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

DeKay examines factors that affect how Little Rock congregation members prioritize community issues

John Hill — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:00:31 +0000

One University of Arkansas at Little Rock student is diving deeper into the results from the 2020 Little Rock Congregations Study (LRCS) to investigate the influence of income, politics, and religion on how people prioritize important community issues. Landon DeKay, a senior graduate with a degree in political science, received a Signature Research Grant from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to examine how LRCS study participants prioritize healthcare, race relations, and income equality. “The data from the 2020 Little Rock Congregations Study presents a unique opportunity to examine the interplay of religion, politics, and income,” DeKay said. “The extensive survey contains variables that enable me to test hypotheses regarding the influence of income, politics, and religion on the community issues that congregants prioritize.” DeKay recently won first place in the Social Sciences Division in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Research and Creative Works Expo for his presentation, “Community Issues in Little Rock: The Interplay Between Religion, Politics, and Income.” “This spring, I worked with Landon on an independent study where he is digging deeper into the data, learning more sophisticated statistical analysis techniques, and seeking to better understand these complex social phenomena,” said Dr. Rebecca Glazier, DeKay’s faculty mentor and head of the LRCS. “Landon is an excellent student, and this grant allowed him to have an educational experience that pushes his learning beyond what he would have received in a traditional classroom. I am really excited for him and proud of what he has accomplished.” The 2020 LRCS contains survey results from 2,293 people from 35 congregations in Little Rock. Additional factors such as age, income, tithing, political activity, and race were also explored as factors that affect issue prioritization. His findings include:

Community engagement is the factor that has the greatest impact on whether people prioritize healthcare

Ideology is the factor that has the greatest impact on whether people prioritize income inequality

Community engagement is the factor that has the greatest impact on whether people prioritize race relations

While past explanations of issue prioritization focus on ideology and income, DeKay did not find the same findings for income among the LRCS participants. Income didn’t have a significant impact on the prioritization of healthcare and income inequality. Although income is a significant factor to determine how people prioritize race relations, it’s not the most important factor, falling behind community engagement, ideology, political activity and tithing. “Income was not as significant as other factors,” DeKay said. “Community engagement and ideology are the factors that are the most important when people look at which community issues to prioritize.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dedicates New Student Mural “Koi” in Ottenheimer Library

John Hill — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:08:42 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock dedicated a new student mural in the lobby of Ottenheimer Library during a ceremony on May 11.�� The new mural, entitled “Koi,” is eight feet wide and 16 feet long. Emma Chambers, the student artist who created the mural, hopes the peaceful painting of fish swimming in a koi pond will bring a sense of calm and tranquility to all who see it. “Previously, I was struggling with grounding myself, especially during the pandemic,” Chambers said. “I lost my sense of place as I believe many of you also did. Meditating, looking at koi fish, and finding my inner peace were some things that helped me. I wanted to give that to other students by sharing my love of koi fish and giving everybody else a sense of place.” The mural is the result of the first campus-wide competition designed to honor and highlight the wonderful work of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s student artists. Chancellor Christina Drale praised the mural as “the people’s choice.” “This project is also special because it represents a unique collaboration that represents the best of who we are at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Drale said. “This effort was so successful, and the results so marvelous, that I am encouraging the Building and Grounds Committee to continue the collaboration and make this an annual event.” The campus partners involved in the student mural competition and installation include the Student Government Association (SGA), the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Facilities Management, the Department of Art and Design, and Ottenheimer Library staff. “Most of you probably know that koi are a type of carp fish bred for their vibrant colors,” Drale said. “You see them frequently in garden ponds. What you might not know, and what Nancy Hamilton has graciously shared with me, is that in Japan, the koi is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, but also of perseverance in the face of adversity. I have to say, I can’t think of a better symbol for the year we’ve been through than that. And what a wonderful testimony to the resilience of our students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock!” SGA President Landon DeKay said the idea for a student mural competition originated with former SGA President Katie Zakrzewski in 2019. When DeKay began his presidency last fall, the SGA was determined to bring the student mural to fruition.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student artist Emma Chambers, left, is congratulated by her friend during a dedication ceremony for the mural at the Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

“It’s been a very hectic school year, and we need something bright to lift our spirits. The mural is very beautiful,” DeKay said. “SGA wants to get students involved on campus. We are very excited to showcase student artwork around campus, and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come.” Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, said it took two weeks to complete the mural. She received help from several of her professors in the Department of Art and Design, including Ricky Sikes, Peter Scheidt, and Kensuke Yamada. A patron from the library helped prime the mural, and her brother helped her paint. “The mural turned out very well,” Chambers said. “I have a whole new appreciation for teamwork. Painting is solitary, but I had no idea how many people were involved in the creation of a mural.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student artist Emma Chambers, center right, poses in front of her winning mural with Student Government Association President Landon DeKay, left, Chancellor Christina Drale, center left, and Nancy Hamilton, Faculty Senate Building and Grounds Committee member, far right, during a dedication ceremony for the mural at Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

Graduating SGA President DeKay Headed to George Mason University to Pursue Law Degree

John Hill — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:48:45 +0000

After just three years at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Landon DeKay, of Maumelle, has completed his studies one year ahead of schedule and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science this month. “I feel like I just started school, but I’ve loved my time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” DeKay said. “Initially, I was not set in stone in going to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I initially wanted to attend a larger university. After studying abroad and doing research with professors and being involved in all the student organizations, I’ve really learned to love ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and all that it offers its students. I’m sad to be leaving, but I’m looking forward to the new adventures I will have in law school.” This fall, DeKay will attend Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia. “I am planning on concentrating my studies on national security law,” he said. “Throughout my undergraduate tenure, I focused much of my studies on foreign policy and the Middle East. I have also been involved with the Middle Eastern Studies Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and have competed in numerous Model Arab League competitions in the U.S. and in Morocco. I have grown to love studying the implications to our national security following 9/11 and the rise of domestic terror groups here in the United States. To me, national security is one of the most interesting areas to study, and that is why I want to continue learning about how we can better protect our security interests while in law school.” As president of the Student Government Association, DeKay is best known around campus for his work advocating on the behalf of students. “I’ve loved being involved in the SGA and seeing the work I’ve done with different senators come to fruition,” DeKay said. “After the mass protests after the killing of George Floyd, I worked with SGA to advocate for the creation of the Racial Barriers Committee to look at current university policies and procedures that might disproportionately impact students of color at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I hope that SGA has inspired positive change at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” DeKay’s time as president also included a global pandemic that left most students taking classes from home and some facing emergencies on an unprecedented level. “I knew coming into the school year that my term as president would be impacted by COVID 19, but I didn’t realize how impacted it would be until I experienced it firsthand,” he said. “I met with the leaders on campus to see how COVID-19 impacted our students. I also served on numerous university committees to see how we could help students negatively impacted by COVID 19, like delivering computers for students who needed technology to take classes online.” Since there were few on-campus events during the 2020-21 school year, DeKay said the SGA spent much of its time revising the constitution and donating portions of the SGA budget to student groups on campus who needed funds for projects or events. “It’s essentially been a year of rebuilding SGA,” DeKay said. “We made 11 different changes to our constitution. I hope the next president will see SGA grow exponentially.” In addition to his work with the SGA, DeKay counts conducting research with the Little Rock Congregations Study, a 2020 summer internship with U.S. Rep. French Hill’s office, and a 2019 trip to the International Model Arab League Conference in Morocco among his most memorable college experiences at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “I would definitely say my trip to Morocco has been one of my most influential parts of going to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” he said. “It was partially funded by the Middle Eastern Studies Program, so having the opportunity to study abroad for a reduced cost was life-changing. This trip was my first time going abroad. I saw firsthand how people in other countries live their daily lives, which was eye-opening. This trip made me even more invested in international service and public affairs.” DeKay highlights Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students, and Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor of public affairs, as two mentors who made a significant impact on his life at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Dean Harper has been a huge mentor. He’s the advisor for SGA so I worked with him on numerous projects,” DeKay said. “I would also definitely say Rebecca Glazier has been a great mentor. She was also my faculty mentor for my Signature Experience Project. I’ve been in one of her classes every semester I’ve been at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She has been one of the most motivating professors I have ever had. I would also like to thank all the professors from the School of Public Affairs, like Dr. Williams and Dr. Giammo. Both of you have made a big impact on my life and have prepared me for my future studies in law school.” As DeKay reflects on his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, his advice for new students is to find and get involved in something they love. “I tell new students not to be afraid to get involved in things they are interested in,” he said. “I know coming to college can be intimidating for new students, but you should take it one day at a time, meet new people, and then go from there.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Winners of 2021 Student Research and Creative Works Expo

John Hill — Fri, 07 May 2021 14:16:19 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has selected the winners of the 2021 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. The annual event features the latest innovative research, service or professional work, and creative projects by the student researchers at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The expo also featured presentations by the 2021 winners of the Signature Experience Awards, which provides students with grants to fund a signature experience, including a research project, creative activity, or community project, to enrich the students’ academic experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� “In its fourth year, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Signature Experience has matured into a foundational pillar of undergraduate and graduate student research and creative work with the generous support of the Donaghey Foundation,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, director of undergraduate research at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The winners include:�� Undergraduate Creative Works Cristie Armstrong, first prize, “The Album Keeper” Logan Sellen, second prize, “Goodbye: An Exploration of Death and Grieving in a Time of Separation” Andrew Chun and Caleb LeFevre, third prize, “From Campus Tree to Campus Table” Economics Josiah Johnson, first prize, “Estimating the Impact of Small Businesses on Crime in the Local Community” Aleigha Smith, second prize, “NBA and the Tax Problem” Maximilian Holzmueller, second prize, “Detecting Plant Diseases with AI”�� Education Sarah Carlat, first prize, “The American Canon is Outdated” Engineering Elias Perez Reyes, first prize, “Crossbow Loading Mechanism” Chance Melby, second prize, “��Vlog��ý Little Rock Classified: An Intentionally Vulnerable Web Application Focused on Teaching K-12 and Undergraduate Students about Web Application Security” Phillip Bryan, third prize, “Continuous Improvement Web Application” Humanities Jaelan Nelson, first prize, “The History Behind Lorraine Hansberry’s Famous Play A Raisin in the Sun” Lindsey Carl, second prize, “The Mermaid Hunter” Alyia Goudeau, third prize, “Beyzus: The Duality and Complexity of the Nature of Beyoncé Giselle Knowles” Life Sciences Avery McLean, first prize, “The Future of Agricultural Herbicide Regulation: The Biological Evaluation and International Response in Regard to Impending Glyphosate Regulation” Tram Nguyen, first prize, “Removal of Estrogens from Drinking Water Using Graphene Oxide-Based Filtration Membranes” Gabrielle Roberts, second prize, “Enzymatic studies of F104G SaMTAN mutant enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus” Mataya Duncan, second prize, “Active Transport Processes of Dictyostelium discoideum Rab32C” Physical Sciences Hannah Krehbiel, first prize, “Novel FRET-based ionic materials for bio imaging applications” Tripti Shukla, second prize, “Refolding of S. aureus MTA nucleosidase to analyze biological activities” Stuti Chatterjee, second prize, “Tunable sized combination nanodrugs based on ionic materials” Kajal Desai, second prize, “Revisiting the chemical stability of molybdenum disulfide membranes” Lauren Langmaid, third prize, “Studies in the hydridic reduction reactions of alkynyl hydrazones via sigmatropic rearrangement to form allenes” Mariela Saavendra-Duran, third prize, “Carbon storage in Fourche Creek Wetlands” Hayley Turner, honorable mention, “Ouch! Determining Factors that Affect Kidney Stone Growth, Formation, Mineralogy, and Morphology” Shannon Bione, honorable mention, “Dirt on the street: Environmental and Health Impacts of Urban road dust” Shiraz Atif, honorable mention, “Cigarette litter-derived carbon materials for the adsorption of dye pollutants from water” Social Sciences Landon DeKay, first prize, “Community Issues in Little Rock: The Interplay of Religion, Politics, and Income” Savannah James, second prize, “The Effects of Political Party Issue Focus” Alex Corrales, second prize, “Statute of Limitations Reform: A Window of Hope” Graduate Education Codi Blackmon, first prize, “Begin Again: Reassessing Graduate Orientation” Engineering Awaad Al Sarkhi, first prize, “Building a Data Washing Machine for Unsupervised Entity Resolution of Unstandardized References Sources” Humanities Mackenzie Nunnally, honorable mention, “Women in Ceramics: Forms of Femininity” Life Sciences Ashley Esparza, first prize, “Localization and Functional Characterization of Dictyostelium discoideum Rab32c” Quinshell Smith, first prize, “Nanostructured Antibacterial Aluminum Foil Produced by Hot Water Treatment against E. coli in Meat” Qingfang He, second prize, “Molecular Mechanisms and Anatomical Development of Transfer Cells” Ilham Kadhim, third prize, “Up-regulation of Osh6 boosts an anti-aging membrane trafficking pathway toward vacuoles” Physical Sciences Zach Smith, first prize, “Calculating the Urban Contribution of Surface Water Quality through Cl and 87Sr/86Sr Mixing Models within the Fourche Creek Watershed” Thuy Le, second prize, “Conductive thin film characterization” Social Sciences Melissa Herrington, first prize, “Image-Based Sexual Abuse and Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery as Intimate Partner Violence” In the upper right photo, Josiah Johnson, a finance and economics major, completed a statistical analysis of the spillover effects and general efficacy of small business initiatives in small towns featured in the TV show Small Business Revolution for his first-place project for the Student Research and Creatives Works Expo. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students honor one-of-a-kind faculty members

John Hill — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:28:37 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are honoring faculty members who have made a positive impact in their lives through the 2021 We Heart Our Faculty Awards.�� Overall, six ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty members were selected by undergraduate, graduate, and law school students. Each of the recipients will receive a certificate and a one-of-a-kind, handmade glass heart created by in the colors of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The glass hearts symbolize positive, influential support that makes a real difference in the lives of students. As students enter the university to pursue their education, faculty often play a nurturing role, guiding students through the learning process and working hard to foster an environment that best ensures success.�� “There is no doubt that this school year has been extremely challenging for our students, but oftentimes we fail to acknowledge the enormous amount of work that our faculty members put into ensuring that our students excel,” SGA President Landon DeKay said. For the 2021 year, the We Heart Our Faculty Awards awards were expanded to also highlight graduate and law school faculty who were selected by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Student Government Association and the William H. Bowen School of Law students.�� “These awards originated with our student government leaders, and this initiative clearly demonstrates that our students recognize the positive impact that faculty have on their lives,” said Dr. Ann Bain, executive vice chancellor and provost. “Our faculty make a difference in ensuring our students complete their degree and achieve their career goals, and they do this in a manner that is supportive and inclusive.” The 2021 award recipients include: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association

David Briscoe, professor of sociology
John Talburt, professor of information science and coordinator for the Information Quality Graduate Program
Cynthia Johnson, advanced instructor of accounting

Graduate Student Government Association

Barbara L’eplattenier, professor of rhetoric and writing
John Talburt, professor of information science and coordinator for the Information Quality Graduate Program
Jason Kushner, professor of counseling and graduate program coordinator

William H. Bowen School of Law

Joshua Silverstein, professor of law

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold virtual conversation with Mayor Scott, Sen. Elliott, and Jannie Cotton

John Hill — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:53:58 +0000

As a celebration of Black History Month, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Student Government Association will hold a virtual conversation with prominent Black leaders in Arkansas.�� The event, “The Making of a Leader: An Open Discussion with Prominent Black Community Leaders,” will take place Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. The event will feature Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Sen. Joyce Elliott, and Jannie Cotton, a mental health policy leader and advocate. “The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association is excited to host Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Senator Joyce Elliott, and Jannie Cotton on Feb. 24 as we discuss their impact on both the Little Rock community and the state of Arkansas,” SGA President Landon DeKay said. “With their expertise, we will examine how they paved the way for African Americans in Arkansas. We hope this open discussion will provide words of guidance and encouragement to all students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock wishing to break through the barriers in their life.” Mayor Scott, a graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is the 73rd mayor of Little Rock and the city’s first Black elected chief executive. Sen. Elliott, a former public school teacher, has a reputation as a strong advocate for education and was the 2020 Democratic candidate for Congress. Cotton, a licensed professional counselor, was the first African American woman in the state to serve as CEO of a community mental health organization.�� A Zoom link for the event will be emailed to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students the week of the event. For more information, please email sga@ualr.edu. Members of the public may register for the event .

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold University Assembly Oct. 9

John Hill — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 21:27:29 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold the University Assembly meeting virtually at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The assembly will include a state of the university address by Chancellor Christina Drale as well as addresses by University Assembly and Faculty Senate President Amanda Nolen, Provost Ann Bain, Staff Senate President Cody Henslee, Student Government Association President Landon DeKay, and Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor of student affairs and chair of the COVID Emergency Response Team. In new business, the University Assembly will vote on a motion to make the Institutional Effectiveness Committee (IEC) a standing University Assembly committee. The original IEC was formed in 2018 to assist with the university’s reaccreditation process. The reconfigured committee will promote continuous improvement at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock through the review of cost units for effectiveness, efficiency, and mission centrality, as well as serve in an advisory capacity to the chancellor and cabinet of the university. The IEC will also determine a schedule for university-wide review, with all units being reviewed at least once every five years. In old business, the University Assembly will take a second vote on an amendment to the constitution that allows the Faculty Senate to be reapportioned every two years by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. The modification up for vote is to give the Faculty Senate Executive Committee the authority to conduct such an extraordinary census in the event of a reorganization of existing colleges. A link to the virtual meeting, the agenda for University Assembly, and the minutes from the April 10 meeting can be found on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Senate website. The link to join the meeting will go live at around 12:40 p.m.

DeKay completes internship for Congressman French Hill

John Hill — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:35:15 +0000

The president of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Student Government Association is getting some valuable political experience both in and out of the classroom. Landon DeKay, a senior political science major from Maumelle, recently completed an “I’m a political science major, and I do eventually want to get involved in politics,” DeKay said. “It was interesting to see how my perception of government in action wasn’t the same as what I experienced. The internship helped guide me in the way in which I knew I wanted to serve those around me. I do know, however, that I want to be out in the field more, attending events and talking to people.” DeKay’s internship, which began in January, got interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Although he was unable to continue work from home, DeKay got called back at the end of April and completed the internship over the summer. As an intern, DeKay tackled jobs from prepping mass mailers to answering phone calls from concerned citizens and going on events with Congressman Hill. “I looked for interesting stories in the newspaper that could potentially be written into one-minute speeches that are given on the House floor,” he said. “I also wrote congratulatory notes for constituents. I tracked constituent outreach events by the seven counties in the Second District of Arkansas. This will help Congressman Hill’s staff know what counties to focus on as we approach the November election. I also put together a contact list used for outreach regarding our state’s COVID-19 response.” He also got the opportunity to accompany Hill on a tour of the building site of the new Saline County Career Technical Education Center under construction in Benton, and met Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House press secretary, on a video call with Hill’s staff. DeKay has learned some valuable lessons about nonpartisan politics that he thinks will come in handy during his time as president of the Student Government Association at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “The district office is nonpartisan,” DeKay said. “You work with every single constituent, and you aren’t supposed to have any biases. You look for solutions that benefit everyone. Working with the SGA, you need to have the same mentality. Every situation is different. You have to leave with a non-biased viewpoint and make the decision that best impacts the people around you.” Once he graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in May 2021, DeKay plans to attend law school. He would encourage anyone interested in politics to pursue a political internship, so they can gain valuable experience for their future career. “The experiences that I gained while being an intern at this office was amazing,” he said. “When you get out of your comfort zone, your internship experience will be the best.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students to compete at International Model Arab League in Morocco

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:17:50 +0000

Seventeen University of Arkansas at Little Rock students will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to experience the unique culture of Morocco while serving as international diplomats competing at the International Model Arab League conference.�� The students depart for Morocco Oct. 17 and return on Oct. 26. The students and their majors include Mariam Bouzihay, psychology; Sydney Brazil, philosophy; Madeline Burke, international studies; Prince Beasley, special education; Ryan Bourgoin, Molly Edwards, Landon DeKay, Anika Partlow-Loyall, Claire Mitchell, and Madison Rodgers, all political science; Solomon “Ra’phael” Davis, philosophy and international studies; Brittany Fugate, history; Maria Romero, marketing and international business; Issac Thomas, history and political science; Allie Woodville, political science and anthropology; Colin Davies, political science, psychology, and criminal justice; and Kaitlin Zakrzewski, criminal justice and anthropology. The Model Arab League is a student leadership development program created by the. It is a simulation of an international organization, the League of Arab States, which represents 22 countries. The conference will convene at the Université International de Rabat, where ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students will act as representatives of Sudan, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, and Morocco. They will tackle diplomatic panels on defense, Palestinian affairs, refugees, social issues, and environmental affairs.�� “Model Arab League is a fantastic experience for students since they are able to take on the perspective of another country and learn how to use diplomatic skills to resolve international problems,” said Dr. Rebecca Glazier, associate professor of political science who will be leading the trip. “This is an amazing opportunity for our students, and one that few students get to have.” Additionally, the students will experience a cultural tour of Morocco, including camel rides and camping in the Merzouga Desert. They will also visit the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons in the High Atlas Mountains, Casablanca, and parliament, where they will meet with Moroccan political leaders. Sophomore Landon DeKay of Maumelle is looking forward to the trip: “I am looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture that I have never experienced before,” DeKay said. “This is my first time traveling internationally, and it will be a great experience. I am most looking forward to the desert excursion, where I will be riding a camel for the first time.” The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Middle Eastern Studies program is subsidizing the trip to promote study abroad opportunities for students, so the students are only paying $1,000 each to go on the trip. “This trip is designed to make study abroad accessible for students who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity,” Glazier said. “This can be a life-changing experience for students to be immersed in a completely different culture and new location. That is why the Middle Eastern Studies Program is creating a new scholarship to fund study abroad opportunities. We hope to provide an opportunity to travel to Morocco every other year in the future.” The students will be writing a daily blog of their adventures in Morocco that can be viewed on the School of Public Affairs website and will host a public event to discuss the trip and award the first ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Model Arab League Alumni Excellence Award on Friday, Nov. 8 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown. In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student Andrea Elias rides a camel through the Moroccan desert during the 2016 trip to the International Model Arab League in Morocco. ��

Kappa Sigma awards scholarships to three outstanding ��Vlog��ý Little Rock freshmen

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 13:00:41 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Kappa Sigma chapter awarded three scholarships to outstanding freshmen who exhibited exceptional leadership abilities in high school through community involvement, participation in student organizations, and service.�� The winners of the “Take the Lead Scholarship” include Emma Guerra, a community management and development major and Spanish minor; Isaac Thomas, a double major in political science and international studies; and Landon DeKay, a political science major and legal studies minor. Chris Stephens, head of the Kappa Sigma scholarship committee, said that after being involved in leadership roles in Kappa Sigma and several other organizations on campus, he created the “Take the Lead Scholarship” to encourage freshmen to take on more leadership responsibilities. “We need students who will step up and take on leadership roles on campus and in the community,” Stephens said. “This scholarship is a way to recognize new freshmen who had leadership roles in high school. Our three winners stood way out of the crowd.” Dr. Terry Richard, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock professor emeritus of sociology and Kappa Sigma alumnus from Southwestern University, and Joe Swafford, libertarian nominee for Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District and Kappa Sigma alumnus from Arkansas Tech University, presented the $200 scholarships to the winners. The money for the scholarships was donated from the Richard Family Scholarship. “My son was a member of Kappa Sigma, so this honors him,” Richard said. “I think it is an excellent idea to promote the largest, most diverse fraternity in the country.” In her hometown of Dallas, Guerra, a graduate of Imagine International Academy of North Texas, was a varsity lacrosse player, president of the Broadcast Team, vice president of the National Honor Society, assistant editor-in-chief of the Rising Dragon Newspaper, as well as a member of the Debate Club, McKinney Youth Leadership program, and Congressional Youth Advisory Council. “I am really happy,” she said. “It was an opportunity for a little extra help to pay for college. I didn’t expect a fraternity to pick a girl, but I was happy to receive the email telling me I won.” Guerra plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in three years, then serve in the Peace Corps for two years before returning to Arkansas to attend law school with plans to work as a civil rights attorney. “I want to be an advocate for the voiceless, repressed, neglected, and abused,” Guerra said. “Whether that be my advocacy coming through my practice of law for those who don’t have the ability, knowledge or means to stand up for themselves or by working for an organization that counsels those after a disaster.” Thomas, a graduate of Ashdown High School, served as vice president and president of his class and Arkansas State vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Purple Pride Marching Band, Debate Team, and EAST Initiative. He served as a staff sergeant for the Civil Air Patrol. “I was with the Air Force Civil Patrol in high school, so I pledged to join the Air Force after I get a diploma in my hand,” Thomas said. “Then I want to enter political life and become a politician and diplomat. I fully intend to join the Foreign Service Office and represent the United States of America abroad as I work with a team of specialists to promote peace, support prosperity, as I faithfully serve and protect the citizens from foreign threats.” DeKay, a graduate of Maumelle High School, was actively involved in Student Council, National Honors Society, Student Council, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As a member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, he was recognized for community projects that included teaching senior citizens in Maumelle how to use Microsoft Office, email, and social media programs and teaching middle and elementary school students about severe weather preparation. “I plan to major in both political science and legal studies in order to become a prosecuting attorney,” Dekay said. “After I work in the legal field for several years, I want to run for a Senate or House of Representatives seat at the national level. I want to make a positive lasting difference on society, and this is the perfect way to do just that.” In the upper right photo, the “Take the Lead Scholarship” recipients are honored at a ceremony at Kappa Sigma. Pictured (left to right): Rocio Ortega Richard, Terry Richard, Landon Dekay, Emma Guerra, Joe Swafford Isaac Thomas, and Chris Stephens.

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

DeKay examines factors that affect how Little Rock congregation members prioritize community issues

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Dedicates New Student Mural “Koi” in Ottenheimer Library

Graduating SGA President DeKay Headed to George Mason University to Pursue Law Degree

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Winners of 2021 Student Research and Creative Works Expo

����Vlog��ý Little Rock students honor one-of-a-kind faculty members

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold virtual conversation with Mayor Scott, Sen. Elliott, and Jannie Cotton

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold University Assembly Oct. 9