The program brings together students from colleges and universities across the state for a yearlong course combining academic learning, civil discussions, practical training, and service-learning experiences. Participants work toward earning the Civic Arkansan Credential, which recognizes a student鈥檚 commitment to tackling societal challenges, promoting civic responsibility, and contributing to the public good.

The academy was developed with input from a statewide advisory committee that includes Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration.

With 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helping to shape the program鈥檚 creation, two of its students are now among the first to experience it firsthand.

Tackett, a junior political science major from North Little Rock, said he is particularly excited about the academy鈥檚 election component.

鈥淚 have always been incredibly interested in campaigns, elections, and how the administration of elections shapes voter participation,鈥� Tackett said. 鈥淯nderstanding the electoral process, from ballot initiatives to polling place accessibility, will help give me a clear picture of what strengthens or limits electoral participation among Arkansans.鈥�

Through the program, Tackett hopes to deepen his understanding of civic engagement strategies and public policy while preparing for a career in public administration.

鈥淢y coursework at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has given me a solid foundation in how our institutions shape public policy and citizen representation,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he Civic Leadership Academy will help me connect government processes with civic needs and gain the professional experience and networking opportunities to bring together academic learning with practical public service.鈥�

Carr, a junior from Paragould double majoring in political science and criminal justice, said he鈥檚 most looking forward to the program鈥檚 service-learning component.

鈥淎pplying the knowledge I鈥檝e gained from my coursework and this program to make a positive impact in the community is exciting to me,鈥� he said.

Carr said the academy鈥檚 emphasis on dialogue and empathy resonates deeply with him.

鈥淚 hope to improve at communicating with and understanding people who disagree with me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 believe America can benefit from more empathy and open dialogue, and that change begins with each individual.鈥�

Carr credits his experience in the School of Public Affairs and the Donaghey Scholars Program with preparing him to think critically and communicate effectively about the issues shaping society. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public policy or political campaigns.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration, praised Tackett and Carr for representing the university in the program鈥檚 first cohort.

鈥�(They) exemplify the very spirit of the program 鈥� motivated, thoughtful, and deeply engaged in public service,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淎s early-entry MPA students and political science majors in the School of Public Affairs, they are already bridging the gap between academic study and applied leadership, translating classroom knowledge into tangible civic impact. Their participation demonstrates the strength of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to cultivating future public servants who think critically, communicate effectively, and act with purpose. Watching these students represent our university in this statewide network affirms the value of experiential civic education and underscores the promise of Arkansas鈥檚 next generation of leaders.鈥�

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy to build civic capacity and develop student leaders who can strengthen communities through dialogue, collaboration, and public service.

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This marks the third consecutive year 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been listed among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs, climbing three spots from its 99th ranking in 2024.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs, credits the ranking to the school鈥檚 commitment to scholarship, service, and community impact.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs by U.S. News & World Report is a meaningful acknowledgment of the important work happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淥ur faculty, staff, and students are deeply committed to public service, evidence-based practice, and community engagement. This recognition highlights the value of preparing the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders who are ready to address the complex challenges facing our communities today.鈥�

Slagle noted that contributing factors to the ranking include an increase in faculty and student publications, conference presentations, service, excellence in teaching recognized through accreditation, and ongoing community engagement.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 MPA program equips students with professional management, analytical, and leadership skills needed for a range of careers in public service. Graduates are prepared to lead in national, state, regional, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

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The exhibition will be open from Sept. 5 through Sept. 27 in the Focus Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 campus, and a reception will be held in the Windgate Center at 5 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 5. Both the reception and the exhibition are free and open to the public.

Slagle joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2017 as a faculty member within the public administration program in the School of Public Affairs. In 2023, he was selected as the director of the School of Public Affairs, which is housed in the . He also served as the director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Survey Research Center from 2019 to 2024.

Along with having an extensive background in academia and research, Slagle is also an artist. He is both a documentarian and a fine-art film photographer.

鈥淚 have been given the unique opportunity to approach visual arts as a professional artist, but also through the lens of a practicing academic scholar,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淚 have used my academic training as a social scientist to visually communicate an understanding of social situations which differ from other photographers鈥� representations of comparable themes.鈥�

Slagle鈥檚 work as a conservation photographer specifically started in 2017 when he documented ecotourism and ranch preservation in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

In 2023, he was named an inaugural member of Catalyze, a program by Mid-America Arts Alliance where he received $10,000 in grant funding to pursue this work.

In partnership with nearly a dozen nonprofits, governmental entities, and institutional partners, 鈥淪cience of Conversation鈥� showcases conservation and sustainability efforts through photography.

The Windgate Center of Art + Design galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays. All 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock galleries are closed on university holidays.

For additional information on the galleries at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu.

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This resounding success not only showcases the collective spirit that defines the university but also highlights the enduring commitment of its community to invest in the institution’s mission and future.

鈥淭his accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our campus community,鈥� said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services and chair of the Campus Campaign. 鈥淩eaching this participation level is not only a numerical success but also speaks to the sense of unity and commitment among our employees. I believe that boosting internal participation is crucial as it positively impacts our external fundraising efforts, creating a strong foundation for the university’s growth and development.鈥�

Reaching this goal speaks to the shared belief in the transformative power of education and the collective impact of small acts of giving. Altogether, nearly 350 university employees donated to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock during 2023.

“The spirited engagement of our dedicated faculty and staff in the Campus Campaign goes beyond monetary contributions,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭his wholehearted internal support significantly fortifies our university’s standing as we approach external donors for major gifts. It communicates a compelling message 鈥� that those intimately connected to the university are wholeheartedly committed to its mission. This collective investment not only enhances our credibility but also amplifies our appeal when seeking external funds. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff, faculty, and administrators who played instrumental roles in organizing this year’s campaign. With the capable assistance of Laterika Tooks and Kristi Smith, it became a total team effort. Witnessing such collaboration makes me immensely proud to be a Trojan.”

The university owes a special thanks to the dedicated employees who helped lead the Campus Campaign effort across campus. Campus Campaign Steering Committee members included Assadi, Mark Baillie, Shelia Brooks, Sikia Brown, Jessie Burchfield, Anthony Buttrum, Katrina Christopher, Reed Claiborne, Shannon Collier-Tenison, andre cummings, Joe Felan, Tyler Harrison, Carrie Phillips, Derek Slagle, Judy Staley, Joanne Matson, Brandy Dixon, and Emily Bell.

Campus Campaign Ambassadors included Katie Helms, Dawn Johnson, Sadie Lea, Monica Meadows, Leisa Myles, Vanessa Whitman, Angela Willis, April Chatham-Capenter, Mercades Parker, Bobbie Handcock, Salina Ables, Reteisha Byrd, Morgan Leyenberger, Mohammad Goodarzi, Keith Harris, Mary French, Rachel Mercado, Belinda Nix, Cynthia Dedner, Al Baker, Jennifer Lampkin, Anne Turner, Grace Zafasi, and Mary Tillman.

鈥淭he dedication of our Steering Committee and Campus Ambassadors was evident throughout the campus, and I had the opportunity to observe the effort they invested behind the scenes,鈥� said Laterika Tooks, director of annual giving at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淚 feel fortunate to collaborate with numerous faculty and staff members who are enthusiastic about their roles and committed to the development and achievement of this university.鈥�

A total of 18 campus departments achieved 100 percent giving in 2023, which is 50 percent more than 2022.

Those departments include Alumni and Development, Applied Communication, the Bursar鈥檚 Office, the Chancellor鈥檚 Office, Concurrent Enrollment, Counseling Services, Disability Resource Center, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Financial Services, Institute of Chief Data Officers, Mail Services, Marketing and Communications, Office of Military Student Success, Sequoyah National Research Center, Study Abroad, Student Retention Initiatives, Testing and Student Life Research, and the Trojan Transition and Assistance Center.

Bobbie Handcock, a web content specialist who served as a campus ambassador, said that she likes to donate to causes like the Trojan Food Pantry or to help buy caps and gowns for graduating students.

鈥淚 work at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I鈥檓 also a graduate student,鈥� Handcock said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been able to see things from a student鈥檚 perspective and talk with my classmates about challenges that they may face. I know how important it is to have support 鈥� both financially and academically. The Campus Campaign generates funds to help students succeed and reach their goals.鈥�

As a campus campaign ambassador, Handcock explained how a gift to the university is an investment in future leaders, innovators, and professionals.

鈥淏y donating, you can help provide scholarships, financial aid, and resources to students who might not otherwise have the means to pursue a college education,鈥� Handcock said. 鈥淏y contributing, you can help feed someone who is hungry or clothe someone who needs business attire for a job interview. I shared ways that they could support the campaign, including purchasing a legacy brick, giving to an area that means the most to them or giving a gift-in-kind such as to the Trojan Career Closet. I encouraged them to remember that it doesn鈥檛 matter what you give, as long as you give.鈥�

The gifts are a part of the Centennial Campaign, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 fundraising campaign to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. The Campus Campaign was part of a cumulative fundraising year that netted more than $22 million for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Visit to learn more about the Centennial Campaign.

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The MPA program was in the U.S. News 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools list for Best Public Affairs Programs. This is the highest ranking the program has ever received from U.S News, moving up from the 111th ranking in 2022.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs, said that there are many factors contributing to the move up in rankings, including an increase in publications and conference presentations by students and faculty, increased service in the department, and more participation in community programs.

鈥淚t is great to see our program being recognized by U.S. News and World Report,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淭he top 100 ranking for Schools of Public Affairs, Public Administration, and Public Policy is a credit to our faculty and teaching staff, our school鈥檚 academic scholarship and applied research impact, and the students in our programs. Our program ranking has steadily been increasing year to year regarding reputation and impact.鈥�

The MPA program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provides professional management, analytical, and leadership skills, as the understanding of public policy issues needed for management and policy positions in national, state, regional, and local government, and the nonprofit sector.

鈥淲e are glad for the increasing recognition of what our MPA program alums have long known, that the MPA program prepares students for success in a wide variety of administrative professions,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淜udos to the faculty and staff for their consistent excellence.鈥�

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鈥淚 am thrilled to be able to lead the School of Public Affairs, and I am very honored to have been selected by my colleagues for this position,鈥� said Slagle, who previously served as director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Survey Research Center. 鈥淚 am really looking forward to the next chapter. I hope to expand the reach of the School of Public Affairs, increase enrollment, and advance educational and research capacities for the school.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs brings together academic, applied research, and training units that share a focus on government, politics, nonprofit organizations, and public service. This includes the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium, which provides management training for leaders in the government and nonprofit organizations, and the state鈥檚 only academic survey research center.

Housed in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, the School of Public Affairs is home to the Master of Public Administration, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management, as well as minors in nonprofit leadership studies and legal studies. The school鈥檚 undergraduate programs of study include political science with tracks in law and international studies. The school contains 10 faculty members and about 200 students.

鈥淎s a faculty member and director of the Survey Research Center, Dr. Slagle has made innumerable contributions to the School of Public Affairs,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淲e are so pleased to have him in the director position to continue to build the School through his leadership.鈥�

Slagle鈥檚 vision for the School of Public Affairs is for it to become the state鈥檚 premier educational research center for public affairs and civic engagement.

鈥淚 want to make sure we are educating Arkansas鈥檚 future leaders, keep expanding our world class research, become more engaged in the community and with stakeholders, and provide excellent teaching,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to expand partnerships in the state and help the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium and the Survey Research Center continue to grow. My goal is to have the School of Public Affairs be the first stop for training, research, education, and community engagement for public affairs in the state of Arkansas.鈥�

Recently promoted to the rank of associate professor of public administration, Slagle joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little in 2017. He is serving his second term as a commissioner for the Governor鈥檚 Advisory Commission for National Service and Volunteerism.

His education and training include a doctorate in public administration, a master鈥檚 degree in health administration, and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology He is enrolled in the executive program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Slagle鈥檚 academic scholarship is recognized nationally in the areas of public affairs education, higher education administration, and health policy. His applied research has been particularly impactful in the state of Arkansas. Since joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, he has contracted with more than 20 different state agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit companies on applied research projects. His applied research has covered key topic areas such as occupational licensing, collegiate substance use and school safety, community service-learning, environmental conservation, public health, and international philanthropy.

He has worked for the Arkansas House of Representatives and assisted the Arkansas Governor鈥檚 Red Tape Reduction Working Group and the Occupational Licensure Reform Sustainability group. At the same time, he served as a state lead for Occupational Licensing Policy Learning Consortium, a project supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and managed jointly by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and the National Governors Association鈥檚 Center for Best Practices.

Slagle has published 19 academic articles, an edited book, 36 technical reports, and presented research at 41 conferences or invited lectures. In addition to his academic achievements, Slagle is an accomplished photographer with his work exhibited broadly in museums, publications, and exhibitions. His 2023-2024 photographic endeavors will be supported by a program grant from the Mid-America Arts Alliance and supported by the Windgate Foundation.

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As one of the inaugural members of , a new program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, Slagle will receive a $10,000 grant as well as professional development training designed to meet the needs of working artists. The program is designed to ignite the careers of artists who reside in eligible central Arkansas countries through funding, mentorship, and management.

鈥淚 am really thrilled to be a part of the Catalyze program,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淚 often write academic grant proposals, and it is great to receive one for my photographic work. The program is unique because it will provide us with professional development, networking, and education opportunities as well as funding to pursue our artistic projects.鈥�

Unlike many other grant programs, these practice-based grants are not specific to one art project, but rather to the artist鈥檚 overall creative practice. Funds can be used for any purpose that supports the continued development of their creative work. From studio rent, to childcare, to equipment, the awards aim to support artists in their processes, with an understanding that artists know what resources they need to let their creative work soar.

鈥淭raditionally artist grants are given for discrete projects to be completed in specific parameters,鈥� said Diane Scott, director of artist services at Mid-America Arts Alliance. 鈥淭hose are great, but often what artists need to really impact their careers is just what traditional businesses need: equipment, capacity-building, or research and development. This gift from the Windgate Foundation will allow these artists to strategically invest in what they need at this moment to take the next steps in their careers. It鈥檚 a real game-changer.鈥�

Through the application process, artists were selected on the basis of their artistry, intended use and impact of the funding in their art practice, and the creation of a balanced peer cohort. Artists demonstrated a desire to participate in a multidisciplinary peer-based learning cohort, attended a professional development retreat June 24鈥�25,, and will receive ongoing small group support and mentorship throughout the following year.

Slagle, a fine-art film photographer, is covering environmental conservation narratives primarily in the Southern and Midwestern areas of the United States. He will use the Catalyze grant to photograph partnerships with nonprofits and governmental entities for documentation of the science of conservation practices.

Slagle is going old school for this photographic project, using a 1940s Speed Graphic camera and Aero Ektar lens that utilizes large-format film. The specialty film must be ordered online, but Slagle said it gives his work a 鈥渢otally unique look.鈥� He develops, prints, and digitally scans all the photographs himself.

鈥淯sing a large-format film camera from the 1940s makes you slow down and be really intentional with every photo,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淥ne of the photo sessions encompassed a whole day鈥檚 work, and I only took 12 pictures. You really have to think through every shot.鈥�

So far, Slagle has photographed beekeepers, bird conservation groups, ranchers, and a feral hog eradication hunt, but he鈥檚 on the lookout for other opportunities to photograph sustainability and conservation efforts around the state.

Slagle鈥檚 photographs can be viewed at . Eventually, he would like to turn the photography project into a museum and/or gallery exhibition as well as publish his photographs in a book.

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