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

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

“I 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,” she explained. “I plan to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing by December 2026.”

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

“Becoming a mother at 18 motivated me to pursue a stable career, which led me to nursing,” she said. “During my journey, I developed a true passion for the field, and this experience has shaped both my career and who I am today.”

Beyond academics, Cooper managed parenting and household finances.

“Balancing school while raising a child and handling bills on my own made it even more challenging,” she said. “I 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.”

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 ����Vlog��ý 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 – especially from her big sister, Shacora Cooper – played a key role. 

“She is like a second mother to me without the title, as well as a sister, friend, and my personal therapist,” 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.

“I enjoyed being at the games, being loud, and cheering on the basketball players,” she said. “My son also enjoyed coming with me to the games, which made the experience even more special.”

Cooper also pushed herself physically outside the classroom.

“I ran my first 10K in February at the Little Rock Marathon,” she said. “That 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.”

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

 “I hope I’ve created a cycle of education and financial stability that continues with my son and future generations,” 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.

“My first plan is to take a vacation and get some rest, maybe even a week-long nap,” she said. “After that, I plan to work as a registered nurse in the operating room while also finishing my remaining bachelor’s coursework.”

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

“While going through nursing school, I was able to build meaningful connections with people and network,” she said. “I 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.”

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

“Everyone has a story or something in life that can hold them back, but I encourage people to find their purpose and stay determined,” she said. “Don’t make excuses for why you cannot do something, make reasons for why you should.”

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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’s 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.

“When I was teaching, I became more interested in the students’ social well-being than academics,” she said. “It became my passion to help them. Those moments made me realize how much they needed dedicated one-on-one support,” she added. “Time I often couldn’t fully give in a classroom setting.”

That realization became the turning point. Wolfe earned a master’s in counselor education from ����Vlog��ý 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’t fade when she left teaching; it deepened. Her years in the classroom gave her something most counselors don’t have: an insider’s 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 ����Vlog��ý 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. 

“Her impact on my development as a counselor was profound, particularly in her group therapy course,” Wolfe said. “I 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.” 

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. 

“Being part of that shift where mental health care is becoming more visible, accepted and accessible gives me a lot of hope for the future,” she said.

To students at ����Vlog��ý 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 ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“This is an incredibly rewarding path, but self-care is essential,” she said. “The work can be emotionally demanding, and prioritizing your own well-being is not a luxury — 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’ lives and in your community is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.”

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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.

“She told me, ‘Justin, you can’t work for me forever. I’m 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,’” 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.

“My grandma contributed more to my nursing education than I realized at the time,” he said. “I learned patience. I learned how to stay positive. I learned how to really be present with someone.”

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’s way of reminding him he had made the right decision and that he was surrounded by the right people.

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

That perspective carried with him into his time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

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

“My dad attended ����Vlog��ý Little Rock but didn’t finish his degree because he was raising a family,” Hicks said. “He’s always taken care of me and set a great example. I wanted to honor him by finishing what he started.”

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.

“It really taught me time management and how to prioritize,” he said. “I also learned how to work with people who had different personalities, work ethics, and strengths.”

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

“Half of my education was virtual,” he said. “It forced me to adapt and improvise, and those are things I still rely on every day.”

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’t feel the need to look elsewhere.

“I wanted to give back and work for them after graduation,” 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.

“They showed me how to be a professional, how to work hard, and how to truly care about people,” he said.

Staley said Hicks is a “phenomenal” mental health nurse. 

“I 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,” Staley said. “He 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.”  

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

“It rattled my family to our core,” he said. “It’s a permanent hole that’s caused so much heartache and a lot of unanswered questions.”

That experience continues to shape how he understands the work.

“I 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,” he said. “The severity may look different, but it affects everyone in some way.”

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

“In many cases, people aren’t able to fully articulate what’s happening or how serious it’s become until a lot of damage has already been done,” he said.

That loss continues to guide how Hicks approaches his work.

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

Even with the demands of his role, Hicks has stayed connected to the ����Vlog��ý 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.

“I remember how stressful that time was,” he said. “If I can help someone feel more confident or give them something they can use later, that means a lot.”

Those moments created a bigger picture for him.

“Fundamentally, nursing at its core is about people taking time to genuinely make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.

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

“It was a really great experience,” he said. “I was impressed with how much detail went into everything.”

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.

“First, take care of yourself. You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself,” he said.

He also keeps things simple.

“Be kind. Keep patients safe. Be a good teammate. And find a way to make a meaningful impact.”

It’s a philosophy rooted in his time at ����Vlog��ý 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’t 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’s healthcare environments. Faculty members facilitate the scenario and later debrief the students to reflect on communication, teamwork and professionalism.

“Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive so far,” said Judy Staley, assistant professor of nursing. “Faculty members have seen noticeable gains in student confidence, and the students have improved in navigating conversations and understanding one another’s roles in patient care.”

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’s 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’s 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’s graduates go on to practice across Arkansas, helping to meet the state’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. 

“Simulation has consistently stood out as a powerful bridge between theory and practice,” Staley said. “It offers a psychologically safe environment where students can make decisions, reflect and grow without risking harm to real patients.”

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.

“My vision for simulation centers on innovation, integration and impact,” Staley said. “By 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.”

Learn more about the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock nursing program at . 

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

“I am extremely proud of the School of Nursing for achieving a perfect review from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing,” Davidson said. “Without the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, this would not be possible.”

The ����Vlog��ý 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 — 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’s nurses.

“Healthcare 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,” Staley said. “Simulation 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.”

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 ����Vlog��ý 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 ����Vlog��ý 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’s degree while strengthening Arkansas’s workforce in two of the state’s highest-demand fields.

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

“We’re especially proud to be here with our colleagues from ����Vlog��ýCCB to celebrate this step forward together,” Drale said. “Today’s signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I’m excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.”

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

“Through this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at ����Vlog��ýCCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor’s degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing — two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,” Bain said. “It 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.”

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

“Over the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor’s degree,” Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. “This partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.”

����Vlog��ýCCB 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.

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

����Vlog��ýCCB 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’s degrees in high-demand fields.

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

“It’s easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,” 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.

“Today’s nurses must be more than compassionate caregivers,” ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. “They 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 ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is strengthening the future of healthcare in Arkansas.”

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’s ongoing nursing shortage.

“Simulation-based education is one of the most effective ways we can prepare students for patient care,” Bain said. “Over 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.”

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.

“We have the Oculus VR equipment set up for our class, and we’re able to come here and pick a scenario,” said Brendon Johnson, a junior nursing student from Cabot. “I 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.”

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

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

“Simulation allows students to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from them,” Hall said. “We 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.”

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

“This isn’t just about cool headsets. It’s about the future of healthcare,” McGee said. “Simulation 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 ����Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Nursing, but also healthcare for the millions of Arkansans we will serve.”

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

“My time as a student was stressful but rewarding, and I came out well prepared,” Sanchez said. “Now, with augmented reality, you’re 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’t represent.”

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’s an investment in the health of Arkansas.

“It ensures our students are ready to deliver excellent care, whether in hospitals, clinics, or rural health centers,” Bain said. “Most importantly, it’s a step forward in addressing the critical nursing shortage facing our state.”

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock earned national recognition in four undergraduate programs:

·   Business – No. 194

·   Computer Science – No. 245

·   Nursing – No. 160

·   Psychology – No. 297

The evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. 

These rankings reflect the university’s strong academic programs and its commitment to providing students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s workforce. U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs using a variety of factors, including faculty expertise, graduation rates, research activity, and career readiness.

Chancellor Christina Drale said the recognition is a reflection of the university’s focus on both academic quality and student success.

“These rankings demonstrate the strength of our academic programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” Drale said. “We are committed to ensuring our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepare them to be leaders in their field.”

The School of Business saw a rise of nearly 30 spots, earning a place at No. 194 in the national rankings compared to No. 222 in the 2025 rankings. As one of only two AACSB-accredited business schools in central Arkansas, the program provides students with access to internships and partnerships with top employers in the region.

“We are proud that our programs are once again recognized nationally,” said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business. “Our faculty focus on partnering with the business community to give students both the academic foundation and the applied experience they need for lifelong professional success.”

The Department of Computer Science, ranked No. 245, continues to grow as a regional leader in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The program offers a variety of pathways, including a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in cybersecurity as well as a Ph.D. in computer and information science. The department is also home to multiple new certificate programs that are helping to upskill Arkansas’s workforce. Enrollment in the department has increased to about 480 students this year, an increase of 10 percent over last year, with about 150 students enrolled in a cybersecurity certificate or degree program. 

“Our faculty are committed to keeping curriculum cutting-edge and involving students in real-world research and development,” said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. “By the time they graduate, our students have the skills and experiences that employers demand.”

����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Nursing, the university’s largest undergraduate program, offers multiple respected degree pathways, including the traditional RN, the RN-to-BSN, and the LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs. The school has a strong focus on student-centered learning and hands-on clinical training. The Center for Simulation Innovation, which provides essential simulation education for all nursing majors, has earned international recognition for excellence, including the 2023 Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award.

“Our students, faculty, and staff continue to shine year after year,” said Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. “This ranking reflects the hard work they put into advancing nursing education and preparing highly skilled nurses for Arkansas’s healthcare workforce.”

����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s psychology program was ranked No. 297. The program prepares graduates for a wide variety of fields, including counseling, research, healthcare, and education.

“We are excited to see psychology recognized nationally,” said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. “For the past several years, we have been updating our curriculum to better align it with the goals articulated by the American Psychological Association for undergraduate training as well as highlighting the workforce readiness skills that are embedded in our discipline and program. This recognition suggests that we are doing something right.” 

����Vlog��ý Little Rock remains focused on strengthening the quality of its academic programs and the support it provides to students. By emphasizing faculty development, practical learning opportunities, and the use of new technologies, the university is preparing graduates to meet the needs of Arkansas and beyond. Learn more about academics at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock by visiting ualr.edu/academics.

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Brooks, a clinical assistant professor of nursing, is the first faculty member, as well as the first African American female faculty member, to lead the annual faculty and staff giving initiative. For her, the role is both an honor and a responsibility.

“Without faculty and staff support, we can’t expect the outside community to have a buy-in on what we do here,” Brooks said. “Every dollar can make a difference, while every gift shows that we believe in the mission of our university.”

A Journey Rooted in ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Brooks’ connection to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock runs deep. She earned her associate degree in nursing in 1994, returned two decades later for her bachelor’s degree, and then continued on to graduate studies, all while working raising a family with two sons. She joined the faculty in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with her both clinical expertise and a passion for teaching.

“I’ve seen firsthand how much this university has grown,” Brooks said. “When I was a nursing student, our program shared half a floor in the Engineering Technology and Applied Sciences Building. Today, we have a state-of-the-art building and the largest program on campus. That growth was made possible by people who believed in us and gave back. Now it’s my turn to do the same.”

Brooks and her husband, Anthony, are lifetime members of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and longtime supporters of the university. Their family business, Platinum Drywall, has also contributed to campus growth and student opportunities through campus building projects and student internships.

In addition to her work at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Brooks is active in numerous service organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also serves on the board of Home for Healing, is an associate member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and a member of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas.

Her leadership was recently recognized statewide when she was named one of the 100 Great Nurses of Arkansas for 2025.

“I didn’t expect the recognition but I feel honored and grateful for the opportunity to assist in positively impacting our university,” Brooks said. “I don’t do this work for accolades but for my love for people and serving our community. Nursing allows me to help others in their most vulnerable moments and to teach students how to offer that same compassion.”

Looking Ahead to the Campaign

The Campus Campaign encourages faculty and staff to support ����Vlog��ý Little Rock through payroll deduction, one-time gifts, or in-kind contributions. Participation has grown significantly since the campaign began in 2001, with about 35 percent of employees contributing last year.

“Faculty and staff are in the grit of it,” she said. “We see firsthand the struggles and successes of our students, and we know what it takes to make this university a success. By giving, even in small ways, we’re showing that we believe in our students and in the future of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

Brooks is especially enthusiastic about campus events like Taste of Little Rock, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s premier culinary event, which combines community engagement with great food and fundraising for student success. She also looks forward to sharing her own story as a way to encourage others.

“I am excited to lead this campaign and to show how far we’ve come as a university,” she said. “If we all give a little, together we can do so much more for our students, our colleagues, and our community.”

You can find out more about the Campus Campaign and how to donate by visiting the Campus Campaign website.

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