As dean, Ecke will lead one of the university鈥檚 most interdisciplinary colleges, which prepares students for careers in education, the arts, public service, communication, social sciences, and related fields while advancing research, creativity, and community engagement across Arkansas.

鈥淒r. Ecke鈥檚 extensive experience in a variety of academic and administrative leadership roles at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has prepared him well for this position,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淗is broad understanding of the college and the university will allow him to transition seamlessly into the role and continue the important work in CHASSE.鈥�

Ecke earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of California at Davis and a Ph.D. in English with a linguistic emphasis from the University of California at Berkeley in 2009. His scholarly work focuses on poetics, linguistics, and the history and structure of the English language.

He joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2012 as an assistant professor of English and has held numerous academic and administrative leadership roles at the university, including interim dean of CHASSE, interim associate dean of college operations for CHASSE, director of undergraduate research, chair of the Department of English, director of the Signature Experience Research and Creative Works Program, and student success coordinator for the Department of English.

鈥淚 am honored to serve as dean of CHASSE and continue working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and community partners,鈥� Ecke said. 鈥淭his college plays a vital role in shaping creative thinkers, educators, and leaders who make meaningful contributions throughout Arkansas and beyond. I look forward to building on our momentum and expanding opportunities for our students and programs.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain also thanked Dr. Brian Berry, who chaired the national search, for his leadership throughout the search process.

鈥淒r. Berry has provided exceptional leadership during the search and helped facilitate a thoughtful and inclusive process,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淲e appreciate his dedication and service to the university.鈥�

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education serves thousands of students through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and plays a central role in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission of education, research, and community engagement.To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit the college鈥檚 website or email chasse@ualr.edu.

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The 2026 Academic Award winners are:

• Tammie Cash, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs 鈥� Customer Service Award
• Dana Steele, Office of Records and Registration 鈥� Initiative Award
• Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons 鈥� Innovation Award
• Ronda Petray, Mathematics and Statistics 鈥� Teamwork Award

鈥淭hese individuals represent the very best of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淚 am truly excited to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful impact they make every day. Their dedication to serving students, supporting colleagues, and advancing our mission reflects the spirit of excellence that defines our campus community.鈥�

Each award recognizes a different way staff contribute to the university鈥檚 work鈥攆rom supporting colleagues and improving processes to finding new solutions and strengthening teamwork across campus.

In the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Tammie Cash was recognized for her consistent commitment to providing exceptional support to faculty and staff. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to support the important work happening across campus,鈥� Cash said. 鈥淧roviding strong customer service means helping others succeed, and I鈥檓 proud to play a role in that every day.鈥�

Known for her proactive approach, Dana Steele of the Office of Records and Registration received the Initiative Award for identifying opportunities to improve processes and better serve students. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to be recognized for taking initiative in my work,鈥� Steele said. 鈥淎t 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we鈥檙e encouraged to find better ways to serve students and colleagues, and that鈥檚 something I strive for daily.鈥�

At the Learning Commons, Brandon Sollars earned recognition for developing creative solutions that enhance the student experience. 鈥淚nnovation is about finding new solutions that improve the student experience,鈥� Sollars said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful to be part of a team that values creativity and continuous improvement.鈥�

Ronda Petray, a staff member of the Mathematics and Statistics Department, was honored for her collaborative approach and dedication to supporting both colleagues and students. 鈥淭his award reflects the collaborative spirit of our department and our campus,鈥� Petray said. 鈥淲orking together is how we create meaningful opportunities for our students.鈥�

The Academic Awards recognize the staff members whose day-to-day work helps students and the university succeed.

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Born in Vancouver, Washington, Boone has called Arkansas home since 2017.  For her, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree has long been a personal goal shaped by passion and practicality.

“I knew that getting an undergraduate degree would give me the opportunity to specialize in something, like graphic design, while also opening doors for me career-wise,” she said.

Her family鈥檚 experience was also a motivation. Her parents didn鈥檛 attend college after high school, and her father earned his undergraduate degree in his 40s.

“Growing up, I remember hearing a lot about how they wished they had gone to college, so I think that influenced me a lot too,” she said.

A full-time student, Boone worked while completing her coursework, which felt overwhelming at times.

“Despite the stress, I鈥檓 really glad that I continued to work throughout school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f I hadn鈥檛, I wouldn鈥檛 have developed some of the skills in time management and prioritization that I have now. It鈥檚 also been nice to have the opportunity to work for the Communications and Marketing office here because it鈥檚 given me a peek into what my career will look like after I graduate. I don鈥檛 think the transition will be so difficult now that I have that experience under my belt.鈥� 

Boone found her educational journey rewarding and challenging.

“It鈥檚 definitely been difficult, but overall, I would say it was a great experience,” she said. “I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to be in the Donaghey Scholars Program, as that鈥檚 taken a huge financial burden off of my shoulders while opening a lot of doors for me.鈥�

Early on, she had a hard time balancing school, extracurriculars, work, family, and social life.

“If I didn鈥檛 push myself to endure those challenges, I wouldn鈥檛 have had the opportunity to do things like study abroad, participate in art exhibits, make the friends I have now, or get my first internship,” she said.

Among her most memorable experiences were study abroad opportunities.

“I got the opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany with the art department, and it was an absolute blast going on those trips with my friends and professors,” she said. “I also studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last summer on my own, and I think that has been one of my most rewarding experiences so far.鈥�

Dr. Simon Hawkins,  director of the Donaghey Scholars Program, said Boone is committed to both artistic excellence and pragmatism. “Skylar is a thinker and an artist and uses those skills to help every group that she works with,” he said.

Boone served as president of the Art Club, communication director for the Student Government Association, and as an award-winning executive editor of the Forum student newspaper. She has a BFA art show at the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and has also had a show at the university’s downtown space. These roles and achievements have helped her grow creatively and professionally. 

Muriel Schrepfer, a senior graphic designer in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Office of Communications and Marketing, praised Boone’s creativity and professionalism.

“Skylar is a joy to work with and has been such a valuable member of our team this year. Her creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail shine through in every project she works on,” she said.

Kevin Cates, professor of graphic design, said Skylar’s work evolved as she 鈥減ut everything she had into every project.鈥�

鈥淭he results were excellent, thoroughly thought out and researched, and meticulously built with the software applications,鈥� he said. 鈥淒uring the course of the projects, she would enthusiastically build on strengths and correct any weaknesses.鈥�

Boone said she鈥檚 ready to take the next step in her career path: an internship with mhp.si, a full-service marketing agency.

“I鈥檓 incredibly proud of how far I鈥檝e come,” she said. “My experience wasn鈥檛 always easy, but I think that every challenge I鈥檝e faced was worth it. I鈥檓 excited to take everything I鈥檝e learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and finally start my career in the real world.”

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A Little Rock native, Miller has spent her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock turning initiative into opportunity. A mass communication major with an emphasis in media production and a minor in digital marketing, she built her college experience around hands-on work that prepared her for life after graduation.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been the type of person where if you don鈥檛 ask, you don鈥檛 know,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淎nd the worst thing they can say is no.鈥�

That mindset paid off almost immediately. Just days after introducing herself to Krain, Miller was assisting on photography assignments, beginning a mentorship that would shape her creative voice and professional growth over the next four years.

鈥淗e鈥檚 not even just a mentor 鈥� he鈥檚 genuinely a friend,鈥� Miller said.

Through that experience, Miller developed a strong portfolio that helped her land an internship with Little Rock-based marketing and advertising firm Marian Agency. There, she creates content for clients, including South on Main (SoMa 501), gaining real-world experience working with brands and engaging with the local community.

After graduation, Miller will transition into a full-time role with the agency鈥攁n opportunity she credits in part to the work she began as a freshman.

鈥淚 feel like what I鈥檝e learned has already prepared me for the real world,鈥� she said.

Miller said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock stood out not only for its opportunities but also for its accessibility. With the help of scholarships and campus support, she will graduate debt-free, allowing her to focus on building her future instead of worrying about financial barriers.

鈥淎nytime that I needed help, the school helped me,鈥� she said.

Beyond academics and career preparation, Miller found community through her involvement on campus. As a member of the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, she participated in service, networking, and leadership development opportunities that connected her with mentors and peers. She also served on the board of the Rainbow Alliance, helping create an inclusive space for students and planning campus events.

鈥淚t allows you to connect with people and be part of a community,鈥� she said.

Those relationships extended into the classroom, where Miller said faculty support played a key role in her success.

鈥淭hey really care about the students and the work that you do,鈥� she said.

Now graduating cum laude, Miller reflects on her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a mix of excitement and anticipation. While stepping into a full-time career marks a major transition, she says she feels ready.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a big change, but I feel prepared and hopeful for the future,鈥� she said.

For current and future students, Miller鈥檚 advice is simple: take initiative and make the most of every opportunity.

鈥淐ollege is what you make of it,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ut yourself out there, network and find ways to learn and create.鈥�

The post From a Simple Ask to a Full-Time Career: Sheranden Miller Makes the Most of Her Time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

Zokoro, a master鈥檚 student in mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, grew up in Nigeria, where electricity is not a given. That experience became the foundation of his research, research that recently earned him first place at one of the largest engineering conventions in the country.

鈥淵ou feel the impact of energy in its absence,鈥� Zokoro said. 鈥淣ot in its abundance. In its absence.鈥�

In April, Zokoro won first place in the Technical Research Exhibition at the 2026 National Society of Black Engineers Annual Convention in Baltimore, competing in both poster and oral presentation categories against students from universities across the nation.

His research focuses on biomass gasification, a thermochemical process that converts waste materials into syngas. Syngas can then be utilized to generate energy, produce green hydrogen and support chemical synthesis. The approach addresses two global challenges at once: the approximately 750 million people worldwide who lack access to electricity, and the roughly 2 billion tons of solid waste generated annually. 

He earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Lagos State University in Nigeria, graduating top of his class with First Class Honors. He moved to the United States in 2024 to pursue his master鈥檚 degree, hearing from a friend back home how supportive 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty are, his choice was made. He quickly immersed himself in campus life while exploring his academic path, earning a graduate teaching assistantship early on to cover expenses. He also joined the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the campus chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where he now serves as treasurer and international chair, helping build mentorship pipelines and organize professional development opportunities. 

During this time, he found his research focus through Dr. Ashokkumar Sharma, his thesis advisor. Sharma鈥檚 work centered on two challenges that were deeply personal to Zokoro, challenges he had lived 鈥� access to energy and the growing problem of global waste 鈥� prompting him to take action. As his learning and research progressed, he began building a research team, recruiting undergraduate students and introducing them to his vision, inviting them to contribute to the project. 

鈥淧eter Zokoro is one of the most driven graduate students I have mentored,鈥� said Sharma. 鈥淗is innovative bioenergy and machine learning research, along with his leadership and mentorship of undergraduates, reflects both depth and originality. His first-place award at the 2026 NSBE Conference reflects his academic and community impact.鈥�

In Baltimore, Zokoro arrived with the research to match his ambitions. Supported by Dr. David Montague, NSBE chapter co-advisor, and other 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students in attendance, he earned first place. Their presence made the achievement all the more meaningful.

鈥淪eeing familiar faces from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in that room while I was presenting meant more than I can put into words,鈥� Zokoro said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock may not be the biggest school in the room, but we showed up and we won鈥攖hat matters for every student here.鈥�

The pride he felt was shared by others within the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community, including his mentors.

鈥淶okoro exemplifies the hard work and dedication of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students. His innovative research resonated with audiences, and his award for best presentation came as no surprise,鈥� said Montague.

Zokoro graduates this May, but the vision behind his research continues to expand 鈥� shaped by his lived experiences and the support he found at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. He hopes to help build a future where clean energy is accessible everywhere and give new purpose to materials often thrown away.

鈥淔or developed nations like the U.S., the vision is energy independence,鈥� Zokoro said. 鈥淩educing and eventually eliminating dependence on fossil fuels by generating clean energy from the waste we already produce. And beyond that, imagine being able to export the green hydrogen generated from this process to other countries and companies that need it. That is a completely new value chain鈥攏ew economic opportunities built on something we currently throw away.鈥�

For Zokoro, the photograph of two children studying by kerosene light is not just a presentation slide; it is the reason behind his work.

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This isn鈥檛 a typical coding camp. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week is a five-day immersive experience where students ages 16鈥�26 form interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world healthcare challenges using cutting-edge AI tools, all with the guidance of expert mentors and the backing of industry giants like and .

Entrepreneurs, marketers, creatives and coders are all encouraged to apply, regardless of experience or background. Participants should be available for all five days, bring a laptop and agree to a media release. No coding experience is required鈥攖eams are intentionally formed to bring together a variety of skills and perspectives. Open to students from all disciplines, the program highlights how the most impactful ideas often emerge through collaboration across different backgrounds.

Participants will compete for a share of $20,000 in prizes by pitching their team鈥檚 AI-powered healthcare solution to a panel of judges at the end of the week. Beyond the cash prizes, participants can earn industry-recognized AI certifications in areas like coding and marketing, while also gaining access to mentorship from healthcare professionals, AI engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators鈥攁n opportunity often reserved for graduate students and working professionals. 

This is an opportunity to build valuable real-world skills through hands-on experience with professional AI tools, collaborate with peers and industry experts, and strengthen both technical and communication abilities, all while forming lasting connections with fellow students, mentors and industry partners that can open doors long after the event ends.

鈥淟ast year, we had 40 participants and 40 volunteers,鈥� Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s technology entrepreneur-in-residence, said. 鈥淭his year, we raised enough to expand the AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week to 150 students, including providing dorm rooms for those traveling from far and wide. It is a true labor of love of so many 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff. We鈥檙e pumped.鈥�

With hands-on experience, expert mentorship, industry-backed tools and the chance to compete for $20,000 in prizes, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week offers far more than a typical summer camp. This opportunity is a launchpad for students ready to turn ideas into real-world impact. 

Coder, creative, entrepreneur or simply curious about innovation in healthcare, this five-day experience is designed to meet attendees where they are and push them further. Join a collaborative, high-energy environment where technology, teamwork and purpose come together by registering .

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Organized by Clark Valentine, Assistant Professor of Drawing; Brian Young, Gallery Director; and Nathan Larson, Assistant Gallery Director, the exhibition is a collaborative effort between students and faculty in the School of Art and Design (SoAD). Students with a BFA emphasis in either Studio Art or Applied Design work alongside SoAD faculty and staff to install their work in a professional, museum-quality setting.

For Studio Art BFA students, participating in the senior BFA exhibit isn鈥檛 optional 鈥� it鈥檚 a rite of passage. The exhibition has become one of the most anticipated events in the SoAD鈥檚 calendar, drawing students, faculty, families, and art lovers from across central Arkansas.

鈥淭his exhibition is an important tradition that a number of people in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community enjoy visiting. We openly welcome our students, staff and family, and the public,鈥� said Brian Young, Gallery Director.

Joli Livaudais, SoAD director, sees the exhibition as more than a checkbox on the path to graduation. 

鈥淭his exhibition is the culmination of their art education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Collectively, the work represents a cross-section of the overall effort in the art department. In addition, it allows the graduating seniors the chance to prepare their work for a professional setting alongside that of their peers.鈥�

Beyond the diplomas and the milestone, Aggregate is also a gift to Little Rock, it is a chance for the broader community to step inside the Windgate Center and experience some of the most compelling new art being made in the region.

This year鈥檚 exhibiting artists come from across Arkansas and beyond:

• Arianna Kegler, Sherwood, AR
• Leianna King, North Little Rock, AR
• Sarah Roberts, Bryant, AR
• Skylar Boone, Vancouver, WA
• Savannah Brinkley, Little Rock, AR
• Chloe Risques, Hot Springs, AR
• Virginia Singleton, Moore, OK
• Aidan Pianalto, Benton, AR
• Sydney Davidson, Sherwood, AR
• Maggie Bamburg, Palmer, AK
• Madelyn Hall, Sherwood, AR
• Rocio Pantoja, Sherwood, AR
• John Davis, Little Rock, AR
• Chelsea Lakey, Little Rock, AR
• Scarlett Clements, Little Rock, AR
• Aubrey Sprinkle, Dover, AR
• Nat Emons, Philadelphia, PA

For more information, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at (501) 916-5117 or byoung2@ualr.edu.

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A senior double majoring in geology and biology with an ecological and organismal concentration, Joheim has spent the past year curating a fossil display on the library鈥檚 first floor. The project takes visitors on a journey through deep time, from the earliest ocean-dwelling life to the age of mammals. It鈥檚 the next chapter of a project that began when Joheim first organized and identified a collection of recently donated fossils, work that earned her first place in the Student Research and Creative Works Social Media Competition.

This year鈥檚 project, titled A Sneak Peek into Prehistory: Curating an Interactive Fossil Display to Spark Interest in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Natural History Museum, earned Joheim first place in the Student Research and Creative Works Social Media Competition for the second consecutive year. The display invites visitors to explore ancient sea scorpions, armored fish, megalodon teeth, and fossils found right here in Arkansas. Each specimen is a chapter in Earth鈥檚 story.

鈥淢y goal with this display is to get people curious about natural history,鈥� Joheim said. 鈥淚 want to introduce visitors to these basic principles in biology and geology and inspire them to investigate the world around them.鈥�

But fossils weren鈥檛 the starting point. Joheim came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a fascination for fungi and a broad interest in ecological biology, but no clear direction. That changed in her sophomore year, when a childhood interest in paleontology resurfaced 鈥� and a simple Google search for 鈥淲hat is geology?鈥� set her on a new course. That curiosity led her to Dr. Ren茅 Shroat-Lewis, who first brought Joheim into the work of identifying and organizing the university鈥檚 donated fossil collection. This project earned her a competition win. From there, Dr. Shroat-Lewis encouraged Joheim to take the next step: transforming the cataloged collection into the public-facing display now housed in the library.

鈥淪yd is the kind of student every professor hopes for, curious, driven, with a genuine enthusiasm,鈥� said Dr. Shroat-Lewis 鈥淭hey are an exceptional science communicator with a rare ability not only to understand complex ideas but to bring them to life for others. I have no doubt they will become an outstanding paleontologist who inspires curiosity and shares the wonder of science with everyone they encounter.鈥�

When Joheim first entered the competition, she was still relatively new to research and the hands-on work of paleontology. In the year between her first win and this one, she completed a research internship with the University of Southern Mississippi, served as an ambassador for the Paleontological Society, presented at conferences, and became a Learning Assistant. Each experience strengthened her confidence and deepened her foundation in both paleontology and science communication. 

It鈥檚 a trajectory she hopes other students will pursue for themselves, following their passions and believing in themselves.

鈥淒o it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he opportunity to show people what you鈥檙e doing can get you new connections, but it also helps you to feel proud of yourself and the work that you鈥檝e done.鈥� 

That growth shows. As a Trojan Tutor and Learning Assistant, Joheim has made a practice of translating complex ideas into accessible ones, a skill that carries directly into the social media entries that caught judges鈥� attention two years running.

鈥淚t鈥檚 often my job to turn complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts for beginners. Participating in the social media contest requires that you communicate your project effectively, and those are skills I use every day in these positions,鈥� says Joheim. 

The display also serves a forward-looking purpose, generating excitement for the upcoming 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Natural History Museum. For many in the Little Rock community, it will be a rare opportunity to view specimens like ancient sea creatures, prehistoric mammals, and fossils, some even pulled from Arkansas soil. Planned for the fifth floor of Ottenheimer Library, the museum will serve as both a public-facing space where community members can explore the university鈥檚 natural history collections, and a working museum where faculty and collaborating researchers from across Arkansas and beyond can come to study, curate, and build the collection. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, it represents a chance to deepen its role as a cultural and scientific resource for the region, bringing world-class natural history education to the community. This summer, faculty will begin cataloging a variety of nearly 25,000 different specimens in preparation for the opening. 

With graduation approaching, Joheim remains committed to the public-facing science that has defined her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She is hopeful that her display will find a home at the Natural History Museum and hopes to play a role in bringing the museum to life 鈥� continuing to make big ideas approachable and inspiring the next generation to ask questions about the world beneath their feet.

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Organized by an alumni-led host committee, the event showcased the collective impact of the Little Rock community鈥攗niting business leaders, nonprofit partners, and friends of the university around a shared commitment to student success. Guests enjoyed cuisine from some of the city鈥檚 most popular restaurants while connecting with fellow supporters and celebrating the impact of scholarships.

Many of the organizations involved are also among the university鈥檚 top employers, reinforcing the strong connection between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the region鈥檚 workforce.

The 2026 host committee included representatives from many of these partners, including: 

• Cheryl Avants, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (retired)
• Nate Coulter, Mitchell Williams
• Jamie Ewing, Arkansas Department of Human Services
• Jake Fair, Wright Lindsey Jennings
• Cameron Fuller, Simmons Bank
• Sarah Giammo, Friday, Eldredge & Clark聽
• Paul Isbell, Southwest Power Pool
• Cortney Kennedy, Office of the Governor, State of Arkansas
• Summer Khairi, 糖心Vlog传媒MS
• Sheena Olson, Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital
• Alfreda Summons, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Faith Thomas, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Carrie Perry, Little Rock School District
• Rodney Abston, Regions Bank
• Stephanie Caruthers, Trio鈥檚 Restaurant
• Guy Choate, Arkansas Realtors Association
• Donavon Colclough, Entergy
• Telethe Collins, Make-A-Wish Mid-South
• Loris Fullerton, retired
• Jimmy Harris, Bowen School of Law alumnus
• Jamie Middleton, Immerse Arkansas
• Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Carson Seelinger, CARTI
• Karen Witt, JPMorgan Chase
• Eric Yarberry, World Services for the Blind

鈥淭he employers who support Taste of Little Rock are the same organizations hiring our graduates and investing in their success,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淭heir commitment reflects the strength of our students and the vital role 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock plays in building Arkansas鈥檚 workforce.鈥�

The event also honored Tom Brannon, chief meteorologist at THV11 and a proud 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus, whose career and community impact highlight the kind of success 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates achieve.

Proceeds from Taste of Little Rock directly support scholarships, helping remove financial barriers and expand access to education for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students.

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The project, called Trojan Forge, will give students access to tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, screen-printing equipment and woodworking tools. The space is designed to bring students from different majors together to experiment, build projects and collaborate.

Students in Library Vision Partners, a campus focus group created in 2023 to give students a voice in how the library evolves, have helped bring the idea to life.

The group hosted a March 11 town hall in the Ottenheimer Library to share plans for Trojan Forge and gather feedback from the campus community.

Will Fausel, an electrical and computer engineering major, Learning Commons IT support specialist and member of the Library Vision Partners group, said the concept for Trojan Forge began during his second semester at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, when the library asked students in the Vision Partners program to help design a makerspace for campus.

At the time, he said, students were still trying to figure out what that space might look like.

To test the idea, organizers hosted a prototype event in August 2025 and launched a to help shape the makerspace鈥檚 vision.

Brandon Sollars, director of the Learning Commons and adviser to the Library Vision Partners program, said the results demonstrated overwhelming student support for creating a makerspace on campus.

The survey showed 98 percent of respondents supported the idea, giving the group strong backing to present their proposal to university leadership.

That proposal led to $50,000 in funding for the project, by the chancellor鈥檚 office for campus improvement initiatives.

Survey responses also helped identify the tools and resources students want in the space. Many requested equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking hand tools, screen-printing equipment and a soundproof studio for recording music and podcasts.

Valerisse Bell-Ovwiomoriemu, an adviser on the Library Vision Partners committee, said organizers will review the most requested items and determine what the initial budget can support.

The team plans to compare student requests with available funding and narrow the list to equipment that can be included in the first phase of the project. Bell-Ovwiomoriemu said the long-term goal is to build a multidisciplinary space that can expand as additional resources become available.

Organizers also hope faculty will use the space for demonstrations, presentations and expert-led workshops that introduce students to tools and creative practices outside their primary fields of study.

Trojan Forge will also incorporate the library鈥檚 existing 3D printing services, allowing students to submit print jobs online and receive printed objects through the library.

The makerspace will be located on the first floor of the Ottenheimer Library, where students will be able to experiment with tools, develop projects and explore creative ideas across disciplines.

Organizers say Trojan Forge reflects several years of student research, feedback and advocacy through the Library Vision Partners program.

Construction is expected to begin in April, with organizers aiming to open the space in August in time for the start of the fall semester.

Students and faculty can continue sharing ideas through the Trojan Forge interest survey, which remains open indefinitely. More information about the project is available on the Ottenheimer Library website.

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