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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Team Members for Alumni and Development

John Hill — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:15:14 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has welcomed several new team members in key roles in the Office of Alumni and Development. The announcement includes four new team members and two promotions of veteran Alumni and Development staff. The new ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees are especially welcome with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock launching its Centennial Campaign, which commemorates the university’s upcoming 100-year anniversary of its founding in 2027. “I am excited to welcome our four new talented team members to Alumni and Development, as well as celebrate the promotion of my hard-working colleagues, Kristi Smith and Derek Boyce, who have served the university well for many years,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We have many things to celebrate in the coming years, especially the kickoff of our Centennial Campaign that will help set the course for the university for the next 100 years.” Tommy Goucher has been named national director of development. He will be responsible for traveling to visit and build connections with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni who live outside of Arkansas. Goucher joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from Datamax Inc., where he has served as an account manager since 2017. A 2022 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Catie Ross will serve as the associate director for alumni membership and engagement. She is responsible for growing the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association membership and providing meaningful and engaging events for the alumni community. Stephanie Purifoy has joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as the new director of development and external relations in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE). She has previously worked in development roles for Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Audubon Arkansas. Laterika Tooks has been named the director of annual giving at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She is tasked with increasing yearly giving among alumni and friends of the university. A 2017 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Tooks joined the university from the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she worked as the constituent events manager. In addition to the new team members, Derek Boyce, who previously served as the director of development and external relations for CHASSE, has been promoted to director of development for university initiatives/corporate and foundation relations. Boyce will seek and build relationships with entities that support various university programs. Kristi Smith, the former senior director of alumni and development, has been promoted to associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. Her new role includes leadership of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and university initiatives.

BBQ at Bailey Celebrates ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Support and Fellowship

John Hill — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:09:55 +0000

BBQ at Bailey returned to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for their 14th annual gathering inviting faculty, students, and graduates to the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on Oct. 12. Participants ate a delicious lunch catered by Whole Hog �䲹��é, followed by dessert from Community Bakery. “We didn’t get the chance to do it last year, so the goal is to welcome back people to the campus, get students to come out, get to know everyone in the alumni center, and get to know other graduates,” said Derrick Newby, associate director for alumni membership and engagement. “Typically, we do this at the beginning of the year but we had to push it back to make sure everyone was safe.” The enjoyment for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock fellowship was a constant trend in conversations at the BBQ. “It is so great to see everyone back together for BBQ at Bailey to see all the students, teachers and alumni all coming together to rally around this amazing school,” said Heide Harrell (‘10), executive committee member of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Directors. “Who doesn’t love some free BBQ on a beautiful October day?” Harrell has a deep passion for the work that the faculty provides and the caliber of students who work hard to get their degrees. “I am a proud graduate and advocate for this university,” said Harrell. Kristi Smith, director of alumni and development, indicated the importance of joining the Alumni Association because a portion of proceeds from memberships go towards student scholarships.

Kristi Smith and student-athlete volunteers for the BBQ at Bailey picnic. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

The BBQ highlights support for the Alumni Association, which annually offers around $100,000 in student scholarships, in addition to helping people create connections. During the BBQ, the Alumni Association recruited numerous new members. “This event is important to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because it’s a great time for everyone to come together,” said Smith. “We work in different areas and rarely get to see people due to the pandemic. Now that everyone is back on campus, this is a great unifying event.” The favored fall event gathered around 1,200 people. “We get student athletes to help; we get faculty and staff involved, and it’s great,” said Smith. Career Services and other campus organizations attended the event to participate and raise awareness. “We are promoting the Trojan Career Closet available for all students at the university,” said Shannon Gwinn (98’), director of career services for the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. “We want to make them aware of the fabulous items that they can come shop for. Whether you are going to a job interview and need a suit or need an outfit for an internship, we can help.” The career closet has suits, sport coats, dresses, accessories, and plenty of ties. Students can select five items per year. It can be found on the first floor of the Reynolds Building.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and staff enjoying the music at Baileys back-to-school picnic. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

After including it in their annual National Pan-Hellenic Council week of activities, several Greek groups participated in the luncheon. “This event went well since it was my first time attending,” said Kenyon Clay, sophomore criminal justice and music major and Kappa Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. president. “This gave me motivation to finish college so I can come back and experience being an alumni. We added BBQ at Bailey to the event list because we believe NPHC should be more involved in campus events. We are here to show our support for them and hopefully gain support back.” NPHC not only enjoyed the food but also the music as they simultaneously strolled to many songs played. “The event today had a great turn out, good food, and great laughs,” said Kevin Davidson, senior mechanical engineering technology major and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “It was a good time to connect with friends and alumni. I know this will be an event that I will come back to as a future alumni.” People can help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by joining the Alumni Association, contributing to annual fundraisers, making a donation, or putting the university in their estate plans, in addition to investing for their own financial goals. The Office of Alumni and Development is happy to accept donations. The Office of the Chancellor, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of Alumni and Development all sponsored the BBQ at Bailey.

BBQ at Bailey Returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Oct. 12

John Hill — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:42:48 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the start of the fall semester and welcome the return of students and employees to campus with BBQ at Bailey Tuesday, Oct. 12. The tailgating-style event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, the picnic is a wonderful way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fellowship, and fun. will cater the event. Students are encouraged to stop by, visit with student organizations, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters can sign up for the Alumni Association to support scholarships for deserving students. Faculty and staff can join for $30, and students can join for $10. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Food Pantry will be accepting donations of canned food items. BBQ at Bailey is sponsored by Whole Hog Cafe, , , the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor, and the Office of Alumni and Development.

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.”

BBQ at Bailey highlights affection for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and alumni support

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:43:55 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock welcomed the fall semester with a BBQ picnic at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on Sept. 5. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Whole Hog �䲹��é with dessert from Community Bakery. “This is the 13th annual lunch at Bailey. We kick off each academic year this way,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development and interim director of the Alumni Association. “It’s a perfect way to get students and faculty and campus staff all together to mingle. It’s also a way for alumni to reconnect to the university and maintain friendships.” Smith was appreciative of the many student volunteers who helped make the event a success. “The baseball teams set up tables and the swim and dance teams have also helped with logistics. The Greek organizations are here, too,” Smith said. James Bobo (‘05), Alumni Board of Directors president-elect and chair of the membership committee, echoed his appreciation for the role students play in contributing to an atmosphere of community camaraderie. “This is an awesome event. We’re excited to see so many students, friends, and staff!” Bobo said. Approximately 2,100 people participated in the popular two-hour BBQ.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees enjoy food from Whole Hog Cafe during BBQ at Bailey. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I think BBQ at Bailey is the semester kickoff event the campus community most looks forward to attending,” said Cassie Jo Gehring, accountant for the Office of Alumni and Development. “It is very well attended and brings employees, faculty, alumni, and students together. We especially have seen a lot of university employees participating, and many people have joined the Alumni Association.”�� In addition to helping make connections, the BBQ emphasized support for the Alumni Association, which annually provides approximately $145,250 in student scholarships. The Alumni Association gained 21 first-time members and 74 membership renewals during the BBQ, along with three lifetime memberships.�� Appreciation for the impact of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a common thread in conversations at the BBQ. “My education in radio, TV, and film paved the way for me to go on to do some fun things in my life,” shared alumnus Daryl Stout (‘83). “For example, I am the volunteer examiner liaison for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock hand radio club, and I run the amateur radio test at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Benton. Part of my education included journalism classes, and that made me a good proofreader. Now that I’m retired, I proofread for print screening projects and am in charge of a newsletter publication. I often reflect on how my education from this school is still relevant to my daily activities today.” Greek organizations participated in the BBQ with booths to share information about each sorority and fraternity on campus. “BBQ at Bailey is an opportunity for us to meet a new set of freshman face-to-face,” said Catie Ross, a junior studying business and human resources management who serves as director of campus activities for Chi Omega. “Sometimes, it’s easier for people to learn about Greek life by meeting us personally and having an actual conversation. We want people to feel comfortable getting to know us, as well as the other Greek organizations. BBQ at Bailey is one of the best times to help freshmen become aware.” Appreciation for the uniqueness of Greek life at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a common sentiment. Lucas Ray, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, explained that he joined Delta Chi because of its emphasis on advancing justice, developing character, promoting friendship, and academic achievement.��

Members of Chi Omega join the BBQ at Bailey celebration Sept. 5. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I didn’t have to pretend to fit cookie-cutter expectations of being a certain type of person,” Ray said. “Our fraternity here encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves.” Libby Walsh, a junior studying nursing and member of Kappa Delta, explained that bigger schools feel much different from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because they have hundreds of members in a sorority chapter.�� “But here, we can really get to know each other. We’re here for the real friendships,” Walsh said. Kappa PSI president Kevin Davidson and Pike Kappa Alpha president Hunter Hobby emphasized the value of alumni relationships in their fraternities.�� “We’re visiting Mills High School next week to promote abstinence and safe sex practices,” said Davidson, a junior studying mechanical engineering. “One of our alumni fraternity brothers is principal there, which has helped us make good connections and gain access to serving at the school.”�� Representatives from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden Alliance were on-site selling local honey and encouraging participation in the campus garden located along Fair Park Boulevard. Also on-site at the BBQ were representatives from Save 10, a movement to empower women to save for retirement.�� “One of our 10-year goals is to empower people to save for housing and for a lifetime of financial security,” said Cathianne Watkins of Southern Bancorp Community Partners. “We encourage women to save 10 percent of their gross income for retirement. We encourage practicing the habit of not spending all of the money you earn.” In addition to saving for their own financial goals, people can support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by becoming a member of the Alumni Association, contributing to annual campaigns, making a gift, or by including the university in estate planning. Donations are accepted through the Office of Alumni and Development. BBQ at Bailey was sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of Alumni and Development.

BBQ at Bailey returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Sept. 5

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:47:41 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the start of the fall semester with BBQ at Bailey Thursday, Sept. 5.�� The tailgating-style event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus.�� Hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, the picnic is a good way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fun, and fellowship with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community.�� Whole Hog �䲹��é will cater the event with treats provided by Community Bakery. Students are encouraged to stop by, visit with student organizations, purchase season tickets from Athletics, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff. �� “We are expecting a great turnout for BBQ at Bailey this year,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development. “The Alumni Association will be on hand to recruit new members to join or renew their memberships in the alumni association.�� New and returning members will receive a free ‘Trojan for Life’ t-shirt and will be registered to win a free prize of Trojan swag, too!” BBQ at Bailey is partnering with Whole Hog �䲹��é, Community Bakery, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor, and the . For more information, contact Kristi Smith at 501-569-8739.��

Kristi Smith to serve as interim Alumni Association director

Janea Snyder — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 17:55:41 +0000

Kristi Smith, senior director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, has taken on the additional duties of leading the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association. Smith will serve on an interim basis, effective immediately, until someone is hired to replace Ryan Miller, who stepped down last week. “Kristi is uniquely suited to lead the association,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She earned a bachelor’s degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar in 1995 and a master’s degree in public administration two years later. While pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales, Kristi served two terms on the Alumni Board of Directors helping to re-establish the association’s mission that led to increased scholarship support for students.”�� Since joining our staff in 2016, Smith has taken the lead on several key philanthropic initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Circle and the Foundation Fund Board of Directors, and she is heavily involved in campaign planning.��

Alumni and Development Office welcomes new staffers

Janea Snyder — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:39:09 +0000

Three new people have joined the Office of Alumni and Development. Anneliese N. Armstrong has been hired as director of Alumni Membership and Programming for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association; Sarah Miller is the new director of development and external relations for the College of Business; and Ross Owyoung will be working as an event fundraiser. Armstrong, a Little Rock native, will work to engage alumni and friends of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and expand membership of the Alumni Association. Armstrong received two degrees from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock – a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication (2015) and Master of Arts in applied communication studies (2018). During her undergraduate time on campus, she was involved with Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc., serving as new member educator. ��Previously, she worked as the experiential education coordinator for the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Miller is also a two-time ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master’s degree in professional and technical writing. She previously worked for the American Heart Association as the corporate market director for the Central Arkansas Go Red For Women movement and Festival of Wines. Owyoung will help plan and coordinate events like Taste of Little Rock. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service with a master’s degree in public service. During his time at the Clinton School, Owyoung completed an international public service project in Bocas del Toro, Panama, where he worked with Give and Surf, a non-profit that empowers indigenous communities through education and community development. He previously worked with Jericho Way Day Resource Center as a research consultant and with The Venture Center where he conducted an economic impact analysis of startup entrepreneurs and businesses. �� Anneliese Armstrong, Sarah Miller and Ross Owyoung are the newest members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of Alumni and Development. Photos by Benjamin Krain

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Team Members for Alumni and Development

BBQ at Bailey Celebrates ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Support and Fellowship

BBQ at Bailey Returns to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Oct. 12

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

BBQ at Bailey highlights affection for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and alumni support

BBQ at Bailey returns to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Sept. 5