Student Government Association - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Earns Nickname Through Years of Campus Leadership

Sydney Ambrus — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Known across campus as “Mr. ��Vlog��ýLR,” Noah Davidson, a history major from Beebe, Arkansas, will graduate in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Davidson, who has been deeply involved in student life, said the nickname began as an inside joke within the Delta Chi Fraternity. It originated with alumnus Turner Hudson, who appeared in university marketing materials online and on campus posters.

After helping his chapter win the Trojan Spirit Award, senior fraternity members began calling Davidson “the new Mr. ��Vlog��ýLR.”

“The nickname spread quickly among the chapter and our friends,” Davidson said. “I love it and have accepted it as a defining part of my time as a student. It’s a sign my chapter brothers recognize the work I’ve put into improving our chapter and student life as a whole.”

Davidson chose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in part because of his mother, Dr. Sloan Davidson, director and professor in the School of Nursing. She has worked at the university since 2008, and he often visited campus as a child.

“Attending freshman orientation and touring campus helped solidify that I made the right decision,” Davidson said. “I liked the smaller campus and class sizes. Coming from a small town, it made me feel comfortable and at home.”

He became involved on campus almost immediately. On his first day of classes, Delta Chi’s recruitment chair invited him to an event.

“After attending recruitment week and accepting my bid, I quickly became close with the chapter members and eager to get more involved,” he said.

Davidson said he connected with the fraternity’s values.

“The guys in the chapter genuinely cared about me and wanted what was best for me,” he said.

He was elected Delta Chi president during his junior year in 2024. Wanting to increase student involvement, he ensured the fraternity participated in major campus events. The chapter later won the Trojan Cup and Chapter of the Year honors, and Davidson received the Trojan Spirit Award.

In summer 2025, he became a Student Government Association senator representing the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

“I saw this as another way to advocate for Greek life and improve student life at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” he said. “I just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.”

“I always thought ��Vlog��ý Little Rock had the potential for a strong, connected student body,” he added. “I’m honored to have played a role in improving Greek life, student life, and the campus community.”

One of his favorite memories was leading Delta Chi during homecoming week in spring 2025.

“Homecoming includes the Trojan Cup competition, a series of events and challenges,” Davidson said. “I was able to coordinate my team through many of them.”

He said the cardboard boat regatta was his favorite event.

“Our team sailed to victory, earning the team spirit award and winning the Trojan Cup overall,” he said. “It was especially meaningful because it was the first time our chapter had ever won.”

Later that year, the chapter also won Chapter of the Year for the first time in its history.

“I was honored to lead the chapter during such a historic year,” Davidson said. “Receiving the Trojan Spirit Award that semester recognized my commitment to campus involvement and leadership.”

Davidson credits faculty members Dr. Barclay Key, Dr. Kristin Mann, and Dr. Stephanie Davis for shaping his experience.

“Dr. Key helped me navigate challenges with my courses, motivation, and graduation plans,” he said. “When I felt lost, he helped me stay on track.”

He said Mann and Davis also had a strong impact.

“They have a genuine passion for their work and their students’ success,” he said. “They helped me understand difficult material and truly wanted me to succeed. They’ve helped shape who I am as a student and influenced my decision to pursue graduate school.”

After graduation, Davidson plans to continue at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, pursuing a master’s degree in public history.

“I want to focus on historic preservation and begin a career in parks or a related field,” he said. “I hope to help maintain historic sites for future generations.”

Davidson said his experiences at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock have prepared him well for the future.

“My involvement as a student leader taught me leadership, communication, and a passion for success,” he said. “My coursework strengthened my research, historiography, and writing skills. Together, those experiences have prepared me for what’s next.”

His advice to students is simple: get involved.

“You’re only here for about four years,” he said. “Don’t spend all that time in your dorm room. Find what interests you. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has something for everyone — student government, Greek life, academic and recreational clubs. You’ll build friendships, grow your network, and gain valuable skills that will impact your future.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Hosts Dr. Jose Antonio Bowen: Thinking, Work, and Creativity in the Age of AI

Samantha Koros — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, work and create, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is bringing that conversation directly to our community.

Acclaimed scholar will speak on AI, creativity, and the future of work in his free public talk, Thinking, Work, and Creativity in the Age of AI, on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. Open to students, faculty, staff, and the broader Little Rock community this event is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue around the issues that matter most to our region and our world.

“Dr. Bowen is a dynamic, charismatic Renaissance man and a gifted speaker, so he is particularly well-suited to offer a public talk. We hope the community takes advantage of his visit and attends his talk,” said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, Chair and Professor of the Department of Psychological Science.

While the public talk is a highlight, it’s just one part of a broader visit designed to engage the campus in meaningful, practical ways. Dr. Bowen will deliver four presentations focused on AI.

On Tuesday, March 31, he will lead a full-day workshop, sponsored by the Department of Psychological Science and the Marie Wilson Howells’ Endowment, co-sponsored by the Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence (ATLE), and supported by the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. The workshop will cover AI literacy, tools, prompting techniques, and practical strategies for designing AI-informed assignments, while addressing issues such as grading and academic integrity. That evening at 5:30 p.m., in the Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) auditorium, Dr. Bowen will give a public talk on how AI is transforming work, communication and human creativity.

On Wednesday, April 1, Dr. Bowen will host a student session with the Student Government Association (SGA), on thriving in an AI-driven world, then conclude with a second workshop on redesigning online courses for the age of AI, covering strategies to improve learning, support academic integrity and integrate custom AI tools.

For Sherwin, who helped organize the visit, bringing Dr. Bowen to campus is a natural expression of what Trojans do — trying new approaches, forging unique partnerships and seeking creative solutions.

“We are ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, that means we are part of the greater Little Rock metropolitan community,” Sherwin said. “To the Department of Psychological Science, that means that what we do should benefit the communities of which we are part, whether our students, faculty and staff or the larger public. In this instance, it includes a public-facing opportunity with speakers we invite. This maximizes impact and provides insight into the issues we engage with, which have recently included wrestling with the current disruptor — artificial intelligence.”

Bowen’s visit is one of several efforts the Department of Psychological Science has led to help campus and the broader community grapple with AI’s growing impact. Events like this public talk extend that work beyond campus walls, inviting the broader community to think critically and creatively alongside the campus. This talk is free and open to the public. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, we believe that when our community learns together, everyone moves forward. Visit the event page for full event details, including date, time, and location.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Expands Student Safety Efforts Through ‘One Pill Can Kill’ Partnership

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:03:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has joined forces with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin to combat the growing threat of fentanyl and counterfeit prescription drugs through the “” Initiative. The statewide campaign combines education, training, and access to life-saving resources with the goal of preventing overdoses and raising awareness among college students.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock joined the initiative on Sept. 8 during a at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. Griffin and Chancellor Christina Drale joined student leaders, faculty, and staff to announce the university’s participation, underscoring the importance of prevention and education at a time when opioids remain one of the nation’s most pressing public health crises.

“This continues our commitment to bring this initiative to college campuses across Arkansas,” Griffin said. “The education, awareness, and resources this initiative provides will no doubt save lives. “Chancellor Drale and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff have been great partners in this effort, and I appreciate their commitment to keeping their students safe and addressing this nationwide crisis head-on.”

Griffin, who lost his brother to opioid addiction earlier this year, emphasized that prevention and education are critical steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

“Our goal is to educate campuses by working through student leaders, the media, and word of mouth,” Griffin said. “We are providing training here to ensure students are prepared, including in the use of Narcan if needed. We are making progress, but this is a fight we must continue.”

Chancellor Drale echoed those concerns, noting that universities have a unique responsibility to protect students and provide resources for wellness and safety.

“As an institution of higher education, we’re committed to being part of the solution,” Drale said. “That means sharing information, having difficult conversations, and connecting students to the resources they need. The reality is that it only takes one moment, one decision, one pill to change a life forever.”

The launch included the first campus training session, where more than 100 participants learned how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, administer Narcan, and use fentanyl test strips. Attendees left with prevention kits containing Narcan, testing strips, gloves, a medication disposal pouch, and information on counterfeit drugs.

Sharon Downs, assistant vice chancellor of student affairs – wellness and belonging, said the turnout reflects the urgent interest in addressing this issue on campus.

“The training was a great success with over 100 engaged participants who asked thoughtful questions,” Downs said. “We will continue to offer Narcan training each semester, and students can also pick up harm prevention kits at Health Services while supplies last.”

Additional support will soon be available through a new vending machine that will be installed in the Donaghey Student Center. Provided by the Attorney General’s office, the machine will dispense free Narcan alongside over-the-counter medications, offering students an anonymous and accessible way to obtain life-saving resources.

Student leaders say the initiative is already making an impact.

“I was very encouraged to see ��Vlog��ý Little Rock join the ‘One Pill Can Kill’ Initiative,” said Ainsley Kendall, a junior business administration major and president of the Student Government Association. “Addiction, particularly opioid misuse, is one of the most pressing issues facing college students today, yet many don’t know how to respond if a crisis occurs. This program is an important step in expanding education and equipping students to make a lasting impact.”

Braden Carr, a junior political science and criminal justice major, said he looks forward to continuing the conversation.

“I am extremely excited to see the university and the Attorney General come together to tackle this issue,” said Carr, who serves as legislative affairs officer for the Student Government Association. “This program is a great first step in educating students on the dangers of the opioid epidemic. As a student leader, I will continue to advocate for increased education and awareness, alongside supporting partnerships such as this.”

Students who need support can access resources through Counseling Services in SSC 118, by calling 501-916-3185, or by emailing counselingservices@ualr.edu. Online resources are also available at ualr.edu/wellness and .

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Owen Haynes Finds Global Passion on the Path to Civil Rights Law

Sydney Ambrus — Thu, 15 May 2025 13:01:00 +0000

Whether in the courtroom or the classroom, Owen Haynes has always been drawn to the fight for constitutional and civil rights. The White Hall native, who majored in political science with a concentration in international studies and a minor in Middle Eastern studies, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17.

Haynes is an honors student in the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and an active member of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Young Democrats, International Diplomacy Association, and Student Government Association. He also participated in the Little Rock Congregations Study research team.

His interest in social studies began in elementary school, where he enjoyed learning about history and government. That passion continued to grow and evolve during his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“I came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock knowing I wanted to study political science and American law after graduation. I had no interest in international studies,” Haynes said. “But after my friends encouraged me to take Model Arab League, my interests changed.”

That experience sparked a deeper academic curiosity that led him down an unexpected path.

“I started studying the Middle East and its culture. Then, I was able to study Islamic migration in Spain. I declared a Middle Eastern studies minor, and have enjoyed the rest of my time studying this niche,” he said.

The summer of his junior year, Haynes studied abroad in Morocco, taking classes in Arabic and journalism while also teaching English to Moroccan children and their parents.

During his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Haynes worked diligently on two major research projects. He co-authored a paper with Dr. Rebecca Glazier and Dr. Gerald Driskill on faith-based approaches to combating racism in Little Rock. He also completed an honors thesis examining how urban planning policies, such as Urban Growth Boundaries, could curb urban sprawl and help mitigate climate change.

He earned two individual and two team awards at the National University Model Arab League conference, competing in a mock international tribunal. He was later selected by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations to chair a national conference, where he published his work.

When asked about his favorite professors, Haynes credits four faculty members for shaping his experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“Each independently had a huge impact on my experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” he said.

He said Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica Scott served as mentors, advisors, and “amateur therapists,” always pushing him to think more critically. Glazier gave him the opportunity to travel across the United States and Spain through her classes and invited him to co-author a paper. Dr. Eric Wiebelhaus-Braham also mentored him through his independent research on urban planning policies.

“I have taken classes with all four of these professors, and I could not speak any more highly of these people. Our university is lucky to have these faculty members,” Haynes said.

Reflecting on his college journey, Haynes said:

“My experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has made me a better citizen, student, and all-around person. I have learned what works and what doesn’t when leading a meeting, gathering volunteers for a project, or scheduling a study group.

My opportunities abroad have widened my worldview more than I could have ever imagined. My professors, above all else, are the ones that have led me through this journey and deserve the most credit.”

After graduation, Haynes plans to spend a year studying for the LSAT and then go to law school.

“More school will prepare me to litigate constitutional and civil rights issues—my ultimate career goal,” he said.

His advice for current students is simple: get involved.

“There is no better way to make friends outside of your classmates than joining a club,” Haynes said. “Even when in class, start talking to the people before and after class. It can be hard to find your social footing when starting college. Meet people, and say yes to invitations.”

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Women to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: An Le

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:15:00 +0000

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock of 2025 is An Le, a first-generation college student from Benton majoring in business management and marketing. Le is a familiar face you’ll often see around campus during her work as the president of the Student Government Association and event coordinator for the Trojan Transition Assistance Center.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is An Le. I am currently a junior pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I am from Benton and am a first-generation college student. My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam in 2001 and shortly had me three years later. In high school, I was always interested in working in education, but I never thought I would go into higher education. My dream for the longest time was to be an elementary teacher. My first year of undergraduate I was an accounting major, but I changed it soon after to something that suited my personality more.

My first semester of college I started as a student worker in the Office of Admissions giving campus tours to prospective students. This was also when I joined the Student Government Association (SGA) as a freshman senator. I started my love for higher education through these two things. Meeting prospective students and helping them start their path to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was my favorite thing. I also love advocating for students and their needs to the university. The connection with high school students and college students was what put me on the path towards higher education.

My sophomore year I continued giving campus tours and became vice-president of the SGA. I also had the opportunity to study abroad spring sophomore year in Vietnam for half a year. This was one of the most life-changing semesters of my life as I had never left the states by myself for such a long time before. In Vietnam my love for traveling and higher education grew so much. This upcoming summer semester I am traveling to Argentina with the School of Business for a management course.

Many people who know me know I am a big advocate of self-care. In my free time, I enjoy indoor cycling, cooking, baking, and shopping. Indoor cycling is one of the best things because I let out stress while becoming stronger. I love being surrounded by a group of people who are also bettering themselves and most of the time these people are amazing, strong women. I thrive in an environment where people are also bettering themselves and motivating to those around them. Work-life balance is extremely important to me.

What is your current position and professional duties at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

I currently serve as the event coordinator for the Trojan Transition Assistance Center (TTAC). I help plan the recruiting events for prospective new students ranging from high school to transfer students. I assist with planning and executing events from communication, vendor coordination, staff assignments, to logistics. Some of our upcoming events are Experience, Transfermation, and Discover. I also manage the social media for the Office of Admissions and TTAC. I enjoy coming up with new Instagram reels that help students learn about campus. A series I am excited about is “Trojan Trivia.” I plan to quiz students, staff, and faculty on campus about their knowledge as a Trojan.

I also serve as the Student Government Association president. As SGA resident, I represent ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students in meetings with faculty and staff. I lead a team of seven SGA executives, 30 senators, and eight associate justices. The SGA Senate consists of students representing the three colleges, international students, and graduate students. Our Student Court reviews student parking ticket appeals and makes decisions on those. I have come this far thanks to my SGA Executive team who always motivate me. SGA has allowed me to understand the behind the scenes of the university and grow as a leader.

What brought you to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Growing up in Benton, I did not expect to come to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because I wanted to go to college far away from home. My senior year of high school I was very lost. I was extremely introverted, was not involved, and had no clue what I wanted to do in college. One of my former elementary teachers, Anne Felan, convinced me to major in business. I toured many colleges and what caught my eye about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was the Donaghey Scholars Program. No other college in Arkansas I toured had such an amazing honors program. I took a chance and applied and was accepted to the program after interviewing. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has offered me so many opportunities. I have grown to a more confident, extroverted, and happy me. The people at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock motivate and push me a lot, from Ms. Joyce at Starbucks to my first professor Sarah Clements.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Currently I am working on recruiting events with Leah Ford in the TTAC office and how we can make events better. Another project is my Donaghey Scholars Final Project. I am working with Dr. Casey Rockwell and Dr. Carrie Phillips to research the enrollment cliff in higher education and how tuition guarantees impact the cliff in public universities in Arkansas. For SGA, I am working on revamping our system to be more professional, helpful to students, and building traditions that will last such as connecting with the chancellor, vice chancellors, and other staff.
One last project I am working on is spreading the message of SAVE10 with Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez to women on campus. We are currently working on how to encourage young women to invest 10% towards retirement/savings to invest in themselves. As women, many of us were not taught about finances and do not know the importance of investing in ourselves.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

One woman that has inspired me the most is Assistant Vice Chancellor Kara Brown. From day one, AVC Brown has believed in me and pushed me to my potential. She advocates for students, connects with many students, and always is a joy to be around. AVC Brown has so much passion for higher education and was who planted the seed that I should consider higher education as a career choice. Everyone always has such positive things to say about AVC Brown. I know if I am having a tough time, AVC Brown will have advice for me and help me keep pushing.
Another woman that has inspired me is my mom. Growing up, my mom cared for four children while working constantly. By no means were we wealthy, but she always provided the best for her children. She had the courage to immigrate to a place she knew nothing about, knew no one, and could not even speak the language for the future of herself and her children. I am so inspired by my mom and grateful for her sacrifice.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?

One leadership lesson I have learned in my career is to not worry about things I cannot control and rather focus on what I can control. Working in recruiting events, weather is a big factor that impacts us. Rain or shine, we will continue to provide the best experience for students and parents as possible. Stressing about things out of my control halts my progress, and instead of stressing I could have proactive plans. Another thing is I cannot control the way others feel about me, and I can only control my emotions and continue doing the best I can. This was difficult for me because I struggled with pleasing people, but I learned that no matter what I did, some people will always have something to say. Rather than exerting my energy into what people thought of me, I focused on my own actions and advocating for what I believed in.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My piece of advice for the next generation of female leaders is to fill your glass before filling others. As women I think we are taught that we have to be there for others constantly. Although it is important to help others, helping others when you are burnt out will backfire. Burnout is something I struggled with when all I had on my plate was helping others. Focusing on myself is what allowed me to beat burnout, especially when my roles on campus involve considering many other people from students to prospective students. It is okay to choose yourself sometimes.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I love being active! One of my favorite activities is 5ks with my cousins. Enjoying time outside walking is a way I recharge myself too. Some of my favorite places to walk are Mills Park in Bryant and Allsopp Park in Little Rock. Indoor cycle classes are another way I remain active while having fun. When the weather is better, I love to go play pickleball!

What is your favorite quote and why?

“You can be anything.” – Barbie. This is my favorite quote because I grew up watching Barbie movies. This quote would appear in every Barbie movie I watched, and reminded me that no matter what, I could pursue my dreams and be anything. I always had a feeling of inspiration after watching Barbie movies as a kid and that I could literally do anything even though I was a child. To this day, I am reminded that I can be anything if I put my mind to it.

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Rodriguez Named LULAC Student of the Year

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:57:35 +0000

A future attorney and president of the student chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens () at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has been named the organization’s 2023 Student of the Year.

Yvonne Rodriguez, a senior double majoring in political science and sociology from Hot Springs, will receive the award during an Oct. 13 gala celebrating the achievements of students in LULAC.

“I feel extremely honored to receive the Student of the Year Award,” she said. “This award is special because I am being honored for representing my culture and helping other people in my community and my fellow students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

Her life is dedicated to serving and helping others in multiple roles. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Rodriguez serves as a Student Government Association (SGA) senator and chair of the SGA’s Trojan Action Group, outreach director for the Young Democrats, a secretary for the International Simulations Association, and a student ambassador for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education.

Rodriguez has been involved in LULAC for the past three years and became president during the spring 2022 semester. She’s been working hard to reenergize the student organization after COVID. Bringing back several in-person events, recruiting new officers, and establishing a constitution are just a few things she’s taken on in her time as president. Her efforts have been successful, with membership growing from around 20 to more than 40 students in the last few years.

“We’ve doubled our membership since I first joined LULAC,” she said. “We are trying to do a lot of things for the students. Right now, we are working on several events with the Multicultural Center to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Once she graduates in May 2024, Rodriguez plans to take a gap year where she can gain experience working at a law office or for a judge. She plans to go to law school where she can specialize in family and immigration law.

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Graduating Student Spotlight: Thomas Forcum

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:47:00 +0000

Thomas Forum graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As president of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Campus Garden Alliance, and a learning assistant and tutor in the Department of Chemistry, Forcum has made a tremendous impact on the university and its students since he enrolled in 2019.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Nashville. One of the keys to my success is my family. They’re really great, and they helped set me up for where I am today. My parents got divorced when I was 13, and even though it’s not my favorite subject to talk about, it really showed me the importance of good communication, being able to see things from other people’s perspectives, and finding common ground.

It also prompted my mom to go back to school. She earned her degree in nursing while raising three boys in high school, which is not the easiest task. Seeing her manage all her responsibilities while working hard and succeeding in school was incredible to watch. She really showed me how important school is and portrayed what hard work looks like.

What did you accomplish in your time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Other than the SGA and Central Garden Alliance, I did research under Dr. Anindya Ghosh on campus and under Dr. Michael Wilson at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (��Vlog��ýMS).

Tell me about your time as SGA president this year.

One of the biggest privileges is how great ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is at listening to its students. They really want to get students’ perspective, and I’ve gotten to work with some absolutely amazing figures here, including Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School, and Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, to increase graduate assistant pay.

One of the things that I campaigned on was making opportunities more available to students online. I think Ahad Nadeem and I achieved that by working with the Student Experience Center and Trojan Engage.

I think Jacob Ray’s going to help carry the torch as well. Between him and An Le, who won SGA senator of the year, I think they make great candidates for president and vice president.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

Dr. Mark Baillie is one of those professors who really takes the time to not only help out students about the subject of chemistry, but he also tries to give them good advice about the direction of life they should take. I was one of those students who showed up to office hours every time they were offered. I wound up asking him a lot of questions about life as well as the assignments.

From him, I learned how to practice metacognition, or the awareness and understanding of my thought processes. I started thinking, ‘What approaches do I need to take to do well in school?’ It’s a different process from just saying, “Oh, I’m going to try hard!” I really think that changed my fortunes here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

I was also in Dr. Michael Moore’s Learning Assistant program, where I used evidence-based education tactics and personal experience to help students learn both general and organic chemistry. He’s a great guy, and I really learned a lot from him.

Do you have any good study advice?

There used to be certain assignments that freaked me out, and instead of doing them and getting them out of the way, I would end up waiting to do them. I eventually started doing them first, and since that took the stress away, it was easier to get everything else done. I also had to start making out a good sleep schedule, which allowed me to take on more extracurricular activities and get more stuff done. I encourage everyone to use college as an opportunity to practice time management skills. It really is important.

What’s next for you?

I would love to go to ��Vlog��ýMS. They have an amazing medical school, and I really like the way they organize and teach their classes. You learn one subject at a time, and that’s something that really appeals to me. I also really like the idea of staying in state. Arkansas’s the place for me. I’ve really grown to love this state and the people in it.

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Nadeem Named Whitbeck Award Winner at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Wed, 03 May 2023 13:12:34 +0000

Ahad Nadeem, a biology major from Little Rock, has been named the winner of the 2023 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck established the top graduating senior award in memory of their son, Edward Lynn Whitbeck, who was a senior at Little Rock University, the predecessor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, at the time of his death in 1965. Each scholar receives a personalized plaque and a monetary award.

“I feel really grateful to have won and really honored to receive such a prestigious award,” Nadeem said. “It was a surprise because I knew so many qualified students who applied. I worked hard for it, and I am glad to see that all the hard work has paid off in the end.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a chemistry minor, the award-winning member of the Donaghey Scholar Honors Program plans to spend a year working in medical research while applying for medical school to fulfill his long-held goal of becoming a doctor.

“I’ve known I wanted to go into medicine since high school,” Nadeem said. “I shadowed some doctors in high school, and I saw first-hand how they can help people and apply their vast medical knowledge to heal others. In college, I got more involved in different health care experiences, such as volunteering and participating in clinical research. That affirmed my desire to enter the field.”

Nadeem has worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (��Vlog��ýMS) for years in their emergency department research lab, working on multiple clinical research trials on patient empathy, stress of emergency department patients, and acceptability of naloxone.

“Ahad worked with the ��Vlog��ýMS Institute on Aging to coordinate a grant-funded opioid education project in the emergency department, in which over 500 patients were given health information about opioids,” said Dr. Michael Wilson, director of the ��Vlog��ýMS Emergency Department Research Associates Program. “Ahad developed protocols for this project and trained all lab members, including holding monthly training sessions and lectures. Throughout this project, Ahad and the other lab members were able to help many patients acquire naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose antidote.”

In other health care-related activities, he also worked as a summer intern at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and presented his work at the 2022 Arkansas INBRE Research Conference. Additionally, Nadeem volunteers in the ��Vlog��ýMS Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institutes and in ��Vlog��ýMS’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where he holds and reads to babies in NICU. He also volunteers with Kaleidoscope Grief Center, a part of Methodist Family Health, in a support group for children who have lost loved ones.

“When I started volunteering, I had just lost my grandfather last year,” Nadeem said. “I wanted to learn how to deal with loss and help others learn as well. It’s helped me to learn to talk about people that I’ve lost.”

An active member of student life, Nadeem serves as vice president of the Student Government Association, a health and wellness writer for The Forum, and president of the Campus Garden Alliance. He’s also on the Donaghey Scholars Student Committee, organizing Donaghey events and interviewing new applicants for the program, and on the Academic Integrity and Grievances Committee.

Nadeem also enjoyed serving as a learning assistant for a genetic class taught by Stefanie Leacock, an instructor of biology, who feels Nadeem made a positive impact on student learning.

“For my genetics course, I use an open-access textbook I developed in LibreTexts,” Leacock said. “Ahad himself noted that additional practice questions would be helpful to students. Ahad spent the spring semester of 2022 working on review questions for each chapter that addressed specific learning objectives. Ahad authored nearly 70 questions and question sets, which are now publicly available in the online H5P question database LibreStudio. His work benefited not only our ��Vlog��ý Little Rock genetics students, but other students and instructors may benefit from the questions he created as well.”

Nadeem’s presentation on his work to improve student learning in the genetics course earned him a first place in the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. Additionally, he earned a second first place in last year’s expo for a research project he created about food deserts in Little Rock. Nadeem developed a map of food deserts in Little Rock, marking locations of dollar, convenience, and grocery stores in the city. He later presented this research at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Summit, where it was shared with legislators, policy makers, and graduate students researching food insecurity in Arkansas.

With his college career wrapping up, Nadeem’s advice to new college students is to branch out of their comfort zones and try new things.

“Initially starting out, I was scared to go beyond my comfort zone,” Nadeem said. “Once I started trying new things, I realized how many opportunities are here and how many cool things you can do at this university. In order to experience them, you have to branch out and not be afraid to fail. You never know what kind of opportunities you will get in return.”

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Women to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock 2023: Yvonne Rodriguez

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:28:39 +0000

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock of 2023 is Yvonnne Rodriguez. This Donaghey Scholar is a first-generation student who plans to go to law school, practice immigration and employment law, and become a judge.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I am originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and I moved to Little Rock once I started my undergraduate degree at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I am a first-generation college student. My family is from Oaxaca, Mexico, and when I can, I go every summer to see my family and engage in my culture, and eat amazing food, of course. I graduated from Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, AR.

What brought you to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Once I graduated from high school in 2020, a year that now lives in infamy, my future was very rocky in terms of wondering if I could still go and pursue any type of post-secondary education while COVID-19 was running rampant throughout the country and the world. I settled on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because of the opportunities that were presented. I wanted to be close to my family just because COVID-19 put into perspective how little time we have in this world, especially with our loved ones. I also chose this university because of the academic scholarships that were offered, like the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.

What is your major?

I am pursuing a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology and a certificate in business management and world languages in Spanish.

When will you graduate, and what do you plan to do after graduation?

I will be graduating in spring of 2024. My hope is to take a year off to set up some passive income for myself before I apply to law schools across the country. Once I do apply to law schools, I hope to practice immigration and employment law. After a couple of years practicing law, I want to run for a judge’s seat in Arkansas.

What activities are you involved in at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

I have been part of the Peer Mentor Program for two years dating back to the first year that it was piloted at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I get the opportunity to serve as a guide for mentees by sharing my own success and setbacks as a college student. When I first joined, it was not surprising that many mentees needed help with getting through the year, and it helped giving the mentees one-on-one support.

Another activity that I am involved in is LULAC. For those who don’t know what LULAC is, it stands for the League of United Latin American Citizens. I joined last year as a member and could feel the fellowship and community LULAC is able to bring to Latino students. I am now serving as the president of LULAC council 771 here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. It was a great honor, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our club and how we can be involved in not only ��Vlog��ý Little Rock but also the Little Rock community.

I am also part of the International Studies Association and serve as the secretary for the club. Our club travels all over the U.S. and competes with other schools in a debate and speech setting. We have competed in Model UN and Model Arab League and are an award-winning team.

Another club I am immensely proud of being a part of is the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Young Dems. I serve as the outreach director, so if you are interested in joining, please do not hesitate to contact me. I have been part of Young Dems for about two years.

I am also currently serving as a senator at large for the Student Government Association here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I have been in this position for two years, and I want to continue working to bring positive change for the benefit of all the students.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

One of the projects I am currently working on is developing a central hub of information for students to access to participate and be involved in volunteer opportunities around campus and the city of Little Rock.

One of the projects I am partnering with students – Lamar Townsend and Arisha Ishtiaq – deals with helping ��Vlog��ý Little Rock international students and their H1-B Visas. This is a fantastic project that I was introduced to by Lamar and Arisha, and we will be planning on having workshops for international students and employers to understand the H1-B Visa process and give each group the resources they need to complete this lengthy process successfully.

The last project I am working on for this year is completing my Sociology Capstone Project/Donaghey Final Project. I am excited about this project because it not only deals with tough immigration topics but it deals with human participation, which is much more engaging. My project will study the Push and Pull Factors of Oaxacan Immigrants in Arkansas.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

Everyone probably says this, but my mother is the woman who has inspired me to reach my full potential. My mother is one of the strongest and most resilient women I know. She came to this country without knowing the language or knowing anyone and came with nothing. She left all she knew behind to give my family a better opportunity in life. If she can do it, I can do it. I see what she has accomplished even after going through so much in her life.

I admire the courage and the sheer determination of her willingness to succeed in life despite the odds stacked against her. I respect her work ethic above all else. You need to have a drive in you to make something of yourself and the determination to keep working hard for your goals.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Don’t be passive. Of course, always show respect and be kind to others. I want more women to be aggressive, ask questions, and always be persistent in life, especially in our careers. I don’t ever want women to back down, be shy, or be overly polite just to appease men in higher positions no matter what. Don’t be afraid of your own strength, speak up, and make sure your voice is always heard at the table.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn

I do not eat cheese. I do not like the yellow American cheese, whether that is on cheeseburgers, mac n cheese, or dipping. I like it on pizza, but not on anything else. Also, I try to bring a jalapeno with me when I go out to eat just because I am afraid a restaurant might not have anything spicy or any salsa.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Success is its own reward, but failure is a great teacher too, and not to be feared” by Sonia Sotomayer.

Not only do I love this quote because it comes from a woman that has made great strides for women in our federal courts but also because I truly believe that this quote is the essence of how we live and learn in navigating this crazy world. Yes, success is amazing and what everyone should try for, but failing is a great teacher because it showcases how resilient you are to failure. If you get hit 10 times, it matters if you get up again after each time.

The world is a tough place, but a tough environment breeds tough individuals. I agree with this, and I think it’s important for everyone to not fear the failure that will inevitably come, because if you are able to overcome failure, there is no need to be afraid of failure. But if you have never failed, and you fail once, you might never recover due to sheer fear. Keep at it no matter what. Cause if you stop, you would not only have failed but failed yourself.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have recently been hired to work in the House Communications department at the Arkansas State Capitol. It has been an eye opening experience to say the least. I get to see first hand how representatives represent their constituents on a daily basis.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Week of Events in Observance of National Day of Racial Healing

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:18:29 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating the 2023 National Day of Racial Healing with four events.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, marks the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing, a day in which individuals, organizations, and communities come together to create a more equitable world. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will join communities and campuses across the state in celebration by hosting a weeklong schedule of events for the second year in a row.

The first event, “Messages of Love,” will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Trojan Cafe. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Racial Barriers Committee (RBC) will be stationed with construction paper hearts and paint pens for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community members to write encouraging messages that will be taped to the windows of the Donaghey Student Center for the rest of the week.

The second event, “Antisemitism and How to Combat It,” will be from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown. The hybrid panel is sponsored by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, the Student Government Association (SGA), and RBC. It will be moderated by Dr. Rebecca Anne Glazier, and panelists will include Rabbi Barry Block, Justice Annabelle Imber-Tuck, and Rabbi Biller. Panelists will discuss the recent rise in antisemitism and how to combat it. Register at: .

The third event, “Lynching in the South,” will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown. The panel is sponsored by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement, and the Racial Barriers Committee. It will be moderated by Dr. Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm, and panelists will include Dr. Guy Lancaster, Atty. Furonda Brasfield, and Clarice Abdul-Bey. Panelists will discuss the history of lynching in the South and how to heal from past transgressions. Register at: .

The final event is the 2nd Annual Open Mic Night, which will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan 20, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. The event is sponsored by the SGA and the RBC and will center around racial healing and fellowship. Anyone can apply to perform and sign up to attend. Register at .

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