Hosted by the聽Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center聽(ASBTDC), along with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business, Tech Launch, and the Workforce Development Center, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Reynolds Business Center on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus.听

The public is invited to attend — admission is free — and the competition is open to聽Arkansans who are in business or have a business idea, across all industries, not limited to AI companies or technology startups.

“AWS and Small Business Development Centers around the country are teaming up with other local partners in 2026 to hold AI pitch contests like this one, where entrepreneurs can pitch an聽idea to solve an operational challenge, increase revenue, expand market reach, or create scalable efficiencies,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “We are excited to build on the success of our first Arkansas competition that took place in the spring.”

Paul Cowart and Ron Merrill of Privagent had the winning pitch in that inaugural event, held in April.

“It was a great experience for us — it helped us refine our message, (as well as) the look and feel of the company — and it gave us confidence,” said Merrill. “It opens doors, and it’s a real prize, too, that can really launch a company.”

Privagent, an organization discovery platform, has worked with multiple “enterprise-level clients,” and part of the confidence to work with such clients is owed to their pitch competition experience, added Merrill. “The opportunity is real — the sponsors are great to work with — (so) swing for the fences.”

The pitch competition was “awesome, a very accepting environment,” said Cowart. “It seems scary, but it really isn’t, (so) just go for it.”

Winning was “validating, (a sign) that we might be onto something, and definitely a confidence boost,” added Cowart. “It showed us we had a good idea, and I recommend (this competition) to anyone.”聽

To pitch, entrepreneurs must apply for a spot in the competition, and those selected will pitch their concept in front of judges with the chance to win AWS Partner funding allocated toward technical resources, architecture support, and solution development services delivered by nClouds in collaboration with AWS (subject to program eligibility and scope). All competitors will receive expert feedback on how to bring their concepts to life.

鈥淲e invite current and future Arkansas entrepreneurs to share your ideas for creatively applying AI in a business setting,鈥� said Fine. “Everyone who is selected to pitch will have a great opportunity to win services to help turn your concept into something real.”

Privagent uses tools, including AI, to build system workflows that enable employees to perform at the highest level, and going through the pitch competition “helped us mature, (because) we took it really seriously,” Merrill said. “We worked very hard to refine our message to be clear and concise.”

Indeed, they crafted a script, rehearsed repeatedly, and timed it to hit the five-minute mark, as recommended, said Cowart, who resides with his wife in Bryant. “We had it pretty dialed in, (so) our presentation was smooth and fluid.”

Merrill and Cowart didn’t have prior pitch experience, so anyone considering pitching in this competition shouldn’t allow inexperience to dissuade them.

“It’s really all about good communication,” Merrill said. They utilized a brief slide deck — “big and bold, like a billboard” — that was also “easy to understand and looked professional.”

Visit  to get more details, sign up to pitch, or register to attend. For questions about the event, contact ASBTDC鈥檚 Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.

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Four 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock undergraduate programs earned spots in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings:

• Business 鈥� No. 262 (tie)
• Computer Science 鈥� No. 257 (tie)
• Nursing 鈥� No. 336 (tie)
• Psychology 鈥� No. 276 (tie)

鈥淗aving four undergraduate programs recognized nationally reflects the breadth and strength of the academic opportunities available to students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the dedication of our faculty and their commitment to preparing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.鈥�

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families compare colleges and universities across the country. In addition to institutional rankings, U.S. News evaluates undergraduate programs in several academic disciplines, including business, computer science, nursing, and psychology.

Business

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business was ranked No. 262 nationally. The school combines classroom instruction with opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections with employers and business leaders throughout the region.

Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, credited the school鈥檚 faculty and the relationships they build with students for the recognition.

鈥淥ur faculty are the reason for this,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭hey teach from experience, they know their students personally, and they invest in them well beyond the syllabus. That’s a rare thing, and we’re fortunate to have built it here.鈥�

Computer Science

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 computer science program earned a No. 257 national ranking as the university continues to expand education and research opportunities in emerging areas of technology.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 257 computer science programs nationally is a significant recognition of our faculty’s excellence, the quality of our programs, and our students鈥� success,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. 鈥淚t reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing our graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.鈥�

Students in computer science have opportunities to build experience through coursework, research, and hands-on projects in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.

Nursing

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Nursing was ranked No. 336 nationally. The university鈥檚 largest undergraduate program offers multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers, including the traditional RN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs.

鈥淣ational recognition among top nursing programs reflects the excellence of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and our dedication to preparing nurses who make a positive impact in healthcare,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. 鈥淭he immersive simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation further strengthen our students鈥� workforce readiness by providing practical skills and confidence to excel from the start.鈥�

The Center for Simulation Innovation provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical skills and decision-making in realistic healthcare scenarios before entering professional practice.

Psychology

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 psychology program was ranked No. 276 nationally, up from No. 297 in the 2026 rankings.

鈥淲e are excited to be recognized for the second year in a row 鈥� and especially pleased to have risen from No. 297 to No. 276,鈥� said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. 鈥淲e believe this recognition reflects the continued work of our faculty to provide students with a strong undergraduate education in psychological science and to ensure that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.鈥�

In recent years, faculty have strengthened the program鈥檚 curriculum through a revamped virtual statistics lab using Excel and Python alongside writing-intensive Research Methods and Capstone courses. The program has also placed a greater emphasis on career readiness, while four new research labs have expanded opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty.

Through nationally recognized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections with employers and community partners, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation.

Learn more about academic programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock at ualr.edu/academics.

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With music playing, and plenty of snacks and refreshments, the Sept. 3 event brought together students, faculty, and organizations from across campus so students could meet the people behind them and explore ways to make the most of their college experience beyond the classroom. Groups such as Beta Alpha Psi, the Finance and Economics Association, Study Abroad, Career Services and Trojan Athletics were among those represented, giving students a chance to explore opportunities ranging from professional development and career preparation, to campus involvement and experiences beyond 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.听

The Carnival of Clubs has been bringing together business students for over a decade.听

鈥淪tudents organized the first Carnival 13 years ago with the goal of building community among business students,” said Mark Funk, director of the School of Business. “In the years since, Carnival has become part of the business school identity for both students and faculty.鈥�

The School of Business Ambassadors brings students together to represent the college while building their leadership and professional skills. Ambassadors can network with local business leaders, mentor and recruit other business students, participate in community service projects, and share student perspectives with school leadership.

For Owen Church, that role fits naturally alongside his other campus involvements. As a junior finance and accounting double major, School of Business Ambassador, track and cross-country athlete, vice president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Student Athlete Advocacy Committee, and member of the Student Council for the Unisun Conference, he has seen how connections with peers, faculty, and campus organizations can shape the student experience.听

鈥淎s ambassadors, we really want to be a resource for students in the School of Business and help bridge the gap between students and faculty and staff,鈥� said Church.听

A new organization taking shape on campus is Women Entering Business (WEB), which is currently in the process of becoming a registered student organization. Marketing sophomores Abby Jones and Julie Maga帽a are championing the group.

They want to build a community where women in the School of Business can connect, form professional relationships, and support each other. Jones and Maga帽a hope to invite professionals working in the business field to share their career stories and talk about how they navigated the industry.

Growing up, Jones and Maga帽a both noticed how important it is for young women to feel confident in what they want to pursue; now that they are finding their own paths in business, they’ve developed an even greater understanding of how valuable trust and self-confidence are when chasing goals, they explained. Starting WEB is a way for them to help others also achieve their business aspirations.

That sense of connection was central to the Carnival of Clubs. With so many opportunities in one place, the event showed students how their college experience can extend beyond the classroom. Whether they were looking to build professional connections, explore careers, get involved on campus, or find a community, the Carnival of Clubs gave them a starting point for making the most of their time in the School of Business.

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Build Your Own Business (BYOB) is designed for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students with entrepreneurial聽ambitions who want to learn how to bring their concept to life. The first free virtual session,聽“How to BYOB,”聽is Tuesday, Sept. 15,聽while the Oct. 6 session will feature Rhonda Aaron — an alumna, entrepreneur, and past president of the Alumni Association board — for a “Startup Story” program.听

“We all deserve to be poured into — it helps you grow — and it’s important for me to take any wisdom, knowledge, and experience I have and give back,” said Aaron, founder of BL Brand PR Agency and the non-profit Sister Friends United. “Blaze your own trail — what works for someone else may not work for you — educate yourself, use any resources, and get in every room you can to network, because you never know who might be able to help you.”聽

Aspiring聽entrepreneurs聽should also remember that passion alone won’t make them successful — nor will solely business acumen — both are necessary to flourish, added Aaron. “Be a lifelong learner so you’re always (adding more) tools to your toolkit.”聽

Sister Friends United Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization of minority women with a mission to support, uplift, and empower its members to better serve the community, was founded and incorporated in the State of Arkansas in October 2007.

鈥淚 saw a need for women to have a space where we could connect, support one another, and grow together,鈥� Aaron said. 鈥淚 wanted to create something that not only strengthened women, but also allowed us to make a meaningful impact in our community through scholarships, service, events, and other initiatives.鈥�

Aaron was honored with the Just Communities Humanitarian Award for giving back to her community, and she received the Shelley Mehl Empowerment Award, which recognizes an individual woman or organization that champions female empowerment.听She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Strategic Communication from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she was able to “connect with like-minded individuals, who were a boost and support for me,” she said. “I always had resources” at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and “we uplifted, encouraged, and empowered one another.”

In addition to the live sessions, BYOB also encompasses consulting services.

Students who may simply want advice for their “side hustles” to those attempting to embark on聽entrepreneurial聽career paths can utilize BYOB, said Gwen Green, marketing and communications manager for ASBTDC. “We want to give them a hand.”

Consulting is free and available to help students plan and grow their business ventures. To request a meeting, contact ASBTDC Startup Specialist Ashley Murguia Topete at聽axmurguia@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-553-3644.

BYOB聽sessions聽can also fulfill certain requirements students may have for outside-the-classroom, career-readiness experience, like Career Catalyst for those in the School of Business, added Green. Students can register for and online.

For more information about BYOB, please contact Laterika Staton, ASBTDC education and event specialist, at聽lstooks@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-804-4530.听

The ASBTDC assists new, existing, and innovation-based small businesses across Arkansas. The center is a partnership program of the Small Business Administration and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

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Nikolaeva, a senior business information systems major from Moscow, Russia, spent two months at Lexicon in Little Rock working with multiple data sources to turn complex information into clear, organized visualizations for company stakeholders.

鈥淢y main focus this summer was learning how to work with multiple data sources and developing interactive dashboards that provide stakeholders with an overview of the data in a clear and organized way,鈥� she said.

Nikolaeva, a member of the Little Rock Trojans swimming and diving team, a School of Business ambassador, and a student in the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, found the opportunity while searching for a summer internship during her junior year. After applying to internship programs through LinkedIn, she was contacted by Lexicon and went through several interviews before accepting the position.

The internship gave Nikolaeva an opportunity to directly apply skills she learned in the classroom at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. During the spring semester, she took a course where she learned to use Power BI, a data visualization tool she would go on to use throughout her summer internship. Another class that helped prepare her was Systems Development Methodologies, which she said helped her better understand the relationships between different data sources.

Trevor Craig, software systems development manager at Lexicon, said Nikolaeva took ownership of her internship and was eager to expand her skills throughout the summer.

“Elena was eager to learn and utilized various online resources to self-educate herself on how to accomplish different things in Power BI, which can be a very intimidating tool due to its complexity,鈥� Craig said. 鈥淪he fought her way through many challenges, setbacks, design reviews, and permissions issues to arrive at two insightful dashboards that we now use regularly.鈥�

Craig said Nikolaeva鈥檚 work ethic and determination stood out throughout the internship.

鈥淓lena鈥檚 work ethic, determination, attitude, collaboration, relational skills, and the desire to do things right the first time will take her very far in life,鈥� Craig said. 鈥淚t was a pleasure to have her on the team.鈥�

While her coursework provided a technical foundation, working at Lexicon gave Nikolaeva a firsthand look at how those skills are applied within a company. She learned more about how different departments interact and said the experience has given her a new perspective to bring back to the classroom.

鈥淚 am actually so excited to go back to school now and be able to learn more, already having this experience and background,鈥� Nikolaeva said.

The experience also helped her grow beyond her technical skills.

鈥淚t made me step out of my comfort zone, and I was trying to talk to as many people as possible,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淎nd the skill of just being able to talk to anyone is really helpful.鈥�

The internship also helped her gain a clearer picture of what she may want to pursue after graduating from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 really enjoyed what I worked on this summer, and I think it will be a great path to start my career,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淚t definitely helped me learn about other positions and what other opportunities are available.鈥�

For other 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students considering internships but unsure whether they have enough experience to apply, Nikolaeva encourages them to take the opportunity even if they do not feel completely prepared.

鈥淵ou just have to trust the process and do everything possible that is in your control. Be positive, respectful and nice to everyone,鈥� Nikolaeva said. 鈥淚 had no idea what to expect from this internship, but it turned out to be the best experience and one of the most fun summers I have had.鈥�

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business will honor Phil Brandon, founder and CEO of Rock Town Distillery, with the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Ryder Pierce, executive vice president and investment manager at Bank OZK, with the Dean’s Award for Excellence during the 2026 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Statehouse Convention Center.

The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wally Allen Ballroom D. The luncheon celebrates graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the values of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business.

Dr. Mark Funk, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, said Brandon and Pierce reflect the qualities the school strives to instill in its graduates.

“One of the greatest measures of a business school is the success of its graduates, and Phil Brandon and Ryder Pierce have built careers defined by leadership, integrity, and service,” Funk said. “They represent different generations and industries, but both have made a meaningful impact through their work and have remained connected to the university. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the example they set for our students.”

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the School of Business’s highest honor, presented to a graduate who has made significant contributions to business while serving the Little Rock community and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

After earning his MBA (Master of Business Administration) from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Brandon founded Rock Town Distillery in 2010, and under his leadership, Rock Town has grown into an internationally recognized, award-winning craft distillery whose bourbons, vodkas, gins, and other spirits have earned numerous national and international honors.

Before launching Rock Town, Brandon spent more than two decades in the telecommunications industry. He has also supported economic development and the arts through leadership roles with organizations including the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

The Dean’s Award for Excellence recognizes a graduate from the past decade who has demonstrated exceptional promise as a business leader while remaining engaged with the university and community.

A graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance, Pierce serves as executive vice president and trust investment officer at Bank OZK, where he works with clients on investment and wealth management strategies. He is also a CFA charterholder — a globally recognized financial expert who has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst credential — and is working toward an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining Bank OZK, Pierce held leadership positions in wealth management and investment strategy before returning to Arkansas. A former Trojan cross country and track student-athlete, he has remained connected to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while building a reputation as one of Arkansas’s emerging business leaders.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginger Daril at 501-916-6437 or vlkays@ualr.edu.

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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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This June, Gillenwater was one of just seven interns selected for Colliers’ month-long summer internship program in Little Rock. Earning a spot in the program was a turning point in his academic and professional journey. He hadn鈥檛 imagined this path when he first arrived on campus as a business management major, but a presentation by real estate instructor Elizabeth Small introduced him to a career he hadn鈥檛 previously considered.

“Ryan’s enthusiasm for the commercial real estate profession is very exciting,鈥� Small said. 鈥淐onversing with him about his Colliers experience leaves me with no doubt of his future success in the industry. Ryan is a great student and has a natural quest for learning. The Finance Real Estate program in the School of Business is lucky to have him as an enthusiastic and excellent student.”

A rising junior majoring in finance with a concentration in real estate, Gillenwater鈥檚 internship with Colliers revealed just how many directions the field can take. He spent time with teams in brokerage, property management, and development, gaining a close-up look at everything from property inspections to the complexities of commercial transactions. Each day provided a new perspective, and seeing how different roles work together in the industry deepened his appreciation for the field.

鈥淪ite selection was definitely my favorite. We鈥檇 work on picking the best spots for companies looking to develop, whether it was land, an old building, or a new location,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat internship definitely assured me that I was doing the right thing.鈥�

Beyond introducing him to different aspects of the industry, the internship reinforced concepts 鈥� from real estate to finance 鈥� he had been covering in his classes, which became practical tools he relied on throughout his experience. For example, having recently completed a real estate law course, he already understood much of the language and legal concepts he encountered reviewing commercial lease agreements, giving him confidence to contribute to professional conversations. As the internship progressed, those classroom lessons continued to develop into real-world experiences.听

The internship didn鈥檛 just expand Gillenwater鈥檚 knowledge of commercial real estate鈥攈e was able to zero in on where he thrives, discovering that brokerage offered just the right mix of a field where he could put his analytical mind to work while building relationships and closing deals.

“The internship definitely assured me that I was pursuing the right thing,” Gillenwater said. “It’s made me want to keep expanding my network, and it’s definitely made me want to focus on commercial real estate as my career.”

As he reflects on his journey, Gillenwater credits changing majors and embracing new opportunities with helping him discover his career path. He emphasizes that some of the most valuable lessons in college happen outside the classroom 鈥� through internships, networking, and saying yes to new experiences. For students considering their own next steps, he encourages them to take chances on opportunities that spark their interest, since those moments often open unexpected doors and lead to the connections and clarity that shape a future.

“One thing I always like to say is, what you put into it is what you get out of it,” Gillenwater said. “It’s all about having that interest in wanting to do the things you’re required to do in college. The more you do that, the more you’ll reap the benefits.鈥�

Looking ahead to his junior year, Gillenwater feels more motivated than ever. The knowledge and experience he gained during his internship provided added confidence as he begins his upper-level real estate courses. He hopes to return to Colliers as a second-year intern next summer, building on the foundation he established this summer.

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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 team鈥檚 proposal focused on The 78 鈥� a 62-acre site along the South Branch of the Chicago River that is planned to become Chicago鈥檚 78th neighborhood. The development includes the future McDonald鈥檚 Park stadium, a major sports and entertainment destination, in partnership with the Chicago Fire FC soccer team, designed to support year-round activities.

Representing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock were students Brennan Gasaway, Ashley Lopez, Isabel Hortelano, Kodiak Cannedy, and Ryan Hunt, who competed as BAIKR Development, a team name built from each member鈥檚 initials. The team developed the award-winning proposal with guidance from industry experts Siteng Ma and Andy Ahitow, while Elizabeth Small, an instructor of real estate, served as the academic advisor throughout the competition. 

鈥淒eveloping this pitch taught us patience, discipline, commitment, and teamwork,鈥� the team said. 鈥淎s the project evolved, we all became deeply invested in the vision, and receiving this recognition validated the hard work and passion we put into it.鈥�

The proposal centered on creating a mixed-use district guided by the principle of 鈥減eople first, buildings second,鈥� with an emphasis on building a development that complemented the surrounding neighborhoods while supporting long-term activity beyond stadium events. 

Taking Ma鈥檚 advice to follow the 鈥淟ive, Work, Play鈥� concept, the team focused on creating a development that complemented the existing neighborhoods and future McDonald鈥檚 Park stadium while giving the 78th neighborhood its own identity.

For 鈥淟ive,鈥� the students envisioned a walkable residential community with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing designed for students, families, and working professionals, creating a stable environment year-round.

For 鈥淲ork,鈥� the proposal introduced office, retail, hospitality, and educational spaces anchored by a Culinary and Hospitality Institute designed to support workforce development and generate daily activity within the district.

For 鈥淧lay,鈥� the team incorporated restaurants, entertainment venues, hospitality spaces, and public gathering areas intended to extend activity beyond game days while supporting both residents and visitors. 

As the project developed, the team focused on creating a district that could sustain activity beyond major stadium events. With McDonald鈥檚 Park serving as a major anchor for the district, the team introduced the Culinary and Hospitality Institute as a second anchor tenant designed to support workforce development, hospitality training, and year-round engagement. 

鈥淲e wanted to stay focused on building a community that recognized and included the people already surrounding the space,鈥� Hortelano said. 鈥淎 big part of our approach was making sure the development felt welcoming and connected to the existing neighborhoods rather than creating something that isolated or displaced them.鈥�

Small encouraged the students to look beyond the site itself and understand the surrounding demographics as real people and neighborhoods, a perspective that shaped many of the team鈥檚 design decisions throughout the project. 

鈥淲e could see how much the team genuinely believed in its pitch, and we were impressed with how they created an ecosystem that could grow organically with the surrounding community over time,鈥� one competition judge said.

Throughout the development of their pitch, team members reached out directly to industry professionals and businesses to test ideas and refine the proposal鈥檚 feasibility. 

鈥淲e were all really surprised how open all of the professionals we spoke to were,鈥� said the team, 鈥淲e spent a lot of time on the phone or talking over email about all of our options, and which made the most sense for the development.鈥�

As the team refined the project, members said their collaboration became one of the group鈥檚 greatest strengths.

鈥淏ecoming friends made everything much easier,鈥� Lopez said.

What began as a competition project ultimately became a collaborative learning experience that challenged the students to think beyond the classroom. Through countless conversations, revisions, and real-world outreach, team members said they developed stronger friendships, discovered their individual passions within the project, and gained a deeper understanding of how thoughtful developments can shape communities. Their success at the Eisenberg Competition reflected not only the strength of their proposal, but also the teamwork and shared vision behind it.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Building Chicago鈥檚 78th Neighborhood: 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students Capture National 鈥楤est Pitch鈥� Title 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.