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

LULAC Honors Torres Sanchez as Student of the Year

John Hill — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:12:44 +0000

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 750 has honored Kassandra Torres Sanchez, a junior political science major at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, with the organization’s 2022 Student of the Year Award. Torres Sanchez of Little Rock was honored during a Nov. 5 dinner celebrating the 17 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who received LULAC scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. “I wasn’t expecting this award at all, but I am very grateful for it,” Torres Sanchez said. “I instantly went home after the banquet and told my parents that this award is for all of us. In my opinion, the reason I got the award is for all the support I received from my parents since I’m a first-generation student.” Torres Sanchez said her parents, Jose Torres and Teresa Sanchez, couldn’t continue their education because they had to find work to support their families. However, they have always encouraged the importance of education to their children. “My parents always tell me and my siblings that education comes first,” Torres Sanchez said. “It’s because of them that I’ve pushed myself to be here.”

Kassandra Torres Sanchez receives the 2022 LULAC Student of the Year Award.

Torres Sanchez has been a member of LULAC ever since she was a freshman at Little Rock Central High School. She serves as the youth council officer for LULAC Council 771, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s chapter, and has been working to start LULAC student organizations at high schools in Central Arkansas. Torres Sanchez was also among a group of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who attended the LULAC National Convention this summer in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They were the first students from the university to attend the conference since 2016 and raised more than $11,000 for the trip, where they learned valuable skills in leadership, education, career preparation, and networking. In addition to LULAC, Torres Sanchez is also a member of Young Democrats and a volunteer with the Multicultural Center and the Hispanic/Latinx Initiative. After she graduates in spring 2024, Torres Sanchez plans to attend law school and later work at a nonprofit that provides immigrants with legal assistance.

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

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

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

Dr. Mike Kirk

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

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

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

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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Celebrate SADI Week Aug. 28 – Sept. 2

John Hill — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:59:27 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Multicultural Center will present “M.C.chella” for the 2022-2023 annual Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives (SADI) Week. “M.C.chella” will begin Sunday, Aug. 28, with the Brown Sugar Babe Brunch. It will be held in the Jack Stephens Legends Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students must . The SADI Kick-Off event is Monday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union between mail services and the Trojan Cafe. Students will get the chance not only to meet their mentors, but to shove a pie in their face for $1. All proceeds will be donated to the Trojan Food Pantry. People can find out more information about the campus mentoring program, which includes the African American Female Initiative, African American Male Initiative, and Hispanic/Latinx Initiative, at the Initiative Recruitment event on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Men will report to room 205D and women will report to the Leadership Lounge in the Donaghey Student Center at 6 p.m. The Well-Dressed Wednesday and SADI in the Cafe events will be on Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will eat, get to know the Multicultural Center team, and spend time with peers. The Silent Disco Party event, also called the Headphone Party, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 6-8 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter A and B. Refreshments will be provided by the Multicultural Center. The “First Friday at the MC” event is from noon to 2 p.m. in the Multicultural Center. Food and drinks will be provided for all SADI members. The program’s goal is to expose students to the diverse culture and services within the Multicultural Center. Dominque “D.J.” Thomas, student success coach for SADI, said an important part of his job is mentoring and helping students through challenges that could hinder their academic progress. “We want to provide activities for students to attend to get away from the rigors of life and academics,” Thomas said. “This week gives us the opportunity to show people what we do and how our services add value to our campus community.” Click here to review the flier for the week-long events. For more information on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Multicultural Center or SADI, visit the website or contact D.J. Thomas at djthomas@ualr.edu.

Brown Named New Student Affairs Leader at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:39:36 +0000

Kara Brown has been named the new assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “I am humbly excited about this new position and the new initiatives that I have been challenged to oversee,” Brown said. “I am looking forward to making a positive impact for our students and helping them grow during their educational journey as well as their life after college.” In her new role, Brown will lead the Student Experience Center and the Multicultural Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The initiatives in these centers also include Fraternity and Sorority Life, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Summer Bridge Academy, Dr. Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy, Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, and Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives. In collaboration with the campus community, she will also lead the development of a student experience plan. “Student experiences are essential to student life and student success at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Kara’s experience, leadership, and skill set are critical as she leads the execution of the student experience portfolio and develops the university’s next student engagement plan.” Brown joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she served as dean of student life and associate dean of students for activities. Her nearly 15 years of experience in higher education include previously serving as the diversity programs coordinator at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, student activities coordinator at Boise State University, and a career coach at the University of Arkansas. “I am truly excited to return to the university that invested so much into me,” Brown said. “Seeing some of the faces of my old friends here has made my heart smile. Together, we will continue to go far and contribute to the educational growth of our students.” Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Education in workforce development education degree from the University of Arkansas. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University and was a 2022 fellow for the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University. She is a member of Delta Theta Sigma Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Student Personnel Administration. A native of Pine Bluff, Brown and her husband Dr. Glen Brown, a chiropractor and 2nd Ward alderman, are the proud parents of two children, Kaitlyn and Trey.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Hosts Lineup of Black History Month Events

John Hill — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 21:01:28 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community is invited to celebrate Black History Month with these great events hosted by the Multicultural Center. Throughout February, the Multicultural Center will hold Black Book Drives across campus, Well-Dressed Wednesdays with Alpha Phi Alpha and African American Male Initiative, and Student Affairs Diversity Initiative in the Trojan Café from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Black History Month events will continue with game nights, movie nights, and other exciting events. Black History Month will wrap up with a Black Excellence Expo on Friday, Feb. 25. A full list of events is available at this website. Contact the Multicultural Center at multicultural@ualr.edu for more information. Week 1 Feb. 4 – First Friday @ The Multicultural Center, Ottenheimer Library 202, 12-2 p.m. Week 2 Feb. 9 – Wild’n Wednesday Game: Speedwalking Competition, Starbucks Walkway, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9 – Book to Movie Night: “Hidden Figures,” DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m. Week 3 Feb. 15 – Speed Dating with NPHC, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 16 – Wild’n Wednesday Game: Rock, Papers, Scissors, Chi Omega Courtyard, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 17 – All Black Affair Game/Trivia Night, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m. Week 4 Feb. 23 – Wild’n Wednesday Game: Freeze Tag, Cooper Fountain, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 23 – Book to Movie Night: “The Color Purple,” DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6 p.m. Feb. 25 – Black Excellence Expo: Black History Month Wrap-Up, DSC Upper and Lower Concourse

Mentors That Go the Mile: Lauren Wilson

John Hill — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:30:44 +0000

In celebration of , ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is highlighting mentors who are making a difference in the lives of students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Lauren Wilson, a native of Crossett who currently lives in Conway, serves as the assistant director of the Multicultural Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. 1. Why did you choose to become a mentor? Mentoring chose me as an undergraduate. I was always drawn to helping my fellow students navigate classes, campus, and co-curricular activities, so mentoring was a natural fit for me. Over the course of my career in education, mentoring has been a huge part of my work, whether through advising, supervising, or teaching. 2. What is your opinion on the importance of having a mentor in college? I had some incredible mentors in college. Whether they were students, faculty, or staff members, they played a huge role in getting me to graduation. Whether mentors are giving advice on careers, classes, or life, having someone there for you to answer questions or be a listening ear is invaluable for a college student, especially if they are looking for guidance. 3. What do you enjoy most about mentorship? Building relationships with students! While mentoring adds another layer to my assigned job duties, it is beyond fulfilling to bond with my mentees and witness them blossom and grow. 4. What is the hardest part about being a mentor? It can be tough when mentees don’t listen to your advice, or when they make decisions that aren’t the best for them. However, part of being a good mentor is helping them through those tough situations, guiding them rather than getting on to them. Although, sometimes, you need to get on to them, too. 5. How would you describe your personal mentoring style? My style is relatable and straightforward, making sure that I clearly communicate with my mentees when I do (or don’t) know something, and helping them solve problems instead of trying to solve the problems for them. I also believe in the power of sharing stories, whether as cautionary tales or as evidence that I am just as human as they are. 6. What leaders do you look up to for inspiration? While I can’t think of anyone specifically, I am always drawn to those who practice servant leadership and who lead by doing. I am a firm believer that you can’t be an effective leader unless you are willing to walk the talk and practice what you preach. 7. Is there anything you would like to add or advice for future mentors? You don’t have to have your life completely together in order to be a mentor! Even if you feel like you are still learning and growing as a person (which we all should be until we are no longer on this Earth), you still have valuable insight that could help someone out.

Author Ibram X. Kendi shares views with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community during Diversity Month conversation

John Hill — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:33:59 +0000

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, award-winning author of “How to Be an Antiracist,” spoke to more than 300 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff in celebration of Diversity Month on March 31. Kendi is a three-time, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author including the groundbreaking, “How to Be an Antiracist,” one of the books chosen for the university’s first campus-wide book read and discussion on race and ethnicity. Lauren Wilson, assistant director of the Multicultural Center, joined Kendi in a frank discussion about his books, work in higher education, and his views on policy and power. “It was my honor to be in conversation with Professor Kendi,” Wilson said. “I was impressed by the way he was able to take the big ideas from his research and work and make them relevant for us here at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It is my hope that this conversation will lead to more conversations, but more importantly, to action that will help our campus be a welcoming, equitable space for all students, faculty, staff, and community members.” Kendi also spoke about his most recent book project, serving as co-editor of “ The book brings together 90 writers and poets to share the 400-year journey and history of African Americans in one unique volume. “Bringing together 90 writers was unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” Kendi said. “I wanted to put together a single volume of Black history that would allow people to read the full story of African Americans. I wanted them to learn about the Black historical experience in all of its complexity. I wanted them to see that the racial problem has never been Black people. The racial problem has always been racism.” He offered advice on how those in higher education can work toward building an antiracist society that ensures equity and justice. “If you are in faculty affairs, focus on faculty diversity and affairs,” he said. “You should be pressing for a faculty body representative of the state. If you are a student, you should do the same with students. We can all focus and start in our own backyard.” As the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, Kendi researches novel and practical ways to understand, explain, and solve seemingly intractable problems of racial inequity and injustice. “We have a nation of racial inequities and injustice. Let’s look at anti-Black racism,” Kendi said. “Black folks are twice as likely to be unemployed than white people. Black folks are disproportionately incarcerated. They are dying at twice the rate of Covid-19. We have to track those stories to understand those stories. That’s the first research project. The second research project is what is causing these disparities. The next step is what are we going to do about it, and then we can create data-driven solutions.” When asked by an audience member how people should respond to the outcome of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, Kendi compared the situation to how you handle the death of a loved one who is seriously ill and then passes away. “When we know they are seriously ill, we are not necessarily surprised or shocked when they pass away, but we are still hurt,” Kendi said. “If there is a not guilty verdict, we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s almost impossible to convict a white police officer of killing a Black person in this country. It’s almost impossible to get them to trial, let alone get a guilty conviction. I also don’t think that should stop us from being sad or outraged or hurt, as we are when a loved one passes away. If there is a guilty conviction, that is something we can build on. We want a system of equal justice.” Wilson asked for Kendi’s suggestions for podcasts and television shows to watch for people who want to learn more about differing viewpoints. “If you don’t necessarily read, you can listen to audiobooks when you exercise,” Kendi said. “I consume a lot of audio books. It allows me to read more. Podcasts like NPR’s ‘Code Switch’ is a podcast I would recommend. Many people talk about ‘Watchman’ or ‘Lovecraft County.’ Even a show like ‘S.W.A.T’ on CBS talks about racial issues. We are in a time when there are many great creators.” Kendi also had a message of hope for those who are overwhelmed by the fight for racial justice and equality. “Dealing with racism for everyday people who are going about their lives is tiring. Fighting racism on top of that is tiring too,” Kendi said. “I think people should be able to voice how tired they are. I think it’s human to be tired of fighting something day in and out. I don’t think that’s a problem. I do think it’s a problem if we allow that tiredness to cause us to stop. There are days when we are cramming for that test, and we are tired. We should say that, but we shouldn’t consider stopping. It’s important for us to know that if we are fighting against racism collectively that there is a chance that one day we won’t be tired anymore from racism. That’s the type of society that I want to build. That is the type of society that we should all want to build.” The event was sponsored by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Multicultural Center, Diversity Council, and Office of the Chancellor. For more information on Kendi, please visit .

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to host Ibram X. Kendi as closing Diversity Month Speaker

John Hill — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 17:19:39 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning historian and author of “How to Be an Antiracist,” as the final speaker for Diversity Month. Kendi will speak about the book “How to be an Antiracist” and antiracism work in higher education during a virtual event held via Zoom at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 31. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff may register for “An Evening with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi” and submit a question to Kendi by visiting . Chancellor Christina Drale will provide opening remarks, while Lauren Wilson, assistant director of the Multicultural Center, will moderate the discussion. Kendi’s book “How to Be an Antiracist” was one of three books read during ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Inaugural Campus Read on Race & Ethnicity, during which students, faculty, and staff engaged in small-group conversations. “Hosting Dr. Kendi not only gives us the incredible opportunity to end Diversity Month and the Campus Read on a high note, but it also reminds the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community that working towards an equitable, antiracist campus environment requires an ongoing commitment to educating ourselves and others,” Wilson said. Kendi is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. His relentless and passionate research puts into question the notion of a post-racial society and opens readers’ and audiences’ eyes to the reality of racism in America today. For more information on Kendi, please visit .

Love of Helping Students Leads to Inspiration for New Assistant Director of Multicultural Center

John Hill — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:09:00 +0000

As an undergraduate student, Lauren Wilson, a native of Crossett, Arkansas, said the time she spent at her university’s multicultural center made a huge impact on her life. “When I was an undergrad, our multicultural center played a huge role in my experience,” Wilson said. “I loved being able to go there and hang out with my friends and with faculty and staff members and form those bonds that have lasted over 10 years now.” As the new assistant director of the Multicultural Center, Wilson is using her inspiration as an undergrad and her love of helping students to recreate her experience for the students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “I want to provide them with a safe place and pair them with people who can provide resources and serve as mentors, not just while they are in college, but beyond that,” Wilson said. “My mentors were really helpful in facing all the ups and downs that brought me from an undergrad to this point.” In her role, Wilson is responsible for implementing cultural programming for Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. She also coordinates several programs designed to help students succeed. The Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives include the African American Male Initiative, African American Female Initiative, and the Hispanic/Latinx Initiative. The programs are designed to empower, support, and assist students in their college careers. The Summer Bridge Academy is a three-week residential program that prepares incoming freshmen for college by eliminating the need to take remedial math and English courses. The Trojan L.E.A.D. program is designed to prepare first and second year students of color for leadership in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community. Wilson has implemented a new monthly event, First Fridays at MC, where students meet the first Friday of every month to talk about what’s going on in their lives, plan new events for the Multicultural Center, and learn new skills. During February’s First Friday at the MC, students learned how to become a residential assistant. “They are virtual for now,” Wilson said. “In the future, students can come to the Multicultural Center to decompress and see if there is anything that we can do to help them.” After her graduation from the University of Arkansas, Wilson became a substitute teacher and had a daughter, Gabriela. She later went on to teach English at Warren High School for three years before joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a student support and training specialist at Ottenheimer Library, where she taught students about the technology and resources available in the library. While pursuing her master’s degree in higher education, Wilson worked as a graduate assistant in the Multicultural Center. After her graduation during the fall 2020 semester, Wilson was promoted to the assistant director of the Multicultural Center. “It took a lot to get here, but I’m pretty happy where I ended up,” Wilson said. As Wilson is currently implementing events to celebrate Black History Month, she thinks it’s important that diverse history is celebrated all year round. “Black history is American history,” Wilson said. “When I was in high school, there was Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Anything that wasn’t white male history wasn’t integrated into larger history classes. Why don’t we celebrate it more and make sure it is celebrated every day as a part of our normal goings on? I wish everyone could see it that way.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to host Fireside Chat with NFL Star Spencer Paysinger

John Hill — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:40:51 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a fireside conversation with Spencer Paysinger, former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion, on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The free event, held via Zoom, will take place from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 23. Corrigan Revels, assistant director for student leadership and development, will host the conversation with Paysinger as well as a question and answer session following the event. Paysinger is a former American football linebacker. During his NFL career, Paysinger played for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers. He retired from professional football in 2017. He grew up in South Los Angeles and attended Beverly Hills High School, where he played wide receiver and linebacker and served as team captain. His life and career serves as the basis for the hit TV show “All American.” Paysinger serves as a consulting producer for the show, which began airing on the CW in 2018. He can also be seen on camera as an assistant football coach in the series. Following the success of the show, Paysinger has made a transition into filmmaking and entrepreneurship. He opened a coffee shop, Hilltop Café, and helps run an investment fund that helps football players whose playing careers have come to a sudden end. “I believe this event will be great for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community to attend,” Revels said. “This gives the university community a chance to see a talented athlete continue to pursue other goals after retiring in a very inspiration way.” The conversation with Paysinger is hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Multicultural Center and celebrates Black History Month. Participants who would like to attend the fireside chat.

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

LULAC Honors Torres Sanchez as Student of the Year

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Celebrate SADI Week Aug. 28 – Sept. 2

Brown Named New Student Affairs Leader at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Hosts Lineup of Black History Month Events