As dean, Ecke will lead one of the university鈥檚 most interdisciplinary colleges, which prepares students for careers in education, the arts, public service, communication, social sciences, and related fields while advancing research, creativity, and community engagement across Arkansas.

鈥淒r. Ecke鈥檚 extensive experience in a variety of academic and administrative leadership roles at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has prepared him well for this position,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淗is broad understanding of the college and the university will allow him to transition seamlessly into the role and continue the important work in CHASSE.鈥�

Ecke earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of California at Davis and a Ph.D. in English with a linguistic emphasis from the University of California at Berkeley in 2009. His scholarly work focuses on poetics, linguistics, and the history and structure of the English language.

He joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2012 as an assistant professor of English and has held numerous academic and administrative leadership roles at the university, including interim dean of CHASSE, interim associate dean of college operations for CHASSE, director of undergraduate research, chair of the Department of English, director of the Signature Experience Research and Creative Works Program, and student success coordinator for the Department of English.

鈥淚 am honored to serve as dean of CHASSE and continue working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and community partners,鈥� Ecke said. 鈥淭his college plays a vital role in shaping creative thinkers, educators, and leaders who make meaningful contributions throughout Arkansas and beyond. I look forward to building on our momentum and expanding opportunities for our students and programs.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain also thanked Dr. Brian Berry, who chaired the national search, for his leadership throughout the search process.

鈥淒r. Berry has provided exceptional leadership during the search and helped facilitate a thoughtful and inclusive process,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淲e appreciate his dedication and service to the university.鈥�

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education serves thousands of students through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and plays a central role in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission of education, research, and community engagement.To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit the college鈥檚 website or email chasse@ualr.edu.

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Born in Vancouver, Washington, Boone has called Arkansas home since 2017.  For her, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree has long been a personal goal shaped by passion and practicality.

“I knew that getting an undergraduate degree would give me the opportunity to specialize in something, like graphic design, while also opening doors for me career-wise,” she said.

Her family鈥檚 experience was also a motivation. Her parents didn鈥檛 attend college after high school, and her father earned his undergraduate degree in his 40s.

“Growing up, I remember hearing a lot about how they wished they had gone to college, so I think that influenced me a lot too,” she said.

A full-time student, Boone worked while completing her coursework, which felt overwhelming at times.

“Despite the stress, I鈥檓 really glad that I continued to work throughout school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f I hadn鈥檛, I wouldn鈥檛 have developed some of the skills in time management and prioritization that I have now. It鈥檚 also been nice to have the opportunity to work for the Communications and Marketing office here because it鈥檚 given me a peek into what my career will look like after I graduate. I don鈥檛 think the transition will be so difficult now that I have that experience under my belt.鈥� 

Boone found her educational journey rewarding and challenging.

“It鈥檚 definitely been difficult, but overall, I would say it was a great experience,” she said. “I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to be in the Donaghey Scholars Program, as that鈥檚 taken a huge financial burden off of my shoulders while opening a lot of doors for me.鈥�

Early on, she had a hard time balancing school, extracurriculars, work, family, and social life.

“If I didn鈥檛 push myself to endure those challenges, I wouldn鈥檛 have had the opportunity to do things like study abroad, participate in art exhibits, make the friends I have now, or get my first internship,” she said.

Among her most memorable experiences were study abroad opportunities.

“I got the opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany with the art department, and it was an absolute blast going on those trips with my friends and professors,” she said. “I also studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last summer on my own, and I think that has been one of my most rewarding experiences so far.鈥�

Dr. Simon Hawkins,  director of the Donaghey Scholars Program, said Boone is committed to both artistic excellence and pragmatism. “Skylar is a thinker and an artist and uses those skills to help every group that she works with,” he said.

Boone served as president of the Art Club, communication director for the Student Government Association, and as an award-winning executive editor of the Forum student newspaper. She has a BFA art show at the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and has also had a show at the university’s downtown space. These roles and achievements have helped her grow creatively and professionally. 

Muriel Schrepfer, a senior graphic designer in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Office of Communications and Marketing, praised Boone’s creativity and professionalism.

“Skylar is a joy to work with and has been such a valuable member of our team this year. Her creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail shine through in every project she works on,” she said.

Kevin Cates, professor of graphic design, said Skylar’s work evolved as she 鈥減ut everything she had into every project.鈥�

鈥淭he results were excellent, thoroughly thought out and researched, and meticulously built with the software applications,鈥� he said. 鈥淒uring the course of the projects, she would enthusiastically build on strengths and correct any weaknesses.鈥�

Boone said she鈥檚 ready to take the next step in her career path: an internship with mhp.si, a full-service marketing agency.

“I鈥檓 incredibly proud of how far I鈥檝e come,” she said. “My experience wasn鈥檛 always easy, but I think that every challenge I鈥檝e faced was worth it. I鈥檓 excited to take everything I鈥檝e learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and finally start my career in the real world.”

The post Designing Her Future: Skylar Boone Prepares to Graduate with Graphic Design Degree appeared first on News.

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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement Information.

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

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A Little Rock native, Miller has spent her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock turning initiative into opportunity. A mass communication major with an emphasis in media production and a minor in digital marketing, she built her college experience around hands-on work that prepared her for life after graduation.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been the type of person where if you don鈥檛 ask, you don鈥檛 know,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淎nd the worst thing they can say is no.鈥�

That mindset paid off almost immediately. Just days after introducing herself to Krain, Miller was assisting on photography assignments, beginning a mentorship that would shape her creative voice and professional growth over the next four years.

鈥淗e鈥檚 not even just a mentor 鈥� he鈥檚 genuinely a friend,鈥� Miller said.

Through that experience, Miller developed a strong portfolio that helped her land an internship with Little Rock-based marketing and advertising firm Marian Agency. There, she creates content for clients, including South on Main (SoMa 501), gaining real-world experience working with brands and engaging with the local community.

After graduation, Miller will transition into a full-time role with the agency鈥攁n opportunity she credits in part to the work she began as a freshman.

鈥淚 feel like what I鈥檝e learned has already prepared me for the real world,鈥� she said.

Miller said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock stood out not only for its opportunities but also for its accessibility. With the help of scholarships and campus support, she will graduate debt-free, allowing her to focus on building her future instead of worrying about financial barriers.

鈥淎nytime that I needed help, the school helped me,鈥� she said.

Beyond academics and career preparation, Miller found community through her involvement on campus. As a member of the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, she participated in service, networking, and leadership development opportunities that connected her with mentors and peers. She also served on the board of the Rainbow Alliance, helping create an inclusive space for students and planning campus events.

鈥淚t allows you to connect with people and be part of a community,鈥� she said.

Those relationships extended into the classroom, where Miller said faculty support played a key role in her success.

鈥淭hey really care about the students and the work that you do,鈥� she said.

Now graduating cum laude, Miller reflects on her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a mix of excitement and anticipation. While stepping into a full-time career marks a major transition, she says she feels ready.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a big change, but I feel prepared and hopeful for the future,鈥� she said.

For current and future students, Miller鈥檚 advice is simple: take initiative and make the most of every opportunity.

鈥淐ollege is what you make of it,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ut yourself out there, network and find ways to learn and create.鈥�

The post From a Simple Ask to a Full-Time Career: Sheranden Miller Makes the Most of Her Time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

“I have always been a big fan of school, for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I truly believe that school is both a challenge and a form of preparation that helps you grow into a disciplined human being.”

Martinez earned a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications with an emphasis in journalism from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. For the Little Rock resident, education reflects the discipline, effort, and accountability required for success.

“A degree represents the hard work you鈥檝e invested in gaining knowledge and holding yourself accountable,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat said, earning my master鈥檚 degree has always been a dream of mine.”

During her time in graduate school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Martinez has balanced multiple responsibilities. She is a full-time student and part-time graduate assistant. She also worked for the Arkansas Business Publishing Group during the summer and fall semesters.

“I鈥檝e been lucky enough to earn my master鈥檚 while having two jobs that not only helped pay for my education but also allowed me to meet extraordinary people,” she said.

Throughout a demanding schedule, Martinez said the support of others helped her stay grounded.

“I鈥檝e had incredible bosses, professors, family, and friends who made this juggle easier than I expected,” she said. “Easy? No, it wasn鈥檛, but nothing in life that is worth it is easy. Everything comes with challenges and struggles, but that is the beauty of life.”

One of her most meaningful experiences was coaching the university鈥檚 鈥� a role she initially stepped into without knowing how much it would shape her.

Before coming to Little Rock, Martinez had swum for four years as an undergrad on a scholarship.

鈥淚 wanted to explore coaching because my dad was my swim coach for 20 years, and I wanted to do the same thing he did for me 鈥� for other people,鈥� she said.

What began as exploration soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her graduate experience.

“Over the past two years, I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to coach someone into becoming the best version of themselves,” she said. “The fact that the 30-plus women I met along the way allowed me to be part of their growth is something I will always be grateful for.”

Nathan Townsend, the team’s head coach, said Martinez worked as a graduate assistant and has been a cornerstone of the swimming program. She has shown a top work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

鈥淓milia is someone I trust deeply, not only because of how hard she works, but because of the insight and perspective she brings to every situation,鈥� he said. 鈥淒uring challenging moments, her steady presence and mindset helped guide our team forward and played a meaningful role in our success.鈥�

Martinez credits her parents, sister, and boyfriend with encouraging her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams while far from home. After graduation, she plans to work in FedEx鈥檚 sales enablement department, focusing on project management and communications content. 

During her college experience, Martinez gained insights she wants to share with other students.

“Don鈥檛 let fear stop you from doing the thing that scares you the most,” she said. “That is how I approached these last two years while pursuing my master鈥檚. I stepped out of my shell to build real connections with my professors and allowed them to challenge me through different classes and assignments.”

The post First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree appeared first on News.

Davidson, who has been deeply involved in student life, said the nickname began as an inside joke within the Delta Chi Fraternity. It originated with alumnus Turner Hudson, who appeared in university marketing materials online and on campus posters.

After helping his chapter win the Trojan Spirit Award, senior fraternity members began calling Davidson 鈥渢he new Mr. 糖心Vlog传媒LR.鈥�

鈥淭he nickname spread quickly among the chapter and our friends,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淚 love it and have accepted it as a defining part of my time as a student. It鈥檚 a sign my chapter brothers recognize the work I鈥檝e put into improving our chapter and student life as a whole.鈥�

Davidson chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in part because of his mother, Dr. Sloan Davidson, director and professor in the School of Nursing. She has worked at the university since 2008, and he often visited campus as a child.

鈥淎ttending freshman orientation and touring campus helped solidify that I made the right decision,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淚 liked the smaller campus and class sizes. Coming from a small town, it made me feel comfortable and at home.鈥�

He became involved on campus almost immediately. On his first day of classes, Delta Chi鈥檚 recruitment chair invited him to an event.

鈥淎fter attending recruitment week and accepting my bid, I quickly became close with the chapter members and eager to get more involved,鈥� he said.

Davidson said he connected with the fraternity鈥檚 values.

鈥淭he guys in the chapter genuinely cared about me and wanted what was best for me,鈥� he said.

He was elected Delta Chi president during his junior year in 2024. Wanting to increase student involvement, he ensured the fraternity participated in major campus events. The chapter later won the Trojan Cup and Chapter of the Year honors, and Davidson received the Trojan Spirit Award.

In summer 2025, he became a Student Government Association senator representing the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

鈥淚 saw this as another way to advocate for Greek life and improve student life at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.鈥�

鈥淚 always thought 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock had the potential for a strong, connected student body,鈥� he added. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to have played a role in improving Greek life, student life, and the campus community.鈥�

One of his favorite memories was leading Delta Chi during homecoming week in spring 2025.

鈥淗omecoming includes the Trojan Cup competition, a series of events and challenges,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淚 was able to coordinate my team through many of them.鈥�

He said the cardboard boat regatta was his favorite event.

鈥淥ur team sailed to victory, earning the team spirit award and winning the Trojan Cup overall,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was especially meaningful because it was the first time our chapter had ever won.鈥�

Later that year, the chapter also won Chapter of the Year for the first time in its history.

鈥淚 was honored to lead the chapter during such a historic year,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淩eceiving the Trojan Spirit Award that semester recognized my commitment to campus involvement and leadership.鈥�

Davidson credits faculty members Dr. Barclay Key, Dr. Kristin Mann, and Dr. Stephanie Davis for shaping his experience.

鈥淒r. Key helped me navigate challenges with my courses, motivation, and graduation plans,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen I felt lost, he helped me stay on track.鈥�

He said Mann and Davis also had a strong impact.

鈥淭hey have a genuine passion for their work and their students鈥� success,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey helped me understand difficult material and truly wanted me to succeed. They鈥檝e helped shape who I am as a student and influenced my decision to pursue graduate school.鈥�

After graduation, Davidson plans to continue at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in public history.

鈥淚 want to focus on historic preservation and begin a career in parks or a related field,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 hope to help maintain historic sites for future generations.鈥�

Davidson said his experiences at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock have prepared him well for the future.

鈥淢y involvement as a student leader taught me leadership, communication, and a passion for success,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y coursework strengthened my research, historiography, and writing skills. Together, those experiences have prepared me for what鈥檚 next.鈥�

His advice to students is simple: get involved.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e only here for about four years,鈥� he said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 spend all that time in your dorm room. Find what interests you. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has something for everyone 鈥� student government, Greek life, academic and recreational clubs. You鈥檒l build friendships, grow your network, and gain valuable skills that will impact your future.鈥�

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He was 16 when he left home, recruited to the United States to play baseball and pursue an education. It meant leaving behind family, familiarity and everything he had ever known.

In a new country, baseball was his one constant.

It became his balance, carrying him through the early years of adjustment 鈥� learning a new environment, building a new routine and figuring out life away from home. But Cano understood this was more than a chance to play college baseball in the United States. It was an opportunity to earn a degree.

Cano is graduating with a degree in criminal justice, a career path he plans to pursue when his playing days are over.

鈥淚 know there will be life after baseball,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he reason I chose criminal justice is I鈥檝e always been fascinated with how law and the process of law works. And I have a lot of respect for law enforcement and what they do.鈥�

Baseball opened the door for Cano, but his education will carry him forward long after his playing days.

鈥淚 always know baseball isn鈥檛 going to be everything,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚 came to the United States when I was 16 because of baseball, and I鈥檓 still doing what I love. But the reality is, if I would鈥檝e stayed in Colombia, this probably wouldn鈥檛 have happened.鈥�

Cano came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a transfer student-athlete from Western Oklahoma State University. As a Trojan, he鈥檚 continuing to build on the foundation he laid for himself since he began playing the sport. Since his arrival in the U.S., he鈥檚 spent time learning how to adjust to the changes. But baseball was familiar and kept him focused. Over the past two seasons, he has become a steady presence for the Trojans, taking on a larger role in 2025 despite missing time due to injury. This season, he鈥檚 playing a major role, hitting .321 with 52 hits and seven home runs across 42 games, providing a reliable, steady presence in the middle of the lineup while anchoring first base with a .985 fielding percentage.

That steadiness, he said, didn鈥檛 come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to move through them. Moving away from his native country at 16 forced him to grow up quickly.

鈥淭he biggest challenge was being away from home,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 had to grow up real fast. Colombia is a developing country, so coming here and seeing all of this 鈥� it鈥檚 a dream for a lot of people. As long as you put in the work, it鈥檚 a dream that could last forever.鈥�

Over time, that perspective shaped how he approaches everything around him. Baseball, school, and daily life all require the same mindset: adjust, reset, and keep moving forward.

鈥淚鈥檓 a baseball player, and that鈥檚 my mindset in class,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚 view everything as a challenge that I have to solve.鈥�

Baseball, he said, has shaped how he handles challenges when they come.

鈥淏aseball taught me endurance and patience with challenges,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淚f I鈥檓 struggling with an assignment, I have to figure out the best way to get out of it. It made me a critical thinker.鈥�

That鈥檚 also how Cano views leadership: not in speeches or titles, but in how a team responds when things don鈥檛 go perfectly.

鈥淓veryone will have a bad day, and it鈥檚 up to your team to pick you up when you do,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he team is most successful when everyone can step up for each other.鈥�

During the thrilling 2025 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, Cano put together the best stretch of his college career. Over five games, he had 10 hits, four home runs, and drove in 15 runs, earning Most Valuable Player honors. He homered in three straight games, including a two-run shot in the second inning against host and top-ranked LSU that helped spark Little Rock鈥檚 regional semifinal win. That swing later earned Play of the Year at the Trojan TOP Awards, where Cano was also named Baseball MVP.

As graduation approaches, Cano said he is aware of how far he has come 鈥� and how many people back home are part of that journey with him.

鈥淭his is the dream,鈥� he said. 鈥淣o matter why you鈥檙e here, this is the dream 鈥� to do it in the United States.鈥�

For him, that dream has meant responsibility, change, and growth, but also gratitude.

鈥淚t鈥檚 cool for the experience of another country and the environment,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淏ut you still have to take care of school. It鈥檚 why you鈥檙e here. For my family and friends back home, this is everything to them for me to be doing this, and I don鈥檛 take it for granted.鈥�

The post Angel Cano Turned Opportunity into a College Degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

Ambrus earned her undergraduate degree in journalism in 2023 from the University of Central Arkansas and was convinced she had closed the school chapter of her story.聽

鈥淎 few months after graduating with my bachelor’s, I applied for a social media coordinator position at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Once I got the job and experienced the campus, everything just felt like divine timing鈥攇oing from one college campus to another,鈥� Ambrus said. 鈥淎fter encouragement from a close family friend and falling in love with the campus, I pushed myself to keep going and pursue a master鈥檚 degree.鈥�

That sense of 鈥渄ivine-timing鈥� became a defining chapter in both her academic and professional career. 

Through the Master of Arts in Mass Communication program, Ambrus had the opportunity to explore the world of public relations.

鈥淚n undergrad, my minor was in public relations, and after graduating, I realized I connected more with the strategic and creative aspects of PR than traditional journalism,鈥� Ambrus said. 鈥淚 enjoyed the storytelling side, but I was especially drawn to how messaging, branding, and audience engagement all come together.鈥�

The shift in focus allowed her to invest in the skills that aligned with her evolving career aspirations. Through her coursework and hands-on experience, she strengthened her abilities in areas such as social media strategy, campaign planning and audience analysis. She was then able to turn around and directly apply what she was learning to her job, providing additional insights to the Marketing and Communications department. 

鈥淚鈥檓 proud of Sydney鈥檚 hard work in graduate school and her ability to tell 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 story through engaging social media. Her drive and determination reflect the very best of our students,鈥� said Meaghan Milliorn, senior director of web strategy and operations.

Working in a real-world communication environment while completing her degree was invaluable, yet did not come without its challenges. 

鈥淏eing in a real-world university communications setting gave me a significant advantage because I was able to bridge the gap between theory and practice in a very hands-on way,鈥� Ambrus said. 鈥淚 chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because the online format was convenient and the program was affordable and flexible.鈥�

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. She earned the honor of being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. An accomplishment that is open only to the top 10% of graduate students. She has also been recognized multiple times by her high school alma mater as a successful alum and role model for current students.

Behind those academic accomplishments was consistent mentorship from faculty. Ambrus said Dr. Timothy Edwards, a professor within the school of mass communication and her professional project chair, provided steady guidance, sharing scholarship opportunities and was always available to provide support.

鈥淪ydney is focused, determined, disciplined, and hardworking. I always knew she would exceed聽expectations and succeed professionally,鈥� Edwards said.

Her experience as a graduate student has served her far beyond just academics.

鈥淏alancing a full-time role with an online program pushed me to take ownership of my learning and adjust to competing priorities,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ore than anything, it taught me to keep going, keep learning, and that knowledge truly is power.鈥�

For students considering a similar path, she offers practical advice rooted in her own experience.

鈥淕raduate school is a marathon, not a race. Take it one step at a time, lean on your support system, and remember that everyone’s journey looks different.鈥� Ambrus said. 

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Pennington is originally from Eagletown, Oklahoma, and later moved to Prescott, Arkansas, her husband鈥檚 hometown. When choosing a university, flexibility mattered most.

鈥淚 chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because it offered a flexible online program that fit my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t allowed me to pursue my degree without putting my responsibilities as a Marine and a parent on hold.鈥�

For Pennington, who is earning a degree in middle childhood education, graduation is about more than academics.

鈥淚t means breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and giving my family something to be proud of,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 wanted to show that you are not defined by your past鈥攜ou can break generational cycles.鈥�

Balancing military service, family life, and school required structure and discipline. Her days were focused on her duties in the Marine Corps, followed by time with her children in the evening. Once they were settled, she turned to schoolwork.

鈥淢y weeks were all about time management, planning ahead, and staying disciplined,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 often reminded myself that you can鈥檛 pour from an empty cup鈥攁nd that hard work pays off.鈥�

There were challenges along the way, especially trying to manage everything at once.

鈥淭here were times when it felt like there weren鈥檛 enough hours in the day,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 stayed organized, set priorities, and reminded myself why I started. The support from my husband and my own determination kept me going.鈥�

In addition to completing her degree, Pennington earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and maintained a high GPA.

鈥淐onsistency and discipline were key,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y biggest motivation was being someone my children would be proud to call their mom.鈥�

She said her experience in the Marine Corps shaped how she approached school.

鈥淚t taught me discipline, resilience, and accountability,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose values carried into my education and helped me stay focused.鈥�

As she looks ahead to graduate school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where she seeks a master鈥檚 degree in curriculum and instruction, Pennington is ready for what鈥檚 next.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to keep growing and building on everything I鈥檝e worked for,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also want to show my children that learning never stops.鈥�

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Storytelling has always been close to home for her. Inspired by her father, a passionate writer who spent years balancing creativity with a demanding career, she found her voice early through poems, songs and short stories.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 really what pushed me,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淗e loved storytelling, but didn鈥檛 always have the time to pursue it. That made me want to see if I could take it somewhere.鈥�

Her passion for storytelling blossomed in high school journalism classes, but it was at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock that Wilson found her niche. Media courses, along with opportunities in radio and TV journalism, ignited her interest in broadcast journalism.

Through an internship at KATV, Wilson turned classroom experience into hands-on work in producing and reporting within a fast-paced newsroom, gaining valuable insight into the world of news production.

鈥淚t definitely broadened my knowledge in so many different things,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n school, you learn a little bit of everything,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut at the station, you see how it all comes together in real time. At KATV鈥ou really get the nitty gritty of their job and what goes into it. So it鈥檚 definitely broadened my personal skills, because now I have more real-world experience.鈥�

Her work at KATV has already begun to open new doors. Following her internship experience, she has been invited back, this time as a paid intern, giving her the opportunity to continue building on the skills she developed in the newsroom.

Balancing the roles of student, intern and mother is no simple task. Wilson has faced her share of challenges, but she approaches them with resilience. She acknowledges that some days are more difficult than others, yet her motivation remains constant鈥攈er daughter.

鈥淥ver anything else, this little person is looking up to me and seeing what I鈥檓 doing, and I want her to look back and be able to say, 鈥榤y mom did that.鈥欌�� 

Her perspective on higher education is deeply tied to her journey. While she recognizes that many in her generation and younger question the value of a college degree, Wilson sees her experience as proof of its impact.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a growing skepticism around college, but for me, it鈥檚 made all the difference. I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without it.鈥�

That perspective has become a message Wilson hopes to share with others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by the demands of pursuing a degree later in life or alongside other commitments.

鈥淵ou have to do it, and you have to do it tired,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nobody else that鈥檚 going to do it for you鈥攜ou have to do it for yourself and for the life you want.鈥�

As Wilson prepares to walk across the stage, she is looking ahead to what comes next, carrying with her the experience she鈥檚 gained both in the newsroom and in her everyday life. From balancing classes and an internship to raising her daughter and building a future for her family, her journey reflects the determination it takes to keep going. Now, as she steps into the next chapter of her career, she hopes her story shows others that even with competing responsibilities, reaching your goals is possible.

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