Best of UALR Fall 2015

#1

Male RA

James Sellers

Sellers serves as an RA to the male students on the third floor of West Hall, all of whom are freshman. He enjoys being active and making new friends, as well as playing video games. All these interests, believe it or not, come into play as an RA.

As an RA, Sellers says that he enjoys “making friendships and feeling like I have an impact on the freshman's lives.”

WElton Tevebaugh Staff

Writer

etevebaugh@ualr.edu

hile there are several male resident assistants at UALR, James Sellers has been voted the best in the 2015 Best of UALR awards.

Sellers is a sophomore, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and a pre-med chemistry major. One day, he hopes to be a pediatrician.

One major job of being an RA is planning events for residents. Sellers has coordinated activities such as paintball games, trips to the trampoline park and frequent Super Smash Bros. gaming sessions for his residents. Sellers and some of his residents are also on an intramural team, ‘Dirty Dan and the Pinheads’.

While there are many enjoyable activities for his residents, not everything is fun and games. Sometimes, his residents cause trouble. “There's never a dull moment, from fire alarms going off to

people vaping in their rooms – there are some things you can't escape,” Sellers said.

What do his residents REALLY think about him?

“He's the only RA that actually connects with us. He told us day one that he wanted to be our friends,” said resident Conor Van Lierop.

“It doesn't feel like he's overlooking us,” said resident Christian Casey. “He just feels like another member of the floor.”

“He gets everyone involved,” said resident Ethan Barrow. “He's not very selfish with his time, so if you need help with your homework, he's always there for you. It's nice.”

As far as his future as an RA, Sellers has emphasized that he will definitely be returning to the position in the future.

Best female RA: Carrie Owens Best male RA: James Sellers

TAmanda Wilkinson Staff

Writer

arwilkinson@ualr.edu

his year’s best female resident assistant is Carrie Owens. Owens is a biology major, minoring in secondary Stem education. She hopes to focus her career while using her minor and become a teacher.

Originally from Rison, Arkansas, Owens decided to become a RA in hopes of being more involved on campus. This is her third year as a RA and she enjoys every second of it. Owens lives on the fourth floor of North Hall.

North Hall’s fourth floor houses most of UALR’s Donaghey Scholars. Owens says she's fortunate to have had the resi-

dents she's had. She enjoys seeing residents return semester after semester. Her job is to build community, relay information from housing to the residents and vice versa.

Owens is also in charge of decorating the halls of the fourth floor, and coming up with various events throughout the year. “For example, I have planned a game night during the semester and when it gets close to the holidays we decorate Christmas trees.”

“One of the most satisfying parts of being an RA is meeting new people,” Owens said she has introduced a safe, welcoming environment on her floor. “Residents know that they can come talk to me about anything.”

She mentioned that the most challenging part about being an RA is time management. With a full course load

and various RA activities throughout the semester, at times things can be hectic. When Owens has a free moment she can be found hanging out with her boyfriend or her residents, watching Netflix or crocheting.

Owens suggests that if you are interested in becoming a successful RA, “make time to get to know the residents on your floor.”

that if you are interested in becoming a successful RA, ‘make time to get to know the residents on your floor.’

Best student organization: Chancellor's Leadership Corps

Ruth Houston Entertainment Editor rxhouston@ualr.edu

The Chancellor’s Leadership Corps has once again received the award for Best Student Organization! This organization prides itself on its family environment to help students in the program grow as leaders on campus and beyond.

The organization started at UALR in the fall of 1976 by Dr. Dorothy Truex, who wanted high school leaders to continue their leadership skills through college. The organization started with 17 students and now has 176 new students, who came into the program this year. The organization can be seen everywhere on campus, they have some of the campus’ most involved students.

Nick Steele is the current coordinator and when asked about his favorite memory through CLC he tells us, “It is really hard to nail down by far the favorite thing over time. I would say there are several things we are certainly proud of as a program by reaching greater heights each year. We continue to aid in the overall retention and graduation rates at UALR. The pro-

gram as a whole has had a major impact on campus life, truly being the heartbeat of campus involvement. And last but not least, the impact we have by serving our campus through our Reach 13,000 can food drive and also the metropolitan of Little Rock we assist by providing many service initiatives.”

Another thing CLC prides itself on is the family aspect. “One of the things we are proud to admit is the family environment we foster in CLC. As a freshmen when you start in our program you belong to your own group of 6-7 freshmen who have a sophomore ambassador who serves as your success guide as you transition from high school to college. Through these groups and mentoring a family bond is formed that last throughout college and even after graduation,” Nick Steele says. The students in CLC never have to go alone through their college journey. The students in CLC have an average college GPA of 3.65 and have students from all over.

“We do a lot for the campus!” says Joni Everett a freshman in CLC. “CLC has allowed me to branch out and meet new people that I consider close friends.”

The students have spoken and it’s hard to not see why this organization has been voted the best student organization.

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Best dressed male: Kalan Horton

Shaun Williams Staff Writer swilliams@ualr.edu

It was not hard to spot Kalan Horton from the rest of the students at UALR when he walked through the cafeteria doors for his interview sporting a blue and white checkered shirt with a matching blazer, khaki pants and the classy pocket square in his jacket pocket.

When asked how he felt about winning best dressed, he responded, “I don’t feel like I’m the best dressed on campus.” Horton went on to tell that he has a group of friends who compete on how they dress from day to day, so he will be sure to gloat about his award. There will never be a moment

during the day that you will see Horton not dressed in a blazer with a nice shirt with slacks, due to him almost constantly having to be at work or attending meetings. If you would have seen Kalan when he first came to UALR, you would have seen a man dressed up in a hoodie, “saggy” pants, and a doorag.

Horton started dressing consistently the way he does about a year ago after he started getting involved with leadership positions.

“If I’m going to talk the talk I’m going to have to walk the walk,” he said. Every day Kalan gets up out of bed and begins the process of picking out his clothes. He will start with the blazer and, depending on what color the blazer is, he will pick the shirt that matches with his blazer. Then the rest of

his outfit just flows along with his blazer and shirt.

Horton’s friends and he will try out different styles from day to day where they try to find new ways to wear certain items of clothing, such as their clothing schemes and how they fold their pocket squares. Horton said that if one of their styles doesn’t work out you will be mocked the whole day about it.

Horton progressed his style from freshman year to now. His freshman and sophomore year he barely dressed up and usually wore pants and hoodies, to his sophomore and junior year wearing fullblown suits and occasionally dressing casual, to his junior and senior year wearing nothing but suits.

Some tips Kalan wanted to give others are:

Best dressed female: Alycia Brown

Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu

Sophomore Alycia Brown was surprised when she was nominated for Best Dressed Female in the Best of UALR contest.

“I didn’t even know that I was on the ballot actually. No one told me,” said Brown.

A friend later told her about the nomination. When Brown won the title, it still came as a bit of a shock to her. She says she really doesn’t have an interest in fashion, but takes pride in looking nice. When

she gets ready in the morning, her main focus is to dress well and make a good impression. Clothing stores she frequents include Francesca’s Boutique, Forever 21, Dillard’s and Gianni Bini.

A member of Kappa Delta sorority and a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps scholar, both organizations which have been voted Best of UALR, Brown stays busy on campus while pursuing a degree in Chemistry. She values the sisterhood aspect of her sorority and cherishes the friendships she has made in CLC, commenting that the scholarship program is part of the reason why she chose to come to UALR.

“Without my scholarship, I

1. Don’t wear too much of the same color.

2. Quality over quantity where you don’t have to buy the most expensive clothing to dress nice.

3. Don’t get in a habit of wearing one type of clothing.

would not be here,” she adds.

Brown has also served as a volunteer with organizations such as Girl Scouts and has a passion for helping people in need. After completing her undergraduate studies, she would like to become a pharmacist and put that passion to good use. She remarks that UALR’s chemistry department has been very helpful to her and she has benefitted from their tutoring services.

“I like helping sick people. I don’t like looking at blood, but with pharmacy, I’m able to help [patients get] cured,” she said.

In her spare time, Brown enjoys being active and outdoorsy. Shying away from her “girlier” side, some

If I’m going to talk the talk I’m going to have to walk the walk,” Horton said.

of her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and running. She also likes to spend time with her sorority sisters and enjoy a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Brown says she really doesn’t have an interest in fashion, but takes pride in looking nice.

by

Best female athlete: Shara Robbins

Alexandria Barnes Staff Writer ambarnes@ualr.edu

Our very own homecoming queen, Shara Robbins, has also been voted UALR Forum’s Best Female Athlete. The Hot Springs native has always really liked sports and originally got her start in gymnastics. She later

got into soccer in 5th grade mainly because all of her friends were playing it. Now she is a star goalkeeper on the UALR Soccer Team.

During her senior year of high school, Robbins knew she wanted to stay in-state, but was unsure at first about wanting to play soccer in college. After receiving the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps scholarship and meeting the goalkeeper coach here, she knew that UALR was the right fit for her and chose to become a Trojan.

“It just worked out pretty perfectly,” she said.

Robbins, a junior, maintains a 3.5 GPA and originally wanted to study biology, but has recently decided to pursue a degree in Speech Pathology. Her love for playing soccer is more of a hobby and she does not have an interest in coaching. She also says that

Best male athlete: Josh Hagins

Gabrielle Phifer Staff Writer gcphifer@ualr.edu

Among all of the male athletes at UALR, students voted Josh Hagins to be the 2015 Best Male Athlete.

“We have a lot of fine athletes here. A lot of our programs have been very good over the course of the past 3 or 4 years,” Hagins said.

“All of the student athletes here, and for somebody to say I’m one of the better ones, I definitely appreciate it. That’s not really my goal. My goal is to just try to win every game I can, just trying to make it to the next level.”

Hagins averaged 12.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game in the 2013-2014 season.

He is ranked 14th in scoring, eighth in assists, third in free throw shooting percentage, seventh in steals and fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio in the Sun Belt Conference, according to Little Rock Trojans website. He also scored in double figures, 20 times on the season and led UALR with 93 assists and a career-high of 52 steals. His 52 steals match D’Andre Williams’ total in 2011-12 as the most by a UALR player since Zack Wright in 2005-06, who had 66, according to Little Rock Trojans website.

Hagins is certainly hoping to further his career in the NBA league after finishing his undergraduate career in May. He’s not sure where yet, but he knows there will be some scouts coming to some of the games during this season.

“Going to the NBA is a dream in itself. I think any team that is will-

maintaining a balance between school and sports is tough and is thankful for supportive teammates that encourage her to keep her grades up.

“I’m super busy all the time. [My teammates and I] try really hard to do work together as a team. We all live together, which is really nice. All of my roommates are on the soccer team,” she adds.

On campus, Robbins is a Junior Mentor in CLC, the President of the UALR Diamond Dolls, an organization associated with the UALR Baseball team, and is involved in Young Life, a Christian organization. In her spare time, Robbins enjoys spending time with her friends and going to movies. Though she doesn’t have time for many things outside of schoolwork and soccer, she still tries to clear her schedule for fun and relaxation.

ing to pick you pretty much over every kid in the world and invest money and confidence in you, has all of my respect,” Hagins said.

The love and passion that he acquired for basketball began when he was just 5 years old. He remembers watching the San

Antonio Spurs in the championship of 1999 with his mom and he just saw the joy that they had when they won the title. He wanted to be a part of that too. However, at 5, he didn’t know that he wanted to play collegiate basketball.

“When you’re 5, you kind of want to be a little bit of everything. I wanted to be like a zoo keeper, a teacher. I just wanted to be a little bit of everything, but the more that I started to play; the more I started to fall in love with the game. As I got older, I realized I wanted to play in college at about 4th grade.

I just realized that I love being a part of a team and with that I just wanted to play in college.”

Hagins is a determined player, and knows that he doesn’t have much time until the end of the season. For him, it’s just about going to every practice, every game, and every weight session and giving it everything that he has.

“All of the student athletes here, and for somebody to say I’m one of the better ones, I definitely appreciate it. That’s not really my goal. My goal is to just try to win every game I can, just trying to make it to the next level,” said Hagins.

Best professor: Kristen McIntyre

Tanner Newton Staff Writer tgnewton@ualr.edu

The students of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have voted speech professor, Kristen McIntyre, as the 2015 Best Professor.

“The class I teach is pretty intense… it really pushed them out of their comfort zone. They tell me it’s a hard class but very rewarding,” said McIntyre.

McIntyre is the Director of Speech 1300, Speech Communication and also teaches Advanced Public Speaking. She also directs the Communication Skills Center.

She did not set out to make a career out of this field. Her undergraduate degree is in English and her master’s degree is in creative writing. She started teaching pubic speaking when she was in her master’s program. “I thought it was a really powerful way to empower other people.”

Originally from Minnesota, she has learned to like the south. “It took a while to get used to being here.” She likes how friendly and talkative southerners are compared to people up north. The weather is another aspect of the south that she loves, though she does miss the snow. Southerners

inability to handle snow, and their hatred of having class when it snows, amuses her.

McIntyre enjoys attending the ATLE, Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence, events and she recently went to her first volleyball game on campus.

To all the students who helped vote her the ‘Best Professor’ of 2015, she has two things to say. “I love you and thank you.”

Susie Edwards is finishingstrong by earning her M.Ed. in Learning Systems Technology online while working as an IT Coordinator at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and interning for eLearning at UALR.

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Best sorority: Kappa Delta

Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu

One of the things that Kappa Delta has done recently is the promotion of other organizations on campus to work together and their support.

One of the CPC sororities on campus, Kappa Delta, has been voted the 2015 Best of UALR’s Best Sorority. Their main goal as a chapter is to promote positive differences within their organization and among students on campus. Kappa Delta is an organization that hasn’t been on campus for a very long time and is looking to constantly improve their organization.

“It is an enormous honor to be named the best sorority on the UALR campus,” said Public Relations Chair, Courtney Lundy. They have taken some tremendous steps and for them it shows that people recognize their values and how well the chapter embodies those values.

“Our chapter thoroughly enjoys expanding our horizons and growing our relations with other organizations,” Lundy said.

They have participated in the Sweetheart Pageant put on by Delta Chi, Home Sweet Homecoming sponsored by SGA, and are staples at many of the home games this season. For them campus involvement is what you put into it. Whatever they are involved in, Kappa Delta members uphold the values: honorable, beautiful, and highest. They want to promote their sisterhood, as that is the most important bond that members can have.

"It isn’t about who can be better in the sorority. Without that sisterhood, we wouldn’t have the bond

Best fraternity: Delta Chi

Brian Gregory Sports Editor bjgregory@ualr.edu

We wanted to get away from the stereotypes of partying and drinking,” said Delta Chi President, Davis Butterworth

For the second year in a row, the Delta Chi Fraternity was voted the Best Fraternity in the Forum’s annual Best of UALR.

It is a testament to all of the hard work that this Fraternity has put in to be picked two years in a row as the best fraternity on campus. Delta Chi is fairly new on campus, as this only their third semester on campus. These young men pride themselves on being involved on campus and putting themselves in a positive light.

“We, the founding fathers— there were 18 of us, went into it wanting to change what it means to be Greek and to be a fraternity.

that it took for us to come together and be named UALR’s best sorority. If you want to be a sister in Kappa Delta you have to hold those values true.”

This isn’t an organization that believes that there should be division among the students at UALR. Kappa Delta hopes that their sup-

port of other organizations and their ability to work with others will unify the campus. All of their events are open to the entire school community. While doing this, Kappa Delta wants to be able to reach more UALR students and promote this university as well as their sorority. These sisters also

want to continue to work well with other Greek Life organizations.

“We enjoy getting to know others and normally have a blast anytime we get together.” Kappa Delta hopes to continue to be a light and bring this campus together.

This fraternity looks for young men who are motivated by education and involved in other organization on campus, but also men that are personable and want to have a good time. There are the four pillars—friendship, character, justice and education—that Delta Chi wants all of their members to uphold where ever they go. Originally, Delta Chi was a law fraternity when it was founded, however it has become an undergraduate fraternity.

In their three semesters, they have put on a Greek Unity Thanksgiving dinner, two Delta Chi Sweetheart Pageant with winners from Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho. Delta Chi proudly

shows that they are men with character and honor, something that is rare in this day and age.

“We really try, if you’re going to wear the letters of Delta Chi, act like you have them on at all times because once someone affiliates you with Delta Chi they are going to know that’s what you are,” said Butterworth.

This organization isn’t just about putting on a face, but believing in

the things that they try to uphold. Delta Chi is involved in other campus organizations as well. These are just some of the organizations that members of the fraternity are involved in: Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Student Government Association, Maroon Mob, Biology Club, Engineering Club and Theater Club.

“I would probably would not be far off saying we are the most

diverse group on campus,” said Butterworth.

Anyone can join Delta Chi because they aren’t looking for a certain type of person; they want men of the four pillars. It doesn’t matter what ethnicity, sexual orientation, major, etc. Delta Chi wants men who are well rounded and dedicated to improving themselves.

What's

What's at our Core?

our UALR Core

Core

UALR students complete a Univerity Standard Core of 21 credit hours along with a College Core of 14 hours. The Core classes provide every student at UALR with the opportunity to:

• Work in a team structure

• Make decisions and solve problems

• Communicate verbally

• Plan, organize and prioritize work

• Obtain and process information

• Analyze quantitative data

• Create and/or edit written reports*

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising at ualr.edu/advising to learn more about the UALR Core

*Data source: National Association of College and Employers Survey (2015).

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Best staff member: Nick Steele

Ruth Houston Entertainment Editor rxhouston@ualr.edu

When contacting Nick Steele to interview him for best University of Arkansas at Little Rock staff member, we could tell he was elated to have received this award. Nick Steele is the coordinator for one of the biggest student organizations on campus, the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps. He is also best known as the ‘UALR Weatherman’ or ‘CLC guy’. Nick started his position for CLC on July 1, 2011 and had held many other positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before that.

“I started at UALR as a freshman in CLC in the fall of 1999. Served as an ambassador in the Office of Admissions in 2000-2001 and graduated with degree in Radio, TV, and Film. I came back to UALR on July 1, 2007 as the Assistant Director of Admissions after spending time as a recruiter as the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA). I served as the Assistant Director of Admissions before being hired as the firsttime full-time Coordinator of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps on July 1, 2011. So as an employee I have now been on this campus for almost 8.5 years but also spent time here as a student prior to my employment,” Steele said.

“Every day when I come to work, I try not to look at it as a job but a passion of mine. I have a passion and a natural calling to help students. I serve the students’ needs to the best of my abilities.”

In Steele’s downtime he likes to do three very specific things.

“I love spending time with family, my wife, Whitney of almost 13 years and my son, Will, who is in Kindergarten this year. I also enjoy

“Every day when I come to work, I try not to look at it as a job but a passion of mine. I have a passion and a natural calling to help students. I serve the students’ needs to the best of my abilities.”

watching college basketball and football. And last but certainly not least and many of my students will tell you this, I am an avid weather nerd. I love to follow the weather and often times pretend to be a forecaster. When I was student in the Radio, TV, and Film department I did broadcast the weather quite frequently on Channel 62 News Live at 5. I am sure there are some old VHS tapes somewhere around campus with me talking

Most creative: Nalee Vang

about cold fronts, snow, and thunderstorms,” Steele said.

It isn’t hard to see why Nick Steele has gotten this award. The final thing we asked was what he would like to see happen in the next 5 years on this campus.

“This is such a difficult question to answer; as I have long history with this institution and have seen it grow so much over time. As always, I want to see our students succeed at high rates on campus and in our community. But if we are looking into a crystal ball into the next 5 years, I would like to see a more concentrated effort on improving Greek life by having a Greek row or Village and a Little Rock Trojans Football Team (sure I can dream). I truly believe if somehow we could add these two elements and make sure that student success stays our focal point that we will exceed as a metropolitan university and enrollment will increase drastically.”

It is very hard to disagree with him on that, maybe one day these students who he has inspired so greatly will see that his dream will come true.

become a certified nurse midwife. She hopes to get as much experience as she can working in the hospital. After getting used to things, she may try being a midwife within homes.

Brittany Dean Staff Writer bndean@ualr.edu

The votes have been tallied and the winner of the Best of UALR’s Most Creative award is sophomore nursing major, Nalee Vang.

Outside of class Vang is involved in a couple of university lead programs such as the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps and the University Program Council.

When she has some spare time she enjoys reading. She mainly reads young adult fiction, such as the Hunger Games Trilogy. She also enjoys watching television. Her favorite kinds of shows to watch are cartoons and anime. She also enjoys singing and drawing.

After college she hopes that she will get more into her studies and

Vang was actually surprised that she won, she admits. She knows that she is creative but also knows other students are too but she says that she is really happy that she won and that people find her creative.

Vang says that she tries to be as original as she can be and makes the effort to think differently than others. This sometimes can be hard for her because so many people have come up with so many things already. This requires her to think even harder about what she creates.

A lot of the time people’s talent or creativity can be hereditary or sometimes it can come from within. She says that she believes her creativity was something that she picked up while in middle school. Whenever she was bored she would doodle or draw. In high school she joined art clubs and started doing a lot of painting. Her creative journey will continue with her throughout her life.

Most charismatic male: Rashad Roberts

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

TTorri Alexander Staff Writer tmalexander@ualr.edu

he votes are in for Best of UALR and Rashad Roberts has been voted Most Charismatic Male. Roberts is a sophomore from Osceola, Arkansas, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Middle Eastern Studies. He is also a United States Army Veteran. On campus, Roberts is involved in the UALR College Republicans, NAACP, and was recently appointed as a resident assistant for North Hall and a CLC Scholar.

After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he plans to attend law school. While remaining in the military, he wants to become a JAG officer. Roberts’ passion is to make

Most charismatic female: Jazmine Bridges

Carly Machen Staff Writer cxmachen@ualr.edu

The UALR students have voted Jazmine Bridges as the 2015 Best of UALR’s Most Charismatic Female.

Bridges is a 20-year-old sophomore from Bryant majoring in nursing. She is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and the Chancellors Leadership Corps. With the Chancellors Leadership Corps, she organizes canned food drives and com-

munity service work. As for her sorority, Bridges hosts events to raise money for their philanthropy Prevent Child Abuse America. The Fall Shamrock Festival held by the organization recently had a great turn out in raising money for the cause. Bridges has also worked with the organization to provide a leadership role for the Girl Scouts of the USA.

“I think I was nominated because I strive to be as positive and open to whoever I come into contact with. I try to show that I’m easy to approach and talk to with everything I do,” Bridges said.

a positive impact in the state of Arkansas. Certainly, there shouldn’t be any surprised that he will possibly consider running for mayor of his hometown. Another one of Roberts’ passions is to greatly influence the African American community. He has three mentees in his hometown named Joseph, Zach, and Javion. He exposes them to his experiences, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their dreams.

“An unexamined life is not worth living” is a motto that Roberts lives by. It is vital for Roberts to reflect on the choices he has made and the impact that those choices have

on his life. Those choices include the reasons why he chooses to be remain friends with people. He describes his friends as being inspirational to him because they are strong- mind, dedicated, and push him to become a stronger leader.

“It has been rough readjusting to the college setting,” Roberts admits. Life was simpler in the Army compared to his routine on campus. Sitting through classroom lectures has been one of the most difficult routines to adjust to.

He believes that “higher education has gotten extremely inefficient, which causes a lot of students to be discouraged.” If he decides to run for President, he would push for vocational learning and apprenticeship.

Roberts’ hobbies are being goofy with his friends and working out. He likes to tell people to “do push-ups!” He enjoys cooking and exploring different recipes. So far, his best dish is his burgers. He also likes to play Halo. He is charismatic because he interacts with various people and makes sure that those around him are uplifted.

As for advice to all of UALR student’s, Bridges says, “Advice I would give to fellow students for success is to find your balance. Focus on school. That’s why we’re here, but you need other avenues to expel energy as well. Pick up a hobby, join an organization or join an intramural team. Keep yourself well rounded and take on the experience UALR offers its students.”

Bridges gets her motivation from her love of people. She said, “It’s easy to be outgoing with the organization when you have your friends by your side.”

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

“I think I was nominated because I strive to be as positive and open to whoever I come into contact with. I try to show that I’m easy to approach and talk to with everything I do,” Bridges said.

Most likely to succeed: Brian Gregory

Edward Taylor Staff Writer etaylor@ualr.edu

Behind every successful person is a motive that inspires him or her to achieve greatness. For sophomore Brian Gregory, that motive is God. Gregory is a strong believer in God and feels his prosperity wouldn’t have been possible without him.

“God is everything to me,” Gregory said. “He is the reason I am able to succeed.”

His credentials and involvement within the community speak for themselves.

Gregory is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Program, public relations liaison for Student Government, student ministry leader for Chi Alpha Ministries, sports editor for the Forum, outreach liaison for the Political Science Association, and president of the Model Arab League.

Next to God, Gregory’s parents have heavily influenced him to strive for excellence throughout his life. They taught him numerous unforgettable lessons on the importance of hard work and responsibility.

“My parents showed me the significance of hard work,” Gregory said. “They taught me that you have to do things in a genuine way for yourself, to positively affect others.”

Gregory says he is honored to be chosen for ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ and wants to live up to the expectation. He hopes to reach people where they are and make a positive difference in the world.

“I want my name to be known across the world, for the good that I’ve done,” Gregory said. He wants individuals to realize their potential in order for the human race to be lifted up. Gregory strongly believes that actions speak louder than words, and feels that a person can change a bad situation to a good one with a little effort.

Most school spirited: Jordan Thatch

Rachel Wright Staff Writer rswright@ualr.edu

J“If you’re going to complain about something, then you need to be willing to work for it,” Gregory said.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in political science, he plans to pursue a doctorate in international politics. He is very involved with politics and hopes to become a U.S. Senator, and possibly go on to become the president of the United States.

Above all else, Gregory strongly agrees with Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame quote and continually encourages individuals to overcome fears: “Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

“My parents showed me the significance of hard work,” Gregory said.

“They taught me that you have to do things in a genuine way for yourself, to positively affect others.”

ordon Thatch was voted Best of UALR’s ‘Most School Spirited’. Jordan Thatch, a sophomore majoring in biology, swept the vote for Most School Spirited on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. He likes watching UALR progress and seeing the people grow in spirit.

“What I like most about UALR is that we are growing…. There are not a lot of people that have school spirit, and just to see from one year of me being here, seeing how many more people have more school spirit this year than they did last year.”

He said when he came to UALR he fell in love with the campus. He said UALR had the feel of a small campus with the advantages of a large university. He thinks it is special to have school spirit.

“I think it is really important, because not everyone here has that school spirit. So I think anybody who can have it, and like try to instill it in others is really a great thing…. It makes the experience at college better for everyone,” Thatch said.

Thatch is an active member in campus organizations. He is a Chancellors Leadership Corps. Sophomore Ambassador, vicepresident of the Maroon Mob, vicepresident of Delta Chi and a senator at large for Student Government Association. Thatch tries to get students to participate in what UALR has to offer.

“I think once they come out and see some things, like, once they go to basketball games and once they go to everything that’s on campus you can really see. It opens up a new world to them.”

He said he thinks when people

see others participating in school spirit they are more likely to join. For students to get involved on campus.

“The social media accounts for UALR are really updated for all the organizations, usually…. There are flyers and everything around campus. Just be aware of things that are coming up and just try to go to everything that interests you,” says Thatch.

“What I like most about UALR is that we are growing…. There are not a lot of people that have school spirit, and just to see from one year of me being here, seeing how many more people have more school spirit this year than they did last year,” said Thatch.

Most likely to get their own reality show: Seth Cook

Lela-Tamara Fluker News/Campus Life Editor ldfluker@ualr.edu

The student body has voted, and the results are in! The campus has voted junior Seth Cook as most likely to get their own reality show. Cook majors in Biology and has a minor in Business Management; he hopes to become an optometrist upon finishing college. Even though Cook has only been at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for two years, he is classified as a junior based on credit hours completed.

Student Government Association, Delta Chi, Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, McNair Scholars Program, and Honors College are among the programs with which Cook is involved at UALR. He holds a deep passion for politics and improving the UALR campus. As a senator, he is currently working on an initiative to get better food options for the campus. Cook also has a passion for muscle cars and has dreams of someday being able to own a car lot.

“I have a hectic life sometimes and people see that I’m always running around doing something and there’s always some crazy thing that pops up to change the way that everything is going for me. So I guess people thought that that would make for a pretty entertaining reality show,” says Cook.

In regards to reality TV of today, Cook feels that it has the biggest influence on our youth and tends to steer towards negativity. If he were to ever get a reality show he would make it nothing like Jersey Shore, but instead show him and those around him actually going to class and doing his school work.

“People who act insane or act uncivil are portrayed as good people. It’s put in a positive light. They get all the bad stuff and that what people see. That’s entertaining and

they record that part. They get all the bad stuff. That’s what I want to change. I want to put the positive aspects of life, not the negative,” said Cook in regards to the trends of reality TV and celebrity media.

Cook lives by the mantra “everything happens for a reason”, and feels that we each have unique purposes in life.

“I feel like if I didn’t have a reason to be on this planet, that I would have been taken out already. There have been multiple times when I could have been hit by a car or something like that, where I somehow get out of it. It’s like something has got to be up there

controlling what’s going on. God’s got a plan for me somehow, for me to do something big.”

Cook also feels that students and other members of the UALR community should know that he’s about business.

“I may act like I’m not serious, but when it comes down to things I can get really serious and I can work hard to get things done. I don’t think a lot of people think that because I’m always making a joke or something. I try my best to do things to improve UALR and improve my grades. I’m a studious person.”

by Lauren Humphrey

“I have a hectic life sometimes and people see that I’m always running around doing something and there’s always some crazy thing that pops up to change the way that everything is going for me. So I guess people thought that that would make for a pretty entertaining reality show,” says Cook.

Most involved male: Connor Donovan

Gabrielle Phifer Staff Writer gcphifer@ualr.edu

Being named the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s most involved male student is one more accolade that Connor Donovan can add to his list of achievements. However, titles don’t mean anything to him.

“I truly believe that positions and titles [are] nothing more than positions and titles,” he said. “It’s what you do with that position to help others that truly matter[s].”

Donovan is a junior student studying International Business and Management, and Chinese. He is the Vice President of the Student Government Association, a Donaghey Scholar, a UALR Legionnaire, as well as a full time student.

“I like to get involved not because I like the position, but because I like to be in a position to help set other people up to be the best that they can be,” says Donovan.

One of the biggest things that Donovan is involved in is SGA. He chose this position because it allows him to interact with all student organizations on campus and figure out issues that the organizations are concerned about. He also gets to act as liaison between students, administration and faculty on campus.

“I get to help them build relationships,” he said. It’s opened up a lot of doors to being able to help people in the Little Rock community, on campus, and just building relationship. I’ve really cherished that.”

The last three weeks have been a little busier than usual, working extensively in getting the Homecoming festivities together, as well as tackling duties in other organizations, school work, and family and friend time. However, he still maintains a positive attitude through it all and that’s what keeps him motivated.

Photo by Lauren Humphrey

Donovan is the Vice President of the Student Government Association, a Donaghey Scholar, a UALR Legionnaire, as well as a full time student.

Through all of the issues that Donovan has encountered from him and his family moving to Arkansas in his junior year of high school, having to change universities 2 weeks before his first day, and taking on his extracurriculars, he has no regrets. He has never felt that he isn’t where he’s supposed to be.

“I think it has all worked out for the best. There’s not really anything in the past that I really would go back and change. I know everything has worked out for some specific reason and I’m supposed to be at the point I am today. So I am happy with all of my involvement so far.”

SGA President Jacob Laan gets to work alongside Connor in con-

ducting the business that SGA has.

“Connor is one of the most passionate people I know. He has a heart for service, both to the community and this university. He is a friend to everyone he meets and never passes up an opportunity to help others,” Laan said. “Beyond that, he is a leader, and his zeal for service is contagious to those around him.”

Laan knows that Donovan is destined to make a positive difference in the world, and has no doubt that Donovan deserves this recognition by his peers.

Although Donovan is named the “Most Involved Male Student” on campus, his involvement has purpose, not just in his life, but in the life of others.

Most involved female: Alexa Treml

Amanda Wilkinson Staff Writer arwilkinson@ualr.edu

This year’s most involved female student is Alexa

Treml. The Cabot High School graduate is double majoring in biology and music performance. Treml is the current president of Kappa Delta sorority and also a four-year member of the LR Trojan Pep Band. She’s also a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Biology Club and National Society for Collegiate Scholars. She is a founding member of the Music Student Association and was a former member of the UALR Baseball

Diamond Dolls.

What was your reaction when you heard you won UALR’s most involved student? “I was honored and happy. It’s always nice to get recognized for working hard at something.”

Why do you choose to participate in various campus activities? “Well I believe it’s important to be involved with as much as you can if you want to get a true college experience. To me college isn’t as fun if you aren’t participating in athletic events of campus activities. At times I have obligated things to do with my sorority or with the Pep Band that I don’t always get to choose.”

What are your thoughts about

the new change to the Athletic teams on campus? “I love it, I think we were in need of a change with new coaches, a new fresh start. It brings a sense of community to the city as well, we are Little Rock’s

Most likely to be a millionaire: Micah Parker

Shaun Williams Staff Writer swilliams@ualr.edu

he felt as if the award would have gone to a business major or an information technology major.

They say never judge a book by its cover and Micah Parker is a great example of why you shouldn’t judge someone before you get to know them.

Micah Parker is a criminal justice major who was shocked when he heard that he was being given the award of Most Likely to Become a Millionaire. Even though he thought of this as an honor,

He felt that he won this award due to his charisma and because a lot of people know him.

“It’s not about the grades you make, it’s about the hands you shake,” Parker said, he seems to have shaken plenty of hands.

After obtaining his major in criminal justice and his I.T. minor, he sees himself going on to work with Federal law enforcement where he wants to help solve

financial or Internet based crimes. Parker is involved with the Student Government Association, where he was the chief justice last year. He is also a Chancellor Leadership Corps. Scholar, where he was president his freshman year.

It was clear that Parker’s lifetime goal wasn’t to become a millionaire. His ideal is “If you can’t dream big you shouldn’t dream at all.” His goal is to eventually become the governor of Arkansas. He believes that he may have also won this award because of his aspirations

and set goals in life.

Parker was put in the situation of him becoming a millionaire and then was asked whether he would have wanted to earn that million or achieve it by chance. Parker answered with a fast response, “I’d rather earn it through hard work because I would be able to look back and see everything I have achieved to get to where I am today.” But then quickly added, “I wouldn’t be mad though if I won it through the lottery.”

Parker then went on to explain

Treml will be graduating in May 2017 and is planning to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric surgeon.

what he would do with the million he had. Out of the love of his heart Parker would first pay off all of his parents’ bills and then he would give money to charity. One of Parker’s pet peeves is, “people who have money, but don’t give back.”

This is the million dollar man, Micah Parker. team”