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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Breaks Ground on Transformational Campus Improvement Projects

John Hill — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:49:04 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock broke ground on a series of campus improvement and renovation projects that will significantly transform the face of the university for years to come during a Dec. 2 groundbreaking ceremony outside Ottenheimer Library. The center points of the campus improvement projects include the construction of a new north to south promenade called Trojan Way and a new Library Plaza. A generous $5.5 million grant from the Donaghey Foundation will fund these projects. Trojan Way will run through campus from 28th Street to University Drive and will create enhanced walkways, seating areas, and gathering spaces. In addition, the space outside Ottenheimer Library will be reimagined as a new outdoor campus learning environment with expanded seating and places for groups to gather. It will include a seat wall, a stage to hold events, and beautiful canopy trees for shade. “The upcoming campus improvements will transform the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus for many years to come,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “By providing shaded spaces, gathering areas, and additional seating, we are creating an atmosphere that will help foster connections and provide enhanced living-learning experiences for the campus community.” Those who participated in the groundbreaking included Chancellor Drale, Charles Nabholz, chairman emeritus of Nabholz, Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors; Shawn Luther, principal and landscape architect of DCI; Jerry Ganz, vice chancellor for finance and administration at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock; Leslie Hutchins, associate vice chancellor of facilities and management at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, David Sargent of WER Architects, and Thomas Forcum, president of the Student Government Association at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Construction began in October and will last from 12-18 months. The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees previously approved the Library Plaza and Trojan Way projects in May. “I’m very excited about the Library Plaza and Trojan Way project beginning soon,” Ganz said. “Thanks to the generous support of the Donaghey Foundation, we were able to plan a project that will significantly enhance the beauty of our campus. I think the entire campus community will be very pleased with the end result and, especially, some of the key design elements that we have built into the project.” has been selected as the project architect, while has been selected as the contractor. “The Trojan Way is a landmark investment that will improve the campus’ connectivity and accessibility for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and community members for generations to come,” Nabholz said. “Nabholz is proud of our long relationship with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, which dates back to construction projects our company built on campus over 50 years ago. As a former student myself who attended night classes on campus in 1967/68, I know how much students will enjoy the additional paths, landscaping, and lighting.”

Charles Nabholz, chairman emeritus of Nabholz, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Trojan Way project at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on Dec. 2. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock officials decided to complete additional planned improvement projects at the same time since all the projects are so interconnected to creating a learning-living community to enhance student success. The additional projects include a new West campus entrance that will connect directly to the Library Plaza, the demolition of the former education building, and an Alumni Patio that will connect with Trojan Way on the north side of campus. “I’m also looking forward to beginning work on the new entrance on the West side of campus along University Avenue, as well as, the Alumni Patio project, which is where we are moving the named bricks that are currently in the Library Plaza,” Ganz said. “The Alumni Patio project will connect three different patios with a winding brick walkway and will be a fantastic event space that will surely get lots of use by all kinds of groups around campus in the future.” The campus improvements will also include a new patio and outdoor area on the north side of the Fine Arts Building, which will complement the new disc golf course that has recently been built on the south side of the Fine Arts Building to provide more campus recreational opportunities. “We have a beautiful campus, and we have this unused space available,” said Provost Ann Bain. “This will be a real inviting space for our faculty, staff, and students to utilize. We want to bring a bit of vibrancy to this side of campus.”

Chancellor Christina Drale addresses the crowd during a Dec. 2 groundbreaking ceremony on how the Trojan Way projects will improve the living-learning environment on campus for generations to come. Photo by Ben Krain.

The total cost of the improvement projects is estimated at $9.7 million. The ��Vlog��ý System Board of Trustees approved these campus improvement projects during its September meeting. The remaining projects will be funded by a combination of university reserves and private funding. The additional campus improvement projects include:

Campus Grove – The university is upgrading the north side of the Fine Arts Building to install an outdoor area for students, faculty, and staff. This shaded area will have additional seating and offer students a place to enjoy campus with friends.
Alumni Patio Project -The university is installing a new gathering space outside of the Bailey Alumni & Friends Center featuring the bricks that are currently located outside of Ottenheimer Library. The gathering space will allow alumni and friends easy access to view their bricks and allow the university to utilize the space as another campus gathering location.
Demolition of Education Building – The university has demolished the existing education building that is located between Dickinson Hall and Ross Hall. This building has not been in use for some time and will allow for the creation of additional campus green spaces.
Campus West Entrance – With the removal of the old Earth Science Building earlier this year, the university is enhancing the West entrance to campus at the intersection of University Avenue and 32nd Street with better walkways and a green space for students and faculty to enjoy.

“We at DCI are delighted to be a part of the design team for such a transformational project,” Luther said. “Just over a year ago, we were invited by WER Architects to join in an effort to take a look at a few small areas of campus. Little did we know that exercise would become a project which will literally shape the campus for decades. It is our hope that this project will help energize the campus and open the doors to the local community.” These projects are a part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Centennial Campaign, the university’s largest fundraising effort in university history to raise $250 million ahead of its 100-year anniversary in 2027. Learn more about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s efforts to provide great learning environments that encourage student success at the Centennial Campaign website.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Sollars as New Coordinator of Learning Commons

John Hill — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:00:57 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired Brandon Sollars, of Little Rock, as the coordinator of the university’s new Learning Commons. The Learning Commons, which opened during the spring 2022 semester, provides a one-stop location for tutoring services across the university. The 13,000-square-foot-facility located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “I’m very excited to be here, and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Sollars said. “I know I am on the right path. I feel confident that the Learning Commons will be everything we intend it to be and more. We want to provide easily accessible centralized resources that are available to everyone on campus.” As the Learning Commons coordinator, Sollars is responsible for sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students and educational team members. He will monitor and coordinate daily operations of the Learning Commons and oversee Trojan Tutoring, which provides tutoring in areas not served by the other academic centers in the Commons. Trojan tutors will also provide a variety of services to support academic success such as study skills, time management, homework assistance, and much more. “We are delighted to have Brandon join the Learning Commons to provide leadership and his expertise to develop Trojan Tutoring,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Brandon brings varied perspectives including being an adjunct instructor, graduate student, and former member of the Communication Skills Center.” Sollars is a two-time graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in applied communication as well as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Applied Communication. As a student, Sollars used many of the resources that are now available in the Learning Commons to succeed in school, and he plans to share that knowledge with today’s students. “As a graduate assistant, I worked as one of the assistant directors in the Communication Skills Center. I also have used the University Writing Center and the Math Assistance Center,” Sollars said. “These are all services I used in my time as a student, and I believe in what they can do for a student’s academic career. I am excited to find out how I can contribute to the success of our students.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces Winners of 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo Winners

John Hill — Thu, 19 May 2022 18:16:07 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced the winners of the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. This year’s event took place outside between the Ottenheimer Library and the Cooper Fountain on April 8. It was the first in-person student expo that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has hosted in three years. More than 90 undergraduate and graduate students showcased their academic and creative work and community projects at the Student Research and Creative Works Expo. The winners and their awards include:

Computer Science/Information Science

First Place, Graduate Student, Dayo Banjo and Connice Trimmingham, ImageToon
Second Place, Graduate Student, Carlos Ochoa, Smartphone-based AR/MR video passthrough headset prototype
First Place, Undergraduate Student, Danica Mobley, Immersive VR Application for the Performing Arts

Creative Work

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Emma Chambers, Sourcing from Nature: Making and Using Paint from Locally Sources Pigments Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Kevin Davidson, Restoration of Fluid Circuit Apparatus Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Julia McPeake, Modern Life, A Satire of Modern Life

Economics

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Caleb Boutin, Destroying Ships or the Industry: Legal and Economic Consequences of Not Defining a Ship in the Shipbreaking Industry a Vessel

Education

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Samantha Cougill, Touching History
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, David Caldwell, Peer Engagement: In-person vs. Online using Learning Assistants

Engineering/Engineering Technology/Construction Management

First Place, Graduate Student, Phillip Bryan, Engineering Consistency in Large 3D Prints
Second Place, Graduate Student, Nilesh Chaudhari, Study of fluidization behavior of solid waste materials for sustainable production of carbon neutral/negative green fuels
Third Place, Graduate Student, Hatim Raji, Effect of Composition on Damping Characteristics of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students showcase their research and creative work during the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. Photos by Ben Krain.

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Michael Frey, Modernizing Motorcycle Instrumentation and Display
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Noah French, EZ-Transport Folding Canoe
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Michael Flowers, Cost-Benefit of Adding Wind-turbine Generator
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Nuh Jakoet, Drowsy driving detection with EEG signals and sensor fusion.
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Ibrahim Suid, Reinforced Shape Memory Polymer Composites Actuator for Surgical Devices

Health Science

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Anabelen Rodriguez
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Cecile Barnes
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Khristina Huff

Humanities

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Jordan Hancock, Masculinity and Felinity in William Blake’s Fallen World as Told through Large Colored Prints
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Aiyana Burgess, Talking Knots – Quipu Theories and Narratives throughout the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Carmen Ramirez, Influences of Native Guatemalan Music on the compositions of Jesus Castillo (1877-1946)

Interdisciplinary

First Place, Undergraduate Student, Ahad Nadeem, Student-created H5P Practice Questions for Biology Students
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Nicholas Jaeger, Analyzing the Constitutionality of Blue Laws through the Scope of the Commerce Clause
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Mataya Duncan, The effects of different trellising systems on blackberries

Life Science

First Place, Graduate Student, Samantha Macchi, Investigation of cytotoxicity mechanism of porphyrin-based nanomedicine
Second Place, Graduate Student, Nazneen Begum, Osh6 down-regulates pro-aging TORC1 via Gga2
Third Place, Graduate Student, Andrew Ramirez, Elucidate the function of vacuolar-ATPase B subunit 1 gene on root structure and development
First Place, Undergraduate Student, Sadie Goss, Tunable filtration systems for pollutant removal
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Amie Brint, A Continuation of GSDMD’s Function in Multiple Sclerosis
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Gabrielle Roberts, The Study of Gasdermin D Mutation in Cancer Research
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Ibraheem Abbood, Mutagenesis of Staphylococcus epidermidis to inhibit Biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces

Dr. Kirk Leach listens to Samantha Cougill present her project, Touching History, during the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. Photo by Ben Krain.

Physical Science

First Place, Graduate Student, Ghusoon Al Bazzar, Synthesis and characterization of Low- cost, High-performance Cu2O – ZnO Core-Shell nanorods
Second Place, Graduate Student, Mavis Forson, Photophysical Characterization of Porphyrin-Fullerene Dyads
Third Place, Graduate Student, Karie Sanford, Catalytic degradation of macromolecules using benign method
First Place, Undergraduate Student, Meagan Herbold, Applied Physics for the Design and Construction of Articulated, Electronic Wings
First Place, Undergraduate Student, Ruby Trotter, Nanomaterial Effects on Degradation of Polymer Biomaterials
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Lauv Patel, MTA nucleosidase inhibition through mutant kinetic characterization
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Tayler Gamble, Studies in the hydridic reduction reactions of alkynyl hydrazones via sigmatropic rearrangement to form allenes

Service Work/Professional Application

First Place, Tyler Riley and Angelita Faller, Student Perceptions of Textbooks and Course Material: Program Assessment for Ottenheimer Library

Social Science

First Place, Graduate Student, Ronia Kattoum, Factors that Determine if Students See Themselves as Future Chemistry Learning Assistants
Second Place, Graduate Student, Trye Price, A Qualitative Examination of Victimization among LGBTQIA+ Adults in Arkansas
Third Place, Graduate Student, Lacey Roughton, Non-Religious Identity and Experiences of Crime
First Place, Undergraduate Student, Ahad Nadeem, Food Deserts in Little Rock
Second Place, Undergraduate Student, Cameron Russell, Examining the Evolution of ICC Funding
Third Place, Undergraduate Student, Anthony Best, Building a tool for measuring the Decibel Analysis for Research in Teaching

Graduating Student Spotlight: Mohib Hafeez

John Hill — Tue, 10 May 2022 13:41:41 +0000

Donaghey Scholar Mohib Hafeez will graduate on May 14 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He will attend ��Vlog��ýMS in the fall to study medicine. Tell us a little bit about yourself I’m originally from Karachi, Pakistan. Our family moved to the United States in 2008. My dad wanted to move to the U.S. to give our family better educational opportunities and a more promising future. Karachi is a densely populated, vibrant city. The food and spices are amazing. Everyone knew each other in the village where I grew up. The kids would go out and play from 5 p.m. until dark. When we first moved to the U.S., I felt really alienated. I only knew how to say “hello” and “yes.” My parents were so worried about me, but I had caring teachers who helped me out. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I have three older brothers. I went to a different elementary school every year since we moved so much. My brothers wanted a college experience near their friends and far away from our family. But it was hard for my parents to cope without my siblings. So, when it was my turn, I decided to stay in Little Rock. I also wanted to go to medical school. Strategically, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a good choice since ��Vlog��ýMS is nearby. You helped co-found the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Humanitarian Society. What is their mission? This was founded by a group of friends in the Ottenheimer Library. We were all international students, and we’d talk about what was happening around the world. We realized that awareness about some events was not in the university ecosystem. So we created this group and held bi-monthly meetings and presented in classes. For instance, during the Syrian humanitarian crisis, we sent heartfelt letters to refugee children. During the Black Lives Matter movement at our state capitol, we made signs and provided our full support. Tell us about your volunteer experience at the Harmony Health Clinic. This clinic serves the health and wellness needs of the uninsured and underserved communities. I volunteered there to test my interest in medicine. I started as a front desk receptionist the summer before college and made some great connections. This experience made me feel I was part of something bigger than myself. Following a speedy promotion to clinic coordinator, I was responsible for doctors, nurses, translators, and other staff. One time, I overslept, and everyone was waiting at the door for me at 5 a.m. It was a humbling experience, and taught me a huge lesson about responsibility. Over the years, I got to know some of the patients. I remember an elderly woman who had to be escorted to the clinic by her son. After a few months of therapy, she was able to come in by herself. We were able to help her get better! What were some of your favorite courses? Science and Society II was a course in the Donaghey Scholars program. We read about current events that covered a wide range of topics. I learned about the I-30 Crossing project in Little Rock and discovered I need to be more aware of my surroundings. Who were some of your mentors? When I interviewed for the Donaghey Scholars program, I was still undecided about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and considering other options. During the interview, Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica Scott challenged me and taught me not to confine my thinking. And Dr. Hawkins spoke to me in Arabic! What is your favorite memory of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? My friends and I would hang out on the third floor of the Ottenheimer Library. This group consisted of international students and Americans just chilling (working on class work, studying together, and even doing fun events such as bowling nights together.) Fortunately, we had a librarian friend in the group so we wouldn’t get in too much trouble for getting a little loud.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Opens Learning Commons to Provide All-Access Tutoring to Encourage Student Success

John Hill — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:20:40 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has opened a new learning center that will help students succeed by providing a convenient one-stop location for tutoring. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Learning Commons is a student-centered space that is designed to allow for inclusive learning for any student in need of tutoring assistance. It’s a 13,000-square-foot-facility located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library. Students can receive tutoring from the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring, which provides general tutoring for core courses not served by one of the other centers. All tutoring is free for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. In addition, the space also features rooms for small work groups, hang-out areas, desks, and computer workstations. “Centralizing tutoring services at the center of campus will make it more convenient for students to use them; if a student is getting help with College Algebra, they can also get help with a paper, a class presentation, or the content of a core course, all without leaving the commons,” said Dr. Daryl Rice, who coordinated the creation of the Learning Commons. “The increased visibility and buzz in the commons will help convince those who may be reluctant to ask for tutoring see that help-seeking is something successful students do as a matter of course.” The Learning Commons will continue the mission of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to help each student excel in school and in life. Whether students need to conduct research with physical or digital collections, write a paper, create and practice a presentation, or increase their knowledge and skill in math or other subjects, the Ottenheimer Library Learning Commons will provide a space where students can access the technology and expert assistance they need to succeed.

Photos of the new Learning Commons at Ottenheimer Library by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock saw a need to increase tutoring for particular courses that are not addressed directly by the existing academic assistance centers. The new general tutoring program will be funded in part as one of the new student success initiatives implemented by a $25 million anonymous donation the university received in 2020. Students may visit ualr.edu/learningcommons for hours and how to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact learningcommons@ualr.edu or call 501-916-3966.

Criollo Ventres Named Master of Public Administration Student of the Year

John Hill — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:34:53 +0000

Esthela Criollo Ventres, a recent graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has been honored as Student of the Year in the Master of Public Administration program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Receiving an award was wonderful for me, but unexpected,” Criollo Ventres said. “The university has been very supportive. I’m so grateful for my advisors, my professors, and my classmates. The program has been great.” Born and raised in El Salvador in Central America, Criollo Ventres earned a bachelor’s degree in public accounting and a master’s degree in educational technology. She worked for the Salvadoran Ministry of Education for over 15 years. In 2011, Criollo Ventres met her husband, Dr. Bill Ventres, at a restaurant on the Pacific coast. He had come to El Salvador on a Fulbright scholarship intending to stay for one year, but ended up staying for five. “When I came to Little Rock, I couldn’t speak much English,” Criollo Ventres said. “We met in El Salvador, and my husband could speak Spanish well. Five years later when we got married, I said I want to learn English and I want to get a degree in the U.S. Having a bicultural family gave me the motivation I needed.” In 2017, Criollo Ventres and her husband moved to Little Rock, and she entered the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Learning a different language as an adult is hard, and it takes time and patience,” Criollo Ventres said. “Having a supportive university has been really important. The Communications Skills Center, the IELP, and Ottenheimer Library have given me a lot of help and support.” While earning her master’s degree, Criollo Ventres has been volunteering at free or low-cost clinics that serve immigrants in Little Rock, like Harmony Health Clinic at ��Vlog��ýMS 12th Street Health and Wellness Center. “Esthela is simply amazing,” said Dr. Jerry Stevenson, professor and graduate coordinator of the MPA program. “Her graduate work has been nothing but stellar. And best of all, she is genuinely kind and giving, always willing to assist other students when needed.” After volunteering for one year at El Zócalo Immigrant Resource Center, Criollo Ventres became the organization’s health program coordinator. “El Zócalo means town square in Spanish,” Criollo Ventres said. “It works with the Mexican Consulate to provide basic needs for immigrants. We have a food pantry, provide used clothes, and serve as a resource referral center. We help immigrants access community services and navigate the system when they don’t speak English.” In her position, Criollo Ventres has seen firsthand the difficulties that immigrants face when looking for healthcare. Because of the language barrier and high cost, many immigrant families are unable to communicate with healthcare professionals and need interpreters to speak with their healthcare professionals. “In the clinics and hospitals that I work with, I am trying to help immigrants connect with their healthcare professionals,” Criollo Ventres said. “When immigrants hear someone speak in their native language, it gives them hope. In many cases, they don’t feel like they belong to this community. They feel isolated. When someone speaks their language, they feel hope and they feel better just because somebody cares. The sense of being a part of the community is a huge need.” In addition to her MPA, Criollo Ventres is finishing her studies at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to gain a graduate certificate in nonprofit organization management. She hopes to find employment locally in the public or non-for-profit sector where she can put her skills, knowledge, experience, and education to work to help people. Criollo Ventres’ long-term goal is to start an educational nonprofit in El Salvador. “Having a nonprofit in my own country is my dream for my retirement,” she said. “ I want to find a way to help people. If people in El Salvador have their basic needs met, maybe they won’t have to cross the border and put their lives in danger. This is my dream for the future.”

Ottenheimer Library prepares changes in digital resource system for improved user experience

John Hill — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:35:14 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library will unveil changes to their online resource systems on Aug. 10 that will streamline the search process and create a more seamless user experience. Ottenheimer Library currently uses a vendor called EBSCO for the electronic discovery and a system called Sierra for the physical Library Catalog. All of these platforms will soon be consolidated to a single platform called Alma/Primo. This platform will have a significantly different user interface, but will also create a more seamless and effective user experience. “We have a lot of systems in place right now, so Alma/Primo is kind of a single solution for us,” said Nicole Hensley, metadata systems manager. “It will streamline processes on our end as well as make things nicer for everybody out there.” To start, sign in will be easier as users will be able to integrate it with the campus single sign on. This will look the same, but reduce the amount of times required to sign in while searching for resources. The option will also be available to log in using Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. However, the bulk of the changes affect the actual process of finding and requesting resources through their online database. For example, one new feature is called bX Recommender. This takes the data from all the searches across every school using Primo to see how articles are related before recommending the best matches. It will also allow researchers to select a particular facet or subject within a resource and get recommendations for more targeted, related material, making for a more precise and efficient search. Chris Stewart, the discovery and metadata coordinator as well as the lead on this project, said this new feature will greatly improve the process. “The way it is now, if you want to have a comprehensive literature search for a particular topic, you might have to go in and then out of three or four separate databases,” Stewart said. “Primo will now allow us to bring all those databases together so that they will be one single search across many platforms, all with quality delivery. We prioritize full text articles so that we come as close to one click delivery as possible.” The improvements don’t stop there. It will also be easier for researchers to retrieve a resource as the changes allow the library to accept digitization requests for printed articles or a part of a physical book. Users will also be able to request that an item be held for them to make pick up quick and easy. As Stewart said, they are still in the book and shelf business so the library’s physical catalog will be kept in place. However, the online catalog was built approximately 25 years ago and has not kept up with the changes in web technology over the years. The changes being implemented allow the library to move closer to more sophisticated delivery of digital materials. “We expect that there will be a distinct post-COVID research environment,” Stewart said. “People who have come to rely on remotely accessing materials will continue to want to remotely access materials. Things like digitization requests will allow us to answer those needs for people who still want to work remotely. We love to see people in the library, but we also realize that we’re in a new day and age.” These changes will also coincide with the establishment of a Learning Commons, a space within the library where students can go for direct, one-on-one assistance from tutors or teachers. While there are still little details on this aspect at the moment, Stewart said they expect this new catalog and search function to play a part in this new program as well. “This is all about keeping our enrolled students enrolled and getting the materials that faculty need for course work into the classroom,” Stewart said. “That will also be part of the Learning Commons mission.” The library has four instructional librarians that will be providing guidance to students and faculty on the new functions available. They are already working to prepare training events both before and during the roll out of the new catalog. The librarians are also available to assist faculty with concerns about their course materials and their availability through Blackboard as the current links may change come August. “We want people to know that the library is working in the mission of student success,” Stewart said. “We thought this was a significant development toward that mission.”

Johnson Explores Economic Impact on Towns Featured in ‘Small Business Revolution’

John Hill — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:34:23 +0000

Josiah Johnson, a senior finance and economics major from Sherwood, is researching the impact on small towns that have been nominated for and featured on the TV show “Small Business Revolution.” In the TV show, an ultimate prize of $500,000 is awarded to a small town for revitalization efforts. The prize is allocated primarily to six business ventures in each winning town to renovate stores and storefronts, improve marketing strategies, and establish a brand for each small business and town. “Small Business Revolution” became well known in Arkansas when Searcy was selected as the season four winner of the Small Business Revolution Main Street Competition and the recipient of $500,000 for revitalization for six small businesses and the downtown area. Johnson is analyzing data from 59 towns that were nominated for or appeared on the show. He is utilizing the contest among small towns for a large revitalization award to study the spillover effects and general efficacy of small business initiatives in small towns. The project compares and quantifies the impact of the award on various economic outcomes of winning towns relative to non-winning nominees. Johnson was awarded first place in the Economics Division for his project, “Estimating the Impact of Small Businesses on Crime in the Local Community,” at the 2021 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Research and Creative Works Expo. Johnson received a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Signature Experience Award to help fund his research. Johnson also received the 2021 Karen M. Russ Memorial Award for Excellence in Research and a $500 scholarship. The award is named in honor of Karen Russ, who worked as the research and community engagement librarian in Ottenheimer Library when she passed away in 2017. “I knew I wanted to look at small businesses and how to improve them,” Johnson said. “My mentor, Dr. Rhet Smith, and I came up with the idea of studying the impact of being on the show. Being on ‘Small Business Revolution’ has a distinct, instant impact for the towns. We wanted to know what happened to towns that win compared to towns that don’t.” Johnson is examining data that includes but is not limited to sales tax receipts from the Internal Revenue Service, gross domestic product from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and local employment and wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the second phase of research, Johnson collected crime data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program to explore the second-order effect of the investment on crime. “If there is economic growth, is there an effect on crime?” Johnson said. “For example, if there are more people on Main Street, there could be an increase in pickpocketing. However, perhaps more eyes on the street or more employment opportunities would deter and prevent criminal activity. Preliminary results suggest that winning towns experience relatively fewer property crimes suggesting that investments in small businesses and main street revitalization initiatives can have larger impacts than strictly economic ones. They can potentially be a creative method of crime reduction. ” Johnson, who is also a market research assistant in the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, is expanding his research as part of his final project for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. After he graduates in December, Johnson plans to work in economic research and publish the results of his research in an academic journal next year. He said the results of his project will be of interest to investors and policy makers looking into developing small business initiatives and programs in the future.

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

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

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

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

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

Chambers wins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student mural competition

John Hill — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 13:33:22 +0000

Emma Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, has won the first student mural competition at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “I was really excited that I won the mural contest,” Chambers said. “I hoped that I would get it because I believed in myself and my painting.” The Student Government Association, in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Building and Grounds committee, created the mural contest open to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. Chambers received more than 750 votes for her design of swimming koi fish. Chambers will paint the mural that will be placed on the west side of the Ottenheimer Library Lobby entrance. It will be eight feet wide and 16 feet long. She will receive $1,000 to complete the mural, including $150 for support materials, $650 for preparation, construction materials, and cleanup, as well as a $200 artist stipend. “I am really into painting fish, especially koi fish,” Chambers said. “I grew up with a koi pond, and I’ve always been interested in the form of the fish. It’s very graceful. I wanted to provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation. I wanted something that would be calming and pleasant for students.” Chambers said she also drew inspiration for her design from the koi fish mural in downtown Little Rock that was painted by Matt McLeod and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. Chambers is working with Ricky Sikes, artist-in-residence of painting, Peter Scheidt, assistant professor of furniture and woodworking, and Thomas Clifton, chair of the Department of Art and Design.

Emma Chambers’ winning design for the student mural competition

She is a Little Rock native and member of the Donaghey Scholars Honor Program. In addition to the BFA, she is earning minors in applied design-ceramics and Spanish. After she graduates in spring 2022, Chambers plans to attend graduate school to further her study of ceramics or open an art studio. Chambers will complete the mural by April 30, and Chancellor Christina Drale will preside over the unveiling in May. A specific date for the unveiling ceremony will be forthcoming.

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