Students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines, career paths, and personal journeys 鈥� from first-generation and nontraditional students to those completing accelerated programs and earning second degrees.

Mikayla Anne Stertmann, an interdisciplinary studies major from White Hall, Arkansas, said she felt 鈥渞elaxed鈥� and relieved as she prepared to graduate.

鈥淚鈥檝e worked hard for five years to get here. It鈥檚 been a real journey, but I鈥檓 coming out more confident and ready,鈥� she said.

Stertmann鈥檚 studies focused on psychology. She plans to pursue a career in counseling.

Miranda Gillette, a general studies major from Little Rock, completed her degree through the 2+2 program between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allowing her to fast-track her education. After graduating high school in 2024, she earned her undergraduate degree Saturday and said the milestone was simply a 鈥渟tepping stone鈥� toward her goal of becoming an X-ray technician.

For others, including Shershawna Lewis, commencement represented not a beginning but the completion of a longer professional journey.

Lewis, a psychology major from Fordyce, Arkansas, earned her second bachelor鈥檚 degree Saturday. She works for the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind and said she has always been driven to continue learning to better help others. She chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for the quality of its psychology program, its proximity to home, and its affordability. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in adult rehabilitation to continue advancing her career.

Yajahira Dominguez, a first-generation college student from Hope, Arkansas, balanced full-time work and parenting while earning her degree in interdisciplinary studies. Dominguez said she returned to college after stepping away due to family and work obligations.

鈥淚 felt like I needed to come back, to finish what I started. I needed to do it for my kids and for me,鈥� she said.

Dominguez chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for its affordability and flexible learning options, adding that she was able to complete her degree while continuing to work and care for her family. She plans to continue her education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock by pursuing a master鈥檚 degree to become a college professor.

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While at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Bornds was an active member of the Student Activities Board (SAB) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In SAB, Bornds was able to help plan and execute events for students across campus. Delta Sigma Theta helped her to step into leadership roles, eventually becoming chapter president. Growing up in the small town of Osceola, Arkansas, she found that these challenges helped her grow and realize she was capable of anything.

When Bornds first arrived at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she was shy, timid, and barely spoke, but through the influence of her mentors, she was able to learn skills that she will carry for life. During her freshman year, Assistant Director for Student Leadership & Development聽Corrigan Revels helped her step out of her comfort zone, meet new people and become a mentor. With the encouragement and dedication of her professors, Bornds was able to continue on her path to becoming a doctor.

Bornds was a member of the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps. For her, the CLC scholarship made a major impact, offering support to transition into college life, build friendships, network effectively, and become a mentor. One of her favorite memories from CLC  was being able to host one of the CLC dream conferences. It was a new experience for her and she was able to network and meet new people who helped with her future plans. 

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to get to know people and come out of your shell,鈥� Bornds said. 鈥淪eeing as I was reserved when I first came to college, getting out of my comfort zone by going to events, joining organizations, and talking to people helped navigate me through college. Being homesick is real. Make sure to reach out to people and don’t let it become depressing.鈥�

Her next step after graduating will be to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to finish pursuing her dreams to become an OB-GYN. Bornds is prepared to take on any challenge that will come up. 

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A Plano, Texas, native, Doncell began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Texas at Dallas. She later attended Oklahoma Christian University and Collin College before enrolling at Bowen.

What inspired you to pursue law 鈥� and why Bowen?

I stepped into law because advocacy always felt like home to me. I spent four years in undergrad competing in mock trials and two years competing in mediation. Each round of preparation reaffirmed that I belong in spaces where people need a voice, structure, and someone willing to lead.

I chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because Bowen鈥檚 mission 鈥� access, service, and professionalism 鈥� wasn鈥檛 just a slogan. It reflected the kind of lawyer I wanted to become. It was also important to me to find a law school close to home that offered incredible value while providing programs I cared deeply about, including the Mediation Clinic, the Arkansas Journal of Social Change and Public Service, the Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform, and courses like Corporate Justice.

From day one, Bowen gave me space to lead boldly: founding the Phi Alpha Delta Robinson Chapter Mock Trial Program, guiding LALSA through major growth, and serving nationally as chair of the National Latina/o Law Student Association. Bowen values students who build, who serve, and who strengthen the legal community. That鈥檚 what drew me here 鈥� and what I鈥檒l carry into my career.

How do you feel about graduating?

Graduating feels surreal in the best way. Law school has stretched me, challenged me, and shaped me into someone who leads with purpose. I worked full time, lived in a different state from my fianc茅, and carried major national leadership roles, but every long night and early morning was worth it.

I鈥檓 especially grateful for the part-time class I grew with. We all came in balancing work, families, and real life, and we approached every semester with the mindset that all of us would make it through together. That sense of community carried me, and it鈥檚 something I鈥檒l always cherish. Bowen is also where I met my three best friends, who turned long study nights into memories and made even the hardest weeks worth it.

More than anything, I feel grateful 鈥� for Bowen, for the opportunities I鈥檝e had, and for the people who supported me every step of the way. Bowen gave me the foundation I needed to be successful inside and outside the classroom, and Arkansas welcomed me into a legal community that truly believes in access, service, and lifting each other up. I鈥檓 leaving with immense appreciation for this place, and I鈥檒l always carry Bowen with me.

What have you been balancing outside the classroom (work, family, service, etc.)?

Balancing is almost an understatement. While in law school, I continued to work full time in talent acquisition for JCPenney. At the same time, I served in multiple leadership roles, including national chair of the National Latina/o Law Student Association (NLLSA), president of the Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA), managing editor of Law Review, member of the National Trial Team, and founder and student coach of the Phi Alpha Delta Robinson Chapter Mock Trial Program. I also navigated long-distance life with my fianc茅 while purchasing and establishing our first home in Texas. My law school experience has been a layered tapestry of work, service, family, and friends 鈥� and somehow it all fits, because each piece reinforces who I am and how I continue to grow.

What area of law are you most passionate about, and why?

I鈥檓 most drawn to corporate litigation. It blends my business background with my love for advocacy and structure. I鈥檓 fascinated by how businesses operate, how decisions ripple outward, and how strong counsel can both prevent conflict and resolve it with clarity and fairness. Corporate law is also a space where representation matters 鈥� where Latina lawyers remain underrepresented 鈥� and I hope to open doors for others by walking confidently through them myself.

What experience at Bowen made a lasting impact on you?

Creating the Phi Alpha Delta Robinson Chapter Mock Trial Program from scratch in 2022 is the memory that lives closest to my heart. Building a trial advocacy team as a 1L felt impossible on paper, yet I did it 鈥� and it continues to fuel my passion for advocacy and uplifting others. Watching students grow into advocates, seeing our chapter gain opportunities we never had before, and realizing that something I built will outlast my time here strengthened my commitment to leadership rooted in service and opportunity. Elevating others has always been my purpose, and this experience brought that into focus.

Alongside all of the leadership lessons and opportunities, Bowen also gave me my three best friends 鈥� the people who walked with me through every late night, milestone, and challenge. That community is one of the greatest gifts I鈥檒l take with me.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, my goal is to continue strengthening my advocacy skills and pursue a legal career in Texas, where my fianc茅 and I purchased our first home in 2024. I鈥檓 passionate about trial advocacy and hope to work in a litigation-focused or corporate practice that allows me to serve clients with clarity, compassion, and structure.

As I navigate legal opportunities, I plan to continue working at JCPenney鈥檚 corporate office, an organization that has been near and dear to my heart throughout law school. JCPenney supported me through every semester, and remaining there during my transition into the legal field feels like a fitting continuation of the journey I started as a student balancing full-time work and leadership roles.

I also hope to stay closely connected to the student communities that shaped me 鈥� especially NLLSA, Phi Alpha Delta, and LALSA 鈥� and continue mentoring students who are finding their path in the law.

Do you have any advice for future students?

My biggest advice is this: Don鈥檛 wait for permission to lead. If you see a gap, fill it. If you want a program, build it. If you want community, create it. Law school rewards initiative, and the opportunities you create for yourself will shape your experience more than anything else.

You are your biggest advocate. Speak up for yourself, your interests, and what you need to succeed.

Lean into your support system 鈥� your classmates, your professors, and your mentors. Do this from day one. I鈥檓 not exaggerating when I say the mentors I found as a 1L in LALSA changed the trajectory of my law school experience. Yes, I worked incredibly hard, but they helped me focus on what truly mattered, how to stay organized with all the course material, and gave me a roadmap for law school and bar prep that I still rely on today. Success in law school is absolutely a team effort.

Find a core group of people you feel comfortable being honest with. This includes sharing the hard parts of law school, the time it takes to get the grades, the hours spent on papers, and both the good and the not-so-good grades. I鈥檝e been incredibly blessed to make three best friends at Bowen who walked through every triumph and every struggle with me. Through each other, we found new study strategies, supplemental resources, and writing tools that helped all of us grow. We shared what worked, supported each other through what didn鈥檛, and became better students because of that trust. Building a community helped make sure that law school never felt isolating.

And finally, give yourself grace. There will be weeks that test you, but they don鈥檛 define you. What defines you is how you keep showing up. If you stay organized, stay grounded, and stay true to your purpose, you鈥檒l leave law school proud of the person you became along the way.

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Okon, originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, always had a passion for advocacy, but her time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock gave her the tools to express herself and put her dreams into action. Through hands-on learning and her involvement in student government, she found the confidence to speak up 鈥� not only for herself, but for the communities she hopes to serve.

On Dec. 13, Okon will graduate with her master鈥檚 degree in mass communication, marking a milestone not just for her but for her entire family. As the first among her siblings to attend graduate school, she sees this achievement as a source of pride. 鈥淢y parents didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to go to college, so getting this degree is a dream come true for me,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淚t brings me so much joy to be a role model for my siblings and show them that if I can do it, they can too.鈥�

Okon holds undergraduate degrees in mass communication and theatre arts, and she says 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock stood out during her graduate school search because of its hands-on learning environment. She was awarded a graduate assistantship with the School of Mass Communication, as well as the Dan and Johnnie Winn Memorial Scholarship, to fund her studies. 鈥淢y department saw potential in me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he scholarships were competitive, and I鈥檓 grateful I was chosen.鈥�

On campus, Okon says one of the most transformative experiences was serving as a senator in the Student Government Association. The role allowed her to connect with people from different backgrounds and contribute to the success of her fellow students. She says that without this experience, she wouldn鈥檛 have been able to start her own nonprofit, Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance.

鈥淏eing a senator in the Student Government Association opened my eyes to establishing something for underserved communities,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淗elping students on campus made me think about how I could help people in the U.S. and Nigeria as well. That鈥檚 when I came up with my idea for a nonprofit to foster care for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as to teach life-saving emergency response skills.鈥�

Despite her academic success, Okon鈥檚 most personal achievement is the book she wrote during her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Finding Healing Through Self-Acceptance. The project grew from her own journey through childhood rejection, trauma, and years of struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem.

Writing became a path toward healing, and she hopes her story will help others find strength within themselves. 鈥淗ealing isn鈥檛 something someone can give you 鈥� you discover it inside yourself,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f someone reads my book and finds hope, that will help me heal too.鈥� Okon is currently finalizing the manuscript and awaiting a foreword from a faculty mentor before seeking a publisher.

After graduation, Okon will continue her academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice at Rutgers University.

Her message to other first-generation students is simple but powerful: 鈥淚t won鈥檛 be easy, but don鈥檛 let your background define you. Success starts in your own mind. Just focus on what got you here and the success in your future, and you will definitely succeed.鈥�

The post First-Generation Scholar and Advocate Finds Her Voice at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

White, who grew up in Helena and now lives in North Little Rock, returned to college nearly 28 years after putting her education on hold to focus on work and family. She previously earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health education and promotion from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, along with associate degrees from Phillips County Community College and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 able to go to college right after high school, but my desire for knowledge never wavered,鈥� White said. 鈥淎s soon as I could juggle family, work, and school, I went for it.鈥�

Her path to becoming a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Trojan began in the winter of 1977, when two recruiters visited her community college to speak with students about a summer program. White said she had always believed in her ability to learn but faced limited career options during that era.

鈥淭hat innate desire to further my education remained a burning desire within me, regardless of the type of employment available that utilized my skills,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he opportunity to return to school presented itself a few years later, but after several semesters of juggling family and work, I realized I was headed for total burnout.鈥�

She put her education on hold 鈥� a pause that lasted nearly 28 years.

鈥淒uring that time, I witnessed the power of God opening and closing doors and revealing my true passion, which evolved into health care advocacy for the elderly,鈥� she said.

Eventually, White returned to school and completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree. Still, she doubted whether graduate school was realistic.

鈥淕raduate school seemed to be an unattainable dream, but God had better plans,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 found myself surrounded by a support system of encouragement.鈥�

The road was not easy. White faced serious health concerns and other hardships but said her 94-year-old mentor kept her grounded.

鈥淪he always said, 鈥楾hey can take your car, your house, and just about anything else, but they can never take away your education,鈥欌�� she said.

While studying full time, White landed what she called her dream job in private health care, working with patients with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.

鈥淚 got real-world application concurrent with classroom training and knowledge,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n addition to learning, I got hands-on training and a critique of my craft.鈥�

Her job came to a heartbreaking end when she and her client contracted COVID-19, and her client died. White continues to experience long-term effects from the illness, but she persisted in her studies.

鈥淏eing a nontraditional senior citizen, this journey has been one of the most demanding, difficult, rewarding, and spirit-filled paths I will ever take,鈥� she said.

White struggled in her early graduate courses, at one point walking across campus in the snow, crying as she searched for help with an assignment.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 ready to give up so easily or that early,鈥� she said.

Support from faculty helped her push forward. She remembers a professor commending her performance on a difficult exam, which gave her renewed confidence.

鈥淢y self-confidence rose to new heights, and I began to approach all my classes with a positive attitude,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose encouragements became my incentive to always give it my best.鈥�

Throughout her coursework, White said she learned to view healing as a holistic concept that encompasses all dimensions of wellness. She also developed skills in qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis, which she successfully applied in defending her thesis.

Qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis combines insights from multiple qualitative studies to build a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of a topic. White鈥檚 thesis is titled Prayer for Healing: A Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis Connecting the Inner Man to the Spirit of God.

White said her mother鈥檚 belief in her abilities helped sustain her throughout the journey. Others, including mentors, professors, and friends, served as 鈥渧oices of reason鈥� who guided her through the challenges.

鈥淚t is because of each of them that I endeavored this journey, and because of their faith in my ability that I finished a very long and rocky road,鈥� she said. 鈥淎ll my professors were exceptional, and my committee was phenomenal.鈥�

Now on the verge of earning her master鈥檚 degree, White hopes her story inspires others to continue learning at any age.

鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed to do what I wanted to do, and as an older adult, I want to be a role model for those who seek to better themselves through education and training,鈥� she said.

White credits the university with helping her build confidence and chart a new direction.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock provided me with the formal education to pursue a better life,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he skills and knowledge I gained gave me a sense of direction that became exciting and very rewarding.鈥�

The post Never Too Late: Nontraditional Student Joyce Young White Earns Graduate Degree appeared first on News.

The Newport native graduated from Newport High School in 2021 after helping lead the Greyhounds to a trip to the state basketball tournament. Before the pandemic, Dean had received several college offers to continue his athletic career. But by graduation day, COVID-related eligibility rule changes caused those opportunities to disappear.

Disappointed, Dean told his family, “If I can’t play ball, I’m not going to college.” His parents urged him to continue his education, reminding him that “maybe God has another route for you to take.”

Dean received several academic scholarships which provided him with the extra incentive to attend the university.  He is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health education and promotion and a minor in sport management. 

Adjusting to life without basketball wasn鈥檛 easy. Dean struggled his freshman year and found himself on academic probation. But he refused to stay there. He rebuilt his academic standing, made the Dean鈥檚 List twice, and maybe a third time this semester.

“This journey has had its ups and downs, but I鈥檓 the kind of person who never gives up and always learns along the way,鈥� he said.

Dean also found a way to reconnect with the sport he loved. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Wiedower welcomed him as a practice player for two years.

“He was a hard worker and enjoyed the game of basketball,” Wiedower said. “We could depend on him to be available to do whatever we needed him to do for the team. I always enjoyed J.D.’s friendly personality and his sense of humor.”

One of the most meaningful parts of Dean鈥檚 academic journey was his internship in a counseling and consulting office.

“Every day brought something new, and interacting with so many different personalities taught me the importance of professionalism and patience,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Dean discovered a new passion 鈥� day trading. “I’m a day trader and serial investor,” he said. “I trade U.S. stocks for a living.”

He and a classmate launched a program designed to teach others about trading, focusing not only on technical skills but also on discipline and mindset.

Throughout his time in school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Dean has expressed gratitude. “I’m thankful to God for allowing me to wake up every day and give 110% to finish this degree, but also my professors for being on me to get the work in and letting me know where I鈥檓 wrong,” he said.

His parents鈥� encouragement has shaped his values and work ethic. “My parents have always made sure that my education was a top priority,” he said. “Even when school became challenging or overwhelming, they reminded me that hard work always pays off.”

Dean said one of the most important moments of his college years had nothing to do with academics. “I had the privilege of welcoming my beautiful daughter into the world,” he said.

Becoming a father shifted his perspective, strengthened his determination, and deepened his sense of responsibility.

“From the moment I first laid eyes on her, everything changed,” Dean said. “Her presence alone pushes me to stay focused and committed to my goals.”

Dean said he鈥檚 grateful he didn鈥檛 give up on college. His advice to others is rooted in resilience.

“If you are willing to give up, just ask yourself, ‘What am I getting out of quitting?’ If it鈥檚 worth quitting, that means you were never dedicated.”

After graduating, Dean plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in sport management at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. “Sports have always played an important role in my life,” he said. “The program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offers the academic foundation and practical experience I need to turn this passion into a profession.”

As he prepares for the next chapter, Dean credits 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for helping shape him academically and personally.

“The experiences I鈥檝e had here, inside and outside the classroom, have shaped me into a more confident, focused, and well-rounded individual,” he said. “I have been able to build connections, step out of my comfort zone, and interact with people from all different backgrounds.”

The post From Lost Basketball Dreams to College Success: Jairus Dean Finds a New Path at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

After graduation, Taylor will join the Mitchell Williams Law Firm as an associate attorney in the firm鈥檚 transactional business group. She first connected with the firm through an on-campus interview at Bowen and later clerked with Mitchell Williams in summer 2024 before receiving a full-time offer that fall.

Before she walks the stage, Taylor reflected on her journey and the motivations that pushed her forward.

What inspired you to pursue law 鈥� and why Bowen?
I wanted to pursue law because it felt like a great fit for my skill set, and it provides an opportunity for intellectually stimulating work, which I appreciate. I knew I wanted to work full-time and go to school part-time. Bowen was always my only option because I never wanted to leave the state, and I wanted to pursue my law degree whilst enhancing my career. I was born and raised in Arkansas; I love my home state, and I always knew I’d practice law here.

What have you been balancing outside the classroom (work, family, service, etc.)?
Outside classes, I’ve balanced full-time work. I previously worked as a credit risk analyst at Simmons Bank. Now, I’m working as a paralegal at Mitchell Williams, where I will transition into an associate position post-graduation. I also serve as Treasurer of the Junior League of Little Rock.

What area of law are you most passionate about, and why?
Corporate law. I continue to be fascinated by the complex legal issues that arise during the normal course of business. I’m grateful to be part of a firm that focuses on this type of work.

What experience at Bowen made a lasting impact on you?
I served as AAWL President last year. Due to our work for AAWL Women’s Week in Spring 2025, we received an award from the NCWBA. That was special because it was a true testament of all the great work the organization does for women. 

Additionally, I’ve always appreciated my part-time class. We’re a tight-knit group and constantly support one another. I’m incredibly grateful to be in the part-time program due to the connections with my classmates and ability to shape one another’s law school journey for the聽better. I hope Bowen continues to support part-time students and enhance their experience.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know 鈥� something that shaped your journey, a challenge you overcame, or a moment you鈥檙e proud of?
I’m generally proud of my resilience. Part-time law school is never easy, but I was able to juggle various leadership positions at Bowen and in my community along with doing well in my coursework. I hope the sponsors of private scholarships know that their contributions were well-placed, and I am excited to contribute to new law students in the future.

Felisha Weaver, director of communications and public relations at the William H. Bowen School of Law, contributed to this story.

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Hill transferred to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in Spring 2020, but a year later, significant medical and personal challenges forced him to pause his studies. Instead of letting that setback define him, he focused on healing, rebuilding his confidence, and advancing in his career. He rose through leadership roles at Chick-fil-A while preparing to return to school to finish what he started.

鈥淭his degree helped me communicate in a clearer and more concise manner 鈥� professionally and personally,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淚t taught me to stand up for myself and others and to create a safer space where people can be themselves.鈥�

Hill鈥檚 belief in the power of communication is shaped by his own early experiences. Born with learning, hearing, and speech disabilities, he once relied on others in everyday life. But his parents refused to let that be his future.

鈥淢y parents were told I鈥檇 never live independently,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hankfully, they didn鈥檛 take 鈥榥o鈥� for an answer and got me the help I needed. Music became a safe environment for me and helped me grow.鈥�

That resilience carried him through his break from school and eventually back to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Through the applied communication program, Hill found tools that strengthened not just his leadership style but also his understanding of how to build healthier, more collaborative environments.

One of the most influential concepts for him was Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM), a communication framework that teaches people how their words and interactions shape the 鈥渟ocial worlds鈥� they create with others. In practice, it emphasizes listening, shared understanding, and building patterns of communication that make relationships stronger and more respectful.

鈥淐MM theory taught me how to create a better social world in my work and personal life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t helped others see who I could be and what I could contribute.鈥�

His growth caught the attention of Chick-fil-A Corporate, in Atlanta, Georgia, which invited him to prepare for the company鈥檚 Leadership Development Program, an opportunity that could lead to franchise ownership. Hill hopes to continue his journey by traveling, teaching future leaders, and eventually owning a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Arkansas.

Hill says, as someone who has 鈥渘avigated school, work, and personal challenges,鈥� he offers straightforward advice to students facing similar obstacles.

鈥淔ind people who push you to be your best,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 needed time away from school for peace and healing, but those people helped me come back. Once I felt stable again, I knew I could complete this.鈥�

Now, as he earns his degree, Hill says he is most proud of completing his goal of simply returning and finishing.

鈥淕etting this degree showcases my strength, determination, and happiness,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his program set me up in the best possible way to continue growing.鈥�

After commencement, Hill plans to continue pursuing Chick-fil-A鈥檚 Leadership Development Program with the goal of becoming an owner-operator in Arkansas. And he already knows the kind of leader he intends to be.

鈥淚 want to show that people who鈥檝e been labeled as less-than can make a positive difference,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to create spaces for growth, opportunity, and giving back to the community that helped raise me 鈥� Little Rock.鈥�

The post Future Leader, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate Demonstrates Resilience appeared first on News.

鈥淚 feel excited and honestly not nervous,鈥� Le said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock has prepared me for life after college very well. I will miss the community here, but I am excited about the opportunities after graduation.鈥�

Le chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for the Donaghey Scholars Program, whose generous scholarships allowed her to complete two business degrees debt-free while staying close to her family. Along the way, she built a strong sense of belonging on campus through faculty and staff mentors who encouraged her growth, both personally and professionally.

Le said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped her build a community of support. Through mentorship from faculty and staff, she learned that while it is important to excel academically, it is just as essential to build meaningful connections and relationships.

During her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Le was a part of many different extracurricular activities using these to help shape her future and what she wanted to do. She was part of the School of Business ambassador, she was part of the student government association and also participated in the Finance and Economics association. These opportunities led her to working full-time at the university her junior and senior year, which better prepared her for future endeavors. 

Le鈥檚 extracurricular activities included Greek life, Student Government Association and School of Business Ambassador (SGA) group. These activities influenced her leadership style and communication with people as well making her a lot more social and confident in herself. She also was able to attend a couple of study abroad programs that helped her. 

The School of Business allowed her the opportunity to go to Argentina, which inspired her to achieve more because she learned how to interact with people of a different culture, and it also allowed her to see how the world operates. It inspired her to look beyond the classroom and workplace.聽

Le鈥檚 favorite part about her career is building meaningful relationships with people. She will be working as the marketing and merchandising manager at a home decor and clothing boutique. 

鈥淢y advice for future students is to have fun,鈥� Le said, 鈥淭ake advantage of all the opportunities 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has to offer. Counseling services, group fitness classes, intramural sports, and more. You never know who you will meet or what new things you will learn!鈥� 

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The commencement ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Jack Stephens Center. Doors open to the public at 8 a.m., and graduates should arrive at Fisher Court by 8:30 a.m. A clear bag policy will be in effect for all attendees. No outside food or beverages will be permitted at the Jack Stephens Center. 

Undergraduate and graduate students from the following colleges will be recognized during the ceremony: 

• College of Business, Health, and Human Services 
• Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education
• William H. Bowen School of Law

Julien Mirivel, professor of applied communication and the 2025 Bailey Foundation Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award winner, will serve as a featured speaker during commencement. 

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will host a graduation cap decorating contest on the , where the public can vote for their favorite design.The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock commencement ceremony will be live-streamed on the commencement website and the .

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