What he found went far beyond financial support.

Knight, a double major in electrical and computer engineering, and physics, said he initially struggled to connect socially after arriving on campus.. Living in the residence halls, especially his time in North Hall, became a turning point. Surrounded by peers and immersed in new experiences, he gradually grew into someone confident, curious, and eager to engage with others.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock fostered an environment where I was able to learn to engage with my community,鈥� Knight said. 鈥淭hrough that, I was able to find a great number of opportunities.鈥� 

That growth proved transformative. Through connections he built on campus, Knight secured internships, including a NASA internship through the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium experience that helped define his career path.

Rather than pointing to a single breakthrough moment, Knight credits his success to steady, incremental growth.

鈥淢y growth comes in small steps,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 lot of small things have clicked over time.鈥� 

A key influence throughout that journey was the Donaghey Scholars community. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded students helped normalize ambition and reinforced his own goals.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a struggle to aim high when you feel like you鈥檙e the only one on that path,鈥� Knight said. 鈥淏ut when your closest friends are passionate about their fields, it feels almost natural.鈥� 

Knight also found hands-on learning to be essential. Lab-based and project-focused courses gave him the ability to engage deeply with material and strengthen his academic foundation. Combined with internships earned through campus connections, these experiences prepared him for life beyond graduation.

Outside the classroom, Knight believes his greatest impact came through supporting others.

鈥淐ollege has been the toughest time of my life filled with adversity, and I know I鈥檓 not alone in that,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing there for others鈥hen done consistently over time can have a profound impact.鈥� 

Like many students, Knight faced challenges, especially staying motivated with coursework. But being surrounded by peers working through the same struggles made a difference.

鈥淪truggling can be tough, but it鈥檚 a lot easier when you鈥檙e doing it with others,鈥� he said. 

Through study abroad experiences and conversations with a diverse campus community, Knight broadened his perspective and strengthened his sense of purpose. Now, as he prepares to graduate, he sees the future as wide open.

鈥淕raduating means I finally have the freedom to find my path in the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd that is extremely exciting.鈥� 

As he graduates, Knight plans to pursue a career in engineering, building on the hands-on experience, technical skills, and professional network he developed at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

His advice to future Trojans reflects the mindset that guided his own journey: stay open, step outside your comfort zone, and invest in personal growth.

鈥淲hen you do those things,鈥� he said, 鈥測ou鈥檒l find yourself in places and situations you would never expect, and that鈥檚 where life-changing opportunities happen.鈥�

The post From Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

Hodge, a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Manatt, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, were both introduced to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through athletics. Hodge competes in jumps for Little Rock Track and Field, while Manatt is a pole vaulter.

The couple will compete on the day of the university鈥檚 official commencement ceremony but plan to participate in the Athletics ceremony the following Monday. Their wedding is set for Thursday, May 21.

鈥淚 am absolutely stoked to start this new chapter. I鈥檓 going to miss vaulting and running track, having a team, etc., but this new chapter is so exciting! Having a degree and chasing another, and getting to do that with my wife鈥攕ign me up!鈥� Manatt said.

Hodge learned of the Donaghey Scholars Program and decided to apply to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 was drawn to the scholarship opportunities, the chance to compete in track and field at the collegiate level, and the opportunity to study abroad through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program,鈥� Hodge said. 鈥淏ecause of the DSHP funding and study abroad, I was able to continue studying Spanish in addition to my biology and pre-med studies, which has opened so many doors and allowed me to pursue new volunteer opportunities in the medical field that I would otherwise not have been able to.鈥� 

Manatt said his understanding of the university expanded during his athletic visit.

鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 until I came on my athletic visit that I learned about all the opportunities like Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps (CLC), Chi Alpha, and so much more. I fell in love with how close-knit the track team was and how much the coaches and admin really cared for the program and all the athletes,鈥� Manatt said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock has so many opportunities for students to graduate with no student loans, and with grad school in mind, that was huge for my family,鈥� 

Hodge is graduating with a double major in Spanish and biology, while Manatt is graduating with a degree in biology.

鈥淭hrough personal and volunteering experiences, I came to see a significant need for compassionate, culturally competent healthcare in our communities and realized that medical school will give me the opportunity to one day fill this need,鈥� Hodge said.

Sutton was inspired to pursue physical therapy during his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 wanted to help people like me who have had injuries, back problems, health issues鈥攁ll of the above. I want to be someone who can make a difference. In my years here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I鈥檝e had so many different injuries, but each one of them I鈥檝e been able to come back stronger because of our ATs (athletic trainers) and PTs (physical therapists),鈥� Manatt said.

Both Hodge and Manatt reflected on moments during their time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock that made them especially proud. For Hodge, studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, stands out as a defining experience.

鈥淥ne moment that has made me especially proud academically and personally was when I studied abroad in Valencia, Spain. After a couple weeks, I was able to confidently navigate the city and get to class, and I realized that I was actively living in a dream that I never thought I would be brave enough to make a reality,鈥� Hodge said. 

鈥淢y time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock greatly increased my confidence in my abilities, thanks to every professor who poured into me and encouraged me along the way,鈥� she said.

Manatt pointed to his success with the track and field team as a source of pride.

鈥淥ne thing that I鈥檓 especially proud of is the three Track and Field championship rings that I get to wear. Being a part of a winning team was always something I dreamed of, especially on the D1 level.鈥� Manatt said.

鈥淭he bond that I鈥檝e created with my guys on the team is something I鈥檒l cherish and never forget,鈥� he said.

They shared that the close bond with their team will be what they miss most after graduation.

鈥淚 am definitely going to miss getting to live and train and study with this group of people that are more like family than friends at this point, and I think it will be a big transition to not always have my workout and study buddies with me everywhere I go,鈥� Hodge said.

鈥淢y circle of guys that I鈥檓 around most are so influential in my life. A few are going to be in my wedding, and many more are guys I know I can call at any time, and they will have my back or be there for me in an instant,鈥� Manatt said.

After graduation, the couple will be moving to Oklahoma. Both have been accepted into the University of Oklahoma, where Hodge will attend medical school and Manatt will pursue physical therapy school.

As they prepare for their move to Oklahoma, both reflect on the significance of being closer to family in this next chapter.

鈥淒uring our time here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we have been able to spend more time with Sutton鈥檚 family, and it has been such a joy and blessing to have their support and get to know them over the past four years. I am really excited now to have that same opportunity with my family during our next chapter of life, and I hope that Sutton will be as encouraged by the support and love from my family during PT school as I was by his family during undergrad,鈥� Hodge said.

鈥淚 joked with Sutton a couple of years ago that we would spend our undergraduate years here in Little Rock, in his home state and near his family, and then it would be his turn to live in my home state near my family for the next four years, so it is pretty funny to me that that is exactly how it has worked out,鈥� she said.

鈥淚鈥檝e been so lucky to be close to home these past four years, being from Hot Springs. I鈥檝e gotten to be at family events and watch my little brother grow up and be at his baseball games. It鈥檚 been really nice having them just an hour away, but I know Ragen has missed her family so much. Any chance we get to go up to OK and see her family, we always come back to school so rejuvenated and relaxed. I鈥檓 so happy that we get to spend the next four or so years closer to her family so we can give her family the same thing my parents have had the last four years,鈥� Manatt said.

The post A Milestone Week: Graduation, Championships, and 鈥淚 Do鈥� for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Couple appeared first on News.

鈥淗onestly, pure shock,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ithin a matter of two minutes, I was surrounded by my closest friends hugging me.鈥�

The moment quickly turned into something else. Her first thought was to call her parents.

鈥淎s first-generation immigrants who built our lives from the ground up, they have sacrificed the world for me,鈥� she said.

Neupane is the winner of the Whitbeck Memorial Award. Established in memory of Edward Lynn Whitbeck, a senior at Little Rock University who passed away in 1965, the award was created by Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck to recognize exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Recipients receive a plaque, a monetary award, and deliver a speech at the spring commencement ceremony. She is completing degrees in biology and chemistry while spending more than three years conducting research in Dr. Noureen Siraj鈥檚 lab. Neupane’s work focused on developing gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapies, and she presented her research at national conferences, including the American Chemical Society. Neupane was recently selected as a semifinalist in America鈥檚 Startup, an official program of America250 that highlights emerging innovators from across the country.

Her research and entrepreneurial vision have also earned national recognition.

Born in Nepal, Neupane moved to the United States as a child and grew up relocating as her father pursued his Ph.D. She said those early experiences shaped her ability to adapt and build community, something that carried into her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

She chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, which offered the kind of interdisciplinary education she was looking for. Its proximity to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provided the research and clinical opportunities to match.

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she did both.

Her interest in medicine started long before college.

As a child, she dealt with years of chronic, undiagnosed pain while her family navigated the healthcare system without insurance. She said many doctors dismissed her symptoms until one physician took the time to listen and advocate for her, leading to the diagnosis of a tumor that was later removed.

鈥淭hat experience changed how I see medicine,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want to be someone who listens and advocates for patients who feel overlooked.鈥�

Her perspective is also shaped by her family鈥檚 experiences. She recalls stories about her grandfather, who died in a rural village in Nepal where access to medical care was limited. During an internship in Kathmandu, she saw similar challenges firsthand while working in a hospital with limited resources.

That focus on access and advocacy has guided her work on campus.

Neupane served as president of the Pre-Health Club and co-president of the American Chemical Society student organization, helping students prepare for careers in healthcare and STEM. She also worked with the Committee on Racial Equity for Students to support her peers.

鈥淭o me, impact is about making the path clearer for the students coming after me,鈥� she said.

Balancing research, leadership, and service required discipline. Neupane said she relied on the values her family instilled in her, along with a strong sense of purpose.

鈥淭here were times I questioned myself,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I kept coming back to why I started.鈥�

She credits faculty mentors across campus for helping her navigate challenges and grow as a student and leader, along with a close group of peers who supported her throughout her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Looking back, she said those challenges helped her better understand the importance of community.

鈥淭hey showed me that I was never doing it alone,鈥� she said.

Receiving the Whitbeck Award, she said, is a reflection of that journey and the broader impact of her work.

鈥淚t means the world to know that the energy I poured into this campus was seen,鈥� she said.

After graduation, Neupane will attend the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine as part of the Class of 2030. She plans to pursue a career that combines clinical care, research, and community advocacy.

鈥淚 want to be a physician who takes the time to listen,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what made the difference for me.鈥�

The post Whitbeck Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine appeared first on News.

Tarpley, a native of Russellville, spent two months working with , where he helped transform raw land surveying data into detailed design files that engineers use to plan infrastructure projects.

鈥淚 was initially hesitant about going, but I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,鈥� Tarpley said. 鈥淚 had never been out of the country before, and I didn鈥檛 want to miss the chance to see the world, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally.鈥�

Through World Endeavors, a global internship program, Tarpley secured a position with TST Engineering, where he gained hands-on experience in land surveying and digital modeling. He worked with advanced tools like laser scanning software and ground-penetrating radar technology to map project sites and detect materials within structures. These are technologies he had never encountered in the U.S. before.

鈥淭hey would bring me the data points collected by the survey machines, and I would simulate the points and draw where manholes, fences, and other topographic features were,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭hat way, the engineers could reference the file and design around these obstacles. It really helped me understand how the data collection connects to the design process and bridged the gap between the two.鈥�

The experience also deepened Tarpley鈥檚 understanding of engineering from an international perspective. He collaborated with colleagues from Ireland, France, Turkey, and Brazil, learning how engineering, design, and construction differ across countries.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just working with people who think and act like you,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a new level of communication. I had to focus on how I explained things and learned how others approached problems differently. That experience will make me a better engineer.鈥�

A Hands-On Approach to Career Readiness

The internship aligned closely with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 emphasis on experiential learning. Civil and construction engineering students are required to complete 800 hours of work experience before graduation, a requirement that Tarpley says is critical for career readiness.

鈥淵ou鈥檒l never be able to analyze every situation just by what a textbook says,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been out there and encountered things that aren鈥檛 covered in the classroom. That kind of experience is invaluable for understanding how work happens in the real world.鈥�

Tarpley鈥檚 time in Dublin also reinforced his career goals. When he graduates in May 2027, he plans to continue working with, the professional services firm where he is currently employed as an engineering intern.

While the internship was the centerpiece of his summer abroad, Tarpley also took full advantage of his time in Europe. On weekends, he explored Ireland鈥檚 natural beauty in seaside towns like Howth and Bray, hiked scenic trails, and visited historic cities including Galway.

He also traveled beyond Ireland, exploring Stirling, Edinburg, Brussels, Paris, Rome, Heidelberg, and Lucerne, and even attended the British Open Golf Tournament. One highlight was visiting Heidelberg, Germany, where his mother is originally from.

鈥淭he architecture in Heidelberg was beautiful. It felt like walking through a fairytale,鈥� Tarpley said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something about Dublin and Galway too. They were just a joy to be in. When everyone around you is having a good time, you are too.鈥�

Looking back, Tarpley says the experience not only taught him valuable professional skills but also changed the way he views the world and his future.

鈥淚t was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ven though I was hesitant to go at first, I will never regret it. I learned about different lifestyles, gained new perspectives, and it even made me appreciate what I have here at home. It鈥檚 something I鈥檒l carry with me for the rest of my life.鈥�

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Tarpley is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and vice president of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he helps students prepare for intense competitions that involve building concrete canoes and steel bridges. These competitions provide students with additional opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Whether designing infrastructure in Arkansas or collaborating on projects abroad, Tarpley is confident that the skills and perspectives he gained in Dublin will shape his career for years to come.

鈥淪tudying and working abroad showed me how engineering is done differently around the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an experience that will stay with me as I continue building my career.鈥�

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Gains Global Experience Through Internship in Ireland appeared first on News.

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. 

The post Pursuing Medical Dreams Starting at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 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� 

The post Upcoming Graduate Ready for Business appeared first on News.

This fall, his hard work and dedication were recognized once again when he received a from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Education Foundation for the second year in a row.

A native of Van Buren, Arkansas, Burns is also pursuing a minor in mathematics and is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. He plans to graduate in May 2026 and pursue a career in structural engineering after passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Structural exam.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to receive this scholarship for the second year in a row,鈥� Burns said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to know that my hard work is being recognized, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my studies.鈥�

The scholarship has allowed him to focus more on his coursework and campus involvement. At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Burns serves as an officer in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, where he contributes to student professional development and networking opportunities.

Outside the classroom, Burns has gained valuable industry experience through internships and research. For the past three years, he has interned with W&W|AFCO Steel, performing weld inspections, calculating project estimates, and drafting structural designs. Last summer, he traveled to Ontario, Canada, to conduct research under Dr. Khashayar Ghandi at the University of Guelph in collaboration with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada, where he studied materials used in nuclear reactors.

Burns credits his success to consistency and the support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 dedicated faculty members and his mentors at W&W|AFCO Steel.

鈥淪howing up every day and consistently putting forth the effort to succeed has been key,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t also helps having exceptional faculty at this university, such as Dr. Jessica Scott and Stuart Scheiderer, P.E., who have provided recommendation letters the past two application cycles. I would also like to extend a thank you to Rick Cooper, chairman and CEO, and Grady Harvell, president and COO, of W&W|AFCO Steel.鈥�

The AISC Education Foundation awarded $235,000 in scholarships this year to 58 students nationwide. These awards support juniors, seniors, and graduate students studying civil engineering, architectural engineering, construction engineering, materials/metallurgical engineering, construction management, and architecture.

鈥淭hanks to the generosity of the industry and the AEC community, we were able to distribute roughly $35,000 more than last year, and we鈥檙e providing support for three more students,鈥� said Maria Mnookin, AISC director of foundation programs. 鈥淏ut these students are more than numbers, and the impact of our donors goes far beyond dollar signs. This generation will make a difference in the world, and it鈥檚 always an honor to help them get started.鈥�

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Earns Second AISC Scholarship While Building Experience in the Field appeared first on News.

Wynne-Hudson, an ASL/English interpretation major from Joplin, Missouri and member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, spent five weeks in Montevideo, Uruguay, studying Latin American history and culture, the social dimensions of health in Latin America, and experiencing the country鈥檚 vibrant culture firsthand. He participated in the summer program at Universidad ORT Uruguay, the country鈥檚 largest private research university, in May and June.

鈥淲hen I started looking into study abroad programs, I didn鈥檛 have a specific destination in mind,鈥� Wynne-Hudson said. 鈥淏ecause my major is in American Sign Language, my options were more limited, but I wanted something that was culturally relevant and interesting. The more I learned about Uruguay 鈥� from its renewable energy efforts to its high literacy rate and great quality of life 鈥� the more I wanted to experience it for myself.鈥�

The university鈥檚 study abroad program combined academic coursework with rich cultural immersion. Wynne-Hudson and his classmates toured Montevideo鈥檚 Ciudad Vieja 鈥淥ld City,鈥� a historic area filled with art, architecture, and street vendors. They explored Sierra de Minas, where Wynne-Hudson faced his fears on a ziplining adventure and learned about Uruguay鈥檚 elaborate tea rituals by preparing yerba mate. Other excursions included visits to the Parliament building, the zoo, and several local food tastings.

鈥淢ontevideo is such a vibrant city,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can walk around and find new events, new people, and new things to do every day. I especially loved the street markets, called ferias. I鈥檓 really into antiques, and I ended up finding a lot of antiques and vinyl records.鈥�

Living in an apartment during his stay gave Wynne-Hudson a firsthand look at daily life in Uruguay as well as an opportunity to navigate language barriers.

鈥淟iving in a place where Spanish isn鈥檛 my first language was sometimes daunting, but it was also incredibly rewarding,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t pushed me to improve my communication skills and become more adaptable, which is really important in my future career.鈥�

Wynne-Hudson said one of the most valuable parts of the experience was learning how to overcome communication challenges 鈥� a skill that鈥檚 essential for interpreters.

鈥淭his trip really helped me get more familiar with how to handle communication barriers,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 such an important part of interpreting, and it鈥檚 something I couldn鈥檛 have learned as effectively in a classroom.鈥�

The experience also took Wynne-Hudson beyond Uruguay鈥檚 borders. He visited Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he toured museums and connected with Argentinian Sign Language interpreters.

鈥淚t was fascinating to see the similarities and differences in sign language use,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 recognized a lot of the signs, and talking with them gave me new insights into how sign language is used in other countries.鈥�

For Wynne-Hudson, the trip was a transformative journey that expanded his worldview and prepared him for his future as an interpreter.

鈥淏eing immersed in another culture and navigating communication differences gave me tools that will help me throughout my career,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t would be amazing to go back someday with the benefit of hindsight and everything I learned on this trip.鈥�

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student Broadens Horizons Through Study Abroad in Uruguay appeared first on News.

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.

The post Two 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students Selected for Inaugural Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy appeared first on News.

Carr, a Paragould native, is a double major in political science and criminal justice and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. This summer, he interned in the Little Rock office of , R-Ark., where he spent five weeks assisting with constituent services, writing letters, answering phone calls, and attending meetings with local leaders. He also accompanied staff members to community events across the state.

鈥淚 spent half of my time in the office and half of it out,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淚 would answer questions for constituents, help with casework, and go to meetings with mayors, state representatives, and different interest groups. My favorite part was meeting with members of the community and seeing the impact it makes. You don鈥檛 think about politicians going out and meeting with groups like Arkansas Disability Rights and hearing what their thoughts are on bills. Being able to help members of the community be heard was really meaningful.鈥�

Carr said attending the was one of his most memorable moments. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission host this conference so people can learn about programs and services available to assist rural communities and their leaders with development, planning, and revitalization efforts.

鈥淚t was my second day on the job, and I had a VIP lanyard,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t felt pretty special as an intern. I shadowed our field representative and took notes on the event.鈥�

The internship gave Carr practical insight into how government functions at the local, state, and federal levels.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to interact with members of the community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to serve the public, and this showed me how the public鈥檚 needs can be addressed by different levels of government. We鈥檝e studied it in class but seeing it in action was really cool.鈥�

Following his internship, Carr traveled abroad for a four-week summer program at the , where he studied international relations and comparative criminal justice.

鈥淚t was interesting to see international relations taught from a European perspective,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淚t helped me to think creatively and critically and to consider things from a different point of view. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds was also helpful. I got over my culture shock pretty fast, and it was amazing to build friendships with people from around the world.鈥�

Carr鈥檚 time abroad included field trips to St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, as well as a tour of a decommissioned nuclear bunker. He also went hiking in the mountains around Stirling and sampled traditional Scottish dishes.

鈥淚 really enjoyed haggis and fish and chips,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淢y professor would teach us a Scottish word of the day, which was fun. Their accent changes a lot depending on where you are in Scotland, and it was interesting to hear how much of the Scots language is still part of everyday life.鈥�

Carr credits the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program for supporting him throughout the process.

鈥淭he Donaghey Scholars program was a huge help in all of this,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey helped me plan and get into the study abroad program, and they also provided a recommendation for my internship. They made both of these amazing opportunities possible.鈥�

Carr, who plans to graduate in May 2027, hopes to pursue a career working in policy or political campaigns.

鈥淭his summer showed me that I鈥檓 on the right path,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to keep serving the public and making sure people鈥檚 voices are heard.鈥�

The post Braden Carr Builds Skills Through Summer Internship and Study Abroad in Scotland appeared first on News.