Innovation - News - 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock /news/tag/innovation/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:13:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Welcomes University TV Director Brant Collins /news/2026/01/16/tv-director/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93303 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock welcomes television director Brant Collins to the School of Mass Communication on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the start of his role for the spring 2026 semester. Collins ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Welcomes University TV Director Brant Collins

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock welcomes television director Brant Collins to the School of Mass Communication on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the start of his role for the spring 2026 semester.

Collins brings more than 20 years of professional experience working in Little Rock and will oversee University Television while teaching courses in non-linear video editing and studio production.

Having lived and worked in the Little Rock community for more than two decades, Collins envisions University Television becoming a valued community partner that highlights the people, programs, and stories that define both the city and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus.

鈥淚 know there are so many wonderful stories to tell, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is a big part of that community,鈥 Collins said.

During the spring semester, Collins will assess the current state of University Television and collaborate with campus partners to develop a strategic plan for its future. His goal is to shape the station into a central content hub that tells the stories of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while providing students with hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the industry.

Collins said he hopes to build students鈥 skills by emphasizing strong storytelling and maintaining a clear point of view, noting that evolving technologies 鈥 from new camera systems to artificial intelligence 鈥 are tools that support, rather than replace, effective storytelling.

鈥淚 hope we can develop student-led projects that give them real-world experience while also building portfolio work they can be proud of,鈥 Collins said. 鈥淗aving worked in Little Rock for more than 20 years, I also hope to use my connections to help students secure internships and jobs.鈥

Collins will help expand hands-on learning opportunities for students while strengthening University Television.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Gains Global Experience Through Internship in Ireland /news/2025/12/17/internship-in-ireland/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92602 Alex Tarpley, a junior civil and construction engineering major, spent the summer interning in Dublin, Ireland, where he gained life-changing experience that expanded his outlook on life, sharpened his professional ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Gains Global Experience Through Internship in Ireland

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Alex Tarpley, a junior civil and construction engineering major, spent the summer interning in Dublin, Ireland, where he gained life-changing experience that expanded his outlook on life, sharpened his professional skills, and deepened his passion for engineering.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Hands-On Approach to Career Readiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Historian Rings in America鈥檚 250th with Research on Replica Liberty Bells /news/2025/12/17/rings-in-americas-250th/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92810 As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, professor of history at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is helping Americans rediscover a forgotten piece of patriotic ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Historian Rings in America鈥檚 250th with Research on Replica Liberty Bells

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, professor of history at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is helping Americans rediscover a forgotten piece of patriotic history – the Replica Liberty Bells that once traveled the country as symbols of freedom, thrift, and civic pride.

Mann鈥檚 research on the 1950 Independence Savings Bond Drive, a massive postwar campaign that sent replica Liberty Bells to each state, the Truman Presidential Library, Annecy, France, and Tokyo, Japan, has resulted in a digital exhibit, and several public lectures. Her biographical entry on William Wilson Campbell, the longtime volunteer state savings bond director, is featured in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

Mann’s work will be featured in a forthcoming museum exhibit for the Arkansas State Capitol that will be a part of America 250 celebrations. Her work is helping to illuminate how these bells, forged from the spirit of postwar optimism, continue to shape America鈥檚 sense of identity and symbolism today.

Mann recently shared her findings during an 鈥淓venings with History鈥 lecture titled 鈥淪elling America on Independence: The 1950 Savings Bond Drive and Its Replica Liberty Bells,鈥 held in November in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum.

鈥淚 specifically chose this project knowing that America鈥檚 250th birthday was right around the corner,鈥 Mann said. 鈥淎nniversaries are moments of reflection. They invite us to think about who we are, what we value, and how our symbols have evolved over time.鈥

A Forgotten National Campaign

In the early 1950s, the U.S. Treasury Department faced a challenge. The war bond drives that had helped finance World War II were ending, and officials needed a new way to encourage Americans to keep buying savings bonds. Their solution was a patriotic marketing campaign centered on a timeless symbol: the Liberty Bell.

The Treasury鈥檚 Savings Bond Division commissioned exact reproductions of the Liberty Bell for every U.S. state and territory. Cast in France, shipped to the U.S., and mounted on trucks by Navy personnel, the bells toured their assigned states between May 15 and July 4, 1950. These celebrations were accompanied by parades, music, and calls to 鈥淪ave for Your Independence.鈥

鈥淭he Treasury Department wanted people to see saving as not just a personal virtue but an act of citizenship,鈥 Mann explained. 鈥淭hey linked thrift and patriotism in a very deliberate way. They sold the idea that saving for your family鈥檚 future was also saving for America鈥檚 future. This savings bond campaign helped shape the idea of the American Dream.鈥

Arkansas鈥檚 replica Liberty Bell now stands as part of the Bicentennial Monument on the State Capitol grounds, where Mann first encountered it while teaching a course called History with Objects. That classroom project sparked what has now become a multi-year national research initiative.

Research That Rings Across the Nation

Mann鈥檚 digital exhibit, 鈥,鈥 hosted through the ArcGIS StoryMaps platform, has already attracted more than 1,000 views from visitors across the U.S. and around the world. It is the first scholarly resource to compile archival documents and photographs from the National Archives, Truman Presidential Library, and other collections into a public, interactive format.

鈥淭his is the first exhibit that makes use of original government records from the National Archives and the Truman Library,鈥 Mann said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to make that material accessible to everyone 鈥 not just academics, but teachers, students, and anyone interested in American history.鈥

Mann鈥檚 semester-long research leave during the fall 2024 semester allowed her to travel to major archives in Washington, D.C., Texas, and Kansas with support from the Moneyhon Research Fund and the Truman Library Foundation.

鈥淚t was glorious,鈥 Mann said. 鈥淎t a teaching-focused university like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, having time for focused research is invaluable. The university鈥檚 investment in my work allows me to give back by sharing these stories with students and the public.鈥

Mann鈥檚 work has sparked collaboration well beyond the classroom. She is partnering with the Arkansas Secretary of State鈥檚 Office and the Daughters of the American Revolution to raise $45,000 for the restoration of Arkansas鈥檚 replica Liberty Bell, which has weathered decades outdoors. The goal is to restore the bell in time for it to ring on July 4, 2026, during the America 250 celebrations.

At the same time, Mann is designing a new exhibit called 鈥淎merican Symbols鈥 that will open at the Arkansas State Capitol in summer 2026. The exhibit will explore icons such as the Liberty Bell, the American flag, and the Pledge of Allegiance through interactive displays and digital storytelling, featuring contributions from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been wonderful to involve students in this project,鈥 Mann said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e helped research primary sources, design teaching materials, and even attend planning meetings at the Capitol. It鈥檚 an opportunity for them to learn how history connects to civic life.鈥

For Mann, the story of the replica Liberty Bells is a reflection of how Americans have used symbols to define themselves through changing times.

鈥淓ach generation sees the Liberty Bell differently,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n 1950, it was a symbol of postwar optimism and civic duty. In 1976, it became part of the Bicentennial celebration. And now, as we approach America鈥檚 250th, it reminds us to think about what independence and unity mean today.鈥

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student Brings the World of Insects to Life with New Augmented Reality App /news/2025/12/16/world-of-insects/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92689 A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student is transforming the way people learn about the insect world through technology with the launch of a new mobile application, Insects AR, ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student Brings the World of Insects to Life with New Augmented Reality App

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A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student is transforming the way people learn about the insect world through technology with the launch of a new mobile application, , now available on the Google Play Store.

The innovative app, developed by James Dempsey, a senior computer science major from White Hall, uses augmented reality (AR) to bring detailed, interactive 3D models of insects to life on a user鈥檚 phone or tablet. Through the app, users can explore how insects move, what they sound like, and even learn key facts about their habitats, diets, and lifespans 鈥 all in the palm of their hand.

鈥淭he app detects image targets and creates a 3D representation of the insect on that target, placing it into real space,鈥 Dempsey explained. 鈥淥nce the insect appears, it鈥檚 animated and makes noise. You can interact with it 鈥 make it fly, show its wings, or crawl 鈥 and you鈥檒l also see facts about the insect, including its scientific and common names. It鈥檚 all available on your handheld device.鈥

The concept behind Insects AR started years ago as a creative marketing idea for a pest control company, which wanted animated business cards that would display virtual insects. Years after 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Emerging Analytics Center (EAC) brought that idea to life, the concept resurfaced in a team meeting, where Dempsey agreed to bring it to life in a new and educational way.

鈥淭he idea didn鈥檛 just get lost to time,鈥 Dempsey said. 鈥淚t got brought into the future.鈥

Working alongside another student programmer and a creative team led by Jason Zac, lead artist, who designed the app鈥檚 art, animation, and sound, Dempsey spent months building and refining the project. The additional students who worked on the app include William Andrew Nickols, Dalen Villa, Cecily Mobley, and James McMath. The result is an app that blends technology and science education in an engaging, user-friendly way.

鈥淲hen we start a project like this, we begin with brainstorming and storyboarding, then assign tasks across the art and development teams,鈥 said Tom Coffin, operations manager at the EAC. 鈥淧rojects like Insects AR give students experience with industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Autodesk 3ds Max, while also introducing them to cutting-edge areas like computer vision, real-time rendering, and even AI integration. These skills are directly applicable to careers in software development, game design, and beyond.鈥

For Dempsey, Insects AR was more than a portfolio piece. It was a chance to dive deep into emerging technologies and gain valuable experience in mobile development.

鈥淚 learned how to develop mobile applications, how to use Unity, how to work with augmented reality, and how to apply computer vision for spawning digital models,鈥 he said.

Users simply download the app and point their device at special image targets available on the EAC website or on handy cards. The app then projects an animated, life-like insect model into the real world, even when viewed from different angles.

The project also represents Dempsey鈥檚 broader interests in technology and its applications. After graduation, he plans to work in the tech industry in Little Rock for a few years before pursuing a master鈥檚 degree, with a growing interest in social computing and data analysis.

The Insects AR project is part of the EAC鈥檚 expanding portfolio of augmented and virtual reality applications, which include research into AI-driven virtual environments, interactive simulations, and immersive educational tools.

Coffin said projects like Insects AR show how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students are helping shape the future of interactive technology.

鈥淭his project highlights the power of hands-on learning and collaboration,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ur students are learning theory while building tools that have real-world applications.鈥

Insects AR is available now for Android devices on the Google Play Store, and work is underway to bring it to the Apple App Store in the near future. Users can access the required image targets directly from the Emerging Analytics Center website to start exploring the insect world in augmented reality.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of James and the work our student team has done,鈥 Coffin said. 鈥淭his app is a perfect example of how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students are using technology to make science more engaging and accessible.鈥

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Echoes of Empire: Mediterranean Study Abroad Class /news/2025/12/12/echoes-of-empire/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93123 Next summer, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students can explore how empire, migration, and memory have shaped the modern Mediterranean on a 16-day study abroad program in France and Morocco. Led by ... Echoes of Empire: Mediterranean Study Abroad Class

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Next summer, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students can explore how empire, migration, and memory have shaped the modern Mediterranean on a 16-day study abroad program in France and Morocco.

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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Upcoming Graduate Ready for Business /news/2025/12/08/ready-for-business/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93141 After earning two business degrees debt-free and immersing herself in a community of mentors, leaders, and global experiences, Benton native An Le is stepping into graduation with something rare: genuine ... Upcoming Graduate Ready for Business

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After earning two business degrees debt-free and immersing herself in a community of mentors, leaders, and global experiences, Benton native An Le is stepping into graduation with something rare: genuine confidence about what comes next.

鈥淚 feel excited and honestly not nervous,鈥 Le said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock has prepared me for life after college very well. I will miss the community here, but I am excited about the opportunities after graduation.鈥

Le chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for the Donaghey Scholars Program, whose generous scholarships allowed her to complete two business degrees debt-free while staying close to her family. Along the way, she built a strong sense of belonging on campus through faculty and staff mentors who encouraged her growth, both personally and professionally.

Le said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped her build a community of support. Through mentorship from faculty and staff, she learned that while it is important to excel academically, it is just as essential to build meaningful connections and relationships.

During her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Le was a part of many different extracurricular activities using these to help shape her future and what she wanted to do. She was part of the School of Business ambassador, she was part of the student government association and also participated in the Finance and Economics association. These opportunities led her to working full-time at the university her junior and senior year, which better prepared her for future endeavors. 

Le鈥檚 extracurricular activities included Greek life, Student Government Association and School of Business Ambassador (SGA) group. These activities influenced her leadership style and communication with people as well making her a lot more social and confident in herself. She also was able to attend a couple of study abroad programs that helped her. 

The School of Business allowed her the opportunity to go to Argentina, which inspired her to achieve more because she learned how to interact with people of a different culture, and it also allowed her to see how the world operates. It inspired her to look beyond the classroom and workplace.聽

Le鈥檚 favorite part about her career is building meaningful relationships with people. She will be working as the marketing and merchandising manager at a home decor and clothing boutique. 

鈥淢y advice for future students is to have fun,鈥 Le said, 鈥淭ake advantage of all the opportunities 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has to offer. Counseling services, group fitness classes, intramural sports, and more. You never know who you will meet or what new things you will learn!鈥 

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Professor Wins Award for Open Pedagogy /news/2025/12/01/award-for-open-pedagogy/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:02:28 +0000 /news/?p=93013 One of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 newest professors, Dr. Tiffani Tijerina, assistant professor in rhetoric and writing, received an Open Education Award for Excellence for the first book in a series ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Professor Wins Award for Open Pedagogy

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One of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 newest professors, Dr. Tiffani Tijerina, assistant professor in rhetoric and writing, received an Open Education Award for Excellence for the first book in a series she is editing, Pedagogy Opened: Innovative Theory and Practice

This award was presented by as part of the Open Education Awards for Excellence in the Open Practices Award category for 2025. Open Education is a movement to help provide free, accessible, and adaptable educational materials and practices to teachers and students. 

Pedagogy Opened is a collaboration that promotes equity and innovation to invite students to create and share knowledge with future publics. The recognition came as an exciting surprise for Tijerina, who learned about the award from a previous self-nomination and award in 2022. 

鈥淭hese awards are often self-nominated, and that is the case for this one as well,鈥 Tijerina said, 鈥淏ut it was such a pleasant surprise when I learned the project actually won!鈥 

Tijerina nominated Pedagogy Opened: Innovative Theory and Practice because it embodies the values of open education, through both content and process. Pedagogy Opened offers seven discussions of research, theory, and practice in and around open pedagogy. 

Tijerina is already putting her passion for open education into action. She鈥檚 working with Ottenheimer Library and other campus partners to build a stronger foundation for open education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She hopes her efforts will encourage more faculty to explore these innovative teaching methods in their own classrooms.

Dr. Heidi McCauley, Professor of Rhetoric and Writing and Graduate Coordinator, had the following to say, 

鈥淒r. Tijerina is a fantastic new member of our department,鈥 said Dr. Heidi McCauley, professor of rhetoric and writing and graduate coordinator at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭his award demonstrates our commitment to making writing education accessible.鈥 

By receiving the award, Tijerina hopes it will encourage others to advocate for recognition of their work, because success is possible at any stage of an academic career.

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Associate Professor in Geology Wins Two Awards /news/2025/12/01/professor-wins-awards/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:58:23 +0000 /news/?p=93035 Dr. Rene Shroat-Lewis, associate professor of geology at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, received the Accomplished Alumni Award and the President鈥檚 Award during the Geological Society of America鈥檚 2025 annual meeting. The ... Associate Professor in Geology Wins Two Awards

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Dr. Rene Shroat-Lewis, associate professor of geology at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, received the Accomplished Alumni Award and the President鈥檚 Award during the Geological Society of America鈥檚 2025 annual meeting.

The AWG President鈥檚 Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and support for the organization鈥檚 mission of empowering women in the geosciences. Shroat-Lewis was honored for her six years of service as the South-Central Delegate and her continued commitment to advancing diversity and mentorship in the field. 

Shroat-Lewis has been with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock since the fall of 2012 as an instructor and moved into the tenure track in 2015. She is active in community and statewide initiatives, such as serving as the state director for the Arkansas Science Olympiad. She is the first recipient of the Accomplished Alumni Award from University of Tennessee鈥檚 Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Department. 

The award was presented by her former advisor, Dr. Colin Sumrall. Shroat-Lewis is deeply committed to student research and teaching, both of which she views as essential to inspiring the next generation of scientists. 

鈥淚 was genuinely shocked when my name was announced,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t was a meaningful surprise. The Association for Women Geoscientists is very near and dear to my heart, and I am always happy to support its mission of empowering women in the geosciences. Both of these honors remind me how important it is to stay engaged in teaching, mentorship, and service to our scientific community.鈥 

Shroat-Lewis plans to continue serving in the roles that have allowed her to support students, colleagues, and the broader geoscience community. She has also been invited to run for President of the Association for Women Geoscientists 鈥 a challenge she is excited to pursue within the next few years. She鈥檚 also looking forward to continuing to advocate for mentorship, inclusion, and opportunities that help others succeed in the geosciences. Shroat-Lewis credits her grandparents for instilling in her a strong work ethic and commitment to service.

鈥淢y grandparents raised me to work hard and give back to others,鈥 she said. 鈥淣either of them had more than a high school education, but they made sure I knew the importance of striving for excellence and making a difference whenever possible.鈥

She thanked 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for supporting its faculty and encouraging growth.

鈥淚 am truly grateful to work at an institution that values innovation, service, and student success,鈥 she said.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Introduces New Corporate Partnerships to Portfolio /news/2025/11/25/new-corporate-partnerships/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92806 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is proud to announce the addition of 15 new members to the Corporate Partnerships Program.  These members have entered into a unique partnership ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Introduces New Corporate Partnerships to Portfolio

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is proud to announce the addition of 15 new members to the Corporate Partnerships Program

These members have entered into a unique partnership with the university, and are committed to strengthening relationships in the community. The program enables partnering employees to begin or finish an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate while continuing to work for their employer.

鈥淲e are proud to welcome 15 new partners to the program as we work to develop the next generation of leaders in the Arkansas workforce,鈥 said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淭he success of the Corporate Partnerships Program allows us to continue to add to our vibrant roster of committed business partners to create affordable, quality educational opportunities for their employees.鈥

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has more than 130 partnerships with Arkansas businesses, organizations, school districts, and corporations. 

Over 67,000 people in Arkansas鈥檚 workforce are eligible to receive educational benefits at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through the Corporate Partnerships Program. More than 1,500 students have already taken advantage of these scholarships to pursue an affordable and accessible education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, with nearly 475 students enrolled for the fall 2025 semester. 

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

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 newest corporate partners include:

  1. Arkansas Department of Transportation
  2. Camden Fairview School District
  3. Central Arkansas Library System
  4. Empower Healthcare Solutions
  5. England School District
  6. Jasper School District
  7. Lexicon, Inc.
  8. Mena Public Schools
  9. Pleasant Valley Rehabilitation and Nursing
  10. Priority Wire & Cable
  11. Searcy Public Schools
  12. South Conway County School District
  13. Texarkana Arkansas School District
  14. Twin Rivers Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
  15. Vilonia School District

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

These new corporate partners join a list of organizations who have already joined the program, including the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Education, Finance & Administration, Arkansas Secretary of State, CARTI, Bradley County Medical Center, Mena Regional Health System, along with the Mayflower and Sheridan School Districts, Relyance Bank, The Root Cafe, and more. 

Those interested in learning more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnerships Program may visit the Corporate Partnerships website for more information.

Companies interested in becoming a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock corporate partner should email Matthew Bellew, corporate partnerships coordinator, at msbellew@ualr.edu.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Researcher Wins Best Paper Award for Groundbreaking AI Study on YouTube Bias /news/2025/11/18/ai-study-on-youtube/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92825 Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Maulden-Entergy Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and founding director of the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS) ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Researcher Wins Best Paper Award for Groundbreaking AI Study on YouTube Bias

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Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Maulden-Entergy Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and founding director of the at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has received the Best Paper Award at the 2025 International Conference on AI-Based Media Innovation (AIMEDIA 2025) in Venice, Italy.

Agarwal鈥檚 paper, titled 鈥,鈥 was recognized for its innovative use of artificial intelligence to reveal subtle patterns of bias and sentiment within digital video content. This is a pioneering contribution to the field of human-centered AI and media transparency, according to Agarwal.

The award-winning study tackled a growing concern in the digital age: how engagement-driven platforms like YouTube influence perception through algorithmic design and emotional framing. While previous studies relied on surface-level indicators, like video titles, descriptions, and engagement metrics, Agarwal鈥檚 team sought to understand the deeper emotional and narrative structure of content posted on the video platform.

To do this, the research leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to perform a multi-layered analysis of YouTube videos. The AI examined titles, descriptions, transcripts, and AI-generated summaries, uncovering how emotional tone and bias shift across these layers.

The findings were revealing. Sentiment became more positive and joyful as analysis moved deeper into the content, while expressions of anger and toxicity declined sharply. The study concluded that video titles, which are often optimized for engagement, tended to be the most provocative or toxic, while the underlying narratives were far more balanced and constructive.

鈥淭his research showcases how AI can be used to interpret not just data, but meaning,鈥 Agarwal said. 鈥淏y examining content holistically, we can identify discrepancies between what is presented on the surface and what the message truly conveys. That insight is crucial for creating more transparent and trustworthy digital environments.鈥

The study, published in the IARIA Congress 2025 proceedings, represents a major step forward in the use of AI for media accountability and bias detection. By integrating sentiment, emotion, and toxicity analysis across multiple content layers, the research introduces a new framework for evaluating online media beyond superficial metrics.

The work鈥檚 implications extend well beyond YouTube. Its methodology can be applied across platforms to help developers, policymakers, and researchers better understand how algorithms shape user engagement and how those algorithms can be designed to promote fairness, accuracy, and context awareness.

鈥淯ltimately, our goal is to develop tools that help platforms and audiences distinguish between attention-grabbing rhetoric and authentic communication,鈥 Prof. Agarwal said. 鈥淭his kind of analysis moves us closer to AI systems that truly support informed decision-making.鈥

This recognition adds to a growing list of international honors for Prof. Agarwal and COSMOS, whose interdisciplinary research combines computer science, behavioral analysis, and social impact. COSMOS has received support from numerous federal agencies and international partners for its work in algorithmic transparency, cognitive warfare, AI applications, and digital ethics.

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