School of Public Affairs - News - UA ��Ƶlogo

Translating Research into Action

Samantha Koros — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:03:34 +0000

In 2026, Dr. Derek R. Slagle, a faculty member at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo, will serve as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

The Fulbright Specialist Program supports short-term academic exchanges that connect U.S. scholars with international institutions to address shared challenges through collaboration, teaching, and applied research. Through this program, Slagle will collaborate with the University of Pretoria’s Public Policy Hub (PPH) and the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS-UP).

Slagle’s upcoming assignment will focus on a core challenge in public administration: how universities, governments, and communities can work together to ensure that research meaningfully informs policy and public service delivery. For Slagle, the answer begins long before findings are published.

“For me, accessibility begins well before results are written up. It starts with how research is designed and conducted,” he said.

Rather than producing research in isolation, Slagle plans to work alongside faculty, policymakers, and community partners to clarify what decisions evidence should inform and how it should be communicated.

At the center of Slagle’s work is co-production, a collaborative model that invites communities, practitioners, and policymakers to help define problems and shape solutions.

“Effective co-production means moving beyond consultation toward shared ownership of both the problem and the solution,” Slagle said. “It involves joint problem framing, recognition of multiple forms of expertise – including lived and community experience – and sustained interaction throughout a project.”

By aligning academic inquiry more closely with public-sector realities and community priorities, Slagle believes universities can serve as effective bridges between knowledge and action.

A defining feature of this upcoming work is tackling barriers to evidence-informed policymaking through community engagement. While evidence-based approaches are widely endorsed, research often fails to reach decision-makers in usable ways. To address this, Slagle emphasizes iteration as central to effective research and evaluation. He argues that more durable and legitimate policy solutions emerge when communities are empowered as co-designers rather than treated as passive recipients.

The Fulbright work will also explore public service delivery in resource-constrained environments, including the responsible use of AI and other digital technologies. While he sees opportunities for AI to support data analysis, communication, and service coordination, he stresses that ethical decisions must remain central to ensuring innovation strengthens trust and public value.

Slagle was drawn to the Fulbright Specialist opportunity because the challenges at the University of Pretoria mirror those faced in Arkansas and across the U.S. He views the assignment as a reciprocal learning opportunity and looks forward to applying what he learns back to the UA ��Ƶlogo campus as well as the greater ��Ƶlogo community.

Ultimately, Slagle sees the Fulbright Specialist experience as reinforcing the role of universities as boundary-spanning institutions; connecting research, policy, and practice in ways that serve the public good locally and globally.

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Two UA ��Ƶlogo Students Selected for Inaugural Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy

Justin Bates — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Two University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo students, Axton Tackett and Braden Carr, have been selected for the inaugural , a statewide program backed by the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute that prepares the next generation of civic leaders.

The program brings together students from colleges and universities across the state for a yearlong course combining academic learning, civil discussions, practical training, and service-learning experiences. Participants work toward earning the Civic Arkansan Credential, which recognizes a student’s commitment to tackling societal challenges, promoting civic responsibility, and contributing to the public good.

The academy was developed with input from a statewide advisory committee that includes Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration.

With UA ��Ƶlogo helping to shape the program’s creation, two of its students are now among the first to experience it firsthand.

Tackett, a junior political science major from North ��Ƶlogo, said he is particularly excited about the academy’s election component.

“I have always been incredibly interested in campaigns, elections, and how the administration of elections shapes voter participation,” Tackett said. “Understanding the electoral process, from ballot initiatives to polling place accessibility, will help give me a clear picture of what strengthens or limits electoral participation among Arkansans.”

Through the program, Tackett hopes to deepen his understanding of civic engagement strategies and public policy while preparing for a career in public administration.

“My coursework at UA ��Ƶlogo has given me a solid foundation in how our institutions shape public policy and citizen representation,” he said. “The Civic Leadership Academy will help me connect government processes with civic needs and gain the professional experience and networking opportunities to bring together academic learning with practical public service.”

Carr, a junior from Paragould double majoring in political science and criminal justice, said he’s most looking forward to the program’s service-learning component.

“Applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my coursework and this program to make a positive impact in the community is exciting to me,” he said.

Carr said the academy’s emphasis on dialogue and empathy resonates deeply with him.

“I hope to improve at communicating with and understanding people who disagree with me,” he said. “I believe America can benefit from more empathy and open dialogue, and that change begins with each individual.”

Carr credits his experience in the School of Public Affairs and the Donaghey Scholars Program with preparing him to think critically and communicate effectively about the issues shaping society. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public policy or political campaigns.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration, praised Tackett and Carr for representing the university in the program’s first cohort.

“(They) exemplify the very spirit of the program — motivated, thoughtful, and deeply engaged in public service,” Slagle said. “As early-entry MPA students and political science majors in the School of Public Affairs, they are already bridging the gap between academic study and applied leadership, translating classroom knowledge into tangible civic impact. Their participation demonstrates the strength of UA ��Ƶlogo’s commitment to cultivating future public servants who think critically, communicate effectively, and act with purpose. Watching these students represent our university in this statewide network affirms the value of experiential civic education and underscores the promise of Arkansas’s next generation of leaders.”

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy to build civic capacity and develop student leaders who can strengthen communities through dialogue, collaboration, and public service.

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Curiosity, Community, and Leadership: Dr. David White Named Director of the Survey Research Center

Justin Bates — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

From a rural high school principal to a leading academic researcher, Dr. David White’s career has been shaped by curiosity and mentorship — a path that has now led him to direct UA ��Ƶlogo’s Survey Research Center.

Being curious suits him well, as someone whose career has been defined by being curious, asking questions and helping others do the same.

Arkansas’s Hub for Survey Research

Housed within the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs, the Survey Research Center is Arkansas’s only academic survey research center. It has been a source of major research over the last several decades, helping to support university faculty as well as government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses across the state.

White, who stepped into the director role this year, is committed to expanding that reach.

“In my role as director, I will be seeking new partnerships, new opportunities for growth and expansion, and new ways to serve while continuing to maintain the standard of excellence that has long been a hallmark of UA ��Ƶlogo’s research,” he said.

A Path Carved By Curiosity

White is a first-generation college student from a rural community in northeast Arkansas, who began his career in education as a high school principal. As he made the leap from public school administration to academic research, a step he acknowledges is “not statistically likely,” he credited the support of his mentors for their guidance and support along the way.

“The greatest success in my career so far has been making the transition from working as a high school principal to working as an academic researcher,” White said. “I’m deeply grateful to the incredible educators and mentors who supported me on this journey.”

That sense of gratitude carries through as White reflects on his career within the University of Arkansas System. He began as an instructional designer under the mentorship of Dr. Scott Wright, later serving as a grant administration manager at regional campuses with Dr. Marcia Byers, who also served on his dissertation committee.

“At every step of my professional journey, people have invested in me when they didn’t have to,” he said. “My goal is to honor their work by investing in others and helping build their success.”

Energized by Possibility

White says the most energizing part of his new role is the opportunity to work at the intersection of academic research and real-world problem solving. “Our clients come to us with real-world questions, and we work with them to develop academically rigorous research instruments that provide answers,” he said.

He said he’s also eager to work with faculty across the UA system, supporting their research and publishing efforts.

Asked what guidance he would offer to those interested in research, White says to stay curious.

“Beyond the technical methodology, which can be taught, a researcher must have a disposition toward the world that desires to know and understand,” he said. “Curiosity is the passion that drives that desire.”

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UA ��Ƶlogo Students Explore Interfaith Connections and Cultural History During Study Abroad Journey Through Spain

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:20:00 +0000

A group of University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo students embarked on a transformative summer study abroad program that took them on an interfaith and intercultural journey through Spain, where they explored centuries of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influence on Spanish history, politics, and identity.

Led by Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Avinash Thombre, professor of applied communication, the course, “,” took students to Spain. From May 20 to June 1, they traveled to Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, and the Mediterranean coast city of Almuñécar, where they visited grand cathedrals and mosques to city squares layered with historical memory.

“Getting to meet with local government groups, non-profits, and religious organizations in Spain, visit historical sites, and have meaningful conversations about religion and interfaith connections made for an incredible experience,” Glazier said. “Our night tour of the Mezquita in Córdoba was especially powerful. It is a beautiful site, and hearing about how it was built as a mosque and later converted to a cathedral was important and heartbreaking.”

Through guided tours, academic readings, class discussions, museum visits, and conversations with local leaders and organizations like Casa Árabe and Arco Forum, the group explored themes such as convivencia (coexistence), religious freedom, and the legacy of colonialism and conflict.

“Given the complex history of Spain over the last 2,000 years, there is a wealth of information to explore and learn regarding intercultural and interfaith issues,” Thombre said. “By immersing themselves in the various historical sites of different cities in Spain, our students were exposed to the intricacies and interplay of culture, communication, politics, and faith. The transformative experience is an effort to sensitize our students to the fact that coexistence of our faiths and cultures is possible if we make an effort.”

The students who participated in the study abroad trip included Rory Abbott, Catherine Clevenger, Carlee Felty, Payten Free, Madelyne Hunter, Amirah Jackson, Bex Little, Mercy Macjones, Amaya Mendoza, Jeralyn Mitchell, and Suzy Velez.

UA ��Ƶlogo students visit the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain.

For students like Amaya Mendoza, a sophomore political science major, the program offered invaluable preparation for a future career in public policy.

“This trip offered a deep dive into the intersections of religion, politics, and cultural identity,” Mendoza said. “It broadened my global perspective and helped me think critically about real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Visiting places like Casa Árabe and leading a discussion on veil bans gave me the opportunity to reflect on the real impacts of policy decisions on people’s lives.”

Madelyne Hunter, a political science senior, said the trip gave her new perspective on the histories and cultures that shape modern society.

“I care a lot about the atmosphere of a place,” she said. “The architecture, the scenery, the cathedrals—it was all unforgettable. Learning that the concept of veiling isn’t actually inherent to Islam was surprising and being able to reflect on that while visiting mosques made the learning experience much deeper.”

For Suzy Velez, a 67-year-old studio art major and full-time student, the journey was as much about personal transformation as academic enrichment.

“Spain has long been my dream destination, and being there inspired me,” Velez said. “From museums to mosques, churches, and cathedrals, each place left its mark. The most powerful moment for me was visiting the Jewish Quarter in Córdoba and learning how entire families were buried in mass graves during the Inquisition. It wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a loss that felt personal.”

Velez described the trip as “soul work” that will continue to inspire her as an artist.

Students also explored Spanish cuisine, engaged in a tile workshop, saw a flamenco performance in Granada, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Their travels were enriched by daily academic discussions and reflection, both in-person and through blog posts shared with the broader community. The course emphasized cultural immersion, empathy, and critical reflection.

“I’m returning home more open-minded, more curious, and more committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across differences,” Mendoza said. “This wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about becoming a better global citizen.”

The students will host a public event titled, “Interfaith in Action: How Spain’s Religious History Can Impact ��Ƶlogo’s Future,” at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at UA ��Ƶlogo Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. Panelists Rev. Patricia Matthews of the Interfaith Center, Dr. Ali Khan of the Madina Institute, and Hon, Annabelle Imber Tuck of Congregation of B’nai Israel will join students and guests for a community conversation. The event includes a student slideshow of the study abroad trip and light refreshments. For details, contact Glazier at raglazier@ualr.edu.

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UA ��Ƶlogo Student Gains Hands-On Government Experience Through Congressional Internship

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Braden Carr, a sophomore at UA ��Ƶlogo, is making strides toward a future in government and public policy through hands-on experience in a congressional internship and campaign volunteering.

A double major in political science and criminal justice, Carr spent much of 2024 working with U.S. Rep. French Hill’s, R-��Ƶlogo, office, gaining valuable insight into the legislative process and the intricacies of politics.

A native of Paragould and a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Carr secured a summer 2024 internship with Congressman Hill’s district office in ��Ƶlogo, where he worked directly with constituents. His responsibilities included taking phone calls from constituents with case work matters involving federal agencies or legislative concerns. He also assisted staff members with a variety of projects.

“I got to see how government officials interact with their constituents and that they truly care about what people have to say,” Carr said. “This experience showed me that there are people genuinely working every day to help others.”

Following his summer internship, Carr continued his involvement by volunteering for Hill’s campaign during the fall semester. He participated in campaign events such as the Salt Bowl, knocked on doors, and distributed information about the congressman and other candidates. This firsthand experience volunteering on a campaign deepened his appreciation for democracy and for the hard work and strategy required to win public office.

“I’ve always been interested in elections, and this experience made me love them even more,” he said. “It was eye-opening to see the time and effort people put into winning an election.”

Looking ahead, Carr plans to continue building on his political experience. He will be studying abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland for the second half of the summer, where he will study international relations and the Scottish criminal justice system.

Carr, who plans to graduate in 2027, envisions a future working in policy or legislative affairs. He credits his internship and volunteer experiences and the support from UA ��Ƶlogo’s Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and the School of Public Affairs for helping shape his career aspirations.

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U.S. News & World Report Recognizes UA ��Ƶlogo Among Top Public Affairs Graduate Programs

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:16:19 +0000

The University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo has once again earned national recognition for its excellence in graduate education. UA ��Ƶlogo’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is ranked 96th in the nation for public affairs in the .

This marks the third consecutive year UA ��Ƶlogo has been listed among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs, climbing three spots from its 99th ranking in 2024.

Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs, credits the ranking to the school’s commitment to scholarship, service, and community impact.

“Being ranked among the top 100 graduate public affairs programs by U.S. News & World Report is a meaningful acknowledgment of the important work happening at UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs,” Slagle said. “Our faculty, staff, and students are deeply committed to public service, evidence-based practice, and community engagement. This recognition highlights the value of preparing the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders who are ready to address the complex challenges facing our communities today.”

Slagle noted that contributing factors to the ranking include an increase in faculty and student publications, conference presentations, service, excellence in teaching recognized through accreditation, and ongoing community engagement.

UA ��Ƶlogo’s MPA program equips students with professional management, analytical, and leadership skills needed for a range of careers in public service. Graduates are prepared to lead in national, state, regional, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

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UA ��Ƶlogo Students Bring Home Awards from Southeast Regional Model Arab League

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:05:27 +0000

A group of UA ��Ƶlogo students won multiple awards while competing in the Southeast Regional Model Arab League (SERMAL) at Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Model Arab League (MAL) is a diplomacy and policy simulation where students take on the roles of diplomats representing different Arab League countries. They engage in debates, draft resolutions, and collaborate on solutions to real-world issues affecting the Middle East.

The UA ��Ƶlogo students who competed include Vivian Angeles, Carlee Felty, Abigail Gavina, Owen Haynes, Bex Little, Yuliana Murillo, Larry Rhodes, Endalynn Seals, Jack Stokes, Axton Tackett, Kie’Erian Carter, and Jace Owens.

“I had four students who competed in their first MAL conference ever and won awards,” said Dr. Rebecca Glazier, a professor of political science and MAL faculty advisor. “My amazing students are thoughtful, hard-working, well-spoken, and I am so grateful to be their professor. This conference is a great opportunity for our students to get out of the classroom and learn international politics by doing.”

Jack Stokes, a graduate student at the Clinton School of Public Service, served as chair of the Joint Defense Council at the conference and received the Outstanding Chair Award.

“SERMAL has been a part of my life for four years! It is always incredible because it combines both high school and collegiate levels, and it’s impressive to see the different groups compete,” Stokes said. “Model Arab League provides a rich experience for anyone seeking to learn about the Middle East and its vast cultures and politics. It also provides incredible networking opportunities.”

Vivian Angeles, a senior double majoring in criminal justice and English, competed in the Joint Defense Council representing Somalia. Angeles was elected vice chair of the committee and won an Honorable Mention Award.

“Initially, I was very nervous. Although I felt prepared, I was still anxious to debate with people that I knew had more experience than me,” Angeles said. “Once I was there, I realized there was no reason to be nervous. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and the debate itself went very smoothly.”

Carlee Felty, a political science major from Beebe, Arkansas, also earned an Honorable Mention Award in her first-ever MAL competition.

“My experience at SERMAL was truly amazing,” Felty said. “At first, Model Arab League intimidated me because I had never taken a single debate class and wasn’t very educated on the Middle East. However, I have learned so much from my peers and have grown as a debater. Not only are you able to grow personally, culturally, and politically, but you are able to build such a beautiful community within the Model Arab League.”

Additional students who won awards include Kie’Erian Carter (Distinguished Delegation, Environmental Committee), Jace Owens (Distinguished Delegation, Environmental Committee), and Endalynn Seals (Honorable Mention, Political Committee).

The UA ��Ƶlogo students will next compete at the National Model Arab League Conference in Washington, D.C., from April 2-6.

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CHASSE Announces 2025 Faculty Excellence Winners

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education announced the five recipients of the college-level 2025 Faculty Excellence Awards.

Professors Rebecca Glazier, Emily Hood, John Kirk, Jana McAuliffe, and Julien Mirivel were named winners by the college’s Faculty Excellence Awards Selection Committee.

The college recipients will be recognized at the UA ��Ƶlogo Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 3, and the university-level recipients will be announced.

Rising Faculty Award for Excellence

Dr. Emily Hood received the college’s Rising Faculty Award for Excellence. An assistant professor of art education, Hood joined the School of Art and Design in the fall of 2021.

This award is given to faculty members in their first five years at UA ��Ƶlogo who display exceptional promise in teaching, research or creative endeavors, or public service. For Hood, her work intersects across all three.

Among updating the Art Education curriculum to better serve future contemporary art educators, Hood has also shifted the program to a cohort model to promote a sense of community among the students.

“Dr. Hood, as a role model, demonstrates effective teaching strategies and also creates a professional environment that is always inclusive, productive, and encouraging,” a former student writes. “I am also grateful that I have the ability to reach out and ask for help from my professor even after I have graduated.”

In addition to her teaching, Hood’s research involves young disabled artists and documenting their relationships to art materials in an art studio setting. This research led to the creation of a course that involves a field placement for students at Easterseals Academy.

“Her innovative teaching, both in and out of the classroom, her student mentorship, and her commitment to building strong relationships with students, campus resources, and broader community members makes her an excellent candidate for this award,” her nomination letter states.

Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service

Dr. Rebecca Glazier received the college-level Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service. A political science professor in the School of Public Affairs, Glazier has been at UA ��Ƶlogo for 15 years.

The recipient of this award applies their skills to their disciplines in service to the community, state, or nation in areas of public interest. In 2012, Glazier started a research program focusing on the intersection of faith and community called the ��Ƶlogo Congregations Study.

“Her careful attention to the needs and interests of the populations she studies, her production of numerous resources and events to benefit those partners, and the subsequent positive impact on the ��Ƶlogo community make her an ideal candidate to receive this award,” one peer wrote.

Glazier utilizes her research expertise in religion and community engagement to advance knowledge in areas of public interest and offer students hands-on experiences.

The data from her studies have been released to the public and her work has been recognized through a national award for Civic and Community Engagement from the American Political Science Association.

“Dr. Glazier goes above and beyond to provide mentorship, guidance, and support, whether by assisting students with research, offering career advice, or dedicating her time to community initiatives,” a former student wrote.

Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors

Dr. John Kirk is the recipient of CHASSE’S Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors. As a George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History, Kirk has taught at UA ��Ƶlogo for 14 years.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Research and Creative Endeavors is given to those who have contributed to the expansion of knowledge and the quality of life in a particular area. During the past five years, Kirk published his ninth and 10th books.

His most recent book, “Winthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956” won the 2024 Booker Worthen Literary Prize from the Central Arkansas Library System for best work of fiction or nonfiction by an author living in Arkansas and the 2024 John G. Ragsdale Book Award from the Arkansas Historical Association for the best book published in Arkansas History.

“To provide a new generation of students and scholars with such diverse and important voices on a topic that continues to evolve in the twenty-first century is testament to John’s ability to promote knowledge exchange and research,” a lecturer in U.S. History at University College London wrote.

Along with his published books, Kirk also regularly contributes to a number of newspaper articles, magazine articles, radio programs, and podcasts. Not only does he produce this work himself, but he also invites his public history students to contribute alongside him to further their academic careers.

“In addition to being one of the nation’s foremost historians and researchers, Dr. Kirk has served as an ambassador for UA ��Ƶlogo with his many radio, television, and speaking appearances,” one letter of endorsement states. “He has been a guest on my podcast and never fails to [make] the university proud.”

Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice

Dr. Jana McAuliffe was named the college’s recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for Social Justice. An associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry, McAuliffe has taught at UA ��Ƶlogo for nearly a decade.

This award is given to a UA ��Ƶlogo faculty member, regardless of years served, whose advocacy spans across teaching, service, and research.

McAuliffe describes her research process as “first [explaining] the meaning of challenging, complex ideas from the philosophical tradition and then [putting] these ideas to work to help address the problems of the present.”

Over the past five years, she has taught courses such as “The Philosophical Life,” “Ethics and Society,” “Philosophy of Law,” “Reasonings Across Disciplines,” and many others.

“Her reading lists demonstrate deliberate and concerted effort to represent a variety of perspectives and background, and her syllabi include a wealth of helpful information aimed at ensuring that all of her students have the resources they need for educational success,” her nomination letter states.

In addition to her teaching and research, McAuliffe contributes to public service as the director of the Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy and as the faculty mentor for student groups that prioritize supporting and strengthening community.

“She not only provides an astute analysis of economic, political, and social problems as part of her research agenda, Dr. McAuliffe consistently and ably carves out spaces to increase opportunities for those in need and to inspire others to consider their own responsibilities in the creation of a more just world,” one of her peers said.

Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching

Dr. Julien Mirivel received the college’s Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching. A professor in the Department of Applied Communication, Mirivel has been at UA ��Ƶlogo for 19 years.

In the past five years, he’s taught courses in the department such as “Introduction to Communication,” “Communication and Community,” “Interpersonal Communication,” among many others.

The Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching is given to exemplars of the teacher/mentor model who maintain high expectations of their students.

“Today, Dr. Mirivel’s teaching is centered on creating transformative experiences for students, in both his face-to-face and online classes, empowering them not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the skills and values necessary for personal and professional growth,” his nomination letter states.

Mirivel’s research on positive communication led to the creation of the widely recognized Positive Communication model and the Positive Communication Network, which he utilizes as the foundation for many of his courses. The model blends the creation of thoughtful relationships with conducting research.

“His ability to blend intellectual rigor with genuine human connection fosters an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired,” a former student said.

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Professor Emeritus Robertson Establishes Scholarship Fund for Future Public Administration Leaders

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:00:28 +0000

A distinguished professor emeritus of public affairs has made a generous donation to create a scholarship for students pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo.

Dr. Roby Robertson, founder of the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs, and his wife Mary Robertson, who retired as the assistant dean of student services in the College of Nursing at UAMS, have gifted the university $30,000 to create the Dr. Roby D. Robertson Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will provide assistance for education-related expenses including tuition, books, fees, and room and board for MPA students.

“All it takes is a couple of bad semesters or one family emergency to drop out of school,” Dr. Robertson said. “This scholarship may be the difference between a student staying in school or not. The scholarship is built around the model of helping students succeed. We are hoping that alumni from the School of Public Affairs will contribute to the scholarship over time so that we can help even more students succeed.”

Dr. Robertson joined UA ��Ƶlogo in 1983 and has been a key figure in the development of public affairs programs during his nearly four-decade tenure at the university.

“Dr. Roby Robertson was instrumental in the creation and development of what is now the UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs – particularly the Master of Public Administration program and the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium,” Director Derek Slagle said. “His continued support of the academic and applied practices in the School of Public Affairs is a testament to his lifetime dedication to public administration education and public service. We are grateful for the scholarship funding to honor Dr. Robertson’s long-term commitment to applied education and research opportunities for graduate and professional studies.”

UA ��Ƶlogo’s MPA program, the oldest accredited program in the state, has been responsible for producing some of the state’s best public administrators and leaders. Finos “Buddy” Johnson, a registered parliamentarian, joined the MPA program when he was a member of the staff of the Arkansas House of Representatives in the mid 1990s.

“What I found in the MPA program could not have served me better,” Johnson said. “The core faculty of Roby Robertson, David Sink, and Jerry Stevenson delivered coursework that opened my eyes to organizational theory, management, and practice that helped me understand the changing culture of my work place. He was a mentor in the truest sense and helped further my continued, successful path of a long and fruitful career in Arkansas state government. I salute him, the faculty of the MPA program, and the staff and administration of UA ��Ƶlogo for making opportunities for success available to me and countless others in our community.”

While serving as a faculty member at UA ��Ƶlogo, Dr. Robertson assisted with the creation of Central Arkansas Water, worked on creating the structure of the Clinton School of Public Service, and co-authored a major article on policy/politics in health systems.

“Dr. Roby Robertson’s work highlights the vital role that academic knowledge can play in real-world public administration,” said Tad Bohannon, executive director of Central Arkansas Water. “His ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical strategies significantly contributed to the success of Central Arkansas Water. By guiding his fellow commissioners and utility CEOs through complex challenges and ensuring that the utility maintained its world-class status, Dr. Robertson showcased how public administration can be both intellectually rigorous and practically impactful. His legacy serves as a model for how academic insights can be applied to achieve tangible results in the public service.”

For more than 25 years, Dr. Robertson worked with Dr. Donna Middaugh, associate professor emeritus at the UAMS College of Nursing, to share how healthcare professionals can manage complex healthcare systems and be effective political leaders. Dr. Robertson served as a guest lecturer in Middaugh’s Law, Policy, and Procedure course. The lecture was published as a chapter in four editions of the textbook, “Policy and Politics for Nurses and Other Health Professionals.”

“With his guest lectures, he shared his wisdom on how nurses and other healthcare providers can use the political process correctly in their workplace to effect change,” Middaugh said. “Dr. Robertson’s wisdom and practical applications, along with his memorable oral and written delivery, have influenced countless thousands of health professionals. I am thrilled that this endowed scholarship in his name will be yet another opportunity for his legacy to live on.”

Dr. Robertson was an integral part of the program’s success and continues to engage with faculty and students even after retirement in 2016. This new scholarship will support the next generation of public service professionals, empowering them to make a lasting impact in their communities.

“UA ��Ƶlogo resides in the heart of Arkansas with the state capital and government operations right around the corner,” Dr. Robertson said. “The versatility of a MPA is immeasurable. Not only do you learn how to run an organization but you learn the politics behind organizations. I want people who are interested in getting an MPA to see this scholarship as an opportunity to see how far they can go in their career with this degree.”

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UA ��Ƶlogo School of Public Affairs Director Unveils Photography Exhibition

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:00:02 +0000

Dr. Derek Slagle, the director of the School of Public Affairs at UA ��Ƶlogo, will have his photography on display in an exhibition titled, “Derek Slagle: Science of Conservation” at UA ��Ƶlogo’s Windgate Center of Art + Design.

The exhibition will be open from Sept. 5 through Sept. 27 in the Focus Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art + Design on UA ��Ƶlogo’s campus, and a reception will be held in the Windgate Center at 5 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 5. Both the reception and the exhibition are free and open to the public.

Slagle joined UA ��Ƶlogo in 2017 as a faculty member within the public administration program in the School of Public Affairs. In 2023, he was selected as the director of the School of Public Affairs, which is housed in the . He also served as the director of the UA ��Ƶlogo Survey Research Center from 2019 to 2024.

A volunteer picks newly developed late-season blackberries. Photo by Derek Slagle.

Along with having an extensive background in academia and research, Slagle is also an artist. He is both a documentarian and a fine-art film photographer.

“I have been given the unique opportunity to approach visual arts as a professional artist, but also through the lens of a practicing academic scholar,” Slagle said. “I have used my academic training as a social scientist to visually communicate an understanding of social situations which differ from other photographers’ representations of comparable themes.”

Slagle’s work as a conservation photographer specifically started in 2017 when he documented ecotourism and ranch preservation in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

In 2023, he was named an inaugural member of Catalyze, a program by Mid-America Arts Alliance where he received $10,000 in grant funding to pursue this work.

Data is collected at a bird banding station on the land of the Ranchlands. Photo by Derek Slagle.

In partnership with nearly a dozen nonprofits, governmental entities, and institutional partners, “Science of Conversation” showcases conservation and sustainability efforts through photography.

The Windgate Center of Art + Design galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays. All UA ��Ƶlogo galleries are closed on university holidays.

For additional information on the galleries at UA ��Ƶlogo, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu.

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