Grace Shelton, a biology major with pre-med dreams, Faith Shelton, determined to make her mark in civil engineering, and their mother Aaronda Williams, building her future in construction management, all share the same graduation date. 

Across the three women, there are 16 organizational involvements, 13 scholarships, three majors, and one shared journey.

“It’s crazy to think about,” Grace says, reflecting on the idea of all graduating together. “I don’t think we ever would have thought it would happen, but here we are.”

It wasn’t exactly planned, but maybe it was always meant to be. Aaronda remembers conversations from when her daughters were young, when she would ask them about their dreams and talk through the steps they’d need to take. 

“They would ask me, ‘Mom, what do you want to be?’ And I’d tell them. They’d say, ‘You can still do that!’ I always said, ‘Maybe when y’all go back, I’ll go back too,” Aaronda recalls.

Aaronda was always grateful for the small moments.

“It’s so amazing having them on campus. We have lunch together, go to events, and cheer each other on. It means the world,” Aaronda says.

But it’s not always easy. Burnout, doubt, and exhaustion are familiar hurdles. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep going,” Grace admits. “But we always remind each other of our goals. When I felt unsure if I belonged, I could come home, talk it out, and get my motivation back.”

For Aaronda, her daughters are more than just support — they’re inspiration. 

“They’re working, going to school, having a social life, and still showing up for me. I can’t complain about working and going to school when I see them doing it all.”

That mutual inspiration is rooted in the example Aaronda set. 

“Seeing our mom balance everything, that’s what shaped our mindset,” Grace reflects. “Her strength influenced us a lot.”

Still, the women have built their own campus families, branching out into leadership programs, sororities, and student organizations. 

“We’ve found mentors and friends at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” says Faith, “but our family bond is always there, too.”

Each woman can pinpoint moments that will stick with her forever. For Aaronda, it’s lunch together at The WOW Cafe with all her daughters. For Faith, it’s the quiet joy of everyone gathered in her dorm, just talking, just being together. For Grace it is the memory of all of them realizing they would be graduating together after all. 

As graduation nears, emotions run high. 

“I’ll be grateful and at peace,” Aaronda says. “I can finally breathe.” 

Grace knows she’ll be emotional, thinking of how much she’s grown since her shy, uncertain middle school days. Faith, too, feels the weight of her family’s achievement, coming from a background without many degrees, and now adding three new ones at once.

Looking to the future, they look to the legacy they hope to leave. 

For Grace, representation in medicine is key. 

“There aren’t enough Black women physicians. I want to open a practice for underserved communities and be someone people can see themselves in,” Grace says.

Aaronda dreams of creating a nonprofit to help women enter construction, opening doors that have too often been closed. 

“We need more women in construction, and I want to show them the way—give them a clear pathway to a career,” Aaronda says.

Faith is focused on civil engineering and preparing for a career in roadway and infrastructure design.

“I want to create infrastructure that strengthens and connects communities,” Faith says.

What’s next? More giving back, more mentorship, more dreams. Maybe even graduate school, Aaronda jokes — though with two more daughters still in high school, she might have company again.

For now, the focus is on celebrating, on capturing a family photo in cap and gown, on reflecting on just how far they’ve come — together.

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Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university’s highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement Information.

For more information about ����Vlog��ý Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement.

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The Little Rock native will graduate in May with a double major in general biology and law enforcement — bringing together her interests in health care and public service.

Ward has long been passionate about helping others, developing an early interest in the medical field, especially working with children. She describes herself as compassionate and nurturing, with a strong desire to help heal others. Her interest in law enforcement emerged later, during her sophomore year of college.

“My parents worked in law enforcement for more than 50 years combined,” Ward said. “I was fascinated by their work and wanted to learn more on my own, so I took the initiative to enroll in criminal justice classes.”

Ward enjoys studying the law and has also explored an interest in forensic science. As she continued her coursework, she pursued an associate degree in law enforcement.

She chose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock because of its proximity to home and strong scholarship opportunities.

“Being able to receive 50% off tuition for the first two years of college was a blessing,” Ward said. “For the past four years, I haven’t had to pay out of pocket for tuition, thanks to my scholarships and, most of all, God.”

The university also holds personal significance for her, as both of her parents are alumni.

On campus, Ward has been actively involved in a variety of organizations, including serving as the Trojan Food Pantry coordinator and as a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Student Activities Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Black Scholars Collective.

“Taylor has been a great asset to us in the office, for the Trojan Food Pantry and CLC,” said Teresa Esparza, a student success coach at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. “She has always embraced what’s asked of her, whether it’s representing the pantry and the university at the Arkansas College Hunger Summit, appearing on THV11, or supporting CLC initiatives. She has remained engaged in the program while managing her academics and other extracurricular activities. I have no doubt her ambitious attitude will lead her to great things.”

Ward offers this advice to future ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students:

“College isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would have degrees. It takes sacrifice, time, consistency, and hard work. This is a time to learn who you are and work toward who you want to become. Make mistakes and learn from them, but be wise in your choices. Stay disciplined and keep working toward your goals. Most importantly, enjoy every part of college. The four years go by quickly, but the experiences are worth it.”

After graduating, Ward plans to apply to a physical therapy program.

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Keck is a six-time dean’s and chancellor’s list honoree, a 2023-24 NCAA Division I Scholar All-American, and a 2024 Pac-12 Conference placer.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Keck said he chose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock for both its wrestling program and strong academic opportunities.

“What really swayed my decision was the coaches,” he said. “I trusted them from the jump, not just in their ability to coach, but in the type of people they are. It was also only the program’s second year, so I was excited about the chance to help build it from the start.”

Over his time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Keck said being a student-athlete shaped his daily life and helped him develop discipline and structure.

“You have to have discipline and time management, especially when things get bumpy,” he said. “I think the most important thing to being a successful student-athlete is finding a routine that prioritizes balancing school and athletics.”

Keck also grew as a leader off the mat, organizing Little Rock wrestling’s volunteer efforts at the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind. The team worked twice a week with the school’s elementary wrestling program, assisting students with gear and leading them through drills to build confidence and skills.

He said wrestling taught him how to handle adversity and adapt in difficult situations.

“It’s also taught me to appreciate hard work and staying disciplined,” he said. “Those are things I’ll carry into my career and life after college.”

Keck credits his coaches and teammates with having a lasting impact on his experience at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“We are like a family, and they’ve helped me grow as a wrestler and as a person,” he said. “Being in that kind of environment has played a major role in who I am today.”

After graduation, Keck plans to return to Kansas City to coach youth wrestling at the same club where he competed growing up.

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Marcee will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management. Beyond leaving college with a degree, the Quitman, Texas, native leaves with experience balancing athletics, academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“Being a collegiate athlete has always been a dream of mine,” she said. “I have been in sports since the age of two, so it has been great getting to experience what all my hard work has brought me. I will forever be grateful for the time I had here.”

Athletics and campus involvement shaped much of Marcee’s college experience. While a member of the track and field team competing in women’s pole vault, she also managed multiple responsibilities.

“Throughout college, I was a full-time student-athlete on the track and field team, ran my own business as a freelance makeup artist, and was involved in organizations on campus such as the Student Activities Board, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and served as a mentor for CLC (Chancellor’s Leadership Corps),” she said. “Having the opportunity to balance all of this has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of building relationships with those around you.”

Marcee said earning her degree has been deeply rewarding, even during difficult moments.

“It has definitely been challenging and overwhelming at times, but I knew it would all be worth it in the end,” she said. “I think staying grounded, grateful, and building relationships with those around me is what helped push me through those times. Because how lucky am I that I get to be overwhelmed by something I once prayed for.”

Her support system included her teammates, family members, and mentors.

“My parents have always been my number one supporters,” she said. “They are always pushing me to be the very best version of myself, and I know that I can always count on them.”

She also credits mentors Corrigan Revels and Will Kendall for helping guide her development on the track and beyond.

“Corrigan Revels has been like a mentor to me for the past four years and has pushed me to get involved and grow in my leadership abilities,” she said. “Coach Kendall has not only pushed me to be the best I can be in my sport, but in life as well. He has taught me to trust the process and embrace the highs and lows.”

Revels praised Marcee’s commitment and determination throughout her college career.

“Brooklyn’s work ethic and commitment to her obligations are highly admirable,” he said. “It takes true discipline to uphold a solid academic performance, deliver as a student athlete, and serve as a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Peer Mentor for 3 years. I look forward to seeing what comes during the next chapter of her life.”

Marcee’s dedication earned her numerous honors, including three OVC Academic Medals of Honor, seven OVC medals in the women’s pole vault — six silver and one bronze — and the OVC Scholar Athlete Award in 2025. She was also named a ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Homecoming Royal.

After graduation, Marcee plans to focus fully on a passion she began years before college.

“I plan to continue to pursue my business as a freelance makeup artist specializing in bridal,” she said. “I started this business in my freshman year of high school. Now that I am finishing college, I can fully commit to this passion of mine, getting to make women feel beautiful and empowered on one of the most important days of their lives.”

As she prepares for the next chapter, Marcee said she’s confident in the foundation she built in college.

“I loved the close atmosphere ����Vlog��ý Little Rock gave me,” she said. “Whether that was with organizations, professors, classmates, etc. It allowed me to meet new people and grow in ways I didn’t think I could have.”

Marcee describes her college experience as supportive, opportunity-driven, and impactful.

“Supportive because I felt like I had a strong support system while being here the past four years,” she said. “Opportunity-driven because there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus here, and ways to prepare you for what is after graduation. Impactful because I was able to make meaningful connections and grow into the person I am today.”

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Thomas-Wells completed internships with the Arkansas Travelers, the Arkansas Activities Association and the Air Force Recreation League — experiences that built his confidence, confirmed his passion for the industry, and solidified his decision to pursue a career in sports. 

At ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Thomas-Wells has built a strong foundation in leadership, program planning, and facility management. Throughout his coursework he has learned about policy development, risk management, and event operations — all of which help him in his day-to-day responsibilities. 

Now, he’s working on a capstone project focusing on evaluating the youth programs at Little Rock Parks and Recreation against National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.The project is designed to strengthen local programs, with an emphasis on the importance of stronger coaching education, and training. Through his research, Thomas-Wells is helping provide a structured, sustainable model that can help Little Rock Parks and Recreation align more closely with NRPA standards and enhance the overall quality of its youth sports programs. 

Working with 85 children ages 4-12 requires organization, teamwork, and preparation behind the scenes. Thomas-Wells’ typical day starts with reflecting on the previous day’s programs and identifying ways to improve. From there, he prepares for the day ahead — coordinating practices, organizing equipment, and getting facilities ready for use. Most evenings include youth sports practices — usually consisting of flag football, basketball, and soccer — to ensure programs run smoothly and every participant has a positive experience.

“Coaching plays a major role in shaping young athletes,” Thomas-Wells said. “If we can provide better guidance and resources for coaches, we can create a more positive environment where kids feel supported, encouraged and motivated to keep playing.”

For Thomas-Wells, his work is about more than sports — it’s about making sure the next generation of kids has the same positive experience that first inspired him.

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The award, announced at the OVC Basketball Championship tournament, recognizes outstanding faculty across conference institutions for their student impact, contributions to department and university curricula, professional development, community involvement and institutional service.

“My first reaction was genuine surprise, followed quickly by gratitude,” Rockwell said. “Like most faculty, I’m often focused on the next class session, the next student meeting, or the next report, and don’t stop to think about awards. My thoughts quickly turned to my students, many of whom are balancing demanding jobs or Division I athletics with rigorous academic programs. Their perseverance embodies what this award represents.”

Rockwell credits ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, especially the School of Business, with shaping her approach to teaching. Working at a university rooted in access, opportunity, and real-world relevance has reinforced her focus on ensuring each course, assignment, and experience helps prepare students for long-term success. The school’s “Know Your Worth” motto — the idea that every student’s education should yield a measurable return in their career and life — serves as a constant reminder that what happens in the classroom must pay dividends well beyond it.

That mindset is especially evident in how Rockwell works with student-athletes, whom she recognizes as effectively managing two full-time commitments at once. She prioritizes flexibility and proactive communication, meeting with student-athletes early in the semester to align assignment deadlines and exam dates with their travel and competition schedules, all while holding them to the same academic standards as every other student.

“Student-athletes are not only competitors — they are emerging professionals,” Rockwell said, “and I want them to leave here understanding that their education is an investment in themselves.”

For Rockwell, that belief in student potential is inseparable from what she teaches and how she teaches it. She was drawn to law, management, marketing, and technology because of where those disciplines intersect — strategy, people, and innovation — where decisions carry immediate consequences and advantages for organizations and communities. 

“Business law allows me to show students how legal rules shape everything from contracts and branding to real estate development and technology adoption,” Rockwell said. “We can move seamlessly from doctrine to real-world examples — analyzing influencer agreements, walking neighborhoods when we study eminent domain, or unpacking the fine print of a contract a student may someday sign.”

That carries particular weight for college athletes working to reach the next level. For a student-athlete hoping to sign a professional contract, understanding the legal language is not just an academic exercise, it is preparation for one of the most important moments of their career.

For Rockwell, the award represents something larger than her own work. It affirms her efforts at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and the School of Business and connects her to a broader community of faculty across the OVC committed to the same mission. The students she teaches go on to work, lead and build in Little Rock and across Arkansas, and she sees the classroom as the starting point for that impact.

“What keeps me motivated is seeing students transform over time — from tentative first-year or MBA students into confident professionals, graduate students, and, in some cases, future lawyers and community leaders,” Rockwell said. “It’s especially rewarding to watch student-athletes and working students discover that their education is not just a requirement but an investment in themselves and in the communities they will serve.”

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Presented by the , the Real Estate Challenge immerses students in real-world development scenarios. Teams research market conditions, community demographics, local history, and Chicago city policies to create viable project proposals.

Representing ����Vlog��ý Little Rock are Kodiak Cannedy, Brennan Gasaway, Isabel Hortelano, Ryan Hunt, and Ashley Lopez, led by instructor Elizabeth Small.

Their research includes studying the surrounding real estate market, learning an area’s history, analyzing community demographics, and examining the Chicago City Council’s positions on economic development. Teams also evaluate the financial aspects of their ideas by exploring financing options, projected returns, and potential partnerships.

Through this process, students see how the fundamentals of successful development in Chicago apply anywhere. They also begin to understand how a concept can move from an idea to a real-world project, helping prepare them for future careers in the field.

“Watching students reach that realization is always one of the most rewarding parts of the experience,” Small said.

The Real Estate Challenge will welcome 29 undergraduate and graduate teams from universities across the country to compete in a high-profile redevelopment project in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Each team is assigned the same project and core information, ensuring a level playing field to develop a comprehensive plan to maximize a property’s potential from financial and feasibility perspectives.

The ����Vlog��ý Little Rock team will present its analysis and recommendations to maximize the site’s potential. A panel of industry leaders will judge the presentations and select the finalists and winners.

Small has taken four teams to Chicago for the Eisenberg Challenge. In 2023, her team took first place, and the 2024 team finished second in the final round.

“We are looking forward to this year’s challenge, and the determination to do well is strong,” she said.

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Selected from college-level honorees, this year’s 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.

����Vlog��ý 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.

“Our faculty continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, research, and service that strengthens both our university and the communities we serve,” said Provost Ann Bain. “These awards reflect the depth of talent and dedication across our institution.”

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

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

“I want to thank the Board of Visitors again for their thoughtful continued commitment to recognizing faculty excellence,” Bain said. “We appreciate their dedication and the positive feedback they consistently share about the impact of our faculty.”

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 ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy.

“Philosophy as a discipline is well-known for not offering one ‘right’ answer,” McAuliffe said. “I 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.”

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 ����Vlog��ý 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.

“Understanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,” Agarwal said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities and institutions.”

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 ����Vlog��ý 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’s 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.

“Service allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “By helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.”

Social Justice Award

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

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—including individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship—while preparing students for client-centered legal practice.

“Access to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,” Penn said. “The Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.”

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 ����Vlog��ý 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.

“Economics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,” Kovacs said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s impact.”

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Each academic college can select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized during the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level recipient will also be announced. The university-level award is sponsored by Scott Bowen

The 2026 recipients are Dr. Kent Kovacs of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services; Dr. Maureece Levin of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; Dr. Shweta Dabetwar of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and Professor Laura Bates of the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Kent Kovacs

College of Business, Health, and Human Services

Dr. Kent Kovacs, associate professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, is recognized for his strong early impact in research, teaching, and service since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2024. His work focuses on environmental and resource economics, with particular emphasis on groundwater sustainability, agricultural resilience, and ecosystem services. 

Since arriving at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Kovacs has maintained an active research agenda, publishing in journals. His recent work examines the economic incentives shaping producer and household decision-making, with issues directly relevant to Arkansas and the broader Mississippi Delta region. His research has also attracted external funding, including a National Science Foundation award as principal investigator and support from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. 

Kovacs also 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 contributed to student research and helped revive Environmental Economics as an upper-level elective. 

“Economics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,” Kovacs said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s impact.”

Maureece Levin

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. Maureece Levin, assistant professor of anthropology in the School of Human Inquiry, is recognized for her integration of teaching, scholarship, and community engagement in archaeology and anthropology. Since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2022, she has developed multiple projects that create meaningful educational opportunities for students while strengthening ties between the university and the broader community. 

One of Levin’s signature efforts is the Campus Garden Site Archaeological Project, which began as a hands-on learning opportunity for archaeology students and expanded through grant support from the Arkansas Humanities Council. The project funded paid student internships, engaged more than 30 community volunteers, and uncovered hundreds of historical artifacts, some of which are now displayed in Ottenheimer Library. 

Levin has also connected student learning to her fieldwork in Micronesia, where she developed an archaeological field school on the island of Pohnpei. In the classroom, she is known for discussion-based teaching, experiential learning, and mentoring students through independent studies, Donaghey Scholars projects, conference presentations, and Signature Experience Grants. Her scholarship since arriving at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock includes publications in archaeobotany, archaeology pedagogy, and interdisciplinary plant science. 

“My goal is to create experiential, place-based learning opportunities that connect rigorous scholarship with community engagement,” Levin said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help students develop practical skills while conducting meaningful research and public outreach.”

Shweta Dabetwar

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Shweta Dabetwar, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is recognized for her rapid impact in teaching, research, and professional leadership since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2023. Her work reflects a student-centered approach to engineering education, a growing interdisciplinary research program, and strong service within the university and her profession. 

In teaching, Dabetwar has adopted active learning strategies and has become the first faculty member at her school to implement the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Learning Assistant Program. In research, she founded the Material Intelligence and Prognostics Lab, where she mentors undergraduate and graduate students working on AI-enabled diagnostics and prognostics of engineering and biomedical systems. Her students have presented at international conferences, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, where her mentees earned best research poster awards in two consecutive years. 

Dabetwar’s research also includes competitive grant activity, journal publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations spanning engineering, energy systems, and biomedical imaging. She has served on various grant proposal review panels and as a reviewer for more than 10 high-impact journals. Her professional leadership includes service as an associate editor for the ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part B: Mechanical Engineering, and leadership roles within ASME. She was appointed as the 4th vice chair for the Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis Division of ASME in August 2025.

“Mentoring students as they grow in both technical skill and research confidence is one of the most meaningful parts of my work,” Dabetwar said. “I’m proud to help create learning and research opportunities that reduce the gap between academia and the real/professional world to  prepare them for future success.”

Laura Bates

William H. Bowen School of Law

Professor Laura Bates, assistant professor of law at the William H. Bowen School of Law, is recognized for her contributions to legal education, scholarship, and service during her early years on the faculty. Her work centers on teaching and mentoring students, contributing to legal scholarship, and serving both the law school and the broader community. 

Bates teaches Research, Writing, & Analysis and Law & Literature, with an emphasis on connecting classroom instruction to the work students will do as future attorneys. She prioritizes practical assignments, one-on-one mentoring, and helping students develop strong legal writing, critical thinking, and professional communication skills.

Bates’s scholarship focuses on parental leave laws. In addition, Bates has presented at conferences on legal writing, legal storytelling, and artificial intelligence, served on multiple law school committees, advised student law review notes, and served as faculty advisor to the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Law Review. She is also active in the community through her leadership with the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas. 

“Teaching and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my work,” Bates said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help students build the skills, confidence, and judgment they need to successfully enter the legal profession, as well as to challenge them to think critically about the law and engage in thoughtful discussions of what the law should be.”

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