Economic Impact - News - 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock /news/tag/economic-impact/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:08:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 鈥嬧嬏切腣log传媒 Little Rock’s School of Education Among Best Programs in Country /news/2025/10/28/best-education-program/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92195 A recent online study places 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Education among the best places to receive an undergraduate degree in education in the region. The study was conducted by ... 鈥嬧嬏切腣log传媒 Little Rock’s School of Education Among Best Programs in Country

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A recent online study places 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Education among the best places to receive an undergraduate degree in education in the region.

was conducted by online education website , a resource for individuals pursuing a career in teaching. The study placed 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Education among the 35 best to receive an undergraduate degree in the west south central region of the country, comprising institutions in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Among the highlights of the program, the study cited the school鈥檚 student success rate with a 94 percent passing rate on the Praxis II, a test that measures the knowledge and skills one needs to become a certified teacher. The passing rate is among the best in the country. 

The study also noted that the School of Education offers online and on-campus courses for undergraduate teaching programs in elementary and special education, and offers middle education degree paths in social studies, language arts, mathematics, and science.聽

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Education is built on a foundation of success, providing students with knowledge to teach K-12, and higher education, as well as preparing students for educational leadership roles. 

鈥淲e are honored to be recognized as one of the top bachelor’s-level teaching programs in the country,鈥 said Dr. Rachel Eells, Windgate endowed director of the School of Education. 鈥淭his distinction reflects the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum, and our deep commitment to preparing exceptional educators who will make a lasting impact in classrooms across Arkansas and beyond.鈥

The program also offers graduate-level courses with three licensure programs and five graduate certificate programs that will help enhance teaching skills with concentrations in curriculum and instruction, gifted and talented education, reading, and information systems technology education.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Adds New Corporate Partnerships to Portfolio /news/2025/08/19/new-corporate-partners-2/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:58:00 +0000 /news/?p=92119 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is proud to announce the addition of 13 new members to the Corporate Partnerships Program. These members have entered into a unique partnership ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Adds New Corporate Partnerships to Portfolio

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is proud to announce the addition of 13 new members to the Corporate Partnerships Program. These members have entered into a unique partnership with the university, and are committed to strengthening relationships in the community. The program enables partnering employees to begin or finish an undergraduate or graduate degree while continuing to work for their employer.

鈥淲e are proud to welcome these new partners to the program as we work to develop the next generation of leaders in the Arkansas workforce,鈥 said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淭he success of the Corporate Partnerships Program allows us to continue to add to our vibrant roster of committed business partners to create affordable, quality educational opportunities for their employees.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has more than 120 partnerships with Arkansas businesses, organizations, and corporations. The latest group of partners includes financial institutions in Relyance Bank and TMB Capital Partners, healthcare partners in Mena Regional Health System and the Bradley County Medical Center, along with The Root Cafe, the Arkansas Secretary of State鈥檚 office, the Pulaski County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and a variety of engineering, tech, and financial institutions.

Over 57,000 people in Arkansas鈥檚 workforce are eligible to receive educational benefits at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through the Corporate Partnerships Program. More than 400 students are already taking advantage of these scholarships to pursue an affordable and accessible education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Employees who wish to participate in these new corporate partnerships will receive a 10-percent tuition scholarship, a $25-per-credit-hour textbook scholarship, and a waived application fee when they enroll in undergraduate and graduate classes at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 newest corporate partners include:

  1. Arkansas Business Publishing Group
  2. Arkansas Secretary of State
  3. Bradley County Medical Center
  4. Essick Air Products
  5. Garver
  6. Good Seven Management LLC
  7. Independent Case Management鈥擨CM
  8. Mena Regional Health System
  9. Nelson Intelligence Solutions LLC
  10. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
  11. Relyance Bank
  12. The Root Cafe
  13. TMB Capital Partners

Adding these businesses and organizations to the Corporate Partnerships Program will help enhance the university鈥檚 partnerships with other great central Arkansas employers that provide higher educational opportunities for working adults. 

These new corporate partners join a list of organizations who have already joined the program, including the Arkansas Departments of Corrections, Education, Finance & Administration, the Capital Hotel, CARTI, Conway Regional Medical Center and Conway Rehabilitation Hospital, along with the Mayflower and Sheridan School Districts, Stone Bank, Trio鈥檚 Restaurant, and more. 

Those interested in learning more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnerships Program may visit the Corporate Partnerships website for more information. Companies interested in becoming a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock corporate partner should email Matthew Bellew, corporate partnerships coordinator, at msbellew@ualr.edu.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business to Host 14th Annual Golf Tournament /news/2025/04/22/business-golf-tournament-2/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:04:00 +0000 /news/?p=91387 The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business will tee off its 14th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, at Pleasant Valley Country Club. The tournament raises funds to support ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business to Host 14th Annual Golf Tournament

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The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business will tee off its 14th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The tournament raises funds to support experiential learning opportunities for business students, including internships, participation in national competitions, and other unique educational experiences.

The event will feature both morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (1 p.m.) flights, high-end participant gifts, and meals provided by local sponsors. Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A on Highway 10, while lunch is courtesy of Taziki’s and the Keet Family.

鈥淭his tournament is a fantastic way for the business community to come together and invest in the future of our students,鈥 said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business. 鈥淭he support we receive directly enhances our students鈥 education, equipping them with real-world experiences that make them highly competitive in their careers.鈥

The event is made possible by the generous support of community sponsors, including:

  • Gift In-Kind Sponsor: Golden Eagle
  • Golf Cart Sponsors: Stephens, Inc. and Priority1
  • Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite and Pest Control, Ted Bailey III Family, Deloitte, and Segra
  • Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest, TMB Capital Partners, Pulaski County Title, and Ifrah Financial
  • Bar Sponsor: Tito’s
  • Hole Sponsors: USAble, MHP/SI,Deloitte, Platinum Drywall, Inc., David Pickering/Studio W, FIS, ACE Glass, CHI/St. Vincent, Dyke Industries, and Natural State Private Wealth Group
  • Beverage Cart Sponsor: Relyance Bank and Bryan Hosto/Haybar Real Estate

For more information about the tournament, contact Ginger Daril at vlkays@ualr.edu or 501-944-7801.

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Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Readers Name 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Best University in the State /news/2025/02/20/best-university-2/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:30:11 +0000 /news/?p=89124 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been voted the best college in the state by readers of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, solidifying its reputation for academic excellence, student success, ... Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Readers Name 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Best University in the State

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been voted the best college in the state by readers of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, solidifying its reputation for academic excellence, student success, and community impact.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little has been recognized as the best college or university in Arkansas during the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette鈥檚 annual Best of the Best readers鈥 choice poll.

鈥淏eing voted as the best college in Arkansas is a tremendous honor,鈥 Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淚t speaks to the commitment of our entire 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community to provide a top-tier education that empowers students to achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock celebrated another significant milestone last fall with the university鈥檚 largest enrollment growth in 15 years, driven by substantial increases of 28.9 percent in first-time freshmen and 18.2 percent for transfer students. This success continued into the spring 2025 semester, with the university reporting its largest percentage increase for a spring term in university history.

鈥淭his recognition is a testament to the affordable, high-quality education we offer at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥 said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淲ith increased enrollment and a commitment to ensuring students have the support they need to thrive, we鈥檙e proud to be recognized by the community for making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and their families.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has consistently focused on enhancing student experiences, growing its academic offerings, and building partnerships within the Little Rock region, providing students unique advantages as they prepare for careers in Arkansas’s Capital City. The university鈥檚 scholarship initiatives like Trojan Guarantee, a scholarship covering full tuition for Pell-eligible students, and the Half-Off Scholarship, which offers significant tuition discounts to students regardless of income, have made college affordable for many students and their families.

鈥淥ur goal is always to create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally,鈥 Drale said. 鈥淭his recognition shows that our efforts are resonating with students and the broader community, and we鈥檙e incredibly proud of that.鈥

This recognition reflects the university鈥檚 continued efforts to provide high-quality education, foster student success, and strengthen its ties to the community. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is celebrating its upcoming 100-year anniversary with the Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in university history.

Campaign funds will be used to advance academic scholarships, research opportunities, and facility improvements, further positioning 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a leader in education and innovation. For more information about the Centennial Campaign, visit .

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Maintains Research 2 Status in 2025 Carnegie Classification /news/2025/02/13/carnegie-classification/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:09:18 +0000 /news/?p=89062 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has once again been recognized as a doctoral university with high research activity, receiving the designation of an R2 university by the Carnegie Foundation and the American ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Maintains Research 2 Status in 2025 Carnegie Classification

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has once again been recognized as a doctoral university with high research activity, receiving the designation of an R2 university by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. The designation highlights 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 continued commitment to impactful research and its growth in doctoral education.

According to the Carnegie classification, R2 institutions are those that awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees during the upgrade year and had at least $5 million in research expenditures.

The university鈥檚 R2 classification signifies high research activity and places 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock among a select group of institutions nationwide. This recognition is based on research expenditures of approximately $8.7 million in fiscal year 2023 and an average of 47 research doctorates awarded from 2020 to 2023.

Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, expressed enthusiasm about the university鈥檚 continued success in research and innovation.

“Earning this designation reaffirms 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to impactful research that addresses real-world challenges,” Berry said. “Our faculty and students are driving innovation in areas like cybersecurity, biotechnology, data science, and artificial intelligence. With our research activity and external funding on the rise, we鈥檙e excited to build on this momentum and continue making meaningful contributions to Arkansas and beyond.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 research portfolio includes major initiatives in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and data science. Key contributors to this research include Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity; Dr. Alex Biris, director of the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies () Research Center. You can learn more about their groundbreaking research initiatives .

In addition to maintaining its R2 classification, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has seen impressive growth in research funding. Sponsored projects funded by external grants and contracts have increased by 30% over the past four years, while federal research expenditures have risen by 50% during the same period.

鈥淭he hard work of dedicated faculty, researchers, and students continues to drive innovation, economic development, and technological advancements that benefit central Arkansas and beyond,鈥 Berry said.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will showcase its student research efforts during the university鈥檚 annual Research and Creative Works Expo from 12-4 p.m. April 18. The event provides an opportunity for faculty, students, and the broader community to explore groundbreaking projects and collaborations.

For more information on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 research initiatives, visit .

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Honoring Bobby Martin as a Titan of Industry on Feb 27 /news/2025/02/12/bobby-martin/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:28:09 +0000 /news/?p=89053 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will welcome renowned Arkansas executive Bobby Martin for the second installment of the Titans of Industry Conversation Series on Feb. 27. The Titans ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Honoring Bobby Martin as a Titan of Industry on Feb 27

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will welcome renowned Arkansas executive Bobby Martin for the second installment of the Titans of Industry Conversation Series on Feb. 27.

The Titans of Industry series showcases influential business leaders from across the region, providing students and guests with the opportunity to hear from and engage with visionary industry pioneers.

Annemarie Dillard, vice president of e-commerce and digital marketing at Dillard鈥檚, and Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 technology entrepreneur-in-residence, will moderate a discussion with Martin at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Schueck, Lexicon, McCarty Auditorium in the Engineering and Information Technology Building at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. A reception will follow the lecture in the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is committed to connecting our students with industry leaders who can share valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and career success,鈥 said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School. 鈥淲e are honored to host Bobby Martin, one of Arkansas’s most influential business innovators and a transformative leader in global retail technology.鈥

Martin鈥檚 IT career is marked by industry shaping roles in two of the country鈥檚 most progressive retailers who call Arkansas home. Martin began at Dillard鈥檚 in 1969 before Walmart recruited him in 1984 to lead their technology efforts. From the first electronic point of sale, launching private satellite networks, barcode technologies, data sharing, and the development of retailing鈥檚 most advanced management systems, Martin led a digital revolution that changed retailer and supplier relationships for the benefit of the consumer.

In 1992, Martin became the first CIO to take on a top operating role, becoming CEO of Walmart International, where he grew revenue to $30 billion in seven years, setting the pace for Walmart’s global expansion.

Martin is a highly regarded corporate director. Previous public board roles include Gap Inc., where he served as lead director and chairman of the board. In 2022, he took on the role of interim CEO for 14 months, leading Gap鈥檚 turnaround through a complete corporate transformation that resulted in a $4 billion market cap recovery and a successful transition to Gap鈥檚 newly appointed CEO. Other public company board roles included Sabre Holdings, Furniture Brands International, Dillard鈥檚, SolarWinds, Guitar Center, Edgewater Technology, and Conn鈥檚. In the private sector, he remains affiliated with The Stephens Group as an operating partner.

Space is limited for this event, so please RSVP by filling out this form.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Sees Record-Breaking Enrollment Growth for Spring 2025 Semester /news/2025/02/06/spring-2025-enrollment/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:50:05 +0000 /news/?p=89024 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating significant enrollment growth for the spring 2025 semester, with the university reporting its largest percentage increase for a spring term in ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Sees Record-Breaking Enrollment Growth for Spring 2025 Semester

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating significant enrollment growth for the spring 2025 semester, with the university reporting its largest percentage increase for a spring term in university history.

Official enrollment figures reveal a substantial rise in both undergraduate and graduate student numbers. Undergraduate enrollment increased by seven percent, adding 317 students, while student semester credit hours (SSCH) saw a 10 percent boost with an additional 5,351 credit hours. When combining undergraduate and graduate figures, total enrollment rose by four percent, adding 274 more students, and total SSCH increased by eight percent, amounting to 4,913 additional credit hours.

鈥淭his historic growth is not just about numbers. It represents more students choosing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as the place to pursue their dreams, build their futures, and become part of our vibrant community,鈥 Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and enrollment teams who go above and beyond to support students every day. Their efforts ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.鈥

This enrollment growth builds upon the success of the fall 2024 semester, where 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock experienced its largest enrollment growth in 15 years, driven by substantial increases of 28.9 percent in first-time freshmen and 18.2 percent for undergraduate transfer students. The trend continued during the spring 2025 semester, which saw a 38 percent increase in first-time freshmen and 22 percent increase in transfer students from the spring 2024 semester.

鈥淭his record-breaking enrollment growth reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 unwavering commitment to student success and the dedication of our faculty and staff,鈥 said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淢ore students鈥攁nd their families鈥攁re recognizing the tremendous value of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education, not only in the classroom but also in the opportunities that come with learning, living, and launching their careers in Little Rock.鈥

A special recognition was given to the Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, and Institutional Research teams for their strategic vision, innovative outreach, and data-driven approach to recruitment. Their efforts, alongside the hard work of faculty and staff, have played a pivotal role in this accomplishment.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remains committed to providing an exceptional educational experience, ensuring that every student who walks through its doors has the opportunity to succeed. One major draw for students is 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 strong scholarship programs, including Trojan Guarantee, which covers the full cost of a bachelor鈥檚 degree for eligible freshmen, and the popular half-off tuition scholarship.

For more information about admissions and academic programs, visit 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Admissions.

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Zafasi Named Development Director at Little Rock Public Radio /news/2025/02/03/zafasi-development-director/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:00:20 +0000 /news/?p=88892 Grace Zafasi, a familiar face at Little Rock Public Radio, has taken on a new role as director of development for the home of K糖心Vlog传媒R FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical ... Zafasi Named Development Director at Little Rock Public Radio

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Grace Zafasi, a familiar face at , has taken on a new role as director of development for the home of K糖心Vlog传媒R FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5. 

“I have always loved the incredible sense of community here at Little Rock Public Radio,鈥 Zafasi said. 鈥淏eing able to listen to and interact with so many of our listeners is such a rewarding experience. Hearing their stories about how impactful the station has been in their lives truly inspires me. I’m also deeply moved by how committed our community is to supporting public radio through fundraising. It鈥檚 a privilege to step into this new role as development director and help strengthen the connections between our listeners and the station they value so much.”

In her new role, Zafasi will be responsible for fundraising, overseeing underwriting for K糖心Vlog传媒R and KLRE, and membership services, including managing the new membership coordinator.

鈥淕race has done a fantastic job as our membership director, and we are excited to see what she can accomplish as our new development director,鈥 said Jonathan Seaborn, executive manager of Little Rock Public Radio. 鈥淔undraising is one of the most critical aspects of public radio. As a publicly funded institution, we rely on member donations for more than 50% of our general operating budget. This position is an important part of our success.鈥

As membership director, Zafasi has had a large role in showcasing the value of public radio to Little Rock Public Radio鈥檚 estimated 80,000 listeners per week. She oversaw membership services, organized the annual fund drives and other events, and served as the liaison to Friends of KLRE/K糖心Vlog传媒R.

Prior to joining Little Rock Public Radio in 2022, she worked in mental health advocacy and policy for Mental Health America of Ohio in Columbus, where she coordinated the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition with veterans, medical providers, law enforcement, and school administration.

Zafasi earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work and a master鈥檚 degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She worked at the U of A as a coordinator for residence education in housing, where she provided supervision, crisis management, operational management, event management, and community engagement for students.

Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, Little Rock Public Radio, home of K糖心Vlog传媒R FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is a public service unit of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and K糖心Vlog传媒R operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.

Little Rock Public Radio is now for Zafasi鈥檚 former position, membership director. Applications are due by Feb. 16.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Awarded $750,000 Cybersecurity Training Grant /news/2025/01/28/cybersecurity-training-grant/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:09:49 +0000 /news/?p=88901 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a $750,000 grant to advance workforce development initiatives in cybersecurity, reinforcing its position as a leader in this critical field. 糖心Vlog传媒 ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Awarded $750,000 Cybersecurity Training Grant

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a $750,000 grant to advance workforce development initiatives in cybersecurity, reinforcing its position as a leader in this critical field.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is among awarded nearly $26 million in training grants in December. These funds were announced by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden, and Chief Workforce Officer Mike Rogers as part of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Program. The program, funded by the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015, aims to bolster Arkansas鈥檚 workforce in key industries.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no one-size-fits-all approach to education, and the HIRED Grant Program helps us meet Arkansas students, schools, and businesses where they are,鈥 Gov. Sanders said in a press release. 鈥淭hese grants will help build the workforce of the future and make Arkansas more competitive in industries such as steel manufacturing, aerospace and defense, lithium, and cybersecurity.鈥

The grant will support several workforce initiatives led by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 cybersecurity, computer science, and information technology faculty. These include the development of two new certificates of proficiency in artificial intelligence and software engineering, expanding the university鈥檚 range of specialized training options.

Additionally, the funding will enhance the Certificate of Proficiency in Cyber-Informed Engineering by integrating it into the Cyber Learning Network. This consortium of seven University of Arkansas System campuses already offers a Certificate of Proficiency in Cybersecurity Fundamentals. The first course in the Cyber-Informed Engineering program, Industrial System Security, is scheduled for launch in Fall 2025.

鈥淭hese specialization tracks give students a broad range of skills to prepare for the workforce and help them identify career paths,鈥 Dr. Sandra Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淐ertificates completed in a shorter timeframe allow students to enter the workforce quickly or gain new skills while already working. They also provide opportunities for career advancement and higher pay as students continue earning additional certifications.鈥

The grant will also enable Virtual Arkansas to adapt 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Cybersecurity 1 course for concurrent enrollment, which will allow qualified high school teachers to teach the course to Arkansas high school students. Teachers who have completed 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA) will be eligible to teach these classes, having earned a graduate certificate in cybersecurity education and 18 credit hours in graduate-level education. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock aims to launch these concurrent enrollment classes by Fall 2025.

鈥淎ll of these programs are designed to make jobs more accessible and to meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Arkansas,鈥 said Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭hese early-college certificate programs help current workers upskill and prepare new workers for the job market. A key benefit is that these certificates are stackable toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree, allowing working adults to pursue education at their own pace while enhancing their career prospects.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has continued to gain a reputation as a leader in cybersecurity education. Cybersecurity Guide, a cybersecurity education website whose mission is to connect tomorrow鈥檚 cybersecurity workforce with today鈥檚 best educational and professional training options, recently named 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 13th on the list of and was 24th on the list of . 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is the only university from Arkansas to be named on either list.

Find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 cybersecurity programs by visiting this website.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Celebrates Completion of Trojan Way Project /news/2024/10/14/trojan-way-dedication-2/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:20:20 +0000 https://ualrprd.wpengine.com/news/?p=88422 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrated the completion of the multi-year Trojan Way Project, a transformation that revitalizes the heart of campus and propels it into the next ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Celebrates Completion of Trojan Way Project

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrated the completion of the multi-year Trojan Way Project, a transformation that revitalizes the heart of campus and propels it into the next century.

The significant addition to campus, which was funded by an $8.5 million grant from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, features a beautiful new north-south promenade running from University Drive to 28th Street.

It represents 鈥渙ur commitment to enhancing the student experience, fostering campus engagement, and embracing the future of our university,鈥 according to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale.

Trojan Way also features a newly reimagined plaza space outside Ottenheimer Library, transformed into an outdoor campus learning environment with expanded seating and gathering areas.

鈥淚t would be hard to overstate the impact of this opportunity to create a unifying experience on this campus,鈥 Dr. Drale said. 鈥淭hrough the generosity and vision of the Donaghey Foundation as well as others who have stepped up to contribute to this effort, we have been able to turn a walkway into a destination. I want to thank Shawn Luther with DCI for his work in creating a beautiful destination design that will take us into our next 100 years.鈥

The university celebrated the Trojan Way dedication Oct. 8 by showing pictures of how the previous promenade used to look with a big reveal of the transformed walkway. The former pathway was made from many different materials that evolved over the years without a comprehensive plan in mind.

鈥淥ver the last three years, I鈥檝e been lucky enough to see the transformation to where we are then to where we are now,鈥 said Shawn Luther of DCI. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not that often as a landscape architect that we get to work on projects that are this big and transformative not only in the immediate sense, but this is the type of project that will provide a framework for the development of this campus for decades into the future.鈥

Hundreds of people celebrate the Oct. 8 dedication of Trojan Way with great music, food, and fellowship. Photo by Benjamin Krain.
Hundreds of people celebrate the Oct. 8 dedication of Trojan Way with great music, food, and fellowship. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

Representatives of WER Architects, the project architect, and Nabholz Construction, the project鈥檚 contractor, joined the celebration. Special guests who joined the dedication include U.S. Rep. French Hill, Dr. Donald Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Emeritus Joel Anderson, and members of the George W. Donaghey Foundation Board of Directors, University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the Centennial Campaign Committee.

Student Government Association President An Le, who studied abroad last semester, said she was shocked when she returned to campus and saw how different everything looked with the fences taken down and the project completed.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really fun to walk to class and see everyone gathering here and hanging out,鈥 Le said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so nice to have a place to meet, to take a quick study break, or to connect with classmates after getting our Starbucks. The unity on campus is so much better, and I am so excited for future students to have this for their entire campus career here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥

The Trojan Way project is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which aims to improve the university’s living and learning environment, scholarships, and program excellence. The Centennial Campaign has a goal of raising $250 million by 2027.

Several donors have made gifts to enhance spaces along Trojan Way, including the Riggs Benevolent Fund who sponsored the North Terminus in memory of John A. Riggs Jr., an anonymous donor who funded the Donaghey Stage in honor of the George W. Donaghey Foundation Board of Trustees, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield who sponsored a garden near the Fine Arts Building, and H.A. Ted Bailey III who funded the gardens that flank the Donaghey Stage.

Trojan Way includes walkways with landscaping and lighting, multiple gardens and outdoor learning environments, the new Donaghey Stage for events, and benches with built-in charging stations. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock planted more than 250 trees along the more than 200,000 square-foot-project.

鈥淚t adds a new dimension to the community,鈥 said Michelle Malone, a librarian communications specialist. 鈥淚t was so exciting for the fences to come down and see the space so transformed. It has brought in new energy to see people connecting and interacting right outside the library.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students enjoy their new t-shirts celebrating the completion of Trojan Way. Photo by Benjamin Krain.
糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students enjoy their new t-shirts celebrating the completion of Trojan Way. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

Maison Wright, a senior nursing major, thinks that Trojan Way makes campus look and feel more open.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen a lot more people out and about since it was finished,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚t feels homey and refreshing.鈥

The idea for the Trojan Way Project emerged four years ago when Dr. Drale was touring campus with the facilities director and noted that the Ottenheimer Library Plaza needed some TLC.

鈥淚 noted that this spot should be the heart of the campus with the student center on one side and the library on the other,鈥 Dr. Drale said. 鈥淭he Donaghey Foundation had never done anything like this before, but I took a chance on convincing them of the transformational impact a project like this could have.鈥

The Donaghey Foundation liked the idea so much that they asked Dr. Drale to expand the project, resulting in the celebration of 鈥渨hat Greg Flesher would call a big hairy audacious goal.鈥

Flesher, president of the Donaghey Foundation Board of Trustees, noted that Gov. Donaghey is often remembered as the education governor for starting multiple colleges in Arkansas as well as his gift to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淗e thought it was very important in his vision for this university to help the city grow, and he wanted all the funds to be used to benefit the experience the students had while on campus,鈥 Flesher said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 not a great city in the United States that doesn鈥檛 have a great university. I think it鈥檚 very important that we the citizens of Little Rock support this university. There is so much going on here. There鈥檚 a lot that can be done. I would ask everyone here to think about what we can do to support the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and take it into the future.鈥

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