The Foundation Fund Board plays a key role in stewarding private support for the university by providing oversight for foundation activities and serving as ambassadors for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock throughout the community. The board is chaired by J.R. Bizzell, senior vice president in the Risk Management Group at Stephens Insurance, who brings experience in risk strategy, financial analysis, and capital markets. Board members meet quarterly and help champion student scholarships, academic initiatives, and institutional growth.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome these outstanding leaders to the Foundation Fund Board,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淓ach brings a unique perspective and strong ties to the business and civic communities that will help advance opportunities for our students and strengthen the university鈥檚 impact across Arkansas.鈥�

Anthony J. Brooks

Anthony J. Brooks has spent more than 30 years in the construction industry and is the president and owner of Platinum Drywall, Inc., a company he founded in 2001 with a vision of delivering exceptional service. Over the course of his career, Brooks has worked across all aspects of commercial construction, including estimating, project management, safety, and accounting.

Brooks is active in several industry organizations, including the American Subcontractors Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Ceilings & Interior System Construction Association. In 2014, he and Platinum Drywall were recognized as the Arkansas Regional Minority Business of the Year. Outside of work, Brooks enjoys spending time with his wife, Shelia, and their two sons, Asa and Alex, and is active in his church and community.

Rob Gunther

Rob Gunther is a certified public accountant with more than 25 years of accounting and tax experience. He currently serves as chairman of the executive committee for Frost, PLLC, where he has worked since 2001.

Gunther鈥檚 work focuses primarily on consulting within the agriculture and food processing industries, particularly in the broiler, egg, turkey, and pork sectors. His expertise includes income and estate planning as well as regulatory compliance. He is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences, sharing insights on taxation and estate planning.

Ryan Holder

Ryan Holder serves as managing director of Strategic M&A Advisors. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi and is a certified public accountant.

Throughout his career, Holder has worked in a variety of roles focused on entrepreneurship, business transactions, valuation, and capital raising. He has started, operated, and sold multiple businesses while helping companies across industries raise private equity and debt capital. Prior to joining Strategic M&A Advisors, Holder served as director of business services for a large Arkansas-based CPA firm.

Brad McBride

Brad McBride is vice president and senior relationship manager for global commercial banking at Bank of America in Little Rock. In his role, he works with middle-market companies generating between $50 million and $2 billion in annual revenue, providing financial solutions in areas such as treasury management, credit, investment banking, international banking, and wealth management.

McBride began his career with Bank of America in Little Rock in 2011, working in credit before gaining additional experience in Amarillo, Texas, and St. Louis. He returned to Little Rock in 2016 to focus on delivering commercial banking services to public and private clients throughout the region.

Tracey Rancifer Rittelmeyer

Tracey Rancifer Rittelmeyer is president of Ausum Realty, Inc. and an entrepreneur, developer, and managing broker with extensive experience in real estate management, development, and economic development.

She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from Rhodes College and a Master of Public Administration with honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Rittelmeyer has held numerous leadership roles within the real estate profession, including serving with the National Association of Realtors, Arkansas Realtors Association, and the Arkansas Real Estate Foundation.

Appointed by three Arkansas governors, she has served on several state boards, including the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, where she served as chairman in 2022, as well as the Arkansas Real Estate Commission and the Little Rock Port Authority Board. Rittelmeyer is also an advocate for women in business and was named the Women鈥檚 Business Council Southwest Regional Volunteer of the Year in 2023 for helping more than 100 companies achieve certification as women-owned businesses.

Amy Wren

Amy Wren, J.D., serves as a director and wealth advisor at Forvis Mazars and brings more than 30 years of experience in legal and financial services. Her work focuses on helping individuals and families navigate complex financial planning and long-term decision-making.

Wren is a proud 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumna, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology before completing her law degree at the William H. Bowen School of Law. She remains actively involved in the community through volunteer service with Ronald McDonald House and previously served on the Pulaski County Bar Association Foundation board.

Originally from the Midwest, Wren has called Little Rock home for many years. She and her husband, Keith Wren鈥攁lso a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and Bowen School of Law graduate鈥攈ave three grown children, two sons-in-law, two grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and a beloved family dog.

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Through their leadership and community connections, these new board members will help champion the university鈥檚 efforts to support students, strengthen academic programs, and build partnerships that benefit the community.

Learn more about the Office of Alumni and Development at . 

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The $25,000 gift will provide scholarship support for undergraduate students and is designed to help offset education-related expenses, including tuition, books, and fees.

Robert Birch says the decision to give back was simple. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock changed his family鈥檚 story across three generations.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is near and dear to our family,鈥� said Robert Birch. 鈥淢ultiple generations of our family have graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and it truly set us on a path toward meaningful, successful lives. The university provided not only an affordable, accessible education, but also an environment where hard work and determination were rewarded. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock opened doors for our family that changed the trajectory of our futures.鈥�

Birch grew up in North Little Rock listening to his parents talk about their time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the role it played in shaping their future. His father, Bob Birch, a proud alumnus, later spearheaded the family鈥檚 effort to establish the scholarship and instilled in his children the importance of giving back.

Robert鈥檚 own path to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock came at a pivotal moment. After playing college baseball, a shoulder injury ended his athletic career and forced him to rethink his next step. He needed a fresh start that would allow him to focus on academics while continuing to work full time.

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, he worked 40 hours per week while taking 15 to 18 credit hours each semester.

鈥淏ecause of the flexibility, support, and quality instruction at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I flourished academically,鈥� Birch said. 鈥淭hat experience changed my trajectory.鈥�

Years later, his daughter Madison followed a similar path. After earning an associate degree, she transferred to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, received a transfer scholarship, and graduated with honors. She later returned to earn her master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice, all while working, just as her father and grandfather had done.

The Birch Family Endowed Scholarship reflects that lived experience. It will support full- or part-time undergraduate students who are employed while pursuing their degree, helping reduce financial barriers for students working to improve their circumstances.

鈥淚f this scholarship gives even one student an opportunity they otherwise would not have had, then I consider it a win,鈥� said Birch. 鈥淎 college education can be a true generational lift, changing not only the life of the student, but the future of their entire family.鈥�

Beyond their own family story, the Birch family sees the gift as an investment in Central Arkansas.

鈥淪upporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helps strengthen the workforce pipeline for Central Arkansas and the state as a whole,鈥� Birch said. 鈥淭he more well-educated, capable graduates we retain here, the stronger our regional economy becomes. Employers across Central Arkansas are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill critical roles. By investing in education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we are investing in the long-term stability, competitiveness, and growth of our community.鈥�

The scholarship is a collective family commitment from the entire Birch family including Bob Birch and his wife Trish, Robert and his wife Dee, Brent Birch and his wife Mollie, Madison Birch, and their extended family.

鈥淚nvesting in education, and in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock specifically, means investing in the future of Central Arkansas,鈥� said Robert Birch. 鈥淓ducation remains one of the most powerful tools for mobility and progress. Supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is not simply philanthropy; it is a strategic investment in the future of our region and beyond.鈥�

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The campaign closed with 44.43% participation, surpassing the established goal of 37% and marking the highest participation rate in more than five years. A total of 510 faculty and staff members contributed $221,374.42 in support of scholarships, academic programs, and other institutional priorities.

鈥淔aculty and staff give because they believe in the work happening here and in the students who benefit from it,鈥� said Dr. Shelia Brooks, campus campaign chair. 鈥淲e see the university鈥檚 impact every day, and giving back is one way we can support that work and invest in our students鈥� success.鈥�

Over the past three years, the Campus Campaign has seen steady year-over-year growth in both faculty and staff participation and overall giving, culminating in a record-setting year in 2025.

Nine departments achieved 100% participation during the campaign:

• Alumni and Development
• Chancellor鈥檚 Office
• Counseling Services
• Disability Resource Center
• Health Services
• STEM
• Emerging Analytics Center
• the Jody Mahony Center for Gifted Education
• Marketing and Communications

A key factor in this year鈥檚 success was the faculty-led nature of the campaign. As campus campaign chair, Dr. Brooks took an active, visible role by visiting departments and speaking directly with colleagues about why faculty and staff giving matters.

鈥淒r. Brooks鈥� leadership resonated across campus,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淗er perspective as a faculty member helped reinforce the value of participation and encouraged broader engagement.鈥�

The campaign also benefited from a more intentional approach to engagement. This year鈥檚 Kick-Off Breakfast included role-play scenarios and a question-and-answer session designed to help participants feel more at ease talking with colleagues about giving. A dedicated lunch for campaign ambassadors provided additional opportunities for connection and collaboration across departments.

The campaign鈥檚 results reflect growing engagement across campus and set the stage for continued momentum in the year ahead.

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Molly Coleman has joined the Office of Communications and Marketing as a research communicator. In this role, Coleman helps share the impact of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 research through compelling stories that connect with the public.

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited to be part of a team that values storytelling and creativity,鈥� Coleman said. 鈥淲hat excites me most about this position is getting to connect with researchers and help translate their work into stories that resonate with the public. I鈥檓 interested in finding the human side of research and showing how it affects people鈥檚 everyday lives. It鈥檚 rewarding to help bring those stories to a wider audience and show how much innovation is happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Sheila McKinnis has joined the Office of Alumni and Development as associate director of development, where she will manage sponsorships for university events and help advance philanthropic engagement.

鈥淔or the last 21 years, I owned my own business, so I have a broad skill set,鈥� McKinnis said. 鈥淚 grew up on this campus as both of my parents worked for the university, and now my oldest son is a student. Joining the development team at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock feels like I am coming home.鈥�

Angela Parker has been promoted to director of donor relations and stewardship. In this leadership role, Parker oversees a comprehensive donor鈥恟elations and stewardship program that includes acknowledgments, impact reporting, recognition societies, scholarship stewardship, and signature donor events.

鈥淢y late mother and I are both proud 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnae, and I鈥檝e witnessed how the education we received changed the course of our family鈥檚 story,鈥� Parker said. 鈥淗aving spent 20 years working here, I feel deeply connected to this institution and its mission. As director of donor relations and stewardship, I鈥檓 honored to help celebrate the donors whose support ensures that future generations can experience the same opportunity and transformation. As we approach the university鈥檚 centennial, I鈥檓 grateful to play a role in keeping affordability and access central to our donors鈥� generosity, so future students can experience the same life-changing opportunities I did.鈥�

Parker brings extensive experience in strategic communications, donor and community engagement, and high鈥恜rofile event management at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where she has led major university events, directed media relations, and earned recognition for creative campaigns.

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That confidence is at the heart of Trojan Champions, a giving initiative launched in 2023 that turns community support into unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Donors pledge an annual gift to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Annual Fund for three years or more, and because the funds are unrestricted, the university can quickly respond to student needs and provide high-impact experiences that otherwise might not be possible.

鈥淭rojan Champions is more than a giving program; it鈥檚 a movement that reflects the strength of our Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “As an alumna, I know the value of the opportunities I had here, and it鈥檚 exciting to see how these gifts are opening even more doors for current and future students. Together, we鈥檙e building a culture of support that will carry 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock into its next century.鈥�

There are now more than 170 Trojan Champions helping to make opportunities possible across campus. Over the past year and a half, their support has funded projects ranging from esports to business competitions.

This fall, esports competitors received equipment stipends, branded gear, and league fees to help them take on teams nationwide in Rocket League, Smash Bros., and Valorant. Another project outfitted a group of real estate students with custom business attire for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation鈥檚 Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, where they pitched a redevelopment plan for a 10-acre site in Bronzeville.

鈥淭hese kinds of gifts are exactly what make Trojan Champions so impactful,鈥� said Thomas Wallace, coordinator of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs. 鈥淭hey give students the resources and confidence to compete at the highest level, whether in esports, business competitions, or other arenas. That kind of support makes a real difference.鈥�

For donors, becoming a Trojan Champion is rooted in both pride and purpose.

鈥淎fter a 41-year career at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I recognize the ongoing need to support students striving to achieve their goals,鈥� said Janis Brooke, a former faculty member. 鈥淓very contribution is targeted for this purpose.鈥�

Brooke鈥檚 perspective is echoed by alumni who see Trojan Champions as a way to give back to the institution that shaped their own success.

鈥淎s a Trojan Champion, I take pride in knowing my support helps fuel the mission of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said alumnus Mario Wallace. 鈥淚t expands opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while strengthening the programs and people who make that growth possible.鈥�

For alumna Debra Baker, the motivation is personal.

鈥淢y mom always said, 鈥榶our education is the key to your success,鈥欌�� Baker said. 鈥淲ith her words, I have become a lifelong learner.鈥�

Shaun Addison echoed the transformative power of education as the reason he joined.

鈥淏y becoming a Trojan Champion, I feel privileged to support the university鈥檚 mission to empower its students and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hrough my contributions, I can help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities and resources that have shaped the lives of so many before them. Together, we can inspire and equip students to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.鈥�

As Trojan Champions continue to grow, so does its impact. From helping students present themselves professionally on national stages to creating new opportunities for competition and collaboration, the initiative shows what鈥檚 possible when a community invests in education.

The generous contributions from Trojan Champions is set to make a lasting impact by empowering students to build their dreams and construct a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which has a goal to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027.

鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭rojan Champions is helping us build a culture of opportunity. With continued support, we can take student success to the next level.鈥�

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University Advancement includes the Offices of Alumni and Development as well as Communications and Marketing.

Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said the promotions reflect the strength of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 advancement team and the university鈥檚 investment in leadership development.

鈥淭hese individuals have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles, helping us elevate the university鈥檚 story, build meaningful partnerships, and create opportunities for our students,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淭heir leadership, creativity, and dedication will continue to strengthen our work and our impact across campus and beyond.鈥�

Derek Boyce Named Director of Alumni, Corporate, and Foundation Relations

Derek Boyce has been promoted to director of alumni, corporate, and foundation relations after 16 years of service to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Boyce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in human services from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, will now oversee alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic relationships.

鈥淚n this expanded role, I鈥檒l have the opportunity to strengthen relationships across our alumni network, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters,鈥� Boyce said. 鈥淭his is something I鈥檝e been working toward, and I鈥檓 thrilled to help advance 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission in meaningful and impactful ways.鈥�

Boyce, a Certified Volunteer Manager, is actively involved with the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association, where he has served as president of the Pi Kappa Alpha Zeta Eta Alumni Board. He also participates in Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XLI.

Meaghan Milliorn Elevated to Senior Director of Web Strategy and Operations

After more than 16 years at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Meaghan Milliorn has been promoted to senior director of web strategy and operations. A graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communication, Milliorn has led the university鈥檚 web team since 2016 and oversaw the successful launch of the university鈥檚 new website this year.

In her new role, she will oversee the web budget and operations while continuing to guide the university鈥檚 digital strategy to align with institutional goals.

鈥淚鈥檓 very happy for this opportunity to continue leading our web team and elevate the work that Communications and Marketing does,鈥� Milliorn said. 鈥淚鈥檝e worked really hard to get here, and this is an exciting time to be part of what 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is doing. I am thankful to help grow this team and continue working hard to tell 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s story.鈥�

Milliorn is active in Digital Collegium and serves on the committee for its annual conference.

Stephanie Purifoy Promoted to Director of Development for Enduring Opportunities and CHASSE

Stephanie Purifoy has been named director of development for Enduring Opportunities and the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

In her new role, Purifoy leads fundraising efforts for the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, a transformative initiative made possible by a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. The scholarship ensures that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock can continue its Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee program indefinitely, creating pathways to affordable and potentially debt-free college degrees for Arkansas students.

鈥淚 am very excited about leading the effort to make an affordable, quality college education available to Arkansas students for years to come,鈥� Purifoy said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock has the opportunity to change lives by opening doors that many students never thought possible.鈥�

Purifoy previously worked in development roles for several nonprofit organizations, including CareLink, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Audubon Arkansas. She is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Muriel Schrepfer Named Senior Graphic Designer

Muriel Schrepfer, who has been part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 creative team for eight years, has been promoted to senior graphic designer. A graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Schrepfer previously worked as a graphic designer for A-State鈥檚 Publications and Creative Services office.

In her new role, Schrepfer will support athletic marketing efforts and lead student workers within Communications and Marketing.

鈥淚鈥檓 very grateful for the opportunity and excited to step into this new role,鈥� Schrepfer said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to continuing to support the great work happening here and helping move us forward.鈥�

Schrepfer also serves as virtual programs coordinator for the University & College Designers Association, chair of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wesley Foundation Board, and is a member of CASE District IV and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Sustainability Committee.

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University officials launched the 2025 Campus Campaign on Sept. 26 by announcing the members of this year鈥檚 steering committee and setting the latest fundraising total. Leaders emphasized that a push for employee participation not only reflects confidence in the institution but also strengthens student success.

鈥淭his campaign is about something simple but powerful: participation,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. 鈥淓very gift matters, no matter how big or small. These gifts are for the betterment of our university, because they believe in the future of our university.鈥�

When the Centennial Campaign began in 2001, only 6.5 percent of employees contributed. Today, that number has more than tripled to 20.7 percent. The goal for 2025 is to raise that to 37 percent, according to campaign chair Dr. Shelia Brooks.

Brooks, a clinical assistant professor of nursing and the first faculty member 鈥� as well as the first African American female faculty member 鈥� to lead the initiative, praised the recent growth in on-campus support. A 1994 alumna, Brooks said faculty and staff giving sends a powerful message to the broader community.

鈥淓very time we give, it shows why we believe in the university,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淚t shows that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is not just our workplace, but our community.鈥�

Faculty and staff contributions are eligible for the Enduring Opportunity Matching Challenge, which doubles gifts to needs-based scholarships. Donations can also be made through planned giving, Alumni Association memberships, legacy bricks, , Trojan Champion awards 鈥� which provides direct support for Little Rock students, and gifts to this fund count toward the campaign goal. Other ways to support the campaign include in-kind donations to university support programs like the Career Closet or the Trojan Food Pantry.听

Stacy Pendergraft, co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, highlighted how her department used a Trojan Champion Award to create a new teaching track that supports crisis management agencies with trained actors and writers. 

鈥淭his is one of many ways supporting the Campus Campaign benefits both students and the work being done on campus,鈥� Pendergraft said.

As part of the campaign kickoff, the university announced the 16 members of the 2025 steering committee, including Brooks; Dr. Joe Felan; Judy Staley; Dr. Rachel Eells; Dr. Barbara L鈥橢plattenier; Dr. Anindya Ghosh; Jennifer Moody; Alicia Dorn; Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison; Dr. Aresh Assadi; Anthony Buttrum; Emily Bell; Katrina Christopher; Quaneshia Hamms; Dr. Carrie Phillips, and Brandy Dixon.

The committee represents departments across campus and is tasked with leading the effort toward 100 percent employee participation.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to far exceed that 37 percent,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淭hanks to the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, gifts can be doubled. This creates an immediate impact on our students and builds the long-term momentum we need.鈥�

Vice Chancellor for Advancement Christian O鈥橬eal underscored the significance of employee giving. 

鈥淲e know people have many demands on their giving, but what makes this campaign different is that our own people鈥攆aculty and staff鈥攁re stepping up. That kind of internal investment shows unity and makes our historic campaign stronger from the inside out,鈥� he said.

For more information about the Campus Campaign, contact Smith at klsmith4@ualr.edu or 501-916-6435.

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The Go 4th Fridays Entrepreneurship Lunch Series will kick off at noon Friday, Sept. 26, at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a free pizza lunch, an inspiring talk from alumni, and an open-mic session for students to pitch their own ideas.

The inaugural program, 鈥�3 Grads鈥� Legendary Video Game: Immercenary with Electronic  Arts,鈥� will feature 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates JD Robinson, Christopher Stashuk, and Elton Pruitt, who will share the story of how they developed the video game 鈥�鈥� in the 1990s for .

Each alumnus will highlight the unique role he played in the project鈥攚hether as a writer, artist, or developer鈥攁nd the challenges and surprises that came with building a console game as independent creators.

Robinson, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in creative writing, said his goal is to share a message with students about readiness and resilience.

鈥淔ocus on a goal or live your dream is sound advice, but I鈥檇 add that the ability to recognize opportunity when it presents itself is even more important,鈥� Robinson said. 鈥溾�楤e ready鈥� is the best advice I can give. Something can be ephemeral and meaningful at the same time, and if a few students leave with that understanding, I will feel like I鈥檝e made a worthwhile contribution.鈥�

The lunch series is co-sponsored by the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business and Tech Launch. The events will take place on the fourth Friday of every month the campus is open and will feature free lunch, inspirational speakers, and student open-mic sessions where participants can share ideas, ask for input, and connect with peers.

Organizers hope the events will encourage students from all disciplines to collaborate on entrepreneurial projects like applying to the Governor鈥檚 Cup competition, entering pitch contests, and even starting new companies. Local investors and community leaders will also be invited to meet students, hear their ideas, and explore opportunities to support innovation at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淭his is how we create interaction and engagement between students from all disciplines,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. 鈥淲e want these lunches to become a watering hole where students, researchers, industry partners, and entrepreneurs come together to exchange ideas and fuel Arkansas鈥檚 next wave of innovation.鈥�

The Sept. 26 event will begin at noon with pizza and networking in the atrium in the Reynolds Business Building, followed by the alumni presentation and Q&A at 12:15 p.m. in Room 103. The final half-hour will be devoted to student open-mic pitches and idea-sharing.

The Go 4th Friday Entrepreneurship Lunch Series is free and open to the public. For more information, email mkjohnson@ualr.edu. Fill out to register for the event.

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Taste of Little Rock, one of the university鈥檚 most beloved traditions, brings together alumni, community members, and dozens of local restaurants for an evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising in support of student scholarships. Over the past 20 years, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. This year, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students received more than $200,000 in scholarships.听

鈥淚 am deeply honored and grateful to be named the honoree for the 21st Taste of Little Rock,鈥� Brannon said. 鈥淭he University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been a foundational part of my journey, and I credit much of my professional growth to the education and opportunities I received during my time there.鈥�

Brannon, who grew up in Cabot, has been a familiar face to Arkansas television viewers for nearly three decades. He first joined THV11 in 1996 as weekend meteorologist and morning show feature reporter before becoming part of the weekday morning team that would dominate local news ratings for more than a decade. After a brief stint in advertising, he returned to THV11 in 2021 as chief meteorologist, where viewers can watch him weeknights at 4, 5, 6, and 10 p.m.

A 1985 graduate of Cabot High School, Brannon went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and later a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He holds the Television Seal of Approval in Broadcast Meteorology from the National Weather Association. Brannon often credits a childhood experience with sparking his passion for weather鈥攚hen a tornado nearly destroyed his hometown of Cabot in 1976 while he was in the third grade.

Beyond the weather desk, Brannon is known for his deep commitment to the community. He is considered the 鈥淕odfather鈥� of the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive, which just completed its 25th year of feeding Arkansas children and families. In all, more than 5 million breakfast items have been collected and served during the 25-year span of the Summer Cereal Drive. He has also lent his time and talents to a wide variety of nonprofits, including the Arkansas Foodbank, Special Olympics Arkansas, Stuff the Sleigh, Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, and Methodist Family Health, among others.

鈥淭om Brannon is an extraordinary ambassador for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and for Arkansas,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. 鈥淗e has built a career of excellence while using his platform to make a difference in the lives of others. We are thrilled to honor him at the 2026 Taste of Little Rock and to celebrate his remarkable contributions both as a professional and as a community leader.鈥�

Brannon, who lives in Little Rock with his wife, Leigh Ann, and daughter, Sophia, has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater. He has returned to campus as a keynote speaker, classroom guest, and mentor to students pursuing careers in mass communication.

鈥淭om has been a steadfast friend to the School of Mass Communication, generously giving his time to speak with our students in the classroom, at scholarship events, and whenever he can to share his experiences,鈥� said Kiel Thorlton, director of the School of Mass Communication. 鈥淗is commitment to mentoring the next generation of media professionals makes him especially deserving of this honor.鈥�

In 2024, Brannon told students, 鈥淚 never would have had the opportunity to celebrate 25 years at THV11 if I didn鈥檛 go to school here. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offered so many opportunities, and I鈥檓 very thankful for the instructors who helped me succeed.鈥�

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Collins, who earned a Master of Arts in public history from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2019, began the position in spring 2025. In his new role, he helps lead the museum鈥檚 educational and public programming, offering everything from student field trips and adult workshops to off-site summer camps and creative, interactive exhibits.

鈥淚 enjoy coming up with new programs,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淭his position allows me to practice that creativity while also helping people better understand the military history of this site and how it connects to the city鈥檚 past.鈥�

Collins is excited about learning more about military history and helping others connect with the museum鈥檚 mission. He and his colleague travel to local sites to deliver history programs to students three days a week throughout the summer and are responsible for developing exhibits and regular events throughout the year.

A native of Cabot who now lives in North Little Rock, Collins brings a rich blend of educational experience and historical training to the position. After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary social studies education from the University of Central Arkansas in 2009, he spent several years teaching at charter schools in Maumelle and Jacksonville. As he grew more curious about historical content and interested in working in a museum, Collins earned a master鈥檚 degree in history at UCA, before studying public history at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock

鈥淢y time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock really evened out my experience in the world of history,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 had done the academic track before, but public history showed me how to bring history to people in tangible, immersive ways.鈥�

Through his coursework and assistantship at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Collins gained hands-on experience in preservation, interpretation, and community outreach. One class even partnered with the MacArthur Museum to create a traveling exhibit on the role of pinups and paperback books during World War II, a collaboration that Collins believes helped lay the foundation for his current role.

鈥淎ll of our internships were immersive,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he professors gave us real projects and the support we needed to succeed. We were a tight-knit group of students, working together on everything from our downtown history project to the traveling exhibit for MacArthur.鈥�

Collins went on to serve as preservation coordinator for the Capitol Zoning District Commission and as public programs manager for Historic Cane Hill, a nonprofit in Northwest Arkansas that preserves one of the state鈥檚 earliest settlements. Those roles allowed him to expand his programming skills, gain experience in historic preservation, and connect with new audiences.

Now back in central Arkansas, Collins is focused on creating original, engaging programs that make military history feel relevant and exciting.

鈥淚 want to come up with fun ways for the public to interact with our content,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ithin a year, I hope to have several original programs in place and be deeply familiar with the history of the site.鈥�

For Collins, public history is a way to make Arkansas鈥檚 rich cultural stories accessible to everyone.

鈥淧eople don鈥檛 always realize how much museum and preservation professionals care about making the city more accessible for every culture,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 glad to be working at a historic and culturally significant site like the MacArthur Museum. This field has been a great experience for me.鈥�

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