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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Chatham-Carpenter is one of 30 leaders from around the country who will make up the 2024-25 class and join a network of 120 alumni representing more than 35 states.

鈥淏ecause of my background in applied communication, and the mission of my department to co-create better social worlds through positive communication, as well as my work with the Braver Angels organization, I have found myself involved in initiatives to work across the political divide,鈥� Chatham-Carpenter said. 鈥淏eing a part of the Civility Leadership Institute will allow me to improve my skills in helping to navigate conversations across the political divide in the classroom, as well as in professional and personal relationships.鈥�

Created in 2021, the Civility Leadership Institute is an exclusive group of community leaders who come together for a year of learning, training, and networking with the mission to fight polarization and create civility. Since its inception, 120 people have gone through the program by participation with the flagship Renew America Together cohort, and additional satellite cohorts led by partner organizations.

The alumni network of the Civility Leadership Institute, along with board members and supporters, will join the new cohort in Little Rock this summer for the 3rd annual Civility Summit from July 24-26 to kick off a year of learning focused on civil dialogue, identifying misinformation, and bridging partisan divides.

“I am excited to bring all alumni and new participants together for the Civility Summit in Little Rock this summer,鈥� said General (ret.) Wesley K. Clark, founder of Renew America Together. 鈥淭hese leaders come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, geographic locations, career paths, political beliefs, and industries. It’s encouraging to see these dynamic individuals acknowledging the need for improved communication and civic engagement.”

Following the in-person Civility Summit, participants will engage in monthly virtual learning. Each month, participants will work through an engaging curriculum, hear from nationally recognized speakers, and build strong relationships with the CLI network.

Graduates of the Civility Leadership Institute will earn certifications in SERVE: a framework for civility, TRUST: combating disinformation, and TypeCoach Influence training. Upon completing the program, they will join a robust alumni network committed to supporting the organization鈥檚 mission through community involvement.

鈥淎s an educator, I believe in preparing the next generation of Arkansans and Americans to be civic-minded, with increased desires to communicate across our differences, to come up with solutions for the 鈥榳icked problems鈥� of our day,鈥� Chatham-Carpenter said.

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The celebration will be held from 6-9 p.m. at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown, and the event is open to the public.

Each May, the department, which is housed in the , honors award winners and graduating students. Different from years past, 2024 marks 50 years of continuous service of the Communication Skills Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

With over 150 communication centers across the nation, according to the National Association of Communication Centers, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Communication Skills Center is the oldest known continually operating communication center in the United States.

The Communication Skills Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 鈥渋s a free campus resource devoted to supporting the development of all stages of the speech creation process,鈥� according to the applied communication website.

Students can meet with Communication Skills Center staff virtually or in person at the Learning Commons on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. These appointments can address a variety of concerns, such as dealing with public speaking anxiety, brainstorming ideas for presentations, designing presentation slides, practicing presentations, working through interpersonal conflict situations, or preparing for a professional interview. Students taking Applied Communication courses can also visit the Communication Skills Center for tutoring assistance for specific classes they are taking.

For students who have not taken communication classes, the Center provides a necessary foundation for good communication skills in their professional and civic lives, as well as in their relationships.

The Communication Skills Center also often collaborates with other campus groups and hosts workshops, both virtual and in-person. These workshops focus on multiple topics, including presentation skills, active listening, team building, positive communication practices, and professionalism in the workplace.

Additionally, staff in the Communication Skills Center regularly host conversation clubs for those who are interested in practicing their everyday conversational skills in a low-pressure environment. All students, both native and non-native English speakers, are welcome to attend.

A unique aspect of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Communication Skills Center is that it is mainly operated by students. With options for paid internships, volunteer opportunities, and graduate assistantships, students from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines have worked with the Center, including those studying accounting, art, management, psychology, social work, math, and more.

鈥淚nitially joining as an intern, later transitioning into a volunteer, and ultimately serving as an assistant director, my time there was rich with opportunities to cultivate skills and work closely with students,鈥� said Learning Commons Coordinator Brandon Sollars. 鈥淭he experiences I gained through organizing workshops and delivering training remain invaluable to me today.鈥�

What began in the fall of 1973 as the Speech Communication Interactive Learning Center was rebranded to the Communication Skills Center under Dr. Kristen McIntyre鈥檚 guidance in 2007.

Since 1973, the Center has gone through multiple configurations, initially only serving students in the department鈥檚 introduction to speech/communication class. As it expanded, the Center began offering services to all 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students with offerings such as preparing elevator pitches for research, practicing presentations for classes and community partners, and improving interviewing and other communication skills.

鈥淐ommunication centers, in general, and the [Communication Skills Center] in particular, are vital as they provide a low threat, peer-oriented supportive environment for students to develop and practice skills that often come with the added challenge of managing anxiety,鈥� said McIntyre, an applied communication professor and the current Communication Skills Center director. 鈥淚n a global marketplace that consistently values strong communication skills like presenting, listening, and teamwork, the [Communication Skills Center] is excited to have the opportunity to support all of our students, regardless of communication background.鈥�

The May 7 event will begin with the annual end-of-year departmental awards and will close with the Communication Skills Center Celebration, featuring a panel with several past directors and moderated by Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, the department chair of applied communication.

鈥淚 have been proud of the Communication Skills Center ever since coming here in 2015 and seeing its potential to impact the campus community and outside constituencies,鈥� said Chatham-Carpenter. 鈥淕etting to celebrate its long history will allow people to see how it has had a great impact over the years. It鈥檚 important, as we celebrate, to acknowledge those who have been influential in building and growing the Center to what it is today.鈥�

If you are interested in attending the celebration, you can . For those who cannot attend the event in person, the Department of Applied Communication will share recorded portions of the event on its social media pages and website.

For more information, contact Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter at axchathamca@ualr.edu.

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The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2024 is Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication!

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I grew up in Hope, Magnolia, and Conway, Arkansas, and went to school at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), so that I could live at home and save money when going to school.

Everyone expected that I was going to major in music in college since I played classical piano and violin, but I didn鈥檛 think I was good enough to be a professional musician full-time, and I had no interest in becoming a music teacher. My sophomore year of college, I took an aptitude test that said I would be good as a teacher in the social sciences. Since I didn鈥檛 fully know what that would entail, I thought about what I liked and was good at, besides music. I had been successful in my high school speech classes, and I liked the way my college speech instructor talked about the role that communication plays in relationships and the importance of public communication for a democracy, so I decided to major in Speech Communication and minor in Music. Through a series of unforeseen events, however, I realized that high school teaching wasn鈥檛 the path I wanted to pursue, so I looked into other ways of becoming a teacher and found out that college teaching was one option.

I applied for two graduate programs, and I still remember the surprise I got when I received a phone call to say I was accepted into the MA/Ph.D. program in Communication at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and was being offered a graduate teaching assistantship there. My Dad was an OU alum, and I loved the Sooners and Sooners football, so this sounded ideal to me. Also, my grandmother still lived in Oklahoma, not too far from the OU campus, so I could live with her and save money.  (As you can see from my educational choices, my family and saving money when going to school, was a strong value for me.)

From my first week in the college classroom teaching at OU, as a graduate teaching assistant, I fell in love with teaching and working with college students. I wasn鈥檛 much older than the students were at the time, but it was truly fun learning alongside them in the Basic Speech class. I also excelled in my graduate coursework and found learning about communication principles, contexts, and research interesting. Although I was no longer studying music, I knew I had found my academic home!

After graduating with my Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, I took my first teaching position at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where I stayed for 24 years. I thrived in the classroom, building relationships with students, and I loved the classes I was teaching in Interpersonal Communication, Research Methods, and the Basic Communication course.

Before coming to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, in addition to teaching, I moved in and out of a variety of academic administrative roles, none of which I sought out. In each position, I learned through trial and error – through both beautiful and terrible times – what it meant to serve well.

• Assistant Basic Course Director as a graduate student – put into that position in my second year in the MA/Ph.D. program (1985-1986);
• Coordinator of the Communication program – nominated for that position in my second year as an assistant professor (1993-1995);
• Graduate Director (2008-2011);
• Assistant to the Acting Department Chair (2010);
• Administrative Fellow in the Provost鈥檚 office (2012-2014), where I was co-chair of the specialized first-year experience self-study for university HLC reaccreditation efforts, and co-director of the university鈥檚 first-year cornerstone course, which I helped create; and
• Interim Associate Provost & Dean of the Graduate College (2014-2015).

I never sought out such positions, but it seemed people were always coming to me to ask if I would do this or that. For a long time, I couldn鈥檛 figure out why, since I didn鈥檛 consider myself 鈥渓eadership material.鈥� Eventually, in one of these roles, I took the Clifton StrengthsQuest inventory and found I had many strengths that were considered important in the leadership roles to which I was appointed. Then it all started making sense – my winding path through academia, which allowed me to both teach and do administrative tasks. But I still find it interesting that my current administrative position is the ONLY one I ever applied for and actively sought.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am currently the chair of the Department of Applied Communication at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and a professor in that department. In my role as department chair, along with problem-solving student and faculty concerns, I support the development and assessment of curriculum for the department, supervise and mentor faculty and staff, advocate for the department with internal and external constituencies, and provide oversight of departmental budgets and course scheduling.

As a professor, I am expected to teach, do research, and serve in the community. As a teacher, I teach 3+ classes a year and am active in academic advising students. I teach research methods classes, as well as our senior-level capstone and portfolio classes, and a new class I developed, called Listening and Civil Dialogue.

My research is focused on issues related to listening and civil dialogue, storytelling and identity, transformations in online teaching, and assessment of the impact of initiatives to effect change within the higher education industry. I value doing collaborative research projects with colleagues, students, and alumni.

Along with my service on campus, my community service in recent years has been towards efforts to bridge the political divide by focusing on the communication that takes place in our relationships. Specifically, I have done that as a volunteer leader and workshop facilitator with a nonprofit organization called Braver Angels. I am also currently a co-host of a podcast entitled 鈥�,鈥� sponsored by the local Arkansas chapter of Braver Angels.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

With all of my varied academic leadership experiences, I was told if I wanted to continue in higher education administration, I needed to have experience as a department chair. I saw a job announcement come through for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for department chair, which would bring me back to my roots and family if I could get the job. So I started checking out the department and its faculty. I saw that the department was actively involved in doing meaningful assessment work, and its mission to 鈥渃o-create better social worlds through positive communication鈥� was intriguing to me.  It was also a Master鈥檚 granting program, which I wanted to be a part of, if I ever moved, since I had loved working with Master鈥檚 level graduate students at my previous institution, as well as undergraduate students.

When I came in for the job interview, I fell in love with the department, its faculty, and its mission. It seemed they really lived the mission out within their own relationships with each other, and their applied work in the community was quite impressive. I didn鈥檛 see any 鈥渄ead weight鈥� among the faculty, and they were all excited to be doing what they were doing. I knew it could鈥檝e just been an act they were putting on for the interview, but since being here, I have found that to be true! I have now been at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in a department chair position for eight years, AND I still get to teach, which I consider the best of both worlds, in terms of my skill set and passions.

Along with the mission of my department and my great colleagues, I love teaching at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because I believe teaching with students here gives faculty a unique opportunity to make connections with students who are both traditional and non-traditional in their paths to and through college. Our students often have stories that show the grit and resilience they have built through tough times. As they bring these varied experiences into the classroom, it enriches the discussions and provides opportunities for transformative learning experiences with all who are involved.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

One of the most exciting projects I am working on is my bridge-building work across political divides. I started volunteering with the non-profit in 2020. As I hung out with people across the nation in Zoom meetings (since we were in Covid lockdown), I learned more about the importance of doing depolarizing work. Because of all that was going on in our country, I developed a course for the department called Listening and Civil Dialogue, which looks at how we can improve intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and public communication to build bridges across our differences, as we communicate in relationships with people we consider to be 鈥渙ther鈥� than us.  I also began developing a line of research related to conflict resilience and conversational receptiveness. In addition, I have been a part of offering several Braver Angels workshops on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus and in the local community.

A second project I am excited about is the work faculty, staff, students, and community members are doing to make the campus be more welcoming to Native American issues and persons, as we look for ways to create meaningful connections to Native American history in Arkansas and its relationship to our university鈥檚 history. Along with working with a small group of faculty to revise the university鈥檚 land acknowledgment statement, I am now working with an expanded group looking for ways to build awareness of Native American history and current impacts on campus, with specific instructional opportunities and projects. In addition, we would like to build coalitional spaces on campus where we can have open discussions on issues important to Native Americans in Arkansas and surrounding states, as we learn how to better communicate with each other about our pasts and consider what actions might best represent and respect our various shared and unique histories. My interest in this project stems from my own background, as I am a citizen of the Cherokee nation, and it is another example of how we can build bridges between us, as well as needed relationships.

A third project is the university鈥檚 Leadership Academy, which is a joint collaboration between the Department of Applied Communication and the School of Business, in which faculty from both units offer workshops for agencies and organizations across Arkansas. I teach one on Conflict Management, and my colleagues teach others equally as important for leading in today鈥檚 society. We believe we are making a difference by teaching important leadership and communication skills to leaders within multiple types of industries and organizations in Arkansas.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

So many women have spoken into my life and modeled for me courage, vulnerability, and compassion, three traits that I greatly value. I will provide some exemplars below.

There are authors like Bren茅 Brown, Sheryl Sandberg, Julie Lythcott-Haims, Donna Hicks, Ann Voskamp, and Michele Cushatt, who I have never met, but who have gone through their own life experiences and come out stronger as a result, encouraging others to 鈥渒eep on keeping on鈥� and making your world a better place than you found it, and to live a 鈥渂oth-and鈥� life, holding onto the beautiful and the terrible at the same time, as you live life in the present moment.

There is my sister who consistently shows me what it looks like to not give up when things get tough. There is my current counselor who encourages me to embrace my bentness towards being driven and at the same time celebrate the little things in life with gratitude. There are the multiple volunteers in Braver Angels who give of their time to do difficult and important bridge-building work, and who have become close friends of mine, even though we live across the country in many different places.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice comes from my own life experiences and the advice I have been given and that has been modeled for me. Here are a few things I would recommend.

• Be okay with a non-linear process. Life, and your career, don鈥檛 have to be in a straight line. Sometimes it鈥檚 more like a jungle gym, than climbing a ladder, as Sheryl Sandberg talks about in her Lean In book.
• Don鈥檛 take a job just because it鈥檚 offered to you and others expect you to take it.聽 Will it bring you joy? Is it something you鈥檙e passionate about, or is it only something that others think you should do? Sometimes you may have to walk away from the hierarchy to save your soul and well-being.
• Find out what your strengths are through an inventory like Clifton鈥檚 Strengths Assessment (Strengthsquest), and embrace your strengths as ways to make your world and community better.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I grew up in a musical family, where my Dad studied opera when he was in college. I learned to play the piano and violin in 2nd and 4th grades respectively, and because of the hard work of practicing up to three hours a day for many years (and a little talent), I had three of my four years of college paid for from music scholarships. I was a concert pianist soloist with the UCA symphony, as an undergraduate student, for which I also played first violin.

What is your favorite quote and why?

From the Anatomy of Peace book – this inspires me to keep doing the bridge-building work with myself, my family, my students, my colleagues, and my community.

鈥淚f we are going to find lasting solutions to difficult conflicts or external wars we find ourselves in, we first need to find our way out of the internal wars that are poisoning our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes towards others. If we can鈥檛 put an end to the violence within us, there is no hope for putting an end to the violence without鈥� (pp. 68-69).

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The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Diversity Council and the Office of the Chancellor are hosting the workshops, facilitated by Braver Angels, that are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to bridge divides and foster constructive dialogue. Both sessions are free and will be offered via Zoom.

“We are so thrilled to work with Braver Angels to provide these bridge-building workshops on campus,鈥� said Dr. Melvin Beavers, the Chancellor鈥檚 DEI fellow. 鈥淭hey will provide our faculty, students, and staff with a platform to come together and delve into challenging topics. These workshops offer a space for us to navigate these discussions with respect, dignity, and understanding. This is particularly important in today’s political landscape. I think these workshops reflect parts of our institution’s core values, showcasing our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue.”

The first workshop, 鈥淒epolarizing Within,鈥� will be held from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 20. Register at . This workshop is designed to foster skills to help participants lessen the effects of polarization when encountered in political conversations.

The second workshop, 鈥淪kills for Bridging the Political Divide,鈥� will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23. Register at . This workshop is for people who are interested in having better conversations with people on the other side of the political aisle. Participants will learn and practice skills to have respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.

The workshop facilitators will include Braver Angels National Team members Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, chair of the Department of Applied Communication at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Maggie Bayless, moderator training coordinator, and Mary Thomas-Vallens, moderator forum coordinator.

Chatham Carpenter, who recently served for two years as a volunteer co-director of the Office of Field operations for Braver Angels, now serves as a co-lead for regional operations for Braver Angels in five states. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock workshops are also part of a wider Braver Angels campaign, , that she helps manage. The national campaign for civic renewal encourages participants to take at least one action to help bridge the political divide and bring Americans together in constructive dialogue.

The workshops are a continuation of the bridge-building conversations 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been building in recent years. In February, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock welcomed M贸nica Guzm谩n, author of 鈥�.鈥�

Guzman, who serves as senior fellow for public practice with Braver Angels, served as the speaker for the 2023 Inclusive and Inspiring Speaker Series, held a workshop for students and faculty, and met with members of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Cabinet and Racial Barriers Committee.

For more information, contact Dr. Melvin Beavers at mebeavers@ualr.edu.

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