The two-day symposium will showcase research and scholarship across CBHHS through faculty and graduate student presentations, workshops, and sessions highlighting faculty research grant recipients. Beyond sharing findings, the symposium will give the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus community a chance to learn from each other, explore new ideas, and find opportunities for collaboration.

鈥淭his symposium reflects who we are as a college, which is a community of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to doing research that matters for our community and to supporting each other’s growth,鈥� said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice. 鈥淲e’ve built a symposium program with something for everyone, from research presentations to skill-building workshops. I hope faculty, staff, and students from all over campus will join us.”

Presentations will cover topics with connections beyond the classroom. Faculty and graduate student researchers will examine questions ranging from how artificial intelligence safeguards influence perceptions of accountability, to how culturally responsive simulations prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities. Other projects will explore how online gaming skills translate to the workforce and how data reporting requirements affect organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in Arkansas.

Among the symposium鈥檚 featured events is a presentation from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, director of the OCD Institute of Texas, and adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. Her talk, “The Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,” will explore what research on OCD and anxiety can teach educators about helping young adults become more independent and resilient. This topic is especially relevant to the ongoing efforts of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff dedicated to supporting student success, well-being, and growth. McIngvale will present from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the EIT Auditorium, with a reception to follow.

The first day will also include Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Affairs, leading the first workshop session, “Working with Community Partners on Grants/Contracts”, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The workshop will focus on building relationships with community organizations and navigating opportunities to collaborate through grants and contracts. It will offer practical guidance for those interested in strengthening research partnerships or pursuing external funds.

The following day will offer a different look at sharing research and expertise. Dr. Carrie Phillips, the university鈥檚 chief communications and marketing officer, will lead “25 Tips for Working with Media” from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The session will share practical tips and strategies for those who want to better understand how to work with reporters, pitch their work, and make the most of media opportunities.

The CBHHS Research Symposium promises to spark thoughtful discussion and inspire fresh ideas as faculty, staff, and students share their latest work. Attendees can expect new perspectives, insights into research across the college, and connections with colleagues whose work is shaping how we understand and respond to challenges in health care, business, and communities.

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna has established a career in public relations and strategic communications by building relationships, earning trust, and helping others succeed. Now, Nicholson has been recognized as one of the inaugural recipients of the Public Relations Society of America鈥檚 Women of Impact Awards in the Social Influencer category.

鈥淚 was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淧RSA has been such an important part of my professional journey, so to be recognized as one of the inaugural Women of Impact recipients made it especially meaningful.鈥�

Nicholson, vice president of strategic communications at Little Rock-based marketing agency , said the recognition represents more than her individual accomplishments.

鈥淭he Social Influencer category reflects work our team has been building for years, helping organizations move beyond simply posting on social media to creating content that truly influences audiences, builds trust and drives business results,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淲hile my name is on the award, it really represents the talented colleagues and clients who have embraced innovation and trusted us to try new approaches together.鈥�

Nicholson earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in journalism, with a public relations emphasis, and political science from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She was drawn to the university in part because of its location in the state鈥檚 capital and its connections to Arkansas鈥� business and media communities.

Nicholson took classes alongside aspiring journalists who later became reporters, editors, and news leaders across the state. When she entered public relations, many of the journalists she worked with were already familiar faces.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock didn鈥檛 just prepare me academically; it helped me establish a professional network that opened doors early in my career and continues to benefit me today,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淕oing to school in the capital city with the largest media market in our state was a major factor in my decision to study journalism and political science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Nicholson also credits Amy O. Barnes, APR, now associate professor emeritus in the School of Mass Communication, with putting her on the path to a career in public relations. Barnes encouraged Nicholson to pursue her first internship, which gave her hands-on agency experience and confirmed her interest in the profession.

鈥淪he didn鈥檛 just teach public relations. She inspired it,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淎my encouraged me to pursue my very first internship, and looking back, that single piece of advice changed the trajectory of my career.鈥�

Barnes said she recognized Nicholson鈥檚 potential early.

鈥淚 knew from the beginning that Kristen was going to have an important impact on the work, on the profession and, most importantly, on the people around her,鈥� Barnes said. 鈥淚 have never been more proud to be right.鈥�

After graduating, Nicholson began her career in nonprofit communications, where she gained experience across the profession. She wrote media releases, planned events, managed volunteers, developed marketing campaigns, created advertising copy and newsletters, updated websites, and served as a spokesperson.

鈥淚 rarely said no to an opportunity. I simply figured it out,鈥� she said.

That experience prepared her for the variety and pace of agency work. Nicholson joined in 2011 and has since helped launch its Content Studio, become a shareholder, and risen to vice president of strategic communications.

Today, she leads a team whose work includes strategic planning, crisis management, executive thought leadership, influencer marketing, social media strategy, and integrated campaigns.

Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl, president and CEO of , said Nicholson鈥檚 leadership goes beyond delivering results for clients.

鈥淚鈥檓 often quoted as describing the agency business as the ultimate team sport, and Kristen is truly an all-star player in terms of her exceptional skills, work ethic, and leadership,鈥� Vogelpohl said. 鈥淪he provides an environment of professionalism, trust, and access to help people grow and excel.鈥�

Nicholson has also adapted to a communications industry that looks considerably different from the one she entered after college. She graduated when Facebook was still in its infancy and before Instagram existed. Today, public relations increasingly intersects with social media, influencer marketing, search engine optimization, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing.

鈥淚鈥檝e always believed it鈥檚 important to embrace change early rather than resist it,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭he channels will continue to change, but the goal remains the same: reaching the right audience with the right message in the most effective way.鈥�

Nicholson has earned her Accreditation in Public Relations, served as president of the Arkansas chapter of PRSA, spoken at PRSA ICON, and received multiple national PRSA Silver Anvil Awards. She has also advised CEOs and executive leadership teams at Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems, and other organizations across the country.

But as her career has progressed, so has the way she approaches success.

鈥淓arly in my career, I measured success by awards, campaigns, and big wins,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭oday, I measure it by the people around me.鈥�

Nicholson credits mentors with challenging her, opening doors, and encouraging her to pursue new opportunities. As a leader, she now tries to do the same for others.

鈥淚f someone isn鈥檛 confident enough to speak up, I believe it鈥檚 my responsibility to help them find their voice,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淲atching someone gain confidence, step into leadership, or accomplish something they once thought was out of reach is far more rewarding than any award I鈥檝e received. That鈥檚 the kind of impact I hope to leave.鈥�

Barnes has seen that commitment extend to another generation of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, referring several to Nicholson for internships and career guidance.

鈥淚鈥檝e sent several students her way for internships and counseling, and she has been more than willing to give them a boost up their own career ladders,鈥� Barnes said. 鈥淪he deserves any and all accolades the profession provides.鈥�

Nicholson鈥檚 connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also come full circle through 鈥檚 work with the university. She returns to campus to speak with students and now helps tell the story of the university that helped launch her career.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock invested in me early in my career, so having the opportunity to give back professionally feels very full circle,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to help tell the university鈥檚 story while also seeing firsthand how it鈥檚 preparing the next generation of communicators.鈥�

For students hoping to build careers in public relations, marketing, social media, or strategic communications, Nicholson encourages them to take chances and remain willing to learn.

鈥淪ay yes to opportunities, even the ones that seem intimidating,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淓very internship, volunteer project, networking event, and stretch assignment teaches you something valuable. Don鈥檛 worry so much about having every answer; focus on being curious, adaptable and willing to learn.鈥�

She also encourages students to get involved with PRSA early. Nicholson joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the student organization affiliated with PRSA, and served in a leadership role.

鈥淭he professionals who thrive aren鈥檛 necessarily the ones who know the most today,鈥� Nicholson said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e the ones who remain curious, embrace change, and never stop learning.鈥�

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鈥淚 feel like that little girl that was 19 years old and pregnant and lost and confused would be proud of the woman I am today,鈥� Amos said.

Today, Amos is building a career in the financial technology sector, always striving to grow and improve, and she encourages other single parents to pursue higher education, drawing from her own journey. Recently, she shared her experience completing her degree and receiving support from the on .

Amos began her higher education journey at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she studied elementary education. However, when she became pregnant, she made the difficult decision to pause her studies and enter the workforce.

Driven by her desire to earn a degree and encouraged by her mother, Amos later returned to school, selecting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Starting over as a single mother wasn’t easy, but she found a welcoming campus and valuable resources to support her. She also rediscovered old interests and decided to pursue political science, instead.

Earning her degree became even more complex as she juggled classes, childcare, full-time work, and the responsibilities of motherhood, so Amos had to quickly learn how to manage it all.

鈥淛ust being transparent, it was hard,鈥� Amos said. 鈥淚 had times where I cried at night. I had times where my son and I both were crying at night.鈥�

By her final semester, the financial strain of being a single parent in school intensified. Amos paid for tuition out of pocket while also covering rent, a car payment, gas, insurance, food, and all the expenses of raising her son.

That鈥檚 when her mother suggested she apply for the ASPSF. Although Amos wasn’t convinced she would receive it, she did 鈥� and it came right on time.

鈥淭he single parent scholarship came right when needed,鈥� Amos said. 鈥淚 was able to pay off my past-due balance on that plan, so that way I was able to change my class right in time for me to graduate and complete my education in December.鈥�

For more than three decades, ASPSF has helped low-income single parents in Central Arkansas build more secure futures for themselves and their families through education. In addition to scholarships, the organization provides mentorship, career-focused workshops, emotional support and other resources to help parents succeed in school, work and life. ASPSF has also broadened its reach beyond traditional college pathways to provide scholarships for those pursuing skilled trades. Applications for are open through Sept. 1 for eligible single parents.

鈥淚t did give me an increase of hope, an increase of community and guidance and things like that,鈥� Amos said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e more than just a scholarship where they just give you money. They give you resources.鈥�

For Amos, that support extended well beyond financial assistance. The resources and guidance she received through ASPSF, together with the encouragement and services offered by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, helped her navigate the unique challenges of single parenthood in college and gave her a sense of community as she worked toward graduation. That commitment to student success is one reason 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was named an Outstanding Education Partner by ASPSF in 2025, recognizing the university鈥檚 dedication to understanding and supporting the unique needs of single-parent students.

Earning her degree was not the end of Amos鈥� journey 鈥� it was a stepping stone toward a bigger future. She now hopes to attend the William H. Bowen School of Law and pursue a career as a corporate attorney, a goal she has worked toward for years.

“Partnerships like ours are about more than helping a student get across the finish line. They鈥檙e about making it possible for students to keep building toward what comes next,” said Jenn Morehead, CEO of ASPSF. “Asia earned her degree, she鈥檚 building a career, and she has her sights set on law school. We鈥檙e proud to play a small part in helping her get there, and grateful to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for being the kind of partner that understands how important that support can be.鈥�

Her degree provided the foundation for her next chapter, but more importantly, it gave her a powerful example to share with her son. For Amos, earning her degree was never just about personal achievement; she wanted her son to see what鈥檚 possible when he sets a goal and persists, even when the path gets tough.

“It gives me that confidence to now instill in him that you can do anything you put your mind to,鈥� she said.

She hopes her message extends beyond her own family. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing parenthood, work, and higher education, Amos wants other single parents to know that pursuing a degree is possible, even when the journey is difficult.

鈥淭he main thing I want single parents to know is just to keep going,鈥� Amos said. 鈥淟ife is hard, but at the end of the day, you have to keep pushing forward and keep striving for what you want.鈥�

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Throughout her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Daaboul paired academic excellence with campus leadership and community service, mentoring fellow students while raising thousands of dollars to support humanitarian efforts for Syrian refugees.

Now, after graduating from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock this spring with bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy, along with a minor in Middle Eastern studies, she is taking a gap year to study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), apply to law school, and work toward publishing her honors thesis.

Her academic journey was shaped by the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, whose scholarship and mentorship opportunities drew her to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淢y acceptance to the program pushed me to come here,鈥� Daaboul said. 鈥淚t fully covers tuition and provides so many wonderful opportunities, like building close relationships with professors and studying abroad.鈥�

While Daaboul excelled academically, she believed meaningful change also happened beyond the classroom. Through her leadership roles, she connected people, organized service projects, and left a lasting impact on the community.

She served as president of the Young Democrats at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, co-president of the Socratic Society, secretary of the Ethics Bowl team, Middle Eastern Studies student representative, and founder and president of the university’s chapter of the Syrian Emergency Task Force. Through these organizations, she organized educational events, connected students with community leaders, and created opportunities for dialogue across disciplines.聽

Her work with the Syrian Emergency Task Force, which she founded on campus her freshman year, became one of the most meaningful aspects of her college career. By organizing volunteer-driven thrift sales, she and fellow students raised thousands of dollars to support educational initiatives and humanitarian assistance for Syrian women and children.

These fundraising events, funded by the Middle Eastern studies committee, were entirely student-led and driven. Daaboul utilized forms posted on social media to recruit volunteers as well as donations. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students donated everything from clothing items, to vinyl records, to handmade jewelry to sell at these thrift drive events.聽

鈥淚 think people sometimes feel like things happening around the world are so far away that they can’t make a difference,鈥� Daaboul said. 鈥淏ut every little bit counts. If you can improve one person’s life, that’s worth something.鈥�

The same curiosity and desire to better understand complex issues also shaped Daaboul’s academic work. Her honors thesis reflected the interdisciplinary approach that defined her education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Drawing on political science, philosophy, history, and anthropology, she analyzed texts in English, Arabic, and Turkish. Her research explored how the modern Turkish feminist movement has developed amid competing political, religious, and cultural influences, arguing that Turkish women have resisted limiting narratives by asserting their own agency, autonomy, and choice.

Rather than challenging previous scholarship outright, Daaboul said her goal was to identify the perspectives that had been overlooked.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not really throwing things away,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at what鈥檚 missing.鈥�

The project was shaped by mentors from several academic disciplines, whose perspectives helped her build a more nuanced understanding of the subject, but her own lived experience as a Syrian American was just as important.聽

Among the faculty who shaped her academic journey, Associate Professor and Philosophy Program Coordinator Dr. Jana McAuliffe played a particularly influential role. McAuliffe taught Daaboul in five courses and two independent studies and directed her Donaghey Scholars capstone project.

McAuliffe described Daaboul’s scholarship as unusually advanced for an undergraduate, particularly given the ambitious, interdisciplinary nature of her thesis. Daaboul had to develop an argument that satisfied the standards of three academic disciplines while thinking through two distinct cultural perspectives.

鈥淚n the end, her thesis was a work that was uniquely her own 鈥� it seems like it could not have been written by anyone else,鈥� McAuliffe said. 鈥淭he creation of such a specific and unique voice within an academic work is quite rare for undergraduates.鈥�

During her sophomore year, Daaboul visited McAuliffe’s office with only one certainty 鈥� that she wanted her honors thesis to be grounded in feminism. She wasn’t yet sure what questions she wanted to explore or that the project would eventually become interdisciplinary.

鈥淚 just remember her being so encouraging,鈥� Daaboul said of McAuliffe. 鈥淭hat’s such a broad and vast area, but she really helped me narrow down my ideas and helped me actually construct a thesis. It was in that moment, too, that I felt seen and really taken seriously. That meant a lot to me in my academic career.鈥�

McAuliffe said what stood out about Daaboul extended beyond her academic ability. She saw a close connection between Daaboul’s intellectual interests and her commitment to civic engagement.

鈥淚 think Dalia is a very serious and complicated thinker who also wants to make positive impacts in the world based on her intellectual commitments,” McAuliffe said. “That is why there are such clear connections between her service and her research, which goes in both directions 鈥� her thinking informs the political work, and her political work informs her thinking.”

Daaboul has learned that effective leadership begins with listening and being a good steward of the community.

鈥淚鈥檝e had so many conversations where people tell me they think it鈥檚 wonderful that I鈥檓 active in trying to make the world a better place, but they just don鈥檛 believe the world will ever change,鈥� she said. 鈥淟eadership is sitting down with them, not diminishing their concerns, and saying, ‘I understand,’ but if we all think (the world won’t ever change) and take a step back, they鈥檒l be right. Nothing will ever change.鈥�

She hopes her time serving on campus has demonstrated people can always make a difference.

鈥淚 think that impact does not just come from the individual, but from the relationships the individual is able to cultivate,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hat I hope is that through my leadership roles and conversations, people feel inspired to go create a movement, to start an organization, and to start something that is meaningful to them on campus.鈥澛�

As she prepares for law school, Daaboul hopes to continue building bridges between scholarship, public service, and advocacy. She hopes her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has encouraged her fellow students to stay active and helped others believe they have the power to make a difference.

The post A Student Leader With a Global Perspective: How One 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Graduate Inspired Change on Campus and Beyond appeared first on News.

The Fulbright Specialist Program supports short-term academic exchanges that connect U.S. scholars with international institutions to address shared challenges through collaboration, teaching, and applied research. Through this program, Slagle will collaborate with the University of Pretoria鈥檚 Public Policy Hub (PPH) and the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS-UP).聽聽

Slagle鈥檚 upcoming assignment will focus on a core challenge in public administration: how universities, governments, and communities can work together to ensure that research meaningfully informs policy and public service delivery. For Slagle, the answer begins long before findings are published.

鈥淔or me, accessibility begins well before results are written up. It starts with how research is designed and conducted,鈥� he said.

Rather than producing research in isolation, Slagle plans to work alongside faculty, policymakers, and community partners to clarify what decisions evidence should inform and how it should be communicated.聽

At the center of Slagle鈥檚 work is co-production, a collaborative model that invites communities, practitioners, and policymakers to help define problems and shape solutions.

鈥淓ffective co-production means moving beyond consultation toward shared ownership of both the problem and the solution,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淚t involves joint problem framing, recognition of multiple forms of expertise – including lived and community experience – and sustained interaction throughout a project.鈥�

By aligning academic inquiry more closely with public-sector realities and community priorities, Slagle believes universities can serve as effective bridges between knowledge and action.聽

A defining feature of this upcoming work is tackling barriers to evidence-informed policymaking through community engagement. While evidence-based approaches are widely endorsed, research often fails to reach decision-makers in usable ways. To address this, Slagle emphasizes iteration as central to effective research and evaluation. He argues that more durable and legitimate policy solutions emerge when communities are empowered as co-designers rather than treated as passive recipients.

The Fulbright work will also explore public service delivery in resource-constrained environments, including the responsible use of AI and other digital technologies. While he sees opportunities for AI to support data analysis, communication, and service coordination, he stresses that ethical decisions must remain central to ensuring innovation strengthens trust and public value.

Slagle was drawn to the Fulbright Specialist opportunity because the challenges at the University of Pretoria mirror those faced in Arkansas and across the U.S. He views the assignment as a reciprocal learning opportunity and looks forward to applying what he learns back to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus as well as the greater Little Rock community.

Ultimately, Slagle sees the Fulbright Specialist experience as reinforcing the role of universities as boundary-spanning institutions; connecting research, policy, and practice in ways that serve the public good locally and globally.

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The program brings together students from colleges and universities across the state for a yearlong course combining academic learning, civil discussions, practical training, and service-learning experiences. Participants work toward earning the Civic Arkansan Credential, which recognizes a student鈥檚 commitment to tackling societal challenges, promoting civic responsibility, and contributing to the public good.

The academy was developed with input from a statewide advisory committee that includes Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration.

With 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helping to shape the program鈥檚 creation, two of its students are now among the first to experience it firsthand.

Tackett, a junior political science major from North Little Rock, said he is particularly excited about the academy鈥檚 election component.

鈥淚 have always been incredibly interested in campaigns, elections, and how the administration of elections shapes voter participation,鈥� Tackett said. 鈥淯nderstanding the electoral process, from ballot initiatives to polling place accessibility, will help give me a clear picture of what strengthens or limits electoral participation among Arkansans.鈥�

Through the program, Tackett hopes to deepen his understanding of civic engagement strategies and public policy while preparing for a career in public administration.

鈥淢y coursework at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has given me a solid foundation in how our institutions shape public policy and citizen representation,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he Civic Leadership Academy will help me connect government processes with civic needs and gain the professional experience and networking opportunities to bring together academic learning with practical public service.鈥�

Carr, a junior from Paragould double majoring in political science and criminal justice, said he鈥檚 most looking forward to the program鈥檚 service-learning component.

鈥淎pplying the knowledge I鈥檝e gained from my coursework and this program to make a positive impact in the community is exciting to me,鈥� he said.

Carr said the academy鈥檚 emphasis on dialogue and empathy resonates deeply with him.

鈥淚 hope to improve at communicating with and understanding people who disagree with me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 believe America can benefit from more empathy and open dialogue, and that change begins with each individual.鈥�

Carr credits his experience in the School of Public Affairs and the Donaghey Scholars Program with preparing him to think critically and communicate effectively about the issues shaping society. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public policy or political campaigns.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration, praised Tackett and Carr for representing the university in the program鈥檚 first cohort.

鈥�(They) exemplify the very spirit of the program 鈥� motivated, thoughtful, and deeply engaged in public service,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淎s early-entry MPA students and political science majors in the School of Public Affairs, they are already bridging the gap between academic study and applied leadership, translating classroom knowledge into tangible civic impact. Their participation demonstrates the strength of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to cultivating future public servants who think critically, communicate effectively, and act with purpose. Watching these students represent our university in this statewide network affirms the value of experiential civic education and underscores the promise of Arkansas鈥檚 next generation of leaders.鈥�

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy to build civic capacity and develop student leaders who can strengthen communities through dialogue, collaboration, and public service.

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Being curious suits him well, as someone whose career has been defined by being curious, asking questions and helping others do the same. 

Arkansas鈥檚 Hub for Survey Research

Housed within the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs, the Survey Research Center is Arkansas鈥檚 only academic survey research center. It has been a source of major research over the last several decades, helping to support university faculty as well as government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses across the state.

White, who stepped into the director role this year, is committed to expanding that reach. 

鈥淚n my role as director, I will be seeking new partnerships, new opportunities for growth and expansion, and new ways to serve while continuing to maintain the standard of excellence that has long been a hallmark of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 research,鈥� he said.

A Path Carved By Curiosity

White is a first-generation college student from a rural community in northeast Arkansas, who began his career in education as a high school principal. As he made the leap from public school administration to academic research, a step he acknowledges is 鈥渘ot statistically likely,鈥� he credited the support of his mentors for their guidance and support along the way.

鈥淭he greatest success in my career so far has been making the transition from working as a high school principal to working as an academic researcher,鈥� White said. 鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful to the incredible educators and mentors who supported me on this journey.鈥�

That sense of gratitude carries through as White reflects on his career within the University of Arkansas System. He began as an instructional designer under the mentorship of Dr. Scott Wright, later serving as a grant administration manager at regional campuses with Dr. Marcia Byers, who also served on his dissertation committee.

鈥淎t every step of my professional journey, people have invested in me when they didn鈥檛 have to,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y goal is to honor their work by investing in others and helping build their success.鈥�

Energized by Possibility

White says the most energizing part of his new role is the opportunity to work at the intersection of academic research and real-world problem solving. 鈥淥ur clients come to us with real-world questions, and we work with them to develop academically rigorous research instruments that provide answers,鈥� he said.

He said he鈥檚 also eager to work with faculty across the 糖心Vlog传媒 system, supporting their research and publishing efforts. 

Asked what guidance he would offer to those interested in research, White says to stay  curious.

鈥淏eyond the technical methodology, which can be taught, a researcher must have a disposition toward the world that desires to know and understand,鈥� he said. 鈥淐uriosity is the passion that drives that desire.鈥�

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Led by Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Avinash Thombre, professor of applied communication, the course, 鈥�,鈥� took students to Spain. From May 20 to June 1, they traveled to Madrid, Toledo, C贸rdoba, Granada, and the Mediterranean coast city of Almu帽茅car, where they visited grand cathedrals and mosques to city squares layered with historical memory.

鈥淕etting to meet with local government groups, non-profits, and religious organizations in Spain, visit historical sites, and have meaningful conversations about religion and interfaith connections made for an incredible experience,鈥� Glazier said. 鈥淥ur night tour of the Mezquita in C贸rdoba was especially powerful. It is a beautiful site, and hearing about how it was built as a mosque and later converted to a cathedral was important and heartbreaking.鈥�

Through guided tours, academic readings, class discussions, museum visits, and conversations with local leaders and organizations like Casa 脕rabe and Arco Forum, the group explored themes such as convivencia (coexistence), religious freedom, and the legacy of colonialism and conflict.

鈥淕iven the complex history of Spain over the last 2,000 years, there is a wealth of information to explore and learn regarding intercultural and interfaith issues,鈥� Thombre said. 鈥淏y immersing themselves in the various historical sites of different cities in Spain, our students were exposed to the intricacies and interplay of culture, communication, politics, and faith. The transformative experience is an effort to sensitize our students to the fact that coexistence of our faiths and cultures is possible if we make an effort.鈥�

The students who participated in the study abroad trip included Rory Abbott, Catherine Clevenger, Carlee Felty, Payten Free, Madelyne Hunter, Amirah Jackson, Bex Little, Mercy Macjones, Amaya Mendoza, Jeralyn Mitchell, and Suzy Velez.

For students like Amaya Mendoza, a sophomore political science major, the program offered invaluable preparation for a future career in public policy.

鈥淭his trip offered a deep dive into the intersections of religion, politics, and cultural identity,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淚t broadened my global perspective and helped me think critically about real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Visiting places like Casa 脕rabe and leading a discussion on veil bans gave me the opportunity to reflect on the real impacts of policy decisions on people鈥檚 lives.鈥�

Madelyne Hunter, a political science senior, said the trip gave her new perspective on the histories and cultures that shape modern society.

鈥淚 care a lot about the atmosphere of a place,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he architecture, the scenery, the cathedrals鈥攊t was all unforgettable. Learning that the concept of veiling isn鈥檛 actually inherent to Islam was surprising and being able to reflect on that while visiting mosques made the learning experience much deeper.鈥�

For Suzy Velez, a 67-year-old studio art major and full-time student, the journey was as much about personal transformation as academic enrichment.

鈥淪pain has long been my dream destination, and being there inspired me,鈥� Velez said. 鈥淔rom museums to mosques, churches, and cathedrals, each place left its mark. The most powerful moment for me was visiting the Jewish Quarter in C贸rdoba and learning how entire families were buried in mass graves during the Inquisition. It wasn鈥檛 just a history lesson鈥攊t was a loss that felt personal.鈥�

Velez described the trip as 鈥渟oul work鈥� that will continue to inspire her as an artist.

Students also explored Spanish cuisine, engaged in a tile workshop, saw a flamenco performance in Granada, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Their travels were enriched by daily academic discussions and reflection, both in-person and through blog posts shared with the broader community. The course emphasized cultural immersion, empathy, and critical reflection.

鈥淚鈥檓 returning home more open-minded, more curious, and more committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across differences,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淭his wasn鈥檛 just about studying abroad; it was about becoming a better global citizen.鈥�

The students will host a public event titled, 鈥淚nterfaith in Action: How Spain’s Religious History Can Impact Little Rock’s Future,鈥� at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. Panelists Rev. Patricia Matthews of the Interfaith Center, Dr. Ali Khan of the Madina Institute, and Hon, Annabelle Imber Tuck of Congregation of B’nai Israel will join students and guests for a community conversation. The event includes a student slideshow of the study abroad trip and light refreshments. For details, contact Glazier at raglazier@ualr.edu.

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A double major in political science and criminal justice, Carr spent much of 2024 working with U.S. Rep. French Hill鈥檚, R-Little Rock, office, gaining valuable insight into the legislative process and the intricacies of politics.

A native of Paragould and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Carr secured a summer 2024 internship with Congressman Hill鈥檚 district office in Little Rock, where he worked directly with constituents. His responsibilities included taking phone calls from constituents with case work matters involving federal agencies or legislative concerns. He also assisted staff members with a variety of projects.

鈥淚 got to see how government officials interact with their constituents and that they truly care about what people have to say,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淭his experience showed me that there are people genuinely working every day to help others.鈥�

Following his summer internship, Carr continued his involvement by volunteering for Hill鈥檚 campaign during the fall semester. He participated in campaign events such as the Salt Bowl, knocked on doors, and distributed information about the congressman and other candidates. This firsthand experience volunteering on a campaign deepened his appreciation for democracy and for the hard work and strategy required to win public office.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been interested in elections, and this experience made me love them even more,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was eye-opening to see the time and effort people put into winning an election.鈥�

Looking ahead, Carr plans to continue building on his political experience. He will be studying abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland for the second half of the summer, where he will study international relations and the Scottish criminal justice system.

Carr, who plans to graduate in 2027, envisions a future working in policy or legislative affairs. He credits his internship and volunteer experiences and the support from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and the School of Public Affairs for helping shape his career aspirations.

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This marks the third consecutive year 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been listed among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs, climbing three spots from its 99th ranking in 2024.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs, credits the ranking to the school鈥檚 commitment to scholarship, service, and community impact.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs by U.S. News & World Report is a meaningful acknowledgment of the important work happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Public Affairs,鈥� Slagle said. 鈥淥ur faculty, staff, and students are deeply committed to public service, evidence-based practice, and community engagement. This recognition highlights the value of preparing the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders who are ready to address the complex challenges facing our communities today.鈥�

Slagle noted that contributing factors to the ranking include an increase in faculty and student publications, conference presentations, service, excellence in teaching recognized through accreditation, and ongoing community engagement.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 MPA program equips students with professional management, analytical, and leadership skills needed for a range of careers in public service. Graduates are prepared to lead in national, state, regional, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

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