It “has helped me a great deal,” especially with unanticipated expenses, said Saisha Dockery, scheduled to graduate in May 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “If you have a goal or dream of getting an education, it’s worth it.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, employees of partnering organizations receive a 10% tuition scholarship, a $25 per-credit-hour textbook stipend, and waived application fees 鈥� all funded by donors 鈥� making participation free. Employees can begin or complete undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while continuing to work full time, and more than 2,000 individuals have participated.聽

More than 150 employers are now corporate partners, including recent additions聽Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance,聽Black River Technical College,聽Engineering Compliance & Construction Inc. (ECCI),聽First Orion, Immerse Arkansas,聽Lennox Commercial Factory-Stuttgart, and聽Lone Star Communications, Inc. The Corporate Partnership Program reaches all areas of the state — the聽Camden Fairview School District, Jasper Public Schools, Mena Public Schools, Mena Regional Health System, and Texarkana聽School District are all partners — and with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s extensive catalogue of online courses, the program is accessible even to those in rural Arkansas.聽

“The Corporate Partnership Program is an increasingly powerful way for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to serve our community, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to higher education,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs & Chief Data Officer.聽“The program demonstrates what is possible when we work together to remove barriers and make a college degree more affordable and attainable for working adults. We are proud of the program’s remarkable growth, but we are even more proud of the聽opportunities it creates for employees and their families and the stronger future it promises for our region.”聽

Dockery is a care coordinator for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, and she’s grateful they participate in this program.聽

“My purpose is to help people,” and a criminal justice degree opens new job possibilities for her she would not have otherwise considered, she said. “I can knock on doors, and they will open.”聽

Dockery, who has an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, is a nontraditional student, so she worried she “would not be able to keep up” as she studied for her bachelor’s degree. However, those concerns proved unfounded.

When she visited the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus, “the atmosphere, the help, and the community (showed me) I’ll be OK here,” she said. The university “offered everything I needed.”聽

Dockery described the academic advising as amazing and said she has loved working with her instructors.

“I never had an instructor where I didn’t want to take the class; they easily translate information so you can retain what you need and not be overwhelmed,” she said. “I have no complaints, nothing but smiles.”

Dockery also plans to pursue a master’s degree, and she’s excited to achieve the personal milestone of graduation while also being a role model to her children and grandchildren.

“It’s rewarding, but also a great message,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Those interested in learning more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnership Program may visit the website for more information.聽

“By removing financial barriers to higher education, our Corporate Partnership Program empowers working Arkansans to advance their careers and helps local businesses retain top talent,” said Matthew Bellew, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s corporate partnerships coordinator. “It’s a zero-cost strategy for employers that delivers immediate dividends in workforce growth and employee satisfaction.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program聽supports growth for individuals and businesses alike. Those interested in building a successful future together with the university through this initiative should contact Bellew at聽msbellew@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-916-5652聽to discuss participating.聽

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Hosted by the聽Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center聽(ASBTDC), along with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business, Tech Launch, and the Workforce Development Center, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Reynolds Business Center on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus.聽

The public is invited to attend — admission is free — and the competition is open to聽Arkansans who are in business or have a business idea, across all industries, not limited to AI companies or technology startups.

“AWS and Small Business Development Centers around the country are teaming up with other local partners in 2026 to hold AI pitch contests like this one, where entrepreneurs can pitch an聽idea to solve an operational challenge, increase revenue, expand market reach, or create scalable efficiencies,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “We are excited to build on the success of our first Arkansas competition that took place in the spring.”

Paul Cowart and Ron Merrill of Privagent had the winning pitch in that inaugural event, held in April.

“It was a great experience for us — it helped us refine our message, (as well as) the look and feel of the company — and it gave us confidence,” said Merrill. “It opens doors, and it’s a real prize, too, that can really launch a company.”

Privagent, an organization discovery platform, has worked with multiple “enterprise-level clients,” and part of the confidence to work with such clients is owed to their pitch competition experience, added Merrill. “The opportunity is real — the sponsors are great to work with — (so) swing for the fences.”

The pitch competition was “awesome, a very accepting environment,” said Cowart. “It seems scary, but it really isn’t, (so) just go for it.”

Winning was “validating, (a sign) that we might be onto something, and definitely a confidence boost,” added Cowart. “It showed us we had a good idea, and I recommend (this competition) to anyone.”聽

To pitch, entrepreneurs must apply for a spot in the competition, and those selected will pitch their concept in front of judges with the chance to win AWS Partner funding allocated toward technical resources, architecture support, and solution development services delivered by nClouds in collaboration with AWS (subject to program eligibility and scope). All competitors will receive expert feedback on how to bring their concepts to life.

鈥淲e invite current and future Arkansas entrepreneurs to share your ideas for creatively applying AI in a business setting,鈥� said Fine. “Everyone who is selected to pitch will have a great opportunity to win services to help turn your concept into something real.”

Privagent uses tools, including AI, to build system workflows that enable employees to perform at the highest level, and going through the pitch competition “helped us mature, (because) we took it really seriously,” Merrill said. “We worked very hard to refine our message to be clear and concise.”

Indeed, they crafted a script, rehearsed repeatedly, and timed it to hit the five-minute mark, as recommended, said Cowart, who resides with his wife in Bryant. “We had it pretty dialed in, (so) our presentation was smooth and fluid.”

Merrill and Cowart didn’t have prior pitch experience, so anyone considering pitching in this competition shouldn’t allow inexperience to dissuade them.

“It’s really all about good communication,” Merrill said. They utilized a brief slide deck — “big and bold, like a billboard” — that was also “easy to understand and looked professional.”

Visit  to get more details, sign up to pitch, or register to attend. For questions about the event, contact ASBTDC鈥檚 Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.

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The five-year grant will support Professional Readiness through Immersive Simulation Models, or PRISM, an initiative to establish an Interprofessional AI Simulation Center serving undergraduate and graduate students in the college.聽

The center will provide students with a critical bridge between classroom learning and real-world professional experiences. Students will be able to apply what they have learned in a low-stakes simulation environment, giving them opportunities to practice decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and other professional skills before entering internships, field placements, clinicals, and the workforce.

鈥淭his grant gives us an incredible opportunity to strengthen the connection between what students learn in the classroom and how they apply it in the real world,鈥� said Dr. Ginger Gummelt, dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. 鈥淪imulation gives students a place to practice, make decisions, receive feedback, and build confidence before they enter a professional setting. By embedding these experiences throughout our college, we can make experiential learning an even stronger part of how we prepare our graduates.鈥�

PRISM will serve students across the college鈥檚 five schools in disciplines including business, criminal justice, social work, counseling, human performance and rehabilitation, and nursing.

鈥淭he exciting part of this project is our ability to use emerging technologies to create experiences that feel authentic to the situations students will encounter in their professions,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Halimeh, director of the Emerging Analytics Center. 鈥淲orking alongside faculty across the college, we can build simulations that give students opportunities to practice, experiment, and learn in ways that simply aren鈥檛 possible in a traditional classroom.鈥�

Over the five-year grant period, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock plans to develop more than 21 AI-enhanced simulation scenarios. The project will also integrate AI literacy into the curriculum, provide extensive faculty development, create stackable credentials validated by employers, and support research into the effectiveness of simulation-based learning.

鈥淭his project brings together several of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 strengths: innovative teaching, emerging technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers,鈥� said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. 鈥淧RISM will allow faculty to create learning experiences that are directly connected to the skills students will need after graduation. It is an exciting investment not only in technology, but in student success and workforce readiness.鈥�

Simulation will serve as a middle layer in students鈥� professional preparation. After learning concepts and skills in the classroom, students can test and strengthen those abilities through realistic simulations before applying them in higher-stakes professional environments like internships and project-based experiences.

The approach also allows faculty to create experiences that may be difficult to replicate consistently in traditional classroom or field settings. Students could encounter realistic workplace situations, interact with AI-driven scenarios, practice professional judgment, and receive feedback in a controlled learning environment.

Through PRISM, simulation will become a more intentional part of the student experience across CBHHS, helping students move from learning concepts to practicing them and, ultimately, applying them in their professions.

Learn more about CBHHS and its various offerings and programs online.

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The two-day symposium featured research presentations from faculty and graduate students who received CBHHS research grants, along with workshops and a guest lecture from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine, and director of the OCD Institute of Texas. Her talk, titled 鈥淭he Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,鈥� closed the first day of the symposium.

Drawing from her experience growing up with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and later receiving evidence-based treatment, she discussed how well-intentioned efforts to ease anxiety could sometimes reinforce avoidance. McIngvale encouraged attendees to recognize anxiety without removing the situations that triggered it, connecting the approach to the classroom, where faculty could support students through anxiety and hardship while helping them face those experiences and build resilience.

Research presented throughout the symposium spanned topics ranging from maternal health disparities and workforce skills to artificial intelligence (AI), homelessness services, and community volunteerism.

Assistant professor Judy Staley of the School of Nursing and associate professor Stacy Pendergraft of the School of Literary and Performing Arts examined how culturally responsive simulation could prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities.

鈥淲e cannot teach students only how to recognize a hemorrhage, manage preeclampsia, or respond to an obstetric emergency,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淲e also have to teach them to recognize the patient in front of them, listen to what that patient is telling them, identify potential bias, and have the confidence to advocate.鈥�

At the School of Business, associate professor Connie Barber examined how skills acquired through online gaming could apply to the digital workforce. Her research focused on how gamers used communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills in online environments and how employers could better recognize them.

Graduate researcher Meher Mujtehdi Syeda of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology examined public perceptions of AI therapy, safeguards, and legal accountability. Her study found that safeguards were a primary factor in how participants assigned liability when something went wrong with an AI system.

鈥淲hat really interested me was seeing how much people are starting to rely on AI, not just for everyday tasks, but also for emotional and mental health support,” Syeda said. “AI can respond in a very human-like way and can even sound empathetic, but at the end of the day, it is a chatbot, not a licensed therapist. That made me interested in what happens when someone, especially a young or vulnerable person, starts depending on AI for that kind of support.鈥�

Assistant professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Esaa Samarah, and graduate students Joanna S谩nchez, Morgan Craven, Myranda James, and Phillip Hill assessed how the use of corporal punishment changed across Arkansas public schools over 15 years. The project was prompted by the continued use of corporal punishment in some Arkansas schools and the broader shift toward trauma-informed approaches and positive school climates.

Katie Helms, an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation, examined another community-based question through her research on volunteers at road races in Arkansas. Using a mixed-methods approach, her study examined why people volunteered, the benefits they gained from the experience, and the factors that might have prompted them to continue volunteering.

Other faculty and graduate student presentations explored employment after incarceration, police reporting and AI, sentencing trends, leadership in law enforcement, telehealth, legal decision-making, and other matters impacting communities and organizations.

The projects presented at the symposium covered a wide range of topics, but each offered a closer look at an issue affecting people, organizations, or communities. The symposium gave researchers an opportunity to share their work with colleagues, hear different perspectives, and learn from research happening across the college.

鈥淭his year’s Research Symposium showcased the depth and range of scholarship happening across the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, which ranged from criminal justice and nursing, to social work and sports management,鈥� said Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice.

鈥淭he interdisciplinary conversations that unfolded between faculty, students, staff, and community members reminded us why this event matters,” she added. McIngvale’s “keynote left a lasting impression on everyone in the room with her message about building resilience in young adults. Altogether, we are proud of the work happening across CBHHS, and grateful to everyone who made these two days a success.鈥�

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The two-day symposium will showcase research and scholarship across CBHHS through faculty and graduate student presentations, workshops, and sessions highlighting faculty research grant recipients. Beyond sharing findings, the symposium will give the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus community a chance to learn from each other, explore new ideas, and find opportunities for collaboration.

鈥淭his symposium reflects who we are as a college, which is a community of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to doing research that matters for our community and to supporting each other’s growth,鈥� said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice. 鈥淲e’ve built a symposium program with something for everyone, from research presentations to skill-building workshops. I hope faculty, staff, and students from all over campus will join us.”

Presentations will cover topics with connections beyond the classroom. Faculty and graduate student researchers will examine questions ranging from how artificial intelligence safeguards influence perceptions of accountability, to how culturally responsive simulations prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities. Other projects will explore how online gaming skills translate to the workforce and how data reporting requirements affect organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in Arkansas.

Among the symposium鈥檚 featured events is a presentation from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, director of the OCD Institute of Texas, and adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. Her talk, “The Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,” will explore what research on OCD and anxiety can teach educators about helping young adults become more independent and resilient. This topic is especially relevant to the ongoing efforts of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff dedicated to supporting student success, well-being, and growth. McIngvale will present from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the EIT Auditorium, with a reception to follow.

The first day will also include Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Affairs, leading the first workshop session, “Working with Community Partners on Grants/Contracts”, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The workshop will focus on building relationships with community organizations and navigating opportunities to collaborate through grants and contracts. It will offer practical guidance for those interested in strengthening research partnerships or pursuing external funds.

The following day will offer a different look at sharing research and expertise. Dr. Carrie Phillips, the university鈥檚 chief communications and marketing officer, will lead “25 Tips for Working with Media” from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The session will share practical tips and strategies for those who want to better understand how to work with reporters, pitch their work, and make the most of media opportunities.

The CBHHS Research Symposium promises to spark thoughtful discussion and inspire fresh ideas as faculty, staff, and students share their latest work. Attendees can expect new perspectives, insights into research across the college, and connections with colleagues whose work is shaping how we understand and respond to challenges in health care, business, and communities.

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With music playing, and plenty of snacks and refreshments, the Sept. 3 event brought together students, faculty, and organizations from across campus so students could meet the people behind them and explore ways to make the most of their college experience beyond the classroom. Groups such as Beta Alpha Psi, the Finance and Economics Association, Study Abroad, Career Services and Trojan Athletics were among those represented, giving students a chance to explore opportunities ranging from professional development and career preparation, to campus involvement and experiences beyond 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.聽

The Carnival of Clubs has been bringing together business students for over a decade.聽

鈥淪tudents organized the first Carnival 13 years ago with the goal of building community among business students,” said Mark Funk, director of the School of Business. “In the years since, Carnival has become part of the business school identity for both students and faculty.鈥�

The School of Business Ambassadors brings students together to represent the college while building their leadership and professional skills. Ambassadors can network with local business leaders, mentor and recruit other business students, participate in community service projects, and share student perspectives with school leadership.

For Owen Church, that role fits naturally alongside his other campus involvements. As a junior finance and accounting double major, School of Business Ambassador, track and cross-country athlete, vice president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student Athlete Advocacy Committee, and member of the Student Council for the Unisun Conference, he has seen how connections with peers, faculty, and campus organizations can shape the student experience.聽

鈥淎s ambassadors, we really want to be a resource for students in the School of Business and help bridge the gap between students and faculty and staff,鈥� said Church.聽

A new organization taking shape on campus is Women Entering Business (WEB), which is currently in the process of becoming a registered student organization. Marketing sophomores Abby Jones and Julie Maga帽a are championing the group.

They want to build a community where women in the School of Business can connect, form professional relationships, and support each other. Jones and Maga帽a hope to invite professionals working in the business field to share their career stories and talk about how they navigated the industry.

Growing up, Jones and Maga帽a both noticed how important it is for young women to feel confident in what they want to pursue; now that they are finding their own paths in business, they’ve developed an even greater understanding of how valuable trust and self-confidence are when chasing goals, they explained. Starting WEB is a way for them to help others also achieve their business aspirations.

That sense of connection was central to the Carnival of Clubs. With so many opportunities in one place, the event showed students how their college experience can extend beyond the classroom. Whether they were looking to build professional connections, explore careers, get involved on campus, or find a community, the Carnival of Clubs gave them a starting point for making the most of their time in the School of Business.

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Her hobby took on new meaning during her freshman year, when she realized that years of casually learning ASL had provided a foundation on which she wanted to build.

鈥淚 realized that my past several years of casually learning ASL had paid off because I was actually understanding what was being communicated to me,鈥� said Powell. 鈥淚t didn鈥檛 intimidate me, but, rather, invigorated me, and all I wanted to do was learn more!鈥�

By the end of her freshman year, she switched her major to ASL Interpreting. That was only the beginning. Over the next few years, she learned more about the language and the Deaf community as she thought about her future.

As she became more involved in ASL, she found a community that shared her passion through Sigma Lambda Kappa, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Sign Language Club. Joining the organization pushed her outside her comfort zone and gave her opportunities to make new friends and collaborate with other students. What started as a way to meet people with similar interests turned into a leadership journey, as she became secretary and later president.

Her involvement with the ASL community also showed her what interpreting was like beyond the classroom. In her sophomore year, she volunteered with the to help organize its annual Spaghetti Dinner. Working with her peers, she learned how to make activities accessible by changing games and choosing tactile prizes so everyone could join the fun.

鈥淒uring my first meeting with the Deaf-Blind members, I was nervous, but they were so welcoming and valued our motivation to learn,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t felt like a safe space to make mistakes, learn, and grow.鈥�

These experiences helped Powell realize that her interest in ASL could become a career. As she learned more about interpreting, she became fascinated by the challenge of switching between languages while sharing a speaker鈥檚 voice, tone, and expressions in real time.

鈥淚nterpreting is about much more than translating words. It鈥檚 about carrying the speaker鈥檚 voice and intent, all while balancing the pressures of real-time communication,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are so many challenges to juggle at once, but in the end, it鈥檚 incredibly rewarding. There鈥檚 nothing else I鈥檇 rather be doing.鈥�

Even though ASL became the focus of her studies and future plans, she thought it was important to experience other parts of campus life. Playing recreational soccer helped her enjoy a sport she loved as a child, and joining the art club gave her a creative outlet, plus another way to connect with students outside her major.

Making time for those interests became especially important as she learned how to balance the demands of college. She put significant pressure on herself to succeed, holding herself to unrealistic standards, but that drive also taught her the importance of knowing her own limits. After pushing herself to the point of burnout more than once, she learned that success also meant knowing when to step back and take care of herself.

Powell started to see success in a new way. She learned that asking for help, taking breaks, and making time for interests outside of school were not distractions from her education, but part of it.

鈥淜nowing when and how to rely on and reach out to others is the most important part,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 do it alone, no matter how tough you seem.鈥�

She hopes new students will let themselves explore. Understanding firsthand what it鈥檚 like to arrive on campus feeling shy or unsure of where to fit in, she knows that waiting until she felt comfortable would have meant missing out on the experiences that shaped her the most.聽

鈥淕et involved, even if it鈥檚 uncomfortable at first,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ry a club, a sport, or an event that鈥檚 out of your comfort zone. You truly never know what that one experience will lead you to or who you could meet.鈥�

She also encourages students to let themselves change. Her college experience turned out very different from what she expected as a freshman, and she believes being open to change helped her find a career and community she might not have otherwise.

鈥淓ven if it doesn鈥檛 go as expected, at least you can say you tried and now have a memory for the future and a story to tell,鈥� she said.

The May graduate is now bringing what she learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock into her next chapter, beginning an internship this fall with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, where she鈥檒l get hands-on experience and keep building her skills. She also plans to continue her work as a freelance interpreter and Support Service Provider for the Deaf-Blind community, work that helped turn a childhood interest into her future career.

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Nikolaeva, a senior business information systems major from Moscow, Russia, spent two months at Lexicon in Little Rock working with multiple data sources to turn complex information into clear, organized visualizations for company stakeholders.

鈥淢y main focus this summer was learning how to work with multiple data sources and developing interactive dashboards that provide stakeholders with an overview of the data in a clear and organized way,鈥� she said.

Nikolaeva, a member of the Little Rock Trojans swimming and diving team, a School of Business ambassador, and a student in the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, found the opportunity while searching for a summer internship during her junior year. After applying to internship programs through LinkedIn, she was contacted by Lexicon and went through several interviews before accepting the position.

The internship gave Nikolaeva an opportunity to directly apply skills she learned in the classroom at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. During the spring semester, she took a course where she learned to use Power BI, a data visualization tool she would go on to use throughout her summer internship. Another class that helped prepare her was Systems Development Methodologies, which she said helped her better understand the relationships between different data sources.

Trevor Craig, software systems development manager at Lexicon, said Nikolaeva took ownership of her internship and was eager to expand her skills throughout the summer.

“Elena was eager to learn and utilized various online resources to self-educate herself on how to accomplish different things in Power BI, which can be a very intimidating tool due to its complexity,鈥� Craig said. 鈥淪he fought her way through many challenges, setbacks, design reviews, and permissions issues to arrive at two insightful dashboards that we now use regularly.鈥�

Craig said Nikolaeva鈥檚 work ethic and determination stood out throughout the internship.

鈥淓lena鈥檚 work ethic, determination, attitude, collaboration, relational skills, and the desire to do things right the first time will take her very far in life,鈥� Craig said. 鈥淚t was a pleasure to have her on the team.鈥�

While her coursework provided a technical foundation, working at Lexicon gave Nikolaeva a firsthand look at how those skills are applied within a company. She learned more about how different departments interact and said the experience has given her a new perspective to bring back to the classroom.

鈥淚 am actually so excited to go back to school now and be able to learn more, already having this experience and background,鈥� Nikolaeva said.

The experience also helped her grow beyond her technical skills.

鈥淚t made me step out of my comfort zone, and I was trying to talk to as many people as possible,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淎nd the skill of just being able to talk to anyone is really helpful.鈥�

The internship also helped her gain a clearer picture of what she may want to pursue after graduating from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 really enjoyed what I worked on this summer, and I think it will be a great path to start my career,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淚t definitely helped me learn about other positions and what other opportunities are available.鈥�

For other 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students considering internships but unsure whether they have enough experience to apply, Nikolaeva encourages them to take the opportunity even if they do not feel completely prepared.

鈥淵ou just have to trust the process and do everything possible that is in your control. Be positive, respectful and nice to everyone,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淚 had no idea what to expect from this internship, but it turned out to be the best experience and one of the most fun summers I have had.鈥�

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“It’s always exciting to open a new space on campus, but it’s especially meaningful when that space will have an impact far beyond our university,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Thanks to our partnership with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, this Learning Lab will help prepare child welfare professionals to better serve children and families throughout the state. We are honored to be part of that work.”

The Child Welfare Learning Lab provides an innovative environment where new professionals can practice decision-making, communication, and case management through realistic simulations before working directly with families.

Developed through a partnership between MidSOUTH and DCFS, the Learning Lab immerses participants in real-world scenarios reflecting on-the-job challenges. Trainees gain hands-on experience in interviewing, assessing family needs, documenting case activities, and managing complex situations, all while receiving immediate coaching and feedback.

鈥淭oday, we are not just opening a new building, we are opening a new way of preparing child welfare professionals to serve Arkansas children and families. This space was built with one goal in mind: to bridge the gap between learning and practice,” said Tiffany Wright, Director of Children and Family Services. 鈥淓very decision matters. Every conversation matters. Every interaction has the potential to change the trajectory of a child鈥檚 life. We have a responsibility to prepare our workforce the best way possible, and that is exactly what this Child Welfare Learning Lab represents.鈥�

Located in a remodeled house on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus, the Learning Lab was developed by to provide a realistic setting for child welfare training. MidSOUTH led the site development and renovations while partnering with DCFS on curriculum development. DCFS championed the integration of simulation into the training experience, giving new professionals valuable hands-on experience before entering the field. Together, the partners transformed an actual house into a flexible training environment that can be reconfigured to represent different home settings and circumstances professionals may encounter in the field.

The idea of creating a dedicated, adaptable home for child welfare training has been a long-standing goal for MidSOUTH, particularly for Dr. Greg Smith, executive director of MidSOUTH, and the Learning Lab brings that vision to life.

“This has truly been a partnership built on a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families,” he said. “The Child Welfare Learning Lab gives our newest professionals the opportunity to practice, learn, and build confidence before they encounter these situations in the field. Ultimately, every investment we make in preparing our workforce is an investment in the safety, well-being, and success of Arkansas’s children and families.”

The Learning Lab is a significant investment in Arkansas’s child welfare workforce, blending classroom learning, simulation, and structured field training. This approach helps new employees build confidence and competence while strengthening services for children and families across Arkansas.

“The more new professionals within the Division of Children and Family Services can practice here, the more prepared they’ll be when they walk into someone’s home for the first time,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain.聽 鈥淲e all know there are no easy days in child welfare. The decisions these professionals make can have a lasting impact on a child’s life, so it’s important they have a place to practice where the stakes aren’t quite so high.鈥�

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business will honor Phil Brandon, founder and CEO of Rock Town Distillery, with the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Ryder Pierce, executive vice president and investment manager at Bank OZK, with the Dean’s Award for Excellence during the 2026 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Statehouse Convention Center.

The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wally Allen Ballroom D. The luncheon celebrates graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the values of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business.

Dr. Mark Funk, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, said Brandon and Pierce reflect the qualities the school strives to instill in its graduates.

“One of the greatest measures of a business school is the success of its graduates, and Phil Brandon and Ryder Pierce have built careers defined by leadership, integrity, and service,” Funk said. “They represent different generations and industries, but both have made a meaningful impact through their work and have remained connected to the university. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the example they set for our students.”

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the School of Business’s highest honor, presented to a graduate who has made significant contributions to business while serving the Little Rock community and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

After earning his MBA (Master of Business Administration) from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Brandon founded Rock Town Distillery in 2010, and under his leadership, Rock Town has grown into an internationally recognized, award-winning craft distillery whose bourbons, vodkas, gins, and other spirits have earned numerous national and international honors.

Before launching Rock Town, Brandon spent more than two decades in the telecommunications industry. He has also supported economic development and the arts through leadership roles with organizations including the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

The Dean’s Award for Excellence recognizes a graduate from the past decade who has demonstrated exceptional promise as a business leader while remaining engaged with the university and community.

A graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance, Pierce serves as executive vice president and trust investment officer at Bank OZK, where he works with clients on investment and wealth management strategies. He is also a CFA charterholder — a globally recognized financial expert who has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst credential — and is working toward an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining Bank OZK, Pierce held leadership positions in wealth management and investment strategy before returning to Arkansas. A former Trojan cross country and track student-athlete, he has remained connected to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while building a reputation as one of Arkansas’s emerging business leaders.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginger Daril at 501-916-6437 or vlkays@ualr.edu.

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