The free trip aimed to inspire the dozen participants to consider graduate school opportunities by exposing them to the cultural and academic opportunities that the city has to offer.

The students who attended the trip include Anaiah Banks, Jakymbriea Burns, Spencer Davis, Sierra Flowers, Angelica Hurtado, Korey Isbell, Maria Lambdin, Mercy Macjones, Nikayla Murphy, Danielle Roundtree, Skylar Sherlock, and Raevyn Walker.

鈥淭he trip to Nashville was by far the best trip I have ever been on!,鈥� said Skylar Sherlock, a senior biology major from Malvern who plans to become a pediatrician. 鈥淢y favorite part would have to be the hockey game, and I would have never guessed that in a million years. It was so fun and now I love hockey. I am so thankful for this experience and appreciate all of the work that went into making this trip possible. The SSS advisors/staff are absolutely incredible and put in so much effort to help their students.鈥�

During the Oct. 25-27 trip, the students toured Fisk University and met with university officials to learn about graduate school opportunities at the university. Additionally, they took a backstage tour and had line dancing lessons at Grand Ole Opry and visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

On the lighter side, the students also visited Centennial Park, attended a Nashville Predators vs Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game, experienced the thrills of a televised game show during the Great Big Game Show, and ate at the Aquarium Restaurant.

“We stayed in a beautiful hotel, learned some line dancing, and enjoyed dinner at Paula Deen鈥檚 restaurant,鈥� said Danielle Roundtree of Little Rock. 鈥淰isiting a college and standing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, where so many incredible performances have happened, was unforgettable. We even played a lively trivia game in a Family Feud-style setup and had a unique dining experience at the Aquarium Restaurant. It was a great mix of good times and great company.”

The trip was especially impactful for Raevyn Walker, a sophomore accounting major, because she already plans to move to Nashville after graduation.

鈥淭he Nashville trip was such an amazing experience!鈥� Walker said. 鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 familiar with the city, so this trip was the perfect opportunity and introduction for me! My favorite stops were the aquarium, hockey game, and HBCU college visit. They were all new and something I had never experienced or seen before. The dean who spoke to us was very inspirational and motivated me to continue striving for a career in finance, especially since it’s scarce to see females in the mathematics field.鈥�

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LeadAR is a leadership program from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference.

鈥淥ur class wanted to be the first to visit the continent of Africa,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淔rom our first initial meeting last year at the 4-H Center in Little Rock, we coined the term 鈥楬arambee,鈥� which is a Swahili word meaning all together. It was our nod to our desire to visit Africa and to make that our international study tour location.鈥�

Members took a in September, where they explored vibrant cities, rich agriculture, and unique cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of Morocco鈥檚 agricultural landscape. They met with a broad array of leaders including ambassadors, farmers, government ministers, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders.

鈥淢orocco has a rich history and beautiful traditions that made it an ideal location,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淲e visited several cities throughout Morocco which provided an in-depth look at the various agricultural industries, village traditions and markets, and religious observances.鈥�

The trip began with a memorable dinner at Rick鈥檚 Caf茅, which was made famous by the movie 鈥淐asablanca.鈥� They visited important historic sites such as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan II Mosque, and the Royal Stables.

The international tour included a large focus on agriculture. They visited the Morocco National College of Agriculture and the Qualipole Ministry of Agriculture to gain insights into Morocco鈥檚 agricultural policies and innovations.

Additionally, they met with Kamal Hidane, the director of rural development for Fes, to learn about rural agricultural practices through the Kansara Rural Development Project, which showcased the cultivation of almonds, olives, and pomegranates.

The trip included memorable experiences like quad biking across dunes and riding camels across the desert.

鈥淢orocco was absolutely amazing! It鈥檚 truly hard to pick a favorite part of the trip but being a country girl, I had a fantastic time riding quads in the Agafay Desert for two hours,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淭he landscape and views were breathtaking, and it was so cool to ride through the mountains and share that experience with my cohort. I also enjoyed riding camels through the desert, visiting a Berber village and making traditional bread, and seeing the beautiful architecture in the mosques.鈥�

The group learned about many local operations, including winemaking, breadmaking, chicken production, leather-making techniques, and the production of Argan oil.

鈥淚t was certainly an experience to visit a leather tannery, and the smell will probably stick with me for a long time but the leather goods were well crafted,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淣avigating the markets and souks was also exciting. I loved visiting the citrus farms and trying fresh fruit from the trees. While the travel was hectic at times, I鈥檓 glad we were able to visit several cities because they were all very unique.鈥�

Nelson鈥檚 graduated from the program Nov. 15, and she is grateful for the experience she鈥檚 had and would encourage others to apply.

鈥淭his experience for the past two years has expanded my career aspirations while also helping to grow both personally and professionally,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淭he connections, interactions, and experiences with my amazing cohort were incredible, and many of us have discussed collaborations in the future for my students and our communities. I also received two marriage proposals while in Morocco, so I may just find myself residing in Morocco in the future! I would definitely like to encourage others to consider applying for future LeadAR cohorts and gaining a similar experience. It was truly the best investment I could鈥檝e made in myself and my career.鈥�

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鈥淭he purpose of the cultural graduate school trip to Chicago was to expand our students’ educational boundaries,鈥� said Dr. Desarae Nelson, director of TRIO Student Support Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淪everal of our students have never been outside of the state, and many have never experienced flying on a plane. We wanted to boost their confidence and drive for success by taking them out of their comfort zone with their TRIO family by their side. That allowed them to have the opportunity to explore career options and interests that they would otherwise not have.鈥�

Students were greeted with a welcome video from Hosea Sanders, an Arkansas native and award-winning broadcast journalist at ABC 7 Chicago. The video encouraged students to be open to possibilities and success in their future endeavors and highlighted some of the ties to Arkansas found in Chicago.

During May 30-June 2, the students toured DePaul University and the University of Chicago. They also visited the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, the Museum of Science and Industry, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, the Smart Museum of Art, the House of Blues, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago. Students had time to see a theater performance, take a guided tour of Chicago, go on a nighttime sightseeing cruise of the city鈥檚 architecture, and take a dinner dance cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago.

鈥淚 saw so much in such a short period of time!鈥� said Steph Currie, a senior sociology major from Jonesboro. 鈥淚 learned about DePaul University鈥檚 graduate programs and the history of that school. I also learned about other cultures from exploring different types of museums. I learned about the history of Chicago, the architecture of the city, and local wildlife. I also got to try local food and learn about the difference in the cost of living. This trip made me decide to apply to grad schools in Chicago and look into moving to the area next year. I am so thankful that TRIO gave us the opportunity to experience Chi-town hospitality.

The trip was led by Nelson, Marty Mayfield, project coordinator, Michita Merriweather and Jarvis Kelly, student development specialists, and Mahesh Thombre, success coordinator.

Students who went on the trip include Akelia Creggett, Alexis McAlister, Anaiah Banks, Andrea Perez Benitez, Chandra Daniels, Danielle Roundtree, Fantacy Mason, Jakymbriea Burns, Jaqueline Ruiz, Julious McGruder, Kaylyn Blaylock, Kennedy Morris, Kenya Daniels, Kristi Kolberg, LaDestiny Hawkins, Marchello Burks, Michaha Moore, Mikalah Moore, Nikayla Murphy, Shaniya York, Sierra Flowers, Stephanie Currie, Taliyah Lane, and Tiffany Bland.

Akelia Creggett, a senior social work major, said that visiting Chicago was an amazing experience.

鈥淚 learned a lot about architectural structures, different cultures, and the rich history of the city,鈥� Creggett said. 鈥淭his trip prepared me for life after graduation by giving me different cultural experiences and by allowing me the opportunity to explore educational institutions that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Now, I feel more equipped to make decisions regarding furthering my education. I would personally like to thank the staff of the Trio Student Support Services for their continuous hard work and dedication to its students.鈥�

SSS is a U.S. Department of Education program designed to provide services for students who are first-generation, low income, and/or have disabilities. It gives students the chance to partake in unique activities they wouldn鈥檛 have access to otherwise, giving the students necessary support and tools to help them succeed.

鈥淎s a support program on campus, we take pride in not only ensuring that our students have information about our graduate school programs and the many benefits for continuing their education here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but also the exposure to other programs that may be a better fit for their degree interests and career desires,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淥ur goal is to expose our students to as many opportunities as we can from scholarships, employment, financial literacy, academic resources, campus and community resources, and to overall support in a family environment.鈥�

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Before beginning his MBA, Thombre had a successful career in human resources (HR), which included serving in the Air Force in India in HR, as well as working as a human resources director in the corporate sector. Thombre was drawn to the field of HR by his empathy for others and desire to empower people to do great things.

鈥淚 believe that my internal desire to help people in whatever small way possible is what started me in the field,鈥� said Thombre. 鈥淚 realized that human connection is at the core of everything we do, and that even with limited resources, we can empower others to achieve impossible feats.鈥�

Thombre, despite having already earned his master鈥檚 in personnel management, decided that the next step in his journey was to go back to school and earn his MBA with a concentration in HR. The COVID-19 pandemic provided him with the push he needed to pursue this dream, and Thombre realized that if he kept postponing his dream, he may never achieve it.

鈥淚 quit my job to become a full-time student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Thombre. 鈥淚t was a difficult choice to make; leaving behind a stable life to become a full-time student was really nerve-wracking. I had moments of self doubt starting this journey. However, with the support and encouragement from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff, I could successfully navigate my academic journey.鈥�

Thombre highlighted the instrumental role that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff played in his success. Student Support Services (SSS) and the School of Business were particularly helpful to him as he navigated this new territory.

鈥淚 got the full support from the excellent faculty and staff. I would like to especially thank Dr. Mark Funk, Dr. Robert Mitchell, and all other faculties who were so supportive and encouraging of my decision to pursue the MBA program. I would also like to thank Dr. David Montague, Dr. Desarae Nelson, and Marty Mayfield from SSS who were constant support in my studies and work.鈥�

During his time in school, Thombre served as a graduate assistant in SSS at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Gradually, he came to realize his passion for motivating and encouraging students. Thombre chose to continue his work with SSS and started in his new position of success coordinator in January 2024.

鈥淚n SSS, I get to connect with diverse demographics of students which I really like. The program supports first-generation and economically underprivileged students in realizing their dreams of acquiring a university degree,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淲hile working as a graduate assistant, I realized that I love to interact and motivate students in pursuit of furthering their education.鈥�

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鈥淚t gives students the opportunity to prepare for life after they graduate,鈥� said Dr. Desarae Nelson, director of TRIO Student Support Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭he trip is important because it opens students up to possibilities to attend graduate school as well as experience cultures from different cities and universities.鈥�

SSS is a U.S. Department of Education program designed to provide services for students who are first-generation, low income, and/or have disabilities. It gives students the chance to partake in unique activities they wouldn鈥檛 have access to otherwise, giving the students necessary support and tools to help them succeed.

The trip was led by Nelson, Marty Mayfield, project coordinator, Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, and Mahesh Thombre, SSS graduate assistant.

鈥淭his well-rounded experience to understand graduate school opportunities as well as balancing the navigation of graduate school via cultural enrichment is the embodiment of preparing students for student success beyond 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� Montague said.

Thombre, an MBA student, said going on the trip gave him incredible experience for the future. After he graduates, he would like to work in a human resources role at an educational institution.

鈥淚 would say that the biggest learning was to gain the understanding of history and the struggles of previous generations to bring us all here,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淚t gives me a lot of energy to pursue my dreams of succeeding in college and complete my degree to work in an organization which helps me contribute to the educational field. I believe that education is the means to rid society of bias and bring everyone to the same platform in a healthy way. Thus, I would like to see myself doing something in the future in the field of education.鈥�

Students who went on the trip include Andrea Perez Benitez, Chandra Daniels, Destiny Coleman, Joshua Rivera, Kenya Daniels, Kayla Phillips, Michaha Moore, Marchello Burks, Raymond Cushman, Richard Schingler, Tyrin Edwards, Tashiba Harris, and YaSheika Hart.

During the June 1-4 trip, students toured Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. They also visited museums and cultural sites like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta鈥檚 Sweet Auburn Historic District, Mary Mac鈥檚 Tea Room, the last of 16 tea rooms in 1940s Atlanta, and Trap Museum, dubbed as the world鈥檚 first hip hop museum.

鈥淢y favorite experiences from the trip were visiting the universities that could be where I would potentially attend next, viewing the different historical sites where I learned more about how much was put into making sure human rights were upheld for everyone no matter what you looked like, and also being able to experience a taste of what another area has to offer to further my higher educational journey,鈥� said Tyrin Edwards, a sophomore nursing major from Beloit, Wisconsin.

Edwards, who plans to become a nurse practitioner in the future, said the trip makes him appreciate the resources that TRIO and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock have put forth to give him opportunities to succeed.

鈥淭he staff in TRIO made the trip excellent by the way they gave guidance, spoke encouraging words, showed love, and treated the group like a family,鈥� Edwards said. 鈥淭his experience has made me truly excited for the future opportunities to come!鈥�

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Nelson joins 20 other talented Arkansans selected for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture鈥檚 leadership program, which provides an in-depth learning experience about economic and social issues impacting the state.

鈥淚 feel like it鈥檚 an excellent program, and I鈥檓 honored to have been selected as a participant of Class 20,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淚 wanted the opportunity to grow as a person individually and professionally and to give back to my community.鈥�

Operated by the Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service, LeadAR was founded in 1984 and originally modeled after the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s leadership training program. LeadAR now has more than 500 alumni serving as leaders in their communities throughout Arkansas.

The program kicked off with a team-building and goal-setting seminar May 24-26 at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center at Little Rock.

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely been a wonderful networking experience so far,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淚鈥檝e already started to implement some of the information I鈥檝e learned from our initial meeting into my team at TRIO Student Support Services. We will have a better understanding of how to capitalize on people鈥檚 strengths and take advantage of people鈥檚 talents.鈥�

Over the next 18 months, Class 20 members will travel to two-day seminars around the state, covering topics such as infrastructure and public health, natural resources, agriculture, livestock, and community and economic development.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to the entire LeadAR program and its affiliation with the Division of Agriculture,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淚 grew up on a small farm, so agriculture and that aspect of our state economy has always been an interest of mine.鈥�

The program includes a national study tour to Washington, D.C. in the fall, where participants will learn about policy development and meet with their congressional delegation to discuss issues impacting their communities. Members will also travel on an international study tour in 2024, where they will learn how international issues and policy decisions impact the United States and Arkansas.

“The overall goal of LeadAR is to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and network they need to make a difference in their communities or organization,” said Julie Robinson, extension associate professor for community, professional, and economic development for the Division of Agriculture. “They will learn about issues affecting rural and urban areas of Arkansas and how the state is interwoven.”

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