Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university鈥檚 highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement Information.

For more information about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement.

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Hannah Jones, a master鈥檚 student in mechanical engineering and graduate researcher in the Material Intelligence and Prognostics Lab, recently participated in the L鈥橲PACE Program鈥檚 NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) Academy, a nationally competitive, fully-funded program for students pursuing careers in aerospace. The online academy brings together students from across the country to develop and evaluate proposals addressing NASA鈥檚 most pressing research needs.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good introduction to proposal writing as well as research as a whole,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淓verything is tailored towards NASA and the aerospace industry, so you get exposure to how research really works in that space.鈥�

Jones learned of the opportunity while interning at NASA鈥檚 John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi last summer.

L鈥橲PACE, which stands for Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and Competency Enabler, is a NASA-funded workforce development program open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide. The rigorous NPWEE Academy promotes innovation and creative problem-solving by engaging students in real challenges facing NASA. Participants are placed on interdisciplinary teams to identify agency needs and develop research proposals guided by NASA鈥檚 official taxonomy report, which outlines key research gaps and areas for technological advancement.

Teams compete for a $10,000 award to support their research, but the experience extends beyond the competition. After submitting proposals, participants evaluate and score submissions from other student teams, gaining insight into both sides of the proposal process. By the end of the program, students leave with hands-on experience in writing and reviewing research proposals 鈥� valuable skills for both academic work and future careers.

Jones鈥� team focused on in-situ methane production on Mars, producing methane using only resources available on the planet. The research is directly tied to future space exploration missions that rely on methane as a fuel source.

鈥淥ther planets don鈥檛 have the same resources that we do on Earth,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e were looking for materials that would optimize manufacturing methane so we can have a source of fuel in those environments.鈥�

While her background is in engineering and materials research, her team鈥檚 project ended up being very chemistry-centered 鈥� a challenge Jones had not expected.

鈥淚t took a lot of reading on my side to understand our goal and how we could achieve it, and then translate that into the proposal,鈥� Jones said. 

Jones was also challenged by the second half of the NPWEE Academy, when she stepped into the role of reviewer for her peers. During this phase, students evaluated competing teams鈥� proposals using NASA鈥檚 established criteria. Pushing beyond her comfort zone, Jones volunteered to chair one of the proposal review panels.

鈥淚 had never done anything like that before,鈥� she said. 鈥淩eviewing the proposals helps give you an idea of areas you need to improve in your own technical writing. I was reviewing proposals I had no familiarity with, so it was really eye-opening to see how essential it is to be able to communicate these ideas at a foundational level everyone can understand.鈥�

Experiencing both sides of the proposal process underscored the importance of clear communication, even in scientific research. The experience highlighted how strong communication can make or break a proposal 鈥� and often determines whether a project is funded or passed over by reviewers.

鈥淏eing able to communicate complex ideas and translate them into an incredibly condensed version is essential,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淵ou have to be able to prove that your project is feasible. If you can鈥檛 communicate exactly how you鈥檙e going to execute your project and why it makes sense, it creates doubt in the people reviewing your proposal. You have to simultaneously show your credibility while demonstrating that the project can be completed within the timeline and budget, all while clearly explaining the science behind it.鈥�

This experience allowed Jones to work with people from diverse industries and backgrounds while addressing real-world issues, which is hard to experience in a traditional classroom setting.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 emphasize enough how important it was for me to learn how to come up with projects catered to what the industry needs rather than just my own interests,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is incredibly important to learn how to work with subjects you鈥檙e unfamiliar with and to rely on people who are more experienced than you in other fields 鈥� to gain exposure to different industries and fields of study.鈥�

Jones said her experience in the L鈥橲PACE Academy solidified her determination to work in this field and strengthened her confidence in her technical writing and research skills.

鈥淚 really enjoy materials research, of course, but now I have more confidence taking on projects outside of that comfort zone鈥� she said. 鈥淭his experience has made me more ambitious to pursue new concepts or ideas and to work with others to tackle issues that research can address within the aerospace industry.鈥�

Because the L鈥橲PACE Academy is fully funded and open to students nationwide, Jones said programs like this are especially meaningful for students at institutions like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 think sometimes it can be hard to think at a broader level about what鈥檚 possible,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t least for me, there were times I limited myself by thinking, 鈥業鈥檓 not at an Ivy League or a huge institution, so maybe I鈥檓 not as competitive.鈥� But there were students in the program from all kinds of universities 鈥� not just large schools, but smaller, local institutions too.鈥�

Seeing that diversity, she said, reinforced that opportunities in aerospace and research are not reserved for students at elite universities. For students considering applying, Jones encouraged them not to underestimate themselves.

鈥淎pplying never hurts,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven if you鈥檙e a freshman or your background isn鈥檛 traditionally aerospace-focused, you never know how your skills might fit into a project.鈥�

She recalled advice that stayed with her throughout the process: Don鈥檛 reject yourself before anyone else has the chance to.

鈥淭hese projects touch so many different fields and NASA pain points,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淧eople from all kinds of backgrounds can contribute. My number one piece of advice is just to apply and see what happens, and if you get in, give it your best.鈥�

Looking ahead, Jones said she plans to complete her master鈥檚 degree in spring 2027 before pursuing a Ph.D. at another institution. Her long-term goal is to conduct materials research in the aerospace industry, building on her current focus on composite materials.

For Jones, the program was more than a competition 鈥� it was a stepping stone toward the career she hopes to build.

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Originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Okon graduated in December with a master鈥檚 degree in mass communication. During her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she served as a graduate assistant in the School of Mass Communication and as a senator in the Student Government Association.

Okon鈥檚 passion for public health advocacy began at a young age. When she was eight years old, she witnessed her grandfather suffer from a stroke 鈥� a traumatic experience that would shape the course of her life. Following the stroke, he was unable to perform many daily activities independently. While her family was fortunate to have a doctor in the family who could provide medical advice and support, the experience revealed the reality about the healthcare disparities in Nigeria.

鈥淢y grandad was blessed to have a son who could give him medical advice and counseling,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淏ut what about people who do not have anyone to support them? What happens to them? That was where my passion started.鈥�

Growing up in Nigeria, Okon saw how limited access to healthcare, emergency response systems, and public health education often turns preventable conditions into life-threatening crises. Many communities lack basic resources such as ambulances, CPR training, or reliable medical guidance, leaving families unprepared when emergencies occur.

Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance (CRHA) was founded to address those gaps. The nonprofit organization focuses on reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, preventing and managing diabetes, and equipping underserved communities with life-saving skills. Through health screenings, education on nutrition and physical activity, CPR training, and interactive workshops, the organization emphasizes prevention, awareness, and timely emergency response.

Okon said the organization鈥檚 work is rooted in the belief that every life matters. By combining advocacy, hands-on training, and community engagement, CRHA aims to reduce preventable deaths in communities across African communities where access to emergency care and health education remains limited.

CRHA grew out of Okon鈥檚 experience as a graduate student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where she merged her academic training in mass communication with her passion for advocacy. She founded the nonprofit in September 2025 while completing her master鈥檚 degree and marks her time serving in SGA as pivotal for the creation of CRHA.

鈥淏eing a senator in the Student Government Association really opened my eyes,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always cared about helping people, but SGA helped me see how that passion could turn into something bigger. Being part of those conversations about solutions and advocacy made me realize I could create impact not just on campus, but in communities both in the U.S. and in Nigeria.鈥�

Okon identified cardiovascular disease and diabetes as central focuses of CRHA based on both lived experience and observed patterns in Nigerian communities. She noted that demanding labor conditions, limited access to preventive care, and the absence of reliable emergency response systems contribute to rising mortality rates from hypertension and stroke.

鈥淚n Nigeria, we don鈥檛 have a working 911 system or emergency ambulances,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淲hen someone collapses, there is often no immediate medical aid, and we keep losing people before help can arrive.鈥�

She added that hospitals continue to record increasing cases of hypertension that often progress into stroke, while symptoms associated with diabetes frequently go untreated or undiagnosed. Compounding the issue is a lack of CPR and basic life support training, leaving bystanders unprepared to respond during emergencies. These gaps directly informed CRHA鈥檚 emphasis on community-based CPR education and emergency preparedness.

Through CRHA鈥檚 outreach efforts, Okon aims to confront the stigma that often prevents people from seeking medical care. The organization鈥檚 campaigns are designed to create awareness and encourage people to speak up about their health challenges. 

鈥淭he health system has positioned people going through medical challenges in a way where they feel as if they cannot speak up for themselves for fear of being looked down upon, especially in the workplace,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淲e are trying to break down these barriers to make those suffering feel seen and know they will still be valued regardless of what they are going through.鈥�

CRHA measures the effectiveness of its programs through community participation,  engagement, and follow-up. Okon pointed to recent outreach efforts surrounding World Diabetes Day, which included market visits, street campaigns, and digital media engagement. She said many participants are motivated by personal loss, often sharing stories of loved ones who died during preventable emergencies.

鈥淥ne person will tell you about a neighbor, another about a family member who has been a victim of an emergency situation,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose stories show us the impact and why people want to learn the skills we are providing.鈥�

Early outcomes have already demonstrated the organization鈥檚 impact. During one of CRHA鈥檚 first CPR training sessions in a rural Nigerian community, participants with no prior medical training learned life-saving techniques. Weeks later, Okon received news that a community member had successfully used CPR skills learned in the training to revive someone who collapsed while working on a farm.

Building trust in communities where faith in healthcare systems is low requires consistency, Okon said. CRHA maintains regular community presence through free health screenings, education sessions, media campaigns, and continued outreach.

One of CRHA鈥檚 most significant initiatives to date took place during World Diabetes Day, when the organization hosted a free health screening in Nigeria. Working alongside local medical professionals, CRHA provided screenings and distributed free medications to approximately 150 individuals at high risk for diabetes, as well as community members managing hypertension and stroke-related conditions.

鈥淲e worked with medical experts to provide free medications to about 150 people,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淏ecause access to medication in Nigeria does not require insurance in the same way it does in the United States, we were able to respond quickly and reach people who needed care. That outreach was one of the largest and most impactful initiatives we鈥檝e completed since the organization was founded.鈥�

Looking ahead, Okon hopes to establish a subsidiary of Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance, such as an urgent care clinic, within the next five years. She is also collaborating with a team of app developers to create a blood donation app for Nigerian residents that she plans to use in partnership with hospitals to conduct blood drives.

In addition to her work in public health advocacy, Okon is preparing to release a memoir centered on healing through self-acceptance. 鈥淔inding Healing in Self Acceptance: Battle Against Rejection, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem鈥� will be published through Amazon KDP and released on Jan. 31, 2026. 

Drawing from her own experiences with early childhood rejection, trauma, and mental health struggles, the book explores how personal healing can emerge from within rather than through external validation. Okon describes the project as both deeply personal and community-minded  鈥� written not only as part of her own healing journey, but as a resource for others who have experienced adversity.

鈥淔inding healing is not something you look for outside of yourself. It鈥檚 something you discover within. I want people to know that their background does not define their future, and that even through rejection, they can still become who they want to be,鈥� Okon said.

Through her academic journey at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Okon transformed personal experience into purposeful leadership. By combining her training in mass communication with hands-on involvement in student leadership, she developed the skills needed to advocate effectively for underserved communities beyond campus. Today, that foundation continues to shape her work through Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance, where she turns knowledge into action and ensures more communities are prepared when it matters most.

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Praveshika Bhandari, a researcher from Nepal pursuing a doctorate in computer science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is using artificial intelligence and natural language processing 鈥� a field that enables computers to analyze and interpret human language 鈥� to explore that question. By analyzing Albert Einstein鈥檚 personal writings alongside his scientific work, her research traces the often-hidden emotional roots of innovation.

Her research sits at the intersection of two long-standing interests. Along with her bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science, she also holds a degree in psychology. She said she has long been fascinated by how people think, feel and make decisions.

Bhandari鈥檚 work uses AI to examine how emotions and social relationships influence intellectual work. Her goal is to better understand how emotions connect to creativity and intellect and how social influences shape research outcomes. Scientific publications tend to present ideas in polished, emotionless terms, but private correspondence and personal writings often tell a different story. Her central question is how emotional states and social context influence the direction and outcomes of scientific research.

鈥淪ay there鈥檚 a scientist and he has publications, but also has personal letters, emails and other writings,鈥� Bhandari said. 鈥淭he publications are edited down to only the facts, but when the scientist talks about the same research topics in their letters, we are able to see what the scientist is feeling and where they are aiming to go with the research next.鈥�

Bhandari uses Einstein as her case study to examine how personal experiences and emotion intersect with scientific innovation. He was chosen not only for his scientific legacy but also for the extensive personal writings he left behind and the complexity of his life beyond his work. While he is often viewed only through the lens of his genius, Einstein鈥檚 writings reflect a life shaped by migration, war and family challenges, including divorce. These experiences unfolded alongside his major intellectual contributions, making his letters a rich source for studying how creativity persists through emotional highs and lows.

鈥淚t was really interesting to see the ways he was thinking about different things,鈥� Bhandari said. 鈥淗e was still able to make all these genius contributions while having all the ups and downs of normal human life.鈥�

The project began as an idea developed by Dr. Arya Basu during his earlier work at Emory University, where he explored how AI could reveal the emotional and social context behind scientific discovery. After bringing that line of inquiry to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Basu became Bhandari鈥檚 primary doctoral adviser, working with her to shape the concept into a feasible research design. Dr. Jan Springer served as a secondary adviser, offering feedback as the study took form.

In the early stages of the research, Bhandari examined whether similar methods could identify signals of suicidal ideation in social media posts. However, privacy concerns and limited access to data made that approach impractical. Basu then suggested applying the techniques to Einstein鈥檚 publicly available writings, allowing the project to move forward using a rich archival record without the same ethical constraints.

Using a technique known as context-aware emotion modeling, Bhandari feeds AI models both Einstein鈥檚 personal letters and his scientific writings to analyze emotional patterns over time. The approach allows the system to account for what was happening in Einstein鈥檚 personal life as well as his professional work. By grouping his writings around subjects such as relativity or gravity, the model can identify whether Einstein expressed frustration, excitement or optimism as his ideas evolved. One pattern shows rising frustration before major publications, followed by an increase in positive emotions after his work was published.

Bhandari鈥檚 findings highlight the role emotions play in intellectual creativity.

鈥淓motion shapes everything we do every day in our lives,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven in science, the way you feel about a problem can shape how you approach it. Emotions matter and impact your work. By studying how great people achieve great things, we can learn lessons that may help us in our own work and creativity.鈥�

Bhandari is working to automate the process through machine learning so it can be applied beyond Einstein. Her goal is to better understand how people think, whether they are renowned figures or everyday individuals.

鈥淲e want to see the lessons hidden behind how anyone thinks or creates,鈥� she said.

Her work is not limited to scientists. The same techniques could be applied to artists, athletes or anyone engaged in creative work. She also plans to expand her analysis beyond text to include images, paintings and handwriting in an effort to better understand the hidden processes of the human mind.

Bhandari said the significance of her research lies in addressing an underdeveloped area of study: the relationship between human emotion and professional life. While therapists will always play a central role, she said AI tools could one day complement human care by helping identify emotional patterns earlier or by offering additional analytical insight.

The project extends beyond her dissertation, and she plans to continue the work after graduating.

鈥淚鈥檓 really fascinated by machine learning and natural language models, but I鈥檓 also very interested in human emotions and what goes on within the mind,鈥� Bhandari said. 鈥淪o I hope to keep doing research in this interdisciplinary area where humans and computers can come together 鈥� not just meet, but complement one another.鈥�

As Bhandari prepares to graduate with her Ph.D. next semester, her work reflects the kind of interdisciplinary research underway at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. By examining the emotional lives behind scientific breakthroughs, her research challenges the idea of science as purely rational and detached, suggesting instead that creativity, persistence and discovery are deeply human processes shaped by emotion as much as intellect.

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Raised in Des Arc, Arkansas, Yarberry earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock before completing a master鈥檚 degree in professional and technical writing.

鈥淨uality writing changes things,鈥� he said. 鈥淟earning how to use language as a tool helped me connect with the people we serve at World Services for the Blind and with partners in the community. It made me intentional about my words, because what I say and write has the power to drive people to positive change.鈥�

WSB is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower blind and visually impaired individuals in the United States and around the world to achieve sustainable independence.  Yarberry brings more than a decade of experience working with blind youth and adults, as well as valuable lived experience as a person with a visual impairment.

Graduate school offered him numerous opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills.

鈥淔or me, teaching in grad school was the perfect blend of learning and doing,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 knew the PTW program opened doors in grant writing, nonprofits, and communication-heavy roles. What you learn in professional and technical writing stays with you long after you graduate.鈥�

As a full-time graduate student, Yarberry held several roles on campus at different times 鈥� teaching beginning composition classes, working in IT, and assisting in the Writing Center.

鈥淲orking in the Writing Center taught me how to meet people where they are,鈥� he said, noting that in a state where many people struggle with literacy, 鈥減eople are putting a lot on the line when they ask for help. Learning how to support someone by creating a friendly environment when they are vulnerable has shaped how I teach and how I lead at World Services for the Blind.鈥�

The Little Rock resident said he feels fortunate to have earned his master鈥檚 degree.

鈥淚 was the first person in my family to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, let alone a graduate degree,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y dad was a single father who raised my brother and me. He never finished college, but he pushed me constantly. His question was always, 鈥榃hat鈥檚 next?鈥欌��

Yarberry said he enjoyed his graduate school experience.

鈥淚 knew it would be tough, but I also knew it would give me a skillset that made me employable,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o I leaned into the challenge.鈥�

Yarberry met his wife, Emily, while they were both attending 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and she was one of his biggest supporters when he was in graduate school.

鈥淪he was in the Donaghey Scholars Program,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he kept me focused. She made sure I didn鈥檛 lose sight of what I was working toward.鈥�

While seeking a graduate assistantship, he wanted a position where he could use what he learned in class. Some of his favorite memories come from teaching Composition I and II.

鈥淢y students were mostly older than me, taking classes during their workday, and many had never been taught by someone who was blind,鈥� he said. 鈥淥nce that wore off, it just became about working as a team to build stronger writers and communicators. I loved those classes. I hope I inspired them, but they definitely inspired me.鈥�

As Yarberry’s career has evolved, so have the opportunities for leadership and advocacy.

He was selected as a 2025 Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 honoree, joined Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XLI, and serves on boards including the Arkansas Association for the Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, VisionCorps, and Penny Forward. He is also treasurer of the Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association and works to strengthen statewide and national partnerships supporting blind and visually impaired individuals.

Yarberry said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock prepared him well for life after graduate school.

鈥淩ight after finishing the program, I stepped into the role of director of education and training at World Services for the Blind,鈥� he said. 鈥淭eaching nontraditional students gave me a strong understanding of what people need in order to learn, adapt, and succeed.鈥�

He said his coursework also taught him the foundations of curriculum design. 鈥淎s part of the practicum I took for teaching, we dug into how to build a course from the ground up 鈥� everything from a syllabus to learning outcomes,鈥� he said.

The Disability Resource Center on campus played an important role in his time at the university.

鈥淚 still stay connected to the Disability Resource Center,鈥� he said, adding that it has a wealth of resources. 鈥淲orking there as an undergraduate student gave me the chance to support others the same way people had supported me.鈥�

Yarberry said his education has strengthened his ability to serve the visually impaired community he is part of.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an underserved community, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock opened doors for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat gave me the ability 鈥� and the responsibility 鈥� to give back and help move the community forward.鈥�

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Originally from Center Ridge and now living in Conway, White is the founder and narrative strategist behind Blackbelt Media. The venture helps social-impact organizations and community leaders tell stories with purpose. Blackbelt Media produces Blackbelt Voices podcast, which White said explores what it means to 鈥渂elong to a place and shares stories that help us reimagine our relationship to the places we call home. We emphasize the importance of community, belonging, and doing what makes us come alive.鈥�

Before earning her master鈥檚 degree in applied communication from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2012, she completed dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism (with a public relations focus) and speech communication at Arkansas Tech University.

White said her choice to pursue graduate school began with a simple but pressing question: What comes next?

鈥淚 was working at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain and reached a point where I needed to decide whether to pursue a new job or invest in graduate school,鈥� she said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock stood out because the program aligned with the direction I wanted to grow professionally, and the structure made it possible to continue working full-time. The tuition benefit through the 糖心Vlog传媒 System was an added advantage.鈥�

A job interview unexpectedly sealed the deal.

鈥淒uring a job interview with a PR firm, the interviewer, a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alum, spoke highly of her experience in the Applied Communication Program,鈥� White recalled. 鈥淭he job would鈥檝e been a solid move, but I left that interview more energized about graduate studies.鈥�

Later that same day, she met with Program Coordinator Dr. Gerald Driskill. Their conversation made her next step feel obvious.

鈥淚 withdrew my job application and applied to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he evening classes fit my schedule, the coursework felt like the right next step, and the central location made the commute from Conway easy.鈥�

Throughout her time in the program, White found herself returning again and again to the heart of the Applied Communication Program鈥檚 mission: to foster the co-creation of better social worlds through positive communication.

鈥淚鈥檝e carried that mission into my work as a social-impact storyteller and consultant,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he degree strengthened my ability to understand how stories build connection with ourselves and with each other, shift narratives, and move communities forward.鈥�

The flexible class schedule made the journey manageable, White said, adding that her graduate school experience was both demanding and deeply rewarding.

鈥淭he support of the faculty and the other students in my cohort made a big difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e spent two nights a week together for two years, and those relationships have stayed with me.鈥�

One standout course was Organizational Communication Training with Dr. Kristen McIntyre.

鈥淓ach student partnered up to design a training on a specific communication skill, and Dr. McIntyre taught the class as a training itself so we could see the methods in action,鈥� White explained. 

The tools she gained continue to influence her work, from storytelling workshops to public speaking. She said the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory was especially impactful.

鈥淚鈥檝e referenced its ideas about 鈥榮tories lived鈥� and 鈥榮tories told鈥� in speaking engagements to explain how we create better social worlds through better communication,鈥� she said.

White credits her husband, Matthew, as one of the biggest influences in helping her complete graduate school.

鈥淓ven before we had our son, sharing responsibilities at home and having his encouragement made it easier to balance work and school,鈥� she said.

Her professional accomplishments reflect the investment White made in herself. She has been inducted into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction (2021), earned the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Applied Communication Alumni Making a Difference Award (2022), and was named one of Arkansas Business鈥檚 40 Under 40 (2023). She also serves on the boards of Create Conway, the Conway Public Schools Foundation, and the City of Conway Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.

Looking back, White said the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Applied Communication Program fundamentally shaped the way she understands and practices communication.

鈥淚t strengthened my ability to think critically about communication, understand how people make meaning, and apply those insights in real-world settings,鈥� she said.

Her work with community-focused organizations, including Excel by Eight, has shown how those strengths translate beyond the classroom. Executive director Angela Duran praises White鈥檚 storytelling skills. 

“Adena has a passion for storytelling, and she is quite a gifted writer,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s the communications director at Excel by Eight, she tells our story of improving health and education outcomes for young children by painting vivid pictures of families who are thriving across the state.”

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鈥淓arning a master鈥檚 degree in health education and promotion has significantly strengthened my effectiveness as a dental hygiene educator by expanding my understanding of behavioral, social and environmental determinants of health,鈥� Norton said. 鈥淎dditionally, my training in health promotion has strengthened my curriculum design and teaching methodology.鈥�

Norton, who lives in Maumelle, chose the program after researching academic paths and speaking with a mentor.

鈥淚 found that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offered a strong public health focus aligned with my career goals 鈥� making it the perfect fit,鈥� she said.

Since graduating in 2020, Norton has become an assistant professor and director of community service at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She also serves as the interprofessional education contact for dental hygiene and as faculty representative for the Student American Dental Hygienists鈥� Association, helping students connect classroom learning with clinical and community experiences.

鈥淚 wear many hats in my current role,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 teach both didactically and clinically. Our students are required to obtain 38 hours of community service during the program. I develop partnerships with organizations, create community initiatives, and implement community service events.鈥�

Norton also serves as a preceptor at the 糖心Vlog传媒MS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center, a student-led clinic that provides free services to local residents. Students see firsthand the impact of public health education on underserved communities.

One of her favorite memories at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was applying classroom concepts to real community needs. 

鈥淭he Community and Public Health course provided a broad understanding of areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, and systems thinking,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hrough this course, I gained the ability to assess community health trends, identify disparities, and apply data-driven strategies to improve outcomes.鈥�

Perseverance Through Challenge

Balancing graduate school and full-time work brought challenges, but Norton said support from faculty, especially her academic advisor, Dr. Amar Kanekar, helped her stay on track. 

鈥淎s with any commitment, there were seasons of struggle,鈥� she said. 鈥淒uring those times, I reached out to my academic advisor, who helped me navigate the challenges.鈥�

Norton said her faith and family carried her through the most difficult periods. 鈥淢y husband, Michael Norton II, made countless sacrifices to support my goals, and my parents instilled the work ethic and determination that made this journey possible,鈥� she said.

Her perseverance was tested during her final year of the program, when she lost her mother to stage IV lung cancer. 鈥淭hat experience taught me profound lessons about self-care and the necessity of being well in order to care for others,鈥� she said.

She also learned practical lessons she now shares with students. 鈥淧ursuing a degree is a deeply personal decision, and not everyone will understand your path,鈥� she said. 鈥淐onsistency is key; working a little each day was far more effective than trying to catch up on weekends.鈥�

Continuing to Grow and Lead

Norton is now pursuing a Doctor of Education in organizational change at Baylor University and expects to graduate in May 2026. Her leadership has already been recognized nationally. She received the 2025 American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute Alumni Association Award to Honor Jack Bresch and was selected as a Mary Jo Smalls Fellow for 2025鈥�26 with the Society for the Future of Higher Education.

Norton credits 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with preparing her for doctoral-level work. 鈥淭he program deepened my understanding of research design, data interpretation, and evidence-based practice 鈥� skills that naturally progressed into the analytical expectations of doctoral study,鈥� she said.

She described 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as 鈥渟upportive, local, and welcoming.鈥� The proximity and accessibility of the campus, she said, made the program even more manageable as a working professional.

Dr. Kanekar said Norton鈥檚 determination set her apart from the beginning. 鈥淪he was a very conscientious, organized, and committed student who completed her master鈥檚 program in a timely manner,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he fact that she is now pursuing her Ph.D. fills me with great pride and joy.鈥�

For Norton, the lessons from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock extend far beyond academics. Her favorite quote, 鈥淏e the reason someone believes in the goodness of people,鈥� guides her in every class, clinic, and community initiative 鈥� a reminder that education, service, and compassion can transform not just careers but lives.

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Originally from Hot Springs, Wood lives in Little Rock where she has built a multifaceted career around words, stories, and helping other writers find their voices.

鈥淚鈥檓 a creative nonfiction writer,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am the author of Women Make Arkansas: Conversations with 50 Creatives (winner of Best Nonfiction South from the Independent Publisher Book Awards) and editor of, and a contributor to, Scars: An Anthology.鈥�

Her recent work has appeared in The Sun, HuffPost Personal, The Rumpus, and on the Article Club podcast. Her essays have been named notable in The Best American Essays and nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Wood is the owner and publisher of Et Alia Press, 鈥渁 small press for big voices,鈥� where she publishes nonfiction and children鈥檚 books by Arkansas authors. She also does freelance editing of essays, nonfiction manuscripts, and children鈥檚 books, and advises writers about the publishing process.

Wood earned an English degree from Duke University and a juris doctor from the Georgia State University College of Law. She was working as a lawyer when her father died, a moment that forced her to reevaluate what she truly wanted.

鈥淚 was practicing law in Atlanta, and my dad passed away at 58, so it sent me into some existential questioning,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had always loved to write and edit, and I decided I wanted to move back to Arkansas.鈥�

Once home, Wood began researching writing programs and discovered the professional and technical writing program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 found a program that I thought would give me both creative skills and practical skills,鈥� she said.

Shortly after graduate school, she began piecing together a varied workload.

鈥淚 was cobbling together a bunch of different jobs. I had learned grant writing and editing, which I could do to pay the bills while I did more creative writing,鈥� she said. 鈥淒uring grad school, I taught composition, and I continued to do that after I graduated. I was an adjunct professor. I was also a managing editor for an academic journal that is published by Johns Hopkins University Press called Literature and Medicine.鈥�

She credits 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty with opening doors. One of those mentors was Chuck Anderson, now retired, whose Writing and Healing class led her to work with the academic journal, where he was editor.

鈥淚 also worked with him as a grad student on Quills and Pixels, the literary magazine at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, which I edited,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd my thesis chair and former department head, George Jensen, asked if I would be interested in joining him in starting a small press. We started Et Alia in 2010, and I鈥檝e been running it by myself for about eight years.鈥�

Wood said much of her career growth has come from building relationships and showing up.

鈥淚 feel like I鈥檝e just really stayed busy by word of mouth,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e never really had to seek out work. I think the connections I made helped me put down roots in a new city and develop a new community around writing.鈥�

For years after graduate school, she and several classmates continued to meet every few months to catch up 鈥� a reflection of how meaningful the experience had been.

Wood said she is grateful she chose to pursue her graduate studies at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚t reinforced the major career change that I had made, and I never looked back,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t grounded me in this new direction and made me realize I was doing exactly what I intended to do.鈥�

One class that deeply influenced her was Writing for Adolescents and Families, taught by retired professor Toran Isom.

鈥淚t was pivotal for me,鈥� Wood recalled. 鈥淪he was such a positive mentor. I now edit and publish children鈥檚 books, and that class really helped me understand the serious types of children鈥檚 books I could take on. When I think about the books I want to publish for children, they are books about health or mental health issues that children deal with.鈥�

Wood was recently selected as a 2025 Catalyze Fellow and awarded a $10,000 artist grant.

When asked for two words to describe 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Wood said 鈥減ractical鈥� and 鈥渇ormative.鈥�

鈥淧ractical because I was able to get right to work after grad school using the skills I鈥檇 gained and the relationships I鈥檇 built. And formative because the insight, methods, and teaching and editing experience I gained prepared me to lead a career that is entrepreneurial and creative, and work alongside authors to bring their stories to the page.鈥�

She has had an impact on the state鈥檚 literary landscape, and her contributions reach beyond the books she creates.

鈥淓rin has built an incredible and vibrant independent press in Arkansas,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock professor Barb L’Eplattenier said. 鈥淪he has produced a wide variety of gorgeous books that highlight the beauty, culture, and people of Arkansas. She is a fabulous mentor to authors and others involved in the Arkansas publishing industry.鈥�

Wood鈥檚 advice to students is: connect and participate.

鈥淏e sure to connect with your professors because they are experts in their field and you can learn so much from them beyond the classroom,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ake the opportunity to get involved in activities on campus that are related to your program. For me, that was Quills and Pixels, and it gave me a lot of practical experience in editing and writing. That鈥檚 what I needed to use in my everyday publishing career.鈥�

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Okon, originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, always had a passion for advocacy, but her time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock gave her the tools to express herself and put her dreams into action. Through hands-on learning and her involvement in student government, she found the confidence to speak up 鈥� not only for herself, but for the communities she hopes to serve.

On Dec. 13, Okon will graduate with her master鈥檚 degree in mass communication, marking a milestone not just for her but for her entire family. As the first among her siblings to attend graduate school, she sees this achievement as a source of pride. 鈥淢y parents didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to go to college, so getting this degree is a dream come true for me,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淚t brings me so much joy to be a role model for my siblings and show them that if I can do it, they can too.鈥�

Okon holds undergraduate degrees in mass communication and theatre arts, and she says 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock stood out during her graduate school search because of its hands-on learning environment. She was awarded a graduate assistantship with the School of Mass Communication, as well as the Dan and Johnnie Winn Memorial Scholarship, to fund her studies. 鈥淢y department saw potential in me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he scholarships were competitive, and I鈥檓 grateful I was chosen.鈥�

On campus, Okon says one of the most transformative experiences was serving as a senator in the Student Government Association. The role allowed her to connect with people from different backgrounds and contribute to the success of her fellow students. She says that without this experience, she wouldn鈥檛 have been able to start her own nonprofit, Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance.

鈥淏eing a senator in the Student Government Association opened my eyes to establishing something for underserved communities,鈥� Okon said. 鈥淗elping students on campus made me think about how I could help people in the U.S. and Nigeria as well. That鈥檚 when I came up with my idea for a nonprofit to foster care for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as to teach life-saving emergency response skills.鈥�

Despite her academic success, Okon鈥檚 most personal achievement is the book she wrote during her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Finding Healing Through Self-Acceptance. The project grew from her own journey through childhood rejection, trauma, and years of struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem.

Writing became a path toward healing, and she hopes her story will help others find strength within themselves. 鈥淗ealing isn鈥檛 something someone can give you 鈥� you discover it inside yourself,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f someone reads my book and finds hope, that will help me heal too.鈥� Okon is currently finalizing the manuscript and awaiting a foreword from a faculty mentor before seeking a publisher.

After graduation, Okon will continue her academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice at Rutgers University.

Her message to other first-generation students is simple but powerful: 鈥淚t won鈥檛 be easy, but don鈥檛 let your background define you. Success starts in your own mind. Just focus on what got you here and the success in your future, and you will definitely succeed.鈥�

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White, who grew up in Helena and now lives in North Little Rock, returned to college nearly 28 years after putting her education on hold to focus on work and family. She previously earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health education and promotion from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, along with associate degrees from Phillips County Community College and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 able to go to college right after high school, but my desire for knowledge never wavered,鈥� White said. 鈥淎s soon as I could juggle family, work, and school, I went for it.鈥�

Her path to becoming a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Trojan began in the winter of 1977, when two recruiters visited her community college to speak with students about a summer program. White said she had always believed in her ability to learn but faced limited career options during that era.

鈥淭hat innate desire to further my education remained a burning desire within me, regardless of the type of employment available that utilized my skills,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he opportunity to return to school presented itself a few years later, but after several semesters of juggling family and work, I realized I was headed for total burnout.鈥�

She put her education on hold 鈥� a pause that lasted nearly 28 years.

鈥淒uring that time, I witnessed the power of God opening and closing doors and revealing my true passion, which evolved into health care advocacy for the elderly,鈥� she said.

Eventually, White returned to school and completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree. Still, she doubted whether graduate school was realistic.

鈥淕raduate school seemed to be an unattainable dream, but God had better plans,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 found myself surrounded by a support system of encouragement.鈥�

The road was not easy. White faced serious health concerns and other hardships but said her 94-year-old mentor kept her grounded.

鈥淪he always said, 鈥楾hey can take your car, your house, and just about anything else, but they can never take away your education,鈥欌�� she said.

While studying full time, White landed what she called her dream job in private health care, working with patients with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.

鈥淚 got real-world application concurrent with classroom training and knowledge,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n addition to learning, I got hands-on training and a critique of my craft.鈥�

Her job came to a heartbreaking end when she and her client contracted COVID-19, and her client died. White continues to experience long-term effects from the illness, but she persisted in her studies.

鈥淏eing a nontraditional senior citizen, this journey has been one of the most demanding, difficult, rewarding, and spirit-filled paths I will ever take,鈥� she said.

White struggled in her early graduate courses, at one point walking across campus in the snow, crying as she searched for help with an assignment.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 ready to give up so easily or that early,鈥� she said.

Support from faculty helped her push forward. She remembers a professor commending her performance on a difficult exam, which gave her renewed confidence.

鈥淢y self-confidence rose to new heights, and I began to approach all my classes with a positive attitude,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose encouragements became my incentive to always give it my best.鈥�

Throughout her coursework, White said she learned to view healing as a holistic concept that encompasses all dimensions of wellness. She also developed skills in qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis, which she successfully applied in defending her thesis.

Qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis combines insights from multiple qualitative studies to build a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of a topic. White鈥檚 thesis is titled Prayer for Healing: A Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis Connecting the Inner Man to the Spirit of God.

White said her mother鈥檚 belief in her abilities helped sustain her throughout the journey. Others, including mentors, professors, and friends, served as 鈥渧oices of reason鈥� who guided her through the challenges.

鈥淚t is because of each of them that I endeavored this journey, and because of their faith in my ability that I finished a very long and rocky road,鈥� she said. 鈥淎ll my professors were exceptional, and my committee was phenomenal.鈥�

Now on the verge of earning her master鈥檚 degree, White hopes her story inspires others to continue learning at any age.

鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed to do what I wanted to do, and as an older adult, I want to be a role model for those who seek to better themselves through education and training,鈥� she said.

White credits the university with helping her build confidence and chart a new direction.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock provided me with the formal education to pursue a better life,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he skills and knowledge I gained gave me a sense of direction that became exciting and very rewarding.鈥�

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