University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Ahad Nadeem, a biology major from Little Rock, has been named the winner of the 2023 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck established the top graduating senior award in memory of their son, Edward Lynn Whitbeck, who was a senior at Little Rock University, the predecessor of UA Little Rock, at the time of his death in 1965. Each scholar receives a personalized plaque and a monetary award.

While growing up as a child in Nepal, Mayor Inna Gurung had little exposure to computer science. "It started out as a mere curiosity as a kid to understand how devices were working, how websites are built, and how they made certain applications," she said. "But as I grew up, I understood there is way more to it. As a family with a business background, my parents were always hesitant for me to pursue a career in computer science."

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student who is graduating this spring plans to use her Master of Social Work degree to help other adults who are neurodivergent. A native of Monticello, Leslie Beard went back to school in 2020 to pursue a career in social work. The graduate student became a part of a growing number of women who learned they were neurodivergent as adults.

After losing her home to the devastating tornado that struck central Arkansas on March 31, a graduating UA Little Rock student and mother of four from Little Rock is looking forward to the positive things in life, including starting a new career as a nurse.

Graduate student Nahiyan Bin Noor has an analytical mind, and he is always exploring ways that he can use his skills to solve problems.

Following four standout years where she became a leader of her peers both on and off the court, Little Rock forward Angelique Francis has signed a professional contract to play overseas beginning immediately.

Little Rock track and field was recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference April 12 as Gabby Ayiteyfio received Co-Field Athlete of the Week honors.

Little Rock track and field was recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference Wednesday as Troy McKnight was named the league's Male Track Athlete of the Week on April 12.

A group of 13 music and music education majors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singers student auditions Feb. 24 and 25 at Arkansas State University.

The Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement has awarded Veronica Tess Myers, a UA Little Rock graduate student, a $500 scholarship through the Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship program.

As Angelique Francis wrapped up her remarks after being presented the 2023 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), the room full of writers, coaches and notable people from the sport of women's basketball jumped to their feet in a standing ovation for the Little Rock forward.

Little Rock track and field took home half of the Ohio Valley Conference's weekly athlete of the week honors Wednesday, claiming three of the six recognitions. TaVieon Neal was named the Men's Track Athlete of the Week, Takia Palmer was named the Women's Freshman of the Week and Hayden Wilson was named the Men's Freshman of the Week.

After claiming the top spot at the 38th Annual Louisiana Classics, Anton Albers has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Co-Male Golfer of the Week.

Little Rock track and field opened the outdoor season last weekend by dominating much of the Richard Martin Jr Invitational at UCA. Now the Trojans are commanding attention around Ohio Valley Conference as three athletes received Athlete of the Week honors from the league March 22.

Katja Mueller has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Female Golfer of the Week after a runner-up finish at the Bama Beach Bash in Gulf Shores, Ala. this week. Mueller's 1-over 217 is her season-best and led the Trojans to a fourth place team finish. Her 3-under 69 third round was also her career low round and marked her third par-or-better round of the season.

A group of UA Little Rock students are stepping up as leaders and supporters for their fellow students in the School of Business by serving as student ambassadors.

Five University of Arkansas at Little Rock students presented their research at the 33rd annual Arkansas College Art History Symposium March 10 at the University of Central Arkansas.

Little Rock sophomore Matteo Cristoni has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Male Golfer of the Week on March 9 following his impressive performance in Arizona over the weekend.

Noah Eggensperger, a Master of Social Work student at UA Little Rock from Cabot, has written a $5,000 grant to support an annual social work conference in Arkansas.

Little Rock's Jaiyah Harris-Smith was recognized on the Ohio Valley Conference's All-Newcomer Team.

Little Rock infielder Skyler Trevino has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week for his performance over the past four games.

Little Rock's Tia Harvey has received a second team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection.

Little Rock senior DeAntoni Gordon has been tabbed a second team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection.

Little Rock senior Jansen Smith has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Male Golfer of the Week. It is the second weekly conference honor for him this season.

Little Rock junior Agatha Alesson has been named the Ohio Valley Conference's Female Golfer of the Week.

Sali Kourouma was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Player of the Year.

Little Rock senior Myron Gardner has been tabbed a second team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection.

Eight members of the Little Rock swimming and diving team were named to the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Scholar-Athlete Team, an honor that recognizes their efforts in both the pool and the classroom. The Trojans honored by the league this year include graduate student Lauren Gray, junior Aubry Matthews, and sophomores Gillian Boggs, Jaelle Carlson, Olivia Henderson, Lucy Jahn, Caitlin Romprey, and Devin Trammell.

After a childhood filled with punishments instead of presents and abuse to go alongside her accolades, as a survivor of eight suicide attempts to come out on the other side as an advocate for mental health awareness, Little Rock forward Angelique Francis has been named the 2023 recipient of the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

After leading Little Rock to at least a share of the Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship and an undefeated record at home in league play, Trojan forward Sali Kourouma was named the OVC's Co-Player of the Week on Feb. 21.