School of Mass Communication - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

From a Simple Ask to a Full-Time Career: Sheranden Miller Makes the Most of Her Time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Sydney Ambrus — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

As a curious freshman, Sheranden Miller walked up to university photographer Ben Krain and asked if he needed an assistant. Four years later, she’s graduating with a portfolio of real-world experience and a full-time career already underway.

A Little Rock native, Miller has spent her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock turning initiative into opportunity. A mass communication major with an emphasis in media production and a minor in digital marketing, she built her college experience around hands-on work that prepared her for life after graduation.

“I’ve always been the type of person where if you don’t ask, you don’t know,” Miller said. “And the worst thing they can say is no.”

That mindset paid off almost immediately. Just days after introducing herself to Krain, Miller was assisting on photography assignments, beginning a mentorship that would shape her creative voice and professional growth over the next four years.

“He’s not even just a mentor — he’s genuinely a friend,” Miller said.

Through that experience, Miller developed a strong portfolio that helped her land an internship with Little Rock-based marketing and advertising firm Marian Agency. There, she creates content for clients, including South on Main (SoMa 501), gaining real-world experience working with brands and engaging with the local community.

After graduation, Miller will transition into a full-time role with the agency—an opportunity she credits in part to the work she began as a freshman.

“I feel like what I’ve learned has already prepared me for the real world,” she said.

Miller said ��Vlog��ý Little Rock stood out not only for its opportunities but also for its accessibility. With the help of scholarships and campus support, she will graduate debt-free, allowing her to focus on building her future instead of worrying about financial barriers.

“Anytime that I needed help, the school helped me,” she said.

Beyond academics and career preparation, Miller found community through her involvement on campus. As a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, she participated in service, networking, and leadership development opportunities that connected her with mentors and peers. She also served on the board of the Rainbow Alliance, helping create an inclusive space for students and planning campus events.

“It allows you to connect with people and be part of a community,” she said.

Those relationships extended into the classroom, where Miller said faculty support played a key role in her success.

“They really care about the students and the work that you do,” she said.

Now graduating cum laude, Miller reflects on her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a mix of excitement and anticipation. While stepping into a full-time career marks a major transition, she says she feels ready.

“It’s a big change, but I feel prepared and hopeful for the future,” she said.

For current and future students, Miller’s advice is simple: take initiative and make the most of every opportunity.

“College is what you make of it,” she said. “Put yourself out there, network and find ways to learn and create.”

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First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree

Bobbie Handcock — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Originally from Mexico, Emilia Martinez is preparing to reach a milestone in her family’s history. This May, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a master’s degree in mass communication — becoming the first in her family to earn a graduate degree.

“I have always been a big fan of school, for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I truly believe that school is both a challenge and a form of preparation that helps you grow into a disciplined human being.”

Martinez earned a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications with an emphasis in journalism from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. For the Little Rock resident, education reflects the discipline, effort, and accountability required for success.

“A degree represents the hard work you’ve invested in gaining knowledge and holding yourself accountable,” she said. “That said, earning my master’s degree has always been a dream of mine.”

During her time in graduate school at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Martinez has balanced multiple responsibilities. She is a full-time student and part-time graduate assistant. She also worked for the Arkansas Business Publishing Group during the summer and fall semesters.

“I’ve been lucky enough to earn my master’s while having two jobs that not only helped pay for my education but also allowed me to meet extraordinary people,” she said.

Throughout a demanding schedule, Martinez said the support of others helped her stay grounded.

“I’ve had incredible bosses, professors, family, and friends who made this juggle easier than I expected,” she said. “Easy? No, it wasn’t, but nothing in life that is worth it is easy. Everything comes with challenges and struggles, but that is the beauty of life.”

One of her most meaningful experiences was coaching the university’s — a role she initially stepped into without knowing how much it would shape her.

Before coming to Little Rock, Martinez had swum for four years as an undergrad on a scholarship.

“I wanted to explore coaching because my dad was my swim coach for 20 years, and I wanted to do the same thing he did for me – for other people,” she said.

What began as exploration soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her graduate experience.

“Over the past two years, I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to coach someone into becoming the best version of themselves,” she said. “The fact that the 30-plus women I met along the way allowed me to be part of their growth is something I will always be grateful for.”

Nathan Townsend, the team’s head coach, said Martinez worked as a graduate assistant and has been a cornerstone of the swimming program. She has shown a top work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

“Emilia is someone I trust deeply, not only because of how hard she works, but because of the insight and perspective she brings to every situation,” he said. “During challenging moments, her steady presence and mindset helped guide our team forward and played a meaningful role in our success.”

Martinez credits her parents, sister, and boyfriend with encouraging her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams while far from home. After graduation, she plans to work in FedEx’s sales enablement department, focusing on project management and communications content.

During her college experience, Martinez gained insights she wants to share with other students.

“Don’t let fear stop you from doing the thing that scares you the most,” she said. “That is how I approached these last two years while pursuing my master’s. I stepped out of my shell to build real connections with my professors and allowed them to challenge me through different classes and assignments.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Grace Wilson Balances Motherhood, Broadcast Journalism on Path to Graduation

Samantha Koros — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

This spring, University of Arkansas at Little Rock student, Grace Wilson, will cross the stage not only as a graduate, but as a mother and emerging broadcast journalist with real newsroom experience already under her belt. For Wilson, the journey to a career in broadcast journalism has been a story of family inspiration, perseverance and self-discovery.

Storytelling has always been close to home for her. Inspired by her father, a passionate writer who spent years balancing creativity with a demanding career, she found her voice early through poems, songs and short stories.

“That’s really what pushed me,” Wilson said. “He loved storytelling, but didn’t always have the time to pursue it. That made me want to see if I could take it somewhere.”

Her passion for storytelling blossomed in high school journalism classes, but it was at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock that Wilson found her niche. Media courses, along with opportunities in radio and TV journalism, ignited her interest in broadcast journalism.

Through an internship at KATV, Wilson turned classroom experience into hands-on work in producing and reporting within a fast-paced newsroom, gaining valuable insight into the world of news production.

“It definitely broadened my knowledge in so many different things,” she said. “In school, you learn a little bit of everything,” she said. “But at the station, you see how it all comes together in real time. At KATV…you really get the nitty gritty of their job and what goes into it. So it’s definitely broadened my personal skills, because now I have more real-world experience.”

Her work at KATV has already begun to open new doors. Following her internship experience, she has been invited back, this time as a paid intern, giving her the opportunity to continue building on the skills she developed in the newsroom.

Balancing the roles of student, intern and mother is no simple task. Wilson has faced her share of challenges, but she approaches them with resilience. She acknowledges that some days are more difficult than others, yet her motivation remains constant—her daughter.

“Over anything else, this little person is looking up to me and seeing what I’m doing, and I want her to look back and be able to say, ‘my mom did that.’”

Her perspective on higher education is deeply tied to her journey. While she recognizes that many in her generation and younger question the value of a college degree, Wilson sees her experience as proof of its impact.

“There’s a growing skepticism around college, but for me, it’s made all the difference. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

That perspective has become a message Wilson hopes to share with others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by the demands of pursuing a degree later in life or alongside other commitments.

“You have to do it, and you have to do it tired,” she said. “There’s nobody else that’s going to do it for you—you have to do it for yourself and for the life you want.”

As Wilson prepares to walk across the stage, she is looking ahead to what comes next, carrying with her the experience she’s gained both in the newsroom and in her everyday life. From balancing classes and an internship to raising her daughter and building a future for her family, her journey reflects the determination it takes to keep going. Now, as she steps into the next chapter of her career, she hopes her story shows others that even with competing responsibilities, reaching your goals is possible.

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From ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to The New York Times: How Erica Sweeney Built a National Writing Career

Justin Bates — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

There’s no secret handshake or code word to break into your dream career, just persistence, hard work, and a commitment to doing the job well.

For ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumna Erica Sweeney, that mindset has led to a prolific writing career with bylines in The New York Times, The Washington Post, TIME, Business Insider, and many more national publications.

But her path to journalism was not always clear.

“I’ve enjoyed reading and writing ever since I can remember,” Sweeney said. “In high school, I started considering writing as a career, but I didn’t get any encouragement until I got to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

It was in a freshman writing class that someone first recognized her talent.

“The first person to ever tell me I was a good writer was my instructor,” she said. “That stuck with me.”

Later, a conversation with her father pointed her toward journalism.

“I remember looking through the old paper course catalog with my dad,” she said. “He saw the journalism major and said, ‘You could work at the newspaper.’ I thought it sounded like a cool job.”

That decision set her on a new path.

Sweeney began her college career undecided, but once she entered the journalism program, she found her footing.

“I started really learning the craft once I got into the journalism program,” she said. “I wrote for The Forum, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s student newspaper, and seeing my byline in print for the first time was so exciting. It still is.”

She points to former professors Sonny Rhodes, Bruce Plopper, and Frank Fellone as key influences during her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

In a feature writing class, she developed a strong foundation in storytelling, learning how to structure stories, craft strong ledes, and use quotes effectively.

Her coursework also emphasized research and critical thinking. One exercise, known as “cosmic questions,” encouraged deeper inquiry and is something she still uses today.

In a news writing class, she grew more confident as a reporter and pushed past her natural shyness.

“That class really forced me to move past that and develop a thick skin,” she said.

That resilience has served her well in a competitive industry.

“It’s always great to see a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock journalism student succeed, especially as a freelancer,” Fellone said. “It’s a tough business, and Erica’s list of publications is impressive.”

Today, Sweeney’s work appears in some of the most recognizable publications in the country, like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME, but breaking into those outlets took time.

“People think there’s a secret handshake,” she said. “But it’s really just about pitching ideas.”

For years, she pitched story ideas to editors, often facing rejection, but she kept going.

In 2019, she finally broke into The New York Times and has been writing for the publication ever since.

“I just kept pitching,” she said. “Once I got my foot in the door, I focused on doing a really good job and building relationships.”

That focus paid off. Today, she has regular bylines in The New York Times and contributes to about a dozen other publications, many of which she has worked with for years.

“A lot of my work now comes from editors reaching out to me,” she said. “I try to make their lives easier by filing on time, sending clean copy, and pitching strong ideas.”

Sweeney always wanted to write about health and wellness, but she didn’t start there. When she began freelancing in 2016, she pitched whatever ideas she could.

Her entry into health journalism came in 2018 after connecting with an editor at HuffPost, where she began writing about food, nutrition, and trends.

“That helped me build clips in health and wellness,” she said. “I still write for that editor today.”

Now, much of her work focuses on health, healthcare, and wellness, along with business and lifestyle topics. Her stories often explore emerging trends, new research, and timely issues.

“I love learning new things or finding different angles on familiar topics,” she said.

That curiosity has been one of her biggest influences as a writer.

“I read a lot, including books, magazines, and newspapers. I listen to public radio and watch documentaries,” she said. “When I read, I pay attention to structure and word choice. It makes you a better writer.”

As her career has evolved, so has her freelancing approach.

One of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of building strong relationships with editors.

“I didn’t realize early on how important that was,” she said. “Now it’s a huge part of my work.”

She has also embraced new challenges, including fast-paced, deadline-driven assignments.

“I used to be afraid of quick turnaround work,” she said. “Now I actually enjoy it.”

For students interested in journalism or freelance writing, Sweeney emphasizes persistence, along with the ability to develop strong ideas, meet deadlines, and find reliable sources.

She also encourages students to think beyond writing and develop business skills, especially if they plan to freelance.

“You have to manage everything yourself, including your schedule, your income, and your marketing,” she said.

Her most important advice is to keep writing and not let rejection define your path.

“Keep writing. Get published wherever you can. Learn how to pitch,” she said. “And don’t be afraid. You’ll get rejected. I still do. You just have to move on.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Leads Strategic Communications for Major Air Force Command

Bobbie Handcock — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:01:45 +0000

By day, Maggie Kealy-Machella served as a public affairs officer at Little Rock Air Force Base eight years ago. By night, she tackled graduate coursework — fueled by determination that later helped launch her into senior communications leadership in the U.S. Air Force.

The South Side of Chicago native now helps shape communication strategy for one of the Air Force’s largest commands — a role she credits, in part, to her graduate education.

While on active duty, Kealy-Machella earned her master’s degree in mass communication in 2018 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her degree focus was on strategic communication/public relations.

“During my degree program, I was working as a communications professional in the United States Air Force Public Affairs office at Little Rock Air Force Base,” she explained. “As a public affairs officer, I’ve continued to use my degree throughout my career. In strategy and assessments, I rely daily on the core principles I learned in the program.”

Today, Maj. Kealy-Machella is chief of the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) Public Affairs Strategy and Assessments Division, headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

She develops communication strategies for ACC leadership and its 36 wings, helping them engage both internal audiences (Airmen and families) and external audiences (the American public). She also creates and uses assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of those communication efforts.

Her path to leadership began with a desire for purpose and structure, which the Air Force offered.

“I saw the bigger picture, the structure it provided yet opportunities for problem solving and creative thinking, and the solid benefits and I was all in,” Kealy-Machella said. “At first, I felt in over my head…Over the past 12 years, I’ve grown personally and professionally and found myself at home with the people and the mission. It’s truly been the adventure of a lifetime.”

Her assignments have taken her from Arkansas to Idaho to Hawaii and beyond. A month-long deployment to Australia remains a highlight, where she led a team working alongside Royal Australian Air Force counterparts during Exercise Talisman Sabre, one of the largest multilateral exercises in the region.

“We were doing some amazing work communicating about our collective interoperability and alliance,” she said. “And of course, we got to experience the culture and explore the Outback.”

Her daughter was especially impressed by stories about wildlife. The family later returned for vacation, which Kealy-Machella calls “the trip of a lifetime.”

Before joining the Air Force, Kealy-Machella earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While stationed at Little Rock, she pursued a hybrid graduate program that offered in-person and online classes — a good fit for military life. She used Air Force tuition assistance and university military discounts to cover most costs.

“There were many late nights doing homework, and the rush to get to class in person…but at the end of the day, it was a short time of working hard to earn my degree, a time that was well worth it,” she said, adding that she valued being able to apply classroom lessons to real-world projects immediately.

Throughout the program, Kealy-Machella leaned on the support of her husband, Mike, whom she met in Little Rock. The couple often studied together as he pursued his own degree at a different university.

“He didn’t just support me through my degree program, but continues to support me through this crazy military life,” she said. “We got married during this program, and throughout the whole time, he supported me and encouraged me even when it was tough.”

Kealy-Machella said her graduate education built a foundation for thoughtful, responsible communication.

“As we continue into our future, there are many uncertainties,” she said. “One thing that is certain, however, is that information will continue to play a massive role in society and daily life. We need to continuously evolve and learn how to leverage information to make decisions and remain informed instead of letting that information own our emotions and our actions.”

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From ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Global Impact: Graduate Launches Life-Saving Health Nonprofit

Molly Coleman — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

In communities where medical emergencies often go unanswered, advocacy can mean the difference between life and death. At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Theresa Okon found the academic foundation and practical tools to turn that belief into action. Today, she is the founder of Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity and emergency preparedness in underserved communities — work that is already saving lives.

Originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Okon graduated in December with a master’s degree in mass communication. During her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she served as a graduate assistant in the School of Mass Communication and as a senator in the Student Government Association.

Okon’s passion for public health advocacy began at a young age. When she was eight years old, she witnessed her grandfather suffer from a stroke — a traumatic experience that would shape the course of her life. Following the stroke, he was unable to perform many daily activities independently. While her family was fortunate to have a doctor in the family who could provide medical advice and support, the experience revealed the reality about the healthcare disparities in Nigeria.

“My grandad was blessed to have a son who could give him medical advice and counseling,” Okon said. “But what about people who do not have anyone to support them? What happens to them? That was where my passion started.”

Growing up in Nigeria, Okon saw how limited access to healthcare, emergency response systems, and public health education often turns preventable conditions into life-threatening crises. Many communities lack basic resources such as ambulances, CPR training, or reliable medical guidance, leaving families unprepared when emergencies occur.

Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance (CRHA) was founded to address those gaps. The nonprofit organization focuses on reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, preventing and managing diabetes, and equipping underserved communities with life-saving skills. Through health screenings, education on nutrition and physical activity, CPR training, and interactive workshops, the organization emphasizes prevention, awareness, and timely emergency response.

Okon said the organization’s work is rooted in the belief that every life matters. By combining advocacy, hands-on training, and community engagement, CRHA aims to reduce preventable deaths in communities across African communities where access to emergency care and health education remains limited.

CRHA grew out of Okon’s experience as a graduate student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, where she merged her academic training in mass communication with her passion for advocacy. She founded the nonprofit in September 2025 while completing her master’s degree and marks her time serving in SGA as pivotal for the creation of CRHA.

“Being a senator in the Student Government Association really opened my eyes,” Okon said. “I’ve always cared about helping people, but SGA helped me see how that passion could turn into something bigger. Being part of those conversations about solutions and advocacy made me realize I could create impact not just on campus, but in communities both in the U.S. and in Nigeria.”

Okon identified cardiovascular disease and diabetes as central focuses of CRHA based on both lived experience and observed patterns in Nigerian communities. She noted that demanding labor conditions, limited access to preventive care, and the absence of reliable emergency response systems contribute to rising mortality rates from hypertension and stroke.

“In Nigeria, we don’t have a working 911 system or emergency ambulances,” Okon said. “When someone collapses, there is often no immediate medical aid, and we keep losing people before help can arrive.”

She added that hospitals continue to record increasing cases of hypertension that often progress into stroke, while symptoms associated with diabetes frequently go untreated or undiagnosed. Compounding the issue is a lack of CPR and basic life support training, leaving bystanders unprepared to respond during emergencies. These gaps directly informed CRHA’s emphasis on community-based CPR education and emergency preparedness.

Through CRHA’s outreach efforts, Okon aims to confront the stigma that often prevents people from seeking medical care. The organization’s campaigns are designed to create awareness and encourage people to speak up about their health challenges.

“The health system has positioned people going through medical challenges in a way where they feel as if they cannot speak up for themselves for fear of being looked down upon, especially in the workplace,” Okon said. “We are trying to break down these barriers to make those suffering feel seen and know they will still be valued regardless of what they are going through.”

CRHA measures the effectiveness of its programs through community participation, engagement, and follow-up. Okon pointed to recent outreach efforts surrounding World Diabetes Day, which included market visits, street campaigns, and digital media engagement. She said many participants are motivated by personal loss, often sharing stories of loved ones who died during preventable emergencies.

“One person will tell you about a neighbor, another about a family member who has been a victim of an emergency situation,” she said. “Those stories show us the impact and why people want to learn the skills we are providing.”

Early outcomes have already demonstrated the organization’s impact. During one of CRHA’s first CPR training sessions in a rural Nigerian community, participants with no prior medical training learned life-saving techniques. Weeks later, Okon received news that a community member had successfully used CPR skills learned in the training to revive someone who collapsed while working on a farm.

Building trust in communities where faith in healthcare systems is low requires consistency, Okon said. CRHA maintains regular community presence through free health screenings, education sessions, media campaigns, and continued outreach.

One of CRHA’s most significant initiatives to date took place during World Diabetes Day, when the organization hosted a free health screening in Nigeria. Working alongside local medical professionals, CRHA provided screenings and distributed free medications to approximately 150 individuals at high risk for diabetes, as well as community members managing hypertension and stroke-related conditions.

“We worked with medical experts to provide free medications to about 150 people,” Okon said. “Because access to medication in Nigeria does not require insurance in the same way it does in the United States, we were able to respond quickly and reach people who needed care. That outreach was one of the largest and most impactful initiatives we’ve completed since the organization was founded.”

Looking ahead, Okon hopes to establish a subsidiary of Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance, such as an urgent care clinic, within the next five years. She is also collaborating with a team of app developers to create a blood donation app for Nigerian residents that she plans to use in partnership with hospitals to conduct blood drives.

In addition to her work in public health advocacy, Okon is preparing to release a memoir centered on healing through self-acceptance. “Finding Healing in Self Acceptance: Battle Against Rejection, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem” will be published through Amazon KDP and released on Jan. 31, 2026.

Drawing from her own experiences with early childhood rejection, trauma, and mental health struggles, the book explores how personal healing can emerge from within rather than through external validation. Okon describes the project as both deeply personal and community-minded — written not only as part of her own healing journey, but as a resource for others who have experienced adversity.

“Finding healing is not something you look for outside of yourself. It’s something you discover within. I want people to know that their background does not define their future, and that even through rejection, they can still become who they want to be,” Okon said.

Through her academic journey at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Okon transformed personal experience into purposeful leadership. By combining her training in mass communication with hands-on involvement in student leadership, she developed the skills needed to advocate effectively for underserved communities beyond campus. Today, that foundation continues to shape her work through Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance, where she turns knowledge into action and ensures more communities are prepared when it matters most.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Welcomes University TV Director Brant Collins

Mara Crumby — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock welcomes television director Brant Collins to the School of Mass Communication on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the start of his role for the spring 2026 semester.

Collins brings more than 20 years of professional experience working in Little Rock and will oversee University Television while teaching courses in non-linear video editing and studio production.

Having lived and worked in the Little Rock community for more than two decades, Collins envisions University Television becoming a valued community partner that highlights the people, programs, and stories that define both the city and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus.

“I know there are so many wonderful stories to tell, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is a big part of that community,” Collins said.

During the spring semester, Collins will assess the current state of University Television and collaborate with campus partners to develop a strategic plan for its future. His goal is to shape the station into a central content hub that tells the stories of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock while providing students with hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the industry.

Collins said he hopes to build students’ skills by emphasizing strong storytelling and maintaining a clear point of view, noting that evolving technologies — from new camera systems to artificial intelligence — are tools that support, rather than replace, effective storytelling.

“I hope we can develop student-led projects that give them real-world experience while also building portfolio work they can be proud of,” Collins said. “Having worked in Little Rock for more than 20 years, I also hope to use my connections to help students secure internships and jobs.”

Collins will help expand hands-on learning opportunities for students while strengthening University Television.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumna Adriana Fuentes Archila Uses Graduate Degree to Empower Arkansas Entrepreneurs

Bobbie Handcock — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

When Adriana Fuentes Archila moved from El Salvador to the United States in 2013, she set her sights on preparing for a career that would allow her to help others succeed. Today, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumna is doing just that as vice president of community development for ACC Capital, where she helps entrepreneurs gain access to resources and capital.

“My work gives me the opportunity to empower business owners by providing the financial knowledge and resources they need to thrive,” Archila said. “I value connecting with borrowers or potential borrowers and ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their financial journey.”

Archila earned her master’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in public relations from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2020. She augmented her undergraduate degree in business administration from Harding University. She said her graduate studies continue to play a key role in her career.

After completing her business degree, Archila considered pursuing an MBA. However, after visiting ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Mass Communication, she decided a different path was right for her.

“I had a friend who was going to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” she said. “I originally thought I wanted to do my MBA, but I remember going to the mass comm department, and it was so fun. I met one of the professors who became my advisor.”

Archila said the program gave her valuable experience working with organizations throughout the state.

“I had to come up with a professional project. I got to work with organizations all over Arkansas,” she said. “I worked with the Urban League of Little Rock, and the project was about how to retain their volunteers. I still have that professional project, and I use a lot of what I learned. I do a lot of writing, proposals, and presentations.”

Dr. Amy Barnes, one of Archila’s former professors, described her as “one of the most impressive and conscientious students I’ve had.”

“She was always first with questions, the type of questions that let you know she has studied the material and is genuinely interested in knowing more,” she said. “Her work was always exceptional, going above and beyond what was required, never so-so, even when her non-academic world was hectic and demanding.”

Barnes noted that the work was even more impressive considering Archila was using her second language—and using it better than many native English speakers.

“I’m sure her teachers before and after me predicted the same for her – that Adriana could and would achieve remarkable success,” Dr. Barnes said.

One of the most important lessons Archila took from her graduate studies was the value of building relationships — a skill that is central to her work at ACC Capital.

“One of my roles is to establish partnerships with different organizations in the state,” she said. “I learned how to meet people and how to maintain those relationships. (Professor) Amy Barnes always taught that relationships and connections are so important. You want to go the extra mile and talk to people. That was very helpful for me.”

Attending graduate school full-time while living far from her family presented challenges. Still, Archila said she found strong support from her professors, including Dr. Barnes and Dr. Kwasi Boateng, as well as from her grandmother back home in El Salvador.

“My grandma would pray for me and cheer me on,” she said, adding that her friends also helped her feel less alone and encouraged her throughout her studies.

Archila recalled that Dr. Boateng, who was graduate coordinator for the School of Mass Communication, helped her find some needed financial assistance.

“I had to pay out-of-state tuition and the last semester, it was difficult,” she said. “I was struggling. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I remember having a conversation with Dr. Kwasi.”

While pursuing her degree, Archila worked as a graduate assistant, juggled online and in-person classes, and spent most of her weekends studying.

“It helped me with my time management,” she said. “Everything I learned was worth it.”

Archila graduated in May 2020 but did not have an in-person ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite that, she said earning her master’s degree remains one of her proudest achievements.

“Finally graduating with a master’s degree was a blessing,” she added. “I’m among the percentage of women of color to do this, and the first one in my family. I feel very lucky. It’s a privilege and a blessing, and at the end of the day, no one can take it away from me.”

Soon after graduating, Archila accepted a position as a business consultant for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“I was able to get my first job at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock at the business school,” she said. “And now I’m the chair of the ASBTDC board, so it’s a full circle.”

Archila said she appreciated ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s welcoming environment and sense of community during her time on campus.

“I was able to experience meeting different people from different backgrounds and different countries,” she said. She also enjoyed student life, including “free basketball games and Food Truck Fridays.”

Through her current role, Archila continues to stay connected to the university since ACC Capital offers internships and which gives her an opportunity to engage with students.

Archila’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition. She has been named to the Little Rock Soirée Class of 2025 – Women to Watch and Arkansas Money & Politics 2025 – Women in Banking, as well as Arkansas Business Class of 2023 – 20 in Their Twenties and Arkansas Money & Politics 2024 – Future Icons.

Reflecting on her journey, Archila said her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock continues to inspire her.

“It was so worth it,” she said. “I recommend it to anybody who wants to take the program. Learning something different really helped open opportunities for me.”

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First-Generation Scholar and Advocate Finds Her Voice at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Molly Coleman — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

When Theresa Okon started graduate school, she was afraid to raise her hand in class. Today, she’s preparing to begin a Ph.D. and leading a nonprofit.

Okon, originally from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, always had a passion for advocacy, but her time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock gave her the tools to express herself and put her dreams into action. Through hands-on learning and her involvement in student government, she found the confidence to speak up — not only for herself, but for the communities she hopes to serve.

On Dec. 13, Okon will graduate with her master’s degree in mass communication, marking a milestone not just for her but for her entire family. As the first among her siblings to attend graduate school, she sees this achievement as a source of pride. “My parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, so getting this degree is a dream come true for me,” Okon said. “It brings me so much joy to be a role model for my siblings and show them that if I can do it, they can too.”

Okon holds undergraduate degrees in mass communication and theatre arts, and she says ��Vlog��ý Little Rock stood out during her graduate school search because of its hands-on learning environment. She was awarded a graduate assistantship with the School of Mass Communication, as well as the Dan and Johnnie Winn Memorial Scholarship, to fund her studies. “My department saw potential in me,” she said. “The scholarships were competitive, and I’m grateful I was chosen.”

On campus, Okon says one of the most transformative experiences was serving as a senator in the Student Government Association. The role allowed her to connect with people from different backgrounds and contribute to the success of her fellow students. She says that without this experience, she wouldn’t have been able to start her own nonprofit, Cedar and Ruby Health Alliance.

“Being a senator in the Student Government Association opened my eyes to establishing something for underserved communities,” Okon said. “Helping students on campus made me think about how I could help people in the U.S. and Nigeria as well. That’s when I came up with my idea for a nonprofit to foster care for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as to teach life-saving emergency response skills.”

Despite her academic success, Okon’s most personal achievement is the book she wrote during her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Finding Healing Through Self-Acceptance. The project grew from her own journey through childhood rejection, trauma, and years of struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem.

Writing became a path toward healing, and she hopes her story will help others find strength within themselves. “Healing isn’t something someone can give you — you discover it inside yourself,” she said. “If someone reads my book and finds hope, that will help me heal too.” Okon is currently finalizing the manuscript and awaiting a foreword from a faculty mentor before seeking a publisher.

After graduation, Okon will continue her academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice at Rutgers University.

Her message to other first-generation students is simple but powerful: “It won’t be easy, but don’t let your background define you. Success starts in your own mind. Just focus on what got you here and the success in your future, and you will definitely succeed.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Shines at Mid-America Emmys with Wins from Student and Alumni

Sydney Ambrus — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:21:13 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating the achievements of two alumni and one current student from the School of Mass Communication who earned top honors at the on Saturday, Oct. 25. Current student Dillion Jackson, along with alumni Kwasi Harshaw and Brandon Ramirez, were recognized for their excellence in broadcast media.

Dillion Jackson, Senior, Wins Emmy for Weekend Newscast – All Markets

Dillion Jackson, a senior mass communication major from Little Rock, won an Emmy for Weekend Newscast – All Markets for his work as producer on “The Healing Begins in Fordyce,” a project for KARK 4 News. The story covered the mass shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store and how the community was attempting to heal from the tragedy.

“This win validates changing my major from political science to media production,” Jackson said. “It tells me I’ve learned a lot and can do a lot; now it’s just time to keep doing more and learning more.”

Jackson credits courses such as Studio Production and Lighting and Cinematography at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for preparing him for the award-winning project.

“��Vlog��ý Little Rock helped me by providing the Studio Production class where I was pushed into a role I didn’t think I would be good at — directing — and forced to learn it,” he said. “After a few class projects of directing, I found I really enjoyed it and was somewhat good at it.”

He also credited Dr. Kiel Thorlton, director of mass communication at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, for his mentorship.

“He is the professor that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught most of my media production classes,” Jackson said. “He was extremely approachable, but what I enjoy most about the interactions we have is his honesty. He doesn’t bring an air of superiority to the classroom. It’s light, fun, and technologically and theoretically educational.”

Jackson added that Nick Blanford, director of broadcast media and content development for the , also had an impact on his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“We were in classes together, worked on a lot of projects together, and worked ESPN+ together,” Jackson said. “We were able to brainstorm ideas with each other and constantly help each other whenever needed.”

Brandon Ramirez, Class of 2022, Wins Emmy for Weekend Newscast – All Markets

Brandon Ramirez, a 2022 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate originally from Southern California and raised in Cabot, also won an Emmy Award for Weekend Newscast – All Markets for “The Healing Begins in Fordyce,” serving as the photographer and editor.

Ramirez said he worked alongside reporter Gary Burton Jr. on the project.

“We went to other local grocery stores and interviewed customers on if they may have been more cautious going shopping today and how the event impacted their community and changed the way they shop,” he said. “That night we did a complex live shot and had two reporters at once discuss the aftermath of the shooting in the town.”

Before attending ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Ramirez had never picked up a camera. He began working at ESPN+ and developed his skills both there and in the classroom, preparing him for his current role at KARK 4 News.

Ramirez said Thorlton greatly influenced his storytelling.

“He was the best professor I ever had, and he was very hands-on and willing to answer any question and go out of his way to teach his students,” Ramirez said. “He broke down how to tell stories with visuals and how to show and not tell when it comes to storytelling.”

Kwasi Harshaw, Class of 2021, Earns Emmy for Team Coverage

Kwasi Harshaw, a 2021 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate from Little Rock, earned an Emmy Award for his work as a photographer on Total Solar Eclipse: Arkansas 2024. Harshaw provided live and recorded coverage of the eclipse from the First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock and edited the broadcast.

“��Vlog��ý Little Rock helped shape my career path by teaching me about the art of cinematography, lighting, editing, and media production,” Harshaw said. “In my two years there, I learned a lot about working and collaborating as a team. I also credit the university for helping me to understand the importance of working in a timely manner and being efficient during tight deadlines.”

Harshaw credited several ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty and mentors for influencing his storytelling, including Thorlton; Dr. Tim Edwards, professor of mass communication; Brandon Colvin, former assistant professor of mass communication at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock; and Corrigan Revels, assistant director for student leadership & development.

“I’d like to shout out Professor Kiel Thorlton for teaching me about filmmaking,” Harshaw said. “Dr. Edwards’ lectures on mass media and the different career paths available were definitely appreciated. Professor Brandon Colvin taught me the art of storytelling. I was fortunate to also have the following mentors, like Corrigan Revels who was and continues to be a big inspiration. I appreciate him following my journey.”

He also offered advice for current ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students pursuing the field.

“To current ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, I advise them to become interns at local stations, which will allow them to get a real feel for TV news journalism,” Harshaw said. “They should go out and shoot their own content to sharpen their skills, which will enable them to practice the craft. They need to collaborate with others in order to experience what it is like to work with a team that may not share their mindset or values, which is mandatory in the industry.”

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumna Adriana Fuentes Archila Uses Graduate Degree to Empower Arkansas Entrepreneurs

First-Generation Scholar and Advocate Finds Her Voice at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Shines at Mid-America Emmys with Wins from Student and Alumni