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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Participates in Institute on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Centers

John Hill — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:20:34 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is one of 75 higher education institutions across the country that has been chosen by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to participate in the . A team of employees from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the City of Little Rock attended a virtual training June 21-24 to learn the TRHT framework and create an action plan to create a new TRHT Campus Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is the only Arkansas university that participated in this year’s training. In addition to the University of Arkansas, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will be the second Arkansas university to create a TRHT Campus Center. The team consisted of Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, Amber Jackson, equity program manager for the City of Little Rock, Rebecca Feldmann, assistant professor of clinical education at William H. Bowen School of Law, Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students, and Michael Johnson, director of development and external relations. The TRHT Campus Center Initiative Training prepares the next generation of leaders and thinkers to break down racial hierarchies and to dismantle the belief in a hierarchy of human value. The program is based on five pillars – narrative change, racial healing and relationship building, separation, law, and economy. Each center implements its own visionary action plan, based on the TRHT framework, to promote racial healing through campus-community engagement. “The growing importance of, and the need for, truth-telling, narrative change, and racial healing is evident by the number of institutions that elected to attend the institute,” said Tia Brown McNair, AAC&U vice president for diversity, equity, and student success and executive director for the TRHT Campus Centers. “We remain humbled that our colleagues continue to partner with us on this effort to build more just and equitable institutions and communities.” In preparation of applying to be accepted for TRHT training by AAC&U, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock team members consulted with TRHT Campus Center employees at the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. Institutions were selected based on their vision for their Campus Center, the demonstrated commitment of leaders on campus and in the community to the goals of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation framework, and their ability to provide evidence for the need of a Campus Center in their community. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock has a strong history and commitment to using and leveraging data to assess problems and how they might manifest themselves within the community and on campus,” Montague said. “A more recent 2021 Campus Climate survey of faculty, students, and staff revealed some disheartening, but poignant information about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on campus. We have a diverse student body, and we want to have something that reflects Little Rock’s important history in the civil rights movement. Our hope is for the center to serve as a catalyst for various campus and community initiatives.” The Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center training and network is administered through the American Association of Colleges & Universities in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation. In partnership with the City of Little Rock, the campus center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will use truth, racial healing, and transformation as a means to change both the city and university’s cultural competency. “We are excited to participate in this Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation training and support the work of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock team as they engage their campus community in the critical work of DEI,” Jackson said. The center’s mission is to deepen the community engagement footprint by strategically strengthening our commitment to robust economic development, social justice, and an increased focus on BIPOC student and faculty recruitment and retention. “We want people to come together to share their lived experiences, no matter what that may be,” said Dr. Melvin Beavers, the Chancellor’s DEI fellow. “The center creates a safe place for people to talk about race and racism where people won’t be judged.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni begin endowed scholarship to help students who have lost loved ones because of domestic or gun violence

John Hill — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:00:55 +0000

A pair of University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates have made a donation of $30,000 to start a scholarship for students who have lost loved ones due to domestic or gun violence. Cedric and Arleshia Jones, owners of Altruistic Group, Inc., have wanted to start a scholarship to benefit students at their alma mater for years, but the March death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, was the event that made the Altruistic Group Endowed Scholarship a reality. “The Altruistic Group was motivated to action in the wake of the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others whose deaths have brought to light the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for racial justice and equality, as well as victims who have died as a result of domestic or gun violence,” Cedric and Arleshia Jones said. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Altruistic Group Endowed Scholarship, which is named after the couple’s first independent insurance agency in Little Rock, will be available for undergraduate students who have lost a parent, legal guardian, or sibling due to domestic violence or gun violence. The new scholarship can be used for any education-related expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. “When I received a message from Cedric about establishing a scholarship, I could tell how passionate he and Arleshia were about helping ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who have been impacted by domestic or gun violence,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development. “Each incident of those who were killed as a result of racial injustice was a call to action for them to make a difference at their alma mater for students in need.” The generous donation is something that will make a difference for students and show alumni how they can help their alma mater. “This is truly an altruistic action that will positively impact the lives of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students,” said Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students. “We have some phenomenal students and alumni of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I am always excited to see alumni give back to their alma mater and know the recipients will pay it forward.” Cedric and Arleshia Jones live in Little Rock and have three children, Cedric, Jr., Ceth, and Addison. “We had been thinking of giving back to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for a while, and this was the call to action that we needed,” Cedric Jones said. “This scholarship embodies what our company model stands for, which is devotion to the welfare of others.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni Cedric and Arleshia Jones are making a gift to the university to create a scholarship for college students who have been affected by gun and domestic violence. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold Oct. 5 grand opening for Starbucks

John Hill — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:52:46 +0000

A coffee shop is a staple of college life, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a grand opening for the university’s new Starbucks at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5. The event can also be watched via Instagram Live @��Vlog��ýLRdining.�� Starbucks will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the Old Student Union A building behind Cooper Fountain. Starbucks held a soft opening the week of Sept. 28. “Students, staff, and faculty have been enjoying the atmosphere and ambiance as well as Starbucks coffee and other products,” said Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students. “Once you walk into the building and see the view of Cooper Fountain, you can’t beat it. I think this will be a transformational space for gatherings and recruitment on campus.”�� The new Starbucks is part of a series of renovations to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Dining completed by Sodexo. Construction on the new Starbucks began in May and was completed in September.

Zakrzewski named 2020 Whitbeck Memorial Award winner

John Hill — Thu, 21 May 2020 09:10:53 +0000

This year’s president of the Student Government Association not only captured the hearts and minds of the student body of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, but her impressive achievements during her ��Vlog��ý Little Rock career also earned her the 2020 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award.�� Katie Zakrzewski, a Donaghey Scholar from North Little Rock, earned the top graduate award while double majoring in criminal justice and anthropology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. In the fall, she will begin the criminal justice graduate program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck established the award in memory of their son, Edward Lynn Whitbeck, who was a senior at Little Rock University, the predecessor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, at the time of his death in 1965. Each scholar receives a personalized plaque and a monetary award. “I still can’t believe that I won,” she said. “A lot of my friends also applied, and I honest to God thought that one of my best friends won. This is pretty amazing!” Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students, described Zakrzewski as an exceptional student leader with a strong record of service.�� “As advisor for SGA, she has been an asset to the organization and has used her skills to advocate for the student body, subsequently enhancing the student experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Harper said. “She has tirelessly volunteered and coordinated numerous community service programs and events within each organization she has been involved in and is identified as one of our top student leaders at the university. I have no doubt she will continue these endeavors and make the global community a better place for all.” In addition to SGA, Zakrzewski also served as president of the Criminal Justice Society and president of the Anthropology Club. She helped restart the College Republicans group on campus and was vice president. Zakrzewski said some people are surprised to learn that she is a conservative who advocates for climate change and environmental issues, which are considered liberal issues, but she’s very passionate about helping the environment. In 2019, she interned with Audubon Arkansas to campaign for the passing of the Solar Access Bill. “In October of 2019, my efforts as a conservative concerned about the environment caught the attention of the bipartisan organization, Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), who covered all of my expenses in order to travel to Washington, D.C. and lobby for United States House Resolution 763, calling for carbon pricing,” she said. “I personally met with U.S. Senator Cotton, U.S. Senator Boozman, and U.S. Congressman Hill to discuss bipartisan environmental solutions.” While she is active in multiple student organizations, Zakrzewski is also passionate about helping the community. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Girls of Promise, Fair Park Early Childhood Center, Arkansas Hospice, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Be the Match bone marrow drive. “Katie is passionate about climate change and works to help make changes on campus and on a larger scale,” said Dr. Kathryn King, assistant professor of anthropology. “At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she spearheaded a campaign to make student dining greener by introducing reusable materials and reducing the use of disposable plastics. Katie is active in the local community as well. Katie never shies away from service whenever she sees a need. She strives to make the lives of those around her better.” Last year, Zakrzewski had two opportunities to study abroad. She studied death in the Basque culture while studying abroad in San Sebastian, Spain. Additionally, she traveled to Morocco to compete in the International Model Arab League Conference. Zakrzewski has lived much of her life by the motto, “Be the change you want to see.” For future students to be successful, she said they must be active in making the world a better place. “If you don’t like the way something is, don’t run away. Change it,” she said. “I’m very much of the opinion that taking charge and working to fix things is key. If any student wants to be successful at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, they are going to have to get involved.”

Graduating associate dean says ‘it’s all about the students’

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 17 May 2019 13:10:21 +0000

A well-known associate dean at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock said he is looking forward to helping the “most important people on campus” after completing his college education. Richard Harper II, associate dean of students, graduated May 11 with a Doctor of Education in higher education administration. He wears many hats on campus, serving as the immediate past president of Staff Senate and the advisor to the Student Government Association. �� “Now that graduation is over, I plan to continually live by my professional motto,” he said. “I’m here to positively impact the lives of students. The other motto I live by is that students are the most important people on campus. Without them, there would be no purpose for us to be here. I will continue to advocate for students and make sure our services are high quality and continue to be an asset for higher education.” Although he usually attends graduation as a member of the administration to show support for students, Harper said he enjoyed taking his administrative cap off for a day to enjoy his graduation just like any other student with his immediate family, cousins from Mississippi, and godparents from Texas. “This year, I was just a student, and I loved walking across the stage in front of my friends and family and just cherishing the moment,” he said. Harper’s students have known of his doctoral aspirations and have been calling him “Dr. Harper” for some time, motivating him to complete his degree sooner rather than later. “Since I am currently SGA’s advisor, it’s a very cool experience, but also scary, that I get to help shape and mold our student leaders for the future,” he said. “A lot of the students were calling me Dr. Harper before I was done and that served as motivation. I want to inspire and motivate the students as well. If you work hard, stay focused, and do the right thing, you can achieve anything you want, whether it’s in education or in life.” Harper graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Arkansas. He came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2011 to pursue a Master of Arts in higher education administration. After working two years as a graduate assistant in the Office of the Dean of Students, Harper was hired full time as the assistant dean of students. “I was recruited as a graduate student by John Kuykendall, a faculty member in the higher education department at the time. I got a graduate assistantship, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m happy to be graduating and glad that chapter has come to an end. It’s been a lot of hard work, and it’s great to see my hard work actually be approved by my dissertation committee.” Harper’s dissertation, “A Wrong Made Right: A Qualitative Cross-Case Comparison Study Examining Program Influences On College Readiness, Persistence, and Student Success Outcomes at a Predominantly White University and a Historically Black College,” explored the outcomes of the implementation of the at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Philander Smith College. The Donaldson Scholars Academy helps students who are at risk due to socioeconomic disadvantages or other factors improve their academic achievement and prepare for college. The programs include ACT Prep Express, which helps high school students in Pulaski County Special School District, Little Rock School District, and the North Little Rock School District prepare for high school graduation, the ACT, and college. The academy also participates in college fairs, hosts meetings with school counselors, facilitates college and ACT prep sessions, and offers fall retreats.

Richard Harper receives a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on May 11. Photo by Ben Krain.

Students can participate in the Summer Bridge Academy, a three-week residential program that prepares incoming freshmen for college-level work by eliminating the need for them to take remedial math and English courses. Students who complete the program and attend ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Philander Smith, or University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College are eligible for a $2,500 annual scholarship that is renewable for up to four years. “This program is a direct result from a 30-year plus desegregation school case,” Harper said. “Part of the settlement was that all the parties agreed that $10 million worth of funds be utilized to increase student success for minority students from Pulaski County Special School District. The students graduate high school, then come to the Summer Bridge Academy, and then they can get up to $10,000 in scholarships for four years to attend ��Vlog��ý Little Rock or Philander Smith. I call it a pipeline to student success.” Harper said he was interested in studying what makes the program successful so that it can be replicated at other colleges. “I believe that program can be replicated and can really change the narrative of underprepared students coming out of school districts,” Harper said. “When you look at this program, you see how many lives its touching, how many scholarships are awarded, and how many remedial classes are bypassed. How do they get students to bypass remediation, believe in themselves, and matriculate through college? These students are graduating at rates higher than other colleges.” Richard believes that factors like experiencing college life through the Summer Bridge Academy helps incoming students alleviate many of their fears about college. Having mentors that help them adjust to college, clearly outlined goals and expectations to progress in the program, and a group of peers to share their experiences all help students succeed in college. “High school students are often told that if you don’t get a high enough ACT score or do well enough in school that college is not for you,” Harper said. “You almost get trapped in another life. If you get these students in a specialized program that helps with academic, social, and financial problems, it exposes them to a different way of learning. We found that students respond well to that. They bypass remediation, do well in their college courses, and persist to graduation. At the end of the day, that is what we are here for.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock recognizes students, faculty, and staff who have passed away

Jenny Lambert — Thu, 03 May 2018 15:33:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock hosted a memorial ceremony on May 1 to honor the faculty, staff, and students who passed away during the 2017-18 school year.�� The campus community and families of the deceased were invited to attend the event. As guests gathered in the Upper Concourse of the Donaghey Student Center, Karen Jarboe, violinist, rendered the songs “Be Thou My Vision” and “Bach Air.” Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, vice chancellor for student affairs, welcomed attendees and expressed his sincerest gratitude to the eternal Trojans, the phrase designated for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s departed. He also expressed his deepest regrets to the families and acknowledged that whether they’d spent one semester or many years with the university, their loved ones would forever be Trojans. Following his address, Jennifer Dodson, director of the Student Experience Center, recited the poem, “We Will Remember.” The first stanza read:

Chancellor Andrew Rogerson and Janessa Rogerson place flower petals in a memorial fountain to honor ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, students, faculty, and staff members who have passed away during the 2017-18 academic year. Photo by Ben Krain.

“The ones that we’ve lost still go on with us in spirit We will remember them.” Brian Gregory, president of the Student Government Association, followed Dodson with the reading of the names of the deceased. This list included students William Kendrick, Emily Cook, Jasper Cosper, Michael Hargrove, Joseph Pollock, Brad Orell, Margaret Garrett, and Domorion Williams; faculty member Karen Russ, research and community engagement librarian; and staff member Carol Tucker, administrative support supervisor at the Benton Campus. A moment of silence was observed after the reading. Before the ceremony concluded, Jarboe performed her final selection, “Ashokan Farewell,” while Richard Harper, associate dean of students, gave the final words. Guests ended the ceremony by placing flower petals in a memorial fountain to honor the deceased.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold memorial service to honor students,��employees who have passed away

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 19:08:49 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a memorial service to honor all students, faculty, and staff members who have passed away in the past year.�� The service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, in the Donaghey Student Center Upper Concourse. “We are a large university community, so sadly sometimes we lose members of our community,” said Richard Harper, associate dean of students. “We have created this event to remember and honor the lives of those members who have passed away.” The memorial service will be the first of an annual event to honor and commemorate the lives of all students, faculty and staff members and recently retired employees who have passed away throughout the academic year. During the ceremony, Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, vice chancellor for student affairs, will deliver the welcome address, followed by Jennifer Dodson, director of the Student Experience Center, who will recite the poem, “We Will Remember.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumna and violinist Karen Jarboe will perform “Be Thou My Vision,” “Bach’s Air,” and “Ashokan Farewell.” Student Government Association President Brian Gregory will read the names of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family members who have passed away, followed by a moment of silence. The students who have died during the 2017-18 academic year include Emily Cook, Jason Cosper, Margaret Garrett, Michael Hargrove, William Kendrick, Brad Orell, Joseph Pollock, and Domorion Williams. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees who will be remembered include Karen Russ, research and community engagement librarian and associate professor, and Carol Tucker, administrative support supervisor at the Benton Campus. For more information, contact Harper at 501-569-3328 or reharper@ualr.edu.

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Participates in Institute on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Centers

����Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni begin endowed scholarship to help students who have lost loved ones because of domestic or gun violence

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold Oct. 5 grand opening for Starbucks