Modern Campus brings 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 professional skills training and continuing education opportunities together, connecting programs from across disciplines through a single platform.

鈥淲ith the expansion of training administered by Corporate and Community Education, including Leadership Academy, AI programs, Human Resources Essentials, and Medical Spanish, a student information system like Modern Campus became a necessity,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淭his tool will allow us to better market and administer workforce programs, making the entire process easier and more enjoyable for our learners.鈥�

The platform will enable 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate and Community Education to manage registration, program information, student records, payments, corporate training, credentialing, and communications in a single system. Bringing these functions together will create a more seamless experience for learners, who can register for programs, manage their information, and access their training records all in one place. The system鈥檚 enhanced data reporting allows 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to meet Arkansas Division of Higher Education reporting requirements, better understand learner engagement, and use data to improve programs and guide future decision-making.

The catalog brings together professional skills and continuing education opportunities from across 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, including offerings from Corporate and Community Education, Spanish and the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium. The platform will add additional programs from the School of Education and other departments as it expands. Current offerings include professional development and certification opportunities such as Medical Billing and Coding and Paralegal certification through .

The platform also supports workforce training for organizations, giving corporate clients a centralized way to manage employee training. Through the corporate portal, clients can register employees for contracted programs, manage rosters, and track training progress. Customized offerings such as Leadership Academy and AI Transformation and Leadership allow organizations to provide training tailored to their workforce needs.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to expand its professional skills, continuing education, and workforce development offerings, Modern Campus will make it easier for learners and organizations to manage their training. By bringing professional skills and non-degree programs together, the platform gives learners a centralized record of their training and a connected way to keep building skills and reaching professional goals.

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“I’m really excited and proud to represent the university, but also undergraduates across the nation,” said Reynolds, a聽first-generation college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in world languages with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in digital arts. “It’s a really big position — a lot of different perspectives to take into account — but they elected me for a reason, and I’m going to bring my own experience, as well as the experiences of other students, to voting and decision-making.”聽

Reynolds will serve a one-year term on the honor society’s 12-member national board, which began serving Sept. 1. The newly elected board, with representatives from higher education institutions around the country, will gather in Chicago for a meeting later this month.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s聽Phi Kappa Phi chapter is actually the oldest in Arkansas, and “it’s a very difficult organization to get into,” inviting juniors and seniors in the top 7.5% of their class, said Dr. Rex Wilkins, president of the chapter. Reynolds joined as a junior, and “she exemplifies a student who puts in the time and effort to be successful.”聽

Reynolds is especially eager to build leadership skills as a board member, including as chair of the Philanthropy Committee, and she feels her experiences beyond only her sterling academic record — such as interning with Seis Puentes — gave her an edge in her board election. 

“In college, I’ve pushed myself to do things I’m afraid of, and the more I do, the less anxiety I get, so I always tell other students to say ‘Yes’ to things, even if they’re nervous,” she said. “You can look at opportunities as meant for someone else, but you don’t know until you try — they might be meant for you, too.” 

Reynolds, for example, is stepping outside her comfort zone next semester when she studies abroad in Spain 鈥� her first time traveling outside the U.S.

“It will push me, but immersing yourself in a language and culture is the best way to learn,” said Reynolds, who plans to become an an ESL teacher. “I want to understand my students not just on a base level, but their culture, so I can help them the best way I can.” 

Among the most proactive students in his classes, Reynolds “takes the initiative, tries, makes mistakes, and learns from them, which is what we want,” said Wilkins, an assistant professor of Spanish. “She leads by example (with her) determination and passion — she wants to better herself, her university, and her community — and I hope she’ll inspire other Trojans to participate and see they can be like her.” 

Plenty of Gen. Z students battle feelings of isolation, but Reynolds “is committed to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere — she’s friendly and approachable — and I’ve gotten really good feedback from her,” he said. For example, for a course this semester, Reynolds is acting as a learning assistant, and her suggestion to use some online resources to foster better student engagement has improved the course experience.

Reynolds is passionate about language learning, education, and student success. She started at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock majoring in elementary education, but realized she could be an asset to students who don’t speak English as a first language, which changed her academic plans. 

“I value their education, and I want to make a difference in the classroom,” said Reynolds, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration — perhaps from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock — so she can eventually move into an administrative role. After an extensive internship with Seis Puentes — supporting Hispanic and immigrant families in Central Arkansas through outreach and administrative projects — she plans to continue volunteering with the nonprofit because “we do such great, important work.” 

A native of Clarksville whose family moved to Benton when she was in high school, Reynolds chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because “it’s very community oriented — I value that — and I heard really good things” from teachers and fellow students, she said. She also felt she could “make connections and experience opportunities, and I’ve taken advantage of all of them here.” 

Reynolds “rises to the occasion every time” she’s faced with a new opportunity, Wilkins said. “She’s committed, honest, forthright, and trustworthy.” 

As a learning assistant for Wilkins, she’s acting as a “middle ground” between he and students and diving deeply into course material to facilitate discussions, she said. Being a member of the campus chapter of Phi Kappa Phi has also afforded her leadership avenues, scholarship opportunities, and networking ability. 

“It’s definitely been a great decision” to attend 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Reynolds said. “I’ve had self-doubts about things, but everything I’ve tried has worked out for the better and given me a wide variety of skills for my career.”

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It “has helped me a great deal,” especially with unanticipated expenses, said Saisha Dockery, scheduled to graduate in May 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “If you have a goal or dream of getting an education, it’s worth it.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, employees of partnering organizations receive a 10% tuition scholarship, a $25 per-credit-hour textbook stipend, and waived application fees 鈥� all funded by donors 鈥� making participation free. Employees can begin or complete undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while continuing to work full time, and more than 2,000 individuals have participated.聽

More than 150 employers are now corporate partners, including recent additions聽Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance,聽Black River Technical College,聽Engineering Compliance & Construction Inc. (ECCI),聽First Orion, Immerse Arkansas,聽Lennox Commercial Factory-Stuttgart, and聽Lone Star Communications, Inc. The Corporate Partnership Program reaches all areas of the state — the聽Camden Fairview School District, Jasper Public Schools, Mena Public Schools, Mena Regional Health System, and Texarkana聽School District are all partners — and with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s extensive catalogue of online courses, the program is accessible even to those in rural Arkansas.聽

“The Corporate Partnership Program is an increasingly powerful way for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to serve our community, strengthen our workforce, and expand access to higher education,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for Student Affairs & Chief Data Officer.聽“The program demonstrates what is possible when we work together to remove barriers and make a college degree more affordable and attainable for working adults. We are proud of the program’s remarkable growth, but we are even more proud of the聽opportunities it creates for employees and their families and the stronger future it promises for our region.”聽

Dockery is a care coordinator for CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, and she’s grateful they participate in this program.聽

“My purpose is to help people,” and a criminal justice degree opens new job possibilities for her she would not have otherwise considered, she said. “I can knock on doors, and they will open.”聽

Dockery, who has an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, is a nontraditional student, so she worried she “would not be able to keep up” as she studied for her bachelor’s degree. However, those concerns proved unfounded.

When she visited the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus, “the atmosphere, the help, and the community (showed me) I’ll be OK here,” she said. The university “offered everything I needed.”聽

Dockery described the academic advising as amazing and said she has loved working with her instructors.

“I never had an instructor where I didn’t want to take the class; they easily translate information so you can retain what you need and not be overwhelmed,” she said. “I have no complaints, nothing but smiles.”

Dockery also plans to pursue a master’s degree, and she’s excited to achieve the personal milestone of graduation while also being a role model to her children and grandchildren.

“It’s rewarding, but also a great message,” she said. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Those interested in learning more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate Partnership Program may visit the website for more information.聽

“By removing financial barriers to higher education, our Corporate Partnership Program empowers working Arkansans to advance their careers and helps local businesses retain top talent,” said Matthew Bellew, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s corporate partnerships coordinator. “It’s a zero-cost strategy for employers that delivers immediate dividends in workforce growth and employee satisfaction.”

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Corporate Partnership Program聽supports growth for individuals and businesses alike. Those interested in building a successful future together with the university through this initiative should contact Bellew at聽msbellew@ualr.edu听辞谤听501-916-5652聽to discuss participating.聽

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On Thursday, Sept. 24, leaders from education, industry, government, and workforce organizations convened on campus to discuss聽strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. Panel discussions, student and mentor reflections, presentations, and breakout sessions were among the highlights, and student interns and their mentors shared their experiences with experiential learning, offering a firsthand look at how partnerships between the university and employers can help prepare students for the workforce. Topics for breakout sessions included聽artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nursing, social work, early childhood education, business development, and corporate business training.

Preparing individuals for a first job is only one element of the mission for universities; 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock also creates opportunities for advancement, upskilling, and re-skilling, said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. Universities like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock are engines of economic growth and talent development, not only via traditional degrees, but certificates, skills training, professional education, internships, applied learning, and customized programs developed alongside employers.

“We begin by listening — employers must have a voice” — and feedback from business and industry identify any gaps in education, which can be addressed to meet the needs of an evolving economy, added Drale. “That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of today’s summit.”

Connecting students with employers hiring right now is paramount, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Workforce Development Center “does incredible work” preparing students for careers, Gov. Sarah Sanders noted in a video that helped kick off the summit.

Indeed, the center was designed to impact students not only at the start of their work lives, but throughout their careers, noted聽Dr. Aaron Duvall, the university鈥檚 executive director of workforce development. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and other聽four-year universities are critical in the second tier of workforce development, assisting students who want to progress in their careers by adapting, evolving, and adding skills while also helping employers tap into resources and expertise.聽

And programs offered by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock all demonstrate strong return on investment for graduates, said聽Dr. Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock “is a gem, a tremendous asset to this community.”聽

Warden was part of a panel discussion moderated by聽Hunter Field, editor of Arkansas Business, that also included: Jack Thomas, senior vice president of economic development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber; state Rep. Mary Bentley; and Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Steven Person.

“Nationally, it’s a numbers game,” as roughly 8,000 more individuals age out of the American workforce daily than those who age into it, so states and regions must attract individuals from elsewhere to fill various job openings, said Thomas. Without an adequate local workforce, areas risk “economic stagnation.”聽

The top challenge for economic developers currently is making sure a competitive workforce is available for industry, and with technology altering jobs rapidly, the problem can’t be solved by working in silos, said Bryan Day, executive director of the Port of Little Rock and a “proud” 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate. “That’s why we’re all meeting here (at the summit), to solve workforce challenges of today — and tomorrow — together.”

Gathering roughly 150 individuals together to discuss workforce problems and solutions “was exactly what the day was designed to do,” seconded Duvall. “Hopefully, connections were made between businesses, community leaders, and university stakeholders that will generate new and innovative partnerships and solutions as we attempt to build a stronger Central Arkansas together.”

Arkansas must also increase higher education participation, which is roughly 20 points below the national average, “a fixable problem,” and concurrent enrollment is one path, but concurrent enrollment in Pulaski County — home of Little Rock — also lags behind the state average, Warden said. Universities are also under increasing pressure to meet basic needs of students — from food insecurity to childcare — because “you can’t educate them without meeting those basic needs, first.”聽

And while universities can — and do — teach various technical skills, it’s the “durable skills,” like showing up on time, fitting into a culture, and collaborating adroitly, that are often missing with today’s job applicants, Warden said. “You learn workplace skills by going to work,” which is why experiences like internships are such a pivotal part of college.聽

“Old-school skills” remain necessary, even in an age of advanced technology, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Thomas said. “Business decisions are data driven, but they also want to do business with people, (particularly) people they trust.”

The human connection is “more important than ever right now,” and interns develop meaningful connections in professional environments, said Dr. Rex Wilkins, assistant professor of Spanish at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Internships really are invitations to a rising generation “to participate in making organizations and communities better, and you will find great energy, vitality, and opportunities in our Trojan interns.”

Interns cultivate valuable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and conflict management, and “it’s a powerful thing” to help interns build those traits, said Tonya聽Villines, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arkansas. “Hosting interns is a great experience.”聽

And her organization has found tremendous success with interns from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, hiring three of them full time, including聽Antwanette Smith,聽Villines said.聽“We love our interns, and we’re so thankful for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock — they’re the greatest.”聽

Internships also help students discover whether a specific career is truly for them or not, Smith noted.聽

Structured internships at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provide discipline-specific learning and experiential training, but the university needs partners to offer these chances to students, said Wilkins, president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. “You see students come out of their shells and grow” through internships.

Additionally, interns provide fresh perspectives and return on investment when given opportunities, said聽Dr. Yogi Pandit, founder and CEO of FlowZone, as well as an adjunct professor of Applied and Physical AI at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.聽“Invest in them, prepare them well, and they will do an awesome job.”聽

Senior Madison Thomas, a biology major and member of the Little Rock Trojans track and field team, had a pair of internships this summer, with FlowZone and Texas-based physical therapy practice聽Re/Align.聽

The experiences were “amazing, (with) hands-on learning impacting other people,” said Thomas,聽an ambassador for the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps. “It’s really beneficial.”聽

Md. Samin Morshed,聽a Ph.D. student in computer science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, was able to use technology聽at his FlowZone internship that he’d learned about in school, he said. “You need industry experience — it helps you become more professional.”聽

Youth need to see various career paths, then start on those roads, rather than merely taking short-term jobs that don’t ultimately lead to long-lasting聽careers, said Bentley, serving her sixth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 54.

Person, director of technology for the Clinton School of Public Service and soon-to-be-sworn-in as the representative for District 77 in the Arkansas House, is hyper-focused on making sure young adults — ages 19-24 — are equipped with “tangible skills,” then matching them with jobs requiring those skills, he said. “Then, you can put a dent in the problems of today.”

As younger generations emerge in the workforce, however, complications can arise between them and older generations, but each generation brings something different, and it’s incumbent upon workers of all ages to help everyone flourish, said聽Minnesota-based workforce speaker Scott Zimmer, who discussed managing an intergenerational team at the summit. For example, punctuality and polished communication are critical when interacting with Baby Boomers, as they signal respect and build credibility, while intentionality is prized with members of Generation X, who are often juggling myriad responsibilities, such as caring for both children and parents.聽

Millennials were raised in a collaborative environment, encouraged to provide input, so in a workplace setting, they want to have their voices heard, while Gen Z — the group now between roughly ages 16 and 30 — is risk averse, pragmatic, and practical, Zimmer noted. “True digital natives” accustomed to rubrics in school, Gen Z wants a roadmap for success in their careers.

“Invest in young talent,” Zimmer advised. “Involve them, don’t ignore them.”

Duvall also thanked the event’s sponsors — Port of Little Rock (presenting),聽JPMorgan Chase (lunch),聽Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (refreshments), and聽Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield (closing reception) — for helping make the inaugural workforce summit such a success, noting that their “commitment聽to workforce development extends well beyond this event.”聽

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The five-year grant will support Professional Readiness through Immersive Simulation Models, or PRISM, an initiative to establish an Interprofessional AI Simulation Center serving undergraduate and graduate students in the college.聽

The center will provide students with a critical bridge between classroom learning and real-world professional experiences. Students will be able to apply what they have learned in a low-stakes simulation environment, giving them opportunities to practice decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and other professional skills before entering internships, field placements, clinicals, and the workforce.

鈥淭his grant gives us an incredible opportunity to strengthen the connection between what students learn in the classroom and how they apply it in the real world,鈥� said Dr. Ginger Gummelt, dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. 鈥淪imulation gives students a place to practice, make decisions, receive feedback, and build confidence before they enter a professional setting. By embedding these experiences throughout our college, we can make experiential learning an even stronger part of how we prepare our graduates.鈥�

PRISM will serve students across the college鈥檚 five schools in disciplines including business, criminal justice, social work, counseling, human performance and rehabilitation, and nursing.

鈥淭he exciting part of this project is our ability to use emerging technologies to create experiences that feel authentic to the situations students will encounter in their professions,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Halimeh, director of the Emerging Analytics Center. 鈥淲orking alongside faculty across the college, we can build simulations that give students opportunities to practice, experiment, and learn in ways that simply aren鈥檛 possible in a traditional classroom.鈥�

Over the five-year grant period, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock plans to develop more than 21 AI-enhanced simulation scenarios. The project will also integrate AI literacy into the curriculum, provide extensive faculty development, create stackable credentials validated by employers, and support research into the effectiveness of simulation-based learning.

鈥淭his project brings together several of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 strengths: innovative teaching, emerging technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers,鈥� said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. 鈥淧RISM will allow faculty to create learning experiences that are directly connected to the skills students will need after graduation. It is an exciting investment not only in technology, but in student success and workforce readiness.鈥�

Simulation will serve as a middle layer in students鈥� professional preparation. After learning concepts and skills in the classroom, students can test and strengthen those abilities through realistic simulations before applying them in higher-stakes professional environments like internships and project-based experiences.

The approach also allows faculty to create experiences that may be difficult to replicate consistently in traditional classroom or field settings. Students could encounter realistic workplace situations, interact with AI-driven scenarios, practice professional judgment, and receive feedback in a controlled learning environment.

Through PRISM, simulation will become a more intentional part of the student experience across CBHHS, helping students move from learning concepts to practicing them and, ultimately, applying them in their professions.

Learn more about CBHHS and its various offerings and programs online.

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Four 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock undergraduate programs earned spots in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings:

• Business 鈥� No. 262 (tie)
• Computer Science 鈥� No. 257 (tie)
• Nursing 鈥� No. 336 (tie)
• Psychology 鈥� No. 276 (tie)

鈥淗aving four undergraduate programs recognized nationally reflects the breadth and strength of the academic opportunities available to students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the dedication of our faculty and their commitment to preparing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.鈥�

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families compare colleges and universities across the country. In addition to institutional rankings, U.S. News evaluates undergraduate programs in several academic disciplines, including business, computer science, nursing, and psychology.

Business

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business was ranked No. 262 nationally. The school combines classroom instruction with opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections with employers and business leaders throughout the region.

Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, credited the school鈥檚 faculty and the relationships they build with students for the recognition.

鈥淥ur faculty are the reason for this,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭hey teach from experience, they know their students personally, and they invest in them well beyond the syllabus. That’s a rare thing, and we’re fortunate to have built it here.鈥�

Computer Science

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 computer science program earned a No. 257 national ranking as the university continues to expand education and research opportunities in emerging areas of technology.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 257 computer science programs nationally is a significant recognition of our faculty’s excellence, the quality of our programs, and our students鈥� success,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. 鈥淚t reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing our graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.鈥�

Students in computer science have opportunities to build experience through coursework, research, and hands-on projects in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.

Nursing

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Nursing was ranked No. 336 nationally. The university鈥檚 largest undergraduate program offers multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers, including the traditional RN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs.

鈥淣ational recognition among top nursing programs reflects the excellence of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and our dedication to preparing nurses who make a positive impact in healthcare,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. 鈥淭he immersive simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation further strengthen our students鈥� workforce readiness by providing practical skills and confidence to excel from the start.鈥�

The Center for Simulation Innovation provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical skills and decision-making in realistic healthcare scenarios before entering professional practice.

Psychology

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 psychology program was ranked No. 276 nationally, up from No. 297 in the 2026 rankings.

鈥淲e are excited to be recognized for the second year in a row 鈥� and especially pleased to have risen from No. 297 to No. 276,鈥� said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. 鈥淲e believe this recognition reflects the continued work of our faculty to provide students with a strong undergraduate education in psychological science and to ensure that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.鈥�

In recent years, faculty have strengthened the program鈥檚 curriculum through a revamped virtual statistics lab using Excel and Python alongside writing-intensive Research Methods and Capstone courses. The program has also placed a greater emphasis on career readiness, while four new research labs have expanded opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty.

Through nationally recognized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections with employers and community partners, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation.

Learn more about academic programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock at ualr.edu/academics.

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Operated by University Career Services, the Career Closet provides professional attire for interviews, career fairs, conferences, and other opportunities. Students may select up to four items per semester, but the expanded visit policy allows them to return if they don’t find everything they need during their first appointment.

鈥淎llowing up to three visits also recognizes that a student’s professional clothing needs may change throughout the semester,鈥� said Michelle Marshall, career specialist at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淎 student may find a blouse or shirt during their first visit but not find pants or a blazer in their size. They may also visit earlier in the semester when the weather is warmer and later need a heavier blazer or other professional piece as the season changes. Providing multiple visits gives students flexibility to build their professional wardrobe over time.鈥�

The Career Closet is open by appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students can schedule a 30-minute appointment through Handshake — an online platform operated by University Career Services — to browse available clothing, try on items, and receive assistance from student support staff.

Use of the Career Closet has grown in recent years. The closet recorded 96 completed appointments in fiscal year 2024, but roughly doubled that, to 188, in fiscal year 2026. The figures represent appointments rather than individual students because students may visit more than once per year.

Established in 2016, the Career Closet was created to help students access professional attire and understand appropriate dress for interviews and other professional opportunities. Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development, said the resource can be particularly valuable for students preparing to advance in their careers.

鈥淭he majority of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students are already in the workforce,鈥� Duvall said. 鈥淢any students are nontraditional, and as they finish certificate programs or degrees, they are ready for career advancement. The Career Closet allows students to have access to formal wear that can be expensive to purchase on their own.鈥�

Students use the Career Closet for a variety of professional opportunities, but Marshall said job and internship interviews are among the most common reasons students visit. She encourages students to take advantage of the resource before they have an immediate need for professional clothing.

鈥淢any times, students are coming in shortly before that interview, so they feel rushed to find something,鈥� Marshall said. 鈥淭hat’s why I encourage students not to wait until they have an interview scheduled to visit the Career Closet. Come in early, explore what we have, and find professional attire ahead of time.鈥�

While Career Services assesses its current inventory and student needs, Marshall said one of the best ways the campus community can support the Career Closet is by helping spread the word about the resource.

Meaghan Milliorn, senior director of web strategy and operations at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, recently donated several skirts and dresses to the Career Closet after realizing she no longer wore them.

鈥淚 loved the idea of donating them to students who may need some professional clothes,鈥� Milliorn said. 鈥淚 know it’s hard to buy nice clothes for an interview or presentation when you’re a student, so if I can do one small thing to help out, I am happy to do that!鈥�

Milliorn said the donation process was simple, requiring her to fill out an online form and schedule a drop-off time.

For Marshall, one interaction with a student demonstrated the difference that access can make.

鈥淥ne experience that stands out to me involved a plus-size student who found a dress and blazer that worked for her,鈥� Marshall said. 鈥淎s a plus-size woman myself, I understand that it can sometimes be difficult to walk into a clothing store and find professional attire that fits well and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Seeing how excited she was to find something that worked for her really stayed with me.鈥�

Students interested in visiting the Trojan Career Closet can find more information on the Career Closet website.

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After the 11th class day at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, undergraduate and graduate headcount is up 2% and 140 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 5.1% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 3.1%, or around 178 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 5.8%, as of September 9th.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. Combined, undergraduate first-time freshman and transfer students are up around 50 students. In all, more than 8,200 students are choosing to call 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock home this fall.聽

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淭hat reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We are thrilled to welcome the first fall class of our second century.鈥�

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.鈥�

Students are beginning the fall semester during a time of momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. This year鈥檚 students are part of a milestone moment for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, as the university celebrates its centennial and 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university鈥檚 move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program鈥檚 historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university also continues expanding opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics that launched this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,鈥� said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淭hese preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus. Preliminary graduate headcount is down 3.1%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are flat. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends increased to $10,000 for master鈥檚 students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university鈥檚 largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

With the fall semester underway, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is focused on helping its growing student body make progress toward graduation. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career development, student organizations, and other resources designed to support their success throughout their time at the university.

鈥淓very fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,鈥� Decker said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to have them on campus and to help them take advantage of everything 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has to offer. As we begin our centennial year with more students choosing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, there鈥檚 tremendous energy around where this university is headed and what we can accomplish together. It鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥澛�

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On Sept. 24, leaders from education, industry, government, and workforce organizations will gather at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the inaugural , a day focused on strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to meet Central Arkansas鈥� evolving workforce needs.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s role extends beyond preparing students for their first jobs; it聽also supports the next tier workforce development: “helping working professionals build advanced skills, earn specialized credentials, and move into higher-level or emerging occupations,” said聽Dr. Aaron Duvall, the university’s executive director of workforce development.聽“A four-year university like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock can contribute a complementary layer to the work community colleges are doing in workforce development through advanced education and credentialing, applied research, professional upskilling, and community partnerships that help employers adapt, innovate, and develop their future leadership pipelines.”

The summit is expected to draw 150 to 200 attendees to share ideas and explore strategies for preparing and retaining the talent Central Arkansas needs while examining how stronger connections between education and industry can contribute to the region鈥檚 economic growth.

鈥淥ne thing I鈥檓 especially excited about is bringing community and university stakeholders together to showcase the many ways 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is actively working to close workforce and economic gaps across Central Arkansas and beyond,鈥� said Duvall. 鈥淭hese connections are incredibly valuable because they create opportunities for education and industry — two sectors that often speak different languages — to collaborate directly.鈥�

That collaboration will take several forms throughout the summit, such as panel discussions, student and mentor reflections, presentations, and breakout sessions.

Among the summit鈥檚 highlights will be an executive and legislative workforce panel moderated by Hunter Field, editor of Arkansas Business. Panelists will include Dr. Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education; Jack Thomas, senior vice president of economic development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber; state Rep. Mary Bentley; and Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Steven Person.

Student interns and their mentors will also share their experiences with experiential learning, offering a firsthand look at how partnerships between the university and employers can help prepare students for the workforce.

The summit will also feature a keynote address from Minnesota-based workforce speaker Scott Zimmer on managing an intergenerational team, as well as an economic forecast from Dr. Michael Pakko of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute.

Breakout sessions will give attendees opportunities to explore workforce topics and programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nursing, social work, early childhood education, business development, and corporate business training.

Beyond bringing workforce leaders together for a day of discussion, the summit will highlight the role a four-year university can play in meeting the region鈥檚 workforce needs.

鈥淚t is important for community and industry leaders to understand the vital role a four-year university can play in workforce development through advanced certifications, academic and professional skills certificates of proficiency, and upskilling opportunities,鈥� Duvall said.

The Workforce Summit in the Ledbetter Rooms of the Donaghey Student Center will also include breakout sessions held at locations across the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the program will start at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is open through the day of the event. Those interested in attending can register online through the Workforce Summit .

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Her hobby took on new meaning during her freshman year, when she realized that years of casually learning ASL had provided a foundation on which she wanted to build.

鈥淚 realized that my past several years of casually learning ASL had paid off because I was actually understanding what was being communicated to me,鈥� said Powell. 鈥淚t didn鈥檛 intimidate me, but, rather, invigorated me, and all I wanted to do was learn more!鈥�

By the end of her freshman year, she switched her major to ASL Interpreting. That was only the beginning. Over the next few years, she learned more about the language and the Deaf community as she thought about her future.

As she became more involved in ASL, she found a community that shared her passion through Sigma Lambda Kappa, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Sign Language Club. Joining the organization pushed her outside her comfort zone and gave her opportunities to make new friends and collaborate with other students. What started as a way to meet people with similar interests turned into a leadership journey, as she became secretary and later president.

Her involvement with the ASL community also showed her what interpreting was like beyond the classroom. In her sophomore year, she volunteered with the to help organize its annual Spaghetti Dinner. Working with her peers, she learned how to make activities accessible by changing games and choosing tactile prizes so everyone could join the fun.

鈥淒uring my first meeting with the Deaf-Blind members, I was nervous, but they were so welcoming and valued our motivation to learn,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t felt like a safe space to make mistakes, learn, and grow.鈥�

These experiences helped Powell realize that her interest in ASL could become a career. As she learned more about interpreting, she became fascinated by the challenge of switching between languages while sharing a speaker鈥檚 voice, tone, and expressions in real time.

鈥淚nterpreting is about much more than translating words. It鈥檚 about carrying the speaker鈥檚 voice and intent, all while balancing the pressures of real-time communication,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are so many challenges to juggle at once, but in the end, it鈥檚 incredibly rewarding. There鈥檚 nothing else I鈥檇 rather be doing.鈥�

Even though ASL became the focus of her studies and future plans, she thought it was important to experience other parts of campus life. Playing recreational soccer helped her enjoy a sport she loved as a child, and joining the art club gave her a creative outlet, plus another way to connect with students outside her major.

Making time for those interests became especially important as she learned how to balance the demands of college. She put significant pressure on herself to succeed, holding herself to unrealistic standards, but that drive also taught her the importance of knowing her own limits. After pushing herself to the point of burnout more than once, she learned that success also meant knowing when to step back and take care of herself.

Powell started to see success in a new way. She learned that asking for help, taking breaks, and making time for interests outside of school were not distractions from her education, but part of it.

鈥淜nowing when and how to rely on and reach out to others is the most important part,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 do it alone, no matter how tough you seem.鈥�

She hopes new students will let themselves explore. Understanding firsthand what it鈥檚 like to arrive on campus feeling shy or unsure of where to fit in, she knows that waiting until she felt comfortable would have meant missing out on the experiences that shaped her the most.聽

鈥淕et involved, even if it鈥檚 uncomfortable at first,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ry a club, a sport, or an event that鈥檚 out of your comfort zone. You truly never know what that one experience will lead you to or who you could meet.鈥�

She also encourages students to let themselves change. Her college experience turned out very different from what she expected as a freshman, and she believes being open to change helped her find a career and community she might not have otherwise.

鈥淓ven if it doesn鈥檛 go as expected, at least you can say you tried and now have a memory for the future and a story to tell,鈥� she said.

The May graduate is now bringing what she learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock into her next chapter, beginning an internship this fall with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, where she鈥檒l get hands-on experience and keep building her skills. She also plans to continue her work as a freelance interpreter and Support Service Provider for the Deaf-Blind community, work that helped turn a childhood interest into her future career.

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