The Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund supports students in the Department of History by easing the financial burden of tuition and related educational expenses. By strengthening this endowment, the Taylor Foundation is helping ensure students can remain focused on their academic goals while preparing for careers in education, public service, research, law, and other fields where historical knowledge and critical thinking are essential.

鈥淭his gift represents a meaningful investment in our students and in the study of history,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淪cholarship support like this opens doors for students who might otherwise struggle to afford college and allows them to fully engage in their education. We are grateful to the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation for their continued commitment to student success at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

The Taylor family has a long-standing commitment to education, workforce preparation, and civic leadership in Arkansas. Through their support of the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund, they are helping cultivate the next generation of historians, educators, and community leaders by making higher education more accessible and affordable.

鈥淪cholarships have a lasting impact on our students,鈥� said Jeremy Ecke, interim dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淭his support allows students to devote more time to their studies, research, and experiential learning opportunities, strengthening both their academic experience and their future career prospects.鈥�

This gift supports the Centennial Campaign, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 $250 million capital campaign leading up to the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. The campaign focuses on enhancing scholarships, empowering faculty, advancing technology, and fostering academic excellence. Learn more at ualr.edu/centennial.

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Led by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock history professors Nathan Marvin and Katrina Yeaw, the program includes visits to Paris and Marseille in France and Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech in Morocco. Students will examine the history and legacies of European colonialism in France and North Africa, as well as the enduring connections between the two regions. The program highlights how historical forces continue to shape contemporary debates over identity, migration, and memory across the Mediterranean.

Students will connect classroom readings to lived experience through museum visits, guided tours, and on-site seminars.  On-site learning in historic neighborhoods, coastal ports, and medinas will help students engage directly with the places where history unfolded.

For those interested in deepening their knowledge before departure, the course Modern Empires in the Mediterranean will be offered, as HIST 48903, during the first seven weeks of the spring semester. Enrollment is encouraged but not required for participation in the study abroad program.

A program fee covers airfare, lodging, ground transportation, guided activities, and group meals. Students are responsible for tuition, passport fees, personal spending money, and some meals. The full program cost is $6,885 per participant, but each participant receives a $3,500 scholarship from Middle East Studies, reducing the student cost to $2,634鈥�$3,384 (plus Summer II tuition).

Dates to Remember

• Jan. 28, 2026, application deadline
• Feb. 11, 2026, first payment due
• April 2026, pre-departure orientation

Learn more about the or contact Nathan Marvin at nemarvin@ualr.edu or Katrina Yeaw at kyeaw@ualr.edu.

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Del Carmen, who graduated in August with his bachelor鈥檚 degree in history and a minor in information technology, spent January through June studying in England as part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 direct exchange program with the University of Nottingham. The experience allowed him to dive deeper into his passion for history while preparing for the next step in his academic and professional journey.

鈥淚 plan to pursue a career working for government institutions, museums, or historical sites, and I鈥檓 also considering the public history graduate program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� Del Carmen said. 鈥淪tudying abroad gave me a new perspective on how history is taught, preserved, and experienced, and I know that will help me in my future career.鈥�

During his semester abroad, Del Carmen took courses in Society and Culture in 18th Century England, Kingship in Crisis: Politics, People, and Power in Late-Medieval England, and Early Modern European History, along with an online course from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. He said that a lot of his learning took place beyond the classroom in the castles, museums, and archives that bring European history to life.

鈥淚 experienced history with my own eyes,鈥� he said. 鈥淰isiting historical sites, walking through castles, and exploring museums gave me a deeper understanding than I could ever get from a textbook.鈥�

The trip also gave Del Carmen valuable experience with archival research and historical interpretation, skills that will be essential in his future career.

鈥淪tudying abroad will definitely strengthen my resume,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 lot of history jobs require travel, and employers look for people who are adaptable and already have international experience.鈥�

For Del Carmen, one of the most rewarding parts of his time abroad was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

鈥淚 made new friends from the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was amazing to share our cultures and learn from one another.鈥�

He also immersed himself in British culture, trying traditional dishes like fish and chips and the full English breakfast, enjoying the lively pub scene, and sampling some of the country鈥檚 memorable Indian and other international cuisine.

鈥淗aving dinner with your friends at the catered hall is like dining at Hogwarts’ Great Hall,鈥� he added.

Del Carmen made the most of his time abroad, traveling extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Within the UK, he visited Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Canterbury, Dover, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, and London. He also joined the university鈥檚 Travel Society, which allowed him to take group trips with other international students at reduced costs. A highlight of the semester was visiting London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

鈥淓dinburgh was one of my favorite places because of its atmosphere and history,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he old city center is hundreds of years old, and visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish crown jewels was unforgettable. Amsterdam was also incredible. The canals, the scenery, and the historic sites were beautiful.鈥�

Looking back, Del Carmen says the semester in Nottingham was one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

鈥淚 learned how to adapt, navigate new places, and live on my own,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 gained research skills and a better understanding of history and information technology that will help me in my career.鈥�

Most importantly, he says, the experience gave him a new appreciation for the power of education and community.

鈥淚 want to thank my advisors and scholarship donors from the History Department and the Study Abroad Office for making this possible,鈥� Del Carmen said. 鈥淎nd I want to thank all the friends I met in Nottingham for making it feel like a home away from home.鈥�

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A native of Beebe, Arkansas, Davidson interned from late May through the end of July, serving as a history intern with a strong focus on public education and museum operations. The Old State House Museum is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River and chronicles Arkansas history since it became a state in 1836. The experience solidified his career aspirations and gave him valuable skills he鈥檒l carry into law school.

鈥淚 had a passion for history growing up, so I really liked working with students and seeing them get excited about history,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淚t helped me become more passionate about education and gave me insight into how I might incorporate that into my future career.鈥�

His daily responsibilities included greeting guests at the front desk, giving tours of the museum, helping with educational programming, and assisting with events like Second Friday Art Night. One of his favorite aspects was getting to handle artifacts from the early 1800s.

鈥淲orking with historical artifacts from the 19th century gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me why preserving history matters,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he museum staff was very informative and passionate about their work, which made the experience even better.鈥�

Davidson also enjoyed seeing kids engage with history through hands-on events like Native American games and pottery demonstrations and Civil War living history presentations.

Davidson said the internship gave him a clearer understanding of how job experiences shape career choices.

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 really understand what a job is like until you actually work it,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his experience gave me confidence in my career path and helped me realize the value of internships in building that foundation.鈥�

Davidson plans to graduate in May 2026 and apply to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. On campus, he鈥檚 a leader in several organizations. He serves as president of the Delta Chi Fraternity, vice president of public relations and communications for the Interfraternity Council, a senator in the Student Government Association, and a student worker in the Student Experience Center.

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A longtime historian of Alexander the Great, Dr. Edward Anson, distinguished professor of history, added to that body of knowledge with the publication of 鈥�.鈥� This is Anson鈥檚 12th book.

The book covers the strategy and tactics of Alexander the Great and Philip II, the logistics of military campaigns, military recruitment and training, the care of diseased and injured soldiers, military organization and equipment, and more.

鈥淭he book has 22 chapters written by various scholars about warfare in the time of Philip and Alexander, and it covers areas that have never been covered before,鈥� Anson said. 鈥淲e have a chapter about the medical corps. There are some scholars that think you would have had a better chance to survive if you were a soldier wounded in Alexander鈥檚 army compared to a soldier in the Civil War. There are chapters about war crimes and insurrections. It鈥檚 a very unique and interesting book.鈥�

Anson, who served as the book鈥檚 editor, also wrote two chapters in the book 鈥� 鈥淢odern Military Technology and Ancient Practices鈥� as well as 鈥淲e are the Champions: The Underlying Reality of Ancient Greek Warfare.鈥�

Additionally, Anson鈥檚 fellow Alexander the Great scholars have published a book in his honor. The book, 鈥淢acedon and its Influences: Narrative of Politics and War in Honor of Edward M. Anson,鈥� was published in December by the University of Leiden, Peeters Publishers.

Anson said that the book was a complete surprise for him. He was set to give a keynote session at the 9th Annual International Alexander the Great Symposium at the University of Nebraska Omaha in September, and his fellow scholars presented him with a cover of the book.

鈥淚 contributed to a number of books for these scholars, and this was such a surprise that I almost forgot about the talk that I was giving,鈥� Anson said.

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The Taylor Foundation, established by the late Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor, has a long-standing tradition of supporting education, business, and professional development. Their dedication to fostering opportunities for Arkansas students remains a cornerstone of the foundation鈥檚 mission.

The Taylors believed strongly in supporting students who aspire to build careers in the fields they valued. The Foundation is pleased to continue this tradition by investing in programs that provide students with practical experience and professional growth.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock recognizes the transformative impact of internships on students鈥� academic and professional development. The UCSI Program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock fills a critical gap by providing funding for student internships with employers who are not always able to provide paid internship opportunities. The Taylor Foundation鈥檚 grant will enhance the program鈥檚 ability to support students by funding more internship stipends, which provides students with hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and skill development essential for post-graduation success.

鈥淭he Taylor Foundation鈥檚 continued support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock demonstrates their commitment to helping students gain real-world experience through internships, a critical component of career readiness,鈥� said Brittany Straw, director of University Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭his grant will enable us to expand internship opportunities for students and better prepare them for success in their chosen fields.鈥�

In addition to supporting internships, the foundation’s $50,000 grant to the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit history students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Dixon, a longtime family friend of the Taylors, was a passionate advocate for preserving Little Rock鈥檚 history and played a significant role in chronicling the city’s past.

鈥淭his generous gift from the Taylor Foundation will have a lasting impact on our students,鈥� said Dr. Barclay Key, chair of the Department of History at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淪cholarships like the Richard B. Dixon Endowed Scholarship provide essential support to history students, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their passion for understanding the past.鈥�

Through the continued generosity of the Taylor Foundation, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remains dedicated to providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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Professors Rebecca Glazier, Emily Hood, John Kirk, Jana McAuliffe, and Julien Mirivel were named winners by the college鈥檚 Faculty Excellence Awards Selection Committee. 

The college recipients will be recognized at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 3, and the university-level recipients will be announced.

Rising Faculty Award for Excellence 

Dr. Emily Hood received the college鈥檚 Rising Faculty Award for Excellence. An assistant professor of art education, Hood joined the School of Art and Design in the fall of 2021.

This award is given to faculty members in their first five years at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock who display exceptional promise in teaching, research or creative endeavors, or public service. For Hood, her work intersects across all three. 

Among updating the Art Education curriculum to better serve future contemporary art educators, Hood has also shifted the program to a cohort model to promote a sense of community among the students. 

鈥淒r. Hood, as a role model, demonstrates effective teaching strategies and also creates a professional environment that is always inclusive, productive, and encouraging,鈥� a former student writes. 鈥淚 am also grateful that I have the ability to reach out and ask for help from my professor even after I have graduated.鈥�

In addition to her teaching, Hood鈥檚 research involves young disabled artists and documenting their relationships to art materials in an art studio setting. This research led to the creation of a course that involves a field placement for students at Easterseals Academy.

鈥淗er innovative teaching, both in and out of the classroom, her student mentorship, and her commitment to building strong relationships with students, campus resources, and broader community members makes her an excellent candidate for this award,鈥� her nomination letter states.

Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service

Dr. Rebecca Glazier received the college-level Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service. A political science professor in the School of Public Affairs, Glazier has been at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 15 years.

The recipient of this award applies their skills to their disciplines in service to the community, state, or nation in areas of public interest. In 2012, Glazier started a research program focusing on the intersection of faith and community called the Little Rock Congregations Study.

鈥淗er careful attention to the needs and interests of the populations she studies, her production of numerous resources and events to benefit those partners, and the subsequent positive impact on the Little Rock community make her an ideal candidate to receive this award,鈥� one peer wrote.

Glazier utilizes her research expertise in religion and community engagement to advance knowledge in areas of public interest and offer students hands-on experiences.

The data from her studies have been released to the public and her work has been recognized through a national award for Civic and Community Engagement from the American Political Science Association. 

鈥淒r. Glazier goes above and beyond to provide mentorship, guidance, and support, whether by assisting students with research, offering career advice, or dedicating her time to community initiatives,鈥� a former student wrote.

Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors 

Dr. John Kirk is the recipient of CHASSE鈥橲 Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors. As a George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History, Kirk has taught at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 14 years.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors is given to those who have contributed to the expansion of knowledge and the quality of life in a particular area. During the past five years, Kirk published his ninth and 10th books. 

His most recent book, 鈥淲inthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956鈥� won the 2024 Booker Worthen Literary Prize from the Central Arkansas Library System for best work of fiction or nonfiction by an author living in Arkansas and the 2024 John G. Ragsdale Book Award from the Arkansas Historical Association for the best book published in Arkansas History.

鈥淭o provide a new generation of students and scholars with such diverse and important voices on a topic that continues to evolve in the twenty-first century is testament to John鈥檚 ability to promote knowledge exchange and research,鈥� a lecturer in U.S. History at University College London wrote.

Along with his published books, Kirk also regularly contributes to a number of newspaper articles, magazine articles, radio programs, and podcasts. Not only does he produce this work himself, but he also invites his public history students to contribute alongside him to further their academic careers.

鈥淚n addition to being one of the nation鈥檚 foremost historians and researchers, Dr. Kirk has served as an ambassador for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with his many radio, television, and speaking appearances,鈥� one letter of endorsement states. 鈥淗e has been a guest on my podcast and never fails to [make] the university proud.鈥�

Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice

Dr. Jana McAuliffe was named the college鈥檚 recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice. An associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry, McAuliffe has taught at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for nearly a decade.

This award is given to a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty member, regardless of years served, whose advocacy spans across teaching, service, and research. 

McAuliffe describes her research process as 鈥渇irst [explaining] the meaning of challenging, complex ideas from the philosophical tradition and then [putting] these ideas to work to help address the problems of the present.鈥�

Over the past five years, she has taught courses such as 鈥淭he Philosophical Life,鈥� 鈥淓thics and Society,鈥� 鈥淧hilosophy of Law,鈥� 鈥淩easonings Across Disciplines,鈥� and many others.

鈥淗er reading lists demonstrate deliberate and concerted effort to represent a variety of perspectives and background, and her syllabi include a wealth of helpful information aimed at ensuring that all of her students have the resources they need for educational success,鈥� her nomination letter states.

In addition to her teaching and research, McAuliffe contributes to public service as the director of the Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy and as the faculty mentor for student groups that prioritize supporting and strengthening community. 

鈥淪he not only provides an astute analysis of economic, political, and social problems as part of her research agenda, Dr. McAuliffe consistently and ably carves out spaces to increase opportunities for those in need and to inspire others to consider their own responsibilities in the creation of a more just world,鈥� one of her peers said.

Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching

Dr. Julien Mirivel received the college鈥檚 Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching. A professor in the Department of Applied Communication, Mirivel has been at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for 19 years.

In the past five years, he鈥檚 taught courses in the department such as 鈥淚ntroduction to Communication,鈥� 鈥淐ommunication and Community,鈥� 鈥淚nterpersonal Communication,鈥� among many others.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching is given to exemplars of the teacher/mentor model who maintain high expectations of their students. 

鈥淭oday, Dr. Mirivel鈥檚 teaching is centered on creating transformative experiences for students, in both his face-to-face and online classes, empowering them not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the skills and values necessary for personal and professional growth,鈥� his nomination letter states.

Mirivel鈥檚 research on positive communication led to the creation of the widely recognized Positive Communication model and the Positive Communication Network, which he utilizes as the foundation for many of his courses. The model blends the creation of thoughtful relationships with conducting research.

鈥淗is ability to blend intellectual rigor with genuine human connection fosters an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired,鈥� a former student said.

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To see the full list of events, visit the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock calendar online.

School of Art and Design

artWORKS Lecture and Workshop by Vivian Chiu: The School of Art and Design welcomes artist Vivian Chiu to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as part of its artWORKS program, which is made possible through support from the Windgate Foundation.

Chiu will be leading a workshop titled 鈥淧iece by Piece鈥� at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 and at 1 p.m. Friday, April 4 in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. She will also give a lecture titled 鈥淔rom Tradition to Abstraction: Woodworking Techniques in Sculpture鈥� at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in Room 101 of the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Chiu received her BFA in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA in Sculpture from Columbia University. She describes her artistic process as using 鈥渨ood to create optical sculptures through repetitive, labor-intensive processes.鈥�

For registration information, contact the school鈥檚 administrative analyst Kristi Crow Pruett at kncrow@ualr.edu. 

鈥淏everly Buys: Gone But Not鈥�: The Focus Gallery is unveiling its final exhibition of the semester on Friday, April 4. This exhibition showcases work from Hot Springs photographer Beverly Buys until Friday, May 30.

Buys鈥� series in the Focus Gallery is a group of 11 cyanotypes. She utilizes light sensitive materials and chemistry in order to create her photographs.

鈥淎ll the work is derived from film and darkroom processes and relies on the very earliest practices of exposing light sensitive paper to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for exposure,鈥� Buys says on . 鈥淭he work is seasonal, and I am connected to the sun鈥檚 cycles, just as the Delta farmers and farmlands are.鈥� 

A reception will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. The event is free and open to the public.

鈥淒awn Holder: Strange Meetings鈥�: The work of Dawn Holder, a sculptor and installation artist, will be unveiled in the North and South Galleries on Friday, April 11 and will be on display until July 11. 

According to , Holder 鈥渋nvestigates various elements of landscape and their socio-cultural significance through ceramics, photography, and mixed media.鈥�

Holder鈥檚 work will be featured in the April 17 reception alongside Beverly Buys. 

Puppy Mugs: A School of Art and Design tradition鈥�Puppy Mugs鈥攊s making its return on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Photography students will use solid color backdrops and fashion lighting to photograph dogs. The photo session is free, but the following can be purchased for $25 each: two 5×7 prints, one 8×10 print, or one digital file. 

This event is open to the public and is a fundraiser to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Photography Program. For additional information, contact the school鈥檚 interim director Joli Livaudais at jklivaudais@ualr.edu. 

鈥淏FA Projects:鈥� The annual student showcase will make its return on Thursday, May 1 with the reception that evening at 5 p.m. in the Brad Cushman Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design. The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, May 17.

The artwork that makes up the exhibition is created by School of Art and Design students who are graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, including Olivia Bacot, Sunny Jenkins, Kate Lusk, and Charla Tozer. Their work in their studio emphasis culminates with a presentation of their final project. 

鈥渁谤迟尝础鲍狈颁贬鈥�: An exhibition highlighting the 2024 artLAUNCH recipients will be on display from May 24 until June 30 in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

Funded by a grant from the Windgate Foundation, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 artLAUNCH program provides early-career alumni with funding and mentorship opportunities to accelerate their artistry. The five recipients for 2024 are Emma Estelle, Bailey Holley, Emmy Reynolds, Annika Shunn, and Courtney Wilson.聽

Free and open to the public, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The galleries in the Windgate Center of Art + Design have additional hours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock galleries are closed on university holidays.

For additional information, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu. 

Department of History

Evenings with History: Dr. Kyungsun Lee, 鈥淭he Arkansas River: Navigating the Impact of Climate Change鈥�: The final Evenings with History lecture for this academic year features Assistant Professor of Geography Kyungsun Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 at the Historic Arkansas Museum. 

Last year, Lee was one of 14 selected to participate in the second cohort of the SciComm Identities Project Fellowship. The April 1 lecture will showcase her research thus far from the five-year fellows program.

The public is invited to attend the event at no cost in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum. More details regarding the Evenings with History series can be found on the Department of History鈥檚 website. For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Heil at mwheil@ualr.edu. 

School of Literary and Performing Arts

Guest Recital: Yun Park, Percussion: The School of Literary and Performing Arts will welcome percussionist Yun Park for a Guest and Faculty Recital alongside music faculty Naoki Hakutani and Jaeyeon Park at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. 

The program will include 鈥淭he Final Precipice鈥� by Jeffrey Payton, 鈥淪pider Walk鈥� by Marta Ptaszynska, and 鈥淭he Planets鈥� by Gustav Holst. 

The recital is free and open to the public. For additional details, contact Naoki Hakutani, associate professor of music, at nxhakutani@ualr.edu. 

Brought to Light: Plays from the Archive: Dr. Lawrence Smith leads 鈥淏rought to Light: Plays from the Archive,鈥� a reading of Kerry Kennedy鈥檚 play 鈥淭he Last Beautiful Words.鈥� 

As a continuation of collaborative efforts between the School of Literary and Performing Arts and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown, the performance will take place at 5 p.m. at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown. The reading is free and open to the public.

Chancellor鈥檚 Concert: The fourth annual Chancellor鈥檚 Concert will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

This special event spotlights student musicians and ensembles as they celebrate their dedication and artistic growth throughout the academic year. This year鈥檚 program highlights Arkansas composers and will feature selected student soloists. 

Composers for the choral portion of the event include Jordan Bennett, Andrea Ramsey, Sean Sweeden, and Gideon Brewer. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is the music program鈥檚 largest event of the year.

Theatre Production: Student Devised Work: The spring 2025 student-led production will be showcased in Haislip Theatre at the Center for Performing Arts from April 17 to April 19 at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The performances are free and open to the public.

This original production was created and performed by students under the mentorship of Jimmy Maize, a member of the Tectonic Theatre Company. The Company has been in residence at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for the semester, which has been made possible, in part, through the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowed Fund.

April Jazz Ensemble Concert: Led by Dr. Michael Underwood, the April Jazz Ensemble Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. 

This exciting performance will showcase a wide variety of jazz styles performed by talented student musicians. The concert is free and open to the public. 

April Chamber and Wind Ensemble Concert: Led by Dr. Nickolas Doshier, the April Chamber and Wind Ensemble Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. 

This concert will feature performances by multiple ensembles, highlighting a varying repertoire within the music program. The concert is free and open to the public. 

April Percussion Concert: Led by Dr. Justin Bunting, the April Percussion Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. 

This collaborative performance will feature the Percussion Ensemble, the Trojan Steel Band, and the West Memphis High School Percussion Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public. 

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Choirs Finale Concert: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Choirs Finale Concert will take place at St. Edward Catholic Church on 801 Sherman St. in Little Rock. The concert is free and open to the public.

Led by Dr. Lorissa Mason, the concert titled 鈥淏eautiful Wild Forces鈥� marks a celebratory conclusion to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Choirs鈥� season. The music will feature both choral ensembles and soloists performing in a range of music styles, each performance with its own distinctive character.

May Piano Ensemble Concert: The final performance of the spring semester will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. Dr. Naoki Hakutani will lead ensemble performances by student pianists. The event is free and open to the public. 

For additional information regarding the events hosted by the School of Literary and Performing Arts, contact the school鈥檚 coordinating assistant Caelon Colbert at cdcolbert@ualr.edu or 501-916-3291.

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The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is Dr. Kristin Mann, a professor of history. What began in her course on the history of objects, Mann has conducted extensive research on bells, their history, and their importance. She is also the coordinator of the Central Arkansas History Day regional competition, which was held at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock on March 1.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I began my career as a high school history and geography teacher in San Antonio, Texas. When we moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, for my husband’s job, I returned to graduate school and completed my Ph.D. in History in December 2002. My areas of specialty are Colonial Latin America and the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands.聽

While I was at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, I taught Latin American History, supervised social studies student teachers, and worked for Cline Library’s Special Collections and Archives Department. I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, kayaking, making music, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with family.

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

I am a Professor of History and Social Studies Education Coordinator at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I teach courses in world, U.S., and Latin American history. I enjoy working with teachers, pre-service teachers, and middle and high school students through the Arkansas Council for the Social Studies and as a National History Day regional coordinator. 

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

We moved to Little Rock in 2002 when I was offered a position at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. When we visited Little Rock and the university as part of my job search, we were impressed by the cordiality and cooperation in the History Department, which is still an amazing group of colleagues. We were also attracted to the outdoor recreation opportunities in Arkansas.

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

I’m currently working on several projects. I spent the fall 2024 semester researching the Replica Liberty Bells that were part of the U.S. Treasury Department’s 1950 Independence Savings Bond Drive. There are so many interesting stories surrounding the bond campaign and the afterlife of the bells. Arkansas’s Replica Liberty Bell is part of the Bicentennial Monument at the State Capitol, and I have created a digital exhibit telling its story. I’m working with the Truman Presidential Library, the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources initiative, and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture to disseminate educational materials about these Replica Liberty Bells and other American symbols. I’ll be designing an exhibit about American symbols for the Arkansas State Capitol which will be on display in the summer of 2026 as part of the America 250 celebrations. 

I’m also continuing my research on the soundscapes of early America, especially what is the U.S. Southwest today. Listening to the past, based on available historical documents, archaeology, and natural history, gives us a wider frame for thinking about interactions among individuals and groups, as well as human-environment interactions.

Recently, I began conducting research with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock colleagues about the use of large language models in teaching and learning in higher education. I am interested in student perceptions of the ethics of using generative artificial intelligence inside and outside the classroom. I’m also interested in how to design effective courses and assignments in this time of rapidly changing technology and limited attention spans.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

So many women have inspired me; it’s difficult to choose one. Fannie Lou Hamer, who fiercely advocated for voting rights for African Americans, is one of my favorites. She was driven by her convictions, she loved and cared for her family, and she was fearless. I would like to be that strong and steadfast. Authors Robin Wall Kimmerer and Barbara Kingsolver inspire me to be present in my surroundings. They encourage me to think about my relationship to the world in different ways. My mother, who faced many challenges as a young woman, and who gains so much joy from helping others, inspires me to be a helper.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

You can’t be a good leader if you don’t care for yourself physically and mentally. Learning how to say no is difficult, but you can’t do everything. Find the places where you can make the biggest difference and focus on those things.

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

Be kind and empathetic. Stay grounded. A little bit of time management goes a long way.

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

I’m a huge college gymnastics fan. I was hit by lightning as a teenager, and I am a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer. I love participating in theater, but I haven’t had a chance to be involved in a production in over 25 years. When I lived in Flagstaff, I played the roles of Maria in “The Sound of Music” and Princess Winifred in “Once Upon A Mattress.”

What is your favorite quote and why?

“The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. What I want is so simple I almost can鈥檛 say it: elementary kindness. Enough to eat, enough to go around. The possibility that kids might one day grow up to be neither the destroyers nor the destroyed. That鈥檚 about it.” — Barbara Kingsolver

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?

I think 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is such a unique place. I appreciate working with students, staff, and faculty from all over the world and right around the corner who are different from me in many ways but who share the drive to learn, discover, and give back.

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The fall 2024 lectures featured Dr. Roy Ritchie, Dr. Johanna Miller Lewis, and Dr. Hannah Anderson. The speakers for this semester鈥檚 lectures are featured below:

Feb. 4: Katrina Yeaw, “Finding Girls in the Archives: The Case of Fekiriyeh and Renghi Sefa鈥�: Assistant Professor of History Dr. Katrina Yeaw starts the spring 2025 lectures with a presentation on two girls from the Sudan, Fekiriyeh and Renghi Sefa, who escaped slavery. Their story will be discussed as a case study to analyze the experiences of non-elite girls and women in the Middle East.

March 4: Charles Romney, Kris McAbee, and Larry Smith, “Playing with History: Community and the Contemporary Stage”: Drs. Charles Romney (Professor of History), Kris McAbee (Associate Professor of English), and Larry Smith (Associate Professor of Theatre Arts) will discuss the intersection of history, drama, and community by applying their disciplinary expertise to particular plays. Their presentation will suggest ways in which theater helps us understand both history and the world today.

April 1: Kyungsun Lee, “The Arkansas River: Navigating the Impact of Climate Change”: Assistant Professor of Geography Dr. Kyungsun Lee will give the final lecture of the year. As a member of the second cohort of SciComm Identities Projects Fellows, Lee will share her research on the historical significance of the Arkansas River and how it has been impacted by climate change.

For each event, light refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. with lectures to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum (200 E. Third St.) in Little Rock.

The long-standing Evenings with History series features 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty members and guest speakers who give presentations on historical topics and is sponsored by the University History Institute. The events are free and open to the public; however, those interested in supporting the series can purchase a subscription online.

More details regarding the Evenings with History series can be found on the Department of History鈥檚 website. For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Heil at mwheil@ualr.edu.

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