With more than 9,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas' capital city.
(see more)With more than 9,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas' capital city.
Successful Entrepreneur Abigail Resendiz to Study Global Markets, Economic Development in Europe
Though she was considering several post-graduation options, the clear winner for Resendiz is a full scholarship from the Global Markets, Local Creatives program from the European Union, which will allow her to earn two master's degrees while studying at three different universities in Europe. Resendiz was one of only 22 scholarship recipients from more than 975 applications. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and healthcare and comes with a living and travel stipend. In the fall, Resendiz will move to Scotland to spend her first semester at the University of Glasgow. She will study at the University of Barcelona during the second semester and finish out her second year at the University of Gottingen in Germany. At the end of her program, Resendiz will have master's degrees in global markets and economic development. "This was the most interesting way for me to do a master's degree program and live abroad," Resendiz said. "I want to live and work abroad for a few years before coming back to the U.S. Eventually, I want to work for the United Nations in economic development and international relations or an organization that has a social cause behind it like Winrock International or Heifer International."
Business/professional -
2019 Jun 5
Grad Overcomes Injury to Complete College Education
In 2016, Kaiden O'Suilleabhain's life was on track. He had just graduated from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College and was about to start school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as an engineering major. His life soon took an unexpected turn he wasn't sure he would ever overcome. "I had sudden cardiac arrest and suffered a brain injury. I was actually in a coma the first day that classes started," O'Suilleabhain said. The year and a half that followed his injury would prove to be an intense journey through an extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, recovery, and setbacks, but O'Suilleabhain fought hard to get his life back and started at UA Little Rock in fall 2017. All his hard work paid off, and he recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional and technical writing at the Jack Stephens Center
Achievement (Other) -
2019 Jun 5
Great-grandmother Earns Bachelor's Degree After Leaving High School at 15
At age 15, Vickie Austin left high school in Wynne, Arkansas, after becoming pregnant with her first child, though she always intended to finish her education. Fast forward 41 years, and Austin, 61, recently graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in psychology and a strong desire to help others. In the fall, she will begin a master's degree program in rehabilitation counseling at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, but Austin doesn't intend to wait until she finishes her master's degree to start helping others.
Achievement (Other) -
2019 Jun 5
Surprise Visit Makes Commencement Even More Special for UA Little Rock Grad
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate got the surprise of a lifetime when her family from California flew all night to surprise her on graduation day. Vivian Littrell's May 11 graduation from UA Little Rock with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice was already a special event, since the 71-year-old grandmother of four and mother of two from Little Rock was finishing her lifelong goal of earning a college degree. "I decided that I wanted to complete my bachelor's degree before my youngest grandchildren were out of high school," she said. "I've been out of college since 1984, when I last attended Philander Smith College. I wanted to major in adult education with a minor in psychology. That was my objective back then, but now many years later, I have a different agenda."
Achievement (Other) -
2019 Jun 5
Graduating Associate Dean Richard Harper Says 'It's All About The Students'
A well-known associate dean at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock said he is looking forward to helping the "most important people on campus" after completing his college education. Richard Harper II, associate dean of students, graduated May 11 with a Doctor of Education in higher education administration. He wears many hats on campus, serving as the immediate past president of Staff Senate and the advisor to the Student Government Association. "Now that graduation is over, I plan to continually live by my professional motto," he said. "I'm here to positively impact the lives of students. The other motto I live by is that students are the most important people on campus. Without them, there would be no purpose for us to be here. I will continue to advocate for students and make sure our services are high quality and continue to be an asset for higher education."
Business/professional -
2019 Jun 5
UA Little Rock grad lands criminal justice faculty position
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate will soon be sharing his knowledge of the criminal justice system with students on the west coast. Dr. Marc Glidden, visiting assistant professor of criminal justice, graduated May 11 with a Ph.D. in criminal justice and a tenure-track assistant professor position at California State University, Northridge. "Criminal justice is such a developing field," Glidden said. "Since it is such a new field of study, there will always be topics to be curious about."
Business/professional -
2019 Jun 5
Bowen Law School announces Top Paper awards
The Top Paper award recognizes the highest class grade for the semester at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law.
Academic Award -
2019 Jun 5
Bowen Law School announces Top Paper awards at UA Little Rock
The Top Paper award recognizes the highest class grade for the fall 2018 semester at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.
Academic Award -
2019 Jun 5
Helgestad looks forward to giving back to the community through dentistry
Helgestad graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 11 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and is well on her way to becoming a dentist. She already works as a registered dental assistant with Dr. Kathleen Good Ederle in Little Rock and is applying to dental schools this month. "I like dentistry because I enjoy doing art and being creative, but I also enjoy business. Combining these areas together is what general dentistry is like," she said. "Working as a dental assistant, I see how happy people get even with just a little cosmetic work to their teeth."
Achievement (Other) -
2019 Jun 5
Bowen School of Law Announces Top Paper awards
The Top Paper award recognizes the highest class grade for the summer 2018 semester at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law.
Academic Award -
2019 Jun 5
Bowen Law School Class of 2019 graduates from UA Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law announces its spring 2019 graduates.
Graduation -
2019 Jun 5
UA Little Rock Grad Uncovers History of Oldest State Law Enforcement Agency in Arkansas
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate has honored his family's legacy by devoting his graduate research to uncovering the history of the Arkansas Highway Police. Cody Besett, 27, of Rogers, graduated May 11 with a Master of Arts in public history with an emphasis in archives and digital collections. Since his father and grandfather were both officers with the Arkansas Highway Police, he was inspired to write his thesis about the state law enforcement agency.
Research / Grant -
2019 May 31
Doctoral Student Creates Software That Can Detect Emotions
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate has created a computer program that can identify emotions on a person's face in real time. Suzan Anwar, of Little Rock, graduated May 11 from UA Little Rock with a Ph.D. in computer and information science. In August, she will begin a new position as an assistant professor of computer science at Philander Smith College, where she has taught robotics courses for the past year. Anwar and her dissertation advisor, Dr. Mariofanna Milanova, professor of computer science, created a face analysis package that uses face and eye detection and eye tracking software to recognize emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and surprise. The second part of the system can track the position of a person's head and what their eyes are looking at when they feel a specific emotion. The software has the potential for a variety of real-world applications.
Research / Grant -
2019 May 31
Fiallos Studies Microplastics in Little Rock Wetlands
Juliann Fiallos, a junior geology/biology double major from Ansonia, Connecticut, spent several months this spring examining the levels and impact of microplastics in the Fourche Creek wetlands. Microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic that are released into the environment as plastic products slowly begin to break down.
Research / Grant -
2019 May 31
Paul Named to Cosida Google Cloud Academic All-District First Team
University of Arkansas at Little Rock junior distance runner Hunter Paul has been named to the CoSIDA Google Cloud first team Academic All-District for the 2018-19 track and field/cross country seasons.
Sports -
2019 May 31
Pittman Receives First Team All-Sun Belt Honors
Riley Pittman, a senior at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has received First Team All-Sun Belt honors for his outstanding performance during the 2019 baseball season.
Sports -
2019 May 28
Fidel Receives First Team All-Sun Belt Honors
Chandler Fidel has received First Team All-Sun Belt honors for his outstanding performance during the 2019 season.
Sports -
2019 May 28
Ramos earns All-Sun Belt Honors
Aaron Ramos, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was named a second team selection for the All-Sun Belt Conference for the 2018-19 men's golf season.
Sports -
2019 May 28
Warren Garners All-Sun Belt Postseason Honors
Justin Warren, a recent graduate of UA LIttle Rock, was named a first team selection for the All-Sun Belt Conference for the 2018-19 men's golf season. Warren closed his final season in Little Rock taking his place as one of the top golfers in program history. He finished the 2018-19 season with a 71.41 scoring average - the lowest ever by a Trojan and ranking fourth in the Sun Belt Conference. Warren finished at par-or-better in 21 of his 32 rounds this season with five top-10 finishes, including setting the program record for lowest round (64) and lowest 54-hole tournament total (11-under 202). For his career, Warren competed in 22 events over two seasons for Little Rock with a 72.86 scoring average, ranking second all-time for career average. Nearly half of his 65 career rounds were at par-or-better, accomplishing the feat 32 times, with six top-10 individual finishes. The Picton, Australia native will now begin his professional career after qualifying for the PGA Autralasia Tour earlier this year.
Sports -
2019 May 28
Four UA Little Rock students inducted into international construction honor society
Four UA Little Rock students were inducted into Sigma Lambda Chi, the international honor society for construction in a ceremony on May 10. The students inducted were Gozde Gursoy, Erica James, Donna Mantione, and Honorary Inductee Larry Blackmon. Sigma Lambda Chi was established in 1949 and is comprised of 67 chapters across the United States and Australia. UA Little Rock's chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi was founded in 1999 by Michael Tramel, who serves as its faculty advisor. It has received a "gold" rating since 2017 due to the hard work and dedication of its members. Inductees will receive a stole and cord for their graduation regalia.
Honor Society -
2019 May 17
Triple graduate on road to fulfill dream of becoming doctor
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior who graduated with three bachelor's degrees has been accepted to medical school and is on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor. Erica Olson, of Gassville, Arkansas, graduated from UA Little Rock on May 11 with bachelor's degrees in biology, chemistry, and Spanish. The budding doctor, who received a $7,500 Class of 1954 Scholarship from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will begin taking classes at UAMS in the fall with plans to become a family physician. "It has been my dream for almost a decade that I would like to become a family physician," Olson said. "Everyone is excited about specializing in surgical processes, but for me, I like the appeal of growing with the patients. I like the consistency of establishing bonds and being able to work with people throughout their life and their children's lives. I'm open to looking at other specialties in medical school, but I think that is where my heart lies."
Achievement (Other) -
2019 May 17
Fidel Receives Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week Honors
Chandler Fidel received Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week honors for his outstanding performance in Friday night's game one win over Texas State, announced Tuesday by league officials. This is the first time the junior has received this honor in his career. Fidel was masterful in his 13th start of the season, throwing 124 pitches in nine innings of work, allowing just three runs and six hits on the night. The Garland, Texas native fanned 12 hitters, which tied a career high. Fidel leads the conference in innings pitched with 86.1 on the year and ranks third in total strikeouts with 88. The ace has held opposing hitters to a .237 average this season, which is seventh in the conference. Little Rock gets back to action tonight when they take on Central Arkansas in the final contest of the Governor's I-40 Showdown. First pitched scheduled for 6 p.m. at Dickey-Stephens Park.
Sports -
2019 May 17
Lindberg signs professional contract with Finland Volleyball League Club Liigaploki
University of Arkansas at Little Rock volleyball player Taylor Lindberg's career will continue professionally as the setter has signed a professional contract with club Liigaploki of the Finland Volleyball League. "I'm very excited to be able to continue my volleyball career and follow in my father's footsteps in playing professionally over in Europe," Lindberg said. "I would like to say thanks to all my teammates, coaches, friends, and family for the support over the years. This is a new beginning for me, and I am thankful for coach Lodi and Liigaploki for giving me this opportunity." Linderg closed her Little Rock career by rewriting the Trojan record books as a four-year starter for head coach Van Compton. Lindberg finished with 3,065 career assists, ranking second all-time, becoming the second player in program history to surpass 3,000 assists. Playing in 113 matches, Lindberg also tallied 414 kills, 698 digs, and 241 blocks with 73 service aces. Lindberg's 2018 season was one of the top in program history as she became the first Trojan to surpass 200 kills, 700 assists, and 200 digs in a season, finishing with 218, 799, and 251, respectively. Playing every serve of the season, Lindberg registered three triple doubles on the year, finishing in the top-10 nationally, helping lead Little Rock to the sixth postseason appearance in program history.
Sports -
2019 May 13
Kharlamova Named 2019 Heart of a Trojan Award Winner
Little Rock swimming senior Ann Kharlamova has been named the winner of the 2019 Kevin A. Crass Heart of a Trojan award. The honor was announced at the Trojans' Senior Honors Luncheon on May 7. The award, which began in 2017, is given annually to a Little Rock student-athlete based on athletic performance, community service, leadership and dedication to their team. Kharlamova is the third winner of the award, joining Cory Malcom (baseball - 2017) and Fali Garuba (soccer - 2018). "We are incredibly pleased to recognize Anna as this year's Kevin A. Crass Heart of a Trojan Award winner as she embodies Kevin's example of what it means to be a member of Little Rock's Team," said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. "Her leadership ability and performance for our swimming program over the last four years has been remarkable, coupled with her community service endeavors and efforts to be an ambassador of Little Rock Athletics exemplifies what this award stands for."
Sports -
2019 May 13
Pittman Named to Cosida Academic All-District First Team
University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior baseball player Riley Pittman was named to the CoSIDA Google Cloud Academic All-District First-Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America. The North Richland Hills, Texas native is a marketing major and currently holds a 3.74 GPA. He is the second Trojan to receive the recognition under the tenure of Head Coach Chris Curry, the last being Hunter Owens in 2017. Pittman recently broke Little Rock's all-time record for career home runs, currently sitting at 25 for his career. The senior is hitting .331 with a team-high 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 105 total bases on the season.
Sports -
2019 May 13
UA Little Rock Student Hackers Win Prize for Creation of Affordable Virtual Reality Safety Simulator
A team of UA Little Rock students is trying to promote a safer work environment with the introduction of "Leap into Safety," an affordable virtual reality safety simulator designed to make the operators more adept at operating powered equipment safely. The team includes Trenton Burroughs, information science major, and Denver Ellis, computer science major, as well as web design students Ryan Hood and Sunny Singh. For their efforts, the students won first place in the Best Hardware Hack category at theCrimsonHacks competition March 23-24 at the University of Alabama. Each team member won an Elegoo Super Starter Kit, which includes Arduinos, sensors, motors, and other fun programmable hardware.
Academic competition -
2019 May 3
UA Little Rock Student Explores 'Theater of Cruelty'
UA Little Rock theater major Selena Gordon has performed in musicals, plays, and even national films, but this semester she worked to create a performance of a different kind - one meant to awaken her audiences' unexpressed emotions. Gordon spent this semester creating "Wake-up!" - a performance that uses overbearing sensory aspects, such as lights, sound, and gestures to stir emotions. "I wanted to make the audience confront issues that society tends to shy away from or ignore because they're too difficult to talk about," she said. "Such things include racism, sexual assault, gun control, mental illness, abuse, discrimination in all of its forms, and the political state of the country today."
Drama, Artistic, or Musical Achievement -
2019 May 3
Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers Presents Scholarships to Bowen Students
The Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers (AAWL) has awarded two female law students from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law bar examination preparation scholarships. AAWL celebrated their annual scholarship winners during an April 5 meeting at the Little Rock Club, where Joann Maxey, general counsel of the University of Arkansas System, served as the guest speaker. The 2019 scholarship recipients include Victoria Percifield and Sydney Rasch from Bowen.
Scholarship -
2019 May 3
UA Little Rock students present Collision! Bodyworks 2019
The University of Arkansas Little Rock Department of Theatre Arts and Dance and Ballet Arkansas held its first-ever combined dance concert April 25-28. This event is the launch of the partnership between the UA Little Rock dance program and Ballet Arkansas. The university's annual spring Bodyworks concert showcases choreography by dance faculty and Ballet Arkansas company member Deanna Stanton. A special highlight of the concert was the premiere of "Collision," choreographed by Ballet Arkansas Executive Director Michael Fothergill and performed by UA Little Rock students and Ballet Arkansas company members.
Drama, Artistic, or Musical Achievement -
2019 Apr 30
Ursin Named 2019 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award Winner
A Donaghey Scholar who is passionate about preserving and sharing history through her work at museums has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Nicole Ursin, 21, of Batesville, has earned a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in anthropology and history with a minor in nonprofit leadership studies, all while working at nine different museums and historical organizations throughout her college career. The Whitbeck Memorial Award is the single greatest distinction the university annually bestows on a graduating student through a competitive application process that comes with a $2,000 prize. Ursin will receive the award during a luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 10, at the Clinton Presidential Center Great Hall in Little Rock.
Academic Award -
2019 Apr 30