As his final project for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Rogers, a recent mass communication graduate, produced 鈥�,鈥� an eight-minute film that takes viewers behind the scenes of two astronomy landmarks, one which has recently been revived and the other awaiting its second act.

鈥淚 wanted to tell a story about abandoned buildings on campus,鈥� Rogers said. 鈥淲hen I talked with Sandra Vail, she brought up the term mothball to describe buildings that had been closed off. I thought it was a very interesting term that I really liked for the name of the documentary.鈥�

The documentary features interviews with Sandra Vail, director of operations and services for Facilities Management; Mike Seamon, assistant director of operations; and Dr. Greg Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy. Their voices guide viewers through the campus鈥檚 recent revival of the observatory, which was brought back to life after the excitement of the 2024 total solar eclipse, and its still-dormant counterpart, the planetarium, which will be undergoing the first phase of renovations this year.

鈥淭he observatory renovation was only the first step,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淣ow that it has been completed, people can see that with a small amount of money strategically invested, a lot can be achieved. Phase one of the planetarium renovation will be completed this summer. I really hope this documentary spreads throughout the community so we can gather more support to complete phase two. Overall, this documentary is a testimony of what we are trying to achieve in Physics and Astronomy at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

For Rogers, the contrast between the two spaces created a natural tension, and every good documentary needs a conflict. While the observatory has been renovated and reopened, the planetarium remains mothballed, waiting to be cleared out so an inflatable planetarium provided by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium can be installed for the public to enjoy.

鈥淲hen I arrived on campus in 2020, the observatory was closed to the public. It felt like this magical, mysterious place no one could reach,鈥� Rogers said. 鈥淭he planetarium is even more hidden. Most people don鈥檛 even know it exists. I think the different perspectives, especially Mike Seamon鈥檚 story of how he resonated with the planetarium when he was young, adds an interesting point of view and momentum to the story.鈥�

Guisbiers said he hopes the documentary helps attract support for ongoing renovation efforts at the university.

鈥淭his was a great experience. I really enjoyed it,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淚 was able to share with Adrian my vision for the department. I am passionate about physics and astronomy, and I really care for this department.鈥�

Rogers, who studied documentary filmmaking while studying abroad in Australia, spent nearly two years researching, filming, and editing the project to spotlight the potential these spaces still hold.

鈥淚 like showing how the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is growing,鈥� Rogers said. 鈥淭he observatory is an example of that growth. It has the potential to grow even more with the planetarium.鈥�

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student鈥檚 Documentary Shines Light on Forgotten Campus Landmarks appeared first on News.

In honor of Women in Construction Week, the next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2024 is Emily Mills, director of planning design and construction in Facilities Management.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Emily Mills. I have been in the Design and Construction industry for almost 17 years. Straight out of college, I joined the design team at Lewis Architects Engineers here in Little Rock. In my tenure there, I developed a passion for functional design. Our market in the industry was primarily K-12 and higher education. Stretching budgets has always been a strength of mine. Making big design impacts in a few key locations within a building allows for a client鈥檚 budget to go further. I definitely fine tuned this skill while working with the firm.

Quickly realizing my passion for building buildings that could be functional, easily maintained, budget friendly, as well as aesthetically beautiful, I began developing my professional resume to become a facilities director. My diverse professional background varies from interior architecture, commercial furniture sales, and healthcare design. Each of these experiences have allowed me to develop a unique skill set that led me to become the director of planning design and construction here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

I thrive in a team atmosphere. I have been a part of a team for most of my life whether it be in athletics as a high school student, a coach of peewee sports, a mother to a collegiate athlete, or just a diehard Beebe Badger. Through my athletic experiences, I have learned that successful teams are developed when everyone knows and owns their unique roles. First, you have the coach, who is ultimately responsible for everyone鈥檚 success and carries the pressure associated with this expectation. Then the players. They are divided into their specific positions. Some are the leaders or the star and some are the support players. Not one is more important than the other.

A truly successful team also has an extensive support system. This could be parents of players, teachers in a school district, or community sponsors, etc. I carry this same structure into my professional life. The stars in education are the professors. They are the ones who are teaching and molding the next generation. I am here to play the support role. I want to provide spaces that inspire students and professors alike. Spaces that function for their desired use while being beautiful, and that will last.

I am married to the love of my life, Sean Mills, who recently returned home from a long 9-month deployment to the Middle East. Together, we have five children. Logan Babel is a junior on a choral scholarship at Ouachita Baptist University studying Worship Studies and Christian Studies with plans to serve in ministry. Joey Babel is a sophomore at Ouachita Baptist University. She is the point guard for the Lady Tigers basketball team and is studying kinesiology. Gavin Mills is a senior at Sylvan Hills High School graduating in May and will be attending 糖心Vlog传媒-Pulaski Tech. Grant Mills is a freshman at Sylvan Hills Junior High School, and Olivia Mills is in the first grade at Beebe Early Childhood.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am the director of planning design and construction. I oversee all things construction and renovation. From new flooring in an office space to a completely new building on campus, all construction runs through the facilities management department.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock? It was actually through professional relationships that I have developed throughout my career. When the position here became available, I had many phone calls from friends advising me to apply. They spoke very highly of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the team here. After doing some research, I got excited about the things that are happening here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and wanted to be a part of them.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am working with Leslie Hutchison, associate vice chancellor of Facilities Management to oversee Trojan Way.

This month the COSMOS project is kicking off. It鈥檚 a renovation to the sixth floor of EIT.

Most of the projects we are working on at this time are maintenance related. Several buildings are getting new roofs, upgraded flooring, or just a cosmetic refresh.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

Melissa Masingill. I had the privilege of working for Melissa for a short time. She was in leadership at a local healthcare institution. I will never forget the first time I saw her. I was sitting in orientation excited about the opportunity to work for an organization that I would soon fall in love with and in walks this beautiful woman. She had such a presence. Without even talking, she demanded your attention. Then she began speaking about the organization. She was vice president of marketing and communications and when she spoke you could feel her passion and pride. My desire has always been that when I walk into a room, I will have the confidence to speak with conviction and passion.

Fast forward a year. I eventually rose to a leadership position on her team. It was then that I experienced her compassion, professional guidance, but most of all friendship. Our journey as women, mothers, and wives was extremely similar and our professional paths parallel in many ways. It was during this time that I realized I could do it all. I can be a strong successful professional woman that sits at the table with men and holds her own. I can be a devoted wife who supports her husband in his professional journey. I can be an involved mother and not miss out on my children鈥檚 lives. I can do it, because I saw her do it.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

The only two things in life that you can control are your attitude and your effort. You cannot change what others say about you. You can control how you respond. You cannot control who likes you or not, but you can control how you treat people. You cannot control how hard others work or the time that they put in, but you can control how hard you work.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

At the age of 19, I bought a restaurant. I was the owner/operator for around seven years.

What is your favorite quote and why?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13.

My life has been filled with challenges and crises. This verse gets me through. It reminds me that I am not alone and that with Him, I have that strength to get through any challenge.

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Nine employees and one entire department were honored during the June 14 awards ceremony. This included two special awards from Jerry Ganz, vice chancellor for finance and administration.

鈥淭he employees in the Finance and Administration division are extremely dedicated to their work, and the students, faculty, and staff of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock benefit greatly from their passion each and every day,鈥� Ganz said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very proud of our staff and the things they have accomplished during the past year. It鈥檚 such a pleasure to reward their commitment to excellence during this ceremony, which is one of my favorite events of the year.鈥�

Michael Seamon of Facilities Management, who is celebrating his 45th work anniversary with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock this year, won the Employee of the Year Award, which honors an employee who consistently demonstrates exceptional job performance, leadership, innovation, and inclusive excellence.

The members of the Facilities Management department that responded to freeze damage on campus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day received the Vice Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence. This award represents special recognition of the excellence exhibited by an individual or department in the Finance and Administration Division.

Regina Wade Carter, chief of police and associate vice chancellor for public safety, received the Spotlight on Excellence Award. This honors a person who is deserving of special recognition for consistently meeting and exceeding expectations in the areas of collaboration, customer service, and more.

Amy Frets of the Bursar鈥檚 Office received The Terry Bobo Award for Excellence in Operational Efficiency, which honors an employee who makes contributions that make a measurable impact on the work environment. Terry Bobo was an employee in IT Services that passed away unexpectedly in November 2022 and the inaugural winner of the award for Excellence in Operational Efficiency. The award has been renamed in Bobo鈥檚 honor to celebrate his contributions to campus.

Additional award winners include:

• Debra Simpson-Webster of Human Resources and Russ Riegel of IT Services, Excellence in Customer Service Award, which honors a person who excels in customer service and who establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships
• Greg Tatera of Facilities Management, Excellence in Collaboration Award, which honors an effective collaborator who works effectively with others to produce positive results
• Bill Buddenberg of Printing Services, Excellence in Continuous Improvement Award, which honors an employee who shows dedication to process improvement and continuous innovation
• Vanessa Whitman of Accounts Payable, Excellence in Leadership Award, which honors a strong leader who demonstrates a unique ability to guide and inspire others
• Andrea Davis of Human Resources, Newcomer of the Year Award, which honors an exemplary employee who has joined the VCFA team in the past year.

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