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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 2026 Academic Award winners are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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She鈥檚 sponsoring two in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry, making the project personal long before the doors open.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淜nowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.鈥�

That same opportunity is now available to others.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is inviting alumni, friends, and community partners to support the return of the planetarium through a new seat sponsorship program.

Following a $1.2 million gift to restore and modernize the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the university is offering a limited opportunity for supporters to sponsor seats inside the facility. Each sponsored seat will include a personalized nameplate displayed for five years.

鈥淭he return of the planetarium to our campus is a transformative moment for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and our seat sponsorship program offers our community a unique opportunity to be a part of that legacy,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 鈥淲e invite alumni, friends, and partners to lend their support and help inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and explorers right here in central Arkansas.鈥�

Seat sponsorships are available for $2,500 for a five-year term, with the option to make a one-time gift or a five-year pledge of $500 per year. Sponsors will receive a personalized nameplate on a planetarium seat for the duration of the sponsorship, with the opportunity to renew at the end of the five-year period.

Sponsors may choose to recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. Seat selections will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once commitments are confirmed.

Funds raised through the program will support the planetarium鈥檚 educational mission, including:

• STEM education programs
• K鈥�12 school field trips
• Public planetarium shows
• Equipment maintenance and upgrades
• Student learning experiences

The restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space, creating hands-on opportunities for students across campus. The space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, involve students in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and provide business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

The planetarium is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. To learn more about the planetarium or to purchase a seat, visit ualr.edu/planetarium or call Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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鈥淲orkforce development is central to how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock fulfills its responsibility to students, employers, and our communities,鈥� said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. 鈥淏y bringing together leaders from across business, education, healthcare, industry, and government, this advisory board strengthens the connection between education and opportunity while supporting the long-term economic vitality of Arkansas.鈥�

The inaugural members of the Workforce Development Center Advisory Board include:

• Kristi Barr, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Toni Lindsey, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
• Sen. Jane English, Arkansas State Senate
• Kenneth Calhoun, former Career Education and Workforce Development Board Chair
• Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent, Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District
• Dr. Summer Khairi, Nuclear Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 
• Steve Shepard, Retired Senior Vice President, Greenway Equipment Inc.

The advisory board will help guide program priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration across key workforce sectors.

鈥淐reating this advisory board allows us to bring employer and community voices directly into the conversation as strategic advisors and thought partners on emerging workforce trends and community needs,鈥� said Aaron Duvall, executive director of Workforce Development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭heir insight helps us design upskilling training and credentialing opportunities that are relevant, flexible, and aligned with the skills Arkansas employers are seeking both now and in the future.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Workforce Development Center serves as a hub for professional skills training, professional development, industry-recognized credentials, and customized programs for employers. 

Located in the Reynolds Business Building, the Workforce Development Center is home to the offices of Study Abroad, University Career Services, Corporate and Community Education, and Concurrent Enrollment.聽For more information about the Workforce Development Center, visit ualr.edu/workforcedevelopment.

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The Board approved a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Artificial Intelligence. 

鈥淭hese degrees address two very different but equally important needs in Arkansas,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淭hey give students practical pathways into high-demand fields while supporting the long-term needs of our region, and I鈥檓 proud of our faculty for listening to our community and responding in meaningful ways.鈥�

The new bachelor鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education will be housed in the School of Education and will prepare graduates to teach children from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The program responds to a growing shortage of highly qualified early childhood educators across Central Arkansas.

The program is strengthened by a recent gift of $4.2M from the Trinity Foundation, which supports curriculum development, instructional materials, and faculty resources aimed at preparing classroom-ready early childhood educators.

Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education, said the degree reflects both community demand and the university鈥檚 mission to be a strong community partner.

鈥淪trong early learning experiences shape everything that comes after,鈥� Eells said. 鈥淭his program allows us to prepare teachers who are ready to support young learners and families while helping address a critical need in Arkansas schools.鈥�

The Board also approved a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Artificial Intelligence, a new program housed in the Department of Computer Science. Designed as a stand-alone degree, the program offers focused coursework in areas such as machine learning, data analytics, robotics, and ethical AI applications.

Dr. Ahmed AbuHalimeh, chair of the Department of Computer Science, said the program was developed in response to rapid growth in AI-related careers across multiple industries.

鈥淎rtificial intelligence is already transforming how organizations operate,鈥� AbuHalimeh said. 鈥淭his program gives students the technical skills and applied experience needed to succeed in a fast-changing field while supporting workforce needs in Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

The proposal for both degrees will be forwarded to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for its consideration. If approved, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock plans to begin offering the degrees in fall 2026.

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As executive director, Huntley will lead AEDI鈥檚 research, outreach, and engagement e铿�orts focused on strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 economy through data-driven insights, policy support, and collaborate on with public and private-sector partners.

Founded in 1955, AEDI and its predecessor organizations have served as an economic development research and engagement resource within the University of Arkansas system, supporting community, business, and government stakeholders across Arkansas. The institute is home to economists and applied researchers, the Arkansas Census State Data Center, and programs focused on emergency management, community development, and economic education, including the annual Arkansas Economic Forecast Conference, delivered in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

鈥淎EDI plays an important role in connecting university research with the needs of communities, businesses, and policymakers across Arkansas,鈥� said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. 鈥淎aron鈥檚 background in strategic leadership and applied problem-solving will help ensure that our work continues to inform decision-making, support students and faculty, and contribute meaningfully to the state鈥檚 economic development.鈥�

Huntley joins 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock after nearly 20 years in the financial services and technology finance sectors, where he served in senior leadership roles including executive vice president and head of strategy. In those positions, he oversaw large-scale operations and multi-million-dollar budgets across organizations with national reach. Throughout his career, Huntley has been recognized for building high-performing teams, launching innovative partnerships, and translating complex data into actionable strategies.

鈥淎aron Huntley brings a wonderful combination of executive leadership, statewide relationships, and a deep commitment to public service,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淗is experience leading complex organizations, working across sectors, and translating data into meaningful action will strengthen AEDI鈥檚 ability to serve communities, inform policy, and support Arkansas鈥檚 economic future.鈥�

In addition to his executive experience, Huntley has been deeply engaged in Arkansas鈥檚 civic and economic development landscape. He currently serves as a city council member in Springdale and as the chairman of the region鈥檚 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Huntley has worked closely with chambers of commerce, state o铿僣ials, educators, and nonprofit leaders to advance workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community-focused initiatives. He has served on more than a dozen local and statewide nonprofit boards.

Huntley is also a graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration.

鈥淚 am honored to return to my alma mater, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and lead the Arkansas Economic Development Institute,鈥� Huntley said. 鈥淥ver the past decade, my work has centered on building relationships across the state and supporting communities as they pursue sustainable economic growth. AEDI鈥檚 ability to connect research, policy, and practice makes it a powerful resource for Arkansas, and I am excited to work with its outstanding team and partners to help strengthen the state that I love so much.鈥�

As executive director, Huntley will focus on expanding AEDI鈥檚 statewide reach, strengthening partnerships, and aligning the institute鈥檚 work with regional, state, and federal priorities, advancing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role as a leader in research, engagement, and economic development.

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The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall, creates a clear and affordable pathway from associate to bachelor鈥檚 degree while strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 workforce in two of the state鈥檚 highest-demand fields.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and the future of Arkansas.

鈥淲e鈥檙e especially proud to be here with our colleagues from 糖心Vlog传媒CCB to celebrate this step forward together,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I鈥檓 excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain said the agreement provides a practical solution for students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.

鈥淭hrough this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at 糖心Vlog传媒CCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor鈥檚 degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing 鈥� two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淚t provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said the partnership connects students to the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs.

鈥淥ver the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University鈥檚 Center on Education and the Workforce. 鈥淭his partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB Provost Zach Perrine said the agreement ensures students can move smoothly from a two-year college to a four-year university without losing time or credits.

鈥�2+2 partnerships like this ensure students can transparently and seamlessly move from their community college to a university,鈥� Perrine said. 鈥淏y connecting students to critical pathways in education and health care, we are improving families, our community, and our state.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB serves students throughout north-central Arkansas with affordable associate degrees and technical certificates, and the new agreement is designed to reduce transfer barriers while expanding access to bachelor鈥檚 degrees in high-demand fields.

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,鈥� she said.

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The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved the new center during its Sept. 26 meeting. Housed within the Office of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ann Bain, the Workforce Development Center brings together four existing units 鈥� Concurrent Enrollment, Corporate and Community Education, Study Abroad, and University Career Services 鈥� under one strategic umbrella. The goal is to enhance collaboration, optimize resources, and align the university鈥檚 efforts with state and regional workforce priorities.

鈥淭he Workforce Development Center gives us the unique opportunity to support learners from age 14 through retirement,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development, who leads the new center. 鈥淥ur mission is to equip students and professionals with the skills and credentials that employers are seeking while helping companies across Arkansas upskill their workforce. We want to start by actually listening to business and industry leaders in our community and design programs and certifications that they value and need. Workforce development cannot happen in silos.鈥�

The Workforce Development Center will serve as a central hub for aligning academic programs with non-credit courses and expanding opportunities for learners. Among its priorities are:

路   Expanding non-credit workforce pathways through Corporate and Community Education

路   Developing new certificates of proficiency that meet industry needs

路   Increasing internship opportunities through University Career Services

路 聽 Broadening career and technical education opportunities for high school students through Corporate and Community Education

路   Creating tools for workforce data collection and assessment

路   Evaluating prior learning assessment across the university

路   Expanding global workforce experiences, such as global internships, through Study Abroad

路   Supporting grant writing for workforce-related initiatives

Provost Bain said the creation of the center reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to both student success and Arkansas鈥檚 economic vitality.

鈥淭his center is about more than connecting students with jobs,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 economy by preparing graduates to meet workforce demands, supporting employers in developing their talent pipelines, and creating opportunities that benefit entire communities.鈥�

The Workforce Development Center will build upon the success of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnerships Program, which offers employees of partner companies a 10 percent tuition scholarship, a $25-per-credit-hour book scholarship, and a waived application fee. This fall alone, the program has seen nearly 475 enrollments from 130 corporate partners. Since 2022, more than 1,500 students have participated, generating an estimated financial impact of nearly $5 million.

The Workforce Development Center will also house the newly formed Workforce Development Center Council, a group of faculty, staff, and administrators from across the university. The council will meet regularly to share insights on workforce trends in their fields, ensuring the center鈥檚 initiatives remain responsive to changing needs in the state and region.

By uniting these efforts under one umbrella, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is positioned to help students succeed in their careers while supporting businesses and industries with the talent and training they need to grow.

鈥淭his is a space for collaboration,鈥� Duvall said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a student, alumni, or employer, we want to work together to make sure 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is providing the right pathways for Arkansas鈥檚 workforce now and in the future.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock invites community members, alumni, employers, and industry leaders to partner in shaping the future of workforce development in Arkansas. Those interested in sharing ideas, identifying workforce needs, or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Duvall at aduvall@ualr.edu.

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Though Sean Riggin, a retired healthcare administrator from Florida, could not be present, a letter he penned was read aloud during a May 29 luncheon held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, where the announcement was made during the same week as both of his parents鈥� birthdays. The event was attended by the Riggin family, including Sean鈥檚 sister Ashley Coldiron, as well as university leaders and nursing faculty.

鈥淭his planned gathering is to announce my estate gift that will establish the Dee and Don Riggin Endowed Scholarship for students studying nursing in the School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,鈥� Sean wrote. 鈥淭his honorary gift is a tribute to my mom and dad who, through endless examples, demonstrate there is no higher purpose in life than to love and support others.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain read the letter to the family and praised the Riggin family鈥檚 decades-long support of the university.

鈥淭he Riggins have been associated with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for many years,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not only our institution they support, but other wonderful organizations across the city. We鈥檙e thrilled to be associated with the Riggin family. Don鈥檚 legacy goes back to his time as a student body president at Little Rock University, and Dee鈥檚 career in the health profession makes this scholarship especially meaningful.鈥�

Don Riggin earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in 1962 from what was then Little Rock University. He later served as president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors and was deeply involved in shaping the institution鈥檚 development initiatives. Speaking at the event, he reflected on how much the university has meant to his life.

鈥淚t鈥檚 mutual,鈥� Don said. 鈥淚 had some great instructors, great mentors, great friends. We didn鈥檛 have a strong alumni association at that time, and then we made a decision that development was very important to this institution. Dee and I both think we have two of the greatest children you could ever want. If you look at what Ashley and Sean have done, we are extremely proud of both of them.鈥�

Dee Riggin, a retired labor and delivery nurse, added, 鈥淲e love the university. Don has loved it a very long time since he was here as a student. It鈥檚 a part of our family. Sean and Ashley will be the next people to support the university too.鈥�

Sean, whose 36-year career in healthcare spanned both clinical and administrative roles, wrote of his admiration for the nursing profession and the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems.

鈥淚n every capacity, and at all levels, nursing professionals are the fulcrum of the care matrix,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he demands require delegation, diligence, and integrated knowledge at every level. I believe healthcare is the future for the jobs marketplace, with nurses filling roles that general practice gatekeepers traditionally held.鈥�

Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing, expressed gratitude for the gift.

鈥淭his is outstanding news,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淥ur student population includes many first-generation college students, and they need support to succeed. We are deeply appreciative of this gift.鈥�

Joanna Hall, director of simulation and assistant professor of nursing, added that it鈥檚 a full-circle moment.

鈥淲e have already received support from the Riggins for simulation equipment and now for scholarships, it feels like they鈥檝e been woven into 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 culture for a long time,鈥� Hall said.

Provost Ann Bain said the planned scholarship is 鈥渁 fabulous tribute to both of you and your family. We appreciate it so much.鈥�

Provost Bain also announced that Sean will be inducted into the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Heritage Society this fall, recognizing donors who have made planned gifts to the university.

After the luncheon, Dee and Don Riggin toured the School of Nursing and the Center for Simulation Innovation, where they saw the Echo masks and virtual reality technology that had so impressed their son on his earlier visit.

In his letter, Sean thanked his sister Ashley for her support in establishing the gift and praised the university鈥檚 planned giving team and nursing faculty for their professionalism and dedication.

鈥淚 was amazed and inspired during my tour of the School of Nursing and the experience-based training demonstrated through virtual reality technology,鈥� Sean wrote. 鈥淭heir commitment to an innovative and quality learning environment is palpable and exciting.鈥�

The endowment ensures that future nursing students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will receive vital financial support while honoring the legacy of a family whose love for the university spans generations.

鈥淚 wish all future graduates a purpose-driven career that fulfills and inspires them to provide dedicated care to countless individuals in Arkansas and beyond,鈥� Sean concluded.

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The award, established by the provosts of OVC member institutions, recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success, curriculum development, professional growth, and community involvement.

Paprocki, who has been with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock since 2016, is known for his dedication to student-athletes and his flexible approach to teaching. With a background in exercise physiology and experience as a strength and conditioning coach for multiple Olympic sports teams, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He teaches courses such as Care and Prevention of Injuries, Exercise Wellness & Lifestyle, Exercise Principles and Methods, and Advanced First Aid.

鈥淚 am very grateful for receiving this award,鈥� Paprocki said. 鈥淥ur department offers degrees in Exercise Science, K-12 Physical Education, Sports Management, Health Promotion, and Coaching, so all of our faculty should have a strong relationship with student-athletes and the athletic department. Hopefully, awards like this one reflect that commitment.鈥�

Paprocki鈥檚 approach to student success is rooted in understanding the challenges faced by student-athletes, particularly in managing their demanding schedules. Having been a student-athlete himself, he recognizes the pressures of balancing academics with in-season, post-season, and off-season commitments. His guiding principle in the classroom is clear: students must communicate proactively about their schedules, and in return, he ensures flexibility to help them succeed.

鈥淚 believe a student-athlete鈥檚 schedule is similar to many of our students who are parents, work full time, or serve in the military,鈥� Paprocki said. 鈥淚f they can be proactive and responsible, we as faculty need to work with them as well.鈥�

Paprocki鈥檚 dedication extends beyond the classroom. He regularly attends sporting events to support his students, with basketball and volleyball being his favorites. He also enjoys taking his three-year-old son to outdoor events like soccer and track meets. This past year, he attended his first baseball game and wrestling meet and looks forward to attending more in the future.

His impact on students is evident in testimonials from those he has mentored. Student-athlete Serenity Thake praised Paprocki鈥檚 ability to inspire students and provide meaningful learning experiences.

鈥淧rofessor Paprocki has been a cornerstone of my university experience, and his influence has shaped my academic and career aspirations,鈥� Thake said. 鈥淲hat truly sets Professor Paprocki apart is his ability to create a learning environment where every student feels valued. His encouragement and belief in our potential has motivated me to push myself further, both academically and professionally. He exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.鈥�

鈥淧rofessor Paprocki鈥檚 passion for exercise science transformed my interest into a career aspiration,鈥� Thake said. 鈥淗is support in balancing academics and athletics has been invaluable, and his presence at our games shows how much he genuinely cares.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Provost Ann Bain also commended Paprocki鈥檚 contributions in her nomination letter, highlighting his commitment to student learning and service.

鈥淪ince first joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, he has worked closely with the university鈥檚 student-athletes,鈥� Provost Bain said. 鈥淪tudents who have taken his classes have noted Mr. Paprocki鈥檚 dedication to their success in the classroom and his support outside of the class as well. Other groups beyond students and faculty have noted Mr. Paprocki鈥檚 dedication to student success as well. In 2022, he was chosen to be the Arkansas Teacher of the Year from the Society of Health and Physical Educations because of his dedication to student鈥檚 learning needs and service work.鈥�

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