The initiative combines direct admission with traditional 2+2 transfer pathways, allowing students to complete their first two years at a community college before transferring to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to finish a four-year degree. The program is designed to remove transfer barriers and help hundreds of Arkansas students each year move more easily from an associate degree to a bachelor鈥檚 degree. 

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is proud to lead the state in creating innovative pathways that make higher education more accessible for Arkansas students,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淏y strengthening partnerships with community colleges, we are helping more students see a clear and achievable path to completing their bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥�

The first institutions to join the initiative are the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, and the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College. Additional partner institutions are expected to join in the future. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock enrolled over 1,300 transfer students for the current academic year.

Through the partnership, eligible transfer students will benefit from several features designed to simplify the transition to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, including:

• Waived undergraduate admission application fee
• Streamlined admissions processing, with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock coordinating transcript collection to reduce administrative steps and transcript fees
• Access to the Trojan Transfer Hub, a web-based platform that allows students to evaluate how their coursework applies to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock degree programs and guides them through the transfer process

鈥淭ransfer students are a vital part of our campus community, and we are committed to making their pathway to a four-year degree as clear and accessible as possible,鈥� said Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淏y working closely with our community college partners, we are creating new opportunities for students across Arkansas to continue their education and achieve their goals.鈥�

Strengthening partnerships with community colleges is central to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission to expand access to higher education across Arkansas.

鈥淎s Little Rock鈥檚 university, we are committed to meeting students where they are and building partnerships that help them succeed,鈥� Decker said.

The direct admission transfer partnerships will begin in Fall 2026. To learn more about enrolling at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, visit . 

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The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is Leah Ford, who plays a key role in organizing the university鈥檚 most popular Admissions events and guiding new students as they begin their journey as Trojans.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Leah Ford, and I serve as the Communications, Customer Service, and Events Manager in the Office of Admissions. I’m currently in my eighth year of working at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I hold a bachelor’s degree, earned in 2010, and a master’s degree in higher education, completed in 2012, both from Arkansas Tech University. I am originally from Benton, Arkansas, where I currently reside with my husband, two children, and chocolate lab.

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

My current position is the Communications, Customer Service, and Events Manager in the Office of Admissions. I manage the planning and execution of all our on-campus recruitment events, like Discover, Explore, Experience, Transfermation, and New Student Orientation, for freshmen, transfer, online, and nontraditional students. I also oversee all communications and print materials to help with recruitment and events. Additionally, I oversee the ASK Desk and the main university phone line, making sure we provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced and busy environment.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

My first job after college was working within Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of South Carolina. I absolutely loved working on their campus, but I wanted to live closer to friends and family in Arkansas. The Office of Campus Life (now Student Experience Center) at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock had a position open to work with registered student organizations and New Student Orientation, and I couldn鈥檛 pass up the opportunity to apply. I started in my first position on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 campus in January of 2014. 

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

Currently, I鈥檓 most excited about New Student Orientation for Summer 2025. Over the past few years, our student enrollment has grown, and with that, we’ve seen higher attendance at our summer orientations. I鈥檓 eager to collaborate with my team on innovative ways to meet the needs of our students and to explore new approaches to make these events more impactful. 

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

My mom! My mom has been a constant source of inspiration in my life. Her selflessness, strength, and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. Whether it’s offering encouragement, listening, or showing up no matter the circumstance, her dedication to family has been foundational in my upbringing and serves as a great example of how I want to raise my children.

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

Leadership isn’t just about guiding with authority. It鈥檚 about creating an environment where everyone feels heard and supported to contribute their best. As a leader, it’s so important to make time to listen to the people you work with. 

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

As women, we鈥檙e often taught from a young age to prioritize the needs and emotions of others, be cooperative, and not disrupt the peace or express strong opinions. Be kind but stand up for yourself and your needs. Believe in yourself and your potential. Being confident in your abilities and what you have to offer will help you overcome challenges, open up more opportunities, and pave the way for success in both your career and personal growth.

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

I’ve lived in eight different states over the years due to my dad’s job when I was younger, which required frequent moves. My mom, brother, and I moved around with him and were able to visit some really cool places and have experiences that I鈥檓 grateful for. The states include: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them,鈥� from the TV show 鈥淭he Office.鈥� 

For me, the quote captures a sense of nostalgia and a great reminder to appreciate the present times.

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鈥淧artnerships like these reflect our commitment to enhancing educational access for working adults in our community,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said. 鈥淲hether they are looking to pick up career-advancing credentials, or want to pursue a personal interest that’s been put on hold for a while, we can offer a wide variety of options in programs, scheduling, and modality. We consider it an honor to be working with a company like Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield that supports our educational mission.鈥�

This partnership will provide a 10-percent discount on tuition and fees, a $25-per-credit-hour book scholarship, and a waived application fee for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees who enroll in undergraduate classes at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Founded in 1948, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest health insurer in Arkansas. Arkansas Blue Cross and its family of affiliated companies have more than 3,200 employees.

For more than 70 years, Arkansas Blue Cross has been trusted by Arkansans for affordable, reliable insurance plans. Arkansas Blue Cross offers health and dental insurance policies for individuals and families who purchase their insurance directly as well as those whose insurance coverage is provided through their employer.

鈥淎rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a great place to work!鈥� said Maria Silva, talent acquisition partner at Arkansas Blue Cross. 鈥淲e are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where employees are engaged in our mission statement.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 new corporate partnership with Arkansas Blue Cross follows partnerships with CHI St. Vincent, Saline Memorial Hospital, and Amazon, providing  opportunities for working adults to earn a college education.

“糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is excited to establish a corporate partnership with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “This agreement provides Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees with a streamlined admission process, scholarship on course tuition and fees, and a book stipend for employees that want to start or finish their degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.”

When they apply for admission at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Arkansas Blue Cross employees should check the box to identify themselves as an Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield employee and use the code TROJAN2023 to waive the application fee. No additional application is needed.

Arkansas Blue Cross employees interested in this program may visit ualr.edu/admissions/bluecross for more information.

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