It “has helped me a great deal,” especially with unanticipated expenses, said Saisha Dockery, scheduled to graduate in May 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “If you have a goal or dream of getting an education, it’s worth it.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, employees of partnering organizations receive a 10% tuition scholarship, a $25 per-credit-hour textbook stipend, and waived application fees 鈥� all funded by donors 鈥� making participation free. Employees can begin or complete undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while continuing to work full time, and more than 2,000 individuals have participated.听

More than 150 employers are now corporate partners, including recent additions聽Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance,聽Black River Technical College,聽Engineering Compliance & Construction Inc. (ECCI),聽First Orion, Immerse Arkansas,聽Lennox Commercial Factory-Stuttgart, and聽Lone Star Communications, Inc. The Corporate Partnership Program reaches all areas of the state — the聽Camden Fairview School District, Jasper Public Schools, Mena Public Schools, Mena Regional Health System, and Texarkana聽School District are all partners — and with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s extensive catalogue of online courses, the program is accessible even to those in rural Arkansas.听

“The Corporate Partnership Program is an increasingly powerful way for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to serve our community, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to higher education,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs & Chief Data Officer.听“The program demonstrates what is possible when we work together to remove barriers and make a college degree more affordable and attainable for working adults. We are proud of the program’s remarkable growth, but we are even more proud of the聽opportunities it creates for employees and their families and the stronger future it promises for our region.”聽

Dockery is a care coordinator for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, and she’s grateful they participate in this program.听

“My purpose is to help people,” and a criminal justice degree opens new job possibilities for her she would not have otherwise considered, she said. “I can knock on doors, and they will open.”聽

Dockery, who has an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, is a nontraditional student, so she worried she “would not be able to keep up” as she studied for her bachelor’s degree. However, those concerns proved unfounded.

When she visited the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus, “the atmosphere, the help, and the community (showed me) I’ll be OK here,” she said. The university “offered everything I needed.”聽

Dockery described the academic advising as amazing and said she has loved working with her instructors.

“I never had an instructor where I didn’t want to take the class; they easily translate information so you can retain what you need and not be overwhelmed,” she said. “I have no complaints, nothing but smiles.”

Dockery also plans to pursue a master’s degree, and she’s excited to achieve the personal milestone of graduation while also being a role model to her children and grandchildren.

“It’s rewarding, but also a great message,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

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

“By removing financial barriers to higher education, our Corporate Partnership Program empowers working Arkansans to advance their careers and helps local businesses retain top talent,” said Matthew Bellew, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s corporate partnerships coordinator. “It’s a zero-cost strategy for employers that delivers immediate dividends in workforce growth and employee satisfaction.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program聽supports growth for individuals and businesses alike. Those interested in building a successful future together with the university through this initiative should contact Bellew at聽msbellew@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-916-5652聽to discuss participating.听

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The planned gift will support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, helping reduce financial barriers for students while creating a lasting legacy at the university that shaped the couple’s lives and careers.听

For Baldwin and Metzger, supporting student success has always felt personal.听

When they arrived in Little Rock in the hot summer of 1980, they expected to stay a couple of years. Instead, they built careers, lifelong friendships, and a deep connection to the university and community. Now, they hope their investment in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will continue strengthening the community they call home.听

Their desire to give back took shape nearly 20 years ago after attending a campus awards ceremony recognizing outstanding students and faculty. Hearing students describe the challenges they faced reminded Metzger of his own college experience.听

“One of the things that most appealed to us was that we were former students who benefited from scholarships and awards,” Metzger said. “Tuition wasn’t what it is today, but we still worked every summer to help pay for college, and receiving scholarships made a difference in our education.”聽

“Some of the most meaningful moments in a student’s education happen outside the classroom,” Baldwin said. “If students have to work full time just to make ends meet, they often don’t have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in research, complete internships, or take part in experiences that can shape the rest of their lives.”聽

Metzger said scholarships can help to reduce the need for students to work so much while attending classes.

聽“If we can help students work a little less, or maybe not every summer, it eases that burden and lets them focus on completing their degree and experiencing all college has to offer,” he said.

The desire to remove financial barriers made the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program a natural fit for their philanthropy. They knew they wanted to support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program after attending the public announcement in May 2025.听

When Chancellor Christina S. Drale “shared the vision for what these funds could do for students, we looked at each other and knew it was the right time,” Baldwin said. “We actually stopped her that day and told her we wanted to be on board.”

Their gift also represents a new way to support students. Baldwin and Metzger are the first donors to establish an Enduring Opportunity scholarship through a charitable gift annuity, opening another way for donors to support future generations of students.听

Baldwin, who served as chair of the Department of History, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and interim provost, spent much of her career helping the university grow through new programs, initiatives, and strategic planning. She felt helping establish another avenue for charitable giving was also a way to move the university forward.听

“If this creates another opportunity for someone to give, that’s a wonderful outcome,” she said.听

Metzger recently closed his economic consulting business and is no longer teaching economics part-time at the university. The charitable gift annuity makes possible the largest philanthropic commitment of their careers, while providing additional financial security in retirement.听

“When you’re retired, you wonder whether you’ll have all the resources you’ll need,” Metzger said. “The charitable gift annuity lets us do something meaningful now while still providing income during our lifetime. When we’re gone, the remainder goes to the university. It really is the best of both worlds.”聽

When it came time to name the scholarship, Metzger knew exactly what he wanted to do.

聽“Deborah spent more than 40 years here and served in so many different roles,” he said. “It seemed appropriate to put it in her name. She’s the one who deserves the recognition.”聽

Baldwin said she was touched by the gesture but quickly shared the credit with her husband.听

“It’s a gift from us both,” she said. “We want it to support students broadly. I’ve spent most of my career at this university, and it makes me feel good to know we’ll continue helping students long after we’re gone.”聽

A city the size of Little Rock “needs a university if it’s going to thrive. We know many people who believe in this university, (but) they may not have taken the next step yet,” Baldwin said. “We hope our gift encourages others to take that next step.”聽

To learn more about supporting the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, including planned giving opportunities such as charitable gift annuities, contact the development office at聽501-916-3194.听

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This year, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association awarded $232,247 in scholarships through a combination of alumni-supported funds, including Taste of Little Rock, endowed scholarship funds, the Alumni License Plate Program, and other alumni giving initiatives.

In the early days of the Alumni Board, the scholarship fund held less than $2,000, but by 2009, the Alumni Association awarded $9,000 in scholarships. This year, that total reached more than $232,000.听

鈥淲hen our alumni give scholarships, they are doing more than helping a student pay for college, they are opening a door and giving that student the opportunity to pursue a dream,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淥ur alumni know firsthand the difference a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education can make, and they are choosing to make that difference possible for someone else. That is the true power of alumni giving: one Trojan鈥檚 investment can change the trajectory of another student鈥檚 life.鈥澛�

One of those students is senior H茅ctor Alejandro Balada Jaime, who received an Alumni Merit Scholarship.

鈥淲ithout the charitable financial help of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association, I would not be in the position to finally achieve my dream of graduating from college this fall. I am thankful for all who have supported me throughout my journey,鈥� he said.

Since its debut 21 years ago, Taste of Little Rock has raised more than $1 million for Alumni Association scholarships. In addition to Taste of Little Rock proceeds, and proceeds from the sale of alumni license plates, scholarship awards were made possible through a variety of alumni-supported funds including:聽

• Owen W. Parker, Sr. and Merrily Parker Endowed Scholarship
• Alumni Merit Scholarship
• Alumni Association Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship
• Alfred Williams Endowed Alumni Scholarship
• Bill and Juanita Ballard Endowed Student Scholarship
• Diana and Paul Nolte Endowed Scholarship
• Dr. Charles and Mable Donaldson Endowed Scholarship
• E. Grainger and Frances B. Williams Endowed Scholarship
• Elaine Eubank Endowed Scholarship
• Jennifer L. Boccarossa Endowed Scholarship
• John A. Larson Scholarship Fund
• June H. Williams Elementary Education Scholarship
• Lester E. Hosto Scholarship

“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways our alumni give back,” said Guy Choate, president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. “Whether someone supports Taste of Little Rock, establishes an endowed scholarship, or purchases an Alumni License Plate, every gift helps a student pursue a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education.”

To learn more about Alumni Association scholarships, Taste of Little Rock, and ways to support student success, visit the Alumni Association website (ualr.edu/alumni).听

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Get Your Feet Wet Scholarship makes that first step easier by covering the cost of in-state tuition for a three-credit-hour graduate course during a student’s first semester. The competitive scholarship encourages students to experience graduate-level coursework while reducing the financial barrier of beginning a degree program.

鈥淭he purpose of the Get Your Feet Wet scholarship is to encourage people considering a graduate degree to apply to one of our programs and take at least one graduate class,鈥� said Dr. Karen Kuralt, associate dean of the Graduate School.

Kuralt said the scholarship was inspired by conversations with prospective students who were excited about graduate school, but hesitant about the cost or uncertain whether they were ready to return to the classroom.

鈥淪ome have been in the workforce for years and worry that their study skills are rusty,鈥� Kuralt said. 鈥淪ome aren’t sure they would enjoy graduate coursework enough to complete a program, or they aren’t sure how to finance the degree.鈥�

The scholarship gives students the opportunity to experience graduate school with less financial risk. Kuralt said the program has produced encouraging results, with more than 80% of Get Your Feet Wet scholarship recipients going on to complete their graduate degrees since the program began.

鈥淲e’re confident that once these students try a graduate class here, they will see that they can do the work,鈥� Kuralt said. 鈥淭hey will find it rewarding, and we can help them find financial support.鈥�

For scholarship recipient Rose Milnes, the award provided both financial assistance and affirmation as she began pursuing her Master of Business Administration after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淭he Get Your Feet Wet Scholarship helped me get a jump start on my academic goals by easing some of the financial burden of earning a degree,鈥� Milnes said. 鈥淚t also supported my professional goals by helping me continue my growth in the field of higher education.鈥�

Milnes, who serves as an accounting coordinator and teaching assistant at an Arkansas community college, said the support she received from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and the flexibility of the university’s programs made returning for graduate school an easy decision. After graduation, she hopes to advance into leadership positions such as assistant controller, controller, or chief financial officer while continuing to support students through a career in the business office.

Valerisse Bell-Ovwiomoriemu credits the scholarship with giving her confidence as she continues her education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in gifted and talented education. She also serves as the president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate Student Association.

鈥淚 was inspired to continue pursuing higher education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because I feel at home here,鈥� Bell-Ovwiomoriemu said. 鈥淚 know the faculty and administration, and I love and appreciate the support I receive from them.鈥�

Bell-Ovwiomoriemu recently began her career as a music teacher and plans to continue her education through a doctoral degree. She said earning an advanced degree will create new opportunities while providing greater financial stability and allowing her to pursue the career she loves.

Joe Guzman, a master’s student in sport management, said the scholarship gave him the confidence to discover he could succeed in graduate-level coursework.

鈥淭he first step of this process is always the most uncertain, and having the scholarship gave me a high reward, low risk option to pull the trigger,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淚t led to me taking a full course load by showing me that I would be able to handle the coursework.鈥�

Guzman hopes to utilize his master鈥檚 degree alongside professional certifications and practical experience to pursue his goal of becoming a parks and recreation director, and make a positive impact in his community.

For Kuralt, the scholarship’s greatest reward comes years after recipients receive the award.

鈥淭he most rewarding aspect of administering this scholarship is watching the recipients complete their degrees and cross the stage at commencement,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n many cases, these recipients are the first people in their families to earn a graduate degree. They’ve taken a bold step toward advancing their current career or making a career change that will better their lives.鈥�

Kuralt hopes the scholarship also sends an important message to prospective students.

鈥淚 hope this scholarship shows graduate school applicants that we believe in them, and that they, too, should take that next step in achieving their dreams.鈥�

How to Apply

The Graduate School will award approximately 25 Get Your Feet Wet Scholarships for the Fall 2026 semester. The final application deadline is Aug. 14, 2026.

The scholarship is open to first-semester graduate students who are U.S. citizens, have been fully admitted to an eligible 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate program, and meet the program’s additional eligibility requirements.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply online through the Graduate School’s Get Your Feet Wet Scholarship webpage, and those with questions can contact Dr. Karen Kuralt.

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Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of July 27.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. First-time freshman enrollment is up 17%, and more than 60 students, while transfer student enrollment is up 29%, more than 100 students.

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming the first fall class of our second century in just a few weeks.”

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student who joins us this fall has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”

Those students will arrive at a university entering its second century with momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. Students entering this fall will be the first fall class of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 second century, as the university began its yearlong Centennial celebration July 1, recognizing 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university’s move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program’s historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university continues to expand opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics launching this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “These preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. We still have several weeks before classes begin, and our team will continue working with prospective and admitted students as they complete the enrollment process.”

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus.  Preliminary graduate headcount is down 5%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are down 2%. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends will increase to $10,000 for master’s students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university’s largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

Students who are still considering 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock have time to join the fall 2026 class before classes begin Aug. 24. Eligible incoming freshmen may qualify for the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied, or the university’s Half-Off Scholarship. More information about admissions, scholarships, and enrollment is available at ualr.edu/admissions or by calling 501-916-3127.

“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and help them take advantage of everything 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has to offer. As we prepare to begin our second century, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed, and it鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥� 

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Beginning in Fall 2026, the university will raise the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants from $8,000 to $10,000 for a nine-month appointment. Doctoral-level graduate assistants will see their minimum stipend increase from $13,000 to $15,000.

Graduate assistantships allow students to pursue advanced degrees while gaining hands-on experience in research, teaching, and university operations. In addition to a stipend, assistantships may include tuition benefits that help offset the cost of graduate school.

“I am sensitive to the financial pressures that our graduate students face and the impact that rising costs have had on them,” said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School. “I am committed to continuing this discussion and progressing toward competitive GA stipends.”

The increase continues a trend of growing university investment in graduate student support. Five years ago, the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants was approximately $6,000. Two years ago, it was raised to $8,000. This fall’s increase to $10,000 marks the latest step in the university’s efforts to address rising costs for graduate students.

Graduate assistants serve in a variety of roles across campus. Some assist faculty with research projects, while others support classroom instruction, work in administrative offices, or contribute to projects related to their field of study.

Beyond financial assistance, assistantships provide students with practical experience that complements their academic work and helps prepare them for careers in higher education, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and other professional fields.

The increased stipends also help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented graduate students.

Students interested in graduate assistantship opportunities can learn more through the Graduate School and individual academic programs. Assistantships are available in a variety of disciplines across the university.

For more information about graduate assistantships and graduate programs, visit ualr.edu/gradschool.

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“When I learned about Enduring Opportunity, I looked it up and realized it was right in line with my desire to support scholarships,鈥� Gina Pharis said.听

Longtime supporters of both 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and Little Rock Public Radio, they have remained actively engaged with the university for years. Their latest gift of $25,000 to create the Gina and Brett Pharis Enduring Opportunity Scholarship expands that commitment while helping more students pursue a college degree.

“The university helped shape who I became,” Pharis said.

As a theatre student, she overcame her fear of speaking in front of an audience and discovered new opportunities through coursework in radio, television, and film.

“I learned about radio, television, and film and went on to work at my one and only radio job at KARN in 1985,” she said.

The lessons she learned extended beyond the classroom. The relationships she built with faculty and fellow students left a lasting impact. 

“I was even invited to one of my professor’s retirement parties,” Pharis said. “The connections I made through all those impactful college days bring me back to the school.”

Years later, serving on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board gave her a deeper understanding of the role philanthropy plays in supporting students and advancing the university’s mission.

“Honestly, serving on the Alumni Board enlightened me to give in a philanthropic way,” she said.

Through their support of Enduring Opportunity, Gina and Brett Pharis hope to help more students earn a degree while reducing the financial burdens that can stand in the way of graduation.

“The impact will be substantial,” Pharis said. “It will be measured in the number of graduates over the coming years and the success of each student receiving that diploma with little to zero tuition debt. The smile on students’ faces will be worth every penny.”

The couple also sees the scholarship as an investment in the future of Little Rock and Arkansas.

“This program is designed to help each student have less stress and recognize how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is helping them succeed, creating loyalty,” Pharis said. “The business community is working closely with departments all over campus scouting local talent. We are keeping students in Central Arkansas. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is a gold mine for the businesses of Little Rock.”

As longtime supporters of the university, Gina and Brett hope others will find ways to stay connected and support future generations of students.

“I would ask every graduate to stay in touch,” Pharis said. “Join the Alumni Association, stay connected, and find ways to be involved. I would also encourage business owners who have a connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to get involved on a deeper level. Find their passion and support it.”

For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting Enduring Opportunity is both a way to give back to a university that made a lasting impact on their lives and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’s future.

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Now, decades later, she is paying that opportunity forward by establishing the Mimi San Pedro Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Through a $25,000 commitment, the scholarship will support the university’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program, helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational goals.

“My family and I moved to the United States in the 1970s when the Philippines were under Martial Law,” San Pedro said. “We started over here in Little Rock, where we had family. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s and was accepted to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but I needed financial assistance. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, and working while in school, I was able to earn my degree, join a sorority, and graduate in four years.”

The experience opened doors that shaped her future. The education she received at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped launch a career that would make her a well-known leader in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit communities. 

Over more than 30 years, San Pedro held leadership roles in marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including serving as chief strategy officer for The Venture Center and mentoring the next generation of Arkansas leaders.

“I have been successful in business and life since then, and I wanted to give back,” she said.

San Pedro hopes her gift will create opportunities for students whose circumstances may be similar to her own.

“My family and I believe education is the key to a successful and fruitful life, so I chose to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because it supported me,” she said. “My hope is that this gift will help someone like me get the education they need to be successful.”

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program helps students cover educational expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The endowed scholarship will provide ongoing support for students with financial need and/or academic merit.

Beyond helping individual students, San Pedro sees the scholarship as an investment in Arkansas’ future workforce.

“Our state needs more educated individuals to help fill the skilled worker shortage,” she said. “The increasing number of technology companies and the anticipated impact of the lithium industry mean there will be even greater demand for educated and skilled professionals. Hopefully, those graduates will come from our universities and remain here in Arkansas.”

She encourages others who care about the future of Arkansas to consider supporting students through the university.

“If education is important to you and you recognize that Arkansas must compete for talent in the future and keep our talent here, then you have to invest in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students,” San Pedro said.

For San Pedro, supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is both a thank you for the opportunities she received and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’ future.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact the Office of Alumni & Development at 501-916-3194 or email development@ualr.edu

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The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School鈥檚 Ambassador Program.

鈥淲e are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,鈥� said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.鈥�

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

• Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
• Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
• Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
• Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
• Bar Sponsor: Tito鈥檚
• Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
• Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki鈥檚/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

鈥淭his tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students 鈥� not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,鈥� Dean Ginger Gummelt said. 鈥淲e are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business.

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The scholarship, created in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy, recognizes their decades of leadership and advocacy. Sean Glancy is a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus, and he and Mary have long supported the university through their time, charitable giving and commitment to student success. Inspired by that example, the Bizzells said they saw an opportunity to continue the legacy.

鈥淲e chose to support Enduring Opportunity because we believe deeply in the importance of affordability and access to higher education,鈥� the Bizzells said. 鈥淭his gift is also made in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy. Their longstanding commitment to the university and their shared goal of making students鈥� lives a little easier inspired us to join them in that mission.鈥�

The newly endowed scholarship supports the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, which helps remove financial barriers and expand educational access for students.

鈥淥ur hope is that this gift, especially when paired with the strength of the broader program, will continue to grow and create more scholarship opportunities each year,鈥� they said. 鈥淲e want it to remove financial barriers, provide confidence and stability for students, and help the university attract and retain talented individuals who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue a degree.鈥�

The gift also underscores 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role in the local and statewide economy. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock serves a unique student population, many of whom live, work and raise families in central Arkansas.

鈥淗igher education is one of the most important drivers of economic mobility, workforce development and long-term community health,鈥� the Bizzells said. 鈥淏ecause most graduates stay in the region, the impact is immediate 鈥� producing skilled professionals who contribute to our workforce, our businesses and the overall vitality of Arkansas.鈥�

The scholarship also represents a personal connection for the Bizzells, who said honoring family and carrying forward shared values was central to their decision to give.

鈥淥ur family plays a central role in this gift,鈥� they said. 鈥淗onoring Mary and Sean Glancy was important to us because of the example they鈥檝e set through decades of involvement and support for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Their commitment reflects the values we want to uphold and pass forward 鈥� service, generosity and investing in future generations. This gift is a way for our family to show appreciation for their leadership and to continue the work they鈥檝e championed for so long.鈥�

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues working to keep college affordable for the next generation, the Bizzells said they hope their gift will encourage others to reflect on the university鈥檚 impact on lives and communities.

鈥淚nvesting in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock isn鈥檛 just supporting a university 鈥� it鈥檚 strengthening the workforce, the community and the future of Arkansas,鈥� they said. 鈥淲hen people see the direct and lasting impact their dollars can have on local students and families, we believe they鈥檒l understand what a meaningful and rewarding commitment this is.鈥�

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.

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