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

Anderson named chair of Gallaudet University Board of Trustees

John Hill — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 13:17:18 +0000

Dr. Glenn Anderson, a professor in the Interpreter Education program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been named the chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees. “It is an honor and privilege to be invited once again to serve on the Board,” Anderson said. “I welcome the opportunity to work with the Board and the administration to fulfill Gallaudet University’s mission to ensure the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English.” Gallaudet University is the world’s only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. “Dr. Anderson is one of the most respected leaders in our community and beyond,” said Claire Bugen, vice-chair of the board. “Dr. Anderson brings an incomparable wealth of experience and expertise that will be invaluable to our community. We are grateful for his continued service to Gallaudet and look forward to working with him.” Throughout his career, Anderson has remained an active supporter of his alma mater. He previously served on Gallaudet’s Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2005 and chaired the board from 1994 to 2005. In 2017, Gallaudet awarded him the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the university’s 147th commencement. “We are pleased that Dr. Anderson is returning to the Board of Trustees as its chair at this pivotal time in our 156-year history,” Gallaudet University President Roberta Cordano said. “Last spring, we faced head-on the global pandemic with strong leadership from our entire community. This summer, Gallaudet joined our nation and our world in a reckoning with systemic racism and redoubling our commitment by putting into place a . As Chair of the Board, Dr. Anderson will lead us well with his vast expertise, wisdom, and experience.” Anderson is a 12-year veteran of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He joined the Interpreter Education faculty within the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Adult Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2008, where he has had a prolific teaching career and continued to serve as an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing. His significant contributions to the black deaf community are undeniable. Anderson often guest lectures, make presentations and writes journal articles on black deaf history and linguistic variations among black American Sign Language users. In 2018, Anderson received the Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as well as the Humanitarian Award from Just Communities of Arkansas for his significant commitment to building inclusive communities. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Anderson became deaf at the age of seven. Encountering barriers and obstacles during his childhood, his parents told him, “You have to be twice as good as anyone else to be successful.” After beginning college as the only deaf student on a campus of 12,000 students at Northern Illinois University, Anderson encountered bias and discrimination as an African American deaf student and transferred to what was then Gallaudet College the following semester. Anderson excelled at Gallaudet, both academically and athletically. He majored in psychology and became involved in campus life. He joined the Student Body Government, wrote for The Buff and Blue student newspaper, and became a star on the basketball and track teams, earning him a place in the Gallaudet University Athletics Hall of Fame. After graduating from Gallaudet, Anderson earned his master’s degree from the University of Arizona and his doctorate from New York University, both in rehabilitation counseling. He was the first known African-American deaf alumnus of Gallaudet University to earn a doctoral degree. In 1982, Anderson began a 26-year career as director of training at the University of Arkansas’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Little Rock. He was also a professor in the University’s Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources, and Communication Disorders, and coordinator of the master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Anderson was appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush as a member of the National Council of Disability from 2002 to 2005. He published numerous articles in professional journals and books, including the 2006 book/DVD entitled, “Still I Rise! The Enduring Legacy of Black Deaf Arkansans Before & After Integration.” This year, he co-authored a book chapter, “Examining the Intersectionality of Deaf Identity, Race/Ethnicity, and Diversity through a Black Deaf Lens,” with Gallaudet faculty member Lindsay Dunn. The chapter was published in the book, “Deaf Identities: Exploring New Frontiers.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student receives scholarship from American Association of University Women

John Hill — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:11:34 +0000

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women has recognized a University of Arkansas at Little Rock student with a $1,500 scholarship for her work in the community. Aaron Johnson, a senior double majoring in ASL interpretation and psychology, is a three-time recipient of the scholarship. She has found her passion at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and wakes up every morning looking forward to doing what she loves. After graduation, Johnson plans to return to her community to work as an interpreter and pursue a master’s degree in social work. Her goal is to become a social worker so she can help those who are deaf and hard of hearing and to help families support their loved ones. She will also work part-time as an interpreter. While at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Johnson has worked as a resident assistant, where she is able to encourage and mentor younger students. She also tutors students at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. The American Association of University Women empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. In 2019, Johnson was one of two women the organization sponsored to attend the national conference for Collegiate Women Student Leaders, where she learned about women’s rights and networked with student leaders from around the world.

40th anniversary of ‘See-a-Song’ joins communities, celebrates success, inspires the continuing pursuit of access and quality interactions

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:57:23 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Interpreter Education Program celebrated its 40th anniversary Nov. 16 with a special edition of “See-a-Song,” a public performance of songs presented in sign language. Deaf community member Ernest Northrup and former faculty member Eddie Schmeckenbecher emceed the celebration before a full house of students and community members in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. Interpretation was provided by Beth Smith and Katie Becker of Communication Plus+ Interpreting Services. “I would love to give you all my appreciation for keeping the Interpreter Education Program going,” Schmeckenbecher said. “Keep it up and we’ll all come back and do this again in 40 more years!” Former and present program faculty were presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the program. Special recognition was given to program coordinators Daniel Burch (1979-1981), Mindy Hooper (1981-1982), Myra Taff-Watson (1982-2004), Dr. Sherry Shaw (2004-2007), and Dr. Linda Stauffer (2007-present). “Mama Ella” Irby was honored for her 20 years of service in the ASL (American Sign Language) lab, while Jackie Stubblefield, class of ‘86, was honored as the first person of color to graduate from the program.

Schmeckenbecher celebrates “Mama Ella” Irby’s dedication to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock ASL lab. Photo by Brad Simms.

“For me, what’s important is that many wonderful people throughout the decades have built up this program to do right by the communities and create a legacy of qualified interpreters,” said ASL major Madisyn Turner. “It is fun and rewarding to be able to talk with the community in a way that creates quality interactions.” Since 1979, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s interpreter program has been developing professionals who provide linguistic and cultural facilitation between individuals who are hearing and individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. “I started studying ASL because I find the language to be intriguing,” said ASL major Libby Williams. “But really, it’s all about access. To be able to put on a performance like See-a-Song that grants access to cultural experience is very rewarding.” Northrup stressed the importance of continuing to train future generations of interpreters. “We need interpreters in our hospitals and doctor offices, in our schools, and in our communities,” Northup said. “I see many of you that are here tonight out in the community working as graduates of this program. Thank you.” ASL major Cora Majan shared her perspective and appreciation for the program. “I really love the interpreter program,” Majan said. “It’s a great culture to immerse yourself in and teaches you a lot. There are only 13 accredited bachelor’s programs in the country, and we are lucky to have one of those programs here in Little Rock.”

ASL students Maria Huntley and Aaron Johnson perform “The Boy is Mine.” Photo by Brad Simms.

In total, 18 songs were performed through artistic interpretation. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock See-a-Song student performers included Turner, Williams, Majan, Christy Bacon, Levi Boyd, Ashleigh Chatfield, Bethani DeAscentis, Oksana Durkee, Maria Huntley, Aaron Johnson, Scarlett Quick, Emili Towater, and Clayton Williams. Schmeckenbecher and senior instructor Jami Hollingsworth also performed. Four Tulsa Community College students traveled from Oklahoma to perform in See-a-Song. Brooke Blackmon, Shannon Erwin, Megan James, and Dana Kerbo are participating in the Interpreter Education Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education Program established a partnership with Tulsa Community College in 2008. Students who earn an associate degree in interpretation can pursue a bachelor’s degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock via a hybrid model of distance education. Twenty-five students from Oklahoma have graduated with a bachelor’s degree since the joint partnership began. Five more will graduate spring 2020. “This distance model of interpretation affords AA graduates from the Interpreting Program in Tulsa the opportunity to further their education with a bachelor’s degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, something that is not available in Oklahoma,” Program Coordinator Linda Stauffer said. “A bachelor’s degree is required for national certification.” Since 1979, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has produced a total of 503 interpreters for individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. Four students will graduate this December and another five in May 2020.

Northrup and Schmeckenbecher celebrate the 56 faculty members who have contributed to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpretation Education Program since 1979. Photo by Brad Simms.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock urged to celebrate international deaf awareness week

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 17:34:57 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock interpretation instructor is urging the university community to celebrate International Week of the Deaf. “Recognition and celebration of Deaf Awareness Week will strengthen cross-cultural bonds and provide insight into Deaf people and their culture,” said Raphael “Ray” James, a senior instructor in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education Program. The last week of September celebrates deaf awareness throughout the world. More than 70 million people around the globe use sign languages to communicate. This year’s theme is “Sign Language Rights For All.” Each day of the week recognizes sign language rights for a specific group of Deaf individuals, including: Monday, Sept. 23 – Sign Language Rights for All Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Sign Language Rights for All Children Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Sign Language Rights for All Deaf Senior Citizens Thursday, Sept. 26 – Sign Language Rights for Deafblind People and Deaf People with Disabilities Friday, Sept. 27 – Sign Language Rights for Deaf Women Saturday, Sept. 28 – Sign Language Rights for Deaf LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual) Sunday, Sept. 29 – Sign Language Rights for All Deaf Refugees For more information, visit the . In the upper right photo, interpreter Gwenyth Sutphin translates during a freshmen convocation event. Photo by Ben Krain.

Newlywed Game will raise funds for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education program

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:20:42 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is recreating “The Newlywed Game” to raise scholarship funds for students studying to become interpreters in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Interpreter Education program. The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 8, at First Pentecostal Church, 1401 Calvary Road in North Little Rock. All proceeds will go to the Barbara E. Northup Interpreter Scholarship Fund. Northup was a longtime ��Vlog��ý Little Rock instructor who was dedicated to both the interpreter and deaf communities and lost her life to breast cancer. The scholarship will be used to support hard-working students with financial need as they work toward becoming interpreters in the. Hosting the show is Barbara’s husband, Ernest Northup, who will ask the “not-so-newlywed” couples hilarious questions to see how well they truly know each other. The cost of attendance is $10. Children under 10 get in for free. Cash and checks will be accepted. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Linda Stauffer at 501-569-8508 or lkstauffer@ualr.edu.

Anderson delivers commencement address at Gallaudet University

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 25 May 2017 17:03:56 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock professor and pioneer in deaf education delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2017 during May 12 ceremony. Located in Washington, D.C., Gallaudet is the world’s only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. Dr. Glenn Anderson, associate professor in the American Sign Language and English Interpreter Education program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and a 1968 graduate of Gallaudet University, also received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Gallaudet’s 147th commencement. “It’s not easy to put in words how it truly felt,” Anderson said. “No doubt, I was thrilled. It was especially significant and meaningful to me since the honor was from my alma mater.” In his address, “A Call to Serve,” Anderson urged graduates to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Andrew Foster, the first African American student to graduate from Gallaudet in 1954, and find ways to help their community. “A reason 2017 is special is because this year is the 60th anniversary that Dr. Andrew Foster traveled to Africa to establish more schools for the deaf than anyone in the history of education of deaf students,” Anderson said. “The Christian Mission for Deaf Africans was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1956, and the next year, 1957, Dr. Foster began the first of his many trips to Africa to open doors of opportunity for deaf Africans.” In acknowledging the obstacles that deaf and hard of hearing students often face, Anderson encouraged the graduates to stand strong in pursuing their dreams. “We will find doors of opportunity closed. But to overcome obstacles to your dreams, make sure you have a friend with you,” he said. “That friend’s name is persistence. When one door is closed, you and your friend, persistence, move on to another door. If that door is also closed, then you and your friend, persistence, keep moving from one door to another until you find an open door.”

Dr. Glenn Anderson (middle) receives an honorary degree during Gallaudet University’s May 12 commencement. Also pictured, from left to right, are Dr. Carol Erting, provost; Tiffany Williams, chair of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees; Gallaudet President Roberta Cordano; and Dr. Tom Humphries, member of the Board of Trustees. Photos by Zhee Chatmon of Gallaudet University.

Legacy of breaking barriers

Throughout Anderson’s career, his accomplishments have benefited many people. Anderson also lays claim to several pioneering roles. He is the first deaf person hired by Michigan Rehabilitation Services to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor (1970), the first African American alumnus of Gallaudet to earn a doctoral degree (New York University, 1982), and the first African American deaf person to be appointed as a Gallaudet trustee (1989) and to serve as chair of the Board of Trustees (1994 to 2005). His career has included coordinating a referral and counseling center in New York City, and helping to establish a continuing education program to benefit deaf adults interested in returning to school and completing their college degrees. In 2008, he joined the Interpreter Education faculty within the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Adult Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. From 1982 to 2008, he served as director of training at the University of Arkansas Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. He was also a professor in the University of Arkansas’s Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources, and Communication Disorders and served as coordinator of the master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. He published numerous articles in professional journals and books, including the 2006 book/DVD entitled, “Still I Rise! The Enduring Legacy of Black Deaf Arkansans Before & After Integration.” Anderson was appointed by President George W. Bush as a member of the National Council on Disability from 2002 to 2005. Anderson served on the Board of Directors for the National Black Deaf Advocates. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a member of the National Council on Disability. Gallaudet named Anderson its February 2014 Visionary Leader as part of the university’s 150th anniversary celebration. In 2016, he was appointed to the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education, the national accrediting board for interpreter education programs.

College of Education and Health Professions honors top faculty, staff, and students

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:10:50 +0000

Dr. Raymond Ortega, assistant professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation, was recognized for his outstanding service to the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ortega received the Faculty Above and Beyond award at the college’s annual awards ceremony April 7 in Dickinson Hall. In addition to teaching four classes and coordinating the second-largest graduate program on campus, Ortega took on additional administrative responsibilities due to the departure of the program support person. “Dr. Ortega is extremely humble and has continued to go above and beyond for his students, peers, the program, the college, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Jason Kushner, professor of counselor education, wrote in his nomination letter. “He is highly regarded as a motivated, professional, detail-oriented, inspiring professor who uses his extensive knowledge of the field of rehabilitation in informing the next generation of practitioners in the area of disability students and rehabilitation.” Linda Stauffer, associate professor of interpreter education and program coordinator of the Interpreter Education Program, received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching award for the college. “Dr. Stauffer’s commendable record of teaching exemplifies the caliber and type of individuals many universities desire among faculty members,” said Dr. Glenn Anderson, Stauffer’s co-worker and assistant professor of the American Sign Language and English Interpreter Education program. Cari Reeves, director of the Environmental and Spatial Technology program, received the Trojan Excellence Award, which goes to an outstanding College of Education and Health Professions staff member. Sara Fruechting, assistant professor of nursing, and Catherine Crisp, associate professor of social work, were the recipients of the Dean’s Awards. The student award winners include:

��Outstanding Associates Degree Seeking Student: Dawn Moline, nursing major
��Outstanding Bachelors Degree Seeking Student: Josh Gray, interpreting major
��Outstanding Master’s Degree Seeking Student: Suzanne Rogers, communications and speech disorders major
��Outstanding Doctoral Degree Seeking Student: Lindsey Sloan, audiology major

At the ceremony, departmental friends were recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to the College of Education and Health Professions, including:

��Friend of the Audiology and Speech Pathology Department: Little Rock School District
��Friend of the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation: Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
��Friend of the School of Education: Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, director of testing and evaluation at Little Rock School District
��Friend of the Jodie Mahony Center: Family of Martha Gaunt Bass
��Friend of the School of Social Work: Dave Hoffpauir
��Friend of MidSouth: Shelia Garrett, cessation section chief for the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program at the Arkansas Department of Health
Friend of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic: Martha Alman

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education Program to host scholarship fundraiser

Jenny Lambert — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 17:27:14 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Interpreter Education Program will host its second annual Newlywed Game scholarship fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 31. The fundraiser, presented in sign language and voice, will take place at the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Parnell Hall. Proceeds of the event will go toward the Barbara Northup Interpreter Scholarship Fund. Northup was a counselor, leader, teacher, and interpreter who worked for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education Program, Arkansas School for the Deaf, and Arkansas deaf community. In memory of his wife, Ernest Northup will host the game show, asking revealing questions to see how well couples know each other. Three couples from the Arkansas deaf community will participate, including Margie and Tommy Walker, LaTonya and Fred Carson, and Roy and Elaine Boland. Participants can bid on item sets collected by students from local businesses during a silent auction. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10, and children under 10 get in free. For more information, contact Nick Nail at 870.613.7156.

��Vlog��ýLR to use $1.2 million grant to tackle shortage of classroom interpreters

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Mon, 23 May 2016 17:02:23 +0000

For nearly 40 years, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s interpreter education program has equipped teachers to serve the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind communities. Now, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. , the program is launching a campaign to train as many classroom interpreters as possible. Led by Ray James, senior IEP instructor, the project will provide scholarships and extensive training to dozens of new baccalaureate students. Other project collaborators include Dr. Linda Stauffer, IEP program coordinator; Dr. Glenn Anderson, IEP instructor; Ella Irby, a founding member of the Little Rock Black Deaf Advocates; and Jami Hollingsworth, IEP instructor, who will be the project coordinator and educational specialist. During the next five years, the $1,248,982 grant will support the team’s efforts to tackle the national shortage of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classroom interpreters. The Department of Education grant is funding the project in its entirety. With plans for 50 scholarships, outreach into the surrounding states, and extensive training assessments, the ��Vlog��ýLR team intends for the project to raise the bar for — and increase participation in — the educational interpreter community. Though the profession is growing, ��Vlog��ýLR’s interpreter education bachelor’s degree is one of the few of its kind in the country, making well-qualified classroom interpreters hard to find. In his proposal, James explained that while nearly 600 deaf or hard of hearing students attended public schools in Arkansas in 2011-12, only 34 interpreters provided classroom services in the state, and many of them didn’t have adequate training. “The supply of available qualified interpreters in Arkansas is insufficient to meet the needs of such a large number of deaf students on a regular day-to- day basis,” he said. To address this deficiency, ��Vlog��ýLR’s program will take a three-pronged approach:

Actively recruiting eligible applicants from throughout the country
Offering substantial financial support
Giving priority to underrepresented populations.

The program will collaborate with , providing an invitation for Tulsa students who completed their associate degree in interpreter education to continue in ��Vlog��ýLR’s bachelor’s program. Through the program, the ��Vlog��ýLR team will promote a high standard of qualification by supporting various state and nationally sanctioned assessment methods for interpreters, as well as local, regional, and national training efforts. Photo: From left, Ray James, Linda Stauffer, Glenn Anderson, and Jami Hollingsworth

��Vlog��ýLR faculty member honored at the Capitol

Shanna Fitzgerald — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:59:09 +0000

State leaders recently honored a University of Arkansas at Little Rock associate professor for his work with deaf and hard of hearing residents. During a ceremony at the state Capitol, lawmakers recognized Dr. Glenn Anderson, ��Vlog��ýLR associate professor of interpreter education, with a citation expressing gratitude for his years of service. The citation said, in part, “the members of the Arkansas State Senate wish to join Senator Linda Chesterfield in expressing appreciation to Dr. Glenn B. Anderson for his service and contributions to our state’s deaf and hard of hearing population that is making possible brighter lives and futures for this segment of our population.” Anderson, who joined ��Vlog��ýLR in 2008, previously was the director of training with the University of Arkansas Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. He also collaborated with the Interpreter Education Program on various projects for more than 25 years. “The honor is very special and I am grateful to the Arkansas Senate, especially Sen. Linda Chesterfield for the recognition,” Anderson said. Photo: Glenn Anderson, a ��Vlog��ýLR associate professor of interpreter education, chats with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and interpreter Jami Hollingsworth at the state Capitol. Contributed photo.

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

Anderson named chair of Gallaudet University Board of Trustees

����Vlog��ý Little Rock student receives scholarship from American Association of University Women

40th anniversary of ‘See-a-Song’ joins communities, celebrates success, inspires the continuing pursuit of access and quality interactions

����Vlog��ý Little Rock urged to celebrate international deaf awareness week

Newlywed Game will raise funds for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Interpreter Education program