The season鈥檚 lead exhibition, Todd Hido鈥檚 A Series of Small Decisions, will be on view in the Brad Cushman Gallery. Hido, a San Francisco Bay Area-based artist, is internationally recognized for atmospheric photographs of suburban landscapes, homes, and interiors that explore memory, isolation, and the emotional resonance of place. His work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and Vanity Fair, and is held in the permanent collections of major institutions including the Guggenheim Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Whitney Museum of Art. The exhibit features a selection of photographs that showcase his distinctive cinematic style and his ability to transform ordinary scenes into evocative visual narratives. 

Invictus: Photographs of Angela Strassheim will also be on view, featured in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery. Strassheim is a contemporary photographer known for her psychologically charged portraits exploring family, memory, and community. Drawing on her background in forensic photography, she examines the traces people leave behind and the complex stories within everyday environments. Invictus features a selection of photographs that examine personal histories and the intersection of identity, place, and experience.

Intersection of Craft and Photography, a group show in the North and South Galleries will feature artists who combine traditional craft techniques with photographic processes to create innovative works that blur the boundaries between mediums. The fall season will also host the Society for Photographic Education (SPE) South Central Chapter Conference on October 23 to 24 at WCAD. The SPE South Central Photography exhibition displayed in the Focus Gallery, is intended for their members and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock public to see the efforts of advanced photographers. This exhibition will feature work from students, educators, and independent artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. This exhibition will be juried by Brian Young, Gallery Director, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. As part of the conference and exhibition activities, Hido will deliver a public lecture at 3 p.m. on the 24 in Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The lecture is free and open to the public. 

鈥淔or the fall of 2026, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock aims to be the center of contemporary photography in the state and certainly among the leading venues in the Southeast,鈥� said Brian Young, WCAD gallery director. 

Featuring internationally recognized artists, emerging voices, and interdisciplinary approaches, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Fall 2026 exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience multiple facets of contemporary photography. Together, the exhibits foster a broader conversation about the medium鈥檚 possibilities. Across WCAD鈥檚 galleries, the fall season showcases the range of artistry shaping the medium today.

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Fraternity and sorority membership at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock grew from 62 students in 2024-25 to 141 students in 2025-26, an increase of more than 127% and the largest fraternity and sorority community the university has seen in several years. The growth spans multiple councils and organizations, reflecting renewed student interest in leadership development, service opportunities, and campus involvement.

Alicia Sustaita, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the increase reflects a stronger effort by Greek organizations to connect with students and showcase the opportunities available through membership.

鈥淪tudents are looking for meaningful ways to become involved on campus, and our Greek organizations have done an excellent job of showcasing the leadership, service, academic support, and lifelong friendships they provide,鈥� Sustaita said.

Fraternities and sororities at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provide students with opportunities to participate in community service, philanthropy, leadership development, academic support, and professional networking. Members often serve in leadership positions, organize campus events, and volunteer in the community while building lasting friendships with fellow students.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s fraternity and sorority community comprises four governing councils representing a variety of organizations and traditions. The College Panhellenic Council oversees Chi Omega and Kappa Delta, while the Interfraternity Council governs Delta Chi and Kappa Sigma.

The Multicultural Greek Council includes Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha. The National Pan-Hellenic Council includes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sustaita said fraternity and sorority life helps students find community while building skills that contribute to their success at the university.

鈥淕reek life enhances the student experience by creating smaller communities within the larger university environment,鈥� Sustaita said. 鈥淢embers have access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, community service initiatives, and campus involvement experiences that help them develop both personally and professionally.鈥�

Some students say joining a fraternity or sorority provides a pathway to deeper involvement in campus life.

鈥淚 did not ever think that I would be involved with Greek life,鈥� said Amaya Mendoza, a junior, president of the College Panhellenic Council, and member of Chi Omega. 鈥淚 had no interest in being in any student organizations, but I thought recruitment would be a good way to make friends. As soon as I met the women in Chi Omega, I knew where I wanted to be. I fell in love instantly with our philanthropy, our mission, and the values that aligned with my own.鈥�

Mendoza said the relationships she has built through Greek life have had a lasting impact on her college experience.

鈥淚 never thought I would be able to describe my college experience as easy, but the women in Chi Omega have made it pretty close,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淚n a year where everything in my life was changing, Chi Omega was constant. Despite being miles from family and a state away, my sisters helped Little Rock feel like home.鈥�

For Khari Wiley, senior student and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., joining a Greek organization began with learning more about the organizations represented on campus and finding one whose values matched her own.

鈥淗onestly, I never grew up around anyone Greek, so when I came to campus, I first wanted to watch how each organization carried themselves and how they interacted with other people,鈥� Wiley said. 鈥淎fter doing my research, my choice was clear. The purpose, the community service, and the principles all aligned with things that I would like to accomplish.鈥�

Wiley said membership helped her become more confident and connected to the campus community.

鈥淏efore becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I was really quiet and stayed in my room most of the time,鈥� Wiley said. 鈥淪ince joining, I have gained a whole lot of sisters who are constantly helping me and uplifting me. I have been able to host events on campus and interact with so many new people. The connections I have made will stay with me for a lifetime.鈥�

Students say Greek organizations offer opportunities to form meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, and participate in service initiatives that make a difference both on campus and in the community.

Sustaita said the continued growth of fraternity and sorority life reflects the important role Greek organizations play in creating an engaged and welcoming campus community.

鈥淥ur Greek organizations play an important role in creating an engaged and welcoming campus community,鈥� Sustaita said. 鈥淕reek life is about much more than membership; it is about building community, fostering personal and professional growth, and preparing students for success beyond graduation.鈥�

Students interested in learning more about fraternity and sorority life can visit . 

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The exhibit, 250 Years of American Symbols, explores the history and meaning of iconic symbols throughout the nation鈥檚 history. It will be on display in the Capitol fourth-floor gallery through early September as part of the statewide America250 celebration.

At the center of the project is Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, a professor of history, whose research on the Arkansas Liberty Bell Replica inspired the larger exhibit. As her research continued, she connected with Jennifer Hughes, curator for the Arkansas State Capitol, who was developing exhibit ideas for the America250 celebration. That introduction opened the door to a new collaboration, the creation of the exhibit, and the exciting opportunities for students to research, design, and install an exhibit in the State Capitol.

鈥淚 invited Dr. Mann to join our discussion,鈥� Hughes said. 鈥淔rom there, the idea to have her students develop a display about American symbols was decided as a part of the multiple exhibits we will host to commemorate the semiquincentennial.鈥�

The 250 Years of American Symbols exhibit explores how symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle, and the national anthem have been adopted to shape the nation鈥檚 identity and communicate its values over the years. The exhibit explores well-known and lesser-known symbols, encouraging visitors to explore how Americans have used them to express shared ideas, commemorate important moments, and ultimately define the nation. Throughout the exhibit, symbols are presented not only as reflections of history but also as aspirations that help Americans 鈥渇orm a more perfect union.鈥�  

鈥淪ymbols are calls to action for Americans to improve their country and their own lives,鈥� Mann said. 鈥淎 study of American symbols shows us both change and continuity in American history, as well as how the country views itself at different significant anniversaries.鈥�

The exhibit’s exploration of American identity was shaped not only by its history and artifacts but also by the five 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students who helped bring it to life.

History students Sydney Evans, Dawson Arnold, Tamara Riddle, and Amy Stabila, along with graphic design student Jadon Parks, researched artifacts, wrote exhibit text, coordinated museum and archive loans, designed display panels, and helped install the exhibit in the Capitol gallery, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom.

For the students, seeing their work displayed in the State Capitol as part of the nation鈥檚 250th anniversary celebration was an experience they never imagined would be possible.

鈥淚t was exciting to be part of something much bigger than a classroom project,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淲e helped shape the exhibit from start to finish, and seeing visitors engage with our work in the State Capitol was a surreal experience that I鈥檒l never forget.鈥�

What began as faculty research evolved into collaboration among students, state agencies, museums, and archives across Arkansas. The result is an exhibit that invites visitors to view the symbols that have shaped the nation鈥檚 identity, values, and aspirations over the past 250 years, while considering their continued relevance today.

Mann encourages visitors to see these symbols as more than static images. 

鈥淭hey remind us that our democracy is a work in progress and that our history binds us together,鈥� she said.

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The ACDA-AR Undergraduate Conducting Symposium brings together talented student conductors from across Arkansas to receive mentorship, conducting instruction, and professional development from experienced choral educators.

For music education majors Analise Brewer and Avery Litton, the opportunity is the latest milestone in a journey neither expected. Both arrived on campus focused on music education and performance, never considering conducting. But what began as a required course quickly became a passion and a potential career for them. 

To many people, conducting may look like simply keeping time. In reality, conductors are responsible for interpreting music, communicating style and emotion, and guiding an ensemble through a shared artistic vision. 

Developing those skills as an undergraduate is no small feat.

It also often requires a musical history lesson as understanding the time period, style, and intent of a composer shapes how a piece is interpreted and led. Much of the repertoire conductors work with comes from classical and historical works, meaning students must learn to read not only the notes on the page, but also the context behind them in order to guide an ensemble effectively.

鈥淲hen I took my first conducting course, it was then that I had my ‘this is it’ feeling,鈥� Brewer said. 鈥淕etting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it.鈥�

Both students found conducting in the classroom, but each had their own reasons for sticking with it.

For Brewer, conducting brought an unexpected sense of belonging. She started out focused on singing, but soon felt drawn to leading and performing with an ensemble. This role let her combine her love for music and leadership. As her interest in conducting grew, so did her opportunities. She has led 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock choirs in concert, connected with music educators across Arkansas, and gained experience as a student liaison for the ACDA-AR board.

“Conducting is a special art that provides me with the feeling of belonging. Getting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it,鈥� Brewer said.

Litton鈥檚 path to conducting was different. She has played flute since sixth grade and came to campus focused on performance and music education. At first, conducting seemed intimidating, but she soon became interested in the history and emotions behind each piece. As she learned about composers and their work, she realized conducting is more than keeping time; it is about telling the story behind the music and helping an ensemble bring it to life. The teamwork involved in conducting became one of its biggest draws.

“It’s not power and control. It’s guidance. Conducting is always collaborative,” Litton said.

As they get ready for the symposium, both students are excited to keep building their skills as conductors. Brewer wants to improve her score study and conducting technique as she works toward teaching music, with plans to return to school for a master鈥檚 degree in conducting.

For Litton, conducting has encouraged her to get more involved on campus and try new opportunities. She hopes to learn more about expressive conducting, lesson planning, and teaching strategies to help her as a future music educator.

“I never thought that I would be here or be conducting,” Litton said. “It has shown me how much I have grown and become confident over the last couple of years.”

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As a respiratory therapist and later a pulmonary disease navigator, she encouraged others to continue their education and pursue new opportunities. When she decided to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree herself, it was her son, Jeffrey Andrews, who helped show her the way.

This spring, the pair celebrated a milestone together, as graduates of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

For Andrews, a first-generation college student, sharing the experience with his mother made the moment even more meaningful.

鈥淚t means a lot to me to graduate with my mother,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚 admire her strength and commitment to self-improvement. She has instilled in me a passion to achieve big dreams without limitations. Graduating together encompasses the hard work we surpassed to achieve those dreams.鈥�

Andrews graduated with a Master of Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management. Johnson completed her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies after decades working in healthcare.

Their paths to graduation were different, but both were shaped by determination, a commitment to education, and personal growth.

Andrews arrived at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2017 unsure what to expect about college life and a populated, busy campus after he graduated from Maumelle Charter High School. 

鈥淢y graduating class had 25 students,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was daunting to go to such a large institution in my eyes at the time.鈥�

A and New Student Orientation helped ease the transition, but he said the biggest surprise came when classes began.

鈥淭he small classroom sizes made the university feel like a second home,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚 built connections with my professors and found new friends quicker than I would have at a larger university.鈥�

He credits supportive faculty, the Ottenheimer Library, Counseling Services, and friendships formed through campus involvement, including Kappa Sigma fraternity, with helping him succeed while working full time.

Those experiences eventually led him to join the Undergraduate Admissions team as a recruiter, where he began helping prospective students navigate the college process.

That knowledge became especially valuable when Johnson called him with an idea.

鈥淪he said, 鈥�I am thinking about going back to school,鈥欌�� Andrews recalled.

Johnson planned to pay out-of-pocket for tuition. Instead, Andrews helped her navigate scholarships and financial aid opportunities available through 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Their first success came when she received the Trojan Transfer Scholarship. Later, she also benefited from the Corporate Partnership Program between Baptist Health and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, helping make it possible to complete her degree with little financial burden.

鈥淎s a first-generation student, I did not understand what the FAFSA was or where to find scholarships,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淲hen I began working for the university as a recruiter, that knowledge came with the job.鈥�

For his mother, returning to school was both a professional and personal decision.

鈥淧rofessionally, I felt it was important to enhance and modernize my skills in technology and leadership,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ersonally, I always encourage new therapists to continue their education, so I have to practice what I preach.鈥�

She said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s flexible online courses allowed her to balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing her degree. Faculty support also helped ease concerns about returning to the classroom after many years away.

鈥淭heir critiques, reviews, and responses encouraged, validated, and inspired me to continue,鈥� she said.

She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and has already begun work in the university’s early-entry Master of Arts in Applied Communication program.

Watching his mother embrace higher education has been one of the most rewarding parts of Andrews’ own academic journey.

鈥淪he went from being timid about returning to school to being excited about contributing to academia,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow we have long discussions about AI in the classroom and communication in healthcare.鈥�

But their shared graduation day almost did not happen. Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies were originally scheduled separately before a late adjustment placed them in the same commencement ceremony.

鈥淚 could see my mom three rows ahead of me,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淚t was a great experience to not only graduate but walk across the same stage together. I could not have asked for a better coincidence.鈥�

For Johnson, the moment carried just as much meaning.

鈥淕raduating with my son meant the world to me,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur journey was not easy, but it was worth the experience of completing such a big chapter in our lives.鈥�

Together, they hope their story encourages others to pursue educational goals, regardless of age or circumstance.

鈥淚 hope our experience and our story inspire others to start their own exciting journey,鈥� she said.

As Andrews looks toward a future that may include law school, he continues to carry a lesson that has guided both his and his mother’s path.

鈥淗ow big would you dream if you knew you could never fail?鈥� he asked.

The post A Family Milestone: Mother and Son Graduate Together from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

Although she always knew she wanted to attend college, Eanes didn鈥檛 settle on her major until later in high school.

“After listening to a particularly encouraging and supportive English teacher, I decided I wanted to major in English and specifically focus on creative writing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always enjoyed my English classes, and I used to write 鈥榖ooks鈥� when I was a kid, as well as being an avid reader.鈥�

As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Eanes attended college full-time while working throughout her four years. Balancing coursework, work, and extracurricular opportunities required persistence, but the effort paid off.

“I think it can be particularly challenging to take Donaghey classes alongside my degree, while making room for a semester of study abroad, extracurriculars, and working,” she said. “Although there were times when I had my doubts, coming away with a degree and a 4.0 makes all of the late nights, early mornings, and tears feel worth it.”

One of the most transformative experiences of her college career came during a semester abroad at the University of Nottingham in England.

“I had never been away from home more than a week, never been out of the country, and never even been on a plane,” she said. “But after I made a few friends and began to get used to my life there, it became the most valuable experience I鈥檝e ever had. I learned how to be truly independent and to create a social circle from scratch.”

Back on campus, Eanes continued developing her voice as a writer. Her work appeared in Equinox, where she served as managing editor, and The Oakland Arts Review. She also presented at the Arkansas and Mississippi Philological Association conferences.

“I think with every piece a young writer creates, there comes improvement,” she said. ” I certainly feel this way; every new piece I write turns out light years better than the last.”

Beyond academics, Eanes spent summers working at the Museum of Discovery, where she helped lead the Girls in STEM program and mentored pre-teen girls.

Mentors also played an important role in her success throughout college, including Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica R. Scott, director and associate director of the Donaghey Scholars program, respectively.

“Besides being engaging professors, they have helped me network, form my degree plan, and get the most out of study abroad and my scholarship in general,鈥� Eanes said. 鈥淚 also really appreciate Dr. (Earnest) Cox, Dr. (Kris) McAbee, and Professor (Jeffrey) Condran for their mentorship on my senior thesis. I鈥檝e had a lot of really amazing professors who don鈥檛 get enough credit for all they do.”

Professor Condran, a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock creative writing instructor, praised Eanes鈥� continued development as a writer.

“Her fiction is focused on the Urban South and deeply character-driven,” he said. “All of Josie’s fictional people have such distinct and engaging voices that the reader can’t help but fall in love with them. . . I’m excited to watch her literary career develop 鈥� it’s going to be special.”

Eanes is now a third-generation 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alum, continuing a family legacy that includes her parents, grandmother, and grandfather. 

She plans to take a gap year before pursuing graduate school. Reflecting on her college experience, Eanes said the journey shaped her both academically and personally.

“I hardly recognize the person who entered 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I鈥檓 so happy with how I鈥檝e grown as a person and student,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am particularly grateful for my Donaghey scholarship, which has allowed me to graduate from college debt-free.”

As she looks ahead, Eanes offers simple advice to future students: “Be open to change because you never know how wonderful and exciting it can be.”

The post Writing Her Next Chapter: Josie Eanes Builds on Family Tradition at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

The Dallas native graduated this month as a member of the Donaghey Scholars, an honors program that supports students through research, study abroad, and service opportunities while covering tuition, fees, and a stipend.

Bear opted to pursue music because 鈥渋t鈥檚 the only thing I really knew.鈥� But his college experience expanded far beyond the classroom. One of the defining moments of his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock came when he studied abroad.

鈥淕ot to study abroad for a semester in Sweden 鈥� that was life-changing,鈥� he said. “Puts a lot into perspective when a big fish finally leaves the small pond and realizes they’re not as big relative to the sea.”

Bear said the best thing about Sweden was the people, and he still keeps in contact with some of them. He also enjoyed having the freedom to 鈥済row with myself on my own terms. Unregimented. Unobserved. Free.鈥�

“I took a solo trip to Leipzig, and I got to sit in on a service at St. Thomas where the boys’ chorus that J.S. Bach once directed sang,鈥� he said, adding that he also traveled with friends to Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malm枚. Their travels took them to a small ski town in Lapland, Finland, and even to the Norwegian Sea for a swim.

“Copenhagen was really accessible, so we went down there often, saw what there was to see (architecture, the sea, the people) and ate good food,” he said.

While Bear valued his musical training, theater ultimately became his greater passion.

鈥淚’ve been in a few plays, and that’s really fulfilling,鈥� he said. 鈥淗IR and Fairview are the stand-outs.鈥�

Bear said the best part of acting is the creative process.

鈥淵ou’re creating a person, and that’s a very delicate process,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tage partners need to trust one another unconditionally, so it’s such a wonderfully vulnerable moment.鈥�

Dr. Lawrence D. Smith taught Bear in Creative Arts II, Acting I, Script Analysis, and Theatre History II, and directed him in two plays. He described him as 鈥渟mart, driven, talented, and an accomplished singer and excellent actor.鈥�

Dr. Lorissa Mason, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, praised Bear鈥檚 curiosity and determination.

Bear has 鈥渁 deep appreciation for literature and the written word,鈥� she said. 鈥淗is natural curiosity spans many subjects, fueled by a genuine eagerness to engage with the world around him. Driven and focused, he has the determination to excel in whatever career path he pursues.鈥�

Bear plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

“I’m going to do the starving actor thing for a while, see if there isn’t any work for me up in the big city,” he said.

While part of him wishes he had spent the last four years building a career, he said taking the college detour shaped his perspective and proved useful to him.  鈥漇tudying abroad, for example, was invaluable in that it taught me how to exist as a cog in a foreign machine, how to live in an ecosystem I don’t understand,鈥� he said.

As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Program, Bear said he also developed stronger critical thinking skills, which he calls invaluable. He added that he expects the lessons he learns after college will far exceed those he gained in the classroom.

鈥淣ow the real learning begins, as I start to build connections in a city that is foreign to me,鈥� he said.

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Hockaday earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement.

鈥淕etting these degrees represents years of commitment, resilience, and personal and professional growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or me, this is about more than higher education 鈥� it represents perseverance, purpose, and my commitment to my family, my peers, and becoming more knowledgeable in how I serve others through my work.鈥�

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Hockaday鈥檚 early life took him across the country and overseas to Germany where he completed the majority of his high school years before finishing his studies back in the U.S. Inspired by his father 鈥� a retired Air Force veteran and police officer 鈥� he made the life-changing decision to serve his country and join the United States Navy, setting the stage for a career defined by his commitment to his community and country.

After completing his service, Hockaday sought out another way to serve and began his law enforcement career in Arkansas. He worked for the Jacksonville Police Department for 13 years before joining the Sherwood Police Department, where he continues to serve today.

Over the course of his 31-year law enforcement career, Hockaday has held a variety of roles, including detective, school resource officer, arson investigator, crime scene technician, field training officer, and state-certified law enforcement instructor. He currently serves as a school resource officer at Sylvan Hills High School, a role he said has had the greatest impact on him personally and professionally. 

鈥淏eing a school resource officer has had the biggest impact on me because I am able to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public,鈥� Hockaday said. 鈥淚 hope I鈥檓 able to inspire the students at my school because they inspire me. They have inspired me to be a better person, husband, father, and law enforcement officer.鈥�

Family has been a steady source of strength throughout Hockaday鈥檚 journey. He and his wife have been married for 30 years and are the parents of a 16-year-old son. He said their support carried him through the demands of his career, education, and personal challenges. His commitment to service was shaped by his father, whose example influenced both his military and law enforcement careers. In his final year of study, Hockaday also faced the loss of his father following a battle with Parkinson鈥檚 disease linked to Agent Orange exposure during service in South Vietnam. Before his passing, his father encouraged him to complete his degree鈥攁 promise Hockaday kept.

鈥淚t was hard, I almost quit school. My mother and wife both told me to press on, and that is what my dad would want,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also wanted to set an example for my son and to show him that when life is tough, you don鈥檛 quit, you persevere through it, and fight. That鈥檚 exactly what I did, and now I鈥檓 graduating with honors.鈥�

That drive carried into the classroom, where Hockaday鈥檚 decades of experience gave deeper meaning to his studies. He found value in classmates’ diverse viewpoints, new to criminal justice, and in meaningful discussions that broadened his perspective as both a student and an officer. Those same lessons have shaped the way he approaches his work as a school resource officer, where building trust and relationships with students has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

鈥淔our years ago, a female student was complaining about police officers and saying that she didn鈥檛 like cops. I told her that I鈥檓 a cop, and she looked me dead in the eye and said, 鈥楬ockaday, you are one of us!鈥� Right then, I knew I was making a difference in these students’ lives. They did not see me as a police officer but as family and a person that they could depend on,鈥� said Hockaday.

Looking ahead, he hopes to use both his education and professional experience to help train future law enforcement officers, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and public trust. He wants recruits to understand the importance of protecting citizens鈥� rights, leading with compassion, and recognizing that every person鈥檚 story and circumstances are different.

鈥淎s a Black man, I saw an opportunity to be a solution and not the problem, just as my father was. Law enforcement became my way to continue his legacy,鈥� said Hockaday.

With two degrees in hand, Hockaday plans to continue his father鈥檚 legacy of service, continuing serving his community and now the next generation of law enforcement. Excited about this new stage of life, his goal remains the same: to lead with integrity and compassion, always comitted to making a positive impact on his community and country.

鈥淚 know my dad is looking down on me from heaven,鈥� he said, 鈥渟aying 鈥榃ell done son, I鈥檓 proud of you鈥�.鈥�

The post Serving Beyond the Badge: Hockaday Graduates with Honors appeared first on News.

April Blackburn, longtime K-12 GT teacher for in Bigelow, Ark., was recognized for her significant contributions to GT education.  

Blackburn graduated in 2011 with a degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Freshly 22 and eager to put her diploma to use, she was offered a position as a GT teacher with East End School District, the only position open at the time, under the condition that she become certified as soon as possible.聽

While she didn鈥檛 quite realize all that being the district鈥檚 only GT teacher would entail, she was up for the task. Blackburn enrolled at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and began the process. By 2013, she only lacked three credits for her master鈥檚; by 2015, she had completed her M.A. in Gifted and Talented Education, a degree she never imagined she鈥檇 one day have. 

She credits Dr. Ann Robinson, a distinguished professor for the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Education, for much of her success from that period.

鈥淭here were times when I looked at her and admitted I didn鈥檛 know if I had what it takes to finish [the program],鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淎nd she said, 鈥楴o, you can, and I need you to stay with it.鈥� She was such a mentor to me.鈥� 

All these years later, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is still part of her life.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock never left me after I graduated,鈥� she said. 鈥淒r. Robinson checked in on me when I lost my grandparents, and I still talk to my old professors. The great thing about being an alumnus is that you’re never gone from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. They’re always proud to call you a Trojan.鈥�

She and her husband were able to go to the university鈥檚 annual Taste of Little Rock April 7, which celebrates diverse culinary experiences from across the city.

鈥淸The invitation] reminded me I鈥檓 still part of the family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t means a lot to me how much the university cares about their alumni and invests in their success.鈥�

Now 15 years into her tenure at East End School District, Blackburn went into her career hoping to create a safe environment that gives students the space to realize their potential.

鈥淚f I don’t teach, who will?鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e struggling to get educators. We鈥檙e struggling to find the right people. And we’re losing teachers left and right for really valid reasons. I push forward through it because [my students] need me, and they’re going through much worse things than I am. I mean, I have kids who don’t even know what love is.鈥�

It was the idea of putting a smile on even one of their faces that gave her the idea to start wearing costumes to school more than a decade ago. In 2015, Blackburn walked into her classroom on Halloween wearing a homemade replica of Ms. Frizzle鈥檚 iconic space outfit: a navy blue dress patterned with stars and planets, space shuttle shoes and Saturn drop earrings. 

It became more than just a tradition. On National Popcorn Day, students know when they walk into school that she鈥檒l be dressed up as a giant bag of popcorn. When National Bubble Gum Day comes around a month later, she鈥檒l be dressed up as a bubble gum machine. Each 鈥渘ational day鈥� brings its own costume and theme.

鈥淚 probably have more than 300 at this point,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淪tudents who graduated years ago will come up to me in public and ask if I still wear them. I鈥檝e had people beg me to count them, and everyone laughs when I tell them how small of a closet I actually have. Most of the costumes are all vacuum sealed, and some of them are in my attic. The inflatable ones are in the garage.鈥�

If that鈥檚 not enough, she鈥檚 also earned the nickname 鈥淕rant Queen鈥� at her school. During the 2025鈥�26 school year alone, she secured 10 grants, including funding that allowed her middle school students to participate in several regional VEX Robotics competitions across Arkansas.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want state funding to ever limit opportunities for my students,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have four 3D printers in my classroom. I have class pets. I just hatched eggs in an incubator. There鈥檚 always something going on, and it makes the kids run to my door.鈥�

And when she鈥檚 not waiting by the door to welcome her students in, she鈥檚 helping out with quiz bowl, or chess club, or National Honor Society, or the spelling bee, or Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE), where she sits on the board and as elections chair.

鈥淚 wear a lot of hats, literally and figuratively,鈥� she said.

With the support of Callie Quiroz, principal and former librarian at Anne Watson Elementary School, Blackburn also created a makerspace lab鈥攁 space where students can go specifically to build and create.

Blackburn was raised in Conway by her grandmother, Clara, who was a third grade teacher at Ellen Smith Elementary School for 23 years before retiring to care for Blackburn and her siblings.

鈥淗earing the impact she had on students my whole life made me want to have a career where I could impact others,鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淪ome of my kids get off the bus every morning and have come from awful situations. If wearing a crazy costume is going to make them feel like they can breathe, then that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 going to do.鈥�

Her grandmother passed away from pneumonia in 2024, 7 days after the birth of Blackburn鈥檚 son William. Clara watched Blackburn win several education awards throughout her career, including the Master鈥檚 and Specialist Award in November 2015 and the Act 56 Award from AGATE in 2018. 

鈥淚 know my grandma is watching, and I want to show her that giving up her career for us wasn鈥檛 a mistake,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m going to make her proud until I retire, if I ever do. They might have to carry me out.鈥�

Of all her career milestones, one stood out as the moment she realized she made it as an educator. Every April, Blackburn takes dozens of students on multi-day trips as part of her curriculum. She is always blown away by the impact these trips seem to have on her students, many of whom have never been out of state. But one conversation on a charter bus to the San Antonio SeaWorld Camp in 2015 changed her perspective entirely.

鈥淚t was the middle of the night, and I was walking up and down the bus to make sure everyone was okay, and one of the girls was looking out of the window. I stopped to ask her if she was okay, and she said, 鈥榃e just crossed the Texas state line. Did you know that? I鈥檝e never been out of the state before, Ms. Blackburn.鈥欌��

That little girl鈥檚 face in that moment, where it clicked that she could go places she鈥檇 never been before, is something Blackburn says she鈥檒l never forget.

鈥淪he had a lot of hardship in her life: a mom in prison and a difficult upbringing being bounced from house to house. It reminded me that as horrible as the world can sometimes be, there are people who don鈥檛 have the opportunities we do, and bringing that kind of inspiration that comes with life experience is something that I don鈥檛 take for granted.鈥�

It鈥檚 advice that Blackburn will pass on to her children: four-year-old Clara and now two-year-old William, named after each of her grandparents, whose spirits live on through the joy she brings to her classroom each day.

Written by Olivia Hicks

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alum Uses Closet of 300 Costumes to Inspire Students appeared first on News.

鈥淚 felt like the coolest kid,鈥� Bianchi recalled.

That experience shaped what he wanted next: to be the one asking questions, telling athletes鈥� stories, and helping others feel recognized. Years later, as a mass communication major preparing to graduate, Bianchi said that passion still guides the future he envisions beyond the mat.

Wrestling was already part of his life growing up, with a family of four older brothers who all competed 鈥� it was their way of life. One brother, Paul, especially influenced his path and first introduced him to the possibility of college wrestling.

鈥淢y four older brothers wrestled, and I wanted to do whatever they were doing,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淭hen my brother, Paul, began competing at a high level, and I wanted to follow the same path he was on.鈥�

Watching his brother navigate the recruiting process opened his eyes to the possibility of competing at the collegiate level himself. But when he arrived at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the transition to Division I wrestling proved far more difficult than he expected.

鈥淚 was very naive,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淚 thought that because I had success in high school, it would instantly translate to college. But that was not the case for me.鈥�

Adjusting to college life while competing tested both his confidence and resilience. After going 1-3 in a competition his freshman season, Bianchi began questioning whether he belonged.

鈥淎t one point my freshman year, I almost quit, thinking, 鈥楳aybe this isn鈥檛 for me anymore,鈥欌�� he said.

During that difficult transition, his coaches became important mentors. He also credits the support of his family and teammates for helping him persevere through the demands of college athletics. Their support helped him work through the challenges of adjusting to college athletics and life away from home.

鈥淚f you are only wrestling for yourself, it can become lonely and meaningless,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淲hen you are wrestling for others who have supported you through ups and downs, you fight a lot harder.鈥�

Over time, Bianchi learned how to balance the demands of being both an athlete and a student. His schedule often stretched from early morning lifts, to classes during the day, and extra workouts in the wrestling room late into the evening 鈥� but balancing both roles became a source of pride.

鈥淲hen one area of your life is focused, it can make the others fall in line,鈥� he said. 鈥淲restling was a huge focus. But I can鈥檛 wrestle with bad grades. So I worked to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually daily.鈥�

Bianchi鈥檚 interest in storytelling continued to grow through his coursework, especially during a live audio course where he learned how to edit and produce audio content. The class introduced him to podcasting, inspiring his senior capstone project, Mindset With Matty 鈥� an eight-episode podcast focused on wrestling and the mindset athletes carry during and after a competition. Through the project, Bianchi interviewed wrestlers, coaches, and close friends, exploring how lessons learned on the mat continue shaping their lives long after the match has ended. The conversations not only strengthened his storytelling skills, but also deepened many of his personal relationships.

The guidance Bianchi received from his instructors and coaches shaped the kind of teammate, mentor, and person he wanted to become. As his confidence grew and his success followed, he focused on helping younger wrestlers navigate the same struggles he had faced.

鈥淚 have tried to be an open-door person,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淚f a teammate is struggling, I will hear what they have to say without making them feel bad, because whatever they might be going through, I have as well.鈥�

That growth transformed the uncertainty of Bianchi鈥檚 freshman season into some of the biggest accomplishments of his career. During the 2025 season, he captured a PAC-12 championship and earned NCAA All-American honors after enduring the demanding three-day NCAA Championships tournament. For Bianchi, though, the season鈥檚 most meaningful moments had less to do with medals and more to do with the people beside him.

鈥淭hat year was very special to me,鈥� Bianchi said. 鈥淓verything I did was with guys on the team who I have been around forever and my brother, Joey.鈥�

Joey became Bianchi鈥檚 primary training partner throughout the season, pushing him through practices, workouts, and the physical toll of competition. Together, the brothers won back-to-back PAC-12 titles and qualified for the NCAA Championship, sharing hotel rooms, training sessions, and the highs and lows that come with competing on college wrestling鈥檚 biggest stage.

鈥淭he best moments were not the matches,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was the workouts in the middle of the night and us guys trying to laugh, make jokes, and somehow make something that is so intense, fun.鈥�

While wrestling shaped much of his college experience, Bianchi said the future he envisions still traces back to that brief interview after a high school wrestling match years ago. His work in mass communication allowed him to explore storytelling, broadcasting, editing, and media production, giving him a different way to engage with the sport he has always been part of. Now preparing to graduate, Bianchi said the moments he values most are not tied to championships or grades, but to the people and experiences that came with them 鈥� teammates pushing through late-night workouts, coaches who challenged him, and the relationships built throughout his four years on and off the mat.

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