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

Graduating Student Finds New Career, Love of Writing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:55:43 +0000

Kristina Johnson, a Little Rock native who now lives in Hot Springs Village, has known since high school that she wanted to pursue her passion for writing in college. “When I was a senior, I thought about what I was good at. I really liked English and creative writing. I’ve enjoyed writing short stories in my free time for many years.” After graduating high school, Johnson joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2014 for the close location to home and focus on education. “I took my ACT here and really liked the campus,” she said. “It was just a really pretty campus that fit my dreams of college. I wanted to live at home, and it was the perfect setting for me to focus on my education.” She would graduate in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing and then join the graduate program. Johnson is now looking forward to her December graduation with a Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing degree. She is thankful to professors Heidi Harris, Karen Kuralt, Londie Martin, and Joe Williams for helping her. “The feeling of finishing my professional portfolio and my professors coming back and saying, ‘This looks good,’ is the most relief I’ve ever had,” Johnson said. “It took a lot of effort and hard work to get here. I’m very happy and proud of what I accomplished.” She cites her greatest accomplishment at graduate school as writing a grant that provides $10,000 in funding for two pilot suicide prevention programs in Arkansas jails. “I took the grant writing class with Dr. Barb L’Eplattenier,” she said. “It was one of the hardest classes I took in all my education, but it was worth it. I wrote my first grant, and it was funded. It was definitely my biggest accomplishment of graduate school, maybe ever, and it gave me a new appreciation for writing and how it can be used to help people.” Unlike most new college graduates, Johnson won’t have to worry about finding a job as she started her career as a technical writer at MidSOUTH, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s social work academy, last year. She is responsible for developing training materials and coordinating continuing education trainings. “I’ve done it sort of backwards,” Johnson said. “I’ve already gotten a job so this degree will help push my career forward and give me bigger opportunities in the future.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Writes Grant to Help Fund Suicide Prevention Programs in Arkansas Jails

John Hill — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:37:08 +0000

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student has written a successful grant that will help fund a pilot suicide prevention education program in Arkansas jails. Kristina Johnson, a graduate student in professional and technical writing, wrote the grant on behalf of the (AFSP-AR). The nonprofit received a $10,000 grant from the Roy and Christine Sturgis Trust to supplement funding for a pilot suicide prevention education program in two Arkansas county jails. Bank of America is the sole trustee of the Roy and Christine Sturgis Trust. The nonprofit’s Project 2025 Corrections Program will offer and evaluate suicide prevention education programs for Pulaski County Regional Detention Center and Garland County Detention Center. Over nine months, they will implement the “Talk Saves Lives: Corrections” suicide prevention curriculum within the jails. Afterwards, they will gather feedback on what was successful about the program, which will help AFSP-AR gain insight on growing the program in the future. Altogether, they plan to reach 350-500 people in Pulaski and Garland counties through the program. The Project 2025 Corrections Program is also funded by a ��Vlog��ýMS Translational Research Institute Community Based Participatory Research Award. Johnson wrote the grant as part of her fall 2021 grant writing class with Dr. Barb L’Eplattenier, a professor of rhetoric and writing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This is my favorite class that I have taken in the graduate program,” Johnson said. “It offered real-world experience that is absolutely paramount to grant writing. I learned a lot about myself as a professional, and I have built a great relationship with the nonprofit I worked with.” Johnson, who also works as a technical writer at MidSOUTH, got involved with AFSP-AR after hearing Susie Reece, a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, speak about suicide prevention as part of the Arkansas Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. Johnson worked with Reece and Jacqueline Sharp, area director of the Arkansas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to write the grant. “I had never written a grant before this class, so I was very proud of the work that all of us did to write and receive the grant,” Johnson said. “I was so proud to use my writing in a meaningful way to help a meaningful cause. The goal is to save lives, and there is nothing quite like knowing that I was able to help with that. This experience has reinforced how important it is for me to use my writing skills in a way that directly helps people.”

Shahan Named New Staff Senate President

John Hill — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:52:34 +0000

Rosalie Shahan, contracts and operations manager at MidSOUTH, has been named the new president of Staff Senate for the 2021-22 academic year.�� A native of Salem, Arkansas, Shahan joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in late 2016 to work at MidSOUTH, the community service unit of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Business, Health, and Human Services.�� MidSOUTH is a training and education organization that equips practitioners, providers, and advocates with the essential tools to empower oppressed and vulnerable populations and make community-wide improvement through continuing education in the areas of child welfare, healthy families/family support, prevention, and addictions. She was soon drawn to Staff Senate in an effort to get more involved in campus life.�� “An office mate suggested that I get involved in Staff Senate,” Shahan said. “I wanted to join Staff Senate and get to know the campus as a whole. That’s where it all began. I love seeing staff members come together to support other staff members. It’s a really good tangible way to give back to campus.” During her four years on Staff Senate, Shahan has been heavily involved in the Helping Hands Committee and has chaired the committee for the past three years. She’s also served on the Staff Awards Committee, which helps select the Staff Achievement Award winners and run the annual Staff Awards Ceremony, as well as the Issues and Concerns and the Engagement committees. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to celebrate the accomplishments of staff members on campus and make it known that you’ve worked so hard and done a great job these past 5, 10, 25 years or more,” Shahan said. “It’s been such a nice way to give back and to recognize staff members.”�� Shahan was elected to her new role after President-Elect Jenn McDannold recently left ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to move to California. As the new president, Shahan plans to concentrate on helping staff members transition back to on-campus life.�� “I think this next year is going to be a transition year. I want to make sure that staff feel safe and welcome back on campus,” Shahan said. “Staff are worried about multiple things this year with COVID-19 being the main one. I hope that staff members will feel safe and appreciated when campus opens back up. Campus can’t run without the staff, whether it’s a grounds crew member or the highest administrator. Everyone is important and everyone is doing their part to make sure the campus stays open and available for students.” Shahan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in human resource management from Lyon College.�� Shahan and her husband Justin live in Sherwood with their two sons, who are 4 and 7.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Braun as New Dean of College of Business, Health, and Human Services

John Hill — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 14:56:01 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Frank Braun as the new dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, effective Aug. 16.�� “I am pleased to announce Dr. Braun will be joining us at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. “I have confidence that he will be an excellent addition to our leadership team and will foster expanded connections with our local community and business partners throughout the state.”�� Braun, dean of the School of Business and a professor of business informatics at Baldwin Wallace University, will replace Dean Jane Wayland, who retired this summer after 14 years of service at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison, associate dean, has been serving as interim dean of the college. The College of Business, Health, and Human Services is the largest college at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and contains eight departments and schools as well as the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state’s lead Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, and MidSOUTH. Braun will be responsible for working with many business and industry leaders in the area and cultivating students to help build the state’s growing workforce and economic development.�� “I see many opportunities at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to cultivate transdisciplinary connections that will enrich scholarship, experiential learning, and industry engagement,” Braun said. “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues and other key individuals to engage our students and stakeholders in initiatives that promote innovative, inclusive, and prosperous partnerships across the college, campus, and community.” Braun was selected following a national search conducted by a committee of dedicated faculty, staff, and university stakeholders led by Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Braun as a colleague,” Berry said. “He brings a wealth of experience and has some fantastic ideas for how the College of Business, Health, and Human Services can further engage our city, region, and state. He is exactly the right person to move this relatively new college forward.” Braun will bring comprehensive experience in the business industry and the classroom to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He has more than 20 years experience in executive-level information systems management, consulting and business development, including senior leadership positions with United Dairy Farmers, TouchScreen Systems, and Klosterman Baking Company. He also was the contracted general manager for the IBM North America Technology Asset Management and Evaluation Program Logistics Center. “Dr. Braun will bring the right expertise and direction to this position,” Bain said. “He will be a community-oriented, thoughtful leader for the college. His expertise and multifaceted background position him to be a synergistic leader for the university’s largest college.”�� Prior to joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Braun also served as department chair, associate professor of business and health informatics, and director of the Master of Science in Information Systems Program at Northern Kentucky University. His research areas include project leadership, knowledge management, experiential learning, organizational resiliency, and entrepreneurship. Braun earned a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Miami University, a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University, and a Doctor of Management from Case Western Reserve University. Braun is active in the cybersecurity domain and holds the Certified Information Security Manager credential.

Collier-Tenison Named Interim Dean of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Business, Health, and Human Services

John Hill — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:01:33 +0000

Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison has been named interim dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, effective July 1.�� “I am glad to be able to step into the interim dean role to provide continuity of support and stability for the college as faculty and students return to campus in the new academic year,” Collier-Tenison said. “As a new college, we are eagerly working to form a shared identity and CBHHS is ripe with opportunity for increased collaboration across disciplines, new external partnerships, and continued growth.” Collier-Tenison, associate dean of CBHHS, will oversee the college until a permanent dean is announced to replace Dr. Jane Wayland, dean of CBHHS, who will retire at the end of the month after a 14-year tenure at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, is leading a national search conducted by a dedicated committee of faculty, staff, and university stakeholders. The search is near completion, and the new dean is expected to be announced in July. As interim dean, Collier-Tenison will oversee the college with the largest student enrollment at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The College of Business, Health, and Human Services contains eight departments and schools as well as the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state’s lead Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, and MidSOUTH. “Shannon’s experience as associate dean in two colleges coupled with her experience as interim dean of the previous College of Education and Health Professions made her the logical choice to serve in this interim capacity,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. “I appreciate her willingness to serve in this critical role.” Collier-Tenison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. After beginning her career as a teaching fellow, graduate advisor, and assistant professor of social work at the University of Texas at Arlington, Collier-Tenison joined the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Social Work as an assistant professor in 2006 and served as coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Work program from 2010 to 2014. She also served as the restructuring liaison for the College of Social Sciences and Communication, interim co-director of the School of Social Work, associate dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, interim chair of the Department of Speech Language Pathology, and interim dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. An active member of the community, Collier-Tenison serves as an executive board member and Race Equity Committee member of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and volunteers at Little Rock Central High School. She previously served on the boards of Women and Children First and Kaleidoscope Grief Center and as a volunteer with Arkansas Kids Read. She has experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault as a crisis counselor, researcher, and advocate.

Center for Simulation Innovation provides ��Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing students with valuable educational experiences

John Hill — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:04:19 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI) provides nursing students with valuable experience that prepares them for their future careers in the healthcare industry. Located on the first floor of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Pat Walker Center for Nursing Education, CSI is a 20-bed state-of-the-art simulation hospital offering simulation-based clinical learning experiences within a 9,500 square foot facility. Even in COVID times, CSI stays busy, typically running simulations five days a week, eight hours a day. Nursing students comprise the largest department at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “CSI is one of the most innovative simulation facilities in the South and provides simulation-based experiences to students and professionals,” said Josy Nduku, RN-BSN program coordinator. “The experiences are not just for nursing students or professional nurses.” Nursing students are not the only ones who find the CSI invaluable. “We have a lot of high school tours that come through our simulation center, and we let them go through the simulation-based escape rooms,” said Joanna Rostad-Hall, CSI interim director. “It’s a really innovative and unique recruitment opportunity.” The School of Nursing has also collaborated with MidSOUTH, the School of Social Work, and the Interpreter Education Program. Additionally, future collaborations with the Department of Theatre Arts look promising to allow theater students to practice their acting skills by playing the role of patients during simulations. “We also had a legitimate movie that was recently shot here that will soon be on TV. That was a huge deal,” Rostad-Hall said. “This is the direction that we are going. We are trying to open our simulation center doors to approach education and collaboration in a more innovative way.” The School of Nursing isn’t allowed to say much about the movie, but they plan to hold a watch party when it is released. Last summer, CSI completely overhauled its audiovisual system. “We are fortunate to be a part of a university that wholly sees the value of simulation in education. We now have a completely new AV set up with state of the art functionality that allows students to watch video playback of their simulation experiences,” Rostad-Hall said. “This has significantly enhanced our simulation debriefs.” If the School of Nursing receives a grant they’ve applied for, future plans for CSI include converting second floor space into flex classrooms “to allow us to bring simulation into the classroom.”

Senior nursing students in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Nursing prepare for transition to practice by participating in an Emergency Room simulation in the Center for Simulation Innovation. Photos by Ben Krain.

“Instead of sitting in class and watching someone lecture for three hours, we may ask students to complete a simulation while the other students watch and debrief the simulation. It will really bring simulation in the classroom, encourage more critical thinking, and make learning more fun,” Rostad-Hall said. “The next generation NCLEX licensure exam is slated to come out next year. It will be focused more on application rather than textbook knowledge. We want to include more dynamic, immersive student experiences rather than static theory lectures.”�� CSI simulations include scenarios focused on a variety of concepts including communication, education, and patient health and safety. The simulations include caring for post-operative patients, treating critically ill patients, and the ever-popular birthing simulation. “We have a birthing simulator that gives birth routinely to a manikin baby several times a week,” Rostad-Hall said. “She’s a tired mama.” Among the simulation center’s five-year strategic plan is to purchase an even more advanced birthing manikin named Lucina with augmented reality features. “She’s the most state of the art birthing manikin available. Participants can wear augmented reality goggles, and you can see inside the stomach as the baby is being birthed,” Rostad-Hall said. “This manikin addition will aid in our pursuits to keep our exceptional School of Nursing as competitive as possible.” At the end of the spring semester, CSI provided a valuable learning opportunity for graduating nurses preparing to take the NCLEX exam this summer. “We ran a multi-patient simulation-based learning experience for our students who are about to graduate,” Rostad-Hall said. “We developed a riff on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ aptly called ‘Trojan’s Anatomy,’ It was essentially a three hour-long episode of the show where students had to care for and prioritize numerous patients coming into the Trojan Memorial Hospital. The students on campus got the opportunity to play the role of nurses and patients while other nursing students were able to watch and engage via Zoom. We are always trying to push the envelope here in CSI and believe learning opportunities like this very much align with our simulation center vision.”

Four ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff members receive Staff Senate, Crittenden Book scholarships

John Hill — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 17:28:24 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has recognized four staff members who are pursuing degrees while working full-time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Two ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff members received a $250 Staff Senate Scholarship. The winners include Claire Mitchell, an alumni affairs specialist in the Office of Alumni and Development, and Thomas Redd, IT systems administrator at the William H. Bowen School of Law. The winners of the Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship include Constance Williams, positive parenting program practitioner at MidSouth, and Alyssa Hall, an admissions specialist in the Office of Admissions. More information about the scholarship winners: Claire Mitchell, of Little Rock, is earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. “As I approach the end of my undergraduate education, my three years of service to the university in the Alumni & Development department has just solidified my goal to continue to forge my own path as a public servant,” Mitchell said. “I will graduate with my degree in political science, and I hope to use that experience and qualification to expand the communities and groups I am able to serve while also hopefully continuing to work for government institutions. I think my generation has a unique responsibility to rebuild public trust within our government institutions, and I plan on rising to that challenge as an overarching career goal.” Chris Hamilton, associate vice chancellor of advancement services and Mitchell’s supervisor, said she is a great example of staff excellence. “Claire is an instrumental part of the Office of Alumni and Development in gift processing, and this is a crucial role in our department’s success,” said Chris Hamilton, associate vice chancellor of advancement services. “I am so happy to hear that Claire has been awarded a scholarship as she continues her academic career.” Thomas Redd, of Little Rock, is pursuing a certificate in information assurance and an associate degree of computer science in computer programming. He eventually plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This is an excellent investment for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Steve Hyatt, IT manager at the William H. Bowen School of Law and Redd’s supervisor. “Thomas is a smart-working, independent, and conscientious employee. I have no doubt these traits will carry over to his academic pursuits.” Constance Williams, of Monticello, recently completed a graduate certificate in management and is working toward a Master of Public Administration degree. “I would like to further my career with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock MidSouth and become the lead practitioner for the Positive Parenting Program at my site, which is at Monticello. With my management certificate, I know I will serve well in the role,” Williams said. “Receiving this award would release some of the financial burdens I have in regard to pursuing my education. I support my daughter and my sibling, who is currently a student at ��Vlog��ýM.” Alyssa Hall, of Benton, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in economics and then plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration. “I would like to work as an economist or analyst with a company that provides environmental justice and policy awareness to the public, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or Heifer International, a non-profit organization that teaches others how to live sustainably and how to allocate their resources,” Hall said. “I have previously volunteered for environmental justice organizations, but more recently began volunteering with Heifer, training to give presentations on the work they are doing in my community. I understand the impact that physical environments can have on our lives, and want to work to ensure that new environmental policies do not divide our communities.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, TAO Connect Partner to Provide Students with 24/7 Access to Digital Mental Health Support

John Hill — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:17:50 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock has partnered with TAO Connect, a digital platform designed to make behavioral health therapy more accessible and effective, to provide the university community with unlimited access to TAO Connect’s digital mental health platform starting in the 2021 spring semester. Through the partnership, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Counseling Services can digitally expand its reach and overcome challenges the pandemic presented to university counseling centers across the nation by providing mental health support during this turbulent time from afar. One of the most notable benefits of TAO Connect is the ability for counselors to meet with students virtually through its HIPPA compliant video conferencing feature. TAO Connect’s technology can also be used in two additional ways: the counselors can individually assign the online-based sessions to students as a way to enhance virtual appointments, or users can independently sign up for the Self-Help feature for a completely self-guided experience. “Students’ mental health has been considerably impacted by the pandemic, and it was important to us that our counseling center adjusted to provide support through this time in a way that is both effective and efficient,” said Dr. Mike Kirk, director of counseling and health services at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “By partnering with TAO Connect, we’re able to meet our students where they are with evidence-based mental health support.” TAO Connect contains more than 150 online interactive sessions on anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, sexual violence, and more. Additionally, the platform offers a library of mindfulness exercises and journal prompts – which include an anxiety monitoring log and a relaxation and mindfulness log. It also includes The TAO Assistant, an AI chatbot that helps users personalize an experience specific to their needs. “With their college experience significantly altered, young people are more susceptible to mental health concerns, which impact not only their academics but their overall quality of life,” said Dr. Sherry Benton, founder and chief science officer of TAO Connect. “As a result of our collaboration, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is taking an important step in adapting to the environment and providing the community with access to mental health support.” TAO has been purchased for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock using funds from the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant that was awarded to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock MidSOUTH. This grant provides funds to campus organizations to increase awareness about suicidal behaviors and to enhance services for students to prevent suicide. TAO Connect is available for free to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff members. To learn more about TAO and its technology, please visit or .

Five staff members receive Staff Senate, Crittenden Book scholarships

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 01 May 2019 13:09:17 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate has recognized five staff members who are bettering themselves by pursuing degrees while working full time.�� Two ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff members received a $250 Staff Senate Scholarship: Doniece Allen, an administrative and data specialist at MidSOUTH, and Zedralyn Butler, regional team leader and CHRIS trainer at MidSOUTH. With a current 3.5 GPA, Allen is pursuing a Master of Education degree in adult and professional learning as well as a graduate certificate in learning systems technology education. She wants to use her education to train and develop staff within a business by creating unique curriculum and work aids that are tailored to adult learning styles. Butler is a single mother of three children, including 1-year-old twins, who plans to graduate in spring 2020 with a master’s degree in sports management. The winners of the Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship winners include Colleen Godley, career services program coordinator at William H. Bowen School of Law; Larry Rhodes, learning technology coordinator in the College of Social Sciences and Communication; and Christina Smith, director of development and external relations in the College of Social Sciences and Communication. The first recipient, Godley, plans to graduate in the spring 2020 semester with a Master of Science in business information systems. Additionally, she is working on graduate certificates in financial data analytics and management. Rhodes went back to school at age 42 to pursue not one, but two degrees. After chaperoning a trip to Morocco in 2016, he realized that photography and storytelling are his greatest passions. He is working toward bachelor’s degrees in applied communication and international studies as well as minors in information technology and Middle Eastern Studies. After completing his degrees, Rhodes dreams of working as a cultural documentarian and using his skills to help people around the world tell their stories. After what Christina Smith recalled as some “gentle prodding” from Dr. Julien Mirivel, interim dean of the College of Social Sciences and Communication, she is pursuing her Doctor of Education in higher education administration. In the future, Smith hopes to lead fundraising efforts at a university. In the upper right photo,��Richard Harper, immediate past president of Staff Senate (right), presents the Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship to Larry Rhodes (left), Christina Smith (middle), and Colleen Godley (right). Photo by Ben Krain.��

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

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

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

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

Graduating Student Finds New Career, Love of Writing at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Writes Grant to Help Fund Suicide Prevention Programs in Arkansas Jails

Shahan Named New Staff Senate President

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Braun as New Dean of College of Business, Health, and Human Services

Collier-Tenison Named Interim Dean of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Business, Health, and Human Services

Center for Simulation Innovation provides ����Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing students with valuable educational experiences

Four ����Vlog��ý Little Rock staff members receive Staff Senate, Crittenden Book scholarships

����Vlog��ý Little Rock, TAO Connect Partner to Provide Students with 24/7 Access to Digital Mental Health Support