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

New School Year Brings Energy and Excitement to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:33:51 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus was filled with excitement and energy Aug. 22 as thousands of students began the new school year. Students could be found all around campus Monday playing games in the quad, meeting at Starbucks for coffee, catching up with their friends, and enjoying life with their fellow students. “The joy of a new school year always brings excitement as we welcome new and returning students to campus,” said Kara Brown, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. “We embrace this new era and welcome you to our Trojan Family!” Among the many things to be excited about on campus is that enrollment for first time-freshmen and transfer students is trending up for the first time in years. Currently, first-time freshmen are anticipated to increase by about 20%, while transfer students are on-target to see an increase of about 10%. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors also celebrated the enrollment news with the passage of a historic resolution during the board’s August meeting that thanked ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees and community supporters who have invested their time and passion in the university. “We are deeply appreciative for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our faculty, staff, administration, and supporters in helping to build a better future for our community by fulfilling our mission to provide students access to an affordable and quality education,” the resolution states. Thomas Forcum, the new SGA president and a senior chemistry major, encouraged students to take advantage of all the opportunities available for the 2022-23 school year. “We’ve been given an incredible opportunity: to learn, to improve ourselves, to make friends, to volunteer, to enjoy the college experience,” Forcum said. “The great Roman poet Horace wrote, ‘Nil sine magno vita labore dedit mortalibus.’ Translated, it means ‘Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.’” Other ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students were also happy to be returning to campus. Adrien Mitchell, a sophomore civil engineering major, is concentrating on helping students in a new role as a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) mentor. “I’m a CLC mentor this year for the first time,” Mitchell said. “I met my mentees last Friday, and they’re really great. My mentors were great to me last year, so I hope to be a person that my mentees come to as well.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students participate in a Block Party Welcome Week event during the first day of classes for the Fall 2022 semester. Photos by Ben Krain.

Ryan Drown, an accounting major and new student on campus, was happy to start his college experience with the opportunity to spend more time with his older brother. “It’s definitely unique because the last time I had him in the same school as me was in elementary school,” Drown said. “It’s definitely a change, but I’d say it’s a welcome one. It took some of the pressure off all the first day jitters. It makes me happy knowing that my older brother is here and has my back.” Drown’s older brother, Bryce Colvert, a mass communication major, was also happy to be starting the school year with family by his side since it’s the first time the brothers have gone to school together in a long time. “I lived with my dad and Ryan lived with our mom during our childhood, so we didn’t get to have the traditional experience of going to the same school and seeing each other in the hallway,” Colvert said. “For me, it’s really exciting to get to be the cool older brother who knows his way around campus and knows the best spots to hang out. Now we’ll be able to grab lunch every week and hang out between classes, and I think it’ll ultimately help us become much closer.”

Student Government Association Announces Election Results

John Hill — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:52:08 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association (SGA) has announced its election results for the 2022 Spring election. SGA representatives represent the student body’s decision-making process, provide services to students, and help further the interests of the university. This year’s election winners are as follows: Thomas Forcum, President Ahad Nadeem, Vice President Yvonne Rodriguez, Senator at Large Christine Jones, Senator Christian Woods, Senator James Smith, Senator Janequa Moore, Senator Justin Washington, Senator Lamar Townsend, Senator Dareon Buffington, Senator Tiarra Gibbons, Senator Abosede Salami, Senator Deane Marks, Senator Arisha Ishtiaq, Senator Haris Atif, Associate Justice Viola Schaeffer, Associate Justice The term began June 1 and will end May 31 of next year. All fully-enrolled students interested in serving are eligible to apply for membership in the Fall and Spring.

Chatterjee named 2021 Whitbeck Memorial Award winner

John Hill — Thu, 13 May 2021 15:00:34 +0000

The impressive achievements of future doctor Stuti Chatterjee have earned her the honor of the 2021 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award at the University of Arkansas at 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. “The Whitbeck Award is given to the outstanding graduating senior,” said Dr. Simon Hawkins, director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. “Stuti is outstanding in so many ways, but more than that, she is inspirational. She represents the best of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Stuti’s education has changed her. It has given her so much, and she has given so much back to the university and the larger community.” Chatterjee, a Donaghey Scholar from Bryant, earned the Whitbeck Award while double majoring in chemistry and biology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. After graduation, Chatterjee will be taking a gap year to work and to study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before going to medical school in the fall 2022 semester. “I think that medicine is one of those fields where you never stop learning,” she said. “It’s also one of the most giving fields. Showing empathy and compassion is something you don’t get to do at all jobs.” While at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Chatterjee worked with Dr. Noureen Siraj, assistant professor of chemistry, to study the use of nanodrugs for effective cancer cell therapies. “I created a more non-invasive approach to treat cancer cells,” Chatterjee said. “Usually nanoparticles that are used to treat cancer are made out of gold. It works, but it’s very expensive. We are looking for organic elements that can be exchanged for gold in nanoparticles.” Chatterjee has received two SURF (Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship) grants and three Signature Experience Awards from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to fund her research. Her research project, “Tunable sized combination nanodrugs based on ionic materials,” has earned Chatterjee a second place award at the Student Research and Creative Works Expo at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as well as an honorable mention for the INBRE (Idea Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) Conference this year. She was also named the 2020 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Student for the Department of Chemistry. Even though she has received many accolades for her research on how to treat cancer using nanotechnology, Chatterjee is planning to specialize in pediatrics. A native of India, Chatterjee moved to Arkansas with her family when she was just 10 years old. Her father had received a job offer in Arkansas, and the move also provided the opportunity for better medical treatment for her brother, Sanidhya. “My brother had a brain hemorrhage when he was a child,” she said. “My parents thought he would have a better chance for treatment in the U.S. That is another thing that made me want to go into medicine. It was a doctor’s mistake that caused his hemorrhage, but it was also a doctor that fixed it. I saw firsthand the damage it can cause, but I also saw how that medical knowledge can be used to help someone.” Chatterjee also thanked her parents, Monish and Atima Chatterjee, for being a huge source of support as she finished her bachelor’s degrees.�� “I want to include my parents as role models who helped me succeed in college,” she said. “They have supported me so much by calling me and bringing in food. They have made my life easier by helping me do what I need to do.” In the healthcare field, Chatterjee also works with Dr. Meghan Wilson, a rehabilitation medicine physician at ��Vlog��ýMS who has tetraplegia from a spinal cord injury. Chatterjee assists Dr. Wilson with daily activities as well as clinical work by writing notes, performing patient exams, and conducting rounds on patients. “Stuti is able to empathize and show compassion when needed but is also focused and gets things done in an efficient manner,” Wilson said. “She asks questions about different diagnoses and is genuinely interested in my approach throughout the day. Her compassion and curiosity are what make her stand out from her fellow coworkers. Whether our team has 12 or 5 patients, Stuti is able to work with the same enthusiasm. She has also been kind and supportive when I have gone through difficult times, and I believe she has a genuine passion for helping others.” A firm believer in empowering women in STEM, Chatterjee volunteered with Girls of Promise while at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, though she has been an advocate for much longer. “When I was in high school, there were no women in my robotics program,” she said. “I started my own all-girls robotics team. It seemed like a boys club, and I didn’t want that to deter the girls from participating. We ended up going to the world competition.” During her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Chatterjee has also served on the Student Government Association and learned Python to code a camera to monitor the Arkansas River for a professor’s research project. In healthcare, she worked as a research associate at ��Vlog��ýMS. Her supervisor, Dr. Michael Wilson, hired her to copy edit his book, “Behavioral Emergencies for the Healthcare Provider.”�� “Looking back at my achievements, I have been driven not only by my passion for science but by using that passion to give back to the community,” Chatterjee said. “Through my involvement within various organizations and performing well in academics, I hope to inspire and pave the way for the future classes of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s New Mural to be Unveiled May 11

John Hill — Wed, 05 May 2021 15:34:37 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will unveil a new mural at Ottenheimer Library on Tuesday, May 11, that was chosen by thousands of students and employees at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The Student Government Association, in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Building and Grounds Committee, held the university’s first student mural contest during the 2020-21 school year.�� A dedication ceremony for the new mural will begin at 11 a.m. May 11 at Ottenheimer Library Lobby. Chancellor Christina Drale will preside over the unveiling with remarks from SGA President Landon DeKay and the artist.�� Emma Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, won the competition, receiving more than 750 votes for her design of fish swimming in a koi pond. “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 also 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. She received a $1,000 stipend to complete the mural during the month of April. The mural will be eight feet wide and 16 feet long. Chambers 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.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students honor one-of-a-kind faculty members

John Hill — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:28:37 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are honoring faculty members who have made a positive impact in their lives through the 2021 We Heart Our Faculty Awards.�� Overall, six ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty members were selected by undergraduate, graduate, and law school students. Each of the recipients will receive a certificate and a one-of-a-kind, handmade glass heart created by in the colors of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The glass hearts symbolize positive, influential support that makes a real difference in the lives of students. As students enter the university to pursue their education, faculty often play a nurturing role, guiding students through the learning process and working hard to foster an environment that best ensures success.�� “There is no doubt that this school year has been extremely challenging for our students, but oftentimes we fail to acknowledge the enormous amount of work that our faculty members put into ensuring that our students excel,” SGA President Landon DeKay said. For the 2021 year, the We Heart Our Faculty Awards awards were expanded to also highlight graduate and law school faculty who were selected by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Student Government Association and the William H. Bowen School of Law students.�� “These awards originated with our student government leaders, and this initiative clearly demonstrates that our students recognize the positive impact that faculty have on their lives,” said Dr. Ann Bain, executive vice chancellor and provost. “Our faculty make a difference in ensuring our students complete their degree and achieve their career goals, and they do this in a manner that is supportive and inclusive.” The 2021 award recipients include: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association

David Briscoe, professor of sociology
John Talburt, professor of information science and coordinator for the Information Quality Graduate Program
Cynthia Johnson, advanced instructor of accounting

Graduate Student Government Association

Barbara L’eplattenier, professor of rhetoric and writing
John Talburt, professor of information science and coordinator for the Information Quality Graduate Program
Jason Kushner, professor of counseling and graduate program coordinator

William H. Bowen School of Law

Joshua Silverstein, professor of law

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students co-create new faculty award to honor one-of-a-kind faculty members

John Hill — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 16:00:31 +0000

The Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has created a new award to show appreciation for faculty members who have positively influenced the lives of students.�� The SGA Faculty Appreciation Awards will be presented annually to one faculty member in each of the university’s colleges. The award is a one-of-a-kind, handmade glass heart created by in the colors of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The glass hearts symbolize positive, influential support that makes a real difference in the lives of students. As students enter the university to pursue their education, faculty often play a nurturing role, guiding students through the learning process and working hard to foster an environment that best ensures success. “The SGA is excited to offer students the opportunity to formally recognize their favorite faculty members through the new We HEART Our Faculty Award,” SGA President Katie Zakrzewski said. “We know faculty work very hard to promote the success of students. This award is one way students can return the favor.”�� The winners include:

College of Social Sciences and Communication – Rebecca Glazier, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs
College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences – Mark Baillie, assistant professor of chemistry
George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology – Thomas Wallace, senior instructor of web design and development
College of Education and Health Professions – Joanna Rostad-Hall, instructor of nursing
College of Business – Casey Rockwell, assistant professor of marketing and advertising

The SGA Faculty Appreciation winners include Rebecca Glazier, Mark Baillie, Thomas Wallace, Joanna Rostad-Hall, and Casey Rockwell.

“I truly found my passion when I began teaching,” Rockwell said. “I get such joy out of watching the ‘ah ha’ moments happen in the classroom. To find out that my students have also found the same high level of joy in our classroom community is such a pleasure.” Several winners were especially touched to receive the award and found it even more meaningful to be selected directly by the students. “Student-selected awards are by far the most meaningful,” Wallace said. “Students are why we are all here and to have made an impact on their lives is the most fulfilling achievement I can think of in our profession.” “Students are really at the heart of what we do and to know that the students made this call really means the world to me,” Glazier added. “It is incredibly rewarding and just warms my heart to know that they would honor me with this award.” After teaching at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock since 2017, Rostad-Hall believes her success in teaching is down to the amazing students in the Department of Nursing. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing has the most amazing nursing students, hands down,” Rostad-Hall said. “You won’t find more engaged, resilient nursing students anywhere. To be recognized by them means my passion and enthusiasm for nursing education is translating. I am blessed to get to work alongside these brilliant future nurses every day.” Baillie, who also leads the annual Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching every summer, believes in utilizing evidence-based teaching practices to provide the best instruction for his students. “The way I approach my teaching is that it is my job to help all students succeed,” Baillie said. “I utilize evidence-based teaching approaches in my classroom, which focuses on inclusive teaching practices, active learning, and alignment between assessment and what I most value students being able to do.” Provost Ann Bain said she appreciates how this SGA initiative will continue to encourage faculty to invest themselves in students. “Faculty are the heart and soul of our institution,” said Bain. “Faculty do so many things to help students succeed that most people do not recognize. I think it’s important that we can shine a light on all their accomplishments.”

Former ��Vlog��ý Little Rock SGA president utilizes political expertise on presidential campaign trail

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:29:02 +0000

A former University of Arkansas at Little Rock Student Government Association president is putting his passion for politics to work as a political organizer trying to elect the next president of the United States.�� Brian Gregory, the 2017-18 SGA president and life member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, is now working in Iowa for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Ever since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2018, Gregory has immersed himself in political campaigns. His first post-college stint was as campaign manager for Little Rock mayoral candidate Warwick Sabin, followed by a job as campaign field director for a mayoral campaign in Alabama. The chance to work on a presidential campaign was too good an opportunity for Gregory to pass up. “I had the chance to interview for the Warren campaign, and I jumped at the chance,” he said. “If I was good enough, I wanted to work for a presidential campaign. It was my dream. Now I’m working on this campaign, and I’ve moved to Iowa. It has been a bit of a whirlwind since graduation, but it’s a good time.” Stationed in Waterloo, Iowa, Gregory’s duties include managing campaign interns and employees, recruiting and organizing volunteers, canvassing, and getting people to the polls for the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses on Feb. 3, 2020. Gregory said that he has gained vast experience by working in Iowa, one of the most important political battleground states in the presidential election. “Iowa is the first state to have a primary, and it introduces the country to the major political candidates in the presidential campaign,” he said. “This is a chance for Iowa to be involved in the process, and it invigorates the states every four years when they have it. They always say that if you want to learn how to organize, Iowa is the place to go. It’s the toughest, but it’s the most rewarding place to be. Most candidates who do well in Iowa gain a lot of momentum going forward in their campaigns.”�� While talking with Iowa’s citizens, Gregory has found that the two issues voters seem to worry about the most are healthcare and jobs. “Healthcare debts and costs are rising by the minute, and a lot of people are going into debt because of that,” he said. “People just want to know that they can take care of their family members who are sick and will have a job to put food on the table. Those two issues are always Numero Uno in elections.” His time in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s SGA has been essential to building critical skills for his political career.

Brian Gregory campaigns for Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign in Waterloo, Iowa.

“I’ve tried to determine what is the most important issues to the people. I’ve always tried to remember people who were patient with me and explained things to me in SGA, because there were times when I needed a kick in the butt as a leader,” Gregory said. “I tried to sit down with my senators and executive committee as often as possible, and I’ve tried to implement that in Iowa. I’m trying to build relationships with people, so I will really be able to work well with building a volunteer base and get people connected to different issues that are important to them. Otherwise, you won’t succeed if you don’t get people interested and involved in the issues.” While Gregory may consider running for office one day, he has a lot to accomplish before in the meantime.�� “I’d like to get a graduate degree in public policy and go to law school,” Gregory said. “I would love to work on a federal campaign or state-wide race. Maybe in the future, if I’m likable enough, I’ll run for office someday, but public advocacy is where my passion lies. I want to hear people’s stories and tell their stories in a way that moves people to take action.” Dr. Rebecca Glazier, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs and Gregory’s advisor on his Donaghey Scholars final project, said Gregory was a great student with a head for politics. “As a political science major, Brian was always interested in politics, but more than other students, he cared deeply about the implications of public policies,” Glazier said. “He wanted to better understand how the policies governments implement impact real people. I think he saw the potential for making a difference there and wanted to take it.”�� Gregory said he owes his success to many people at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Faith Thomas, his vice president in SGA; Drs. Jessica Scott and Simon Hawkins of the Donaghey Scholars Program; and political science professors Glazier, Christopher Williams, Joseph Giammo, and Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm.�� “I want to thank all of my professors, especially those in the political science program,” Gregory said. “They taught me to think of politics in different ways. I am also very thankful for all the opportunities the Donaghey Scholars and SGA gave me to get involved in projects around the city. Drs. Scott and Hawkins really motivated me not to sell myself short. I wouldn’t be in this position without them.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alum Brian Gregory, right, is working on the presidential campaign of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, left, in Iowa.

SGA plans summer send-off event April 26

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 15:04:55 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Student Government Association will host a summer send-off on Friday, April 26, to give students a study break before finals week and the end of the term.�� The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center mall area and will feature food trucks, inflatable games, and a live DJ.

Chancellor’s Leadership Corps launches annual food drive

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:45:03 +0000

The ��Vlog��ýLR Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) launched its annual Reach 13,000 food drive on Sept. 15 to support the Arkansas Food Bank. The goal of the drive is to provide 13,000 families with nonperishable food. “We have exceeded our goal in the past two years by receiving over 14,000 cans of food both years,” said CLC Coordinator Nicholas Steele. “The ��Vlog��ýLR Student Government Association began the food drive six years ago, and for the past four years, CLC has continued the tradition.” In support of the food drive, CLC will hold three events, including the “Boys Will be Girls” pageant on Sept.30. “This is a new pageant where guys will have fun getting dolled up and compete against each other in categories such as formal attire, talent competition, and a Trojan spirit competition,” said Steele. The second event on Oct. 28 will be the Corpse Ball, a costume and dance party based on mispronunciation of the word corps and the CLC’s history of Halloween parties. Finally, the Battle of Talents will take place on Nov. 4. “This is where any student can come out and display their talent,” Steele said. Each event requires a canned food item for admission. Departments or student organizations can request a collection box at food drive box request. The weekly collections will end Nov. 7, and the department and organization that collect the most nonperishable foods will be awarded a pizza party.

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SGA president earns Roachell-Mourot Scholarship

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 13:41:39 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior Lauren McNeaill of Conway has been selected to receive the Roachell-Mourot Scholarship, a $2,000 award. The scholarship is given to a Student Government Association member who exemplifies strong leadership and academic achievement. McNeaill is incoming president of the Association for the 2013-14 academic year. The scholarship goes toward undergraduate tuition, books and fees and is awarded every spring by two former SGA alumni at the annual SGA banquet. McNeaill is also in her fourth year as a Donaghey Scholar, the university’s honors program.

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

New School Year Brings Energy and Excitement to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock