Thomas, a Little Rock native, participated in the program to strengthen her preparation for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, a standardized exam used in the medical school admissions process, while gaining a better understanding of the medical profession.

鈥淚 applied to the program because I wanted to become more prepared and competitive for medical school, but I gained much more than academic preparation,鈥� said Thomas, a biology major with a chemistry minor. 鈥淭he mentorship, clinical exposure, physician interactions, and guidance from medical professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead and strengthened my confidence that I am pursuing the right career.鈥�

Thomas spent her mornings volunteering on a surgical floor at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, where she transported patients to pre-op, assisted patients鈥� families, and saw how surgical teams operate. Her afternoons included MCAT preparation, professional development, and conversations with physicians, residents, medical students, and admissions representatives. She also gained hands-on experience through ultrasound and suturing labs.

The program gave Thomas her first opportunity to shadow a physician in a clinical setting. She especially enjoyed shadowing a surgical oncologist, which helped her further explore her interest in oncology and surgery.

鈥淪eeing the combination of patient care, teamwork, and problem-solving made me even more excited to pursue medicine and look forward to experiencing clinical rotations during my third and fourth years of medical school,鈥� Thomas said.

She said her coursework at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock gave her a strong foundation for the academic side of the program, particularly its focus on MCAT preparation. Courses in anatomy, physics, biology, General Chemistry I and II, psychology and organic chemistry covered subjects she encountered while studying for the exam.

Courses such as Organic Chemistry I and II, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy have also challenged Thomas to develop new study methods and focus on understanding and applying material rather than simply memorizing it. She said those experiences have helped her become a more disciplined and adaptable student as she prepares for medical school.

Thomas has also received support through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. She credited Donaghey Scholars directors Dr. Jessica Scott and Dr. Simon Hawkins with helping guide her through important decisions about her classes and degree plan. She also works with Donaghey mentors Nistha Neupane and Maria Waite, who have supported her journey toward medical school and helped her navigate challenging courses.

The Donaghey Scholars program has also supported Thomas鈥� research experiences, including helping fund an opportunity for her to present research at an American Chemical Society conference in Atlanta.

Beyond Donaghey Scholars, Thomas has spent the past year conducting research in Dr. Wei Zhao鈥檚 lab, where she has grown as a researcher and received opportunities including a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant, travel grants, and Signature Experience Grants. She also credited organic chemistry professor Dr. Juliette Rivero with supporting her academically and helping secure funding for her research presentation.

“Her discipline, resilience, and focus on her goal of becoming a medical doctor set her apart as one of my most dedicated students,鈥� Rivero said. 鈥淟ydia is a wonderful representation of our Trojan community, and I’m very proud of her. I have no doubt that the same drive will carry her all the way to becoming a great physician.鈥�

Thomas said the support she has received from faculty and mentors across campus helped shape her experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and given her confidence as she pursues her goals in medicine and research.

鈥淓ach of these mentors has supported me in a different way, whether through academics, research, financial support, mentorship, or simply believing in me,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淭heir encouragement has given me opportunities I might not have had otherwise and has helped me become more confident in myself as a student. More importantly, they have helped me realize that I belong in spaces where I can pursue both medicine and research, and their support has played a significant role in the person and future physician I am working to become.鈥�

Thomas is also involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pre-Health Club, McNair Scholars, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the American Chemical Society, and Art Club. She said those experiences have helped her build leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills that proved useful while interacting with medical professionals during the 糖心Vlog传媒MS program.

The summer experience ultimately strengthened Thomas鈥� decision to pursue medical school and gave her a clearer picture of the career she is working toward.

鈥淥verall, this experience strengthened my decision to pursue medical school because it allowed me to see medicine in a real-world setting,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 left the experience feeling even more certain that I want a career where I can work directly with patients, be part of a healthcare team, and use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in people’s lives.鈥�

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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.听

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.听

“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.听“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.听

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.听“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.听

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.听

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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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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The planned gift will support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, helping reduce financial barriers for students while creating a lasting legacy at the university that shaped the couple’s lives and careers.听

For Baldwin and Metzger, supporting student success has always felt personal.听

When they arrived in Little Rock in the hot summer of 1980, they expected to stay a couple of years. Instead, they built careers, lifelong friendships, and a deep connection to the university and community. Now, they hope their investment in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will continue strengthening the community they call home.听

Their desire to give back took shape nearly 20 years ago after attending a campus awards ceremony recognizing outstanding students and faculty. Hearing students describe the challenges they faced reminded Metzger of his own college experience.听

“One of the things that most appealed to us was that we were former students who benefited from scholarships and awards,” Metzger said. “Tuition wasn’t what it is today, but we still worked every summer to help pay for college, and receiving scholarships made a difference in our education.”聽

“Some of the most meaningful moments in a student’s education happen outside the classroom,” Baldwin said. “If students have to work full time just to make ends meet, they often don’t have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in research, complete internships, or take part in experiences that can shape the rest of their lives.”聽

Metzger said scholarships can help to reduce the need for students to work so much while attending classes.

聽“If we can help students work a little less, or maybe not every summer, it eases that burden and lets them focus on completing their degree and experiencing all college has to offer,” he said.

The desire to remove financial barriers made the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program a natural fit for their philanthropy. They knew they wanted to support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program after attending the public announcement in May 2025.听

When Chancellor Christina S. Drale “shared the vision for what these funds could do for students, we looked at each other and knew it was the right time,” Baldwin said. “We actually stopped her that day and told her we wanted to be on board.”

Their gift also represents a new way to support students. Baldwin and Metzger are the first donors to establish an Enduring Opportunity scholarship through a charitable gift annuity, opening another way for donors to support future generations of students.听

Baldwin, who served as chair of the Department of History, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and interim provost, spent much of her career helping the university grow through new programs, initiatives, and strategic planning. She felt helping establish another avenue for charitable giving was also a way to move the university forward.听

“If this creates another opportunity for someone to give, that’s a wonderful outcome,” she said.听

Metzger recently closed his economic consulting business and is no longer teaching economics part-time at the university. The charitable gift annuity makes possible the largest philanthropic commitment of their careers, while providing additional financial security in retirement.听

“When you’re retired, you wonder whether you’ll have all the resources you’ll need,” Metzger said. “The charitable gift annuity lets us do something meaningful now while still providing income during our lifetime. When we’re gone, the remainder goes to the university. It really is the best of both worlds.”聽

When it came time to name the scholarship, Metzger knew exactly what he wanted to do.

聽“Deborah spent more than 40 years here and served in so many different roles,” he said. “It seemed appropriate to put it in her name. She’s the one who deserves the recognition.”聽

Baldwin said she was touched by the gesture but quickly shared the credit with her husband.听

“It’s a gift from us both,” she said. “We want it to support students broadly. I’ve spent most of my career at this university, and it makes me feel good to know we’ll continue helping students long after we’re gone.”聽

A city the size of Little Rock “needs a university if it’s going to thrive. We know many people who believe in this university, (but) they may not have taken the next step yet,” Baldwin said. “We hope our gift encourages others to take that next step.”聽

To learn more about supporting the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, including planned giving opportunities such as charitable gift annuities, contact the development office at聽501-916-3194.听

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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.听

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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Beginning in Fall 2026, the university will raise the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants from $8,000 to $10,000 for a nine-month appointment. Doctoral-level graduate assistants will see their minimum stipend increase from $13,000 to $15,000.

Graduate assistantships allow students to pursue advanced degrees while gaining hands-on experience in research, teaching, and university operations. In addition to a stipend, assistantships may include tuition benefits that help offset the cost of graduate school.

“I am sensitive to the financial pressures that our graduate students face and the impact that rising costs have had on them,” said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School. “I am committed to continuing this discussion and progressing toward competitive GA stipends.”

The increase continues a trend of growing university investment in graduate student support. Five years ago, the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants was approximately $6,000. Two years ago, it was raised to $8,000. This fall’s increase to $10,000 marks the latest step in the university’s efforts to address rising costs for graduate students.

Graduate assistants serve in a variety of roles across campus. Some assist faculty with research projects, while others support classroom instruction, work in administrative offices, or contribute to projects related to their field of study.

Beyond financial assistance, assistantships provide students with practical experience that complements their academic work and helps prepare them for careers in higher education, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and other professional fields.

The increased stipends also help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented graduate students.

Students interested in graduate assistantship opportunities can learn more through the Graduate School and individual academic programs. Assistantships are available in a variety of disciplines across the university.

For more information about graduate assistantships and graduate programs, visit ualr.edu/gradschool.

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Now, decades later, she is paying that opportunity forward by establishing the Mimi San Pedro Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Through a $25,000 commitment, the scholarship will support the university’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program, helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational goals.

“My family and I moved to the United States in the 1970s when the Philippines were under Martial Law,” San Pedro said. “We started over here in Little Rock, where we had family. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s and was accepted to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but I needed financial assistance. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, and working while in school, I was able to earn my degree, join a sorority, and graduate in four years.”

The experience opened doors that shaped her future. The education she received at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped launch a career that would make her a well-known leader in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit communities. 

Over more than 30 years, San Pedro held leadership roles in marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including serving as chief strategy officer for The Venture Center and mentoring the next generation of Arkansas leaders.

“I have been successful in business and life since then, and I wanted to give back,” she said.

San Pedro hopes her gift will create opportunities for students whose circumstances may be similar to her own.

“My family and I believe education is the key to a successful and fruitful life, so I chose to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because it supported me,” she said. “My hope is that this gift will help someone like me get the education they need to be successful.”

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program helps students cover educational expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The endowed scholarship will provide ongoing support for students with financial need and/or academic merit.

Beyond helping individual students, San Pedro sees the scholarship as an investment in Arkansas’ future workforce.

“Our state needs more educated individuals to help fill the skilled worker shortage,” she said. “The increasing number of technology companies and the anticipated impact of the lithium industry mean there will be even greater demand for educated and skilled professionals. Hopefully, those graduates will come from our universities and remain here in Arkansas.”

She encourages others who care about the future of Arkansas to consider supporting students through the university.

“If education is important to you and you recognize that Arkansas must compete for talent in the future and keep our talent here, then you have to invest in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students,” San Pedro said.

For San Pedro, supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is both a thank you for the opportunities she received and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’ future.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact the Office of Alumni & Development at 501-916-3194 or email development@ualr.edu

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The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School鈥檚 Ambassador Program.

鈥淲e are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,鈥� said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.鈥�

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

• Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
• Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
• Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
• Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
• Bar Sponsor: Tito鈥檚
• Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
• Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki鈥檚/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

鈥淭his tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students 鈥� not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,鈥� Dean Ginger Gummelt said. 鈥淲e are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business.

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Located near Health Services in the Donaghey Student Center, the vending machine was launched in partnership with the Arkansas Attorney General鈥檚 Office as part of the statewide 鈥淥ne Pill Can Kill鈥� campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl-related overdoses. Through the partnership, students now have free access to Narcan and fentanyl testing kits in a central location on campus.

鈥淎rkansas has seen a sharp decline in opioid overdose deaths in the past several years, which is great news. But one death is too many, so our work with the One Pill Can Kill initiative isn鈥檛 done,鈥� said Attorney General Tim Griffin. 鈥淭his vending machine at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is a valuable tool in our fight against illicit opioids. The free Narcan available to students and others may well save a life, which is why I was proud to provide opioid settlement dollars to fund it.鈥�

In addition to harm reduction resources, the machine also includes a variety of personal care and wellness items available for purchase, including:

• First-aid supplies and headache medicine
• Pregnancy tests
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant and other hygiene products

鈥淭he health and safety of our campus community remain our highest priorities,鈥� said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs. 鈥淏y providing these resources in a central and accessible location, we are helping ensure students have the tools they need to stay safe and supported.鈥�

University leaders said the goal is to make important health and safety resources easier for students to access without stigma or unnecessary barriers.

鈥淲e want students to know these resources are here for them without judgment,鈥� said Sharon Ann Downs, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. 鈥淲hether someone needs a basic hygiene item or a fentanyl testing kit, this machine helps ensure support is available when they need it.鈥�

The wellness vending machine is available during all Donaghey Student Center building hours.

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The project, called Trojan Forge, will give students access to tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, screen-printing equipment and woodworking tools. The space is designed to bring students from different majors together to experiment, build projects and collaborate.

Students in Library Vision Partners, a campus focus group created in 2023 to give students a voice in how the library evolves, have helped bring the idea to life.

The group hosted a March 11 town hall in the Ottenheimer Library to share plans for Trojan Forge and gather feedback from the campus community.

Will Fausel, an electrical and computer engineering major, Learning Commons IT support specialist and member of the Library Vision Partners group, said the concept for Trojan Forge began during his second semester at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, when the library asked students in the Vision Partners program to help design a makerspace for campus.

At the time, he said, students were still trying to figure out what that space might look like.

To test the idea, organizers hosted a prototype event in August 2025 and launched a to help shape the makerspace鈥檚 vision.

Brandon Sollars, director of the Learning Commons and adviser to the Library Vision Partners program, said the results demonstrated overwhelming student support for creating a makerspace on campus.

The survey showed 98 percent of respondents supported the idea, giving the group strong backing to present their proposal to university leadership.

That proposal led to $50,000 in funding for the project, by the chancellor鈥檚 office for campus improvement initiatives.

Survey responses also helped identify the tools and resources students want in the space. Many requested equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking hand tools, screen-printing equipment and a soundproof studio for recording music and podcasts.

Valerisse Bell-Ovwiomoriemu, an adviser on the Library Vision Partners committee, said organizers will review the most requested items and determine what the initial budget can support.

The team plans to compare student requests with available funding and narrow the list to equipment that can be included in the first phase of the project. Bell-Ovwiomoriemu said the long-term goal is to build a multidisciplinary space that can expand as additional resources become available.

Organizers also hope faculty will use the space for demonstrations, presentations and expert-led workshops that introduce students to tools and creative practices outside their primary fields of study.

Trojan Forge will also incorporate the library鈥檚 existing 3D printing services, allowing students to submit print jobs online and receive printed objects through the library.

The makerspace will be located on the first floor of the Ottenheimer Library, where students will be able to experiment with tools, develop projects and explore creative ideas across disciplines.

Organizers say Trojan Forge reflects several years of student research, feedback and advocacy through the Library Vision Partners program.

Construction is expected to begin in April, with organizers aiming to open the space in August in time for the start of the fall semester.

Students and faculty can continue sharing ideas through the Trojan Forge interest survey, which remains open indefinitely. More information about the project is available on the Ottenheimer Library website.

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