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

SRI Celebrates ��Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

John Hill — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:54:59 +0000

In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Day on Nov. 8, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Retention Initiatives hosted an event to celebrate the university’s first-generation students and employees. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trio Student Support Services, Student Success Center, Care Team, and Learning Commons all participated alongside SRI by giving out information about their services. The event was held beside the Learning Commons in Ottenheimer Library to show students the academic assistance available to them and encourage them to reach out to the staff if they’re struggling. The Learning Commons is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “Essentially, this is a one stop shop for all things student success, so we want students to be familiar with this space if they aren’t already,” said Tyler Harrison, associate director of Student Retention Initiatives. About one-third of college students in the United States are first-generation, and these students have challenges that go beyond many of their peers. “This is a demographic that needs to be recognized,” said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator. “College is a big step, and it’s great to be here as a touchstone for them to find the support and resources they need or might need at some point. I think the university does a great job in providing a lot of these services, and this is just a good opportunity for us to get together and celebrate that.” Students were encouraged to attend with free popcorn and baked goods, but they left with much more. “My dad dropped out of high school, and my mom tried to get through college but never quite made it, so being able to get farther than either of my parents is a lot of pressure,” said Kayleigh Foster, a senior first-generation biology student. “It’s hard having to work for yourself and make your own money to support yourself and your education. It’s not handed to you; it’s difficult, especially when you don’t know how to manage your time between work and school. I feel like things like this event helps a lot. It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders knowing that other students are in a similar position, both financially and academically.” Dalen Villa, a sophomore computer science student who popped in to check out the event, also mentioned his family and the effect they have had on his college career. “I know I’m setting the next generation of my family up for success by being here. I’m doing this for them, and that’s my main motivation,” Villa said. “I feel a lot of pressure sometimes, but the fact that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock does such a good job accommodating us is one of the main reasons I chose to come here instead of somewhere else.” In the upper right photo, Veronica Tess Myers is a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration.��

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8

John Hill — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:59:16 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate first-generation students Nov. 8 in honor of First-Generation College Celebration Day. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Library lobby. Student Retention Initiatives (SRI) staff will pass out free popcorn to those who attend to celebrate first-generation students, employees, and alumni. “Being a first-generation college student can be overwhelming and confusing,” said Tyler Harrison, associate director of SRI. “Our office wants first-generation college students to know they do not have to navigate college alone, and there are so many services that can assist them in reaching their goals.” Click the link for more information on the event. For more information on Student Retention Initiatives and the programs they offer, click here.

Parker Joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as Director of New Child Care Connections Program

John Hill — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 12:51:55 +0000

Shanna Parker has been named the director of a new program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that is helping to connect parents with the child care resources they need to be successful in school. As director of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Child Care Connections program, Parker is responsible for enrolling eligible students in a program that provides federal child care funding for low-income students, assisting students with finding resources to meet their child care needs, and making student referrals for resources across campus. Parker is also responsible for implementing the requirements of a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) four-year grant of $581,128 from the U.S. Department of Education that is providing funding to help eligible ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students with child care expenses. “Ms. Parker is a stellar addition to the Student Retention Initiatives Team and brings years of expertise in early childhood care and development,” said Heather Reed, director of Student Retention Initiatives at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Her experience working within other ��Vlog��ý system schools made her the perfect candidate to build the Child Care Connections program and administer the CCAMPIS grant. She will provide consultation services to any enrolled student regarding child care services in the state, she will administer the grant program, and connect students to campus and community services to ensure their success both as a student and a parent. We are grateful to have her energy and passion for quality child care on our team.” A native of Pine Bluff, Parker brings a wide variety of experience in early childhood education and higher education. She is a trainer, mentor, coach, advocate, and administrator for students, parents, and staff in early childhood education. “As the new Child Care Connections director, I hope to make a difference in the educational experience of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students,” Parker said. “I want our students to have the support needed to be successful in achieving their educational goals.” Prior to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she worked for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for six years, where she served in various capacities, including interim Early Head Start director. In addition, Parker has worked for the University of Arkansas for Medical Science’s Head Start/Early Head Start, serving as site director and as family service advocate. Parker’s passion and drive for student success come from being a first-generation graduate who has overcome many obstacles and is grateful for the people who helped her graduate. “I am who I am because someone cared,” she said. Parker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family sciences from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Science in business with a focus on human resources from Purdue University. She is also pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration from Walden University and is expected to graduate in 2023.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches New Program to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students

John Hill — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 18:41:56 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has launched a new program to help university students find and afford quality child care so they can complete their college education. The Child Care Connections program is two-fold. First, it will provide child care funding for eligible students though a federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Second, the program helps connect student parents with the resources and support they need to finish college. Child care funding will be available to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who are eligible to receive Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, though most Pell Grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, about 39 percent of undergraduate students are Pell Grant recipients. The Child Care Connections child care funding is provided by a (CCAMPIS) four-year grant of $581,128 from the U.S. Department of Education. The program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services. “With the Child Care Connections program, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will be able to provide a unique service for students by helping provide child care coverage,” said Shanna Parker, director of Child Care Connections. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is only the second university in Arkansas to receive a CCAMPIS grant, so students will receive something that other colleges won’t be able to provide. Eligible students will be able to focus more on their education knowing that their child is being cared for while they attend school.” The program also provides assistance for students who don’t qualify for the federal child care funding. Parker will provide consultations to help students navigate child care services in central Arkansas. They can also provide wrap-around services to help student parents get the support they need to be successful in school and in life. These include referrals to the Care Team, student support specialists, success coaching, tutoring, and other campus and community resources. “We want students to understand that we can provide many services to help them succeed in school,” Parker said. “We want to nurture the entire family by providing the resources they need. We can connect them with a student success coach to help them stay in school and connect them with other resources on campus. We won’t make the choices for students, but we will guide them and give them the tools necessary to do what is best for their families. We will exhaust all avenues to help them.” A priority for the child care funding will be given to single parents. Parents who are going to college face a tougher road than traditional college students and have lower student retention and graduation rates. Single mothers are particularly hard hit. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there are nearly 2.1 million single mothers in college today, many of whom are women of color. Shamari Burnett, a junior psychology major, is applying for the program to help keep her 1-year-old son at the great daycare center he currently attends. “As a new single mom and full-time college student, it’s hard because I want to make sure he’s getting great care while I spend a lot of time studying,” Burnett said. “When I first heard about the program starting last semester, I was excited because it’s just what I needed! The cost started to get really expensive, and I was debating on taking him out of the daycare he currently attends, but I decided to wait and apply for Child Care Connections. I’m always looking for ways to save money while working towards my career and educational goals.” Johna Rocha, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student who plans to apply for the Child Care Connections program, said this program could help provide her with peace of mind while she is attending classes to complete her nursing degree. “Because of COVID, child care has become scarce, inconsistent, and it is also extremely expensive,” Rocha said. “I have two children who need care while I am in class, and I am scrambling every week to find someone to watch them. I want quality care for my children so that I can fully engage in class and create a better life for them by finishing my degree. Good child care is vital for me to do that.” Students may fill out an application for child care funding . State-licensed child care providers who maintain general liability insurance and agree to a Memorandum of Agreement can participate in the CCAMPIS program. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will host two virtual sessions for child care providers interested in being a part of the program from 7-7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7. For more information, contact Shanna Parker at childcare@ualr.edu or 501-916-5648.

Student Retention Initiatives Hosts First-Generation, Transfer Student Welcome

John Hill — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 20:11:00 +0000

The office of Student Retention Initiatives hosted a student success welcome event Aug. 24 filled with food, fun, and great activities for first-generation freshmen and transfer students. “Growing up my parents never got their education so they always wanted the best for me, so I went for my education and followed in my sister’s footsteps,” said Oreana Roman, a first-generation freshman. Student success coaches and student support specialists engage with students one-on-one to help them develop skills for success throughout the semester, navigate ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and maintain a healthy balance between school and life. The initiative helps students get connected to resources on campus and match them with peer mentors to “help answer questions, guide them, and be a student leader,” said Laura Casey, student success coach. “I know how hard it was for me to be a first-gen,” said Maria Roman, peer mentor of five. “I hope this event will draw more people to the program.” The event featured numerous programs such as the Multicultural Center, the Disability Resource Center, Student Support Services, etc. “I saw a lot of organizations like TRIO that I didn’t know about, and learned about some different events that I wouldn’t have known about if I didn’t come here,” said Hayden Henderson, a first-generation freshman. Student Support Services is a federally-funded program located in Suite 105 of the Speech building that provides online and in-person tutoring, academic advising, workshops for financial and economic literacy, scholarships, textbook loans, graduate school trips, and career readiness.

First-generation college students and new transfer students participate in a Welcome Week event on Aug. 24. Photo by Benjamin Krain

“We focus on career readiness and enrichment workshops,” said Desarae Nelson, TRIO SSS Director. “We offer academic advising in resume writing, mock interviews, internships, and help with employment after graduation.” Experienced staff and upper-class students advised that students don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything hindering academic success. Any undergraduate student who identifies as a first-generation college student, taking at least one class at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, can Request a Peer Mentor through the end of September. “We work with students and faculty to make sure that the learning environment is as accessible as possible,” said Reed Claiborne, director of the Disability Resource Center. “Get to know all the departments on campus, find a department that will help you find resources all over campus, and�� get involved.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Hold Welcome Event for First-Generation and Transfer Students

John Hill — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:25:32 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock will hold a welcome event for first-generation and transfer students on Tuesday, Aug. 24.�� The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter B and C.�� Students are invited to gather for some food and fun while finding out more about the university’s peer mentor program and other resources to help first-generation and transfer students succeed during their transition to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. First-generation and transfer students can also request a student peer mentor by visiting this website.

Reed, Rigby, Medlock selected as 2021 Staff Achievement Award Winners

John Hill — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 19:36:48 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate honored three of its staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, community service, and personal growth. Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives, has received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award. Additionally, Kelly Rigby, project coordinator, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Community Service. Tina Medlock, director of communications at William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth. “The Staff Senate are very excited for our annual Years of Service Awards,” Staff Senate President Cody Henslee said. “Chancellor Drale was kind enough to expand this year’s top category awards to $3,000 over our previous year’s $2,000 per category. We are delighted to be able to honor members of our staff for all of their hard work and to afford them an award of this value as a token of our appreciation and support for their continued contributions to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” The three winners will receive a $3,000 award distributed via payroll distribution. More info about the Staff Achievement Award winners: Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives and leader of the CARE Team, has received the 2021 Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award.

Heather Reed

The award recipient is described to be an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas or support and encouragement of others. “Heather is a caring, dedicated, creative problem-solver, and strategic builder of support networks to help students thrive at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Dr. Daryl Rice, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “She exemplifies the ideals of the Ben Fry Service Award. I am honored to recommend her.” A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Reed has 20 years of experience helping students succeed in college drawing on her time in housing/residence life, learning communities, crisis management, mentoring, judicial affairs, first-year experience, and success coaching. She has served as an assistant dean at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and now focuses on building and leading the SRI team. Reed is passionate about student success/retention and believes in reducing barriers for students to achieve success. A colleague of Heather’s writes that the team she is “not just supporting the students, but also supporting one another – forming a community of care that touches all levels of the organization.” Staff Achievement Award for Community Service Kelly Rigby, project coordinator at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the 2021 Staff Achievement Award for Community Service. This award recipient is described as an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations/events.

Kelly Rigby.

“At least twice a week, Kelly tells me about a function or event happening in support of a local nonprofit,” said Ashley Nipp, alumni and development associate. “She advocates for causes she believes in and has demonstrated success in organizing community events. An exemplary event, Little Rock Zoo Wild Wines, was voted the best fundraising event in the state by AY Magazine readers. Kelly is the chair for this spectacularly successful event for the second consecutive year, previously holding the position of vice chair for two years and a committee member in 2015.” Wild Wines is the largest fundraiser that supports the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit organization raising funds for the growth and development of the Little Rock Zoo. More than 1,500 participants are expected to attend this year’s event on April 26 and 27. The funds will be used to help build a new conservation and play area at the Little Rock Zoo’s education building. “Lucie’s Place is another organization where Kelly dedicates her time and energy to foster a more inclusive, welcoming community within Little Rock,” Nipp said. “Lucie’s Place has a mission to ensure lifelong acceptance, stability, and success for LGBTQ young adults experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas. Kelly has served for three years as a member of the organization’s advisory group, helping to plan and execute fundraising events such as the annual Lucie’s Place Cabaret at The Studio Theatre and the Drag Benefit for Lucie’s Place at South on Main.” In addition to the Little Rock Zoo and Lucie’s Place, Rigby is an active member of planning committees for multiple events for other community organizations, including the annual Garden Party for Planned Parenthood and the Cattle Barron’s Ball in support of the American Cancer Society. Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth

Tina Medlock

Tina Medlock, director of communications at William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth. The award winner is described as an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding. Theresa Beiner, dean of Bowen, described the enthusiasm that Medlock applies to her position. “Tina first voluntarily assumed the Law School’s communications duties while also maintaining another job at the Law School,” Beiner said. “She eventually was officially placed in the position of Director of Communications. With a background in expository and technical writing, Tina is entirely self-taught in a variety of social media platforms and other communications software and systems. In the last year, she made a major pivot to increase our visibility virtually due to the pandemic. She is well-qualified for this award based on growth in skills and creativity she has shown over the past several years.” In the past year, Medlock completed the Digital Marketing Certificate Program with ��Vlog��ý-Pulaski Tech and Facebook.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s newest student support specialist wants to help students succeed

John Hill — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:25:50 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired a new student support specialist to provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed in college. Gertrude Thompkins, who joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in January, assists in the retention of undergraduate and graduate students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She offers support and resources to students, including emotional and mental health, financial stress, academic support, and personal difficulties. “I’m an alumni, so being back on campus is really nice,” Thompkins said. “I enjoy working with students and helping them.” Thompkins works with existing campus services to provide referral systems for tutoring, mentoring, financial management, counseling, and health services. “Sometimes students aren’t aware of the Trojan Food Pantry, Counseling Services, and all of the different resources the university offers,” Thompkins said. “I try to relieve any stressors the students are having by connecting them with the resources they need.” In the future, Thompkins will also determine areas of need and develop and implement early intervention programs, seminars, student workshops, and related activities designed to improve student retention.

Gertrude Thompkins is a social worker on campus for the STEM and CHASSE colleges. Photo by Ben Krain.

“Ms. Thompkins’ addition to the Student Retention Initiatives office has been uplifting for students who face barriers to their student success,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Ms. Thompkins helps students navigate campus and community resources to give them the assurance and support needed so they can focus on their academics.” Thompkins is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. She is a three-time graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with bachelor’s degrees in business administration and social work as well as a Master of Social Work. The new position is funded through a Student Success Endowment Fund that will expand and permanently support the university’s student retention and success initiatives. The Student Success Endowment Fund was created through a $25 million anonymous gift the university received in 2020.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock creates mentoring program to help new students

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 21:57:05 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has created a new pilot mentoring program to help retain new students.�� The Trojan Critical M.A.S.S. (Mentoring and Student Support) program will match ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff volunteers as mentors for first-year and transfer students who were admitted or registered after July 22. “Mentoring is a dynamic way to connect seasoned staff members with new members of the community,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “By helping the campus feel smaller and easier to navigate, mentors can help reduce stress, guide new students, and help build a positive relationship with students where students feel comfortable asking for assistance.” The goal of this new student success initiative is to help new students find the resources they need to be successful in their college career and to increase student retention. “Students start the semester knowing they have a go-to staff member who can listen to their questions and concerns and provide support to navigate an environment that is often completely new to most of our first-year students,” Reed said. Staff volunteers will meet with their mentees once a month during the fall semester. Mentors will participate in a short online training that will explain the program and how mentors can provide valuable support to one or two students. Students and mentors will complete interest forms to assist in making meaningful matches based on similarities in academic majors, hobbies, and interests. “The goal of the program is to build a positive relationship with students which hopefully helps retain students from their first semester all the way to graduation,” Reed said. “Through the mentoring program, students will ideally stay in touch with their mentor after their first semester building a lasting relationship.” More than 80 students have already signed up for the program. Staff members can sign up to volunteer by filling out. For more information, contact Heather Reed at hareed@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock hires student retention director

Janea Snyder — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 22:08:19 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock has hired Heather Reed as director of Student Retention Initiatives to develop, implement, and assess initiatives to improve student retention. The new post, which begins Aug. 1, is a new 12-month, non-faculty position within the Trojan Academic Advising and Support Center that reports to the associate vice chancellor of academic affairs for student success.�� For the past three year, Reed has worked as the assistant dean in the College of Education and Health Professions at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. For the past year, she has served as the functional lead on implementing CRM-Advise, advising management software that allows advisors to manage their caseloads more easily, improves communications, and facilitates outreach to at-risk students. In the new role, Reed will work with staff and faculty to develop, implement, and assess data-driven retention initiatives that are informed by best practices and part of a comprehensive retention plan. Her primary responsibility will be for initiatives targeting first- and second-year students. She also will work with the Office of Institutional Research and Analytics and other units to identify special student populations for early risk-detection, design intervention strategies, and identify policies and procedures that contribute to attrition. She will serve on the University Advisors Council, the Behavioral Intervention Team and other groups as needed. Reed has a B.A. in English/linguistics from Truman State University, an M.S. in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and an Ed.S. in higher education and student affairs from the University of Iowa. She will start the Master of Public Administration program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall.�� Photo of Heather Reed by Brad Sims

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

SRI Celebrates ����Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8

Parker Joins ����Vlog��ý Little Rock as Director of New Child Care Connections Program

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches New Program to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students