement early intervention programs, seminars, student workshops, and related activities designed to improve student retention.

Gertrude Thompkins is a social worker on campus for the STEM and CHASSE colleges. Photo by Ben Krain.

“Ms. Thompkins’ addition to the Student Retention Initiatives office has been uplifting for students who face barriers to their student success,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Ms. Thompkins helps students navigate campus and community resources to give them the assurance and support needed so they can focus on their academics.” Thompkins is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. She is a three-time graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with bachelor’s degrees in business administration and social work as well as a Master of Social Work. The new position is funded through a Student Success Endowment Fund that will expand and permanently support the university’s student retention and success initiatives. The Student Success Endowment Fund was created through a $25 million anonymous gift the university received in 2020.

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