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Fall CommencementVirtual Ceremony • December 19, 2020

University of ArkAnsAs At LittLe rock

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Dr. Christina S. Drale extends her warmest congratulations to the graduates of 2020.

Prior to her appointment, she was the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at UA Little Rock. As the university’s chief academic officer, she oversaw the administration, coordination, and development of all academic functions of the university.

Dr. Drale joined UA Little Rock in 2006 as Associate Dean of the College of Professional Studies before becoming the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in 2011. In this role, she was responsible for faculty relations, academic resource management, policy oversight, and general administration.

A native of the Los Angeles area, Dr. Drale earned a Ph.D. in sociology, a Master of Arts in sociology, and a Bachelor of Arts in communications, all from the University of California, San Diego. She took her first academic position at Missouri State University in 1987, where she stayed for nearly 20 years and served as media coordinator of the Department of

Communications, chair of the Department of Art and Design, and associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters.

Chancellor Christina S. Drale

Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial AwardKatie Zakrzewski, '20

Katie Zakrzewski is passionate about making changes in her community, and lending a hand wherever one is needed. A North Little Rock native, Zakrzewski decided to attend UA Little Rock to be close to the community that she was involved in, while being involved in the politics of the bustling capital city. Zakrzewski’s admission to the Donaghey Scholars Program, the University’s prestigious full ride scholarship program with a generous stipend and study abroad opportunities, made her decision even easier. Zakrzewski holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. While a student at UA Little Rock, Zakrzewski was the student body president, and was involved in many other organizations that showed her desire to impact the community. Zakrzewski was and still is active in the realm of public policy, often traveling to Washington, D.C. to lobby with other Republicans on environmental issues. Zakrzewski has met with numerous politicians and worked around the state to collaborate on policy issues. Her capstone project, a political and historical grassroots campaign to expand post-secondary educational opportunities to incarcerated people, is being examined by members of the State

Legislature. Zakrzewski has had the opportunity to travel all over the world for her academic pursuits, from Spain, to France, to Morocco. Zakrzewski is currently the CEO of a foreign policy blog, Realist Review, and works as a staff writer for AY Media Group. In the near future, she hopes to run for Mayor of her hometown, North Little Rock, and someday, for President.

NOTICE: This list of candidates for the Fall 2020 graduation was prepared before final grades were reported and inclusion herein does not constitute evidence of graduation. Final action to ensure an accurate listing of names of all persons qualified for degrees cannot be taken before the program goes to print. The listing of a name in this program should not be construed as an indication that the person will in fact receive a degree at this commencement. Conversely, the absence of a name from this list does not necessarily mean that the person will not be awarded a degree. This program includes only those graduates who indicated they wished to participate in this virtual commencement ceremony. Spring and Summer 2020 graduates have a confirmed and final honors designation that is notated on their diploma and transcript. Fall 2020 graduation applicants have an honors designation that is calculated with all graded courses. Final honors will be calculated after final grades are posted and during graduation checkout.

To graduate Summa Cum Laude*, a student must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.90.

To graduate Magna Cum Laude*, a student must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70.

To graduate Cum Laude*, a student must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.

To graduate with an associate degree with Honors, a student must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.70 and not have completed more than 83 credit hours.

Undergraduate Honors

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Academic ProcessionalUA Little Rock Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Goff, conductor

Trojan Fight Song ............................................Penny Pendleton, arr. Dr. Michael UnderwoodBeyond the Ridge ............................................................................................................................ Chris OzleyPomp and Circumstance .............................................................................................Edward Elgar Dais

Featured MusicUA Little Rock Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Lorissa Mason, conductor

You are the New Day .................................................................................................Arr. Jacob Narverud Leann Hatley, piano

Ceremony Opening Dr. Amanda Nolen, University Assembly and Faculty Senate, President

Chancellor’s Address to the UA Little Rock Graduates Dr. Christina S. Drale, Chancellor

Greetings to the UA Little Rock Graduates Dr. Donald Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System President

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, UA Little Rock Board of Visitors Chairperson

Dr. Gary Geissler, Ted and Virginia Bailey Foundation Excellence Award in Teaching

Presenting of Degree Candidates Dr. Ann Bain, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

Conferring of Degrees Dr. Christina S. Drale, Chancellor

Presenting of Graduates Dr. Ann Bain, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

The Order of ExercisesFall 2020 Virtual Commencement • December 19, 2020

Chancellor Christina S. Drale, Presiding

Student introductions by Dr. Erin Finzer, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Curriculum and Continuous Improvement

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GreetingsDr. Brian Berry, Dean of the Graduate School

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and EducationDoctoral DegreesApril Darlene Evans, Doctor of Philosophy, Reading

Tracee Cay Farmer, Doctor of Philosophy, Reading

Lloyd Jackson, Doctor of Education, Educational Administration

Rhonda LaChey Lovelace, Doctor of Education, Higher Education

Lindsey Brooke McBride, Doctor of Education, Educational Administration

Amanda Leah McCaleb, Doctor of Philosophy, Reading

Eddie Ryan Roberts, Doctor of Education, Educational Administration

Suzanne Curry Thomason, Doctor of Philosophy, Reading

Rikki Dale Turner, Doctor of Education, Higher Education

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Doctoral DegreesLakshitha Prabath Balapiti Modarage, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Arts, Chemistry

Skylar Alexis Connor, Doctor of Philosophy, Bioinformatics

Busra Ergul, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Arts, Chemistry

Justin Scott Magruder, Doctor of Philosophy, Computer/Information Sciences

MaryEtta Camille Morris, Doctor of Philosophy, Computer/Information Sciences

Amita Nakarmi, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science

Adewale Muyiwa Obadimu, Doctor of Philosophy, Computer/Information Sciences

Anil Parameswaran Thankam, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Arts, Chemistry

Bijay Paudel Chhetri, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Arts, Chemistry

Ambar Bahadur Rangu Magar, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Arts, Chemistry

Bingyi Zhong, Doctor of Philosophy, Computer/ Information Sciences

Diane Elizabeth Schmidt, Doctor of Philosophy, Computer/Information Sciences

Sudha Shanmugam, Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Science, and Master of Science, Applied Science

College of Business, Health, and Human Services Master's Degrees and Graduate CertificatesChalese J. Anderson, Master of Arts, Counseling

Bridgette Rochelle Armstead, Master of Arts, Rehabilitation Of The Blind

Sandra Kay Bausley, Master of Education, Counselor Education

Paul Beck, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Zedralyn E. Butler, Master of Science, Sport Management

Emily Crane, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Charles Richard Cross II, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Dinesha Genee Darrough, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Dianna Donahue, Master of Education, Counselor Education

Oghogho Edosomwan, Master of Science, Business Information Systems

Shuang Feng, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

LaChanda T. Filter, Master of Science, Business Information Systems

Deborah Ann Fletcher, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Cory Brent Fontenot, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Frances Frazier, Master of Education, Adult & Professional Learning, and Graduate Certificate, Gerontology

Maria French, Master of Science, Business Information Systems, and Graduate Certificate, Business Analytics

Joshua Nathaniel Goolsby, Master of Arts, Counseling

Paul E. Gustason, Master of Arts, Counseling

Sarah Heinz, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Mollie Marie Hernandez, Master of Arts, Counseling

Tamara Dawn Howell, Master of Arts, Counseling

Ieisha Monae Jackson, Master of Science, Criminal Justice

Nachosha Rene Johnson, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Marilyn Mckown, Master of Arts, Counseling

Faith D. Mwiza, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Ericka Jane Olgaard, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

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Margaret Brigida Quispe, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Sadie Flynn Sawyers, Master of Education, Counselor Education

Nina Kendra Scaife, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Rehnuma Seheli, Master of Science, Business Information Systems, and Graduate Certificate, Business Analytics

Mary Catherine Senander, Graduate Certificate, Gerontology

Allen D. Stanley, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Jason Wesley Tanner, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Brenda Kay Tennison, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Amy E. Trickett, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Meosha Tye, Master of Social Work, Social Work

Brittany Elizabeth Updegrove, Master of Arts, Counseling

Sean Whiteman, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Chester Arthur Wicker III, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Constance Ra Dionne Williams, Graduate Certificate, Management

Mandy Liana Wolff, Master of Education, Counselor Education

Christopher Hamilton Young, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and EducationMaster's Degrees and Graduate CertificatesYolanda Guadalupa Anzora, Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Christopher Bailey, Master of Arts, Mass Communication

Codi Renee Blackmon, Master of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing

Michelle Lynne Brown, Educational Specialist, Reading

Joshua Casey Carroll, Master of Arts, Mass Communication

Sue Beth Currie, Master of Arts, Second Languages

Akane Kristen Forbess, Master of Arts, Second Languages

Sean Antoine Freeman, Master of Education, Rural/Urban School Leadership

Victoria Golden, Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction

Sarah Elizabeth Hudson, Graduate Certificate, Dyslexia Therapy, and Master of Education, Reading

Cheryl A. Humphrey, Master of Education, Education

Rachel S. Mauchline, Master of Education, Education

Mary Miller, Master of Arts, Art

Chloe Dawn Moses, Master of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing

Kathleen Elizabeth Mowery, Master of Education, Education

Trevis D'ante Nelson, Master of Education, Rural/Urban School Leadership

Brittany Nichelle Olloway, Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management

Yvonne Hope Osborn, Master of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing

Lydia Robinson, Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction

Mary Ann Robinson, Master of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing

Stephany Rose Rogers, Master of Education, Middle Childhood Education

Mary Catherine Senander, Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Nigel Alexander Spears, Master of Arts, Applied Communication Studies

Eltrudia C. Toliver, Master of Education, Rural/Urban School Leadership

Erica Torrence, Master of Public Administration

Gloria Webb, Master of Education, Education

LaTonda Williams, Graduate Certificate, Conflict Mediation

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Master's Degrees and Graduate CertificatesShilpi Chaudhary, Master of Science, Information Quality, and Graduate Certificate, Information Quality

Wesley Robert Ferguson, Master of Science, Information Science

Anthony Morris Moore III, Master of Science, Construction Management

Talha Tayyab, Master of Science, Information Quality

Crenisha Mone't Wright, Master of Science, Information Science

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Greetings

Greetings

Theresa Beiner, Dean and Distinguished Professor - William H. Bowen School of Law

Dr. Jane Wayland, Dean - College of Business, Health, and Human Services

William H. Bowen School of Law Juris DoctorPetra Bailey, JD

Richelle Berenice Brittain, JD

Edith Chavez De Oseguera, JD

Beverly Brooke Cornelius, JD

Ashleigh Nichole Dyer, JD, Magna Cum Laude*

Holly Elizabeth Hall, JD

Markett Louise Humphries, JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration), Cum Laude*

Yohannis A Job, JD

Jacqueline (Jackie) Mangandi, JD

Wesley N Manus, JD/MPS (Master of Public Service)

Aisosa Salis Osaretin, JD/MPS (Master of Public Service)

Shaquika Randolph, JD

Torie Payton Steitler, JD

Braden Tanner Thomas, JD

Amanda Jean Wentz, JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration)

Tiffany LeAnn Williams, JD

Jerome Wilson Jr., JD

College of Business, Health, and Human ServicesPosthumous DegreeClinton Burrell, Jr., Bachelor of Science, Health Education and Promotion

College of Business, Health, and Human ServicesBachelor's Degree, Associate Degree and Undergraduate CertificatesKari Cherrell Ayers, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Nicolas Jahid Anderson, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Lakin M. Armstrong, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Breon D. Baker, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Lacey Michelle Barnes, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Brittani Morgan Barou, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Kisa Ce Bellamy, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Malinda Berthia, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Julie Anne Bivans, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Dominic Danielle Boose, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude*

Kierre Bowles, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Cum Laude*

Kimberly Ann Bunting, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Tiffany D. Burkes, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Kelaysha R. Caldwell, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Allison Michelle Carpenter, Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences/Disorders, Magna Cum Laude*

Ashleigh Renae Chatfield, Bachelor of Arts, Interpretation: ASL/English, Cum Laude*

Cornelius Christopher, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Dominique D. Curry, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Tonya L. Daniels, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Jessica Nicole Davis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nathan Lee Davis, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude*

Hunter Shea Delaney, Bachelor of Arts, Interpretation: ASL/English, Summa Cum Laude*

Keyshawne Denny, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Lance Edward Dugger, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Richard Duong, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Kira Marie Strong Earnest, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nicole Evette Edison, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Katie Marcille Edmison, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Kayla Brooke Ellett, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Jinna Ellington, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

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Kiauna Lashelle Esquivel, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Mary Margaret Faulkner, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Nicole Fegley, Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Tracey L. Freeman, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Brittany L. Gailey, Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Ernie Gilmore, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Ashlyn P. Graves, Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences/Disorders, Magna Cum Laude*

Laurell Denise Hall, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Terrell Deshun Handley, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Joselyn R. Harrington, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Kelsey Harrison, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Kynvieya R. Henderson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Brittney Danielle Henson, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work

Justin Michael Hicks, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Ashley N. Holland, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Laura Elizabeth Holland, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Willie Edwin Horace, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Kaitlyn D. James, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Tymeeshay Dashaynna Marie James, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Darius D. Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Latoya Lanette Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Stephanie Johnson, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Dejarrod Jones, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

N'ell LeTrice Jones, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Taneisha Renee Jones, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Carl Joseph Kaplon, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Angela K. Keaton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Ray Alan Kimbrough Jr., Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Amy Lynn King, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Jolene E. King, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Shibani Lal, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Analytics, Summa Cum Laude*, and Bachelor of Business Administration, Management, Summa Cum Laude*, and Certificate of Proficiency, Business Analytics

Laura Elise Landry, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Jessica Walker Lawhon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Brittney S. Laws, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Elizabeth Anne Lequieu, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice, and Associate of Science, Law Enforcement

Christopher Shawn Lewis, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Information Systems

Kayla L. Lewis, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Ronnie E. Loftis, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude*, and Associate of Science, Law Enforcement

Maurena L. Lopez, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion, Magna Cum Laude*

Kaelynn Marshall, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion, Cum Laude*

Sophia Morita Mbena, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Heather LeaAnn McFarlane, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work, Summa Cum Laude*

Sean William Megginson, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Doug Meleney Jr., Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude*

Carrington Alexandria Moore, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Kaulen Moore, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work

McKinley David Moore, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Shawna Breanna Morehart, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Blake Austin Morris, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Holley J. Mott, Bachelor of Arts, Interpretation: ASL/English, Summa Cum Laude*

Gustavo M. Negrete, Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance

Rosine O. Nsah, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Hitaxiben Ashokkumar Patel, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, and Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Analytics

Kaela M. Peoples, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Robin Gabrielle Perdue, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Diem Pham, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Shannon Phillips, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Archil Shailesh Pipwala, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Valerie Plate, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

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Jessica Lynn Ponder, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Shelia R. Porter, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Angela Michelle Powell, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Nicola Delisa Powell, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Leah A. Reedy, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Shaqueelah Monyet Rogers, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Samantha Ann Rolka, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, Summa Cum Laude*

Deysi Rosas-Pelaez, Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business

Zaire R. Rose, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bridget Inez Russell, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Ameenah S. Salaam, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Stacy Ann Schulz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Rosetta B. Seldon, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Thomas Lee Semelka, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude*

Chelsey N. Smart, Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Briana Nicole Smith, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

LaWanda Nicole Steed, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Myesia Vance, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Samantha Kimberly Villarreal, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Madison Leigh Wade, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Thea Elise Wakeford-Wesman, Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, Summa Cum Laude*, and Bachelor of Business Admin, Finance, Summa Cum Laude*

Stephanie Danielle Wallace, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Harold Eugene Walls III, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

MiAnna Lavaye Wansley, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Hannah Grace Ward, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Tiffany Joe Nell Washington, Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance

Amanda N. Watson, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Chandolyn B. Watson, Bachelor of Science, Health Education/Promotion

Michaela Renee Weatherly, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Hailey N. Webb, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Amber Gene Westpheling, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Shunnett Wheaton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Zavian Z. Wilburn, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, Cum Laude*

Christopher L. Williams, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Clayton Williams, Bachelor of Arts, Interpretation: ASL/English, Cum Laude*

Eboni Chantel Williams, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Laura Marie Willis, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Vowtez Malik Wrather, Bachelor of Business Admin, Finance

Stephanie D. Wright, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

GreetingsDr. Sarah Beth Estes, Dean - College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and EducationBachelor's Degree, Associate Degree and Undergraduate CertificatesTiffany Danielle Abshure, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Nataly T. Abu-Halimeh, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Anna P. Aguilar, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, and Bachelor of Arts, World Languages

Cadence Baize, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Dalissa Barentine, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Dane Chandler Bartel, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Kati Marie Bein, Bachelor of Arts, Applied Communication Studies

Alicia Michelle Bell, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Katelyn Jenae Berry, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Education

Terrance Deshunn Berry, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Paul Jerome Bianchi, Bachelor of Arts, Applied Communication Studies, Cum Laude*

Rodricka Nicole Blanks, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

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Evelyn Hope Bolin, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, and Bachelor of Arts, History

Dominic Danielle Boose, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Cum Laude*

Austin Bowers, Bachelor of Arts, Art, and Certificate of Proficiency, Photography

Rebecca A. Bowman, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Magna Cum Laude*

Cassidy Brady, Bachelor of Arts, World Languages, Summa Cum Laude*

Sydney Elise Brazil, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude*

Farisha Denaye Brown, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Sikia Nannette Brent Brown, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Associate of Arts, General Studies

Taneka S. Brown, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Jamie Bumpass, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

LaRita R. Childs, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Madison Lee Coffer, Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education

Brittany Cooper, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Tiffany Cox, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Christy G. Crawford, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude*

Brady N. Cross, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Linda Ann Czirr, Certificate of Proficiency, Workplace Spanish

Nathan Lee Davis, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Magna Cum Laude*

Charles A. Dirden, Bachelor of Arts, English

Anastasia Cambrey Douglas, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Emily Edwards, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Gabriel D. Foreman, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Kelsi Leann Frederick, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Sylvia Annette Gardner, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Asia T. Garner, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Rikae L. Gill, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Jocelyn Victoria Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6, Magna Cum Laude*

Shayla E. Grimmett, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Magna Cum Laude*

Maria Guadalupe Guido, Bachelor of Arts, World Languages

Alyssa Bria Kubaiko Hall, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Leslie Paige Haller, Technical Certificate, Graphic Design

Kelsey Harrison, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Scout Henry, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Anastasia Cierra Hill, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Willie Edwin Horace, Bachelor of Arts, Legal Studies

Nathalie Renay Jacobs, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, and Associate of Arts, General Studies

Andrew Jaramillo, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts, Cum Laude*

Molly Jefferson, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Keon Jenkins, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Crystal M. Johninson, Bachelor of Arts, Art

Ashlie N. Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Cedneshaja Narshee' Jones, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Taneisha Renee Jones, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, and Associate of Arts, General Studies

Amy Lynn King, Bachelor of Arts, History

Kelsey Marie Kling, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Chasity Elise' Knight, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Paraskevi Kyziropoulou, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Cum Laude*

Emily T. Lafferty, Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education

Kachinnaa Layton, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6, Summa Cum Laude*

Sydney S. Linwood, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Ronnie E. Loftis, Bachelor of Arts, History

Chester Monroe Lucas II, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Rainey Leigh Maris, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Tierra D. Mccleary, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Barbara A. Mitchell, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude*

Hannah Elizabeth Moore, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Cum Laude*

Sandra Lynn Morrow-Brown, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor Applied Science, Magna Cum Laude*

Sara R. Newcomb, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cum Laude*

Latosha Newman, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Colby Laine Nicholson, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Osaro E. Obayuwana, Bachelor of Arts, History

Mary Owen Parker, Bachelor of Arts, Applied Communication Studies

Kenetra Phillips, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Education

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Monique Latrice Polk, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Kelvesha S. Poole, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Monnar Shareef Quattom, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Elaine Rawlinson, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Keely Nicole Reeves, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication, Cum Laude*, and Bachelor of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing, Cum Laude*

Samantha Gabrielle Romano, Bachelor of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing

Jimmeka Sanders, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Emair L. Scruggs, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Ashley C. Settles, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Megan V. Shapley, Bachelor of Arts, History

Kimberly Jo Shaw, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Natalie Kay Shelton, Bachelor of Arts, Professional/ Technical Writing

Jean Silva, Bachelor of Arts, Music, Magna Cum Laude*

Sigrun Simons-Rank, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Summa Cum Laude*, and Associate of Arts, General Studies

Mikayla Anne Tarkington, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Katelyn KeShonda Thompson, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Kathryn M. Thornton, Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education K-6

Taylor Reyanne Toombs, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Magna Cum Laude*

Lawonda F. Turner, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Tristan Van Rhee, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication

Kaylene Stephanie Veliz, Bachelor of Arts, Professional/Technical Writing, and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Cynthia Maricia Virgil, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Sarah Grace Vowell, Bachelor of Arts, Art

Tonya R. Webb, Bachelor of Arts, English

Olivia Catherine Wendt, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Magna Cum Laude*

Kelsey Marie West, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Jay Randolph Whipple, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Rachel LaNay White, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Carolyn Tillman Wilkerson, Bachelor of Arts, Applied Communication Studies, Cum Laude*

Krystal M. Williams, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Tyler G. Willis, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Education

Krystal A. Wofford, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Cindy Maureen Woods, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Sydney Janae Worsham, Bachelor of Arts, Art

Jessica Young, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Madison Kate Zaliski, Bachelor of Arts, World Languages, and Bachelor of Arts, History

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Bachelor's Degree, Associate Degree and Undergraduate CertificatesAhmad Saed Abu Hantash, Bachelor of Science, Electrical/Computer Systems Engineering, Magna Cum Laude*

Fernando Javier Amador, Bachelor of Science, Information Science

Pearl Stephanie Ramos Arrieta, Bachelor of Science, Information Science

Peyton Lafaye Baird, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Chasity Breyun Blood, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Sadira Chyenne Byrd, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Lawson M. Dulin, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management

Autumn Nicole Eddington, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Willie Earl Green Jr., Bachelor of Science, Information Science

Grace Marie Guzman, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Cum Laude*

Leslie Paige Haller, Bachelor of Arts, Web Design/Development, Summa Cum Laude*

Mariah Gabrielle Hawkins, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

Reginald R. Howard, Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology-Mechanical

Destin Lemar Hunt, Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology-Mechanical, and Associate of Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology

GreetingsDr. Lawrence Whitman, Dean - Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

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Hamoudi Raphael James, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management

Brianna Nicole Jefferson, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Marcus Dylan Johnson, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Rawan S. Kattom, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Magna Cum Laude*

Michael Tyler Kee, Bachelor of Science, Geology

Kyle Arthur King, Bachelor of Science, Information Science

Matthew T. Larkan, Bachelor of Science, E-Commerce

Andrew Joseph Lee, Bachelor of Science, Electrical/ Computer Systems Engineering

Finis Xavier Martin, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Kayla Rose Matlock, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Cum Laude*

Hanson Menzies, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Vruti Modi, Bachelor of Arts, Web Design/Development

Kelly Quach, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Austin J. Ray, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management

Trenity Ryan Roberts Jr., Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Nicholas Oharold Russell, Bachelor of Science, Information Science

Mohamad B. Salamah, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Karie Elizabeth Sanford, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude*

Samra Shabbir, Bachelor of Arts, Web Design/Development, Cum Laude*

Cody J. Smith, Bachelor of Science, Geology

Rebecca Suzanne Summers, Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology-Mechanical

Suzette Martina Van Rhee, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude*

Caleaha T. Virgil, Bachelor of Science, Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology

Kimberly Kelly Woods, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Melanie Wright, Bachelor of Science, Geology

Alumni Association AnnouncementDr. Christina S. Drale, Chancellor

Ceremony ClosingDr. Amanda Nolen, University Assembly and Faculty Senate, President

A Key to Academic Colleges and Departments

College of Business, Health, and Human ServicesSchool of Business

Accounting, Economics, and Finance

Management, Marketing, and Technology

School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation

School of Criminal Justice and Criminology

School of Nursing

School of Social Work

Speech Language Pathology

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and EducationApplied CommunicationArt and Design

English

History

Music

Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies

Psychology

Rhetoric and Writing

School of Education

School of Mass Communication

School of Public Affairs

Sociology and Anthropology

Theatre Arts and Dance

World Languages

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathematicsBiology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering

Earth Sciences

Engineering Technology

Information Science

Mathematics and Statistics

Physics and Astronomy

Systems Engineering

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University Administration

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university located in the heart of Arkansas that provides quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. The university traces its roots to 1927, when the Little Rock Board of Education started Little Rock Junior College. In 1957, the institution began a four-year degree program, and 12 years later, Little Rock University merged with the University of Arkansas System and became the University of Arkansas at Little

Rock. Today, UA Little Rock prepares its students to be innovators and leaders in their fields. The university is the state’s most diverse campus in Arkansas, serving a student population of full- and part-time traditional and adult learners. The university continues to be a driving force in Little Rock’s thriving business and cultural community and a major component of the city and state’s growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology, economic development, and job creation.

University of Arkansas SystemDonald R. Bobbitt, President

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Christina S. Drale, Chancellor

Ann B. Bain, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

Christian O’Neal, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

W. Cody Decker, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Joni Lee, Vice Chancellor for University Affairs

George Lee, Director of Athletics

Board of TrusteesJohn Goodson, Chairman

Stephen Broughton,M.D., Vice Chairman

Kelly Eichler, Secretary

Morril Harriman, Assistant Secretary

C.C. "Cliff" Gibson III

Sheffield Nelson

Tommy Boyer

Steve Cox

Ed Fryar, Ph.D.

Ted Dickey

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Board of VisitorsD. Dean Kumpuris, M.D., Chair

John BaileyKevin Crass

Thomas DickinsonH. James Engstrom, III

Jay HartmanJerry C. Jones

Andrew Kumpuris, M.D.Lewis May

Sarah McBroomLisenne Rockefeller

Vickie SaviersFrank D. Scott, Jr.Warren SimpsonDanyelle Walker

George W. Donaghey Foundation BoardGregory W. Flesher

Sarah Catherine Gutierrez Walter Hussman Jr.

Keith J. Jackson Dr. Dean Kumpuris

John Riggs IV Dr. Sara Tariq

Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors

James E. Bobo, PresidentEundra BolesEllen Brown

Victoria BrownReteisha Byrd

Stephanie CaruthersDanyell Cummings

Josh DavenportTonya FranzettiLoris FullertonDavid GarnerHeide Harrell

Madison HedrickPatsy KaneGus Leeper

Miguel LopezJennifer OwensKatrina Owoh

Gina PharisDon Riggin

Nancy RousseauJason StormoeClaudia Utley

Foundation Fund Board of Directors

Michael Williams, ChairCarlton Billingsley

Hunter BabinSharon BaileySherry Bartley

Elizabeth BowlesKim BroadwayGeorge Burks

Troy DukeDora Jane Flesher

Sean GlancyCody Griffin

Woody HarrelsonRyan Holder

Harold JoynerPaulette Lawson

Jeff LynchLinda Marshall

Heather NelsonBilly RoehrenbeckCheryl Shuffield

Marcia SmithRegina Stewart Hampton

Bruce TidwellSam Walls III

Greg WilliamsJane Yocum

In MemoriamSteven J. McClellan

1956-2020

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The UA Little Rock Foundation Board of Directors initiated the Faculty Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding performance in teaching, research or creative endeavors, and public or professional service. Since 1989, when the first award was given, the event has provided a way to recognize the great work of UA Little Rock faculty and is made possible through the valued contributions of generous sponsors. Thanks to the financial support of the members of UA Little Rock Chancellor’s Circle and contributions of the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors, the university continues this cherished tradition. University-level winners are selected by a panel of judges who review the achievements of college-level winners in the areas of teaching, research and creative endeavors, and public service. This year’s outstanding nominees were recognized during a virtual reception archived at ualr.edu/facultyexcellence.

Faculty Excellence Award Winners

David L. Briscoe, Ph.D.Winner

Professor of Sociology

College of Social Sciences and Communication

Public ServiceAnastasia M. Boles, Associate Professor of Law William H. Bowen School of Law

Joe T. Felan, Associate Professor of Management School of Business

Keith Hudson, Professor of Chemistry College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

René A. Shroat-Lewis, Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology

Linda K. Stauffer, Professor of Interpreter Education College of Education and Health Professions

Anindya Ghosh, Ph.D.Winner

Professor of Chemistry

College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Research & Creative EndeavorsHeidi Skurat Harris, Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Writing College of Social Sciences and Communication

Nicholas Kahn-Fogel, Associate Professor of Law William H. Bowen School of Law

Mariofanna Milanova, Professor of Computer Science Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology

Jim Vander Putten, Associate Professor of Higher Education College of Education and Health Professions

Gary L. Geissler, Ph.D.Winner

Professor of Marketing and Advertising

College of Business

TeachingTerrence Cain, Associate Professor of Law William H. Bowen School of Law

Michael T. DeAngelis, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology

Jami Hollingsworth, Senior Instructor College of Education and Health Professions

Londie Martin, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Writing College of Social Sciences and Communication

Stacy M. Pendergraft, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

This year’s event was sponsored by The Chancellor’s Circle (formerly known as the Society of Philanthropy), The Bailey Foundation and UMR, a UnitedHealthcare Company.

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Hon. Ronald L. Sheffield, '72, '89

Alumni Association Presidents Award

Becky Blass, ‘73, '82

Ron Sheffield, a native of Ohio, has made his mark as a servant leader in the state of Arkansas. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Sheffield earned a bachelor’s degree in political science

from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Juris Doctor from the UALR Law School (now the William H. Bowen School of Law). A fixture at UA Little Rock sports events, he was the first African American in the school’s history to be inducted into the Lettermen’s Hall of Fame in 2014 as a baseball player. A .346 hitter who played center field, Sheffield had a reputation as an outstanding hitter and base runner and earned NAIA All-District honors in 1971. He also served as deputy commissioner of the Arkansas Insurance Department, where he investigated complaints against insurance companies. This led to the establishment of a consumer division to expose insurance schemes that defrauded college students, farmers, and others. This work at the Arkansas Insurance Department captured the attention of 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace who featured Sheffield about insurance fraud. In 2004, Sheffield ran a respectable race for Lieutenant Governor against the incumbent Winthrop Rockefeller. In 2010, he was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court by Gov. Mike Beebe and is the sixth African American to serve as a State Supreme Court Justice. His most important opinion led to the liberation of the West Memphis Three, the young men convicted of first-degree murder of three boys in West Memphis in 1994. Ron still does occasional pro bono legal work in Little Rock. He established the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Little Rock in 2011, which is named after Marshall “Major” Taylor, who overcame racial discrimination to become a record-setting cyclist; and remains active with the group where he is an avid proponent of maintaining an active lifestyle. He and his wife, Deborah, enjoy traveling and are looking forward to resuming their visits abroad in the near future.

Becky Blass earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Juris Doctor from UALR Law School (now the William H. Bowen School of Law). She began her legal professional career

as an associate of a litigation firm. During her employment there, she assisted the chief litigator in the most significant case of the 20th century in Arkansas. The case was famously known as the Creation-Science Lawsuit. It was decided in favor of the plaintiff by Federal Judge William Overton. Blass served as the Senior Law Clerk for the Arkansas Court of Appeals. She later served as Senior Law Clerk for Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Dale Price. Blass has been appointed by the governor to serve twice as a Special Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. A tireless supporter of scholarships, Blass was active in Chi Omega Sorority as a student and is still involved with the organization today. She was instrumental in establishing its first endowed scholarship and assisted in the sorority’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2014. Over the course of the previous three decades, Blass served at the request of various vice chancellors of UA Little Rock on multiple long-standing committees focused on student life and education. Recently, she served as a member of a national Search Committee to select a permanent vice chancellor for student affairs. She is also the immediate past president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors and has been a proponent of encouraging alumni to establish need-based scholarships. Blass has also served on the UA Little Rock ALL IN Campaign as a member of the steering committee. Her other outstanding board service includes serving as a member and President of the Women’s YWCA Board, Co-president of the Cathedral School Board, and Vice Chair of the Women’s Advisory Board for St. Vincent Infirmary.

Alumni Association Message to GraduatesDear Graduates,

Congratulations from the UA Little Rock Alumni Association! You've made it! Job well done! As a graduate, you've proven that you are truly capable in your chosen field of study. With this newly acquired capability, you should also have great confidence in the education that

you've received from UA Little Rock; an education that will allow you to move on to the next level of your choosing, be it in a new or existing career, or to an even higher level of education. As you embark upon that next level, please know that you can have the ability to remain connected to UA Little Rock, your former classmates, faculty, and staff as a member of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association. Keeping your UA Little Rock email address is only one of the many benefits of Alumni membership which also includes discounts at local and national restaurants,

on entertainment and shopping. You will also receive continuous information on networking events, campus updates, job opportunities, and much more through The Alumni Advantage Program. Most importantly, a portion of your membership cost will directly assist other students who come along behind you, with their tuition costs. The best part of all is as a recent graduate, you can become a member of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association at the reduced cost of $20. Also at a reduced cost, you can purchase an Alumni Brick engraved with your graduation information on it, which will be cemented in the Alumni Plaza. Please be aware that Lifetime Membership is available, as well. To join, stop by the Office of Development or sign up on the web at ualr.edu/alumni. Once again, on behalf of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, CONGRATULATIONS! GO TROJANS!

James Bobo, President Alumni Board of Directors

University of ArkAnsAs At LittLe rock2801 soUth University AvenUe

LittLe rock, ArkAnsAs 72204-1099