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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Wins $4,500 on Wheel of Fortune

John Hill — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:41:34 +0000

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student won $4,500 after fulfilling her childhood dream of competing on “Wheel of Fortune.” Alyssa Fawbush, a senior double majoring in psychology and nursing, appeared during iconic College Week, which brings together college students from across the country to participate in a week of episodes honoring higher education. The Sherwood native watched the show air on Thanksgiving night at a watch party in her grandmother’s home in Sherwood where she was surrounded by her family, friends, and fiancé. “It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I never thought I would end up being on the show. I remember my grandma always talked about Vanna White’s dresses. Whenever Vanna would walk back and forth on stage, I remember thinking that she had flowers on her dress and that my grandma would love that. I don’t remember every detail about the game, but I do remember what Vanna’s dress looked like.” Fawbush came in second place and took home a total of $4,500 after solving two puzzles. She hit some tough competition in the form of fellow contestant Noah Stockwell, a student at the University of Pittsburgh who competed in the final round. “I did the best I could given my circumstances,” she said. “Noah was a sweetheart and a very hard player. I had some really bad luck because I hit bankrupt twice, and that didn’t happen to anyone else. It was about my gameplay, and I did well with what I was able to do.” Fawbush received an overwhelming amount of support from a community of people who shared in the excitement of her game show appearance. “All of my friends and family were super excited,” she said. “My entire high school knew about ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and said they were going to watch. After my episode aired, I got so many messages from people. When I went Black Friday shopping the next day, I got so many weird looks. I was wearing my college sweatshirt, and people would come up to me and tell me they saw me on TV last night.” Fawbush filmed the episode in August during the first week of classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. On the way home from Los Angeles, Fawbush and her family made a stop in Las Vegas, where her boyfriend, Layne Sikes, a 2020 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, proposed at Bellagio Hotel and Casino. She will graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in December 2023. Afterwards, she plans to complete her master’s degree and work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Fawbush is encouraging other students who dream of being on “Wheel of Fortune” to submit their applications soon for consideration to be on the next College Week, which will air in March 2023. “They are actually looking for contestants to compete in College Week Spring Break,” Fawbush said. “What they look for is people that are going to have fun, be a good sport, and make an experience out of it.”

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Chaney Callahan

John Hill — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:53:13 +0000

In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling some of its outstanding first-generation students. Chaney Callahan is a senior psychology major from Bryant, Arkansas. What does it mean to you to be a first-generation student? To be a first-generation student is very special to me. It means I am a motivated woman who wants to make a difference with her education and career field. It also means that I am doing something most people don’t get the chance to do, so I am blessed beyond measure. How did your family react when you told them you wanted to go to college? My family was very supportive of my choice to attend college. They continue to help me to this day in whatever way they can. What made you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I wasn’t ready to leave home just yet at such a young age. I also felt that there was a certain kind of magic here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and I believe I can do my best to make a difference on this campus. What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue education by obtaining my master’s degree in social work. Then, my next stop is my doctoral degree unless I find a program where I can obtain a master’s and doctoral degree at the same time. Do you have any advice for future first-generation students? If something is meant for you, then it will be for you. Everything you want and need is already yours. You just have to claim it. Is there anything else you’d like to add? I come from a very rough background of living in foster care. I never thought that I would choose a good path and attend college and have the amazing people that I do in my life. The people in my life now have taught me hope, love and true happiness. Always remember to be mindful and kind no matter what is done to you. Don’t let anyone or anything change the good in you.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student to Compete During Wheel of Fortune’s College Week on Thanksgiving

John Hill — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:15:45 +0000

The first week of school for Alyssa Fawbush, a senior double majoring in psychology and nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has turned into the most eventful week of the college student’s life. The Sherwood native not only got the chance to fulfill her childhood dream of competing on “,” but she also got engaged on the trip home. You can watch Fawbush represent ��Vlog��ý Little Rock at 6:30 p.m. on KATV Channel 7 on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24! “I used to watch it with my grandpa growing up, and we would always try to figure out the puzzles,” she said. “I always wanted to be on ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ but I didn’t think it would happen.” Her journey to the wheel started in January after she submitted an online application with the encouragement of a supporter. “I used to work in senior care. A lot of our older clients would watch ‘Wheel of Fortune’ at home, and I had a lady tell me that I should be on the show,” Fawbush said. “I sent in a picture and a video explaining why I thought I should be on the show. I didn’t hear anything for months. The same week I started a new job in Sherwood as a preschool therapist, I heard that I got to move to an audition.” Fawbush participated in an online audition in May and was selected to participate during iconic College Week, which brings together college students from across the country to participate in a week of episodes honoring higher education. “I filmed the episode during my first week of classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in August, so I was doing my first week of classes virtually from Los Angeles,” she said. “We got to see the set of ‘Jeopardy’ while they did our makeup and we rehearsed. The whole experience was really fun. I can say it’s a lot different when you are up there versus watching from home. The wheel is very heavy. It takes a lot of strength to spin.” While preparation for the show took hours, Fawbush said the taping of the episode was less than half an hour. “It was the fastest 20 minutes of our lives!” she said. “When I wasn’t playing, I was in the audience. We taped about six shows that day, and I got to watch all the other College Week shows being filmed. College Week is super cool. I got to know a handful of college students from around the country and play with them.” On the way home from Los Angeles, Fawbush and her family made a stop in Las Vegas, where her boyfriend, Layne Sikes, a 2020 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, proposed at Bellagio Hotel and Casino. “It was an eventful trip!” Fawbush said. “Layne was pretty relaxed about it. I knew he was thinking about proposing, but I had no idea he had taken a ring with us on this trip.” Overall, she is thankful to the crew at Sony Pictures Entertainment for giving her the experience of a lifetime! “This was the most fun I’ve ever had and absolutely a dream come true!” Fawbush said. “Vanna White and Pat Sajak are sweethearts and are both really nice. The whole crew at Sony Pictures is really awesome, and I loved getting to meet them. They also let us keep our name badges, which was cool.” In the upper photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student Alyssa Fawbush competes on “Wheel of Fortune.” Photo credit: Carol Kaelson/Wheel of Fortune®/© 2022 Califon Productions, Inc. ARR.

Lea Named Communications Director for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

John Hill — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:13:37 +0000

Sadie Lea has been selected as the new director of communications and public relations for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “We are thrilled that Sadie is joining us to fulfill this vital communications role within CHASSE,” Dean Sarah Beth Estes said. “Given her experience in communications and journalism and her passion for student success, we know she will help us tremendously in our ability to tell the story of CHASSE.” In this role, Lea will work with the units in CHASSE and liaise with the Office of Communications and Marketing to launch strategic communications and marketing plans for the college. Her responsibilities also include writing, design, and editorial duties as well as leading social media efforts on behalf of CHASSE. CHASSE is the home of a wide variety of departments and schools that are preparing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students for successful careers. These include the Schools of Literary and Performing Arts, Human Inquiry, Education, Public Affairs and Mass Communication, and Departments of History, Psychology, Applied Communication, Art and Design, Rhetoric and Writing and World Languages. The college also hosts a number of centers and programs that support the Little Rock community and educational outreach efforts, including ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, the Center for Literacy, Extended Education, the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio, and University Television. Lea joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from the publishing industry, where she worked in the editorial book group at Andrews McMeel Universal in Kansas City, Missouri. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in publishing management and a master’s degree in journalism, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is looking forward to getting involved in the university and Little Rock community. “I have known since my undergraduate career that I would one day love to return to work in higher education,” Lea said. “I am happy to be a part of the Trojan family.”

��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 Welcomes New Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Members

John Hill — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:13:07 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced its new class of Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) members for the 2021-2022 academic year.�� The CLC is a leadership development program that provides a student-centered experience focused on leadership building, academic success, and cultivates an environment dedicated to service-learning that will positively impact the community. CLC Scholars receive a financial package totaling up to $32,000 through a four-year renewable scholarship. CLC is the oldest and largest program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Dr. Dorothy Truex started the program in 1976 with just 17 scholars. Corrigan Revels, CLC coordinator, now oversees the CLC program.�� Members of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. In addition to their academic work, CLC students volunteer for community service and service-learning projects on campus and in the community. They also participate in one professional or personal development program per academic year. CLC students are heavily involved with the running of the Trojan Food Pantry and Trojan Career Closet.��

New freshmen members of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and their CLC student leaders.

New members of the 2021-2022 CLC Scholars and their high schools and majors, if decided, include:

Asad Abu-halimeh, LISA Academy West
Jacob Adams, Bentonville High School, construction management
Syed Ahmad, Valley View High School, biology
Raafia Ali, Little Rock Central High School, psychology
Joel Allen, Erath High School, K-12 health and physical education
Lara Alsader, Allen High School, nursing
Cougar Anderson, Skiatook High School
Jaxson Anderson, Greenbrier High School
Allison Andreassen, Stilwell High School, art history and education
Maria Avalos, Hall High School, nursing
Austin Bailey, Arkansas Christian Academy, electronics and computer engineering technology
Zanaisha Banks, Germantown High School, pre-medicine
Zanautica Barker, Hope High School, psychology
Jason Beason, Sheridan High School, psychology
Lance Beckman, White Hall High School, nursing
Tabana Bode-Palma, Danville High School, nursing
Braeden Botts, Cabot High School, marketing
Ashlynn Brooks, Maumelle High School, management
Chole Buse, Benton High School, student art and design
Jaelle Carlson, engineering
Reece Carter, Mayflower High School, pre-medicine
Karen Cells, Star City High School, pre-law
Malorie Chaney, Paragould High School, psychology
Chandra Daniels, Jacksonville High School
Emily Davis, Vilonia High School, anthropology
Diana Diaz, Little Rock Central High School, pre-medicine
Cole Dwyer, Arkansas Connections Academy, biology
Omar Eldenawi, Little Rock Central High School
Julia Elliott, Benton High School, business
Devin Ellison, El Dorado High School, business
Michael Fells, Little Rock Central High School, criminal justice
Anna Fetherston, North Little Rock High School, pre-medicine
Jordan Fisher, Rison High School, electronics and computer engineering technology
Abigail Gavina, Waldron High School, criminal justice
Stephanie Giblin, Watson Chapel High School, pre-law
Issac Gonzalez, Maumelle High School computer science
Stephen Graham, music
Mohammed Hamwi, LISA Academy West, pre-medicine
Hayden Henderson, Sheridan High School, pre-health
Olivia Henderson, biology
Melina Hernandez, LISA Academy North, social work
Abigail Hickman, Mayflower High School, nursing
Chloe Hines, North Little Rock High School
Tamara Howard, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, communication sciences and disorders
John Hubbel, Blue Valley Southwest High School, health education and promotion
Camryn Jacobs, Longview High School, pre-health
Lucy Jahn, Winter Park High School, business
Lauryn Johnson, North Little Rock High School
Alyssa Joseph, North Little Rock High School, psychology
Victoria Macull, LISA Academy West, pre-pharmacy
Aastha Mahajan, Little Rock Central High School, computer science
Brady Mansfield, Bauxite High School, mechanical engineering technology
Graydon Martin, Arkansas High School, criminal justice
Aryam Martinez, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, pre-physician assistant
Taniya Mason, Jacksonville High School, biology
Kaira Matthews, Parkers Chapel High School, chemistry
Jacob McArthur, Bryant High School, computer science
Amanda Mcfarland, North Little Rock High School, geology
Logan Mcmillan, Star City High School, psychology
Ghory McNutt, Maumelle High School, mechanical engineering technology
Keiyawnna Miller, El Dorado High School, criminal justice
Ashlynn Mitchell, Sylvan Hills High School, civil and construction engineering
Sara Mohammed, White Hall High School, pre-medicine
Alyshia “Oda” Morton, Atkins High School
Nathalie Murphy, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, nursing
Destiny Nagle, Danville High School, nursing
Charneshia Nelson, Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School, psychology
Rian Newman, Barton High School, criminal justice
Christopher Ocana-Luna, Bryant High School, mechanical engineering technology
Sierra Owens, Cabot High School, nursing
Kevin Pacheco Escobar, Little Rock Central High School, mechanical engineering technology
Xander Parker, Little Rock Central High School, pre-physician assistant
Mariah Perkins, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, theater arts
Zora Perry, Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School, nursing
Lauren Pieniazkiewicz, Saint Joseph High School pre-veterinary medicine
Madison Popa, Southside High School, interpretation
Shaelyn Pouncil, Alpena High School, psychology
Kodi Prather, Beebe High School, pre-law
Malia Preston, Sylvan Hills High School, health education and promotion
Pamela Rodriquez, LISA Academy West
Alaina Rogers, Lonoke High School, accounting
Gabriela Romero, Jacksonville High School
Caitlin Romprey, Desert Hills High School
Stephanie Sandoval, Decatur High School, criminal justice
Jack Schlotter, Mount Ida High School political science
Paige Siegler, Cabot High School, biology
Jasanpreet Singh, North Little Rock High School, biology
William Somers, Baptist Preparatory School, business
Ethan Sorrels, Union High School, biology
Jayden Sprout, Arkansas Christian Academy, interpretation
Ivy Sutterfield, Atkins High School, marketing
Devin Trammell, Center Grove High School, health education and promotion
Sylvan Umerah, Little Rock Central High School, nursing
Hollee Wadley, Bryant High School, biology
Makayla Washington, Little Rock Southwest High School middle childhood education
Saraih Weeks, Idabel High School, special education
Colton West, Bauxite High School, mechanical engineering technology
Christian Woods, Sheridan High School, pre-law
Lawren Worthy, Little Rock Central High School, biology

Earning bachelor’s degree puts ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employee one step closer to fulfilling childhood dream

John Hill — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 18:14:33 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock employee has completed her bachelor’s degree and is one step closer to fulfilling her childhood goal of becoming an advocate for the elderly. Cadence Baize, an administrative analyst in the Facilities Management office at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in sociology. A native of New York City, Baize said she is thrilled to complete her college degree after previously attending colleges in New York and Wyoming after she graduated from Aquinas High School in 1992. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is not the first college I’ve attended, but it has become my home, not just with my job but as a student. It’s basically my home to me in every way,” Baize said. “I am happy to be graduating. It feels satisfying that I am finally done. I’ve been pursuing this off and on for a very long time. It’s great to see an end to this where I have checked it off my list.” She is also celebrating the fact that she will graduate during the same academic year as her son, Aaron Garcia, who will graduate from eStem High School in May 2021. “I think my son is happy that I am graduating,” Baize said. “I think he definitely wants me to do it before he enters college. I think he appreciates that I am pursuing this, and I have persisted with my goals.” At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Baize is an active member of Staff Senate and the Golf FEST Tournament, which provides scholarships for Facilities Management employees. She is a past recipient of the Facilities Management Scholarship, and her co-workers are impressed by her hard work and dedication to her education. “Cadence is a wonderful, hardworking, invaluable member of the Facilities Management team,” said David Millay, associate vice chancellor of facilities management. “I am so proud of her for pursuing her degree, and I know we will all benefit from her diligence. As well as handling her day-to-day workload and her classwork, she provides tremendous support of our scholarship tournament, our annual holiday luncheon, and serves on many committees. Cadence personifies the concept inherent in our scholarship program and I know she will go on to a wonderful career.” Now that she’s completed her undergraduate degree, Baize has no plans to slow down her academic pursuits and has applied for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology in the spring 2021 semester. The Gerontology Program focuses not only on skills needed to work with aging individuals and their families but also with the greater social issues that impact older adults. Following the graduate certificate, Baize plans to complete the Master of Social Work program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and become a social worker that advocates for the elderly. “I’ve always felt drawn to the elderly, a connection I guess you would say,” Baize said. “Even as a child, I would go to nursing homes and sit and talk to the elderly. I’m drawn toward making sure they are living the best life that they can. I care that they have all the opportunities that they should. That matters to me.” Baize is most thankful for her fellow Facilities Management employees, who have helped her achieve her dream of a college degree. “Here in my department at Facilities Management, it’s been an amazing experience,” Baize said. “Everyone is supportive and encourages you to advance yourself and to grow. That is something you don’t find everywhere. In their own way, everyone here has been so encouraging like David Millay and Shanna Fitzgerald. Everyone encourages you to pursue your education and to move up. I would have to say this department in general has been that.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad looks forward to career in tech industry, starting orphanage

John Hill — Thu, 21 May 2020 13:26:27 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate is looking forward to a future in the tech industry, followed by fulfilling her lifelong goal of helping children.�� Mariam Bouzihay, of Jonesboro, has graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in information technology.�� In the fall, she will attend the New York University Tandon School of Engineering in the Management of Technology program to study user experience and interface design. The program is designed for college graduates and professionals who aim to make a difference in a world where economic and social advancement is increasingly dependent on integrating technology and business. Her lifelong goal, after establishing a career in the tech industry, is to open an orphanage. “My ultimate goal is to open an orphanage, but I want to have a career first,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I feel if people had that one person who was there for them that they could achieve so much. A child needs a support system, so I want to be there for those children and help others.” Bouzihay’s decision to come to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a family affair. Her older sister, Nora, attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar, so, naturally, Bouzihay was intrigued. She has been an active participant in the EAST Scholarship Program at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro and wanted to continue that at her university. After being accepted as an EAST Scholar, Bouzihay has been involved in a number of community service activities. “As an EAST Scholar, you teach yourself technology skills, and you put them to use to create a service project to help your community,” she said. “During my sophomore year, I worked with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. We created an after-school EAST program at Wakefield Elementary, where the students created designs for their dream playground. During my junior and senior years, I helped plan events and get volunteers for the STEM Education Center, so I coordinated events like the robotics competitions, community engineering nights, and girls coding competition.”�� Throughout her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Bouzihay has had some amazing experiences that make her stand out. She was a fellow in the Career Connections Powered by Facebook program, served as a strategic communications intern for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center of Mental Health Law in Washington, D.C., as well as an events and donor relations intern at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Last year, Bouzihay was one of 10 U.S. college students selected for the Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies cultural immersion program in Qatar. Bouzihay traveled to Qatar to learn about the country’s culture, society, and economics, as well as government priorities, concerns, and needs as pertaining to Qatari-U.S. relations. “My favorite off-campus college experience was going to Qatar,” she said. “It was exciting to meet with different diplomats and consulates. We were guests of the government, and we learned about the culture and met other students and professors from the U.S. who shared the experience. We experienced things that most students will never get to see.” Her favorite on-campus experiences included being involved in activities that made a difference to the university and the community, like serving as president of the Model Arab League and the Student Alumni Board as well as serving as the chief of staff and public relations officer for the Student Government Association. “My best on-campus experience is creating connections with people and being able to give back to the university,” Bouzihay said. “I love ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I think it’s Arkansas’s best kept secret. We have so many amazing programs, and I’ve been glad to help grow and shine some light on these programs. Since my freshman year, I’ve wanted to make changes on this campus, and that has pushed me to succeed. SGA helped me gain connections on campus, like being on the reaccreditation steering committee, and learning how things work in higher education.”�� Bouzihay was thankful to a number of mentors who helped her succeed during her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “My biggest mentor is Rebecca Glazier, since I was in Model Arab League. She opened a lot of doors, and that is why I went to Qatar,” Bouzihay said. “Sandra Leitermann at the STEM Education Center has also been an inspiration to me. I really look up to her. I work very closely with Kristi Smith and Samantha Wiley in the Bailey Alumni Center in my job as a communications intern. They have given me great opportunities to grow and advice.” As someone who participated in the Upward Bound college preparation program, Bouzihay knows the importance of having a good mentor, which is why she decided to serve as a mentor to students in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy and the Student Affairs Success Initiatives. “I saw how important it was to have positive mentors and have someone to relate to you,” she said. “I always wanted to give back, especially since the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy and the Student Affairs Success Initiatives focused on minority students. Some people just need one person to listen and help them. Anyone can be a mentor, but it takes a lot to be a positive mentor. I’m a first-generation student, so I know what it’s like and how to help new students navigate the system.” While looking back at her college career at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Bouzihay is grateful for the journey that has left her with a lifetime of exciting memories. “It was a learning experience. It opened doors I didn’t think would be possible or even existed,” she said. “It showed me the importance of giving back to the university and, no matter what, to give it your all. Without ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I wouldn’t have had the experiences I’ve had or met the people I have. I thank ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for that. I’m excited to move on to new experiences and use what I’ve learned these past four years.”

GRAD��Vlog��ýTE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ON CHRISTY CRAWFORD

John Hill — Mon, 11 May 2020 13:21:49 +0000

Christy Crawford, a mother of four grown children and grandmother of two, will graduate magna cum laude in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in social work. She will start graduate school this fall in the Master of Counseling program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. In the future, she would like to work as a licensed professional counselor in Arkansas.�� Tell us a little bit about yourself. I raised three daughters and a son (mostly as a single parent) who are now grown, and all of them have college degrees. One daughter has her master’s degree in nursing, and another daughter is a teacher in the LRSD, and is also an alumni of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. My son has a degree in construction management, and my youngest daughter will graduate in December with a degree in psychology. My stepson just finished his master’s degree in engineering last May. While I will always be a mom first, I’m ready to start the career phase of my life. When my children got older, I got back into tennis. That’s where I met my husband for the second time almost eight years ago, and we’ve been happily married for over six years. The first time we met I was a junior tennis player at Southwest Tennis Center, and he was my coach. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? After being a realtor for seven years, I wanted to switch to a career in a behavioral health profession. I got a job at the Center for Youth and Families (CYF) after starting in psychology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. My program manager at CYF suggested the social work program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I was accepted into the Social Work program and this is where I completed my minor. After much deliberation, I switched back to psychology this past summer as a college senior. I applied with an antiquated transcript on cardstock from a little private school that no longer exists. Fortunately, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock still had my little high school in their records! When I took the college entrance exam, I tested out of English Composition I and II because I had done a lot of reading and writing as a hobby and even had a couple of articles published.�� I completed my bachelor’s degree at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 5 ½ years, taking both online and on-campus classes, while balancing work and home life. During this time, three of my grown�� children got married, several graduated from college, one started college, and I became a mamaw times two.

Christy Crawford

What teachers inspired you? My math teacher Melissa Hardemann made quantitative math and reasoning fun, and I had not taken math for 30 years since high school. She made it easy to learn new concepts and relearn old ones. Dr. Carol Thompson in Applied Communications and Dr. Heidi Skurat in Rhetoric and Writing were great influences. Dr. Michael Simon, my teacher in abnormal psychology, worked at the state hospital for 30 years and provided lots of hands-on experience. Dr. Elvon Chris Lloyd from the Social Work Department was the ultimate statistics teacher and set me up for success transitioning back to a degree in psychology.�� What advice would you give to future students? Just get started. People get overwhelmed because they think they can’t get in, can’t pay for it, and then they get discouraged. You may start out and have difficulties because you took too many classes and got overloaded. Don’t give up. Try to find a way. Look for classes that work for you.�� Find positive quotes about education that encourage you. There are so many more opportunities with a college degree. I’ve worked at three different jobs while I was a single mom because I had to make ends meet. I got tired of not having the ability to choose what I wanted to do. That’s why all of my children have college degrees, because they saw their mother struggle.�� What do you plan to do after graduation? Enjoy my break before I start graduate school in the fall. I have two grandbabies I haven’t been able to hug or hold since mid-March because of COVID-19. Hopefully, this social distancing will taper off so I can hold them again, and we can get together as a family. Right now, I can only wave to them from a distance, and it is very hard. The other day I got a call from my daughter’s phone, and it was my three-year-old granddaughter just wanting to say, “Hey.” That is just the best thing ever! This story was compiled by Toni Boyer-Stewart.

Great-grandmother earns bachelor’s degree after leaving high school at 15

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 10 May 2019 12:41:07 +0000

At age 15, Vickie Austin left high school in Wynne, Arkansas, after becoming pregnant with her first child, though she always intended to finish her education.�� Fast forward 41 years, and Austin, 61, will graduate May 11 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in psychology and a strong desire to help others. In the fall, she will begin a master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, but Austin doesn’t intend to wait until she finishes her master’s degree to start helping others. “As I work on my master’s degree, I want to do some things with my bachelor’s degree,” Austin said. “I really want to focus on volunteering. My concern is with children and older citizens, but my passion is helping the entire family.” The mother of four, grandmother of 10, and great-grandmother of one developed a deep desire to help troubled families. She will also do some volunteering with people living in nursing homes after her younger sister spent three years living in a nursing home while she fought breast cancer. “I talked to a lot of the other nursing home residents. One man told me that my sister was lucky to have siblings who visited her so often. He had brothers and sisters who lived within 35 miles, and they never visited him,” she said. “I’m concerned about helping people. I may not be the person who can make decisions for the people living in nursing homes, but I can still be there to listen.” After raising her children on her own and babysitting many grandchildren, Austin’s return to education started in 2008. At age 50, she left the only town she ever lived in to move to Little Rock to enroll in the Little Rock School District’s Adult Education program, a move that served as a large inspiration to her family. “Our mother decided it was time to put herself first and set out to accomplish everything that others told her she wouldn’t be able to because of being a teen mother, high school dropout, and being legally blind,” said La’Tasha Ursery, Austin’s daughter. “It wasn’t easy for her in the beginning. Once she got the swing of being in school, she got access to larger print items and anything that could help with her eyesight. She began to soar in the program and overcome barriers she had been denied.” Once her oldest grandchild entered high school, Austin decided she wanted to finish her long-term goal of earning her GED certificate before her grandchild graduated. �� “Everyone in my family had a high school diploma, even my mom. It was a struggle, but I did everything I could to make sure my kids got a high school diploma,” she said. “I had a grandson in high school, and I told him I was going to finish high school before him. I got my GED in 2010, and he graduated high school in 2011.” Although she originally intended to just get her GED, Austin saw the value in pursuing higher education. She received her associate degree from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in 2014 before enrolling at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, where three of her four children went to college. “A high school diploma was all I was looking for, and, Lord, look at me now,” Austin said. “There are a lot of people my age who think they are too old to go back and get a GED, and I had friends who told me I was too old to get my GED, but I made it.” While at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Austin said she was particularly inspired by Dr. David Briscoe, a professor of sociology who encouraged her to major in sociology. “He inspired me to go into sociology,” she said. “I’m concerned about family matters, people who have been abused, and people affected by crime. Dr. Briscoe is the one who told me that if you look at everyone as a person who has feelings and needs, you learn how to communicate better.”

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