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.

鈥淲ithout faculty and staff support, we can鈥檛 expect the outside community to have a buy-in on what we do here,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淓very dollar can make a difference, while every gift shows that we believe in the mission of our university.鈥�

A Journey Rooted in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock

Brooks鈥� connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock runs deep. She earned her associate degree in nursing in 1994, returned two decades later for her bachelor鈥檚 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.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen firsthand how much this university has grown,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淲hen 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鈥檚 my turn to do the same.鈥�

Brooks and her husband, Anthony, are lifetime members of the 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 expect the recognition but I feel honored and grateful for the opportunity to assist in positively impacting our university,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 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.鈥�

Looking Ahead to the Campaign

The Campus Campaign encourages faculty and staff to support 糖心Vlog传媒 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.

鈥淔aculty and staff are in the grit of it,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e 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鈥檙e showing that we believe in our students and in the future of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Brooks is especially enthusiastic about campus events like Taste of Little Rock, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 am excited to lead this campaign and to show how far we鈥檝e come as a university,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f we all give a little, together we can do so much more for our students, our colleagues, and our community.鈥�

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

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This resounding success not only showcases the collective spirit that defines the university but also highlights the enduring commitment of its community to invest in the institution’s mission and future.

鈥淭his accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our campus community,鈥� said Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services and chair of the Campus Campaign. 鈥淩eaching this participation level is not only a numerical success but also speaks to the sense of unity and commitment among our employees. I believe that boosting internal participation is crucial as it positively impacts our external fundraising efforts, creating a strong foundation for the university’s growth and development.鈥�

Reaching this goal speaks to the shared belief in the transformative power of education and the collective impact of small acts of giving. Altogether, nearly 350 university employees donated to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock during 2023.

“The spirited engagement of our dedicated faculty and staff in the Campus Campaign goes beyond monetary contributions,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭his wholehearted internal support significantly fortifies our university’s standing as we approach external donors for major gifts. It communicates a compelling message 鈥� that those intimately connected to the university are wholeheartedly committed to its mission. This collective investment not only enhances our credibility but also amplifies our appeal when seeking external funds. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff, faculty, and administrators who played instrumental roles in organizing this year’s campaign. With the capable assistance of Laterika Tooks and Kristi Smith, it became a total team effort. Witnessing such collaboration makes me immensely proud to be a Trojan.”

The university owes a special thanks to the dedicated employees who helped lead the Campus Campaign effort across campus. Campus Campaign Steering Committee members included Assadi, Mark Baillie, Shelia Brooks, Sikia Brown, Jessie Burchfield, Anthony Buttrum, Katrina Christopher, Reed Claiborne, Shannon Collier-Tenison, andre cummings, Joe Felan, Tyler Harrison, Carrie Phillips, Derek Slagle, Judy Staley, Joanne Matson, Brandy Dixon, and Emily Bell.

Campus Campaign Ambassadors included Katie Helms, Dawn Johnson, Sadie Lea, Monica Meadows, Leisa Myles, Vanessa Whitman, Angela Willis, April Chatham-Capenter, Mercades Parker, Bobbie Handcock, Salina Ables, Reteisha Byrd, Morgan Leyenberger, Mohammad Goodarzi, Keith Harris, Mary French, Rachel Mercado, Belinda Nix, Cynthia Dedner, Al Baker, Jennifer Lampkin, Anne Turner, Grace Zafasi, and Mary Tillman.

鈥淭he dedication of our Steering Committee and Campus Ambassadors was evident throughout the campus, and I had the opportunity to observe the effort they invested behind the scenes,鈥� said Laterika Tooks, director of annual giving at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淚 feel fortunate to collaborate with numerous faculty and staff members who are enthusiastic about their roles and committed to the development and achievement of this university.鈥�

A total of 18 campus departments achieved 100 percent giving in 2023, which is 50 percent more than 2022.

Those departments include Alumni and Development, Applied Communication, the Bursar鈥檚 Office, the Chancellor鈥檚 Office, Concurrent Enrollment, Counseling Services, Disability Resource Center, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Financial Services, Institute of Chief Data Officers, Mail Services, Marketing and Communications, Office of Military Student Success, Sequoyah National Research Center, Study Abroad, Student Retention Initiatives, Testing and Student Life Research, and the Trojan Transition and Assistance Center.

Bobbie Handcock, a web content specialist who served as a campus ambassador, said that she likes to donate to causes like the Trojan Food Pantry or to help buy caps and gowns for graduating students.

鈥淚 work at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I鈥檓 also a graduate student,鈥� Handcock said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been able to see things from a student鈥檚 perspective and talk with my classmates about challenges that they may face. I know how important it is to have support 鈥� both financially and academically. The Campus Campaign generates funds to help students succeed and reach their goals.鈥�

As a campus campaign ambassador, Handcock explained how a gift to the university is an investment in future leaders, innovators, and professionals.

鈥淏y donating, you can help provide scholarships, financial aid, and resources to students who might not otherwise have the means to pursue a college education,鈥� Handcock said. 鈥淏y contributing, you can help feed someone who is hungry or clothe someone who needs business attire for a job interview. I shared ways that they could support the campaign, including purchasing a legacy brick, giving to an area that means the most to them or giving a gift-in-kind such as to the Trojan Career Closet. I encouraged them to remember that it doesn鈥檛 matter what you give, as long as you give.鈥�

The gifts are a part of the Centennial Campaign, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 fundraising campaign to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. The Campus Campaign was part of a cumulative fundraising year that netted more than $22 million for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Visit to learn more about the Centennial Campaign.

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Dr. Shelia Brooks, a clinical assistant professor at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing, shed light on the purpose of the walk, emphasizing its role in commemorating those lost to suicide and fostering a sense of community among participants.

According to Dr. Brooks, the primary objective of the Out of Darkness Walk is to bring attention to mental health, suicide, and suicide prevention. Participants, including family, friends, church members, and coworkers, gather in memory of loved ones lost to suicide. This event, which takes place in all 50 states across over 400 locations, serves as a powerful demonstration of unity in tackling the challenges associated with mental health.

The Out of Darkness Walk not only provides a platform for collective remembrance but also contributes significantly to the cause through fundraising efforts. Dr. Brooks highlighted that all proceeds from the event go toward funding the mission of spreading awareness and prevention of suicide. The contributions made by participants play a crucial role in saving lives, offering hope, and addressing the aftermath of suicide through support and understanding.

For Dr. Brooks, personal involvement in the walk is deeply rooted in a tragic experience.

“A relative near and dear to my heart took his life in 2020 via suicide,鈥� she shared. 鈥淪uicide awareness and prevention are serious matters that are often overlooked until it’s too late鈥攖he aftermath.”

This personal connection underscores the gravity of the cause and motivates her active participation in advocating for mental health awareness.

Describing the diverse activities that took place during the event, Dr. Brooks mentioned prayer, face painting, music, singing, dancing, and a variety of refreshments. The use of Mardi Gras beads, each color symbolizing different meanings, added a poignant touch to the event. Personal testimonials and the availability of suicide awareness/prevention paraphernalia further enriched the experience.

Despite the challenges posed by cold, wet, and rainy weather, the event witnessed active participation from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing. Dr. Brooks and Kyrsten Smith led a team of 43 members, ranking 14th out of 89 teams in fundraising, raising $479.

Looking ahead, Dr. Brooks extended an invitation to join the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing in the upcoming Suicide Awareness Campus Walk in April 2024 and the Community Walk in November 2024. She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues, stating, “Mental Health Matters – YOU Matter!” The goal is to continue breaking the silence surrounding mental health, promoting counseling, medication, and both outpatient and inpatient care.

For more information, contact Brooks at smbrooks1@ualr.edu or Aresh Assadi at axassadi@ualr.edu.

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