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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“����Vlog��ý Little Rock is home to a diverse student body and respected faculty transforming academic endeavors into practical support and solutions for Arkansans. Establishing a full-service veterans legal clinic within the Bowen School of Law and bolstering nanotech research with a wide range of real-world applications will benefit veterans and accelerate innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and medicine,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m pleased to have championed these investments and look forward to the exciting impact they will have on our state and beyond in the years to come.”

Chancellor Christina Drale added that these investments further position the university to serve Arkansas through impactful research and programs.

“This level of federal investment affirms the value and impact of the work happening at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “From supporting Arkansas veterans to advancing research in nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and data analytics, these appropriations strengthen our ability to serve the state and deliver research that makes a measurable difference for our communities and our country.

The federal funding package includes two direct allocations secured by Boozman for the veterans legal clinic and nanotechnology research equipment, in addition to the other investments he and the Arkansas congressional delegation supported for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock programs:

• $750,000 to support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law
• $6 million for nanotechnology initiatives, including:
  • $3 million to enhance nanotechnology research capacity through the purchase of highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment
  • $3 million specifically for nanomaterials for bone regeneration research
• $5 million to develop a cyber-resilient computing platform in partnership with Montana State University
• $1 million to support COSMOS (social networks analysis) research

Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The $750,000 appropriation will enhance the Bowen School of Law’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while giving law students hands-on experience. To date the clinic has supported Veterans in two thirds of Arkansas counties and has secured more than $500k in benefits for veterans. With the additional funding, the clinic hopes to secure additional support to serve all Arkansas counties.  

“This funding strengthens our ability to stand alongside Arkansas veterans and ensure they have access to the legal services they deserve,” said Dean Colin Crawford of the Bowen School of Law. “It also gives our students meaningful, real-world experience advocating for those who have served our country.”

Analytical and Nanotechnology Research Expansion

The $6 million in nanotechnology funding will significantly expand ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s research capacity. The $3 million equipment investment will enhance nanotechnology research through the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, positioning the university for continued growth in high-impact materials science. The instrumentation will serve both the academic as well as the industrial partners and provide educational opportunities for a variety of students and users. An additional $3 million will support research focused specifically on nanomaterials for bone regeneration, with potential applications for injured service members and others requiring regenerative medical treatments.

“These investments strengthen the university’s ability to conduct advanced characterization and research at a higher level both academically and industrially,” said Dr. Alex Biris, Chief Scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences. “The funding expands our research capacity, and the support for the development of technologies focused on advanced bone and tissue regeneration, allowing us to pursue innovative solutions with significant implications for both national defense and medical advancement.”  

Cyber-Resilient Space Computing Platform

The $5 million cyber-resilient computing platform project, a joint effort between ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and Montana State University, will focus on strengthening satellite systems against emerging cyber threats and enhancing national security capabilities in space.

“This project advances our ability to build AI models that protect mission-critical systems operating in increasingly complex and contested cyber environments in space,” said Dr. Philip Huff. “It reflects ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s growing leadership in applied cybersecurity research that directly supports national defense and workforce needs.”

COSMOS: Social Networks Analysis

The $1 million investment in COSMOS (social networks analysis) will expand research capabilities in data analytics and national security applications.

“Social network analysis plays a critical role in understanding complex digital ecosystems and cognitive security challenges,” said Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of COSMOS Research Center at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This funding allows us to deepen our research impact while preparing students to lead in high-demand intelligence and analytics fields.”

Together, these investments accelerate ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s momentum as a leading public research university and a driver of innovation in Arkansas. From supporting veterans in Arkansas courtrooms to advancing technologies that strengthen national security, the university continues to translate research excellence into tangible benefits for the state and the nation.

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

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

“We’re especially proud to be here with our colleagues from ����Vlog��ýCCB to celebrate this step forward together,” Drale said. “Today’s signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I’m excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.”

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

“Through this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at ����Vlog��ýCCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor’s degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing — two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,” Bain said. “It provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities.”

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

“Over the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor’s degree,” Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. “This partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.”

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

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

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

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

“It’s easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,” she said.

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Attorney General Griffin spoke to students, faculty, and staff about the urgent need to educate young people on the risks of illicit opioids. The effort was announced Sept. 8 during a meet and greet with students and a press conference at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, followed by a student training session in the Donaghey Student Center that was completed by about 120 students.

“This is really important,” Griffin said. “Today is about making sure people never make that first mistake. Opioids are highly addictive, and this country has lost hundreds of thousands of Americans to them. With the illicit opioids, you have no idea what you are holding. It may look like a legitimate prescription drug, but you have no guarantee that it is. It all starts with informing people, educating people, and increasing awareness.”

Griffin, who lost his brother to opioid addiction earlier this year, emphasized that prevention and education are critical steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

“Our goal is to educate campuses by working through student leaders, the media, and word of mouth,” Griffin said. “We are providing training here to ensure students are prepared, including in the use of Narcan if needed. We are making progress, but this is a fight we must continue.”

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects the university’s deep commitment to student safety.

“As chancellor, I can tell you the safety, health, and well-being of our students is central to everything we do,” Drale said. “One of the most insidious and dangerous risks facing young people today is the growing presence of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. These substances are often taken unknowingly, and the consequences can be immediate and irreversible. Our responsibility is to do everything we can to keep our students safe. The reality is that it only takes one moment, one decision, one pill to change a life forever.”

Drale added that prevention starts with awareness and collaboration.

“That’s why we’re here today to partner with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office in supporting the One Pill Can Kill initiative,” she said. “We’re grateful for the leadership of the attorney general and his team in bringing this initiative to the forefront on our campus and for being a strong partner in our shared effort to keep students safe.”

The initiative is supported by opioid settlement funds managed by the Attorney General’s office. It provides resources to campuses across the state, including prevention campaigns, student trainings, fentanyl harm prevention kits, and free access to Narcan through new vending machines. One of those machines will soon be located in the Donaghey Student Center.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock student Braden Carr, who serves as legislative affairs officer for the Student Government Association, said the initiative is an important step forward.

“I am extremely excited to see the university and the attorney general come together to tackle this issue,” Carr said. “This program is a great first step in educating the youth on the dangers of the opioid epidemic. As a student leader, I will continue to advocate for increased education and awareness on the opioid crisis, alongside continuing to support partnerships such as this.”

The “One Pill Can Kill” initiative aims to educate students, faculty, and the broader community on how to prevent opioid misuse, recognize the warning signs of overdose, and respond effectively in emergencies.

“This is truly a statewide, multilevel, multicampus enterprise,” Griffin said. “����Vlog��ý Little Rock is always a great partner. It goes to quality of life. You want a healthy, thriving student body, and we have an obligation to educate and use these opioid dollars in a responsible way for opioid abatement. I am excited to be here and excited to partner with you.”

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Growth extends well beyond the freshman class. Sophomore and junior enrollments also increased, contributing to a 4.1% rise in total undergraduate enrollment. The enrollment surge marks the largest percent increase in overall undergraduate enrollment growth at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock since 2009. Additionally, on-campus housing occupancy climbed 9.2% compared to last fall, with more students choosing to live and learn in the heart of Little Rock.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program also continues its rapid expansion. The program provides opportunities for employees of Corporate Partners to reskill and upskill at a lowered tuition rate. This program enrolled 474 students this fall from more than 120 local and regional corporate partners. This represents a 40.7% increase in participation over last year. By creating pathways for working professionals, the program strengthens workforce development across Arkansas while expanding access to higher education.

At the graduate level, overall enrollment is projected to decline 9.5% (141 students), primarily due to a drop in international enrollment. However, several programs, including Engineering and Engineering Technology, Mass Communication, Social Work, and Criminal Justice and Criminology, reported notable graduate-level growth.

“The continued momentum we are seeing this fall is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the hard work of our students, and the distinctive programs that make ����Vlog��ý Little Rock an outstanding choice,” said Dr. Christina S. Drale, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock chancellor. “It’s exciting to see so many students choosing to launch their futures here in Little Rock, knowing their contributions will strengthen our communities and support growth across Arkansas and the region.”

This growth is fueled by stronger connections with schools, communities, and industry partners, creating new pathways for students to access and succeed in higher education.

“These tremendous enrollment gains reflect the growing number of students and families recognizing the value and quality of a ����Vlog��ý Little Rock education,” added Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “We’re especially proud of the multi-year growth in our freshman class, which will have a lasting positive impact on our campus community.”

The growth reflects both the strength of our academic programs and our commitment to affordability, as many ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students continue taking advantage of affordability initiatives like the Trojan Guarantee and Half-Off Scholarship. These programs provide Arkansans with an affordable way to access a high-quality education. In fall 2024, 615 students benefited from these initiatives. Since their inception, the programs have supported 1,425 students, resulting in $5,666,400 in total savings — an average of $3,184 per recipient.  

����Vlog��ý Little Rock anticipates enrolling approximately 8,000 students this fall, representing a 1.2% increase over last year. Student semester credit hours are expected to rise by 4.0%, and full-time equivalent enrollment is projected to grow by 3.9%.

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock announced the creation of the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund on May 2 during a special event at Ottenheimer Library. The Windgate Foundation’s gift includes $5 million to establish a permanent endowed scholarship fund, creating a sustainable source of financial support for future students, and $2.5 million in immediate-use funds to support affordability initiatives over the next several years while the endowment grows. 

“The Windgate Foundation is pleased to support the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in its ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for students,” said Pat Forgy, executive director of the Windgate Foundation. “While I regret that I cannot be with you in person today, I want to express our deep appreciation for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s steadfast commitment to making higher education more accessible for students across Arkansas.”

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program reinforces ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s longstanding commitment to affordability and access in higher education. It builds on earlier initiatives such as the Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee, made possible by a $25 million anonymous gift in 2020.

“For the last five years we’ve made affordability a top priority for our students. We knew that to move the needle on educational attainment, we had to step up our game in the area of need-based student aid,” ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said. “We were fortunate to receive a substantial anonymous gift in 2020 that allowed us to take bold steps in reimagining how we structure our scholarships and to introduce new initiatives. In order to sustain this momentum, our goal has been to create a structure that will help ensure that we can offer these opportunities in perpetuity. This generous gift from the Windgate Foundation does that and represents a powerful investment in the future of Arkansas. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in building a legacy of opportunity and success for our students.”

The Windgate Foundation’s support not only ensures long-term sustainability for these student success initiatives, but it also propels the university forward in a historic way. This generous contribution also marks a major milestone in ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in university history. With this gift, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has now raised $225.5 million toward its $250 million campaign goal ahead of the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.

“At Windgate, we believe that when students are empowered to pursue their education free from financial barriers, they are better positioned to thrive and reach their full potential,” Forgy said. “We are proud to support Chancellor Drale and the entire ����Vlog��ý Little Rock community for their thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication to student success.

Forgy emphasized the transformative potential of investing in students. 

“It is our sincere hope that this gift will help open new doors, create meaningful opportunities, and ensure that more students can access the quality education they deserve—today and for generations to come,” she said.

To further strengthen the impact of the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund, the Windgate Foundation has issued a $1.5 million challenge to the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock community to grow the endowed scholarship. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock aims to meet this goal quickly and build on it to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Demonstrating her commitment, Chancellor Drale announced a personal gift of $25,000 as the first contribution to the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Challenge.

“I am personally committed to this important effort and honored to take the first step,” Drale said. “I want to invite all of our supporters to dream big with me and help us grow this endowment many times over. Together, we can ensure that affordable education is forever.”

By breaking down financial barriers, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has reversed an enrollment decline and achieved its strongest enrollment growth in over a decade. As an anchor institution, the university is not only expanding access to higher education, but also driving long-term economic mobility and community success. The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund builds on that momentum, ensuring more Arkansans can choose a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives for generations to come.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, you can learn more about giving opportunities by visiting the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund website.

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The E. Joseph Savoie Leadership Award honors a District IV president or chancellor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancement, collaboration, and innovation within their institution. 

Under Drale’s leadership, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has achieved its strongest enrollment growth in 15 years, including a 29% increase in freshman students and an 18% increase in transfer students. Her focus on affordability has led to the creation and expansion of high-impact programs like the Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee, reducing tuition costs by more than $3.8 million for Arkansas students.

“When I took this position 5½ years ago, my institution had a lot of challenges, and we were looking for a way forward,” Drale said. “I knew that my job was to build a clear and coherent path forward. I remember sitting at my desk with a blank sheet of paper in front of me and writing the word focus in big letters in the middle of the page. We had to come back to the center of our mission and focus on the things that defined our purpose as part of the educational landscape in Arkansas.”

Drale was selected for her steady, visionary leadership during one of the most challenging periods in ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s history.

“Chancellor Drale has led ����Vlog��ý Little Rock through a pivotal period with clarity and purpose,” 2025 CASE District IV Conference Chair Rebecca Nievar said. “Her ability to drive meaningful change while keeping students at the center of every decision exemplifies the very best in higher education leadership.”

Drale has remained committed to student success, institutional integrity, and collaborative leadership. Her efforts helped the university stabilize and grow, with this past fall marking a 40% increase in applications for the upcoming semester. The university’s Centennial Campaign has already surpassed $215 million raised toward its $250 million goal, with nearly two years remaining in the campaign that will celebrate the university’s 100th anniversary.

“She listens deeply, plans intentionally, and never loses sight of the bigger picture,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She brought clarity, focus, and strength to every decision, refusing to let circumstances define our future. She placed student success and access to affordable, high-quality education at the center of everything. That steady leadership is producing real results.”

Drale concluded with a powerful reflection on education’s resilience and impact in times of adversity.

“Every institution shares a belief, an essential faith in the transformational power of education,” Drale said. “No matter how difficult things may be or what might be taken away, we don’t have to stop helping students discover that power. We can do it every day as long as we focus and keep the faith.”

About CASE District IV

CASE District IV represents professionals and institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, providing support and recognition for excellence in alumni relations, communications, development, and marketing.

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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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����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.7 percent, with 5,434 students enrolled this fall compared to 5,242 in Fall 2023. The university also saw a remarkable rise in undergraduate applications (16.7 percent) and admissions (19.4 percent). Although graduate enrollment declined slightly, dropping from 1,535 to 1,479, this was primarily due to a decrease in international student numbers.

“This enrollment growth is a direct result of the hard work and creative thinking of our faculty, staff, and leadership teams,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Everyone at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has a role in creating an environment that welcomes students and supports their success. These enrollment figures reflect that collective effort.”

The combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment increased by two percent compared to Fall 2023, with student semester credit hours rising by four percent. These figures do not include concurrent high school students or those enrolled at the William H. Bowen School of Law, which are reported separately.

Freshmen and Transfer Student Growth Fuel Enrollment Surge

����Vlog��ý Little Rock experienced significant increases in first-time freshmen and transfer students.

First-time freshman enrollment surged by 28.9 percent, rising from 357 students in Fall 2023 to 460 in Fall 2024. This marks the second-highest first-time freshman percent increase in the university’s history, closely trailing the record-breaking 30 percent increase in 2022.

Transfer student enrollment also saw unprecedented growth, with an 18.2 percent increase over last year. Transfer students increased from 665 in Fall 2023 to 786 this semester, the highest percentage increase in transfer enrollment ever recorded at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Scholarship Initiatives Drive Affordability

“����Vlog��ý Little Rock continues to lead in affordability, and we are thrilled to see more families choosing our institution due to our unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education,” said Dr. Cody Decker, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Chief Data Officer. “The growth in freshman and transfer student numbers highlights how our focus on reducing financial barriers empowers more students to pursue higher education.”

The university’s scholarship initiatives have been key to reducing costs for students and families. Last year, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock launched the Trojan Guarantee, a scholarship covering full tuition for Pell-eligible students. This program builds on the Half-Off Scholarship, introduced in 2020, which offers significant tuition discounts to students regardless of income.

“Receiving the Trojan Guarantee Scholarship has made college affordable for me because my only remaining expenses are books and personal items,” said Alejandra Villa, a freshman criminal justice major. “It’s a relief not to worry about tuition, and I can focus fully on my studies. I chose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock because it’s close to home, and there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus.”

A Strategic Focus on Student Success

In addition to scholarship support, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has made substantial investments in its academic programs, campus facilities, and industry partnerships. These efforts include expanding internship opportunities and enhancing hands-on learning experiences, providing students unique advantages as they prepare for careers in Arkansas’s Capital City.

“We have worked diligently to balance affordability with enhancing the quality of our academic offerings and campus environment,” added Dr. Decker. “It’s gratifying to see that these efforts resonate with students and families, as more students choose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock for their higher education journey.”

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Preliminary figures show a remarkable 26.6% increase in first-time freshmen, with enrollment rising from 353 to 447 students. Transfer student enrollment also saw a strong 18.3% growth, growing from 656 to 776 students. Overall undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.5%, from 5,255 to 5,439 students. However, graduate enrollment experienced a decline, dropping from 1,546 to 1,441 students, primarily due to a decrease in international student numbers. Early enrollment data also indicate an overall increase in student headcount and credit hours for fall 2024. These figures do not include concurrent high school students or those enrolled at the Bowen School of Law.

“This enrollment growth is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Everyone at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has contributed to creating an environment that not only attracts students but supports their success, and these enrollment figures reflect that collective effort.”

Last year, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock launched the Trojan Guarantee, a scholarship initiative covering full tuition for Pell-eligible students. This builds on the Half-Off Scholarship, introduced in 2020, offering substantial tuition reductions without income requirements.

“����Vlog��ý Little Rock continues to lead in affordability, and we are thrilled to see more families choosing our institution due to an unwavering commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive, and high-quality education,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “The growth in freshman and transfer student numbers highlights how ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s focus on accessibility and excellence makes a higher education credential attainable for more students. Our efforts to lower financial barriers empower more students to take full advantage of the opportunities at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

In recent years, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has significantly invested in upgrading academic facilities, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding internship opportunities. These initiatives, coupled with the university’s strategic emphasis on affordability, resonate with students and their families who recognize the unique benefits of studying in Arkansas’s Capital City.

“We’ve worked diligently to balance enhancing affordability and improving the quality of our academic and campus environment,” Dr. Decker added. “It’s gratifying to see that these investments are paying off, as more students are choosing ����Vlog��ý Little Rock as their destination for higher education.”

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