Dean Estes joined the faculty at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2006, and over the past decade in administrative leadership roles, has championed innovation, student success, and community engagement. 

As the founding dean of CHASSE, she unified programs and faculty to establish two schools, the School of Literary and Performing Arts and the School of Human Inquiry, combining disciplines in new ways to better serve students and connect learning to workforce opportunities.

Under her leadership, CHASSE saw the largest increase in new student enrollment across all colleges in Fall 2024 and raised more than $8 million in private support. A strong advocate for educator preparation, Dean Estes also secured nearly $500,000 from Forward Arkansas to launch a paid, year-long teacher residency program and helped secure a $3.5 million gift to endow the School of Education directorship鈥攁dvancing student success and academic innovation. 

鈥淒ean Estes has been a valued member of the Provost鈥檚 leadership team,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淲e are grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best as she embarks on this new opportunity at Wichita State.鈥�

An interim dean for CHASSE will be announced to serve during the 2025-26 academic year while 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock conducts a national search for the next dean.

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鈥淲e were so inspired to have 46 CHASSE students and several faculty members attend and/or present at the conference,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淲e were glad to partner with Career Services to be at a conference promoting engagement among humanities organizations and graduates to strengthen careers in the humanities in Central Arkansas.鈥�

HumanitiesAR, formerly known as the Arkansas Humanities Council, hosted the inaugural Next Gen(eration) Humanities Conference, focused on 鈥渂ridging the gap from education to career (a first-of-its-kind conference for young professionals),鈥� according to the .

The conference was co-chaired by Jamie Middleton, who is earning a master’s degree in public history and serves as the program officer for grants and public programs at HumanitiesAR.

鈥淲ith the conference being framed with the desire for candid conversations about pursuing degrees and careers in the humanities and the need for more events like the NGH conference, students, young professionals, and experienced professionals came together for a week of open dialogues about how we can better listen to one another and help the next generation of humanists take their next steps,鈥� Middleton said.

As part of the diamond-level sponsorship, CHASSE and Career Services engaged in several conference events, including:

• 鈥淐areers in Cultural Industries and Schools,鈥� a conversation regarding three graduate programs in the college with Dr. Barclay Key, chair of the Department of History, and Dr. Rachel Eells, interim director of the School of Education
• 鈥淩esume Writing and Review鈥� with Brittany Straw, director of Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock
• 鈥淧ublishing in the Humanities,鈥� a conversation moderated by Dr. Jeff Condran (English Program) with Dr. Heidi Skurat Harris (Rhetoric and Writing), Dr. Angela Hunter (English Program), and Dr. John Kirk (History).
• Judging and announcing Student Awards at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown

鈥淐areer Services proudly sponsored and presented at the inaugural Next Gen(eration) Humanities Conference, emphasizing the essentiality of adapting career strategies within the humanities field,鈥� said Brittany Straw, director of Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淯nlike the linear paths found in pre-professional majors, students in humanities benefit from a nuanced and flexible approach to resume-building and job search strategies.鈥�

For additional information on Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, visit the or email careers@ualr.edu. For information on programs in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit the or email chasse@ualr.edu.

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has a goal of raising $75,000 and welcoming 100 new members during its Spring Fund Drive. Proceeds will go to support bringing news, culture, and powerful radio to central Arkansas.

鈥淎s we celebrate the remarkable 51-year journey of public radio in central Arkansas, we couldn’t be prouder of the legacy we’ve built together – delivering exceptional, informative, and captivating programming to our dedicated listeners,鈥� General Manager Jonathan Seaborn said. 鈥淎t Little Rock Public Radio, your backing has always been the cornerstone of our success. As a listener-funded station, we rely on your generosity to keep the airwaves alive with the content you’ve come to know and love.鈥�

The week will feature a special lineup of community leaders serving as on-air hosts in the morning and afternoon. These include:

• Sericia Nelson, executive editor of NOIRE Magazine
• Mark Nelson, public information officer for the Little Rock Police Department
• Ann Owen and Rick Owen, associate chief of staff for research and director of the Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research at Veterans Healthcare System
• Jay Barth, director of the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
• Chuck Cliett, Partner at Mitchell Williams Law Firm
• Kendra Pruitt, chief of staff for City of Little Rock
• Devin Bates, attorney at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard
• Stephanie Jackson, executive vice president of public engagement for The Design Group
• Myron Jackson, CEO and founder of The Design Group
• Dazzmin Murry, Emmy-nominated composer and artist with King Honey
• BJ Pighee, president and CEO of Living Solutions
• Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock
• Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor of university advancement for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock

Little Rock Public Radio will hold a special 鈥淎ll Drinks Considered鈥� event from 4-7 p.m. March 26 at Hill Station.

As a token of appreciation, Little Rock Public Radio will be offering thank you gifts of mugs, water bottles, beanies, and T-shirts throughout the week.

You can make a donation by , calling Little Rock Public Radio at 501-916-6400, or mailing a check made out to Friends of K糖心Vlog传媒R/KLRE to 5820 Asher Ave., Ste. 400, Little Rock, AR 72204.

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Bob Baldridge, Bailey Holley, and Brice Horn are three jewelry and metalsmithing students who partook in the program that culminated in a four-week out-of-state internship. Bob Baldridge interned with the Baltimore Jewelry Center, Bailey Holley interned with Halstead Bead Company in Prescott, Arizona, and Brice Horn interned with Heather Guidero Jewelry in Providence, Rhode Island.

Martin, who started at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in the fall of 2021 as a Windgate Artist-in-Residence, created the program with collaborative mentorship in mind. Students first applied for the program, they were mentored by Martin herself, then the students conducted a research project in a field of their interest.

鈥淓ach internship created was individualized to fit the needs of the partnering organization and the interests of the students,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淲hile my mentorship is closely tied to the studio classroom and how best to prepare students for an upcoming experience such as this, the mentorship received from the partnering organization was specialized, as all three were outside of the realm of my expertise.鈥�

From traveling and teaching to networking and learning about the industry, each student鈥檚 internship experience differed based on their interests.

鈥淢y favorite part of the internship was having the chance to teach two free spoon-forging workshops to people in the local community,鈥� Baldridge, who interned with the Baltimore Jewelry Center, said. 鈥淚t was so much fun and inspiring to have that experience while I鈥檓 still in school and was affirmation that I am on the right path.鈥�

Holley, who interned with Halstead Bead Company, noticed the difference between her experience in school and her experience in the field.

鈥淭his opportunity allowed me to travel and get a professional, real-world artist experience outside of academia,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淭his led me to realize how important it is going to be for my future that I keep traveling, networking, and learning among other creatives.鈥�

With internship funding supplemented by Career Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, and through Signature Experience Grants, the three students were paid for their work.

鈥淲e were excited to partner with students in the jewelry and metalsmithing program,鈥� Brittany Straw, director of Career Services, said. 鈥淭his partnership gives students the opportunity to participate in internships that they might not have been able to participate in otherwise.鈥�

鈥淲hat Professor Martin has created represents best practices in ensuring students have access to high-quality experiential learning opportunities that improve their social, human, and creative capital,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education.

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The production, co-directed by Dr. Larry Smith and Kate Sain, features a concert staging of short opera works and beloved musical theatre scenes, each dealing with the idea of fortune in the game of life.

Performances are scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m in the University Theatre, which is located in the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) building on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus.

Co-produced by both the music and theatre arts programs, these performances bring together a variety of disciplines from the School of Literary and Performing Arts. They also highlight the work of new faculty and staff at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, as they feature scenic design work by assistant professor of theatre Karen Dauenhauer and technical director Robert Warner. The show includes musical direction by Dr. Nickolas Doshier, assistant professor of music, who conducts a 15-piece orchestra composed of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra musicians, community members, faculty, and students to accompany the vocal performances.

鈥淲hen Dr. Lorissa Mason approached Kris McAbee and me about linking production to a joint music and theatre-led opera class, we believed it was the right time to pilot this kind of integrated student opportunity,鈥� said Stacy Pendergraft, co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts. 鈥淒r. Nickolas Doshier鈥檚 incredible assemblage of the orchestra was an unexpected, delightful strengthening of the offering. In all of my 22 years experience here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, there has not been this kind of substantial instrumental support of live opera and musical theatre performance. It鈥檚 an ambitious, wonderful team effort across the board.鈥�

鈥淭hese innovations come only one year into the existence of the School of Literary and Performing Arts,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淭his remarkable achievement reflects the commitment of the faculty of the school to innovate opportunities for students and the care of the school directors in facilitating such opportunities.鈥�

The event is free, and no reservations are required. For more information, contact the School of Literary and Performing Arts at 501-916-3291 or email slpa@ualr.edu.

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鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to the Windgate Foundation for their generous support of this effort,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淗igh quality teacher education has never been more important. This funding will help us sustain strong leadership for the program and will make possible further investment in innovative teacher preparation at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

The Windgate Director of the School of Education will play a direct role in ensuring the School of Education graduates day-one ready teacher candidates. Primary goals will be strengthening partnerships with K-12 schools and state school districts, increasing enrollment, supporting curricular innovation and meaningful assessment, raising awareness of the program, and raising funds to support teacher preparation efforts.

鈥淲e were impressed with the work of Chancellor Drale and the education leadership team in articulating their vision and plan to transform teacher education,鈥� said Pat Forgy, executive director of Windgate Foundation. 鈥淭hese critical improvements will allow 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to provide a clear pathway for classroom-ready teachers in Arkansas. It is our honor to support this effort, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years ahead.鈥�

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for the support of the Windgate Foundation,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 鈥淭hey have long been a friend to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. Their commitment to improving teacher preparation efforts will not only impact students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but it will pay dividends for children in Arkansas for generations to come.鈥�

Since 2021, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has received more than $550,000 from Forward Arkansas to develop an innovative model focused on reimaging teacher education. The generous support from the Windgate Foundation allows the university to strengthen its transformative work by launching a national search for the first Windgate Director of the School of Education.

鈥淥ur faculty have worked incredibly hard to develop an innovative approach to how we approach teacher education and preparation,鈥� said Dean Estes. 鈥淭he new Windgate Director of the School of Education will play a critical role in expanding that work so that by the time our students graduate they will be fully prepared for a rewarding career that will help build positive learning environments for K-12 students throughout Arkansas schools.鈥�

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