The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School鈥檚 Ambassador Program.

鈥淲e are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,鈥� said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.鈥�

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

• Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
• Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
• Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
• Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
• Bar Sponsor: Tito鈥檚
• Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
• Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki鈥檚/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

鈥淭his tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students 鈥� not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,鈥� Dean Ginger Gummelt said. 鈥淲e are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.鈥�

The UA 糖心视频logo School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the UA 糖心视频logo School of Business.

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The team鈥檚 proposal focused on The 78 鈥� a 62-acre site along the South Branch of the Chicago River that is planned to become Chicago鈥檚 78th neighborhood. The development includes the future McDonald鈥檚 Park stadium, a major sports and entertainment destination, in partnership with the Chicago Fire FC soccer team, designed to support year-round activities.

Representing UA 糖心视频logo were students Brennan Gasaway, Ashley Lopez, Isabel Hortelano, Kodiak Cannedy, and Ryan Hunt, who competed as BAIKR Development, a team name built from each member鈥檚 initials. The team developed the award-winning proposal with guidance from industry experts Siteng Ma and Andy Ahitow, while Elizabeth Small, an instructor of real estate, served as the academic advisor throughout the competition. 

鈥淒eveloping this pitch taught us patience, discipline, commitment, and teamwork,鈥� the team said. 鈥淎s the project evolved, we all became deeply invested in the vision, and receiving this recognition validated the hard work and passion we put into it.鈥�

The proposal centered on creating a mixed-use district guided by the principle of 鈥減eople first, buildings second,鈥� with an emphasis on building a development that complemented the surrounding neighborhoods while supporting long-term activity beyond stadium events. 

Taking Ma鈥檚 advice to follow the 鈥淟ive, Work, Play鈥� concept, the team focused on creating a development that complemented the existing neighborhoods and future McDonald鈥檚 Park stadium while giving the 78th neighborhood its own identity.

For 鈥淟ive,鈥� the students envisioned a walkable residential community with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing designed for students, families, and working professionals, creating a stable environment year-round.

For 鈥淲ork,鈥� the proposal introduced office, retail, hospitality, and educational spaces anchored by a Culinary and Hospitality Institute designed to support workforce development and generate daily activity within the district.

For 鈥淧lay,鈥� the team incorporated restaurants, entertainment venues, hospitality spaces, and public gathering areas intended to extend activity beyond game days while supporting both residents and visitors. 

As the project developed, the team focused on creating a district that could sustain activity beyond major stadium events. With McDonald鈥檚 Park serving as a major anchor for the district, the team introduced the Culinary and Hospitality Institute as a second anchor tenant designed to support workforce development, hospitality training, and year-round engagement. 

鈥淲e wanted to stay focused on building a community that recognized and included the people already surrounding the space,鈥� Hortelano said. 鈥淎 big part of our approach was making sure the development felt welcoming and connected to the existing neighborhoods rather than creating something that isolated or displaced them.鈥�

Small encouraged the students to look beyond the site itself and understand the surrounding demographics as real people and neighborhoods, a perspective that shaped many of the team鈥檚 design decisions throughout the project. 

鈥淲e could see how much the team genuinely believed in its pitch, and we were impressed with how they created an ecosystem that could grow organically with the surrounding community over time,鈥� one competition judge said.

Throughout the development of their pitch, team members reached out directly to industry professionals and businesses to test ideas and refine the proposal鈥檚 feasibility. 

鈥淲e were all really surprised how open all of the professionals we spoke to were,鈥� said the team, 鈥淲e spent a lot of time on the phone or talking over email about all of our options, and which made the most sense for the development.鈥�

As the team refined the project, members said their collaboration became one of the group鈥檚 greatest strengths.

鈥淏ecoming friends made everything much easier,鈥� Lopez said.

What began as a competition project ultimately became a collaborative learning experience that challenged the students to think beyond the classroom. Through countless conversations, revisions, and real-world outreach, team members said they developed stronger friendships, discovered their individual passions within the project, and gained a deeper understanding of how thoughtful developments can shape communities. Their success at the Eisenberg Competition reflected not only the strength of their proposal, but also the teamwork and shared vision behind it.

The post UA 糖心视频logo Building Chicago鈥檚 78th Neighborhood: UA 糖心视频logo Students Capture National 鈥楤est Pitch鈥� Title UA 糖心视频logo appeared first on News.

Smith, a management major from 糖心视频logo, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university鈥檚 MBA program.

A setter for the team, Smith said she chose UA 糖心视频logo because it felt like the right fit academically and athletically.

鈥淔rom the beginning, I could see that the program would challenge me in the classroom while also giving me the opportunity to compete at a high level in volleyball,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚 really valued the supportive environment from the coaches, professors, and teammates. It felt like a place where I could grow and be pushed to reach my full potential.鈥�

鈥淚 also liked that I could build strong relationships and not feel like just a number,鈥� she said.

Smith did not originally plan to graduate early, but continued taking courses to challenge herself.

鈥淥ver time, that added up and put me in a position to finish ahead of schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t still took a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice, especially balancing academics with being a student-athlete.鈥�

Smith said earning magna cum laude honors and maintaining a GPA above 3.8 made the hard work worthwhile.

鈥淚t鈥檚 something I鈥檓 really proud of, not just because of the recognition, but because of the consistency and effort it took over time,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ore than anything, it gives me confidence going into the next chapter, knowing I was able to push myself and succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.鈥�

This year, Smith was inducted into UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the nation鈥檚 oldest collegiate honor society. She was also nominated for Female Scholar of the Year at this year鈥檚 Trojan Top Awards.

鈥淚t represents all the hard work I鈥檝e put in both academically and athletically, and it means a lot to be recognized for balancing both at a high level,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎s a student-athlete, you鈥檙e constantly working to meet expectations in the classroom and on the court, so this nomination feels like a reflection of that commitment and consistency.鈥�

She added that the recognition helps challenge stereotypes about student-athletes.

鈥溙切氖悠祃ogo have always been a priority for me as well,鈥� she said.

Outside the classroom and volleyball court, Smith serves on the executive board for UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Management and HR Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also elected SAAC president for the upcoming school year.

Smith said her favorite memory as a student-athlete was 糖心视频logo鈥檚 five-set victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in its first home conference match last season at the Jack Stephens Center.

鈥淭he energy in the gym was unreal,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he stands were packed, and the intensity was high from the very first point.鈥�

Smith said the match remained close throughout, and the team stayed united through every set.

鈥淕etting that win to start conference play at home, in that kind of environment, is something I鈥檒l always remember because of the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the way our team stayed together,鈥� she said.

Smith credits professor Phil Harris and athletic trainer Jess Kiser for making a lasting impact on her journey at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淚 learned so much in his management classes, but what stood out even more was the mentorship he provided outside of the classroom through the Management and HR Society,鈥� Smith said of Harris. 鈥淗e genuinely cared about helping students grow, not just academically but professionally as well.鈥�

She said Kiser consistently supported student-athletes through injuries and challenges.

鈥淪he was incredibly passionate about her job and truly cared about each of us as athletes and people,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淪he was always there whenever we were dealing with injuries, making sure we were taken care of and supported every step of the way.鈥�

After graduation, Smith plans to use her remaining year of volleyball eligibility to continue playing for the Trojans while pursuing her MBA.

鈥淭his next chapter is a chance for me to keep growing both academically and athletically,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ompeting at a high level while taking on a graduate program will continue to push my discipline, time management, and leadership skills.鈥�

Smith said her biggest advice for future student-athletes is not to underestimate themselves.

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to underestimate what you鈥檙e capable of when you鈥檙e balancing a full academic and athletic schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut you鈥檙e capable of more than you think if you stay disciplined and committed.鈥�

She also emphasized the importance of resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 control every outcome, but you can control your effort, attitude, preparation, and how you show up every day,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚f you focus on those things, everything else tends to fall into place over time.鈥�

The post Trojan Setter Kaylee Smith Graduates Early with Honors appeared first on News.

“I have always been a big fan of school, for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I truly believe that school is both a challenge and a form of preparation that helps you grow into a disciplined human being.”

Martinez earned a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications with an emphasis in journalism from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. For the 糖心视频logo resident, education reflects the discipline, effort, and accountability required for success.

“A degree represents the hard work you鈥檝e invested in gaining knowledge and holding yourself accountable,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat said, earning my master鈥檚 degree has always been a dream of mine.”

During her time in graduate school at UA 糖心视频logo, Martinez has balanced multiple responsibilities. She is a full-time student and part-time graduate assistant. She also worked for the Arkansas Business Publishing Group during the summer and fall semesters.

“I鈥檝e been lucky enough to earn my master鈥檚 while having two jobs that not only helped pay for my education but also allowed me to meet extraordinary people,” she said.

Throughout a demanding schedule, Martinez said the support of others helped her stay grounded.

“I鈥檝e had incredible bosses, professors, family, and friends who made this juggle easier than I expected,” she said. “Easy? No, it wasn鈥檛, but nothing in life that is worth it is easy. Everything comes with challenges and struggles, but that is the beauty of life.”

One of her most meaningful experiences was coaching the university鈥檚 鈥� a role she initially stepped into without knowing how much it would shape her.

Before coming to 糖心视频logo, Martinez had swum for four years as an undergrad on a scholarship.

鈥淚 wanted to explore coaching because my dad was my swim coach for 20 years, and I wanted to do the same thing he did for me 鈥� for other people,鈥� she said.

What began as exploration soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her graduate experience.

“Over the past two years, I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be to coach someone into becoming the best version of themselves,” she said. “The fact that the 30-plus women I met along the way allowed me to be part of their growth is something I will always be grateful for.”

Nathan Townsend, the team’s head coach, said Martinez worked as a graduate assistant and has been a cornerstone of the swimming program. She has shown a top work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

鈥淓milia is someone I trust deeply, not only because of how hard she works, but because of the insight and perspective she brings to every situation,鈥� he said. 鈥淒uring challenging moments, her steady presence and mindset helped guide our team forward and played a meaningful role in our success.鈥�

Martinez credits her parents, sister, and boyfriend with encouraging her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams while far from home. After graduation, she plans to work in FedEx鈥檚 sales enablement department, focusing on project management and communications content. 

During her college experience, Martinez gained insights she wants to share with other students.

“Don鈥檛 let fear stop you from doing the thing that scares you the most,” she said. “That is how I approached these last two years while pursuing my master鈥檚. I stepped out of my shell to build real connections with my professors and allowed them to challenge me through different classes and assignments.”

The post First in Her Family, Emilia Martinez Turns a Dream Into a Master’s Degree appeared first on News.

The award, announced at the OVC Basketball Championship tournament, recognizes outstanding faculty across conference institutions for their student impact, contributions to department and university curricula, professional development, community involvement and institutional service.

鈥淢y first reaction was genuine surprise, followed quickly by gratitude,鈥� Rockwell said. 鈥淟ike most faculty, I鈥檓 often focused on the next class session, the next student meeting, or the next report, and don鈥檛 stop to think about awards. My thoughts quickly turned to my students, many of whom are balancing demanding jobs or Division I athletics with rigorous academic programs. Their perseverance embodies what this award represents.鈥�

Rockwell credits UA 糖心视频logo, especially the School of Business, with shaping her approach to teaching. Working at a university rooted in access, opportunity, and real-world relevance has reinforced her focus on ensuring each course, assignment, and experience helps prepare students for long-term success. The school鈥檚 鈥淜now Your Worth鈥� motto 鈥� the idea that every student鈥檚 education should yield a measurable return in their career and life 鈥� serves as a constant reminder that what happens in the classroom must pay dividends well beyond it.

That mindset is especially evident in how Rockwell works with student-athletes, whom she recognizes as effectively managing two full-time commitments at once. She prioritizes flexibility and proactive communication, meeting with student-athletes early in the semester to align assignment deadlines and exam dates with their travel and competition schedules, all while holding them to the same academic standards as every other student.

鈥淪tudent-athletes are not only competitors 鈥� they are emerging professionals,鈥� Rockwell said, 鈥渁nd I want them to leave here understanding that their education is an investment in themselves.鈥�

For Rockwell, that belief in student potential is inseparable from what she teaches and how she teaches it. She was drawn to law, management, marketing, and technology because of where those disciplines intersect 鈥� strategy, people, and innovation 鈥� where decisions carry immediate consequences and advantages for organizations and communities. 

鈥淏usiness law allows me to show students how legal rules shape everything from contracts and branding to real estate development and technology adoption,鈥� Rockwell said. 鈥淲e can move seamlessly from doctrine to real-world examples 鈥� analyzing influencer agreements, walking neighborhoods when we study eminent domain, or unpacking the fine print of a contract a student may someday sign.鈥�

That carries particular weight for college athletes working to reach the next level. For a student-athlete hoping to sign a professional contract, understanding the legal language is not just an academic exercise, it is preparation for one of the most important moments of their career.

For Rockwell, the award represents something larger than her own work. It affirms her efforts at UA 糖心视频logo and the School of Business and connects her to a broader community of faculty across the OVC committed to the same mission. The students she teaches go on to work, lead and build in 糖心视频logo and across Arkansas, and she sees the classroom as the starting point for that impact.

鈥淲hat keeps me motivated is seeing students transform over time 鈥� from tentative first-year or MBA students into confident professionals, graduate students, and, in some cases, future lawyers and community leaders,鈥� Rockwell said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 especially rewarding to watch student-athletes and working students discover that their education is not just a requirement but an investment in themselves and in the communities they will serve.鈥�

The post UA 糖心视频logo Professor Earns OVC Faculty Honor for Student Success appeared first on News.

Stewart graduated from UA 糖心视频logo in May 2013 with a degree in marketing and a minor in psychology.

While at UA 糖心视频logo, one of her marketing projects required students to create a business concept and pitch it to mock investors. It was one of her final projects before graduation. Stewart and her partner developed a mock sports bar concept centered around wings and beer 鈥� an experience that helped shape the way she approaches business today.

鈥淚n hindsight, there were many things that helped me, like having knowledge of the basic fundamentals of finance, marketing, and even pitching ideas,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淗owever, one thing entrepreneurship will teach you is that you should always be a student.鈥�

That mindset would soon prove essential as Stewart navigated an unexpected turning point in her career.

鈥淥wning a business was actually a pivot from losing one of our primary incomes at the beginning of COVID,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e originally started as a meal prep company and then switched to pizza and wings after evaluating our business goals.鈥�

Since then, Certified Pies has grown into a community favorite with nearly 100,000 followers across its Facebook and TikTok pages.

鈥淏uilding this business through the pandemic shaped how we communicated with the community,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淲ith everything around us shut down and our customer base operating remotely, we had to use social media to reach them. Truly, Certified Pies became its own personality through Facebook, and people enjoyed being able to interact with a local business.鈥�

Along with its growing social media presence, Certified Pies has also received national recognition. Southern Living recently named the restaurant one of the top 20 places for chicken wings in the South.

鈥淲e have been blessed to be featured in local magazines, but a national magazine is something major,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 truly an honor to put 糖心视频logo, Arkansas, on the map with our wings and to highlight another local business, Truth Sauce.鈥�

Looking back on her time at UA 糖心视频logo, Stewart says one lesson stands out: the importance of time management.

During her time as a student, she balanced a full course load while working a 40-hour-per-week call center job.

鈥淢anaging class schedules, professor expectations, along with the stress of a customer service job took a lot of juggling,鈥� she said.

For Stewart, success as a business owner has taken on a new meaning.

鈥淪uccess is very different as a business owner,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 used to be focused on working a full-time job and taking care of my family. Now it comes with great responsibility 鈥� providing job opportunities, feeding the community, and creating a space for families to gather. I appreciate the small wins just as much as the big ones.鈥�

Her advice for current UA 糖心视频logo students interested in starting their own business is simple:

鈥淛umping into entrepreneurship is like riding the longest roller coaster,鈥� she said. 鈥淲here you are right now is not where you will end. You will pivot many times along the way, but the journey is still worth it. Appreciate it.鈥�

The post UA 糖心视频logo Alumna Turns Class Project Roots into Food Scene Success appeared first on News.

This ranking evaluates programs based on affordability, accessibility and academic quality. This recognition highlights the university鈥檚 efforts to provide a comprehensive and accessible education for students across Arkansas and beyond. 

UA 糖心视频logo offers both in-person and fully online, providing options for both traditional students, working professionals and all those in between. The program emphasizes practical business skills such as strategic planning, organizational behavior and people management, preparing students for leadership roles across a range of industries.  

鈥淭his ranking highlights the strength of our commitment to innovative, career-focused education,鈥� said Yue Zhao, chair and associate professor of management, marketing, and technology in the UA 糖心视频logo School of Business. 鈥淥ur online management program combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing, technology-driven business environment. We are proud to provide flexible pathways that support both professional advancement and social mobility.鈥�

This national recognition shows the university鈥檚 commitment to delivering value, promoting academic excellence and relevant education to all. The management program provides students with a broad perspective on management in today’s evolving business environment, shaping them into problem-solvers and decision-makers. As the program and university continue to innovate and expand opportunities, they solidify their reputation as a destination for high-quality, accessible education.

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When she first stepped onto campus, the Quitman, Texas, native never imagined she would become a visible campus leader, a Homecoming Royal, a graduating business administration major, and a student-athlete balancing competition with entrepreneurship. Looking back, she sees her time at UA 糖心视频logo as a period of steady growth, particularly in confidence and critical thinking.

Through her experiences as a business major, pole vaulter, and campus leader involved in multiple student organizations, Marcee says her growth was intentional. She sought each role to push herself beyond her comfort zone and to help discover the strengths she didn鈥檛 know she had.

That drive continued in the classroom. Studying business administration gave Marcee more than professional skills 鈥� it forced her to think about how she leads, plans, and responds when things don鈥檛 go as expected. While she values structure, she learned that setbacks often create space for new opportunities and strategic thinking. Over time, she says, her coursework shaped her into a goal-oriented thinker who values relationships as much as results.

Marcee learned that leadership isn鈥檛 just about outcomes 鈥� it鈥檚 about trust.

Her perspective became even clearer when she was selected as UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 2025 Homecoming Royal. That role placed her in the spotlight and challenged her to represent not only herself but also the organizations and campus communities of which she is a part. The experience pushed her to engage more deeply across campus and helped her understand the ripple effect one student can have.

Corrigan Revels, assistant director for Student Leadership and Development in the Division of Student Affairs at UA 糖心视频logo, has seen that growth firsthand. He said Marcee has served as a Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps peer mentor for three years and as a Student Activities Board leader for two, bringing openness, discipline, and energy to every role she takes on.

鈥淏rooklyn brings an open mind and strong commitment to everything she does,鈥� Revels said. 鈥淗er discipline and positive energy make her a joy to work with. I encourage our student leaders to bring good energy while also knowing when to ask for support, and Brooklyn has found that balance. I鈥檓 proud of her accomplishments and excited to see what鈥檚 next for her.鈥�

While she believes meaningful change doesn鈥檛 happen alone, Marcee says one person鈥檚 actions can influence others 鈥� and those connections ultimately shape a campus community.

Athletics played a key role in shaping that mindset. As a pole vaulter, Marcee competes in a sport that demands precision, trust, and resilience. Through years of training and competition, she learned how to stay composed under pressure, grow from failure, and trust the process 鈥� lessons that extended far beyond the track.

Those skills carried into her academic work, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial pursuits. The discipline and determination she developed as an athlete, she says, gave her the tools to persevere through challenges and keep moving forward.

As May graduation approaches, Marcee is focused on what comes next and on continuing to grow. She plans to pursue her business full time as a makeup artist specializing in bridal work, building a career centered on confidence, connection, and empowerment.

One of the most valuable lessons she鈥檚 taking with her from UA 糖心视频logo is the importance of confidence in personal and professional success. Through her work, she hopes to help others feel empowered on one of the most important days of their lives.

For Marcee, the journey through UA 糖心视频logo wasn鈥檛 just about earning a degree. It was about becoming someone who leads with intention, embraces challenge, and understands the impact of showing up with confidence.

The post Confidence in Motion: Brooklyn Marcee鈥檚 Path Through UA 糖心视频logo appeared first on News.

The prize is $50,000 in services from PREDICTif Solutions, funded by Amazon Web Services.

Hosted by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, along with UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 School of Business, Tech Launch and Workforce Development Center, this contest is for Arkansas entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for transforming business operations and accelerating growth with AI.

The competition is open to Arkansans who are in business or have a business idea, across all industries. The business does not need to be an AI company or technology startup.

鈥淲e are seeking current and future Arkansas entrepreneurs who envision practical, creative, high-impact ways to put AI to work in a business setting,鈥� said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine.

An idea might solve an operational challenge, increase revenue, expand market reach or create scalable efficiencies.

Entrepreneurs must apply for a spot in the competition. Selected participants will pitch their AI concept in front of judges and have the opportunity to win up to $50,000 worth of professional services from PREDICTif to support development of the winning idea.

This prize is not cash and not AWS credits. Instead, it is AWS Partner-funded support delivered through technical resources, architecture guidance, and solution development services. All competitors will receive expert feedback on how to bring their concepts to life.

The Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition will take place Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development on the UA 糖心视频logo campus. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

鈥淭he community is invited to join us for a fun and inspiring time. Come enjoy the pitches, support Arkansas innovators and expand your AI knowledge,鈥� said Fine.

Visit to get more details, sign up to pitch or register to attend.

In the first four months of 2026, AWS and PREDICTif will hold 34 pitch competitions with Small Business Development Center partners nationwide, with more expected. 鈥淲e are thrilled to bring this opportunity to Arkansas through our SBDC connection,鈥� Fine said.

For questions about the event, contact ASBTDC鈥檚 Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.

ASBTDC offers no-cost services and resources for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses. Learn more at .

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The rigors of training for international competition are only part of Miley鈥檚 journey. While preparing for the sports world鈥檚 biggest stage, he is also completing his business management degree online through UA 糖心视频logo and plans to graduate in May. It鈥檚 a commitment he believes has strengthened him as an athlete by sharpening his time management skills and mental approach to competition.

The Olympics have always represented the pinnacle of the sport.

鈥淔rom a young age competing in wrestling, I always looked at the Olympics as the prime-time show,鈥� Miley said. 鈥淭here are world championships every year, but nothing compares to the Olympics. College wrestling always felt like the next step for me, and I was fortunate to find a great home at 糖心视频logo. They sharpened my skills and made me a more competitive athlete.鈥�

Miley鈥檚 development continued on the international stage, where he captured two U23 Pan American titles. Those accomplishments confirmed his potential, but it was competing at the 2024 U23 World Championships that helped clarify his path forward.

鈥淚 may not have placed, but experiencing that level of competition showed me exactly where I stood,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t showed me how much I needed to change and challenge myself. Collegiate wrestling shaped the way I trained and competed 鈥� it definitely raised my level as an athlete.鈥�

Beyond competition, wrestling has shaped Miley鈥檚 approach to life.

鈥淚t鈥檚 made me a better student, employee, son, partner 鈥� just a better person overall,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he discipline it takes to be a high-level wrestler is something you don鈥檛 get from another sport.鈥�

Miley said the discipline he鈥檚 learned through wrestling has taught him a simple but lasting lesson.

鈥淵ou get what you earn,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 put in the right effort at the right time, you won鈥檛 get the results you鈥檙e seeking.鈥�

That mindset now guides Miley as he balances training, international travel, and academics. Time management, he said, has been his biggest challenge.

鈥淪taying on top of classes while traveling out of the country for weeks at a time can be tough,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he biggest thing I鈥檝e learned is to complete my work ahead of time.鈥�

Miley is completing a business management degree, a decision he views as essential to his future beyond competition.

鈥淔inishing my degree is really important to me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not exactly part of my wrestling plan, but I have future goals in the wrestling world that will be much easier to pursue with a degree. That鈥檚 been a major motivation.鈥�

Continuing his education through UA 糖心视频logo allowed him to stay focused on both goals. Miley said the university鈥檚 fully online option made it possible to keep his credits intact while training at an elite level.

鈥淭he option to stay with the same school and complete everything online made UA 糖心视频logo the right fit,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t kept me from having to deal with transferring credits and allowed me to focus on finishing my degree.鈥�

He also credited faculty support for helping him stay on track academically.

鈥淢ost professors are extremely understanding and willing to work with students who have real-life situations going on,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he online setup is simple, and that makes a big difference when you鈥檙e balancing school with travel and training.鈥�

Miley believes his education has strengthened him in competition as well.

鈥淏eing educated has helped me in every part of life,鈥� he said. 鈥淓arning my degree has sharpened my time management skills, and I use that on the mat too. I think it gives me an edge, mentally as much as physically.鈥�

While Miley now competes for the New York Athletic Club and represents the United States internationally, he remains closely connected to UA 糖心视频logo. Rather than pointing to a single mentor, he credits the collective impact of the Trojans wrestling staff.

鈥淭he coaching staff at UA 糖心视频logo helped me through so many things on and off the mat,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey made me a better person overall. Every coach played a role in different areas of my life.鈥�

As he continues training toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Miley carries those lessons with him 鈥� from the mat, the classroom, and his time as a Trojan.

鈥淚鈥檒l always credit UA 糖心视频logo for the role it played in my development,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hose experiences helped shape who I am today.鈥�

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