One of those cases hit especially close to home. Stephanie Wyatt, an investigative genetic genealogist and a graduate student in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Applied Communication program, recently played a key role in identifying the woman long known as the Conway County Jane Doe 鈥� a victim whose identity remained a mystery for more than three decades.

In February 2026, the 32-year-old woman was identified as Jamie Ann Moore, bringing long-awaited answers to a case that had remained unsolved since 1994.

Wyatt鈥檚 interest in communication is rooted in her professional background. She holds an undergraduate degree in public relations and previously worked in human resources before transitioning into genetic genealogy. She currently works for the Arkansas Department of Transportation while pursuing her graduate degree.

Returning to school was not always something Wyatt saw as attainable. She said her mother is the only person in her family with a college degree, and she will be the first to earn her master鈥檚 degree. 鈥淭here was a lot of self-doubt at first,鈥� Wyatt said. 鈥淏ut the support I found at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock gave me the confidence to believe I could be successful.鈥�

Wyatt鈥檚 path into genetic genealogy began as a personal project. Her father鈥檚 adoption sparked her interest in the field of genealogy as she searched for answers about her family鈥檚 medical history. However, this search quickly expanded beyond her own story. 

Wyatt turned her self-taught skills toward helping others who were searching for similar answers about their history. For nearly a decade, she volunteered to assist individuals searching for biological family members, including adoptees and those with unknown parentage. Over time, that work evolved into something more complex: helping identify individuals who could not identify themselves, such as those with amnesia or medical conditions preventing speech, and eventually, victims in cold cases.

In 2019, Wyatt joined a team of investigative genetic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs, where she began applying her skills to criminal investigations and unidentified remains cases across the country. 

Wyatt later volunteered with the Arkansas State Police after the case of Conway County Jane Doe stalled despite earlier DNA testing efforts. Drawing on her experience, she said she believed there were still leads worth pursuing and a path toward identification.

鈥淚 reached out because I felt like there was still progress to be made, even if it was slow,鈥� Wyatt said. 鈥淲hen you鈥檝e been in this field long enough, the DNA starts to act like a roadmap. The matches and the amount of shared DNA can tell you where to look, and I had a feeling about where to start.鈥�

Wyatt said the work begins with a DNA profile, which is then compared to distant relatives in public databases. By grouping shared matches and tracing common ancestors, she and other investigators are able to reconstruct fragmented family trees and narrow down an unidentified person鈥檚 identity.

鈥淚t鈥檚 like putting together a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou group pieces together, find patterns, and eventually, something connects.鈥�

Even a single distant match can be enough to move a case forward.

鈥淚n this case, there was one match in the DNA database that helped push us forward toward identification,鈥� Wyatt said. 鈥淛ust one person made that possible, and they probably don鈥檛 even know. They鈥檙e not closely related, and it鈥檚 possible they never even knew Jamie existed.鈥�

This, she said, is why it is so important for people who have had their DNA tested to upload their results to the databases that make this kind of work possible. There are three databases used for this sort of research: GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and DNA Justice. Anyone who wants to participate can help investigators by uploading their results and opting in to law enforcement matching. 

鈥淓specially with unidentified human remains, people don鈥檛 realize how many have been separated from their family but aren鈥檛 on any list as reported missing,鈥� Wyatt said. 鈥淭his was the case with Conway County Jane Doe.鈥�

Wyatt said she hopes more people understand both the role the public can play and the realities of the process. Even small contributions, like uploading DNA data to public databases, can make a difference 鈥� often without people even realizing it.

鈥淚n most cases, if you choose to assist, you probably won鈥檛 even realize you鈥檙e helping,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut those small pieces can be what allow us to move a case forward.鈥�

She added that investigative genetic genealogy is a careful, step-by-step process.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not an instant answer,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ometimes we鈥檙e narrowing it down from hundreds of people to a much smaller group, and it takes time and additional information to get to one name.鈥�

Beyond science, Wyatt鈥檚 work also depends heavily on communication 鈥� a skill she continues to develop through her studies at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Her role involves translating complex genetic findings into clear, actionable information for investigators, many of whom are not specialists in DNA analysis. She said her studies in applied communication have helped her navigate relationships with law enforcement while working on sensitive, often emotional cases.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e working with people who may have been on these cases for decades,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of emotion tied to that, so how you communicate matters.鈥�

For Wyatt, identifying Moore was both a breakthrough and a reminder of the weight of the work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very bittersweet,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here is that celebratory moment that you finally found the connection, but it鈥檚 very fleeting because you realize there are painful implications as well. Jamie got her name back, and Jamie鈥檚 family is now processing that loss.鈥�

Wyatt said she is grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping family members find not only answers, but peace.

As investigators continue working the case, Wyatt hopes her efforts highlight the potential of investigative genetic genealogy and the need for more resources to support it in Arkansas.

For Wyatt, the goal remains simple 鈥� to help give people their names back and bring a measure of peace to the families still searching for answers.

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Selected from college-level honorees, this year鈥檚 winners represent the highest level of achievement across the university. Winners are recognized for excellence in the classroom, advancing knowledge in their fields, and making meaningful contributions to communities across Arkansas and beyond.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock annually recognizes faculty who are making a difference through their work across these areas, with the Faculty Excellence Awards representing the highest honor the university bestows on its faculty. Each year, academic colleges and the William H. Bowen School of Law select top faculty members in each category.

鈥淥ur faculty continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, research, and service that strengthens both our university and the communities we serve,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淭hese awards reflect the depth of talent and dedication across our institution.鈥�

Each university-level award recipient receives a $5,000 prize, made possible through private support.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors selects the university-wide winners from the college-level winners in each category. 

鈥淚 want to thank the Board of Visitors again for their thoughtful continued commitment to recognizing faculty excellence,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淲e appreciate their dedication and the positive feedback they consistently share about the impact of our faculty.鈥�

Teaching Award

Sponsored by the Bailey Foundation

Dr. Jana McAuliffe, associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching.

McAuliffe is recognized for her engaging, student-centered approach that encourages students to develop their own intellectual voice while exploring complex philosophical ideas. She teaches across the philosophy and interdisciplinary studies curriculum, including the University Core and the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.

In the classroom, McAuliffe emphasizes critical discussion, collaborative exploration, and writing for diverse audiences. Her assignments challenge students to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible formats, helping them communicate ideas beyond academic settings.

She is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate research, supporting independent student projects, helping students secure Signature Experience grants, and guiding them as they present their work at academic conferences. Her impact extends beyond campus through her work as co-director of the Arkansas High School Ethics Bowl and as project director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy.

鈥淧hilosophy as a discipline is well-known for not offering one 鈥榬ight鈥� answer,鈥� McAuliffe said. 鈥淚 work hard to help my students feel comfortable enough with that to craft their right answer, and to share that with each other and with the broader world.鈥�

Research and Creative Works Award

Sponsored by Jafaar Golzar 

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, the Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works.

Agarwal is internationally recognized for his research in social computing, artificial intelligence, and cognitive security. Since joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2009, he has built an interdisciplinary research program that examines how information spreads across online networks and how digital influence campaigns shape public perception.

He founded the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding evolving social and cyber behaviors on modern information platforms.

鈥淯nderstanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淚鈥檓 fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities and institutions.鈥�

Over the past five years, Agarwal has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including grants from the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Defense, with nearly $30 million directly supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock research initiatives.

His collaborations span more than 200 researchers across 130 academic, government, and industry organizations worldwide. His work includes 12 books and more than 400 articles in top-tier journals and conferences, earning 26 best paper awards.

Agarwal鈥檚 research has also produced widely used tools for analyzing digital information ecosystems, including systems designed to identify adversarial influence campaigns and online scams. These tools are used by organizations such as NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization. He has also been nominated to serve on the Arkansas AI task force established by Governor Sarah Sanders.

Public Service Award

Sponsored by Alfred Williams in Honor of Elaine Eubank

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and chairperson of the Department of Applied Communication in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Public Service.

Chatham-Carpenter is recognized for applying her expertise in communication to strengthen civic dialogue and democratic engagement at the local, state, and national levels. Her work includes co-hosting the public affairs podcast On the Other Hand, which features conversations with leaders and community members about issues shaping Arkansas and the nation.

She also serves in leadership roles with Braver Angels, a national grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization. In that role, she facilitates workshops, contributes to statewide and national initiatives, and supports community leaders working to bridge political divides and foster more constructive dialogue.

Chatham-Carpenter brings that work back to campus and into the community through courses, trainings, and public programs that help students, faculty, and community partners navigate conflict and engage across differences. Her outreach includes workshops with organizations such as the City of Little Rock and the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

鈥淪ervice allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,鈥� Chatham-Carpenter said. 鈥淏y helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.鈥�

Social Justice Award

Sponsored by Scott and Amy Schuh, Katherine Shoulders and an Anonymous Donor聽

Professor Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Social Justice.

Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to individuals seeking divorces in counties across the Arkansas Delta where access to legal services is limited.

The clinic travels to rural communities to assist individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation or travel long distances to seek help. Through this work, Penn has helped expand access to critical legal services while addressing barriers faced by individuals in underserved regions.

At the same time, the clinic provides law students with hands-on experience working with real clients and navigating complex legal processes. The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing challenging circumstances鈥攊ncluding individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship鈥攚hile preparing students for client-centered legal practice.

鈥淎ccess to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,鈥� Penn said. 鈥淭he Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.鈥�

Rising Faculty Award

Sponsored by Scott Bowen

Dr. Kent Kovacs, associate professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Rising Faculty Award.

Kovacs is recognized for his strong early impact in research, teaching, and service since joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2024. His work focuses on environmental and resource economics, with particular emphasis on groundwater sustainability, agricultural resilience, and ecosystem services.

He has maintained an active research agenda, publishing in academic journals and securing external funding, including a National Science Foundation award as principal investigator and support from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. His research examines the economic incentives shaping producer and household decision-making, with issues directly relevant to Arkansas and the broader Mississippi Delta region.

In the classroom, Kovacs teaches courses including Macroeconomic Principles, Quantitative Business Analysis, and Environmental Economics, where he connects theory to real-world policy problems through active learning, data-driven exercises, and applied case studies. He has also supported student research and helped revive Environmental Economics as an upper-level elective.

鈥淓conomics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,鈥� Kovacs said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 impact.鈥�

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Mock will share insights from his multifaceted career, drawing on his experience in higher education leadership as well as community and military service. He will reflect on how his 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making, offering practical advice and strategies applicable across a range of career paths. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear directly from a distinguished alumnus and explore how communication skills translate into effective leadership beyond the classroom.

As president of Peru State College, Mock leads institutional initiatives focused on student success, community engagement and academic innovation. His professional background in executive leadership, consulting and service-focused organizations informs his perspective on leadership, shaped by both practice and personal experience.

Central to Mock鈥檚 lecture is the role of communication in effective leadership. He will discuss how interpersonal and organizational communication skills support collaboration, adaptability and problem-solving across work environments. He will also highlight how strong communication practices help build trust, navigate challenges and lead with clarity.

The lecture is part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 ongoing commitment to providing students access to accomplished professionals and alumni whose experiences extend learning beyond the classroom. The event offers attendees real-world perspectives on leadership and insight into how a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education can support long-term professional growth.

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The Jacksonville native, who now lives in Cabot, serves as director of marketing and public relations at CARTI, an Arkansas-based cancer care network with 18 locations. He stepped into the role after a personal health experience reshaped his perspective on communication in health care.

That turning point clarified his calling and propelled him toward a new professional path.

鈥淣urses, mentors, family and friends all visited as I healed, and the unique perspective it afforded, along with the pause to my 鈥榥ormal鈥� daily life, changed everything,鈥� he said. 鈥淎fter leaving the hospital, I immediately focused on moving into a communications role within the health care field and quickly determined the best way I could enact this change would be to further my education with a master鈥檚 degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Jeffers earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in speech communication, now applied communication, from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He returned to the university in 2018 to complete a master鈥檚 degree in applied communication.

鈥淏efore I had even graduated, the prospective degree helped me gain interviews and ultimately my first role in health care,鈥� Jeffers said. 鈥淭he skills I learned laid a foundation for my daily work 鈥� individually, within teams and across the organization.鈥�

Graduate school came with challenges. Jeffers worked two jobs while completing his coursework part time, but he said the demanding schedule helped him stay focused on his goals.

鈥淚 firmly believe the greatest forms of strength are born from struggle, and earning my master鈥檚 degree was both an incredible experience and an intellectual challenge,鈥� he said.

Jeffers said the demands of work and graduate school often pushed him to his limits.

鈥淭here were certainly days when it was hard to focus because I was worn out from work or the hours I could dedicate were limited,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut keeping an eye on both my short- and long-term goals helped me dig deep to find motivation.鈥�

That perspective, he said, became part of his growth.

鈥淟ooking back at who I was before I started my master鈥檚 journey and who I would become made those difficult moments worthwhile,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s an early advisor once told me, life is often not about the end result 鈥� it鈥檚 about the journey it takes to get there.鈥�

Jeffers recalled collaborating with classmates in the Communication Skills Center, learning communication theory, and developing skills in writing, organizational culture and crisis communication 鈥� tools he still uses today. He credited his wife, Jess, for her support throughout the program and said several faculty members shaped his academic experience, particularly Dr. Gerald Driskill and Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock helped me become a better version of myself,鈥� Jeffers said, describing the university as authentic, welcoming and empowering.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is a place where working adults can grow without having to pause real life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful it鈥檚 a university that meets people where they are, embraces them and helps them move closer to who they want to become.鈥�

Driskill said Jeffers stood out as a graduate student for his commitment to personal and professional development.

鈥淗e鈥檚 committed to modeling ethical and effective communication,鈥� Driskill said. 鈥淗e practices re-vision 鈥� returning to projects to strengthen them.鈥�

Driskill still uses Jeffers鈥� final graduate project, which examined organizational culture and responses to the COVID-19 crisis, as a model for current students.

鈥淗e went beyond expectations, not only by integrating credible research but by providing analysis with meaningful applications,鈥� he said.

In his role at CARTI, Jeffers continues to apply those principles.

鈥淗is focus on an ethic of care 鈥� on patient care and those they serve 鈥� captures how he lives out our department鈥檚 mission of co-creating better social worlds through positive communication,鈥� Driskill said.

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Originally from Center Ridge and now living in Conway, White is the founder and narrative strategist behind Blackbelt Media. The venture helps social-impact organizations and community leaders tell stories with purpose. Blackbelt Media produces Blackbelt Voices podcast, which White said explores what it means to 鈥渂elong to a place and shares stories that help us reimagine our relationship to the places we call home. We emphasize the importance of community, belonging, and doing what makes us come alive.鈥�

Before earning her master鈥檚 degree in applied communication from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2012, she completed dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism (with a public relations focus) and speech communication at Arkansas Tech University.

White said her choice to pursue graduate school began with a simple but pressing question: What comes next?

鈥淚 was working at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain and reached a point where I needed to decide whether to pursue a new job or invest in graduate school,鈥� she said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock stood out because the program aligned with the direction I wanted to grow professionally, and the structure made it possible to continue working full-time. The tuition benefit through the 糖心Vlog传媒 System was an added advantage.鈥�

A job interview unexpectedly sealed the deal.

鈥淒uring a job interview with a PR firm, the interviewer, a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alum, spoke highly of her experience in the Applied Communication Program,鈥� White recalled. 鈥淭he job would鈥檝e been a solid move, but I left that interview more energized about graduate studies.鈥�

Later that same day, she met with Program Coordinator Dr. Gerald Driskill. Their conversation made her next step feel obvious.

鈥淚 withdrew my job application and applied to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he evening classes fit my schedule, the coursework felt like the right next step, and the central location made the commute from Conway easy.鈥�

Throughout her time in the program, White found herself returning again and again to the heart of the Applied Communication Program鈥檚 mission: to foster the co-creation of better social worlds through positive communication.

鈥淚鈥檝e carried that mission into my work as a social-impact storyteller and consultant,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he degree strengthened my ability to understand how stories build connection with ourselves and with each other, shift narratives, and move communities forward.鈥�

The flexible class schedule made the journey manageable, White said, adding that her graduate school experience was both demanding and deeply rewarding.

鈥淭he support of the faculty and the other students in my cohort made a big difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e spent two nights a week together for two years, and those relationships have stayed with me.鈥�

One standout course was Organizational Communication Training with Dr. Kristen McIntyre.

鈥淓ach student partnered up to design a training on a specific communication skill, and Dr. McIntyre taught the class as a training itself so we could see the methods in action,鈥� White explained. 

The tools she gained continue to influence her work, from storytelling workshops to public speaking. She said the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory was especially impactful.

鈥淚鈥檝e referenced its ideas about 鈥榮tories lived鈥� and 鈥榮tories told鈥� in speaking engagements to explain how we create better social worlds through better communication,鈥� she said.

White credits her husband, Matthew, as one of the biggest influences in helping her complete graduate school.

鈥淓ven before we had our son, sharing responsibilities at home and having his encouragement made it easier to balance work and school,鈥� she said.

Her professional accomplishments reflect the investment White made in herself. She has been inducted into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction (2021), earned the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Applied Communication Alumni Making a Difference Award (2022), and was named one of Arkansas Business鈥檚 40 Under 40 (2023). She also serves on the boards of Create Conway, the Conway Public Schools Foundation, and the City of Conway Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.

Looking back, White said the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Applied Communication Program fundamentally shaped the way she understands and practices communication.

鈥淚t strengthened my ability to think critically about communication, understand how people make meaning, and apply those insights in real-world settings,鈥� she said.

Her work with community-focused organizations, including Excel by Eight, has shown how those strengths translate beyond the classroom. Executive director Angela Duran praises White鈥檚 storytelling skills. 

“Adena has a passion for storytelling, and she is quite a gifted writer,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s the communications director at Excel by Eight, she tells our story of improving health and education outcomes for young children by painting vivid pictures of families who are thriving across the state.”

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Hill transferred to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in Spring 2020, but a year later, significant medical and personal challenges forced him to pause his studies. Instead of letting that setback define him, he focused on healing, rebuilding his confidence, and advancing in his career. He rose through leadership roles at Chick-fil-A while preparing to return to school to finish what he started.

鈥淭his degree helped me communicate in a clearer and more concise manner 鈥� professionally and personally,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淚t taught me to stand up for myself and others and to create a safer space where people can be themselves.鈥�

Hill鈥檚 belief in the power of communication is shaped by his own early experiences. Born with learning, hearing, and speech disabilities, he once relied on others in everyday life. But his parents refused to let that be his future.

鈥淢y parents were told I鈥檇 never live independently,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hankfully, they didn鈥檛 take 鈥榥o鈥� for an answer and got me the help I needed. Music became a safe environment for me and helped me grow.鈥�

That resilience carried him through his break from school and eventually back to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Through the applied communication program, Hill found tools that strengthened not just his leadership style but also his understanding of how to build healthier, more collaborative environments.

One of the most influential concepts for him was Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM), a communication framework that teaches people how their words and interactions shape the 鈥渟ocial worlds鈥� they create with others. In practice, it emphasizes listening, shared understanding, and building patterns of communication that make relationships stronger and more respectful.

鈥淐MM theory taught me how to create a better social world in my work and personal life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t helped others see who I could be and what I could contribute.鈥�

His growth caught the attention of Chick-fil-A Corporate, in Atlanta, Georgia, which invited him to prepare for the company鈥檚 Leadership Development Program, an opportunity that could lead to franchise ownership. Hill hopes to continue his journey by traveling, teaching future leaders, and eventually owning a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Arkansas.

Hill says, as someone who has 鈥渘avigated school, work, and personal challenges,鈥� he offers straightforward advice to students facing similar obstacles.

鈥淔ind people who push you to be your best,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 needed time away from school for peace and healing, but those people helped me come back. Once I felt stable again, I knew I could complete this.鈥�

Now, as he earns his degree, Hill says he is most proud of completing his goal of simply returning and finishing.

鈥淕etting this degree showcases my strength, determination, and happiness,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his program set me up in the best possible way to continue growing.鈥�

After commencement, Hill plans to continue pursuing Chick-fil-A鈥檚 Leadership Development Program with the goal of becoming an owner-operator in Arkansas. And he already knows the kind of leader he intends to be.

鈥淚 want to show that people who鈥檝e been labeled as less-than can make a positive difference,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to create spaces for growth, opportunity, and giving back to the community that helped raise me 鈥� Little Rock.鈥�

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Each spring, the department offers two awards that honor deserving undergraduate and graduate students in the program. The awards 鈥� the Distinguished Student Scholar Award and the Students Making a Difference Award 鈥� were presented at a ceremony in May to the following students.

Distinguished Scholar Award Winners

Savannah Brinkley and Geneva Galloway each received the Distinguished Student Scholar Award, honoring graduating seniors or graduate students in the department who have reached the level of 鈥渄istinguished student scholar鈥� in applied communication. 

Brinkley was honored for her work in her master鈥檚 project titled 鈥淭he Role of Social Media and Video Games in Online and Offline Relationships.鈥� Galloway was given the award for her master鈥檚 project titled 鈥淐ity of Little Rock鈥檚 R.O.C.K. Academy Program Assessment.鈥�

Brinkley and Galloway each communicated the results of their respective projects in multiple ways, including at the university鈥檚 Student Research and Creative Works Expo, gaming spaces, and to the city of Little Rock. Brinkley and Galloway were honored because their work helped enable the fostering of 鈥渂etter social worlds through positive communication, and sharing such scholarship/work with external audiences,鈥� according to the Department of Applied Communication鈥檚 criteria for this award.

Students Making a Difference

A second award, the Students Making a Difference Award, was presented to William Scott Graves and Hansa Dinesh Maroo for the positive impact their work had on community improvement. Graves works with those struggling with addiction at multiple recovery centers. Maroo works with international students wanting to pursue higher education.

鈥淚t is a privilege to honor students, alumni, and community partners who live out our department’s mission of ‘co-creating better social worlds through positive communication’ in their personal and professional lives,鈥� said Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication. 鈥淭his year, we proudly recognize these student scholars and changemakers making a real impact through applied communication in their communities.鈥�

Community Partners and Alumni Making a Difference

The department also recognized a community partner that works with the university to implement positive change in the community. 

This year, the department honored the Arkansas Department of Transportation with the Community Partner Award for their work in training over 16 cohorts of staff members in communication skills through faculty-led workshops in emotional intelligence, conflict management, difficult conversations, and coaching.

The Community Partner Award was established to recognize active partnerships between community organizations and the department’s faculty and students. 

Additionally, the department presented the annual Alumni Making a Difference Award to two distinguished alumni: Nathan Jeffers and Dr. Robert Mock. Jeffers was recognized for his work in the community, exemplifying the department鈥檚 mission in healthcare settings. Mock was honored for his long-term work in both academic and student affairs in higher education.

These awards, both established by the department in 2018, recognize the work of alumni who embody the department’s mission. Nominees are selected who 鈥渂est represent transformative work within their communities.鈥� Honorees will also provide leadership lectures on campus in the coming year.

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Led by Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Avinash Thombre, professor of applied communication, the course, 鈥�,鈥� took students to Spain. From May 20 to June 1, they traveled to Madrid, Toledo, C贸rdoba, Granada, and the Mediterranean coast city of Almu帽茅car, where they visited grand cathedrals and mosques to city squares layered with historical memory.

鈥淕etting to meet with local government groups, non-profits, and religious organizations in Spain, visit historical sites, and have meaningful conversations about religion and interfaith connections made for an incredible experience,鈥� Glazier said. 鈥淥ur night tour of the Mezquita in C贸rdoba was especially powerful. It is a beautiful site, and hearing about how it was built as a mosque and later converted to a cathedral was important and heartbreaking.鈥�

Through guided tours, academic readings, class discussions, museum visits, and conversations with local leaders and organizations like Casa 脕rabe and Arco Forum, the group explored themes such as convivencia (coexistence), religious freedom, and the legacy of colonialism and conflict.

鈥淕iven the complex history of Spain over the last 2,000 years, there is a wealth of information to explore and learn regarding intercultural and interfaith issues,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淏y immersing themselves in the various historical sites of different cities in Spain, our students were exposed to the intricacies and interplay of culture, communication, politics, and faith. The transformative experience is an effort to sensitize our students to the fact that coexistence of our faiths and cultures is possible if we make an effort.鈥�

The students who participated in the study abroad trip included Rory Abbott, Catherine Clevenger, Carlee Felty, Payten Free, Madelyne Hunter, Amirah Jackson, Bex Little, Mercy Macjones, Amaya Mendoza, Jeralyn Mitchell, and Suzy Velez.

For students like Amaya Mendoza, a sophomore political science major, the program offered invaluable preparation for a future career in public policy.

鈥淭his trip offered a deep dive into the intersections of religion, politics, and cultural identity,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淚t broadened my global perspective and helped me think critically about real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Visiting places like Casa 脕rabe and leading a discussion on veil bans gave me the opportunity to reflect on the real impacts of policy decisions on people鈥檚 lives.鈥�

Madelyne Hunter, a political science senior, said the trip gave her new perspective on the histories and cultures that shape modern society.

鈥淚 care a lot about the atmosphere of a place,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he architecture, the scenery, the cathedrals鈥攊t was all unforgettable. Learning that the concept of veiling isn鈥檛 actually inherent to Islam was surprising and being able to reflect on that while visiting mosques made the learning experience much deeper.鈥�

For Suzy Velez, a 67-year-old studio art major and full-time student, the journey was as much about personal transformation as academic enrichment.

鈥淪pain has long been my dream destination, and being there inspired me,鈥� Velez said. 鈥淔rom museums to mosques, churches, and cathedrals, each place left its mark. The most powerful moment for me was visiting the Jewish Quarter in C贸rdoba and learning how entire families were buried in mass graves during the Inquisition. It wasn鈥檛 just a history lesson鈥攊t was a loss that felt personal.鈥�

Velez described the trip as 鈥渟oul work鈥� that will continue to inspire her as an artist.

Students also explored Spanish cuisine, engaged in a tile workshop, saw a flamenco performance in Granada, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Their travels were enriched by daily academic discussions and reflection, both in-person and through blog posts shared with the broader community. The course emphasized cultural immersion, empathy, and critical reflection.

鈥淚鈥檓 returning home more open-minded, more curious, and more committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across differences,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淭his wasn鈥檛 just about studying abroad; it was about becoming a better global citizen.鈥�

The students will host a public event titled, 鈥淚nterfaith in Action: How Spain’s Religious History Can Impact Little Rock’s Future,鈥� at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. Panelists Rev. Patricia Matthews of the Interfaith Center, Dr. Ali Khan of the Madina Institute, and Hon, Annabelle Imber Tuck of Congregation of B’nai Israel will join students and guests for a community conversation. The event includes a student slideshow of the study abroad trip and light refreshments. For details, contact Glazier at raglazier@ualr.edu.

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鈥淚 was pleasantly surprised to receive the Top Faculty Paper Award,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淲hen I presented it at NCA, everyone was very curious about how it all works. People are deeply interested in personal health and the idea of seeking higher meaning in life by achieving balance across different layers of awareness.鈥�

His paper, 鈥淔ood as a Mechanism for Spiritual Self-Transformation in Indian Philosophy and Culture,鈥� explores the role of intrapersonal communication in Pancha Kosha Theory. This yoga philosophy describes five layers of awareness that shape human experiences. In Sanskrit, pancha means five, and kosha means sheath. The goal of Pancha Kosha is to achieve harmony across all five sheaths to attain well-being, a state known as samadhi in yoga.

The five koshas include:

• Annamaya Kosha: The physical body, composed of the five elements鈥攅arth, water, fire, air, and space. It is nourished by food, rest, fresh air, and sunlight.
• Pranamaya Kosha: The vital life force that moves through the body, encompassing breath, digestion, blood circulation, and heartbeat.
• Manomaya Kosha: The emotional body, which governs thoughts and feelings.
• Vijnanamaya Kosha: The intuitive or wisdom body, linked to the right side of the brain and guided by ethics, morals, and knowledge.
• Anandamaya Kosha: The blissful body, which transcends time and space.

Thombre compares the five sheaths to Maslow鈥檚 hierarchy of needs, where biological necessities such as food and water form the foundation of the pyramid, while self-actualization sits at the top.

鈥淧ersonal transformation doesn鈥檛 have to be an abstract or esoteric concept. In Indian culture, it can be achieved through consuming the right foods to nourish all five sheaths,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淓nlightenment is the fifth sheath, and different religions emphasize living a good, simple, and honest life to attain it. In Indian culture, the focus is on how food and eating habits can contribute to this transformation.鈥�

This philosophy emphasizes a plant-based diet, mindful eating habits, and food consumption patterns based on natural circadian rhythms.

鈥淚 often use the metaphor of Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls to explain this theory, where smaller dolls fit inside larger ones,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淭he outermost layer represents the physical body. To achieve enlightenment, you must first take care of your physical self before progressing to the deeper layers. A significant emphasis is placed on diet. We believe vegetarian food strengthens the body.

Meals should be eaten at sunrise, lunchtime, and before the sun sets. We should stop eating before feeling full鈥攊deally, filling 50% of our stomach with food, 25% with water, and leaving 25% empty. We should not eat after sunset, which can be difficult for those used to snacking. Additionally, physical well-being is supported through breathing exercises and yoga.鈥�

Thombre鈥檚 research explores how intrapersonal communication鈥攖he process of communicating with yourself鈥攕hapes individuals’ search for meaning in life.

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Professors Rebecca Glazier, Emily Hood, John Kirk, Jana McAuliffe, and Julien Mirivel were named winners by the college鈥檚 Faculty Excellence Awards Selection Committee. 

The college recipients will be recognized at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 3, and the university-level recipients will be announced.

Rising Faculty Award for Excellence 

Dr. Emily Hood received the college鈥檚 Rising Faculty Award for Excellence. An assistant professor of art education, Hood joined the School of Art and Design in the fall of 2021.

This award is given to faculty members in their first five years at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock who display exceptional promise in teaching, research or creative endeavors, or public service. For Hood, her work intersects across all three. 

Among updating the Art Education curriculum to better serve future contemporary art educators, Hood has also shifted the program to a cohort model to promote a sense of community among the students. 

鈥淒r. Hood, as a role model, demonstrates effective teaching strategies and also creates a professional environment that is always inclusive, productive, and encouraging,鈥� a former student writes. 鈥淚 am also grateful that I have the ability to reach out and ask for help from my professor even after I have graduated.鈥�

In addition to her teaching, Hood鈥檚 research involves young disabled artists and documenting their relationships to art materials in an art studio setting. This research led to the creation of a course that involves a field placement for students at Easterseals Academy.

鈥淗er innovative teaching, both in and out of the classroom, her student mentorship, and her commitment to building strong relationships with students, campus resources, and broader community members makes her an excellent candidate for this award,鈥� her nomination letter states.

Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service

Dr. Rebecca Glazier received the college-level Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service. A political science professor in the School of Public Affairs, Glazier has been at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 15 years.

The recipient of this award applies their skills to their disciplines in service to the community, state, or nation in areas of public interest. In 2012, Glazier started a research program focusing on the intersection of faith and community called the Little Rock Congregations Study.

鈥淗er careful attention to the needs and interests of the populations she studies, her production of numerous resources and events to benefit those partners, and the subsequent positive impact on the Little Rock community make her an ideal candidate to receive this award,鈥� one peer wrote.

Glazier utilizes her research expertise in religion and community engagement to advance knowledge in areas of public interest and offer students hands-on experiences.

The data from her studies have been released to the public and her work has been recognized through a national award for Civic and Community Engagement from the American Political Science Association. 

鈥淒r. Glazier goes above and beyond to provide mentorship, guidance, and support, whether by assisting students with research, offering career advice, or dedicating her time to community initiatives,鈥� a former student wrote.

Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors 

Dr. John Kirk is the recipient of CHASSE鈥橲 Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors. As a George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History, Kirk has taught at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 14 years.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors is given to those who have contributed to the expansion of knowledge and the quality of life in a particular area. During the past five years, Kirk published his ninth and 10th books. 

His most recent book, 鈥淲inthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956鈥� won the 2024 Booker Worthen Literary Prize from the Central Arkansas Library System for best work of fiction or nonfiction by an author living in Arkansas and the 2024 John G. Ragsdale Book Award from the Arkansas Historical Association for the best book published in Arkansas History.

鈥淭o provide a new generation of students and scholars with such diverse and important voices on a topic that continues to evolve in the twenty-first century is testament to John鈥檚 ability to promote knowledge exchange and research,鈥� a lecturer in U.S. History at University College London wrote.

Along with his published books, Kirk also regularly contributes to a number of newspaper articles, magazine articles, radio programs, and podcasts. Not only does he produce this work himself, but he also invites his public history students to contribute alongside him to further their academic careers.

鈥淚n addition to being one of the nation鈥檚 foremost historians and researchers, Dr. Kirk has served as an ambassador for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with his many radio, television, and speaking appearances,鈥� one letter of endorsement states. 鈥淗e has been a guest on my podcast and never fails to [make] the university proud.鈥�

Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice

Dr. Jana McAuliffe was named the college鈥檚 recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice. An associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry, McAuliffe has taught at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for nearly a decade.

This award is given to a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty member, regardless of years served, whose advocacy spans across teaching, service, and research. 

McAuliffe describes her research process as 鈥渇irst [explaining] the meaning of challenging, complex ideas from the philosophical tradition and then [putting] these ideas to work to help address the problems of the present.鈥�

Over the past five years, she has taught courses such as 鈥淭he Philosophical Life,鈥� 鈥淓thics and Society,鈥� 鈥淧hilosophy of Law,鈥� 鈥淩easonings Across Disciplines,鈥� and many others.

鈥淗er reading lists demonstrate deliberate and concerted effort to represent a variety of perspectives and background, and her syllabi include a wealth of helpful information aimed at ensuring that all of her students have the resources they need for educational success,鈥� her nomination letter states.

In addition to her teaching and research, McAuliffe contributes to public service as the director of the Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy and as the faculty mentor for student groups that prioritize supporting and strengthening community. 

鈥淪he not only provides an astute analysis of economic, political, and social problems as part of her research agenda, Dr. McAuliffe consistently and ably carves out spaces to increase opportunities for those in need and to inspire others to consider their own responsibilities in the creation of a more just world,鈥� one of her peers said.

Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching

Dr. Julien Mirivel received the college鈥檚 Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching. A professor in the Department of Applied Communication, Mirivel has been at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 19 years.

In the past five years, he鈥檚 taught courses in the department such as 鈥淚ntroduction to Communication,鈥� 鈥淐ommunication and Community,鈥� 鈥淚nterpersonal Communication,鈥� among many others.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching is given to exemplars of the teacher/mentor model who maintain high expectations of their students. 

鈥淭oday, Dr. Mirivel鈥檚 teaching is centered on creating transformative experiences for students, in both his face-to-face and online classes, empowering them not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the skills and values necessary for personal and professional growth,鈥� his nomination letter states.

Mirivel鈥檚 research on positive communication led to the creation of the widely recognized Positive Communication model and the Positive Communication Network, which he utilizes as the foundation for many of his courses. The model blends the creation of thoughtful relationships with conducting research.

鈥淗is ability to blend intellectual rigor with genuine human connection fosters an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired,鈥� a former student said.

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