鈥淎I in Production鈥� marked the second time 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has hosted an AI InTheRock meetup, which creates open spaces for people across industries and backgrounds to connect, share ideas, and discuss the growing role of AI.

The Sept. 30 event brought together attendees for food, networking, presentations, and an open discussion among the audience and presenters. It featured presentations from Ouachita Labs and Arkana Laboratories on production machine learning, clinical AI, GPU infrastructure, and the use of AI models in renal pathology.

The event reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 broader efforts to connect its academic expertise with the growing real-world applications of AI.

鈥淎I is rapidly moving from something we study and experiment with to something that is actively transforming how organizations operate and solve problems,” said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we want to be a place where students, faculty, industry partners, and the broader community can come together to explore these applications, learn from one another, and responsibly turn AI innovation into real-world impact for Arkansas.”

Matt Olson, co-founder of AI InTheRock, emphasized the importance of the discussion as AI continues to move beyond its familiar role as a search tool.

鈥淎I in production is an important conversation right now because it affects everyone,” he said. “It’s not just a search tool; it can actually run processes. It can communicate with people. That’s why everyone should know about AI’s role in production.鈥�

That shift also changes how people should think about AI and what it can do. Olson said one common misconception is viewing AI simply as a tool for finding information, rather than as technology that can help people solve problems, navigate situations, and accomplish tasks that previously were not possible.

鈥淚t’s not just a search tool. It can craft deals, listen to conversations, help mitigate situations, and come up with solutions,鈥� Olson said. 鈥淚 believe it’s less about artificial intelligence and more about a superpower, not a super intelligence. It’s a powerful tool that can give you the ability to do things you couldn’t do before.鈥�

The next AI InTheRock event, 鈥淎I Distilled,鈥� will be Oct. 21 at Little Rock’s Skyline Event Venue. Phil Brandon, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and founder and CEO of Rock Town Distillery, will discuss how the local distillery has used AI in its operations. For more information about upcoming AI InTheRock events, visit .

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Modern Campus brings 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 professional skills training and continuing education opportunities together, connecting programs from across disciplines through a single platform.

鈥淲ith the expansion of training administered by Corporate and Community Education, including Leadership Academy, AI programs, Human Resources Essentials, and Medical Spanish, a student information system like Modern Campus became a necessity,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淭his tool will allow us to better market and administer workforce programs, making the entire process easier and more enjoyable for our learners.鈥�

The platform will enable 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate and Community Education to manage registration, program information, student records, payments, corporate training, credentialing, and communications in a single system. Bringing these functions together will create a more seamless experience for learners, who can register for programs, manage their information, and access their training records all in one place. The system鈥檚 enhanced data reporting allows 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to meet Arkansas Division of Higher Education reporting requirements, better understand learner engagement, and use data to improve programs and guide future decision-making.

The catalog brings together professional skills and continuing education opportunities from across 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, including offerings from Corporate and Community Education, Spanish and the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium. The platform will add additional programs from the School of Education and other departments as it expands. Current offerings include professional development and certification opportunities such as Medical Billing and Coding and Paralegal certification through .

The platform also supports workforce training for organizations, giving corporate clients a centralized way to manage employee training. Through the corporate portal, clients can register employees for contracted programs, manage rosters, and track training progress. Customized offerings such as Leadership Academy and AI Transformation and Leadership allow organizations to provide training tailored to their workforce needs.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to expand its professional skills, continuing education, and workforce development offerings, Modern Campus will make it easier for learners and organizations to manage their training. By bringing professional skills and non-degree programs together, the platform gives learners a centralized record of their training and a connected way to keep building skills and reaching professional goals.

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It “has helped me a great deal,” especially with unanticipated expenses, said Saisha Dockery, scheduled to graduate in May 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “If you have a goal or dream of getting an education, it’s worth it.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, employees of partnering organizations receive a 10% tuition scholarship, a $25 per-credit-hour textbook stipend, and waived application fees 鈥� all funded by donors 鈥� making participation free. Employees can begin or complete undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while continuing to work full time, and more than 2,000 individuals have participated.听

More than 150 employers are now corporate partners, including recent additions聽Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance,聽Black River Technical College,聽Engineering Compliance & Construction Inc. (ECCI),聽First Orion, Immerse Arkansas,聽Lennox Commercial Factory-Stuttgart, and聽Lone Star Communications, Inc. The Corporate Partnership Program reaches all areas of the state — the聽Camden Fairview School District, Jasper Public Schools, Mena Public Schools, Mena Regional Health System, and Texarkana聽School District are all partners — and with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s extensive catalogue of online courses, the program is accessible even to those in rural Arkansas.听

“The Corporate Partnership Program is an increasingly powerful way for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to serve our community, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to higher education,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs & Chief Data Officer.听“The program demonstrates what is possible when we work together to remove barriers and make a college degree more affordable and attainable for working adults. We are proud of the program’s remarkable growth, but we are even more proud of the聽opportunities it creates for employees and their families and the stronger future it promises for our region.”聽

Dockery is a care coordinator for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, and she’s grateful they participate in this program.听

“My purpose is to help people,” and a criminal justice degree opens new job possibilities for her she would not have otherwise considered, she said. “I can knock on doors, and they will open.”聽

Dockery, who has an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, is a nontraditional student, so she worried she “would not be able to keep up” as she studied for her bachelor’s degree. However, those concerns proved unfounded.

When she visited the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus, “the atmosphere, the help, and the community (showed me) I’ll be OK here,” she said. The university “offered everything I needed.”聽

Dockery described the academic advising as amazing and said she has loved working with her instructors.

“I never had an instructor where I didn’t want to take the class; they easily translate information so you can retain what you need and not be overwhelmed,” she said. “I have no complaints, nothing but smiles.”

Dockery also plans to pursue a master’s degree, and she’s excited to achieve the personal milestone of graduation while also being a role model to her children and grandchildren.

“It’s rewarding, but also a great message,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Those interested in learning more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnership Program may visit the website for more information.听

“By removing financial barriers to higher education, our Corporate Partnership Program empowers working Arkansans to advance their careers and helps local businesses retain top talent,” said Matthew Bellew, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s corporate partnerships coordinator. “It’s a zero-cost strategy for employers that delivers immediate dividends in workforce growth and employee satisfaction.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program聽supports growth for individuals and businesses alike. Those interested in building a successful future together with the university through this initiative should contact Bellew at聽msbellew@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-916-5652聽to discuss participating.听

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Hosted by the聽Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center聽(ASBTDC), along with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business, Tech Launch, and the Workforce Development Center, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Reynolds Business Center on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus.听

The public is invited to attend — admission is free — and the competition is open to聽Arkansans who are in business or have a business idea, across all industries, not limited to AI companies or technology startups.

“AWS and Small Business Development Centers around the country are teaming up with other local partners in 2026 to hold AI pitch contests like this one, where entrepreneurs can pitch an聽idea to solve an operational challenge, increase revenue, expand market reach, or create scalable efficiencies,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “We are excited to build on the success of our first Arkansas competition that took place in the spring.”

Paul Cowart and Ron Merrill of Privagent had the winning pitch in that inaugural event, held in April.

“It was a great experience for us — it helped us refine our message, (as well as) the look and feel of the company — and it gave us confidence,” said Merrill. “It opens doors, and it’s a real prize, too, that can really launch a company.”

Privagent, an organization discovery platform, has worked with multiple “enterprise-level clients,” and part of the confidence to work with such clients is owed to their pitch competition experience, added Merrill. “The opportunity is real — the sponsors are great to work with — (so) swing for the fences.”

The pitch competition was “awesome, a very accepting environment,” said Cowart. “It seems scary, but it really isn’t, (so) just go for it.”

Winning was “validating, (a sign) that we might be onto something, and definitely a confidence boost,” added Cowart. “It showed us we had a good idea, and I recommend (this competition) to anyone.”聽

To pitch, entrepreneurs must apply for a spot in the competition, and those selected will pitch their concept in front of judges with the chance to win AWS Partner funding allocated toward technical resources, architecture support, and solution development services delivered by nClouds in collaboration with AWS (subject to program eligibility and scope). All competitors will receive expert feedback on how to bring their concepts to life.

鈥淲e invite current and future Arkansas entrepreneurs to share your ideas for creatively applying AI in a business setting,鈥� said Fine. “Everyone who is selected to pitch will have a great opportunity to win services to help turn your concept into something real.”

Privagent uses tools, including AI, to build system workflows that enable employees to perform at the highest level, and going through the pitch competition “helped us mature, (because) we took it really seriously,” Merrill said. “We worked very hard to refine our message to be clear and concise.”

Indeed, they crafted a script, rehearsed repeatedly, and timed it to hit the five-minute mark, as recommended, said Cowart, who resides with his wife in Bryant. “We had it pretty dialed in, (so) our presentation was smooth and fluid.”

Merrill and Cowart didn’t have prior pitch experience, so anyone considering pitching in this competition shouldn’t allow inexperience to dissuade them.

“It’s really all about good communication,” Merrill said. They utilized a brief slide deck — “big and bold, like a billboard” — that was also “easy to understand and looked professional.”

Visit  to get more details, sign up to pitch, or register to attend. For questions about the event, contact ASBTDC鈥檚 Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.

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On Thursday, Sept. 24, leaders from education, industry, government, and workforce organizations convened on campus to discuss聽strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. Panel discussions, student and mentor reflections, presentations, and breakout sessions were among the highlights, and student interns and their mentors shared their experiences with experiential learning, offering a firsthand look at how partnerships between the university and employers can help prepare students for the workforce. Topics for breakout sessions included聽artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nursing, social work, early childhood education, business development, and corporate business training.

Preparing individuals for a first job is only one element of the mission for universities; 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock also creates opportunities for advancement, upskilling, and re-skilling, said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. Universities like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock are engines of economic growth and talent development, not only via traditional degrees, but certificates, skills training, professional education, internships, applied learning, and customized programs developed alongside employers.

“We begin by listening — employers must have a voice” — and feedback from business and industry identify any gaps in education, which can be addressed to meet the needs of an evolving economy, added Drale. “That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of today’s summit.”

Connecting students with employers hiring right now is paramount, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Workforce Development Center “does incredible work” preparing students for careers, Gov. Sarah Sanders noted in a video that helped kick off the summit.

Indeed, the center was designed to impact students not only at the start of their work lives, but throughout their careers, noted聽Dr. Aaron Duvall, the university鈥檚 executive director of workforce development. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and other聽four-year universities are critical in the second tier of workforce development, assisting students who want to progress in their careers by adapting, evolving, and adding skills while also helping employers tap into resources and expertise.听

And programs offered by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock all demonstrate strong return on investment for graduates, said聽Dr. Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock “is a gem, a tremendous asset to this community.”聽

Warden was part of a panel discussion moderated by聽Hunter Field, editor of Arkansas Business, that also included: Jack Thomas, senior vice president of economic development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber; state Rep. Mary Bentley; and Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Steven Person.

“Nationally, it’s a numbers game,” as roughly 8,000 more individuals age out of the American workforce daily than those who age into it, so states and regions must attract individuals from elsewhere to fill various job openings, said Thomas. Without an adequate local workforce, areas risk “economic stagnation.”聽

The top challenge for economic developers currently is making sure a competitive workforce is available for industry, and with technology altering jobs rapidly, the problem can’t be solved by working in silos, said Bryan Day, executive director of the Port of Little Rock and a “proud” 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate. “That’s why we’re all meeting here (at the summit), to solve workforce challenges of today — and tomorrow — together.”

Gathering roughly 150 individuals together to discuss workforce problems and solutions “was exactly what the day was designed to do,” seconded Duvall. “Hopefully, connections were made between businesses, community leaders, and university stakeholders that will generate new and innovative partnerships and solutions as we attempt to build a stronger Central Arkansas together.”

Arkansas must also increase higher education participation, which is roughly 20 points below the national average, “a fixable problem,” and concurrent enrollment is one path, but concurrent enrollment in Pulaski County — home of Little Rock — also lags behind the state average, Warden said. Universities are also under increasing pressure to meet basic needs of students — from food insecurity to childcare — because “you can’t educate them without meeting those basic needs, first.”聽

And while universities can — and do — teach various technical skills, it’s the “durable skills,” like showing up on time, fitting into a culture, and collaborating adroitly, that are often missing with today’s job applicants, Warden said. “You learn workplace skills by going to work,” which is why experiences like internships are such a pivotal part of college.听

“Old-school skills” remain necessary, even in an age of advanced technology, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Thomas said. “Business decisions are data driven, but they also want to do business with people, (particularly) people they trust.”

The human connection is “more important than ever right now,” and interns develop meaningful connections in professional environments, said Dr. Rex Wilkins, assistant professor of Spanish at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Internships really are invitations to a rising generation “to participate in making organizations and communities better, and you will find great energy, vitality, and opportunities in our Trojan interns.”

Interns cultivate valuable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and conflict management, and “it’s a powerful thing” to help interns build those traits, said Tonya聽Villines, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arkansas. “Hosting interns is a great experience.”聽

And her organization has found tremendous success with interns from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, hiring three of them full time, including聽Antwanette Smith,聽Villines said.听“We love our interns, and we’re so thankful for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock — they’re the greatest.”聽

Internships also help students discover whether a specific career is truly for them or not, Smith noted.听

Structured internships at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provide discipline-specific learning and experiential training, but the university needs partners to offer these chances to students, said Wilkins, president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. “You see students come out of their shells and grow” through internships.

Additionally, interns provide fresh perspectives and return on investment when given opportunities, said聽Dr. Yogi Pandit, founder and CEO of FlowZone, as well as an adjunct professor of Applied and Physical AI at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.听“Invest in them, prepare them well, and they will do an awesome job.”聽

Senior Madison Thomas, a biology major and member of the Little Rock Trojans track and field team, had a pair of internships this summer, with FlowZone and Texas-based physical therapy practice聽Re/Align.听

The experiences were “amazing, (with) hands-on learning impacting other people,” said Thomas,聽an ambassador for the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps. “It’s really beneficial.”聽

Md. Samin Morshed,聽a Ph.D. student in computer science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, was able to use technology聽at his FlowZone internship that he’d learned about in school, he said. “You need industry experience — it helps you become more professional.”聽

Youth need to see various career paths, then start on those roads, rather than merely taking short-term jobs that don’t ultimately lead to long-lasting聽careers, said Bentley, serving her sixth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 54.

Person, director of technology for the Clinton School of Public Service and soon-to-be-sworn-in as the representative for District 77 in the Arkansas House, is hyper-focused on making sure young adults — ages 19-24 — are equipped with “tangible skills,” then matching them with jobs requiring those skills, he said. “Then, you can put a dent in the problems of today.”

As younger generations emerge in the workforce, however, complications can arise between them and older generations, but each generation brings something different, and it’s incumbent upon workers of all ages to help everyone flourish, said聽Minnesota-based workforce speaker Scott Zimmer, who discussed managing an intergenerational team at the summit. For example, punctuality and polished communication are critical when interacting with Baby Boomers, as they signal respect and build credibility, while intentionality is prized with members of Generation X, who are often juggling myriad responsibilities, such as caring for both children and parents.听

Millennials were raised in a collaborative environment, encouraged to provide input, so in a workplace setting, they want to have their voices heard, while Gen Z — the group now between roughly ages 16 and 30 — is risk averse, pragmatic, and practical, Zimmer noted. “True digital natives” accustomed to rubrics in school, Gen Z wants a roadmap for success in their careers.

“Invest in young talent,” Zimmer advised. “Involve them, don’t ignore them.”

Duvall also thanked the event’s sponsors — Port of Little Rock (presenting),聽JPMorgan Chase (lunch),聽Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (refreshments), and聽Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield (closing reception) — for helping make the inaugural workforce summit such a success, noting that their “commitment聽to workforce development extends well beyond this event.”聽

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Porter will read from his novel, “The Imagined Life,” followed by a moderated conversation and audience question-and-answer session. The event will conclude with a book signing, giving attendees an opportunity to meet Porter and have copies of his work signed.

鈥淭his will be my first time in Little Rock, and my first time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and I’m so excited to visit and talk about writing with the student writers on campus!鈥� Porter said.

The event is presented through the Writers in the Schools program in partnership with the . As part of the program, Six Bridges is providing 30 copies of “The Imagined Life” to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock English students.

Porter is the author of five books, including the short story collection “The Theory of Light and Matter,” which won the , and the novels “In Between Days” and “The Imagined Life.” His work has earned numerous honors, with “In Between Days” named 鈥淔ictional Work of the Year鈥� by the San Antonio Express-News and “The Imagined Life” recognized as one of the best books of the year by NPR, The New Yorker, and Esquire.

A graduate of the Iowa Writers鈥� Workshop, Porter has received a and a James Michener/Copernicus Fellowship Award. His stories have appeared in several publications, including One Story, Ploughshares, American Short Fiction, and Best American Short Stories, as well as on Public Radio鈥檚 Selected Shorts.

Porter鈥檚 visit will give 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students and community members the opportunity to hear directly from an accomplished fiction writer, explore his creative process, and engage with his work. Additional event details for the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Writers in the Schools event will be available through the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock English program and the Six Bridges Book Festival.

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An amazing work by a pioneering giant in the ceramics and contemporary聽craft field,聽Thinking Woman — a聽permanent collection聽gift and semi-permanent installation — is 1,600 pounds and assembled from 16 pieces, according to Brian Young, Windgate Center for Art聽+ Design gallery director. A gift of Dr. Kirby and Priscilla Smith, of Memphis, the ceramics piece from 1993 welcomed students to the center as the new school year began last month, and it “reinforces an area of emphasis we teach” in the School of Art and Design — contemporary craft, including ceramics.听

Frey — the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and the Award of Honor in Sculpture from the San Francisco Arts Commission, among many other recognitions — was one of several California artists working in clay in the 1950s and 60s who turned away from that medium’s conventions to produce works with robust sculptural qualities associated with Abstract Expressionist painting, Pop art, and what would become known as California Funk, according to the Artists’ Legacy Foundation, of which Frey was a co-founder. She taught at California College of Arts and Crafts (now CCA) for over three decades, influencing generations of young artists and formalizing the use of clay as an artistic medium, prior to her 2004 death at age 70.

Frey and artists of her ilk didn’t want to abandon the figure for complete abstraction, but they also felt ceramics didn’t have to be only utilitarian, Young said. “I love the idea of clay in a non-utilitarian way — the glazes and colors look imperfect on purpose” — imperfection is embraced.

Multiple layers of brightly colored glazes are crucial for Frey’s work.

“I want the figures to get as close to the viewer as possible,” Frey noted in an Artist Statement. “I don’t want them to crush or overwhelm, but I do want them to intrude.” 

Thinking Woman “has a real presence — she knocks you back a little bit — but it’s a quiet presence,” said Young. “She’s not looking at you — her eyes are closed — and she’s thinking,” 脿 la The Thinker, by Auguste Rodin, “but still powerful.” 

Kirby Smith possessed the work for more than three decades, so he had a strong connection to the piece, and considered various museum venues.

“For 35 years, I had a satellite practice as a physician in Blytheville, so I am happy that Thinking Woman found a home in the state that I care so deeply for,” he said. “Her size shows there is no limit to the technical part of the medium of ceramics and the artist. Also, Thinking Woman is a great name for her.” 

Frey, who received her BFA and honorary doctorate from CCA, had her work spotlighted by a solo show at the now-Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in 2011, Young noted. In addition to a piece on display at that Little Rock arts museum, her work is also held in numerous public and private collections, including the Mus茅e d’Art Moderne de Paris (Paris Museum of Modern Art), Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City), the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among many others.

Art on display in the Windgate Center is designed to inspire students, and Thinking Woman is inspirational in several ways, Young said. It’s a female figure by a female artist, she did the work at an advanced age — demonstrating it’s never too late to create art — and it shows the possibilities of ceramics, even at large scale.

Furthermore, Frey found her own personal style, crucial for any artist, noted Young. “If you’re across a room, you can identify a Frey” piece.

Individuals are welcome to view Thinking Woman — as well as other art — at the Windgate Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, as well as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. The galleries are free and open to the public. 

Currently, Todd Hido: A Series of Small Decisions and Invictus: Photographs by Angela Strassheim are exhibited in the Brad Cushman Gallery and Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery, respectively.  often highlight stark landscapes and lonely buildings, while reflects the shared experience of “moving through life in a body always changing, and always carrying multiple selves at once,” according to her Artist Statement. 

“We try to do exhibits that match areas we teach” and that demonstrate output of professionals in the field so students can see paths to their own artistic careers, and both exhibitions accomplish those aims, Young said. They’re also a felicitous match with next month’s Society for Photographic Education (SPE) South Central Chapter Conference Oct. 23-24 at the Windgate Center. 

In addition, the North and South galleries are exhibiting Intersection of Craft and Photography, while the聽SPE members juried exhibition is on display in the Focus Gallery. More details and information can be found in this news article about fall exhibitions.

“We’re trying to be the center of contemporary photography, at least for a few months,” Young said. “We’re very grateful for all the support we receive from Windgate, and I love when students, (teachers), and members of the public walk in to see” the art on display.

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The planned gift will support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, helping reduce financial barriers for students while creating a lasting legacy at the university that shaped the couple’s lives and careers.听

For Baldwin and Metzger, supporting student success has always felt personal.听

When they arrived in Little Rock in the hot summer of 1980, they expected to stay a couple of years. Instead, they built careers, lifelong friendships, and a deep connection to the university and community. Now, they hope their investment in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will continue strengthening the community they call home.听

Their desire to give back took shape nearly 20 years ago after attending a campus awards ceremony recognizing outstanding students and faculty. Hearing students describe the challenges they faced reminded Metzger of his own college experience.听

“One of the things that most appealed to us was that we were former students who benefited from scholarships and awards,” Metzger said. “Tuition wasn’t what it is today, but we still worked every summer to help pay for college, and receiving scholarships made a difference in our education.”聽

“Some of the most meaningful moments in a student’s education happen outside the classroom,” Baldwin said. “If students have to work full time just to make ends meet, they often don’t have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in research, complete internships, or take part in experiences that can shape the rest of their lives.”聽

Metzger said scholarships can help to reduce the need for students to work so much while attending classes.

聽“If we can help students work a little less, or maybe not every summer, it eases that burden and lets them focus on completing their degree and experiencing all college has to offer,” he said.

The desire to remove financial barriers made the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program a natural fit for their philanthropy. They knew they wanted to support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program after attending the public announcement in May 2025.听

When Chancellor Christina S. Drale “shared the vision for what these funds could do for students, we looked at each other and knew it was the right time,” Baldwin said. “We actually stopped her that day and told her we wanted to be on board.”

Their gift also represents a new way to support students. Baldwin and Metzger are the first donors to establish an Enduring Opportunity scholarship through a charitable gift annuity, opening another way for donors to support future generations of students.听

Baldwin, who served as chair of the Department of History, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and interim provost, spent much of her career helping the university grow through new programs, initiatives, and strategic planning. She felt helping establish another avenue for charitable giving was also a way to move the university forward.听

“If this creates another opportunity for someone to give, that’s a wonderful outcome,” she said.听

Metzger recently closed his economic consulting business and is no longer teaching economics part-time at the university. The charitable gift annuity makes possible the largest philanthropic commitment of their careers, while providing additional financial security in retirement.听

“When you’re retired, you wonder whether you’ll have all the resources you’ll need,” Metzger said. “The charitable gift annuity lets us do something meaningful now while still providing income during our lifetime. When we’re gone, the remainder goes to the university. It really is the best of both worlds.”聽

When it came time to name the scholarship, Metzger knew exactly what he wanted to do.

聽“Deborah spent more than 40 years here and served in so many different roles,” he said. “It seemed appropriate to put it in her name. She’s the one who deserves the recognition.”聽

Baldwin said she was touched by the gesture but quickly shared the credit with her husband.听

“It’s a gift from us both,” she said. “We want it to support students broadly. I’ve spent most of my career at this university, and it makes me feel good to know we’ll continue helping students long after we’re gone.”聽

A city the size of Little Rock “needs a university if it’s going to thrive. We know many people who believe in this university, (but) they may not have taken the next step yet,” Baldwin said. “We hope our gift encourages others to take that next step.”聽

To learn more about supporting the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, including planned giving opportunities such as charitable gift annuities, contact the development office at聽501-916-3194.听

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Build Your Own Business (BYOB) is designed for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students with entrepreneurial聽ambitions who want to learn how to bring their concept to life. The first free virtual session,聽“How to BYOB,”聽is Tuesday, Sept. 15,聽while the Oct. 6 session will feature Rhonda Aaron — an alumna, entrepreneur, and past president of the Alumni Association board — for a “Startup Story” program.听

“We all deserve to be poured into — it helps you grow — and it’s important for me to take any wisdom, knowledge, and experience I have and give back,” said Aaron, founder of BL Brand PR Agency and the non-profit Sister Friends United. “Blaze your own trail — what works for someone else may not work for you — educate yourself, use any resources, and get in every room you can to network, because you never know who might be able to help you.”聽

Aspiring聽entrepreneurs聽should also remember that passion alone won’t make them successful — nor will solely business acumen — both are necessary to flourish, added Aaron. “Be a lifelong learner so you’re always (adding more) tools to your toolkit.”聽

Sister Friends United Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization of minority women with a mission to support, uplift, and empower its members to better serve the community, was founded and incorporated in the State of Arkansas in October 2007.

鈥淚 saw a need for women to have a space where we could connect, support one another, and grow together,鈥� Aaron said. 鈥淚 wanted to create something that not only strengthened women, but also allowed us to make a meaningful impact in our community through scholarships, service, events, and other initiatives.鈥�

Aaron was honored with the Just Communities Humanitarian Award for giving back to her community, and she received the Shelley Mehl Empowerment Award, which recognizes an individual woman or organization that champions female empowerment.听She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Strategic Communication from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she was able to “connect with like-minded individuals, who were a boost and support for me,” she said. “I always had resources” at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and “we uplifted, encouraged, and empowered one another.”

In addition to the live sessions, BYOB also encompasses consulting services.

Students who may simply want advice for their “side hustles” to those attempting to embark on聽entrepreneurial聽career paths can utilize BYOB, said Gwen Green, marketing and communications manager for ASBTDC. “We want to give them a hand.”

Consulting is free and available to help students plan and grow their business ventures. To request a meeting, contact ASBTDC Startup Specialist Ashley Murguia Topete at聽axmurguia@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-553-3644.

BYOB聽sessions聽can also fulfill certain requirements students may have for outside-the-classroom, career-readiness experience, like Career Catalyst for those in the School of Business, added Green. Students can register for and online.

For more information about BYOB, please contact Laterika Staton, ASBTDC education and event specialist, at聽lstooks@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-804-4530.听

The ASBTDC assists new, existing, and innovation-based small businesses across Arkansas. The center is a partnership program of the Small Business Administration and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna has established a career in public relations and strategic communications by building relationships, earning trust, and helping others succeed. Now, Nicholson has been recognized as one of the inaugural recipients of the Public Relations Society of America鈥檚 Women of Impact Awards in the Social Influencer category.

鈥淚 was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淧RSA has been such an important part of my professional journey, so to be recognized as one of the inaugural Women of Impact recipients made it especially meaningful.鈥�

Nicholson, vice president of strategic communications at Little Rock-based marketing agency , said the recognition represents more than her individual accomplishments.

鈥淭he Social Influencer category reflects work our team has been building for years, helping organizations move beyond simply posting on social media to creating content that truly influences audiences, builds trust and drives business results,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淲hile my name is on the award, it really represents the talented colleagues and clients who have embraced innovation and trusted us to try new approaches together.鈥�

Nicholson earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in journalism, with a public relations emphasis, and political science from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She was drawn to the university in part because of its location in the state鈥檚 capital and its connections to Arkansas鈥� business and media communities.

Nicholson took classes alongside aspiring journalists who later became reporters, editors, and news leaders across the state. When she entered public relations, many of the journalists she worked with were already familiar faces.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock didn鈥檛 just prepare me academically; it helped me establish a professional network that opened doors early in my career and continues to benefit me today,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淕oing to school in the capital city with the largest media market in our state was a major factor in my decision to study journalism and political science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Nicholson also credits Amy O. Barnes, APR, now associate professor emeritus in the School of Mass Communication, with putting her on the path to a career in public relations. Barnes encouraged Nicholson to pursue her first internship, which gave her hands-on agency experience and confirmed her interest in the profession.

鈥淪he didn鈥檛 just teach public relations. She inspired it,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淎my encouraged me to pursue my very first internship, and looking back, that single piece of advice changed the trajectory of my career.鈥�

Barnes said she recognized Nicholson鈥檚 potential early.

鈥淚 knew from the beginning that Kristen was going to have an important impact on the work, on the profession and, most importantly, on the people around her,鈥� Barnes said. 鈥淚 have never been more proud to be right.鈥�

After graduating, Nicholson began her career in nonprofit communications, where she gained experience across the profession. She wrote media releases, planned events, managed volunteers, developed marketing campaigns, created advertising copy and newsletters, updated websites, and served as a spokesperson.

鈥淚 rarely said no to an opportunity. I simply figured it out,鈥� she said.

That experience prepared her for the variety and pace of agency work. Nicholson joined in 2011 and has since helped launch its Content Studio, become a shareholder, and risen to vice president of strategic communications.

Today, she leads a team whose work includes strategic planning, crisis management, executive thought leadership, influencer marketing, social media strategy, and integrated campaigns.

Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl, president and CEO of , said Nicholson鈥檚 leadership goes beyond delivering results for clients.

鈥淚鈥檓 often quoted as describing the agency business as the ultimate team sport, and Kristen is truly an all-star player in terms of her exceptional skills, work ethic, and leadership,鈥� Vogelpohl said. 鈥淪he provides an environment of professionalism, trust, and access to help people grow and excel.鈥�

Nicholson has also adapted to a communications industry that looks considerably different from the one she entered after college. She graduated when Facebook was still in its infancy and before Instagram existed. Today, public relations increasingly intersects with social media, influencer marketing, search engine optimization, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing.

鈥淚鈥檝e always believed it鈥檚 important to embrace change early rather than resist it,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭he channels will continue to change, but the goal remains the same: reaching the right audience with the right message in the most effective way.鈥�

Nicholson has earned her Accreditation in Public Relations, served as president of the Arkansas chapter of PRSA, spoken at PRSA ICON, and received multiple national PRSA Silver Anvil Awards. She has also advised CEOs and executive leadership teams at Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems, and other organizations across the country.

But as her career has progressed, so has the way she approaches success.

鈥淓arly in my career, I measured success by awards, campaigns, and big wins,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭oday, I measure it by the people around me.鈥�

Nicholson credits mentors with challenging her, opening doors, and encouraging her to pursue new opportunities. As a leader, she now tries to do the same for others.

鈥淚f someone isn鈥檛 confident enough to speak up, I believe it鈥檚 my responsibility to help them find their voice,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淲atching someone gain confidence, step into leadership, or accomplish something they once thought was out of reach is far more rewarding than any award I鈥檝e received. That鈥檚 the kind of impact I hope to leave.鈥�

Barnes has seen that commitment extend to another generation of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, referring several to Nicholson for internships and career guidance.

鈥淚鈥檝e sent several students her way for internships and counseling, and she has been more than willing to give them a boost up their own career ladders,鈥� Barnes said. 鈥淪he deserves any and all accolades the profession provides.鈥�

Nicholson鈥檚 connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also come full circle through 鈥檚 work with the university. She returns to campus to speak with students and now helps tell the story of the university that helped launch her career.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock invested in me early in my career, so having the opportunity to give back professionally feels very full circle,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to help tell the university鈥檚 story while also seeing firsthand how it鈥檚 preparing the next generation of communicators.鈥�

For students hoping to build careers in public relations, marketing, social media, or strategic communications, Nicholson encourages them to take chances and remain willing to learn.

鈥淪ay yes to opportunities, even the ones that seem intimidating,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淓very internship, volunteer project, networking event, and stretch assignment teaches you something valuable. Don鈥檛 worry so much about having every answer; focus on being curious, adaptable and willing to learn.鈥�

She also encourages students to get involved with PRSA early. Nicholson joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the student organization affiliated with PRSA, and served in a leadership role.

鈥淭he professionals who thrive aren鈥檛 necessarily the ones who know the most today,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e the ones who remain curious, embrace change, and never stop learning.鈥�

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