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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Earning a nursing degree was about more than starting a new career. It was about setting an example for her three daughters and showing them what hard work looks like.

Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities often meant studying whenever and wherever she could, from the library to her car to the sidelines while her children played at the park. Two of her daughters were toddlers who depended on her daily care, while her oldest daughter balanced sports, schoolwork, and community activities. Alongside parenting responsibilities, Sproles also maintained a full-time job and household responsibilities while completing the nursing curriculum.

鈥淭hey have witnessed, in real-time, the many nights that I would study, complete paperwork, and assignments, and even practice nursing skills until well after midnight,鈥� Sproles said. 鈥淢y girls being able to witness me put in the effort to succeed in this program will show them that they, too, can do anything to which they set their minds.鈥�

Sproles didn鈥檛 allow those challenges to stand in her way, but she said she could not have succeeded without the support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 nursing faculty, her family, and her workplace. Faculty members made themselves available for one-on-one support, offered additional study resources, and provided hands-on opportunities to strengthen nursing skills outside the classroom.

Education and service have always been part of Sproles鈥� story. She grew up in a family that valued learning, leadership, and giving back to the community, including her mother and grandmother, Tonya and Henrietta Sproles, both educators, and her grandfather, Tommy L. Sproles Sr., the first Black appointed Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner.

鈥淩aised in a family deeply rooted in the values of education, respect, integrity, kindness, and personal responsibility, Karmin developed a strong foundation that has guided her personal and professional journey,鈥� said Dr. Sheila M. Brooks, clinical assistant professor in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing. Brooks said Sproles鈥� determination remained evident as she balanced motherhood, full-time employment, and the demands of nursing school while continuing to pursue academic and professional excellence.

Outside of the classroom, Sproles remains active in community service and leadership through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., continuing the values of service and leadership that were instilled in her at an early age. Brooks said she believes Sproles鈥� compassion and dedication will leave a lasting impact on the nursing profession and the patients she serves.

鈥淭here were many times when I questioned whether or not I could keep going,鈥� Sproles said. 鈥淗earing my daughters tell me, 鈥�good job, mommy!鈥� and being around successful nurses helped me push through and stay motivated.鈥�

When Sproles crosses the commencement stage this spring, she said her daughters will be at the forefront of her mind. The moment will represent both the completion of one challenging chapter and the beginning of a lifelong career dedicated to caring for others.

鈥淚 believe I will inspire others to know that, despite numerous life challenges, educational success is possible,鈥� Sproles said.

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Cooper will earn her Associate of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May. She earned an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts and sciences from Pulaski Technical College in May 2024.

Cooper followed a strategic academic path to achieve her nursing degree.

鈥淚 did 2+2. I did two years of prerequisites at Pulaski Tech and the two-year nursing program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 plan to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing by December 2026.鈥�

Although nursing ultimately became her passion, Cooper said circumstances initially required her to think practically about her future.

鈥淏ecoming a mother at 18 motivated me to pursue a stable career, which led me to nursing,鈥� she said. 鈥淒uring my journey, I developed a true passion for the field, and this experience has shaped both my career and who I am today.鈥�

Beyond academics, Cooper managed parenting and household finances.

鈥淏alancing school while raising a child and handling bills on my own made it even more challenging,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 spent long hours studying, and the library truly became a second home for my son and me. I am very thankful for the support I received along the way.鈥�

She received an Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship and used resources such as the CARE Team, the Academic Challenge Scholarship, and the campus food pantry at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Her coursework and clinical experiences allowed her to develop practical nursing skills that strengthened her confidence in patient care. Throughout her college experience, Cooper said family support 鈥� especially from her big sister, Shacora Cooper 鈥� played a key role. 

鈥淪he is like a second mother to me without the title, as well as a sister, friend, and my personal therapist,鈥� she said. 

During her time in college, Cooper has built community and celebrated personal milestones. She was on the Little Rock Dance Team during her first year of college.

鈥淚 enjoyed being at the games, being loud, and cheering on the basketball players,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y son also enjoyed coming with me to the games, which made the experience even more special.鈥�

Cooper also pushed herself physically outside the classroom.

鈥淚 ran my first 10K in February at the Little Rock Marathon,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat was a big accomplishment for me, and it showed me that I can push myself to do things I did not think I could do.鈥�

Cooper said graduating with her associate鈥檚 degree in nursing and later earning her bachelor鈥檚 will mark a historic moment.

 鈥淚 hope I鈥檝e created a cycle of education and financial stability that continues with my son and future generations,鈥� she said.

After graduation, Cooper wants to spend more time with her son and involve him in activities he enjoys. She also plans to celebrate her accomplishment.

鈥淢y first plan is to take a vacation and get some rest, maybe even a week-long nap,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter that, I plan to work as a registered nurse in the operating room while also finishing my remaining bachelor鈥檚 coursework.鈥�

Cooper said her university experience helped her prepare for professional success and personal growth.

鈥淲hile going through nursing school, I was able to build meaningful connections with people and network,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also had the opportunity to volunteer and gain valuable hands-on clinical skills. I learned how to be punctual, organized, and how to manage my time wisely.鈥�

Cooper hopes her story encourages others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

鈥淓veryone has a story or something in life that can hold them back, but I encourage people to find their purpose and stay determined,鈥� she said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 make excuses for why you cannot do something, make reasons for why you should.鈥�

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After the birth of her daughter, she took her first teaching position in kindergarten, a step that would ultimately reshape her path. She later returned to school to earn a master鈥檚 degree in teaching and went on to teach sixth-grade literacy. It was there, in the quiet moments when students sought her out during lunch and recess to share their struggles, that it became clear her true calling extended beyond the classroom.

鈥淲hen I was teaching, I became more interested in the students鈥� social well-being than academics,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t became my passion to help them. Those moments made me realize how much they needed dedicated one-on-one support,鈥� she added. 鈥淭ime I often couldn鈥檛 fully give in a classroom setting.鈥�

That realization became the turning point. Wolfe earned a master鈥檚 in counselor education from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, pursued additional coursework to qualify for licensure, and has been licensed by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2015. After three years as a K-12 school counselor, she joined Mainline Health Systems in 2023 as a behavioral health consultant for the Warren School-Based Clinic. That position brought her full circle back to the community where her story began, back home in Warren.

The instinct to connect didn鈥檛 fade when she left teaching; it deepened. Her years in the classroom gave her something most counselors don鈥檛 have: an insider鈥檚 understanding of what teachers face every day, allowing her to hold space for those demands while helping students process their experiences, reframe difficult situations and consider new perspectives.

Wolfe credits her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with sharpening the skills that now define her work: flexibility, real-time responsiveness and the ability to collaborate within a school system. Among those who left a lasting mark was Dr. Dawn Harris, who has since passed away. 

鈥淗er impact on my development as a counselor was profound, particularly in her group therapy course,鈥� Wolfe said. 鈥淚 vividly remember her sharing her experiences serving as a counselor with the Red Cross during 9/11, which brought a powerful real-world perspective to her teaching.鈥� 

To this day, Wolfe still uses a grief counseling handout Harris provided and continues to share it with others in her work.

What makes the school-based clinic model so powerful, particularly in rural communities like Warren, is precisely what it eliminates: the barriers that have long kept mental health care out of reach for students who need it most. Transportation, cost and a shortage of local providers have historically made consistent care nearly impossible for families in underserved areas. By embedding services directly inside the school, that equation changes entirely. Support becomes part of the daily environment rather than something families have to seek out, schedule around or afford. For Wolfe, that physical presence also means something deeper, the ability to check in frequently, respond in real time and build the kind of trusting relationships that make meaningful progress possible. Without that access, many of the students she serves would go without mental health care altogether.

For Wolfe, the work is deeply personal and a way to give back to the community that shaped her. She measures success not only in clinical outcomes, but in quieter moments like a student gaining confidence, taking a small step forward or simply feeling safe enough to speak. Despite the emotional weight the work can carry, she remains hopeful about the future of mental health care in Arkansas, encouraged by a generation of young people more willing than ever to ask for help and support one another. 

鈥淏eing part of that shift where mental health care is becoming more visible, accepted and accessible gives me a lot of hope for the future,鈥� she said.

To students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock considering a similar path, her advice is direct, the same advice she gave her own daughter, who is currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淭his is an incredibly rewarding path, but self-care is essential,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he work can be emotionally demanding, and prioritizing your own well-being is not a luxury 鈥� it is what sustains you and helps prevent burnout over the long term. Embrace every opportunity to connect with others, learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience. Seeing the difference you can make in students鈥� lives and in your community is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.鈥�

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At 38, he was working at three different restaurants, picking up shifts wherever he could. One evening, after arriving for a shift at a catfish house in Bee Branch, Arkansas, his boss, a woman named Rosemary, pulled him aside. The 81-year-old encouraged him to consider a career in nursing.

鈥淪he told me, 鈥楯ustin, you can鈥檛 work for me forever. I鈥檓 either going to pass away or close this place in the coming year. You need to find a permanent career. My daughter has been a nurse for 35 years, and I think you would make a great nurse,鈥欌�� Hicks said.

It was simple, direct advice, and it stuck.

Not long after, Hicks took her advice and decided to pursue a career in nursing. Around the same time, his family asked if he would move in with his grandmother, also named Rosemary, and help care for her as her health declined. What began as a practical decision soon became his first real caregiving experience.

鈥淢y grandma contributed more to my nursing education than I realized at the time,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 learned patience. I learned how to stay positive. I learned how to really be present with someone.鈥�

He spent nights sitting with her, watching television, talking, and simply being there. Those moments shaped how he would later care for patients.

When she passed away in 2022, Hicks was at work as the charge nurse on 8 East, the behavioral health unit at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. It was Super Bowl Sunday.

In the middle of that shift, his father called to tell him his grandmother was gone. As he tried to process the news, he looked up and saw a familiar face in the unit, a veteran nurse he trusted and looked to as a mentor.

In that moment, Hicks saw it as his grandmother鈥檚 way of reminding him he had made the right decision and that he was surrounded by the right people.

鈥淭he best way you can honor someone is to make something of your life, work hard, love people, and be good to others,鈥� he said.

That perspective carried with him into his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

He chose the university not only for its nursing program, but because of what it meant to his family.

鈥淢y dad attended 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock but didn鈥檛 finish his degree because he was raising a family,鈥� Hicks said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 always taken care of me and set a great example. I wanted to honor him by finishing what he started.鈥�

Hicks enrolled in the accelerated nursing program and completed his degree in just 18 months. The pace was intense and required discipline from the start.

鈥淚t really taught me time management and how to prioritize,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also learned how to work with people who had different personalities, work ethics, and strengths.鈥�

Midway through his program, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted much of his education online.

鈥淗alf of my education was virtual,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t forced me to adapt and improvise, and those are things I still rely on every day.鈥�

Today, Hicks serves as nursing manager for Adult Behavioral Health at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. He oversees a unit that can care for up to 52 patients and leads a team of around 100 employees, often operating at capacity.

His path to that role began at the bedside at St. Vincent, where he interned while still in nursing school. It was the only place he interviewed, and he didn鈥檛 feel the need to look elsewhere.

鈥淚 wanted to give back and work for them after graduation,鈥� he said.

He began as a floor nurse in behavioral health and moved through several roles, including charge nurse and utilization review, before stepping into leadership. In March 2026, he became nursing manager.

Along the way, he credits mentors like Judy Staley, assistant professor of nursing and director of the Center for Simulation Innovation, who helped guide his growth and opened doors for him.

鈥淭hey showed me how to be a professional, how to work hard, and how to truly care about people,鈥� he said.

Staley said Hicks is a 鈥減henomenal鈥� mental health nurse. 

鈥淚 had the opportunity to work directly with him in mental health simulation, and he has significantly influenced my growth as both an educator and a nurse,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淗e brings an inspiring presence to his interactions with students and has a unique ability to translate complex situations into meaningful learning experiences. His passion and dedication to the profession truly exemplify what nursing is all about.鈥�  

Behavioral health, in particular, is deeply personal for Hicks. In 2005, he lost his brother to suicide.

鈥淚t rattled my family to our core,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a permanent hole that鈥檚 caused so much heartache and a lot of unanswered questions.鈥�

That experience continues to shape how he understands the work.

鈥淚 think nearly all of us encounter some form of mental health struggle at some point in our lives, just like we all deal with physical health issues,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he severity may look different, but it affects everyone in some way.鈥�

He also knows how difficult it can be for people to express what they鈥檙e going through.

鈥淚n many cases, people aren鈥檛 able to fully articulate what鈥檚 happening or how serious it鈥檚 become until a lot of damage has already been done,鈥� he said.

That loss continues to guide how Hicks approaches his work.

鈥淚 think if people took an honest look at their own mental health and had meaningful conversations with the people around them, they鈥檇 start to see just how common and how serious these issues really are,鈥� he said.

Even with the demands of his role, Hicks has stayed connected to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock nursing program. For several years, he returned to help with simulation training, working directly with nursing students as they prepared for real-world scenarios.

鈥淚 remember how stressful that time was,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f I can help someone feel more confident or give them something they can use later, that means a lot.鈥�

Those moments created a bigger picture for him.

鈥淔undamentally, nursing at its core is about people taking time to genuinely make a difference in someone鈥檚 life,鈥� he said.

That same sense of purpose carried into a moment he never expected. Hicks was featured in a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock commercial that aired during the Winter Olympics.

鈥淚t was a really great experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was impressed with how much detail went into everything.鈥�

For him, it was less about being on screen and more about representing the university that helped shape his path. Through it all, Hicks comes back to a few core ideas that guide how he works and lives.

鈥淔irst, take care of yourself. You can鈥檛 take care of others if you鈥檙e not taking care of yourself,鈥� he said.

He also keeps things simple.

鈥淏e kind. Keep patients safe. Be a good teammate. And find a way to make a meaningful impact.鈥�

It鈥檚 a philosophy rooted in his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, in the lessons he learned from his family, and in the influence of two women named Rosemary, who saw something in him before he saw it in himself.

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An innovative simulation partnership between the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work launched this spring to prepare nursing students for realistic, high-stakes scenarios that students typically don鈥檛 experience during hospital-based clinical rotations.

During these interprofessional simulations, the social work and nursing students work together to assess situations and develop patient-centered interventions, mirroring the level of teamwork required in today鈥檚 healthcare environments. Faculty members facilitate the scenario and later debrief the students to reflect on communication, teamwork and professionalism.

鈥淔eedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive so far,鈥� said Judy Staley, assistant professor of nursing. 鈥淔aculty members have seen noticeable gains in student confidence, and the students have improved in navigating conversations and understanding one another鈥檚 roles in patient care.鈥�

The initiative builds on other efforts already taking place within the nursing program, including a new partnership with the American Sign Language (ASL) program. 

The program was inspired by a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) capstone led by assistant nursing professor Anna Williams, which was rooted in a simple but critical insight: modern patient care requires strong alliances and synergy. 

The program intends to continue expanding simulation activities throughout 2026. The goal is to continue building interprofessional opportunities and enhancing the realism of simulation-based learning over the next several years.

Written by Olivia Hicks

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Staley has been named the Director of the Center for Simulation Innovation, a position supported by the. In this role, Staley helps guide the program鈥檚 use of advanced simulation training to strengthen clinical experiences for nursing students and prepare graduates to improve the quality of care in the communities where they practice.

Staley鈥檚 new role begins at an especially significant moment, as the School of Nursing has received continued full approval for its associate degree program from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing through 2030. 

As one of the largest academic programs within the university, the School of Nursing prepares more than 1,000 students each year through a combination of classroom instruction, clinical placements and simulation-based learning. Many of the program鈥檚 graduates go on to practice across Arkansas, helping to meet the state鈥檚 growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. 

鈥淪imulation has consistently stood out as a powerful bridge between theory and practice,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淚t offers a psychologically safe environment where students can make decisions, reflect and grow without risking harm to real patients.鈥�

Located in the Pat Walker Center for Nursing Education, CSI is a 20-bed, 9,500-square-foot facility designed to replicate real clinical environments. The simulation program continues to grow as new technologies and tools are introduced to better prepare students, backing the belief that simulation saves lives. 

As director of simulation, Staley works to ensure simulation experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and aligned with program learning outcomes.

鈥淢y vision for simulation centers on innovation, integration and impact,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淏y expanding immersive learning opportunities and intentionally connecting simulation to the curriculum, our team can ensure our students graduate confident, competent and ready to meet the healthcare needs of Arkansas communities and beyond.鈥�

Learn more about the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock nursing program at ualr.edu/nursing. 

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Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing, said the approval highlights the collective efforts of the program鈥檚 faculty, staff and students.

鈥淚 am extremely proud of the School of Nursing for achieving a perfect review from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing,鈥� Davidson said. 鈥淲ithout the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, this would not be possible.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing is the largest academic program at the university, serving more than 1,000 students annually. In addition to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN pathway, and an RN-to-BSN completion program designed for working registered nurses seeking to advance their education.

Students complete approximately 30,000 hours of simulation training each year in the Pat Walker Center for Nursing. The center features a 22-bed on-campus simulation hospital, the Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI), and the Innovation Station Lab 鈥� the first virtual reality simulation lab in Arkansas dedicated to nursing education. In 2023, CSI received the Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, making it the only simulation lab in Arkansas to earn the distinction.

Judy Staley, assistant professor and Walker director of simulation, said immersive training experiences are essential to preparing today鈥檚 nurses.

鈥淗ealthcare is constantly evolving, and our students need opportunities to practice clinical judgment, teamwork, and decision-making in realistic environments before they enter patient care settings,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淪imulation allows us to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, ensuring our graduates are confident, competent, and ready to serve across Arkansas.鈥�

In addition to state approval, the School of Nursing maintains continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for both its associate and baccalaureate degree programs.

Through continued state approval, national accreditation, and a commitment to innovative, hands-on training, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing remains a leader in preparing nurses who meet the evolving healthcare needs of Arkansas and beyond.To learn more about nursing at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, visit /nursing.

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The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall, creates a clear and affordable pathway from associate to bachelor鈥檚 degree while strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 workforce in two of the state鈥檚 highest-demand fields.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and the future of Arkansas.

鈥淲e鈥檙e especially proud to be here with our colleagues from 糖心Vlog传媒CCB to celebrate this step forward together,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I鈥檓 excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain said the agreement provides a practical solution for students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.

鈥淭hrough this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at 糖心Vlog传媒CCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor鈥檚 degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing 鈥� two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淚t provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said the partnership connects students to the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs.

鈥淥ver the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University鈥檚 Center on Education and the Workforce. 鈥淭his partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB Provost Zach Perrine said the agreement ensures students can move smoothly from a two-year college to a four-year university without losing time or credits.

鈥�2+2 partnerships like this ensure students can transparently and seamlessly move from their community college to a university,鈥� Perrine said. 鈥淏y connecting students to critical pathways in education and health care, we are improving families, our community, and our state.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒CCB serves students throughout north-central Arkansas with affordable associate degrees and technical certificates, and the new agreement is designed to reduce transfer barriers while expanding access to bachelor鈥檚 degrees in high-demand fields.

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,鈥� she said.

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The new Innovation Station, located in the Pat Walker Center for Nursing, is designed to revolutionize how students learn, practice, and prepare for real-world patient care. Combining state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology with hands-on clinical training, the lab gives students access to realistic, repeatable scenarios that strengthen their clinical skills and judgment.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 nurses must be more than compassionate caregivers,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淭hey must be clinically sharp, technologically proficient, and ready to adapt in fast-paced healthcare environments. The Innovation Station revolutionizes how our students learn, practice, and prepare for real-world care. This is just one of the ways 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is strengthening the future of healthcare in Arkansas.鈥�

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain, a registered nurse and former chair of the School of Nursing, emphasized how simulation-based education is key to addressing Arkansas鈥檚 ongoing nursing shortage.

鈥淪imulation-based education is one of the most effective ways we can prepare students for patient care,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淥ver the past four years, our students have completed more than 114,000 hours of simulation training, supported by $1.26 million in new technology and equipment. The Innovation Station is the next step forward, giving students access to realistic, repeatable clinical scenarios that sharpen judgment and build confidence.鈥�

The dedication ceremony drew campus and community leaders as well as alumni and healthcare partners, who explored both the new Innovation Station and the internationally recognized Center for Simulation Innovation. Visitors observed demonstrations of high-fidelity manikins, Echo masks, and other advanced training tools that replicate the sights and sounds of real healthcare environments.

Students also showcased the new virtual reality technology during live demonstrations. Using Oculus headsets, they navigated AI-powered clinical scenarios involving pediatric patients, dehydration cases, postoperative care, and even rare emergency events that students might never encounter during traditional clinical rotations.

鈥淲e have the Oculus VR equipment set up for our class, and we鈥檙e able to come here and pick a scenario,鈥� said Brendon Johnson, a junior nursing student from Cabot. 鈥淚 had a patient who was dehydrated and experiencing abdominal pain. I was able to talk to him, get his vitals, and follow up with his doctor to determine the next stage of care. It gives us a way to see things that would be dangerous if they happened to real patients and to practice handling them safely.鈥�

Students also performed CPR demonstrations on new interactive training carts that provide real-time feedback on compression depth, speed, and technique, which will help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock nursing students meet certification standards and develop life-saving skills.

For Joanna Hall, director of simulation and a three-time graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 nursing program, the power of simulation lies in its ability to replicate critical moments safely and repeatedly.

鈥淪imulation allows students to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from them,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淲e no longer rely on chance for students to encounter critical scenarios during clinical rotations. We can create those experiences on demand. The Innovation Station takes this capability to the next level, ensuring our graduates are confident, capable, and clinically prepared.鈥�

Keya McGee, president of the Student Nurses Association, said the new lab will help students approach their careers with more confidence.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about cool headsets. It鈥檚 about the future of healthcare,鈥� McGee said. 鈥淪imulation gives us the confidence to make decisions under pressure, reflect on our choices, and apply what we learn to real patients. This lab elevates not only the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing, but also healthcare for the millions of Arkansans we will serve.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Jussus Sanchez, a 2014 graduate and certified registered nurse anesthetist at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, said the new lab represents a major leap forward in training.

鈥淢y time as a student was stressful but rewarding, and I came out well prepared,鈥� Sanchez said. 鈥淣ow, with augmented reality, you鈥檙e more one-on-one with your clinicals. It results in a more focused approach. It will help nurses build confidence, learn how to approach patients, and experience things that a manikin alone can鈥檛 represent.鈥�

As the open house concluded, Provost Bain invited guests to tour the facilities and see firsthand how the Innovation Station and are reshaping nursing education across Arkansas.

Bain said the dedication of the Innovation Station is more than an investment in technology; it鈥檚 an investment in the health of Arkansas.

鈥淚t ensures our students are ready to deliver excellent care, whether in hospitals, clinics, or rural health centers,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淢ost importantly, it鈥檚 a step forward in addressing the critical nursing shortage facing our state.鈥�

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