Phillips, chief marketing and communications officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will conclude her term as chair of CASE District IV later this year, a role she held from 2024 to 2026, after serving as chair-elect beginning in 2022. She will continue to serve in an advisory role as past chair. 

CASE — the Council for Advancement and Support of Education — is a global professional organization composed of colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit institutions. It supports professionals in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, and provides strategy and tools to strengthen enrollment, engagement and long-term sustainability.

The end of Phillips’ formal leadership marks the culmination of a nearly 20-year volunteer journey with CASE District IV that began, she said, almost by accident.

“This was never the plan,” she said. “After getting my degree, I planned to work for a year or so at a college while the economy got better and then find something else. Instead, I found a career.”

That early work in higher education led to what she describes as a “voluntold” assignment — attending a CASE district conference that quickly pulled her into volunteer service. From there, she moved into successive cabinet and conference leadership roles, including serving as District IV conference chair in 2020.

“I left the first conference with a volunteer spot the next year. The rest, as they say, is history,” she said.

When she stepped into the chair-elect role, Phillips said District IV lacked a cohesive structure for engagement outside its annual conference. That gap became the foundation for what she considers her most significant contribution.

“Our district didn’t quite have an identity,” Phillips said. “I developed the engagement model that our district implemented. We created a plan that didn’t exist and executed it. That plan resulted in more than 1,000 engagements each year outside of the conference for our district. I’m really proud of that effort.”

Phillips said the work positioned the district for continued growth. The framework she helped design has since been adopted by all seven other CASE districts. She also shared the results with CASE trustees at a national meeting a few years ago, elevating both District IV and ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s presence in national advancement discussions.

Leading a district that spans Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, required alignment, Phillips said. Member institutions vary widely in size, mission and resources. She and the District IV cabinet worked to build a shared framework that could connect and support those institutions through intentional outreach and programming.

“We sat down as a cabinet and looked at our overall engagement goal, identified the groups we wanted to reach and developed tactics to support them,” she said. “It was a very marketing-driven approach.”

That systems-focused leadership mirrors Phillips’ work at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, a metropolitan research institution committed to expanding access to education and preparing career-ready graduates for the regional workforce. In her role at the university, she oversees institutional marketing and communications strategy. That work shapes ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s enrollment messaging, strengthens brand positioning, and aligns the university’s storytelling across campus. Through her involvement with CASE, Phillips has connected ����Vlog��ý Little Rock with national best practices and peer institutions addressing similar priorities in enrollment, communications and institutional positioning.

“CASE is good for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” she said. “There are so many institutions that we can always learn something from.”

Those connections have had practical impact. Phillips said early planning for the university’s upcoming centennial celebration has been informed by conversations with CASE colleagues across the country. She also has contributed to CASE efforts to establish professional metrics for marketing and communications — standards designed to help institutions assess effectiveness and improve operations.

“Because of my involvement at the leadership level, we’ve been able to give feedback and help shape those standards,” she said. “When complete, that work will be a key tool to help units across the world assess their approach and continue improving their marketing and communications function.”

She credited ����Vlog��ý Little Rock leadership, including Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Vice Chancellor Christian O’Neal, with supporting her service and recognizing its institutional value.

“I have to begin with thank yous,” Phillips said. “Chancellor Drale and Christian O’Neal were both incredibly supportive of my CASE involvement. They saw the bigger picture of how this could help the institution.”

O’Neal said Phillips’ leadership strengthened both District IV and ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s reputation.

“Carrie’s leadership has elevated not only our work at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, but the visibility of our institution across the CASE District IV region and beyond,” O’Neal said. “She brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to everything she does and has a unique ability to connect people and ideas in meaningful ways. Carrie has managed well at home and well at CASE. We are all better for it.”

Chancellor Drale said Phillips’ impact has been just as significant within the university.

“Carrie brings to the table a consummate professionalism that has allowed us to transform our marketing and communication division into the powerhouse it is today,” Drale said. “She has an impressive creative talent as well as sharp analytical skills. But her superpower is her ability to understand the importance of mission and purpose and translate those into strategy, structure, and messaging. And for an extra bonus, she is a delight to work with.”

For Phillips, the most lasting impact of her CASE journey is rooted in community.

“CASE friends became family,” she said. “We are better together.”

As she hands leadership to her successor, Baleigh McCoin, executive director of Advancement and Marketing at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, Phillips is confident in the district’s continued progress. Phillips said she is especially proud that McCoin is the first leader from a two-year institution to serve in the role. 

“We’ve built the framework, and I’m excited to see her build on it and continue to refine it,” she said.

While her term comes to a close, her involvement continues, as does the work of advancing institutions such as ����Vlog��ý Little Rock through collaboration and shared purpose.

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About 85 percent of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates stay in Central Arkansas after earning their degrees, working in industries such as healthcare, finance, law, government, and nonprofit leadership.

“This committee reflects a growing partnership between ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and the organizations where our graduates are making an impact,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for advancement. “When you look across this list of companies and institutions, you see many of the places where our alumni are building their careers and strengthening the Central Arkansas community.”

Taste of Little Rock is the university’s signature alumni event, bringing together community leaders, alumni, and supporters to celebrate the impact of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock while raising support for student scholarships and initiatives that help future Trojans succeed.

For Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development, the makeup of the committee reflects the reach of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates throughout the region.

“����Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni are deeply connected to this community,” Smith said. “You see Trojans working and leading in hospitals, banks, law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits across the state. It’s exciting to see so many of those organizations represented on this committee as we come together to support the university and its students.”

2026 Taste of Little Rock Host Committee

• Cheryl Avants, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (retired)
• Nate Coulter, Mitchell Williams
• Jamie Ewing, Arkansas Department of Human Services
• Jake Fair, Wright Lindsey Jennings
• Cameron Fuller, Simmons Bank
• Sarah Giammo, Friday, Eldredge & Clark 
• Paul Isbell, Southwest Power Pool
• Cortney Kennedy, Office of the Governor, State of Arkansas
• Summer Khairi, ����Vlog��ýMS
• Sheena Olson, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Alfreda Summons, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Faith Thomas, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Carrie Perry, Little Rock School District
• Rodney Abston, Regions Bank
• Stephanie Caruthers, Trio’s Restaurant
• Guy Choate, Arkansas Realtors Association
• Donavon Colclough, Entergy
• Telethe Collins, Make-A-Wish Mid-South
• Loris Fullerton, retired
• Jimmy Harris, Bowen School of Law alumnus
• Jamie Middleton, Immerse Arkansas
• Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Carson Seelinger, CARTI
• Karen Witt, JPMorgan Chase
• Eric Yarberry, World Services for the Blind

Now in its 21st year, Taste of Little Rock has become one of the university’s most anticipated alumni events. The event brings together hundreds of guests and dozens of local restaurants for an evening celebrating Little Rock’s food scene and raising money for scholarships. 

Proceeds from the event support scholarships through the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, helping students stay on track to complete their degrees and pursue their careers in Central Arkansas.

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The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship was created to permanently sustain ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s commitment to affordability, supporting initiatives such as the Half-Off Scholarship and the Trojan Guarantee.

The effort was launched following a transformative $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. As part of that investment, Windgate challenged the university to raise $1.5 million to unlock the final $1.5 million of its commitment. By meeting that challenge, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock will transform the foundation’s original gift into a $9 million permanent source of scholarship support.

This milestone moves the university closer to ensuring that financial hardship is never the reason a student walks away from a degree.

“This investment ensures that students — not just today, but for years to come — can earn a high-quality degree without overwhelming financial burden,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That kind of stability strengthens families, communities, and our state.”

The Phase One milestone was made possible through coordinated efforts across Advancement, Enrollment, and Marketing and Communications, who worked together to engage alumni and supporters with targeted outreach and student impact stories.

With Phase One complete, the university now turns its focus to raising the remaining $1 million before the June 30, 2027 deadline, with leaders hopeful the goal can be met even earlier.

Christian O’Neal, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, said the early momentum reflects strong belief in the university’s direction and mission.

“Our donors understand that this is about long-term access,” O’Neal said. “They believe in what’s happening at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, and they’re stepping forward to be part of it. Raising $500,000 ahead of schedule sends a clear message that we have the support and the resolve to finish this challenge.”

Phase One donors who established Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarships include:

• Christina S. Drale
• Mary and Sean Glancy (via J.R. Bizzell)
• The Stevens Family
• Rodney M. Abston Family
• Carol and James Hendren
• The Shuffield Family
• Dr. Eleanor Kennedy and Dr. Lee Able
• Joni and George Lee
• 35+ faculty and staff 
• Anonymous donors

Their generosity is already impacting students like Erryn Washington, a nursing student who said receiving scholarship support changed her college experience.

“When I received my scholarship, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Washington said. “Before that, I worried constantly about how I was going to pay for school. Now I can focus on finishing my degree and preparing for a career in healthcare.”

Every gift to the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship helps unlock the full Windgate investment and strengthens ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s long-term commitment to keeping education within reach for students across Arkansas.

To learn more or to make a gift, visit /centennial/enduring-opportunity/

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This represents the largest amount ever raised in a ����Vlog��ý Little Rock campaign, exceeding the previous campaign by $100 million. This achievement highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and strengthening its impact across Arkansas.

“This outstanding achievement would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our entire Trojan community,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Our donors are excited to invest in our students and faculty in ways that will have a lasting impact. We are truly grateful for the belief they have in our mission and the future of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. Together, we are building a stronger future for our university and our community.”

Launched to commemorate ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 100th anniversary, the Centennial Campaign has seen tremendous support from alumni, friends, and community partners, all working together to enhance the university’s programs and initiatives. Some of the successes from the campaign include:

• 22,625 distinct donors
• 193,694 generous gifts
• 453 new foundation funds
• 235 new scholarships
• 173 new endowments
• 32 gifts for student support
• 19 sponsored classrooms and labs
• Six named professorships and two directorships

The Centennial Campaign is centered around four key pillars, which include student scholarships, student success initiatives, the living and learning environment, and program excellence.

“This $203 million milestone is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors and partners who believe in the transformative power of education,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “These contributions are already making a significant impact on the lives of our students, and as we continue forward, we are excited about the future opportunities this campaign will create for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and the entire community.”

The Fall 2024 semester resulted in the university’s largest enrollment growth in 15 years, with undergraduate enrollment increasing by 3.7 percent. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock saw significant increases in first-time freshmen of 28.9 percent and transfer students of 18.2 percent.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we will continue to emphasize the importance of the student experience by enhancing our academic, research, athletic, and student support programs, as well as our living and learning environment.” Drale said. “As our enrollment grows, we want to make sure that accessibility and the quality of the learning experience remain high.”

Some of the most notable gifts of the Centennial Campaign include:

• A $25 million anonymous donation for student scholarships and student success initiatives
• A $8.5 million donation from the Donaghey Foundation to support the Trojan Way Project
• A $6.75 million gift from the Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust honoring the late Dr. Yupo Chan, the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering, to support student scholarships and an endowed directorship for the School of Engineering
• A $3.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to support an endowed directorship for the School of Education
• A $3 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to create a building maintenance endowment for the Windgate Center of Art + Design
• A $1.4 million gift from Greg Hatcher to support the creation of a Division 1 wrestling program and the building of the Greg Hatcher Wrestling Center

“Our donors have done an incredible job getting us to this point, and we’re right on target for where we should be,” Centennial Campaign Co-chairs Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow said. “However, the work of the Centennial Campaign is not done yet. To set ����Vlog��ý Little Rock up for success in its next 100 years, we must continue to push toward our $250 million goal over the next two years. Every contribution will help secure a brighter future for the university and the students we serve.”

As the Centennial Campaign continues, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is dedicated to raising more funds to reach its final goal, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant center of learning and excellence for generations to come. For more information, visit /centennial/.

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O’Neal is one of 53 community and business leaders in the state who joins the 19th class of the exclusive leadership program, which is operated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. All of the class members are leaders within their communities and professions and are interested in expanding that involvement.

“I am honored to be selected for Leadership Arkansas to represent ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” O’Neal said. “This is an opportunity to connect with other leaders from across Arkansas, learn from their perspective, and contribute to the discussions that can shape the future of Arkansas. Equally important to me is that a dozen of my classmates are ����Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates who are leaders in their respective fields, ranging from law to construction management, to business, and data science.”

This professional development opportunity will enable O’Neal to further refine his leadership skills and contribute fresh perspectives to the university community. From September 2024 to May 2025, Leadership Arkansas participants will engage in a series of sessions designed to deepen their understanding of leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, tourism, government, workforce development, and more. Each session is tailored to provide hands-on experiences and insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within these regions, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of the program.

“Before me, Vice Chancellor Cody Decker and Professor Elizabeth Small, Director of Business Networks, have made significant contributions to the Leadership Arkansas program,” O’Neal said. “They have helped to grow the relationships between the university and our many business partners. Their involvement underscores the university’s commitment to fostering strong connections within the business community and ensuring that ����Vlog��ý Little Rock remains a valued contributor to the discussion, and a resource for helping to build Arkansas.”

O’Neal has been instrumental in advancing the university’s mission and fostering a culture of giving and support since first coming on board in 2003. His latest challenge is leading the Centennial Campaign, a capital campaign with a goal of raising $250 million by ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.

This campaign focuses on securing funds for scholarships, student support programs, faculty excellence, and enhancing the living and learning environment on campus. Under O’Neal’s guidance, the Centennial Campaign has helped ����Vlog��ý Little Rock invest in cutting-edge educational resources, attract and retain top-notch faculty, and provide students with transformative opportunities that prepare them for success. Learn more about the Centennial Campaign by visiting .

“The Centennial Campaign has been incredibly successful so far, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made,” O’Neal said. “We’ve raised significant funds that will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community. However, there’s still work to be done, and I’m confident that with continued support, we’ll reach our goals and set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.”

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has a goal of raising $75,000 and welcoming 100 new members during its Spring Fund Drive. Proceeds will go to support bringing news, culture, and powerful radio to central Arkansas.

“As we celebrate the remarkable 51-year journey of public radio in central Arkansas, we couldn’t be prouder of the legacy we’ve built together – delivering exceptional, informative, and captivating programming to our dedicated listeners,” General Manager Jonathan Seaborn said. “At Little Rock Public Radio, your backing has always been the cornerstone of our success. As a listener-funded station, we rely on your generosity to keep the airwaves alive with the content you’ve come to know and love.”

The week will feature a special lineup of community leaders serving as on-air hosts in the morning and afternoon. These include:

• Sericia Nelson, executive editor of NOIRE Magazine
• Mark Nelson, public information officer for the Little Rock Police Department
• Ann Owen and Rick Owen, associate chief of staff for research and director of the Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research at Veterans Healthcare System
• Jay Barth, director of the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
• Chuck Cliett, Partner at Mitchell Williams Law Firm
• Kendra Pruitt, chief of staff for City of Little Rock
• Devin Bates, attorney at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard
• Stephanie Jackson, executive vice president of public engagement for The Design Group
• Myron Jackson, CEO and founder of The Design Group
• Dazzmin Murry, Emmy-nominated composer and artist with King Honey
• BJ Pighee, president and CEO of Living Solutions
• Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock
• Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor of university advancement for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Little Rock Public Radio will hold a special “All Drinks Considered” event from 4-7 p.m. March 26 at Hill Station.

As a token of appreciation, Little Rock Public Radio will be offering thank you gifts of mugs, water bottles, beanies, and T-shirts throughout the week.

You can make a donation by , calling Little Rock Public Radio at 501-916-6400, or mailing a check made out to Friends of K����Vlog��ýR/KLRE to 5820 Asher Ave., Ste. 400, Little Rock, AR 72204.

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This resounding success not only showcases the collective spirit that defines the university but also highlights the enduring commitment of its community to invest in the institution’s mission and future.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our campus community,” said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services and chair of the Campus Campaign. “Reaching this participation level is not only a numerical success but also speaks to the sense of unity and commitment among our employees. I believe that boosting internal participation is crucial as it positively impacts our external fundraising efforts, creating a strong foundation for the university’s growth and development.”

Reaching this goal speaks to the shared belief in the transformative power of education and the collective impact of small acts of giving. Altogether, nearly 350 university employees donated to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock during 2023.

“The spirited engagement of our dedicated faculty and staff in the Campus Campaign goes beyond monetary contributions,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “This wholehearted internal support significantly fortifies our university’s standing as we approach external donors for major gifts. It communicates a compelling message – that those intimately connected to the university are wholeheartedly committed to its mission. This collective investment not only enhances our credibility but also amplifies our appeal when seeking external funds. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff, faculty, and administrators who played instrumental roles in organizing this year’s campaign. With the capable assistance of Laterika Tooks and Kristi Smith, it became a total team effort. Witnessing such collaboration makes me immensely proud to be a Trojan.”

The university owes a special thanks to the dedicated employees who helped lead the Campus Campaign effort across campus. Campus Campaign Steering Committee members included Assadi, Mark Baillie, Shelia Brooks, Sikia Brown, Jessie Burchfield, Anthony Buttrum, Katrina Christopher, Reed Claiborne, Shannon Collier-Tenison, andre cummings, Joe Felan, Tyler Harrison, Carrie Phillips, Derek Slagle, Judy Staley, Joanne Matson, Brandy Dixon, and Emily Bell.

Campus Campaign Ambassadors included Katie Helms, Dawn Johnson, Sadie Lea, Monica Meadows, Leisa Myles, Vanessa Whitman, Angela Willis, April Chatham-Capenter, Mercades Parker, Bobbie Handcock, Salina Ables, Reteisha Byrd, Morgan Leyenberger, Mohammad Goodarzi, Keith Harris, Mary French, Rachel Mercado, Belinda Nix, Cynthia Dedner, Al Baker, Jennifer Lampkin, Anne Turner, Grace Zafasi, and Mary Tillman.

“The dedication of our Steering Committee and Campus Ambassadors was evident throughout the campus, and I had the opportunity to observe the effort they invested behind the scenes,” said Laterika Tooks, director of annual giving at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. “I feel fortunate to collaborate with numerous faculty and staff members who are enthusiastic about their roles and committed to the development and achievement of this university.”

A total of 18 campus departments achieved 100 percent giving in 2023, which is 50 percent more than 2022.

Those departments include Alumni and Development, Applied Communication, the Bursar’s Office, the Chancellor’s Office, Concurrent Enrollment, Counseling Services, Disability Resource Center, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Financial Services, Institute of Chief Data Officers, Mail Services, Marketing and Communications, Office of Military Student Success, Sequoyah National Research Center, Study Abroad, Student Retention Initiatives, Testing and Student Life Research, and the Trojan Transition and Assistance Center.

Bobbie Handcock, a web content specialist who served as a campus ambassador, said that she likes to donate to causes like the Trojan Food Pantry or to help buy caps and gowns for graduating students.

“I work at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, and I’m also a graduate student,” Handcock said. “I’ve been able to see things from a student’s perspective and talk with my classmates about challenges that they may face. I know how important it is to have support – both financially and academically. The Campus Campaign generates funds to help students succeed and reach their goals.”

As a campus campaign ambassador, Handcock explained how a gift to the university is an investment in future leaders, innovators, and professionals.

“By donating, you can help provide scholarships, financial aid, and resources to students who might not otherwise have the means to pursue a college education,” Handcock said. “By contributing, you can help feed someone who is hungry or clothe someone who needs business attire for a job interview. I shared ways that they could support the campaign, including purchasing a legacy brick, giving to an area that means the most to them or giving a gift-in-kind such as to the Trojan Career Closet. I encouraged them to remember that it doesn’t matter what you give, as long as you give.”

The gifts are a part of the Centennial Campaign, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s fundraising campaign to raise $250 million in celebration of the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The Campus Campaign was part of a cumulative fundraising year that netted more than $22 million for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. Visit to learn more about the Centennial Campaign.

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock is the first organization that benefitted from a generous donation from Fifty for the Future, who donated $150,000 in 1965 to the Graduate Institute of Technology, which later joined ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. Chancellor Christina S. Drale commented that the gift would be worth around $1.5 million in today’s dollars.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock has also received two additional gifts from Future for the Fifty over the years. The group donated $250,000 in 2002 to the Don W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development for the group that is now known as the . They also made a $250,000 donation in 2005 to the College of Engineering and Information Technology, now the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

“Fifty for the Future and ����Vlog��ý Little Rock have collaborated for six decades in cultivating a relevant and readily available pipeline of workforce talent for Arkansas,” Fifty for the Future President Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl said. “The continued partnership will be as impactful in Fifty’s next 60 years as in its first 60 years.”

Chancellor Drale gave a keynote talk to the Fifty for the Future members on how ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and the business community are working together to develop a well-prepared workforce and invigorate the economy of central Arkansas.

“I want to thank Fifty for the Future for making those investments and for recognizing why those kinds of investments are important,” Chancellor Drale said. “The ways universities and ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in particular support economic development is to produce graduates with advanced skills and professional training and commercialization of applied research.”

����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s approach to preparing students for the workforce includes providing them with a career-path education with an emphasis on experiential learning, investing in programs in high-demand fields, and developing programs in emerging fields like cybersecurity, information science, data analytics, and virtual reality.

“����Vlog��ý Little Rock is a comprehensive public university, which means that we provide a wide variety of degree programs built on a strong liberal arts foundation,” Chancellor Drale said. “We also know that students stand a better chance of persisting and being successful if we can help them connect the dots between what they are doing in the classroom and what they will be doing after they graduate.”

In central Arkansas, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is a major provider of graduates in business, law, engineering, construction management, and STEM fields in general, particularly emerging fields like cybersecurity, information science, and data analytics. We also have many graduates in nursing, social work, education, and technical writing.

Universities also have a valuable role in building economic growth through research and entrepreneurial investment. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock recently launched the Arkansas Tech Launch Exchange Program in partnership with the and the . This is a program where we bring in rising entrepreneurs from other countries to develop new businesses in central Arkansas who work with faculty and students to participate in the process of innovation.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock is in the middle of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Centennial Campaign, designed to increase the number of endowed need-based scholarships, grow the student support endowment, raise support for high-quality faculty through endowed chairs, raise endowed maintenance funds for existing buildings, and help renovate existing facilities. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has a goal to raise a total of $250 million by the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.

“We are $182 million on our way to meeting that quarter of a billion goal,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The heart of much of that support can be found in this room. To each and every one of you, I say thank you for that support.”

Fifty for the Future members were interested in hearing how they can continue to support ����Vlog��ý Little Rock with helping provide an affordable and accessible college education for Arkansans. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is constantly partnering with businesses and organizations like Fifty for the Future to help prepare students for advantageous careers in central Arkansas. These partnerships include:

• Educational partners who provide internships for students, client projects for classes, classroom visits, advisory board, and mentorships
• Research partners through collaboration and investment
• Expanding the professional workforce through a corporate employee tuition discount program
• Investment partners through scholarships, endowed faculty, sponsored classrooms, lab, and other physical spaces, and general student support

“Fifty for the Future really appreciates ����Vlog��ý Little Rock hosting us,” said Joe Stanley, who has been a member of the group for eight years and is an architect who worked on the Student Services Center at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. “We are a group who is working for the betterment of Little Rock and the central Arkansas community. This is what we are about.”

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Giving Tuesday is all about supporting causes that are close to your heart, and providing students with an affordable, high-quality, and accessible education means the world to us at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, where we are igniting a movement to transform lives and shape the future.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock is celebrating its Centennial Campaign, which honors the university’s upcoming 100-year anniversary in 2027. Generous donors like yourselves have already donated more than $180 million to help reach the campaign goal of $250 million.

“This Giving Tuesday we hope you’ll join us in creating a brighter future for Arkansas students through our Centennial Campaign at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Our goal is to raise $250 million in our Centennial Campaign that will educate future leaders and further strengthen our state. Your support this holiday season will help students succeed and leave a lasting legacy for Arkansas.”

Your support will make a profound impact in four key areas: scholarships, student support, program excellence, and the living and learning environment. From funding scholarships that unlock doors for aspiring students to investing in cutting-edge research and innovative programs, every contribution becomes a catalyst for positive change to take ����Vlog��ý Little Rock to new heights.

Visit the Centennial Campaign website to make a donation to support ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students. If you want to donate to support a specific need in one of our academic departments, please email Laterika Tooks or call 501-916-6439 to learn more about ongoing opportunities.

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The university recognized Oscar Horton and Bill Mathis, Jr. as the winners of the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award as well as Stephanie Caruthers and Nancy Secen as the winners of the Presidents Award. The ceremony also honored Ahad Nadeem, a spring graduate who was named the winner of the 2023 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, which honors the top graduating senior of the year.

“The achievements of Distinguished Alumnus and Presidents Award winners are a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication that defines our outstanding alumni,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Each of our amazing award winners has not only excelled in their respective fields but also epitomized the values and excellence that ����Vlog��ý Little Rock stands for by serving as pillars in the community. They inspire us all to aim higher, give back, and continue the legacy of shaping a better world.”

The ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association annually awards the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, or ����Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus. The award is reserved for individuals who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen field and made special contributions to the community.

The Presidents Award was established to recognize ����Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates who achieved success in their career, donated time and talents to their community, and remained in touch with their alma mater as a volunteer and resource person.

More information about the honorees:

Oscar Horton serves as chairman and CEO of Horton Holdings, LLC, which owns and manages the operations of its subsidiaries Sun State International, Sun State Real Estate, and the Horton family office. He is a member of the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame and was most recently named one of Tampa Bay’s Top 100 Most Powerful Business Leaders.

Horton credited ����Vlog��ý Little Rock with helping him build confidence, giving him a great education, and teaching him the business of perseverance.

“I learned the importance of looking someone in the eye when you talk to them, giving a firm handshake, and that charisma is probably the biggest thing you can have in the business world,” Horton said. “They also taught me a good dose of common sense.”

After graduating from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Horton began his career as a sales representative for the International Truck & Engine’s financial corporation. He served as vice president and general manager of the company’s Foundry Business, a multi-million-dollar business with approximately 1,500 employees.

After an illustrious 25-year career with International Truck & Engine Corporation, he left to become president and CEO of Sun State International. During his presidency, the company increased its revenue seven-fold and improved its profitability, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. This turn-around helped Sun State secure the 2020 Dealer of the Year Award from the American Truck Dealers.

Bill Mathis, Jr. graduated from Horace Mann High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. One of his fondest memories was his psychology professor and mentor Dr. Louis Woods.

“I learned from Dr. Louis Woods, and he told me to seek excellence in everything that I do,” Mathis said. “He taught psychology with a statistical perspective that I have used throughout my career. Because of the education I received here, I was able to retire at the age of 60. My wife Lisa and I have established a scholarship fund here at ����Vlog��ýLR. My family and I seek excellence in everything we do, and we encourage everyone to do the same.”

Mathis has more than 25 years of executive experience in business development and sales management in the financial services industry, with a demonstrated track record in building and leading high-performance teams. He retired in 2009 as executive vice president of MasterCard International, where he led a team of 150 employees responsible for delivering 60 percent of the organization’s U.S. region revenue. In 2005, Mathis was honored as MasterCard’s inaugural Coach of the Year, which signifies sales and team development leadership. Prior to joining MasterCard International, he served as senior vice president with the vendor financial services unit at GE Capital.

He has also been active in the community, serving on several boards. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Goldleaf Financial Solutions, Inc.; the Board of Directors for First Tee of Metropolitan New York; and the Junior Achievement International Board, where he sat on the Executive Committee and the Lead Brand Effectiveness Committee. Mathis previously served as co-chair of the MasterCard Diversity Committee, as well as the Political Action Committee and Pension Investment Committee.

Nancy Secen earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with honors from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Executive MBA program in 2001. She had a successful career of more than three decades working for Kimberly-Clark Corp. with positions in Conway, Maumelle, and Wisconsin.

A lifetime member of the Alumni Association, she joined the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors in 2005, jumping at the opportunity to give back to the university that gave her such a positive educational experience.

“One of the best parts of being a board member was talking to the students who were interviewed as part of the scholarship selection process,” Secen said. “����Vlog��ý Little Rock has many deserving students who need financial support to complete their studies. It was inspiring to meet and speak with the talented and impressive students who were working toward degrees they planned to use to improve their lives and the lives of others.”

She has served on the Scholarship Committee for 15 years, serving four terms as committee chair, and has helped to strengthen and streamline the scholarship interview process. Her work on the Scholarship Committee sounded the alarm for the need for more scholarships. Her diligence laid the foundation for Taste of Little Rock, the university’s largest scholarship fundraiser now in its 18th year.

“She led the scholarship program better than anyone could have imagined,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Nancy’s work on the scholarship committee is the absolute embodiment of what the Presidents Award recognizes. She set the course for the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Scholarship program for the past 20 years.”

Stephanie Caruthers is a partner in Trio’s, one of Central Arkansas’s most notable, award-winning restaurants. She joined ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1985 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a minor in French. She was a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, and a highlight of her college career was a 1987 summer abroad language and culture study in Strasbourg, France.

“What an honor it is to receive this award,” Caruthers said. “As I reflect on this award, I wonder what brought me to this moment. One pivotal person that brought me here is the tenacity of Dr. Earl Ramsey (the first director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors  Program). He saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. Thank you for believing in me.”

Caruthers began her career at Trio’s in 1987. She was part of a founding group of chefs and restaurateurs that spearheaded a Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation effort in Little Rock in the mid-1990s. The nationwide event began in the 1980s to mobilize restaurants and chefs to organize tasting events to raise awareness and funds for hunger-fighting nonprofit organizations. Share our Strength continues to fight childhood hunger with their No Kid Hungry campaign, and Trio’s continues to support their efforts through its involvement with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

“She is so giving, so compassionate, and she’s been such a joy to work here,” said Capi Peck, executive chef and owner of Trio’s. “I cannot imagine doing any of the work we do without her. I consider her not just a partner, but a friend. She loves Little Rock, and she loves the community. I hope that other ����Vlog��ý Little Rock people follow her lead and continue to give back in the way that Stephanie has for the past 36 or so years.”

This year, Caruthers began her third term on the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Directors. President Heide Harrell dubbed Caruthers as the “Queen of the Taste of Little Rock,” ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s highly anticipated annual culinary and social event. Trio’s is one of the Taste of Little Rock’s original participating restaurants, and Caruthers has been involved in every event since, serving as chair/co-chair of two previous Taste of Little Rock events.

Ahad Nadeem is a May 2023 graduate of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in biology and plans to become a doctor. He has demonstrated outstanding citizenship through research and activities aimed at bettering the lives of others, including working to combat child hunger and educating people about opioids.

At ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, he served as president of the Campus Garden Alliance and vice president of the Student Government Association. He worked with the SGA on campus safety and other initiatives. Passionate about science education, he served as a genetics learning assistant in the classroom. He also presented research on food insecurity and on the genetic programming of fat tissue.

The aspiring physician was also a health and wellness writer for the university’s student newspaper, The Forum, and his community service work includes volunteering at the ����Vlog��ýMS Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institutes, in ����Vlog��ýMS’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a center that supports grieving children.

“I would not have been somebody worthy of winning this award without the support and the resources that were offered to me at this university,” Nadeem said. “I found that ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is a very student-driven university, and I received so many opportunities to get involved. In my eyes, I just did very small things, and a lot of those small things added up to make changes. I think that when a lot of students do a lot of small things, it can really change the world.”

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