This June, Gillenwater was one of just seven interns selected for Colliers’ month-long summer internship program in 糖心视频logo. Earning a spot in the program was a turning point in his academic and professional journey. He hadn鈥檛 imagined this path when he first arrived on campus as a business management major, but a presentation by real estate instructor Elizabeth Small introduced him to a career he hadn鈥檛 previously considered.

“Ryan’s enthusiasm for the commercial real estate profession is very exciting,鈥� Small said. 鈥淐onversing with him about his Colliers experience leaves me with no doubt of his future success in the industry. Ryan is a great student and has a natural quest for learning. The Finance Real Estate program in the School of Business is lucky to have him as an enthusiastic and excellent student.”

A rising junior majoring in finance with a concentration in real estate, Gillenwater鈥檚 internship with Colliers revealed just how many directions the field can take. He spent time with teams in brokerage, property management, and development, gaining a close-up look at everything from property inspections to the complexities of commercial transactions. Each day provided a new perspective, and seeing how different roles work together in the industry deepened his appreciation for the field.

鈥淪ite selection was definitely my favorite. We鈥檇 work on picking the best spots for companies looking to develop, whether it was land, an old building, or a new location,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat internship definitely assured me that I was doing the right thing.鈥�

Beyond introducing him to different aspects of the industry, the internship reinforced concepts 鈥� from real estate to finance 鈥� he had been covering in his classes, which became practical tools he relied on throughout his experience. For example, having recently completed a real estate law course, he already understood much of the language and legal concepts he encountered reviewing commercial lease agreements, giving him confidence to contribute to professional conversations. As the internship progressed, those classroom lessons continued to develop into real-world experiences.听

The internship didn鈥檛 just expand Gillenwater鈥檚 knowledge of commercial real estate鈥攈e was able to zero in on where he thrives, discovering that brokerage offered just the right mix of a field where he could put his analytical mind to work while building relationships and closing deals.

“The internship definitely assured me that I was pursuing the right thing,” Gillenwater said. “It’s made me want to keep expanding my network, and it’s definitely made me want to focus on commercial real estate as my career.”

As he reflects on his journey, Gillenwater credits changing majors and embracing new opportunities with helping him discover his career path. He emphasizes that some of the most valuable lessons in college happen outside the classroom 鈥� through internships, networking, and saying yes to new experiences. For students considering their own next steps, he encourages them to take chances on opportunities that spark their interest, since those moments often open unexpected doors and lead to the connections and clarity that shape a future.

“One thing I always like to say is, what you put into it is what you get out of it,” Gillenwater said. “It’s all about having that interest in wanting to do the things you’re required to do in college. The more you do that, the more you’ll reap the benefits.鈥�

Looking ahead to his junior year, Gillenwater feels more motivated than ever. The knowledge and experience he gained during his internship provided added confidence as he begins his upper-level real estate courses. He hopes to return to Colliers as a second-year intern next summer, building on the foundation he established this summer.

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Anderson comes to UA 糖心视频logo following nearly four years as the state higher education reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he covered colleges and universities throughout Arkansas, including UA 糖心视频logo. In his new role, he will lead strategic communications efforts that highlight the university鈥檚 students, faculty, research, and impact across the state.

Prior to joining the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, he spent nearly a decade as a newspaper reporter in three states, covering a wide range of beats, with education remaining a consistent focus throughout his career. He earned bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in journalism, graduating summa cum laude as an undergraduate.

“Ryan brings a unique perspective to this role as someone who has spent years telling the stories of higher education,” said Carrie Phillips, chief communications and marketing officer. “He understands what makes a compelling story, values accuracy and authenticity, and already has a deep understanding of UA 糖心视频logo’s mission and impact. We’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

During his journalism career, he earned statewide recognition for his education reporting. He received the Arkansas Press Association鈥檚 2025 Best Education Story (large daily newspapers) award and was also recognized by Arkansas Press Women for excellence in education reporting in 2025 and 2026.

While reporting on higher education, Anderson developed an appreciation for the role universities play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. 

“While I’ve covered myriad beats during my newspaper career, education has always been one of them, because I genuinely believe in the importance of education, and I have the utmost respect for those who work in the field,” Anderson said. “When I began my job with the Democrat-Gazette in August 2022, Carrie Phillips — and her entire marketing and communications team — stood out to me immediately for their professionalism, proficiency, and sincerity, so I couldn’t be more elated to join this group at UA 糖心视频logo.” 

Anderson looks forward to helping share the stories that define the university鈥檚 impact.

“I fully support the mission of higher education, generally, and UA 糖心视频logo, specifically, especially core pillars of the university like access, attainment, and community engagement,” added Anderson. “Everyone I’ve met in my short time on campus has been nothing but welcoming — a mentality I know everyone also extends to students here 鈥� and I can’t wait to make my contributions to the terrific work already ongoing at this university.” 

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Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event included remarks from UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale and 糖心视频logo Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., a graduate of the university, followed by the unveiling of the new signs. During the ceremony, Scott also presented a commemorative proclamation on behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo recognizing UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 centennial celebration. 

“One hundred years, a centennial, higher education, economic development, the fabric of a capital city: that is the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, (and) I’m a proud graduate of this university,” Scott said. “On behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo, I share my appreciation for this university and its 100 years of steadfast service, 100 years of sacrifice, and 100 years of success.鈥�

The signs not only recognize聽 the university鈥檚 centennial but also its longstanding place in Arkansas and the city of 糖心视频logo. While UA 糖心视频logo has occupied three locations throughout its history, it has called its current campus home for over 75 years, growing alongside the city it has served for a century.

You can’t go to any public square, any pulpit, any process of progress across this entire state and not meet a UA 糖心视频logo graduate,” Scott said. “That鈥檚 the type of impact they have.”

The idea for custom signage originated with dedicated UA 糖心视频logo alumnus and Board of Visitors member Larry Golden, who envisioned using the university’s signature maroon color and Trojan head logo to create a more recognizable campus identity and to highlight UA 糖心视频logo’s presence in the surrounding community.

鈥淪treet signs do more than direct traffic,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭hey create a sense of place. They tell people they’ve arrived somewhere that matters. Beginning today, everyone who enters our campus will be welcomed by signs that proudly reflect this university.鈥�

The custom signs were made possible through a partnership with the City of 糖心视频logo and the university’s facilities management team. In collaboration with the City of 糖心视频logo and its Public Works Department, the university designed custom street signs and identified key campus intersections for the new signage.

The street sign dedication is one of several centennial initiatives recognizing the people, places, and partnerships that have shaped UA 糖心视频logo over the past century while looking ahead to its next 100 years.

“These signs now become part of that story,” Drale said. “They will welcome prospective students on their first campus visit, families celebrating graduation, alumni returning home, and countless others who will discover all that happens here.”

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“Play in Arkansas” examines how people have created joy through play, and how the history of play can contribute to understanding of both past and present, said Marta Cieslak, director of UA 糖心视频logo Downtown. Research also illustrates both the “immense impact childhood play has on us,” as well as that play is “essential to our well-being — necessary for physical and mental health.” 

The exhibit, which opened July 10, remains on display through Dec. 15, and is free and open to the public Monday鈥揊riday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an individual or group visit to the exhibit, at 333 President Clinton Avenue, email聽downtown@ualr.edu.听

“It’s great that this is available — I love it — I’ll be bringing some folks down here” to see this exhibit while it’s on display, said Aaron Rhoades, a native of Central Arkansas who attended the exhibit’s opening night. “There’s something for everyone.”

Rhoades spent 13 years in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but moved back to Central Arkansas last year because he “missed the sense of community,” a sense that was embodied by this exhibit.

“I really appreciate this type of local history,” he said. 

The memories section of the exhibit, where individuals were invited to share their personal reflections on childhood play, is a favorite of Cieslak’s, as it demonstrates how “the community collaborates with us, and contributes to what we do at the university,” she said. “We work across disciplines to connect with the community,” and community members could also loan toys for the exhibit in addition to sharing their childhood play memories for the display, gestures that both require “a lot of trust.” 

Nader Afsordeh, who says Star Trek has “always had a special place in his heart,” contributed some of his childhood toys to the exhibit. On opening night, he explained he wanted to see them displayed alongside the rest of the exhibition.

“It’s interesting, the history of play, and it’s really cool to see” the cross-section of toys, along with their context and explanations, he said. “The older toys are very different than toys today — it was a very different world — I’ve enjoyed” the exhibit. 

Americans actually preferred handmade toys over mass-produced items until the second half of the 20th century, and “Play in Arkansas” has myriad examples of the former, including a pair of “handmade mountain dolls” from Arkansas, and even a handmade checkerboard from the Spencer Polk family that dates to the 1800s, said Cieslak, a historian and history professor. Another section of the exhibit, “Play in the Time of Hardship,” spotlights how toys aided individuals through trying circumstances, such as the handmade wooden snake crafted by a Russian prisoner of war in France during World War I. 

UA 糖心视频logo Downtown collaborated with several partners on this exhibit, including: Arkansas State Archives (Julienne Crawford and Dr. David Ware), Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) Butler Center for Arkansas Studies (Danielle Afsrodeh and Brian Robertson), Old State House Museum (Samantha Ashley and Lark Buckingham), and the UA 糖心视频logo Center for Arkansas History and Culture (Emily Summers Yarberry and Dr. Jess Porter), Cieslak said. “Although loaning items across institutions is a fairly standard practice, let me stress that we never take it for granted, (as) it does require a substantial amount of work from the loaning curators and teams,” but all four organizations “are absolutely terrific to work with.” 

Carlie Cowgill, programming and administrative assistant at UA 糖心视频logo Downtown — and a graduate of UA 糖心视频logo’s Master of Arts Public History program — is the exhibit’s co-author, participating in every stage of this exhibit’s development, Cieslak noted. Additionally, Stacey Griggs Matchett, a summer intern for UA 糖心视频logo Downtown, was also involved in researching and developing labels for a section of the exhibit. 

Cieslak has heard from several individuals who have explored the exhibit, then experienced memories of their own childhood play rush back to their minds, which “makes this all worth it,” she said. “Hearing that brings such a smile to my face.” 

Despite closing in the 1940s, McLeod鈥檚 Amusement Park — more commonly known as Happy Hollow — remains fresh in the memories of many Arkansans who have visited “Play in Arkansas,” which highlights the attraction along with other “Arkansas Classics” in Hot Springs, such as Oaklawn Park, the city’s historic bathhouses, an alligator farm, and an ostrich farm, as well as non-Hot Springs sites like Eureka Springs and Crater of Diamonds State Park, she said. “I learned so much about Happy Hollow through this process, and it’s one of the classics in Arkansas.”聽

Located in the historic River Market District, UA 糖心视频logo Downtown is where university students, faculty, and staff meet with the public to discuss, exchange, and implement ideas that aim to make the world a more just and equitable place for all. It serves as a hub of learning, service, and collaborations across the lines of scholarly disciplines, fields of community activism, and individual backgrounds.

Following “Play in Arkansas” will be an exhibit — scheduled to debut in February 2027 — highlighting the history of UA 糖心视频logo, as it celebrates its centennial year in 2026-27. 

“We’re very excited to be part of the Centennial festivities and celebrate 100 years of UA 糖心视频logo,” said Cieslak. 

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Bhattacharyya not only taught the man braille, but also how to adapt to his new world. Moments like that have defined Bhattacharyya’s career. 

The UA 糖心视频logo alumnus serves as outreach director for the Helen Keller National Center鈥檚 National Outreach Technology Development and Training Program. He travels across the United States helping deafblind individuals use adaptive technology to communicate, work, and live more independently.

Bhattacharyya was born in Kolkata and raised in Telari, a small village about 25 miles away. When he was growing up, the village had no electricity, running water, or paved roads. As someone who was born deaf and gradually lost his vision, Bhattacharyya鈥檚 access to communication and information was limited.

“I learned early to become resourceful and independent because many of the services and technology available today simply did not exist,” he said. 

Helping others has become his life’s work. His journey took shape at UA 糖心视频logo, where he found not only an education but the confidence to become a leader in accessibility, technology, and advocacy.

His father also impressed upon him the importance of becoming financially independent.

“My father commanded that I needed to support myself financially because he would not be there forever to give me a hand,” Bhattacharyya said. “That message served as a guiding point in how I pursued all endeavors in life.”

After attending Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, in 1992, Bhattacharyya transferred to UA 糖心视频logo because of its commitment to accessibility. At the time, universities with comprehensive accommodations for deafblind students were rare. He eventually graduated from UA 糖心视频logo in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

He learned that the university was willing to remove barriers instead of creating them.

He said UA 糖心视频logo provided him with qualified interpreters, note-taking support, textbooks translated into electronic formats compatible with adaptive technology, orientation and mobility assistance, and faculty and staff committed to finding solutions.

“The environment at UA 糖心视频logo allowed me to focus on learning instead of constantly fighting for access,” he said.

Bhattacharyya also became involved in improving accessibility for future students. Then-Chancellor Charles Hathaway invited students with disabilities to share ideas for making the campus more accessible, leading to the creation of an Americans with Disabilities Act committee. Bhattacharyya served on the committee, helping advocate for improvements such as ramps, elevators, accessible water fountains, and adaptive technology labs.

“That experience became the foundation for my career in advocacy, accessibility, education without barriers, and technology,” he said.

Although he earned degrees in political science and rhetoric and writing, Bhattacharyya found a career that combined policy, communication, education, and technology.

“Political science taught me how laws, government, policies, and public systems affect people’s lives,” he said. “Rhetoric and writing taught me how to communicate ideas clearly and advocate effectively. Technology already was my deep passion, and it became the tool that makes independence with access to communication and information possible.”

Today, no two days are the same.

He conducts technology assessments, teaches people to use screen readers, refreshable braille displays, smartphones, and computers, evaluates emerging accessibility tools, troubleshoots technology, and trains professionals across the country.

Over the course of his career, he has watched smartphones, artificial intelligence, optical character recognition, GPS navigation, and cloud-based communication tools dramatically expand opportunities for deafblind individuals.

He is particularly excited about artificial intelligence and its potential to improve image descriptions, navigation, access to printed information, and real-time communication.

“I’m especially excited about artificial intelligence becoming more integrated into accessibility,” he said. “These technologies have dramatically increased independence and access to information.”

His advocacy has extended beyond individual training. Bhattacharyya helped support national efforts that led to the creation of , a federally-funded program that provides eligible deafblind individuals with free communication technology and training. Today, he manages that program in Florida and Iowa.

Despite the national scope of his work, Bhattacharyya says success is measured one person at a time.

“What means the most to me is hearing someone say, ‘I can do this on my own now,'” he said. “Those words are more meaningful than any award or title. The most rewarding part is seeing someone realize they can do something independently that they never thought was possible. Whether it’s sending their first email, shopping online, communicating with family, applying for a job, or returning to school, those moments remind me why this work is so meaningful.”

For families and friends of someone who is deafblind, Bhattacharyya encourages people to begin with a simple question, rather than assumptions.

“Ask the individual how they prefer to communicate,” he said. “There is no single approach that works for everyone.”

He also hopes people remember that deafblindness does not define a person’s abilities.

“Never assume that deafblindness limits what someone can achieve,” he said. “With proper training, accessible technology, skilled support professionals, and high expectations, deafblind individuals can pursue education, careers, travel, raise families, and contribute to their communities.”

Bhattacharyya credits UA 糖心视频logo with helping transform the trajectory of his life.

“(That) was a turning point in my life,” he said. “It gave me access to the education, accommodations, mentors, and opportunities that helped me realize my potential.”

“The university didn’t simply provide me with a degree,” he said. “It gave me the confidence to become a leader and dedicate my career to helping others succeed.”

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Helping students gain confidence in their own abilities defined Newton’s 38-year career in education. Recently, the UA 糖心视频logo alumna was recognized with the 2026 Lifetime Educator Award.

“It was such a special day, and I was deeply honored by the recognition,” Newton said. “There are so many outstanding teachers across our state who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and their students. I wish every one of them could experience the feeling of being appreciated the way I did that day.”

During her career, Newton served as a teacher, library media specialist, curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, and mentor. She also led professional development for educators across Arkansas, served on the Arkansas State Board of Education, and was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2015.

But the moments she remembers most happened during interaction with her students inside her classroom.

“Some of my favorite moments were watching students who believed they ‘weren’t good at math’ leave my class confident in their abilities,” Newton said. “Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.”

She also cherishes reconnecting with former students years later and hearing about the lives they built after graduation.

“I meet them as adults, and they proudly tell me about their families, their careers, and how they are contributing to their communities,” Newton said. “Every student’s journey is different, and celebrating those journeys has been one of the greatest blessings of my career.”

Newton’s love for teaching started early. Her mother was a teacher and also her first-grade teacher. Other educators helped shape her path as well.

“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Pat Heard, showed me that math wasn’t just a subject. It was something you could truly enjoy,” Newton said. “My high school librarian, Mrs. Sudie Lamb, introduced me to a love of reading and opened the door to so many different genres.”

Newton studied library science at UA 糖心视频logo and said the education she earned at the university gave her the knowledge and confidence to begin her career as a K-12 library media specialist and provided a foundation she relied on throughout her career.

“We are so proud to call Mrs. Ouida Newton a UA 糖心视频logo alumna,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education at UA 糖心视频logo. “She represents excellence and dedication to teaching, and has positively influenced the lives of countless Arkansas children in her schools, and our teacher candidates are fortunate to have her as a role model.”

Another mentor, her high school English teacher, Mrs. Ruby Riggan, taught Newton a lesson she never forgot.

“She taught me that teaching isn’t just about delivering content,” Newton said. “It’s about knowing your students, caring about them as individuals, and letting them know every day that they matter.”

That lesson shaped the way Newton approached teaching and mentoring throughout her career.

“I hope they remember that they don’t simply teach content. They teach children,” Newton said. “Content is important, but the needs of the child must always come first. When students know they are valued and cared for, learning becomes possible.”

Serving as Arkansas Teacher of the Year and later on the Arkansas State Board of Education gave Newton a broader view of education across the state.

“I had the privilege of meeting dedicated educators from every corner of Arkansas,” Newton said. “While we often had different ideas and approaches, we all shared the same goal of providing every child with the best education and opportunities possible.”

After nearly four decades in education, Newton believes one thing has never changed.

“The teacher is still the most important part of any classroom,” she said. “A teacher who believes in a child can change that child’s life forever.”

When she looks back on her career, Newton hopes people remember something much simpler than the awards she received or the positions she held.

“More than anything, I hope people remember that I loved their children with all my heart and always wanted what was best for them,” Newton said. “If they remember that, then I will consider my career a success.”

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The interdisciplinary program prepares professionals to meet growing workforce demand for using data and information systems to improve patient outcomes, efficiency, and decision-making across healthcare organizations.

Students gain hands-on experience using EHR Go, a leading educational electronic health record platform. They apply informatics concepts in simulated healthcare environments that mirror real-world scenarios.

“The launch of the Health Informatics Certificate Program reflects the increasing need for professionals who can connect healthcare and technology in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Ahmed A. Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences and interim director of the Emerging Analytics Center at UA 糖心视频logo. “This program is designed to give students practical experience alongside a strong academic foundation, ensuring they are ready to step into roles that improve patient care, strengthen data systems, and drive efficiency across healthcare organizations.”

The graduate certificate provides a foundation in healthcare data systems, analytics, and informatics while emphasizing programming, database management, ethics, and project management.听

Students will explore how healthcare data is collected, analyzed, and applied to improve both clinical and operational outcomes.

Health informatics continues to grow as healthcare systems increasingly rely on data and technology to improve quality, reduce costs, and support patient care. The program is designed to attract students from a range of backgrounds, including health professions, computer science, data analytics, engineering, and related fields.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in healthcare data analytics, clinical informatics, health information management, and related fields.

Learn more about the new program.

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McKinnis, most recently associate director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, will lead fundraising efforts for one of the university’s largest colleges. She succeeds Stephanie Purifoy, who retired earlier this year.

Before joining UA 糖心视频logo earlier this year, McKinnis spent more than two decades as owner of The Pilates Studio of 糖心视频logo, where she built a successful business while developing lasting relationships across central Arkansas. Earlier in her career, she served as business director for Ballet Arkansas, helping lead fundraising, community outreach, and organizational operations.

“Sheila has a genuine love for this university, and people see that the moment they meet her,” said Christian O’Neal, vice president of advancement. “She’s done an incredible job leading campus tours for prospective donors and partners. With her family’s ties to the university, this role is both professional and personal, and I can’t think of a better person to help tell CHASSE’s story.”

Jeremy Ecke, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, said McKinnis’ background and passion for the arts and education make her an ideal fit for the college.

“CHASSE prepares educators, artists, communicators, social workers, public servants, and community leaders who make a difference across Arkansas and beyond,” Ecke said. “Sheila understands the transformational impact of these disciplines, and her passion for building relationships will help create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and programs.”

McKinnis said she looks forward to working with alumni, donors, and friends of the university to strengthen the college’s impact.

“I’ve spent much of my career working alongside people who believe education, the arts, and community engagement can transform lives,” McKinnis said. “I’m excited to connect alumni and supporters with opportunities to invest in our students and help expand the college’s impact for years to come.”

McKinnis earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of North Texas. To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit .

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Inspired by her mother’s illness, Robinson has spent the last 26 years helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges as a licensed certified social worker.

A 糖心视频logo native, Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in psychology and a Master of Social Work from UA 糖心视频logo. When her mother became ill, Robinson wanted to connect her with the resources she needed to get well. Although her mother passed away before Robinson received her acceptance to graduate school, that experience shaped a career dedicated to helping others through life’s most difficult moments.

“I will say it once, and I will say it again. There is no shame in seeking support,” Robinson said. “We seek support for physical health, but somehow think mental health can be treated by being positive and keeping it to ourselves.”

Robinson credits UA 糖心视频logo with preparing her to serve her community by connecting her with organizations and mentors who shared her passion for advocacy.

Her journey to graduate school, however, wasn’t easy. After not being accepted the first time she applied, Robinson enrolled in a post-baccalaureate social work course before applying again.

“I did not get accepted the first time, but I was determined to get into the program,” Robinson said. “I applied the second time and got in. My life was never the same.”

Throughout her time at UA 糖心视频logo, faculty members also helped shape Robinson both professionally and personally. As an undergraduate, the late Dr. Doug Buffalo encouraged her to become a teacher’s assistant after recognizing her talent in social statistics. During graduate school, the late Judith Faust left a lasting impression by emphasizing the importance of communication, writing, and advocacy.

“She believed that social policy can change the world, and I agreed with her,” Robinson said.

Although Robinson once dreamed of becoming a singer or dancer, encouragement from her father ultimately led her to social work.

“My father, Ocie Robinson, told me I should be a social worker when I was a kid because I always listened to my friends and offered advice,” Robinson said. “I did not want to do that and wanted to be a singer or dancer. However, I began to think about how I enjoyed helping others and seeing the lightbulb go off when they made decisions that were healthy for them.”

Twenty-six years later, Robinson remains passionate about social work because of its flexibility and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Throughout her career, she has embraced new opportunities whenever she felt ready for a change, allowing her to continue serving others while avoiding burnout.

“I am proud of the longevity of my career,” Robinson said. “There is nothing wrong with pivoting if it keeps you vibrant and continuing to work in your field.”

Over the course of her career, Robinson has also witnessed a significant shift in conversations surrounding mental health, particularly in communities of color. While stigma still exists, she said more people are willing to seek help than when she first entered the profession, a change she believes accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mental health was considered taboo when I graduated from the MSW program, especially with African Americans and other minorities,” Robinson said.

For those considering therapy, Robinson encourages people to keep searching until they find someone who feels like the right fit.

“If you do not feel comfortable with the person you picked, try again,” Robinson said. “We try on clothes until we find the right fit, right? The same goes for therapy.”

The greatest reward, Robinson said, has been watching people transform their lives and gain the confidence to navigate difficult seasons on their own.

“I get satisfaction knowing that the people I work with are improving their lives and that they know how to handle the bad days based on the tools we have worked on in treatment,” Robinson said.

As she reflects on the journey that began at UA 糖心视频logo, Robinson hopes current students remember to use the resources available to them, including the university’s counseling services, and never let setbacks define their future.

“Stay encouraged. Be of good cheer. This journey will lead to many other roads. Please do not give up on your dreams,” Robinson said. “I was not accepted the first time I applied to the graduate program. But I knew that I wanted to help others and applied again. If you get a no, that is fine. If you believe you are chosen for something, you keep going.”

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Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements.

“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” said Lloyd Webre, director of development for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Every sponsorship represents someone who believes in creating opportunities for students and our community to experience science in a hands-on, inspiring way. We’re grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to ensure the Shellam Flake Planetarium is a UA 糖心视频logo staple for generations to come.”

Provost Ann Bain became the program’s first supporter, sponsoring two seats in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,” Bain said. “Knowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.”

Centennial Co-Chair Alfred Williams has been instrumental in securing many of the campaign’s seat sponsorships. Campaign cabinet members Mike Williams, James Bobo, RJ Martino, Courtney Little, and Thomas Dickinson have also demonstrated their support by purchasing seats.

Each $2,500 sponsorship includes a personalized nameplate displayed on a planetarium seat for five years. Sponsors may recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. 

Proceeds from the program provide long-term support for the Shellam Flake Planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements, helping ensure it remains a premier destination for student learning and community engagement for years to come.

When open in the spring, the restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space welcoming K-12 students and community members for educational programming and public shows.

Seat sponsorships remain available. To learn more or sponsor a seat, visit or contact Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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