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.

The post Jeremy Ecke Named Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, psychology researchers are exploring these questions through a growing network of labs focused on sleep, cognition, and human-AI interaction.

Across three specialized lab spaces, faculty and students are examining how biological, cognitive, and technological forces intersect to shape human behavior. From tracking brain activity during sleep to modeling how stress affects memory and studying how people interact with AI systems, their work is helping answer questions that are increasingly relevant in everyday life.

Measuring Sleep and Its Consequences

In the department鈥檚 Biobehavioral Laboratory, often referred to simply as the sleep lab, Dr. David Mastin studies how sleep and sleepiness affect everyday life.

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of daily functioning, from reaction time and memory to mood and overall health. According to Mastin, many people operate at a deficit without realizing it.

鈥淎lmost everyone carries a sleep debt,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like being overdrawn in your checking account. You owe your body sleep.鈥�

He also notes that modern life makes that debt difficult to avoid, as artificial light, technology, and constant stimulation can disrupt natural sleep patterns and keep people from getting the rest they need.

That deficit can have serious consequences. Even one night without sleep can significantly impair performance.

鈥淚f you pull an all-nighter and we put you on a driving simulator, you would make as many mistakes as someone who is legally drunk,鈥� Mastin said.

The space is equipped with tools designed to measure brain activity, including electroencephalography (EEG), which tracks brain waves during different stages of sleep. A nap bed and observation room allow researchers to monitor eye and body movement without disturbing participants, while biofeedback equipment measures the body鈥檚 physiological responses to different stimuli.

Beyond these tools, the lab also relies on controlled sleep tests that measure alertness and fatigue, providing objective data that can be compared with how participants report feeling.

Much of the lab鈥檚 research extends beyond campus. Mastin and his students frequently work in the community. Right now, for instance, they are studying firefighters to better understand how sleep impacts performance in high-stakes environments. 

As part of this research, Mastin and his students attended a firefighter convention in Hot Springs to interview participants about their sleep habits. The next step is to digitize the survey to reach firefighters across different regions and cultures, with the goal of improving both their well-being and performance. 

Students play an active role in the research process, contributing to ongoing studies and developing their own projects under faculty guidance. Through this work, the lab connects physiological measurement with real-world behavior, bridging psychology with biological and health sciences to show how sleep quietly shapes nearly every part of daily life.

Understanding How We Think Under Stress

Just down the hall, Dr. Colton Hunter鈥檚 cognitive psychology lab focuses on how stress shapes the way people process and remember information.

Hunter鈥檚 research centers on working memory, the short-term ability to hold and manipulate information. Specifically, he studies how socioeconomic status influences cognition, examining how stress from factors such as income, education, and environment contribute to changes in how people process and recall information 鈥� highlighting how psychological processes are shaped by broader economic and social forces.. His primary research examines the effects of financial worry on working memory.

鈥淭he idea is that your financial problems might be occupying mental resources,鈥� Hunter said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like the equivalent of having too many tabs open on your computer. It鈥檚 going to slow down performance.鈥�

In one common task used in his lab, participants are briefly shown a set of colored squares before the image disappears and reappears. They are then asked to determine whether anything has changed. While the task appears simple, it allows researchers to measure how much information a person can hold in mind, how accurately they respond, and how quickly they process what they see. 

These tasks are paired with socioeconomic survey data and written responses in which participants reflect on financial stressors, personal challenges, and neutral daily experiences. Hunter鈥檚 research explores whether financial stress uniquely impairs cognitive performance compared to other types of stress.

鈥淭he idea is that for participants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, writing about financial worries would potentially take away from their working memory performance more than a neutral event, but also more than any other type of stressor,鈥� Hunter said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something special about financial stress.鈥�

A key feature of the lab is a high-powered computing system that allows Hunter to run complex statistical models and analyze large amounts of data quickly 鈥� work that would otherwise take days or even weeks.

The lab integrates students into every stage of the research process. Undergraduate participants contribute to ongoing studies as participants, while others serve as research assistants through independent study, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. This approach also allows Hunter to examine how financial worry affects cognition specifically within the student population.

Studying the Future of Human-AI Interaction

In the department鈥檚 newest lab, Dr. Mohsen Rafiei is exploring one of psychology鈥檚 quickest evolving frontiers 鈥� how humans interact with artificial intelligence.

Rafiei鈥檚 lab focuses on human-AI interaction, examining how people use, interpret, and trust increasingly sophisticated systems. 

鈥淲e are trying to understand how people interact with AI,鈥� Rafiei said. 鈥淲e want to understand how you as a human being interact with a smart system so we can learn to optimize that system for you.鈥�

One current project looks at how students use AI in their daily lives, including whether they trust the results from their questions 鈥� and whether or not that trust is warranted.

鈥淎I systems are probabilistic, which means there is always a good chance they are wrong,鈥� he said. 鈥淢any students don鈥檛 know this and trust whatever answer they are given. Our goal is to learn how to optimize this so we can address this problem.鈥�

To study these interactions, Rafiei鈥檚 lab is equipped with advanced tools that allow researchers to observe both behavior and brain activity in real time. Eye-tracking technology reveals where users focus their attention on a screen, while EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems measure which areas of the brain are active during interaction. Virtual reality headsets allow researchers to build immersive environments 鈥� such as a classroom with an AI assistant 鈥� and study how people respond in more lifelike scenarios. 

The lab also houses an incredibly powerful computer, known as an AI cluster, that allows researchers to run and customize AI models locally. By operating outside of internet-based systems, the lab can test models in a controlled environment without privacy concerns, giving researchers the ability to study how people interact with AI systems specifically designed for the experiment.

Together, these tools allow Rafiei and his students to examine not only what people do when interacting with AI, but also what is happening in their minds as they do it.

The work is inherently interdisciplinary, combining psychology with neuroscience, computer science, and physiology to better understand how humans engage with increasingly intelligent systems.

Students play a key role in that process, gaining hands-on experience working with AI models and advanced research tools. Skills gained in this lab prepare them for emerging careers in human-AI interaction.

鈥淭his is a new field,鈥� Rafiei said. 鈥淲e know about human cognition and perception, but how do we interact with another intelligent system? We don鈥檛 even know all the questions we need to ask yet.鈥�

As AI systems become more advanced and increasingly human-like, the challenge becomes even more complex.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not like interacting with a tool,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more like interacting with another intelligent being. And there are still so many open questions we need to answer.鈥�

Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation in Psychology

Across all three labs, a common thread is clear: the future of psychology at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is increasingly hands-on, interdisciplinary, and grounded in real-world impact.

For Dr. Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychology, the new labs mark a turning point in the department鈥檚 identity.

鈥淩esearch has clearly become more prominent,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e intentionally building a department that is more uniformly engaged in research.鈥�

That shift is being driven in large part by new faculty hires, whose work is expanding both the scope and scale of research opportunities available to students. In the past, demand for research experience often outpaced availability. Now, that dynamic is reversing.

鈥淲e went from having more students than research opportunities to suddenly being in the opposite situation,鈥� she said.

As the department grows, so does its emphasis on preparing students for careers beyond the classroom. Through lab work, students gain practical experience in skills Sherwin says are valuable across industries such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication.

To support that growth, the department is also introducing a new 鈥淩esearch Experience鈥� course this fall, designed to give students earlier and more accessible entry into lab work. The course allows students to begin developing research skills before moving into more independent, advanced projects.

鈥淧eople don鈥檛 always realize how marketable research skills are,鈥� Sherwin said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 really where our discipline shines at the undergraduate level 鈥� teaching students how to manage and present data, think critically and analytically, and answer questions effectively.鈥�

As psychology continues to intersect with fields like artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and data science, the work happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is positioned at the forefront of that shift.

With new labs, advanced technology, and a growing emphasis on student-driven research, the department is not only keeping pace with the future of the discipline 鈥� it is helping define it.

The post Exploring the Human Mind: Inside 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Innovative Psychology Labs appeared first on News.

Growth has defined Stephen Afolabi鈥檚 journey. From his early studies in Nigeria to his research in the United States, he has moved from traditional chemistry into emerging work in machine learning. As he prepares to graduate with a master鈥檚 degree in chemistry from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Afolabi looks back on how much he鈥檚 grown.

Originally from Nigeria, he began his academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he built a strong foundation in chemistry. At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, his work began to shift, and he developed his skill in multiple scientific disciplines.

鈥淐ompleting my master鈥檚 degree in chemistry means a lot to me, both academically and personally,鈥� Afolabi said. 鈥淚t shows how far I鈥檝e come, from building my foundation in Nigeria to developing my research interests at a more advanced level.鈥�

He found a new direction combining chemistry with technology after seeing the limits of more traditional approaches.

鈥淚 saw how time consuming, and sometimes subjective, those methods could be,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what pushed me to explore more data-driven approaches.鈥�

That shift became central to his work in the lab.

鈥淪tephen has been in my research group for about two years,鈥� said Dr. Jerry Darsey, professor in the School of Physical Sciences鈥揅hemistry and director of the Center for Molecular Design and Development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淎lthough he chose to pursue a master鈥檚 degree rather than a Ph.D., he accomplished some very interesting and useful work for our center.鈥�

Darsey said Afolabi developed a software program that allows the lab鈥檚 spectral data to be used in its artificial intelligence research. The spectrometer produces data in one format, and before it can be used in AI models, it has to be converted into another.

鈥淪tephen wrote a program to make that conversion possible,鈥� Darsey said. 鈥淗e also built a bridge between our quantum simulation program and the data processing system. That kind of work makes our research more efficient and more connected.鈥�

The program was written in Python, making it compatible with many of the lab鈥檚 existing research tools.

He also started working on ways to make it easier and faster to identify compounds using infrared (IR) data.

鈥淔or me, it wasn鈥檛 just about learning new tools,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was about finding better ways to understand the data and make the process more efficient.鈥�

Afolabi sees this work as part of a broader shift in how science is done.

鈥淭hey can help us test ideas faster, handle large amounts of data, and find patterns we might miss otherwise,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 replace chemistry, they make it stronger.鈥�

That sense of growth hasn鈥檛 just happened in the lab. Moving to the United States meant adjusting to a new culture and academic system.

鈥淭hat experience pushed me to become more independent and more confident in myself,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 always easy, but it helped me grow.鈥�

He also found value in working with students from different backgrounds, which helped him see problems from new angles.

His academic path has also shaped that perspective. Along with chemistry, he holds a Certificate of Achievement in Geology, which has influenced how he approaches scientific problems.

鈥淚t helps me look at problems in a more complete way,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot just at the molecular level, but also how those ideas connect to real-world systems.鈥�

Graduate school helped him grow into a steady, collaborative and persistent leader.

鈥淟eadership isn鈥檛 always about being in charge,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 about staying committed, helping others, and working through challenges together.鈥�

He said studying in both Nigeria and the United States shaped how he understands science and the way he approaches problems. His early education focused on theory, while his graduate studies emphasized research and application.

鈥淏oth experiences shaped me in different ways,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow I feel more prepared to approach problems from different angles.鈥�

After graduation, Afolabi plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and continue working in computational chemistry and machine learning, with the goal of using his research to solve real-world problems in the environment and industry.

鈥淚 want my work to make things more efficient and more accessible 鈥� to help turn complex data into something useful,鈥� he said.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been part of that same progression.

鈥淚鈥檓 ready to keep growing and take on new challenges,鈥� he said.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research appeared first on News.

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.

The post Academic Affairs Staff Award Winners appeared first on News.

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.”

The post Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree appeared first on News.

Grace Shelton, a biology major with pre-med dreams, Faith Shelton, determined to make her mark in civil engineering, and their mother Aaronda Williams, building her future in construction management, all share the same graduation date. 

Across the three women, there are 16 organizational involvements, 13 scholarships, three majors, and one shared journey.

鈥淚t鈥檚 crazy to think about,鈥� Grace says, reflecting on the idea of all graduating together. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we ever would have thought it would happen, but here we are.鈥�

It wasn鈥檛 exactly planned, but maybe it was always meant to be. Aaronda remembers conversations from when her daughters were young, when she would ask them about their dreams and talk through the steps they鈥檇 need to take. 

鈥淭hey would ask me, 鈥楳om, what do you want to be?鈥� And I鈥檇 tell them. They鈥檇 say, 鈥榊ou can still do that!鈥� I always said, 鈥楳aybe when y鈥檃ll go back, I鈥檒l go back too,鈥� Aaronda recalls.

Aaronda was always grateful for the small moments.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so amazing having them on campus. We have lunch together, go to events, and cheer each other on. It means the world,鈥� Aaronda says.

But it鈥檚 not always easy. Burnout, doubt, and exhaustion are familiar hurdles. 

鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 hard to keep going,鈥� Grace admits. 鈥淏ut we always remind each other of our goals. When I felt unsure if I belonged, I could come home, talk it out, and get my motivation back.鈥�

For Aaronda, her daughters are more than just support 鈥� they鈥檙e inspiration.聽

鈥淭hey鈥檙e working, going to school, having a social life, and still showing up for me. I can鈥檛 complain about working and going to school when I see them doing it all.鈥�

That mutual inspiration is rooted in the example Aaronda set. 

鈥淪eeing our mom balance everything, that鈥檚 what shaped our mindset,鈥� Grace reflects. 鈥淗er strength influenced us a lot.鈥�

Still, the women have built their own campus families, branching out into leadership programs, sororities, and student organizations. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e found mentors and friends at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� says Faith, 鈥渂ut our family bond is always there, too.鈥�

Each woman can pinpoint moments that will stick with her forever. For Aaronda, it鈥檚 lunch together at The WOW Cafe with all her daughters. For Faith, it鈥檚 the quiet joy of everyone gathered in her dorm, just talking, just being together. For Grace it is the memory of all of them realizing they would be graduating together after all. 

As graduation nears, emotions run high. 

鈥淚鈥檒l be grateful and at peace,鈥� Aaronda says. 鈥淚 can finally breathe.鈥� 

Grace knows she鈥檒l be emotional, thinking of how much she鈥檚 grown since her shy, uncertain middle school days. Faith, too, feels the weight of her family鈥檚 achievement, coming from a background without many degrees, and now adding three new ones at once.

Looking to the future, they look to the legacy they hope to leave. 

For Grace, representation in medicine is key. 

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 enough Black women physicians. I want to open a practice for underserved communities and be someone people can see themselves in,鈥� Grace says.

Aaronda dreams of creating a nonprofit to help women enter construction, opening doors that have too often been closed. 

鈥淲e need more women in construction, and I want to show them the way鈥攇ive them a clear pathway to a career,鈥� Aaronda says.

Faith is focused on civil engineering and preparing for a career in roadway and infrastructure design.

鈥淚 want to create infrastructure that strengthens and connects communities,鈥� Faith says.

What鈥檚 next? More giving back, more mentorship, more dreams. Maybe even graduate school, Aaronda jokes 鈥� though with two more daughters still in high school, she might have company again.

For now, the focus is on celebrating, on capturing a family photo in cap and gown, on reflecting on just how far they鈥檝e come 鈥� together.

The post A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together appeared first on News.

Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university鈥檚 highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement Information.

For more information about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement.

The post Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16聽 appeared first on News.

When asked about the initial reaction to joining the board, Rafiei described it as both an honor and a responsibility. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a title,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚DSPP is doing important work that bridges research and public policy. The invitation represents an opportunity to contribute in ways that go well beyond traditional academic work.鈥�

IDSPP is an organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between design research, legal reasoning, and public impact. Its broader aim is to support applied design research and ensure that legal and policy discussions are informed by strong evidence. The organization contributes to public discourse through research initiatives, amicus briefs and working papers 鈥� all aimed at integrating scientific understanding of design into real-world contexts.

鈥淭he invitation felt like a natural fit because my work consistently explores the ways research can connect human behavior, design and decision making in practical settings. IDSPP鈥檚 commitment to bringing rigorous design-related research into public and legal contexts is deeply meaningful to me,鈥� said Rafiei.

Design science plays an important role in public policy. Design shapes how people interact with products, systems, and institutions, affecting usability, access, behavior, and decision-making. This means design is not just a creative issue 鈥� it is also a public one. By bringing evidence-based approaches to design-related policy questions, organizations like IDSPP help ensure that legal and policy decisions are informed by scientific understanding. 

Serving on the IDSPP board has already begun to challenge and expand Rafiei鈥檚 perspective as a researcher. 

鈥淚t expands my thinking by pushing me to consider how research can function outside academic settings,鈥� said Rafiei. 鈥淚n research, we often focus on theory, methods and findings, but in a role like this, you also have to think about how evidence is interpreted in broader public, legal and institutional contexts. That is valuable because it pushes me to think more carefully about how research can be communicated, applied and made useful in higher-stakes environments.鈥�

Rafiei also sees the opportunity as one that extends beyond his own work, with benefits for the university community.

He hopes to bring back stronger models for how academic research can translate into real-world impact, particularly in public conversations, policy decisions and interdisciplinary collaboration. For Rafiei, seeing how research is applied in legal and policy contexts reinforces the importance of scholarship that contributes to broader societal discussions.

Personally and professionally, the appointment represents a meaningful milestone for Rafiei, reflecting his commitment to research that extends beyond academia.

鈥淚t reflects the work I care about most 鈥� research that matters beyond academia,鈥� Rafiei said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a chance to work alongside experts from different fields, contribute my perspective, and continue growing as a scholar. It鈥檚 about connecting strong research with real-world application 鈥� that鈥檚 the kind of work I鈥檓 most passionate about.鈥�

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy appeared first on News.

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.

“I have always been a big fan of school, for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I truly believe that school is both a challenge and a form of preparation that helps you grow into a disciplined human being.”

Martinez earned a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications with an emphasis in journalism from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. For the Little Rock resident, education reflects the discipline, effort, and accountability required for success.

“A degree represents the hard work you鈥檝e invested in gaining knowledge and holding yourself accountable,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat said, earning my master鈥檚 degree has always been a dream of mine.”

During her time in graduate school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Martinez has balanced multiple responsibilities. She is a full-time student and part-time graduate assistant. She also worked for the Arkansas Business Publishing Group during the summer and fall semesters.

“I鈥檝e been lucky enough to earn my master鈥檚 while having two jobs that not only helped pay for my education but also allowed me to meet extraordinary people,” she said.

Throughout a demanding schedule, Martinez said the support of others helped her stay grounded.

“I鈥檝e had incredible bosses, professors, family, and friends who made this juggle easier than I expected,” she said. “Easy? No, it wasn鈥檛, but nothing in life that is worth it is easy. Everything comes with challenges and struggles, but that is the beauty of life.”

One of her most meaningful experiences was coaching the university鈥檚 鈥� a role she initially stepped into without knowing how much it would shape her.

Before coming to Little Rock, Martinez had swum for four years as an undergrad on a scholarship.

鈥淚 wanted to explore coaching because my dad was my swim coach for 20 years, and I wanted to do the same thing he did for me 鈥� for other people,鈥� she said.

What began as exploration soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her graduate experience.

“Over the past two years, I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to coach someone into becoming the best version of themselves,” she said. “The fact that the 30-plus women I met along the way allowed me to be part of their growth is something I will always be grateful for.”

Nathan Townsend, the team’s head coach, said Martinez worked as a graduate assistant and has been a cornerstone of the swimming program. She has shown a top work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

鈥淓milia is someone I trust deeply, not only because of how hard she works, but because of the insight and perspective she brings to every situation,鈥� he said. 鈥淒uring challenging moments, her steady presence and mindset helped guide our team forward and played a meaningful role in our success.鈥�

Martinez credits her parents, sister, and boyfriend with encouraging her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams while far from home. After graduation, she plans to work in FedEx鈥檚 sales enablement department, focusing on project management and communications content. 

During her college experience, Martinez gained insights she wants to share with other students.

“Don鈥檛 let fear stop you from doing the thing that scares you the most,” she said. “That is how I approached these last two years while pursuing my master鈥檚. I stepped out of my shell to build real connections with my professors and allowed them to challenge me through different classes and assignments.”

The post First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree appeared first on News.