The new initiative builds on the university鈥檚 leadership in the Cyber Learning Network, a collaborative effort that brings together colleges and universities across the state to strengthen cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.

鈥淭his is an important step forward for our students, our partners, and communities across Arkansas,鈥� said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淎t 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we are committed not only to preparing students for the future, but to applying what we do in ways that directly strengthen our communities. This initiative does both.鈥�

The Cybersecurity Clinic Network will connect students, faculty, and partner institutions to provide real-world cybersecurity services to underserved organizations, including small utilities, municipalities, rural healthcare providers, K鈥�12 schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Support from Google.org makes it possible to scale this work statewide, expanding access to hands-on learning while strengthening cybersecurity capacity for organizations across Arkansas. In addition, prior funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), secured through Senator John Boozman鈥檚 office, supported the development of key technologies that enable the clinic鈥檚 cybersecurity assessment and remediation services. 

“Navigating the recent increase in disruptive cyber attacks on essential services鈥攆rom local power grids to hospitals 鈥� will rely on a strong cyber workforce capable of defending against everyday threats,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas, Google.org. “Cyber clinics are a crucial part of this effort: it gives students the hands-on experience they need to start careers, while at the same time providing vital, no-cost security services to local organizations that need them most. It鈥檚 a smart investment in both our workforce and the critical infrastructure that communities depend on.鈥�

Students participating in the clinics will work under faculty supervision to conduct cybersecurity assessments, recommend secure systems, deploy monitoring tools, and assist with remediation planning using industry best practices.

鈥淥ur goal is to ensure students have meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them to succeed in critical fields like cybersecurity,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淭his model connects classroom learning with real-world challenges, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills while making a meaningful impact across our state.鈥�

The program is expected to train more than 500 students and support more than 150 organizations statewide over the next six years. It will also be part of the , providing students with access to expanded training, collaboration, and career pathways.

Dr. Philip Huff, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Center for Research in Cybersecurity Engineering (CORE), said the initiative reflects years of collaboration across Arkansas.

鈥淲e鈥檝e seen the tremendous potential of connecting education directly with service,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淭his investment allows us to expand a proven model that strengthens our workforce pipeline while improving the resilience of critical infrastructure across the state.鈥�

The Cybersecurity Clinic Network is a systemwide effort involving institutions across the University of Arkansas System, community colleges, and private partners, ensuring access and impact in communities across Arkansas.

鈥淭his effort brings together higher education institutions across the state to expand opportunity and strengthen our economy,鈥� said 糖心Vlog传媒 System President Jay B. Silveria. 鈥淏y building a skilled cybersecurity workforce and supporting critical infrastructure, this initiative will benefit every corner of Arkansas.鈥�

By strengthening the state鈥檚 cybersecurity workforce pipeline while supporting critical infrastructure, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is leading a model that delivers real results for Arkansas communities.

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The gift from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock prepares to reopen the planetarium this fall, the endowment ensures the facility has the long-term support needed for operations, programming, and staffing, positioning it as a lasting destination for students and the community.

For McMath, the investment is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong fascination with the night sky.

鈥淚 am a space race baby,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚 was eight when Sputnik launched, and I followed it with the same enthusiasm as some people follow a sports team.鈥�

That early curiosity grew into a serious pursuit. What began as a telescope for his son turned into a lifelong passion, including building telescope mirrors and conducting amateur research. Today, McMath operates a robotic telescope and has contributed more than 130,000 observations of variable stars to an international database.

He sees the planetarium as a way to share that sense of discovery with others, especially at a time when fewer people have experienced the night sky in its full form.

鈥淭he reality is, without question, the greatest natural spectacle is the Milky Way stretching across the night sky,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut these days, few people have ever truly seen it.鈥�

A planetarium, he said, can help bridge that gap by giving people a broader understanding of the universe and their place within it.

鈥淎 planetarium can open people鈥檚 eyes and minds to the reality of our situation here on our little planet,鈥� McMath said.

Supporting the endowment is also a way for McMath to give back to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock was an important element in my personal development, and I have not done much to pay it back,鈥� he said.

He also sees the planetarium as a key connection point between the university and the city.

鈥淭he planetarium will be an ambassadorial and educational tool for the university,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚t is an investment in the community that will build pride in the university among city residents and help people better understand our place in the universe.鈥�

Their support helps position the planetarium as a long-term asset for both the university and Central Arkansas.

Learn more about the Shellam Flake Planetarium at

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The project, called Trojan Forge, will give students access to tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, screen-printing equipment and woodworking tools. The space is designed to bring students from different majors together to experiment, build projects and collaborate.

Students in Library Vision Partners, a campus focus group created in 2023 to give students a voice in how the library evolves, have helped bring the idea to life.

The group hosted a March 11 town hall in the Ottenheimer Library to share plans for Trojan Forge and gather feedback from the campus community.

Will Fausel, an electrical and computer engineering major, Learning Commons IT support specialist and member of the Library Vision Partners group, said the concept for Trojan Forge began during his second semester at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, when the library asked students in the Vision Partners program to help design a makerspace for campus.

At the time, he said, students were still trying to figure out what that space might look like.

To test the idea, organizers hosted a prototype event in August 2025 and launched a to help shape the makerspace鈥檚 vision.

Brandon Sollars, director of the Learning Commons and adviser to the Library Vision Partners program, said the results demonstrated overwhelming student support for creating a makerspace on campus.

The survey showed 98 percent of respondents supported the idea, giving the group strong backing to present their proposal to university leadership.

That proposal led to $50,000 in funding for the project, by the chancellor鈥檚 office for campus improvement initiatives.

Survey responses also helped identify the tools and resources students want in the space. Many requested equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking hand tools, screen-printing equipment and a soundproof studio for recording music and podcasts.

Valerisse Bell-Ovwiomoriemu, an adviser on the Library Vision Partners committee, said organizers will review the most requested items and determine what the initial budget can support.

The team plans to compare student requests with available funding and narrow the list to equipment that can be included in the first phase of the project. Bell-Ovwiomoriemu said the long-term goal is to build a multidisciplinary space that can expand as additional resources become available.

Organizers also hope faculty will use the space for demonstrations, presentations and expert-led workshops that introduce students to tools and creative practices outside their primary fields of study.

Trojan Forge will also incorporate the library鈥檚 existing 3D printing services, allowing students to submit print jobs online and receive printed objects through the library.

The makerspace will be located on the first floor of the Ottenheimer Library, where students will be able to experiment with tools, develop projects and explore creative ideas across disciplines.

Organizers say Trojan Forge reflects several years of student research, feedback and advocacy through the Library Vision Partners program.

Construction is expected to begin in April, with organizers aiming to open the space in August in time for the start of the fall semester.

Students and faculty can continue sharing ideas through the Trojan Forge interest survey, which remains open indefinitely. More information about the project is available on the Ottenheimer Library website.

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鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is home to a diverse student body and respected faculty transforming academic endeavors into practical support and solutions for Arkansans. Establishing a full-service veterans legal clinic within the Bowen School of Law and bolstering nanotech research with a wide range of real-world applications will benefit veterans and accelerate innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and medicine,鈥� said U.S. Senator John Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to have championed these investments and look forward to the exciting impact they will have on our state and beyond in the years to come.鈥�

Chancellor Christina Drale added that these investments further position the university to serve Arkansas through impactful research and programs.

鈥淭his level of federal investment affirms the value and impact of the work happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Chancellor Christina Drale. 鈥淔rom supporting Arkansas veterans to advancing research in nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and data analytics, these appropriations strengthen our ability to serve the state and deliver research that makes a measurable difference for our communities and our country.

The federal funding package includes two direct allocations secured by Boozman for the veterans legal clinic and nanotechnology research equipment, in addition to the other investments he and the Arkansas congressional delegation supported for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock programs:

• $750,000 to support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law
• $6 million for nanotechnology initiatives, including:
  • $3 million to enhance nanotechnology research capacity through the purchase of highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment
  • $3 million specifically for nanomaterials for bone regeneration research
• $5 million to develop a cyber-resilient computing platform in partnership with Montana State University
• $1 million to support COSMOS (social networks analysis) research

Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The $750,000 appropriation will enhance the Bowen School of Law鈥檚 Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while giving law students hands-on experience. To date the clinic has supported Veterans in two thirds of Arkansas counties and has secured more than $500k in benefits for veterans. With the additional funding, the clinic hopes to secure additional support to serve all Arkansas counties.  

鈥淭his funding strengthens our ability to stand alongside Arkansas veterans and ensure they have access to the legal services they deserve,鈥� said Dean Colin Crawford of the Bowen School of Law. 鈥淚t also gives our students meaningful, real-world experience advocating for those who have served our country.鈥�

Analytical and Nanotechnology Research Expansion

The $6 million in nanotechnology funding will significantly expand 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 research capacity. The $3 million equipment investment will enhance nanotechnology research through the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, positioning the university for continued growth in high-impact materials science. The instrumentation will serve both the academic as well as the industrial partners and provide educational opportunities for a variety of students and users. An additional $3 million will support research focused specifically on nanomaterials for bone regeneration, with potential applications for injured service members and others requiring regenerative medical treatments.

鈥淭hese investments strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to conduct advanced characterization and research at a higher level both academically and industrially,鈥� said Dr. Alex Biris, Chief Scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences. 鈥淭he funding expands our research capacity, and the support for the development of technologies focused on advanced bone and tissue regeneration, allowing us to pursue innovative solutions with significant implications for both national defense and medical advancement.鈥�  

Cyber-Resilient Space Computing Platform

The $5 million cyber-resilient computing platform project, a joint effort between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and Montana State University, will focus on strengthening satellite systems against emerging cyber threats and enhancing national security capabilities in space.

鈥淭his project advances our ability to build AI models that protect mission-critical systems operating in increasingly complex and contested cyber environments in space,鈥� said Dr. Philip Huff. 鈥淚t reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 growing leadership in applied cybersecurity research that directly supports national defense and workforce needs.鈥�

COSMOS: Social Networks Analysis

The $1 million investment in COSMOS (social networks analysis) will expand research capabilities in data analytics and national security applications.

鈥淪ocial network analysis plays a critical role in understanding complex digital ecosystems and cognitive security challenges,鈥� said Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of COSMOS Research Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭his funding allows us to deepen our research impact while preparing students to lead in high-demand intelligence and analytics fields.鈥�

Together, these investments accelerate 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 momentum as a leading public research university and a driver of innovation in Arkansas. From supporting veterans in Arkansas courtrooms to advancing technologies that strengthen national security, the university continues to translate research excellence into tangible benefits for the state and the nation.

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Siraj鈥檚 research focuses on three key components of the battery: the anode, the cathode, and the separator. Together, these parts determine how much power a battery can store, how long it lasts, and how safely it operates. Her lab is developing a new type of high energy density battery to increase performance and longevity. Specifically, she looks to improve the life cycle, energy density, voltage capacity, and thermal stability of batteries. 

Siraj鈥檚 work on developing the separator 鈥� which prevents the two electrodes in the battery from connecting and short-circuiting 鈥� has gained recognition from prominent players in energy development. This work specifically has gained funding from the NASA Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.

By developing safer and more durable batteries, Siraj is not only increasing efficiency but also reducing waste and cost for everyday consumers. She said her research has potential developments for electric vehicles. 鈥淲e want to improve the life cycle of batteries. If we are able to reach 10,000 hour cycles, they could last up to 25 years, meaning you wouldn鈥檛 have to replace the battery in your car within your lifetime,鈥� Siraj said.

Her lab collaborates with U.S. Vanadium and Standard Lithium, two major companies advancing energy innovation in Arkansas. These partnerships connect university research with industrial development, creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and presenting unique opportunities for internships. 

Inside the lab, students gain extensive hands-on experience with material synthesis, characterization, and advanced instrumentation. They also learn valuable skills for communicating about their research to both technical and public audiences. Senior students participate in proposal writing and learn how to secure research funding 鈥� training that, Siraj said, helps them 鈥渂ecome independent researchers by the time they graduate.鈥�

Siraj鈥檚 passion for her project goes far beyond science, however. Mentorship is as central to her mission as scientific discovery. As an instructor and researcher, Siraj takes joy in producing students with critical thinking skills and independence. 鈥淚 will see that as the greatest success of my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y greatest joy comes from seeing my students succeed. It fills me with pride and purpose. When they struggle, I can鈥檛 help but feel like I am falling short somehow. I feel incredibly proud and fulfilled because of everything they鈥檝e achieved. Their growth is my biggest reward.鈥� Her PhD students have gone on to careers in prominent national laboratories such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, and the Arkansas State Crime Lab. She also serves as a Chemistry Olympiad coordinator, going beyond the collegiate setting to directly engage with the local community. Students as young as fifth and sixth grade have worked on projects with Dr. Siraj, who seeks to spark a love for STEM research in all she teaches. 

Siraj views her research as a way to cement Arkansas鈥檚 status as a leader in energy production and innovation. The development of longer life cycle batteries would be a complete game changer for human energy use. With the discovery of lithium reserves in southern Arkansas, she sees an opportunity to connect local resources with cutting edge research, positioning Arkansas at the forefront of these technological developments. Siraj said, 鈥淚f we are able to go all the way from the extraction of lithium to the utilization of that lithium in the batteries, then Arkansas will stand out in the whole United States.鈥� In order to continue meeting our energy demands, she said we must seek out alternatives to our dwindling energy sources 鈥� and perhaps the future of energy is right in our backyard.

By connecting research and real-world application, Siraj鈥檚 battery research laboratory is helping position 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 鈥� and the state of Arkansas 鈥� as a rising leader in energy independence and innovation.

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The council brings together leaders from across academic colleges and administrative units to discuss emerging workforce trends and to identify how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock can respond through new programs, partnerships, and student opportunities.

鈥淭he primary goals of this group are to discuss emerging workforce trends in each of our respective colleges, departments, and units and how our Workforce Development Center鈥攁nd the university as a whole鈥攃an respond to them,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淚 envision this council as a space to brainstorm, collaborate, and stay informed, especially since workforce development can鈥檛 occur in silos.鈥�

Located in the Reynolds Business Building, the Workforce Development Center is home to the offices of Study Abroad, University Career Services, Extended Education, and Concurrent Enrollment. The center is focused on streamlining processes across these units while advancing several key priorities:

• Examining prior learning assessment across the university
• Tracking workforce data
• Expanding internship opportunities for students
• Developing new certificate programs
• Ensuring students have ample career opportunities after graduation
• Working to upskill employees throughout central Arkansas

With this approach, the center will support lifelong learners – from concurrent enrollment students as young as 14 to professionals seeking to reskill and upskill later in their careers.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to join colleagues across campus in serving on this council,鈥� said Dr. David White, director of the Survey Research Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淚鈥檓 eager to explore how the Survey Research Center can help shape evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges and foster positive change in our community.鈥�

The Workforce Development Center Council includes representatives from every college and major administrative area:

• Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science and interim director of the Emerging Analytics Center
• Dr. Ann Bain, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost
• Dr. Melvin Beavers, interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs
• Dr. Mike Cavanaugh, director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Dr. Laura Danforth, co-director of the School of Social Work
• Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development
• Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence
• Dr. Barclay Key, chair of the Department of History
• Dr. Matt Matusiak, associate dean in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services
• Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Affairs
• Diana Snyder, assistant dean for career services at the William H. Bowen School of Law
• Fairah Solomon, associate professor of nursing
• Kiel Thorlton, director of the School of Mass Communication
• Dr. Anne Turner, assistant professor in Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering
• Thomas Wallace, coordinator of the Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs
• Dr. David White, director of the Survey Research Center

The council will serve as a hub for collaboration across campus, helping 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock strengthen connections with industry partners while ensuring students are prepared to succeed in today鈥檚 dynamic job market.

鈥淯ltimately, from concurrent enrollment to extended education, we have a unique opportunity to support learners from ages 14 to 100,鈥� Duvall said. 鈥淭his council is an important step toward ensuring 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to meet the needs of both students and employers in central Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

Members of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community and the public who wish to share ideas or provide feedback on workforce development efforts are encouraged to contact Dr. Aaron Duvall at aduvall@ualr.edu.

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The new Innovation Station, located in the Pat Walker Center for Nursing, is designed to revolutionize how students learn, practice, and prepare for real-world patient care. Combining state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology with hands-on clinical training, the lab gives students access to realistic, repeatable scenarios that strengthen their clinical skills and judgment.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 nurses must be more than compassionate caregivers,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淭hey must be clinically sharp, technologically proficient, and ready to adapt in fast-paced healthcare environments. The Innovation Station revolutionizes how our students learn, practice, and prepare for real-world care. This is just one of the ways 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is strengthening the future of healthcare in Arkansas.鈥�

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain, a registered nurse and former chair of the School of Nursing, emphasized how simulation-based education is key to addressing Arkansas鈥檚 ongoing nursing shortage.

鈥淪imulation-based education is one of the most effective ways we can prepare students for patient care,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淥ver the past four years, our students have completed more than 114,000 hours of simulation training, supported by $1.26 million in new technology and equipment. The Innovation Station is the next step forward, giving students access to realistic, repeatable clinical scenarios that sharpen judgment and build confidence.鈥�

The dedication ceremony drew campus and community leaders as well as alumni and healthcare partners, who explored both the new Innovation Station and the internationally recognized Center for Simulation Innovation. Visitors observed demonstrations of high-fidelity manikins, Echo masks, and other advanced training tools that replicate the sights and sounds of real healthcare environments.

Students also showcased the new virtual reality technology during live demonstrations. Using Oculus headsets, they navigated AI-powered clinical scenarios involving pediatric patients, dehydration cases, postoperative care, and even rare emergency events that students might never encounter during traditional clinical rotations.

鈥淲e have the Oculus VR equipment set up for our class, and we鈥檙e able to come here and pick a scenario,鈥� said Brendon Johnson, a junior nursing student from Cabot. 鈥淚 had a patient who was dehydrated and experiencing abdominal pain. I was able to talk to him, get his vitals, and follow up with his doctor to determine the next stage of care. It gives us a way to see things that would be dangerous if they happened to real patients and to practice handling them safely.鈥�

Students also performed CPR demonstrations on new interactive training carts that provide real-time feedback on compression depth, speed, and technique, which will help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock nursing students meet certification standards and develop life-saving skills.

For Joanna Hall, director of simulation and a three-time graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 nursing program, the power of simulation lies in its ability to replicate critical moments safely and repeatedly.

鈥淪imulation allows students to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from them,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淲e no longer rely on chance for students to encounter critical scenarios during clinical rotations. We can create those experiences on demand. The Innovation Station takes this capability to the next level, ensuring our graduates are confident, capable, and clinically prepared.鈥�

Keya McGee, president of the Student Nurses Association, said the new lab will help students approach their careers with more confidence.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about cool headsets. It鈥檚 about the future of healthcare,鈥� McGee said. 鈥淪imulation gives us the confidence to make decisions under pressure, reflect on our choices, and apply what we learn to real patients. This lab elevates not only the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing, but also healthcare for the millions of Arkansans we will serve.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Jussus Sanchez, a 2014 graduate and certified registered nurse anesthetist at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, said the new lab represents a major leap forward in training.

鈥淢y time as a student was stressful but rewarding, and I came out well prepared,鈥� Sanchez said. 鈥淣ow, with augmented reality, you鈥檙e more one-on-one with your clinicals. It results in a more focused approach. It will help nurses build confidence, learn how to approach patients, and experience things that a manikin alone can鈥檛 represent.鈥�

As the open house concluded, Provost Bain invited guests to tour the facilities and see firsthand how the Innovation Station and are reshaping nursing education across Arkansas.

Bain said the dedication of the Innovation Station is more than an investment in technology; it鈥檚 an investment in the health of Arkansas.

鈥淚t ensures our students are ready to deliver excellent care, whether in hospitals, clinics, or rural health centers,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淢ost importantly, it鈥檚 a step forward in addressing the critical nursing shortage facing our state.鈥�

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The new fund will provide annual support to purchase and replace equipment and materials for students studying fine arts, with a special focus on jewelry and metalsmithing.

鈥淚 wanted to support the students because I鈥檓 a jeweler myself, and I know what it鈥檚 like to be a young student without all the resources you need,鈥� Weiss said. 鈥淭hey have a fantastic program with great teachers. The students already have a good facility, and this fund can help them get the equipment they need.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Metalsmithing and Jewelry program introduces students to the foundational techniques of jewelry making and metalwork, including fabrication, forging, casting, and surface finishing. Through hands-on projects, research, and critiques, students develop skills in design, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving for both functional and artistic works.

Weiss took summer classes at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock when she was younger and remains a strong supporter of the university and the local arts community.

鈥淭his gift is all about supporting the students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 wish them the best and can鈥檛 wait to see their next exhibition.鈥�

Weiss, who splits her time between Little Rock and France, has been a jeweler since the age of 18 and believes deeply in the value of fine arts education.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important for students to express themselves through their art and having the right facilities to do that is fantastic,鈥� she said.

Lydia Martin, visiting assistant professor of metals, expressed her gratitude for the fund, noting the vital impact it will have on student creativity and development.

鈥淎s a lifelong learner, an attitude I encourage in all students who walk into my classroom, I understand how important it is to have access to the right tools,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淎ccess to tools is not just about learning a technique but discovering the creative potential of your own vision. The Jewelry and Metalsmith Equipment Fund provides students the resources they need to build their ideas into reality. I can’t wait to see the work they create and the new directions they find because of it!鈥�

The donation will directly support students in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Art and Design, helping them access professional-grade tools and materials needed to refine their craft and explore new creative directions.

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The stage, part of the recently revitalized outdoor space on campus, lies at the center of campus just outside Ottenheimer Library. It serves as a focal point for campus events, performances, and gatherings.

The donation honors the Donaghey Foundation for its long-standing support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and its commitment to enriching the university鈥檚 academic and campus life. The Donaghey Foundation donated more than $8 million for the completion of Trojan Way.

Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement, expressed his gratitude for the donor鈥檚 generosity and the recognition of the Donaghey Foundation’s impact at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淲e are incredibly thankful for this generous gift and the donor鈥檚 desire to honor the Donaghey Foundation Board members,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淭his contribution will enhance the campus experience for our students, faculty, and staff while celebrating the legacy of a foundation that has consistently invested in the growth and success of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

The Donaghey Stage is a key component of Trojan Way, which was recently transformed into a modern, engaging outdoor learning and gathering space. Trojan Way includes walkways with landscaping and lighting, multiple gardens and outdoor learning environments, and benches with built-in charging stations. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock planted more than 250 trees along the more than 200,000 square-foot-project.

The newly named stage is a testament to the impact of philanthropic efforts in enhancing campus life and enriching the student experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. The gift is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which is raising funds for academic scholarships, student success initiatives, the living and learning environment, and program excellence ahead of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. Visit /centennial/ for more information.

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鈥檚 donation builds on the company鈥檚 rich history of investing in the university鈥檚 growth and community engagement initiatives. In recognition of the gift, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will name the campus garden the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Garden.

鈥淎rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to sponsor organizations that strive to improve the health and lives of Arkansans,鈥� said Rebecca Pittillo, president of the Blue & You Foundation. 鈥淐ommunity plays a crucial role in shaping our health by providing a sense of belonging. We want to encourage pursuing higher education in our state by supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s living and learning environment. Investing in our universities is investing in our state.鈥�

The Trojan Way Project includes a series of campus improvement and renovation projects, funded by a grant from the Donaghey Foundation, that have significantly transformed the face of the university. Trojan Way features a new north-south promenade, complete with improved walkways, seating areas, and vibrant meeting spaces.

鈥淥ur hope is that the Trojan Way Garden will be a place where students can come together to study, eat, enjoy nature, and talk to one another,鈥� Pittillo said. 鈥淭hese walkways, seating areas, and gathering spaces provide an opportunity for an inclusive and supportive community at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a longstanding tradition of supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, with the company set to fund technology upgrades in a computer science classroom later this year. The partnership between the two institutions is deeply rooted, as over 350 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumni are employed at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and more than 1,150 of its employees have attended classes at the university.

Several Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield executives continue to strengthen this relationship by serving on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock boards. Grady McCorkle, director of strategic workforce planning and people analytics, and Alfreda Summons, data analyst lead, serve on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. Alicia Berkemeyer, executive vice president and chief health management officer, has previously served on the School of Business Advisory Board, while George Burks, vice president of group markets, has served on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Foundation Fund Board.

“We are incredibly grateful to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their generous support in helping bring the campus garden on Trojan Way to life,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭his donation not only enhances the beauty of our campus but also provides a unique space that will benefit our students and the entire community for years to come. Their continued commitment to our university is truly inspiring.”

This gift is a part of the Centennial Campaign, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 capital campaign to raise $250,000 million in time for the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. The campaign pillars include scholarships, student support, program excellence, and the living and learning environment. Find out more about the Centennial Campaign by visiting

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