University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Paige Blair, a first-generation college student from Twin Groves, Arkansas, as the recipient of the 2025 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, the university's highest honor for a graduating senior. Blair leaves UA Little Rock with a perfect 4.0 GPA, the Most Outstanding Graduating Senior in Anthropology Award, and the distinction of being the first graduate of the university's Applied Archaeology Certificate program.

Kelsey Miller, a first-generation college student from Hardy, Arkansas, will graduate summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. She is a senior biology major with a concentration in environmental and organismal biology and has a passion for animal behavior and conservation.

For Adrian Rogers, college has been more than just academics. It's been a launching pad for discovery, creativity, and connection. Born in Miami but raised in Little Rock, Rogers also claims another place as home. "I consider my second home to be San Salvador, where my mom and her family are from," he said.

Adison Cummings, a senior double majoring in architectural engineering and civil engineering, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, Cummings has made the most of his time at UA Little Rock through a mix of academic excellence and campus involvement.

Braden Carr, a sophomore at UA Little Rock, is making strides toward a future in government and public policy through hands-on experience in a congressional internship and campaign volunteering. A double major in political science and criminal justice, Carr spent much of 2024 working with U.S. Rep. French Hill's, R-Little Rock, office, gaining valuable insight into the legislative process and the intricacies of politics.

Tara Jones' path to her graduate degree in public history is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and persistence. Her seven-year academic journey at UA Little Rock was shaped by her deep passion for history and desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Carlee Felty, a political science major from Beebe, Arkansas, also earned an Honorable Mention Award in her first-ever MAL competition.

Martin McCorkle, a junior computer engineering major from Malvern, is pushing the boundaries of human-computer interaction through his research project that will be among the many student-led research projects showcased at the Student Research and Creative Works Expo on April 18 at UA Little Rock.

Trevor Dady, a mechanical engineering graduate student from White Hall, is exploring how an aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Coanda effect could improve the design and performance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones.

Hannah Jones, a senior mechanical engineering major from Benton, has spent her time at UA Little Rock immersed in research, leadership, and hands-on experiences that has prepared her for a future in aerospace engineering.

Charla Tozer will be graduating on May 17, wrapping up her journey here at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She will be earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, along with a technical certificate in graphic design.

For Cheyenne Smock, construction isn't just a career-it's a calling. The UA Little Rock sophomore and president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) student chapter will graduate in May with an associate degree in construction science, capping off more than a decade-long journey in the construction industry.

Junior Brooklyn Marcee was crowned the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's 2025 Homecoming Royal on Saturday, Feb. 22, during the halftime homecoming court ceremony at the men's basketball game.

In celebration of Women's History Month, UA 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 UA 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.

Matty Bianchi has been named Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week, his second career weekly conference honor as well as the third for the Little Rock wrestling team this season. Bianchi's upset victory at 157 pounds versus #2 Oklahoma State this past Friday gave the Trojans a lead over the Cowboys, and the redshirt junior picked up his first fall of the year. It is the first time that the program has garnered more than two conference awards in a single season.

Students in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at UA Little Rock enjoyed a memorable trip to Nashville, Tennessee, blending cultural exploration with graduate school preparation.

A collaboration between students in a first-year experience course for computer science majors and the Learning Commons has brought technology tutors to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Avery Thomas-Wells, who is earning his master's degree in the sports management program at UA Little Rock, is spending August 2024 through February 2025 analyzing football games for Pro Football Focus.

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student received an invaluable education in public health through the Stead Scholars Program. The program is an eight-week paid internship that allows a select group of college undergraduate students to get hands-on experience in the field of public health through the Arkansas Department of Health and the College of Public Health at UAMS.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced the list of students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester.

UA Little Rock announces its Fall 2024 Chancellor's List, recognizing students with superior academic performance in a semester. To be eligible for the Chancellor's List, students must earn at least nine credit hours and at least a 3.9 GPA.

For the first time in UA Little Rock history, the Percussion Ensemble was represented at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Under the leadership of Dr. Justin Bunting, director of instrumental activities, the UA Little Rock Percussion Ensemble made headway at this event, showcasing their hard work and dedication.

Amy Merriman, a native of Paragould, Arkansas, has earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in December from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, marking a long-awaited accomplishment.

After a successful first year of a new teacher residency program, a second cohort of teacher residents from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have joined Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD) to learn how to become day-one ready teachers.

Galloway's journey to earning his Juris Doctor from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law this December is one of resilience, family legacy, and hard work.

Chuck Bonet's life has been anything but linear. So, it's no surprise that his journey to earning a master's degree in public history took a few unexpected turns. Set to graduate from UA Little Rock in December, Bonet's journey has taken him from community college classrooms to archives filled with stories of Arkansas's labor movement.

Caley Sample, a Jacksonville native who now lives in Lonoke, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UA Little Rock this December, marking a significant milestone in her nursing education.

Spencer Massengale, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock doctoral student from Russellville, is set to graduate with a Ph.D. in information science, marking a significant achievement in AI research aimed at protecting critical infrastructure.

Jessica Edwards, a non-traditional student from the small town of Wautoma, Wisconsin, is celebrating a remarkable journey as she graduates from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock this December.

UA Little Rock junior Maria Waite, double major in ecology and organismal biology and chemistry, spent an exciting summer studying abroad in Indonesia.