University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Notable Alumni

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock, UALR) is a public research university in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. Established as Little Rock Junior College by the Little Rock School District in 1927, the institution became a private four-year university under the name Little Rock University in 1957. It returned to public status in 1969 when it merged with the University of Arkansas System under its present name. UA Little Rock now offers more than 100 undergraduate majors, with the most popular areas of study including engineering, business, law, and health professions. The school’s co-op program allows students to work a paid job relevant to their major for course credit. The annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, in which students race against each other in cardboard boats, is one of the school’s most notable homecoming traditions. Little Rock Trojans compete in 14 varsity sports as a full-time member of the Ohio Valley Conference in NCAA Division I.

At 250 acres (100 ha), the UA Little Rock campus encompasses more than 56 buildings, including the Center for Nanotechnology Integrative Sciences, the Emerging Analytics Center, the Sequoyah Research Center, and the Ottenheimer Library. Additionally, UA Little Rock houses special learning facilities that include a learning resource center, art galleries, KUAR public radio station, University Television, and a campus-wide wireless network.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is 1550th in the world, 539th in North America, and 507th in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence.

Alumni Spotlights

UA Little Rock has honored its Distinguished Alumni Feb. 26 at the Clinton Presidential Center.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recognized four distinguished graduates and one honorary alumnus for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the community during the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on Feb. UA Little Rock also celebrated the addition of two new awards to the program.

“This year’s alumni honorees are brilliant representatives of our brand,” Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. “They excel in journalism, art, business, and science, and they continue to make a positive impact. In addition to their impressive achievements, each is known for their generosity and kindness. Summer, Libby, Kevin, and Jerry, thank you for the work you do in your communities and your dedication to UA Little Rock. Emily, as our Whitbeck Scholar, you are a shining beacon of our future.

Emily Wells received the 2024 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, recognizing her as UA Little Rock’s top graduate of the year.

“With her nearly perfect GPA and numerous awards, Emily Wells certainly has the credentials,” said Dr. Simon Hawkins, director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. “But what truly sets her apart is her ability to get things done-working with others to accomplish great things. Watching her work was impressive. Her maturity and professionalism stand out at every stage. Emily is the full package. She does it all.

A member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Wells made her mark as an award-winning reporter and photographer for The Forum, UA Little Rock’s student newspaper.

“I received support through UA Little Rock through generous scholarships, support from faculty and staff, and through an engaging campus community, despite a pandemic,” Wells said. “Because of the Donaghey Scholars Program, I am debt-free and able to pursue my dreams without worrying about student loans. I will always be grateful for my time at UA Little Rock and everything I learned there.

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Kevin Kresse, a 1984 graduate, is a nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter. He had never taken an art class before attending UA Little Rock, but his talent led to recognition, including the Arkansas Governor’s Individual Artist of the Year Award in 2015 and acknowledgment by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2016. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall. He developed the concept and worked on the sculpture at UA Little Rock’s Windgate Center of Art + Design, where visitors could observe the creative process.

“I came to UA Little Rock as an energetic but confused seed of potential,” Kresse said. “Tom Clifton and Michael Warrick told me, ‘Take the sculpture studio as long as you need,’” Kresse said. “It was a game changer.

Libby Smith, best known as the award-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, served in that role for more than 22 years.

“Libby and I served in the Alumni Association together,” said Bob Denman, emeritus vice chancellor of university advancement. “I remember Libby as a donor, a volunteer, a volunteer leader, and that’s pretty special. Smith earned a double major in history and art history at UA Little Rock, an education she credits with shaping her worldview.

“I am humbled to receive this award. I owe so much to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” Smith said. “It was because I was able to study what I loved at UA Little Rock that I was able to enjoy the career I had. In the end, I was not too old to go back to college. I was never elected cheerleader at John H.

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Summer Khairi, a second-generation UA Little Rock graduate, earned her MBA in 2018 while working full-time as a nuclear medicine technologist.

“I believe the first step in making a difference is showing up,” said Guy Choate, president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. “Every time I show up for this university, Summer is there. Khairi’s dedication to service extends beyond her career. She chairs the UA Little Rock Alumni Board’s Scholarship Committee, which awards over $200,000 annually, and has been recognized as a UAMS Phenomenal Woman and a Museum of Discovery SPARKS! Star.

“I’m deeply grateful to receive the first annual Young Alumni Award. Being part of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board has been a rewarding experience,” Khairi said. “I love being involved in the community and seeing the younger generation grow and become active members of the Little Rock community.

“Jerry serves alongside Alfred Williams as the co-chair of the Centennial Campaign for UA Little Rock,” Choate said. “On any given day, you can find Jerry at an on-campus or off-campus event, at a campus sporting event, or any place he is able to advance the cause of UA Little Rock. Damerow’s career included international consulting and leadership roles in mergers and acquisitions.

“I love UA Little Rock, and I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” Damerow said. “But the person who should really be standing here is my wonderful wife, Sherri. She has given me self-confidence, support, and love for over 50 years.

“Why would a guy who didn’t attend UA Little Rock care about UA Little Rock?” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Because Jerry has adopted this campus as his own.

Notable Alumni in Athletics

"Little Rock baseball alum and current Philadelphia Phillies pitcher McKinley Moore has received the call that he will join the big league club for tonight's game against the New York Yankees. Moore played for the Trojans from 2017 to 2019 before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The Keller, Texas native rose through the minor leagues quickly after joining the Phillies organization in early 2022. He reached Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils in 2022 and made 39 appearances with an ERA of 4.35, striking out 71 batters in 49.2 innings. Moore was invited to join Spring Training prior to the 2023 season and stood out among non-roster invitees, making nine appearances and striking out 11 while not allowing a run in 9.1 innings pitched." - Press Release. Former Trojan McKinley Moore Called Up to Major Leagues. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock baseball program started in 1927. Did you know that there were six former University of Arkansas at Little Rock ballplayers who made it to the majors?

Other notable alumni in athletics include:

Derek Fisher: An American professional basketball coach and former player. Fisher played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 18 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won five NBA championships. He also played for the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks. He has also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
Markquis Nowell: An American professional basketball player for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats, and previously the Little Rock Trojans. He holds the Division I NCAA Tournament single-game assists record, with 19 vs. Michigan State in the 2023 Sweet Sixteen.
Rayjon Tucker: An American professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and the Little Rock Trojans.
Pete Myers: An American former professional basketball player and a former assistant coach for the NBA team Chicago Bulls. He is most famous for having been Michael Jordan's replacement player during Jordan's stint in baseball.
Karen Aston: An American basketball player and coach. She is currently the head coach of the UTSA Roadrunners women's basketball team. She has served as the head women's basketball coach at Texas, Charlotte and North Texas. Aston has a career record of 323-203 (.614). In her first 13 seasons as a head coach, Aston's teams have averaged 22 wins per year and have made a combined ten postseason appearances.
Kevin Kouzmanoff: An American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers.
Hali Long: A professional footballer who plays as a center-back and captains PFF Women's League club Kaya-Iloilo and the Philippines national team.
Zackary Wright: An American-born naturalized Bosnian former professional basketball player. He played at both the point guard and shooting guard positions.
Shane Edwards: An American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Northeastern JC and Little Rock.
John Gillon: An American professional basketball player. He played in college for Little Rock, Colorado State, and Syracuse.
Josh Hagins: An American professional basketball player for Keravnos of the Cyprus Basketball Division 1. He played college basketball for the Little Rock Trojans.
Kimmo Muurinen: A Finnish former professional basketball player. He played the majority of his career in his home country of Finland, but also had spells in Germany, Italy and the United States. He is also a long time member of the Finnish national team, which he debuted for in 2000. As of September 2, 2014, he has played 153 games for Finland.
Tramar Sutherland: A Canadian professional basketball player who last played for the KW Titans of the NBL Canada.

Notable Alumni in Politics and Law

Leslie Rutledge: An American attorney and politician who has served as the 21st lieutenant governor of Arkansas since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously the 56th attorney general of Arkansas from 2015 to 2023.
Mike Ross: An American businessman and politician. representative for Arkansas's 4th congressional district from 2001 to 2013 and was his party's nominee for governor of Arkansas in 2014. He is currently the last Democrat to have represented Arkansas in the House of Representatives. He was also a member of the Arkansas Senate from 1991 to 2001, a member of the Nevada County Quorum Court from 1983 to 1985, and a small business owner.
Frank Scott Jr.: An American politician from the state of Arkansas. He is the mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, serving since January 2019. Scott is a member of the Democratic Party.
Tommy F. Robinson: representative for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district from 1985 to 1991. He was a member of the Republican Party. Before he was elected to Congress, Robinson was the sheriff of Pulaski County.
Vic Snyder: representative for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district from 1997 to 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War at the rank of corporal.
Dustin McDaniel: An American lawyer and politician who served as the 55th Attorney General of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015. McDaniel is the co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Group. He is also the Office Managing Partner of Cozen O’Connor’s Little Rock, Arkansas office. As of 2024, McDaniel is the last Democrat to have held the office of Arkansas Attorney General.
Sheffield Nelson: An American attorney, businessman and politician from the capital city of Little Rock, Arkansas. president Bill Clinton and in 1994 against another Democrat, the incumbent governor Jim Guy Tucker.
Bud Cummins: An American attorney, businessman and politician. He served as United States Attorney with five years of service from 2001 to 2006 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Robert William Schroeder III: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
J. Cody Hiland: An American lawyer who has served as an associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court since 2023. He was appointed to the court by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. He served as the United States attorney for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas from 2017 to 2020 after being appointed by President Donald Trump.
Michael John Gray: A small business owner and the Woodruff County Judge from Augusta, Arkansas. He represented a rural area of the Arkansas Delta in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. Gray served as chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas from 2017 to 2021. He has been Woodruff County Judge since 2023. Representative from Arkansas' former 6th congressional district. Upon his death, he was succeeded in Congress by his widow, Catherine Dorris Norrell.
Vic Fleming: An American judge, law professor, and writer residing in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Fredrick Love: An American politician and a Democratic member of the Arkansas Senate. Love previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023.

Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment

Julie Adams: An American actress, billed as Julia Adams in her early career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of films in the 1950s, including Bend of the River (1952), opposite James Stewart; and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). On television, she was known for her roles as Paula Denning on the 1980s soap opera Capitol, and Eve Simpson on Murder, She Wrote.
Dick Powell: An American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and studio head. Though he came to stardom as a musical comedy performer, he showed versatility and successfully transformed into a hardboiled leading man, starring in projects of a more dramatic nature. He was the first actor to portray private detective Philip Marlowe on screen.

Alumni Involvement in Theatre and Design

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has a strong presence in the world of theatre and design, with numerous alumni making significant contributions to the field. These alumni have excelled in various roles, including acting, directing, playwriting, costume design, and technical production.

Acting:

Rebecca Brooksher (BA Drama): Has an acting career in New York, with performances at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre, Lincoln Center/Mitzi Newhouse Theatre, and The Public Theatre. She has also appeared on TV shows like The Good Wife and Love Monkey, and in the film Cold Souls.
Avery Clark (BA Drama): Has an acting career in New York and regional theaters, including Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C., Alley Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, TheatreSquared, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and Cincinnati Playhouse.
Kat Endsley (BA Drama): Has an acting career at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Jim Goza (BA Drama): Has an acting career in regional theaters, including TheatreSquared, Sierra Repertory Theatre, PCPA, and Classical Edge Theatre.
Stephen Reyes (BA Drama): Has an acting career in New York, with performances at La MaMa E.T.C.
Tony Lopez (BA Drama): Writer/acting company member, Disney World. Two, Tartuffe, New York: Mitzi E. Houseman Theatre, The Public Theatre.

Design:

Ruby Billig (MFA Design): Resident Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor for TheatreSquared. Costume Designer for Classical Edge Theatre.
Samanthe Burrow (BA Drama): Costume Shop Supervisor at NYU’s TIsch School of the Arts. Broadway: Follies (Elaine Paige’s personal dresser), In The Heights, Baby It’s You, Ragtime, Fela, Les Miserables, and Rock of Ages.
Jennifer Carroll (MFA Design): Costume/Wardrobe Supervisor, Kansas City Ballet.
Sarah Miecielica (MFA Design): Production Manager/ Resident Designer at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Andrew Rich (BA Drama): Associate Professor of Set and Lighting Design, Susquehanna University.
Andrea Williams (MFA Design): Costumer at Eastern Washington University, Costume Shop Manager & Designer (Macbeth,To Kill A Mocking Bird). Assistant Costume Shop Director/Draper at Northern Illinois University.

Directing and Playwriting:

Adam Esquenazi Douglas (MFA Playwriting): Award-winning, internationally produced playwright.
Michael Hogwood (MFA Directing): Directing, New York: Adaptor/Director (Caesar Reverse), Ampersand Theatre Company (The Rivals), TheatreSquared (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Emily Jones (MFA Directing): Chair, Theatre Department, Lindenwood University, St.
Lina Khoury (MFA Directing): Director and Screenwriter.
Kiara Pipino (MFA Directing): Artistic Director, Festival Internazionale Valle Christi, Italy.
Clinnesha Sibley (MFA Playwriting): Assistant Professor of Drama, University of Arkansas, Head of Playwriting.
Joshua Aaron Weinstein (MFA Playwriting): Writer, Filmmaker, Musician.

Other Notable Theatre Alumni:

Elizabeth Barnes (BA Drama): Casting Director, Three-time Emmy-nominee.
Ashley Cohea (BA Drama): Business Manager for University Theatre, University of Arkansas.
Chris Crawford (MFA Acting): Regional: The Shakespeare Theatre, D.C., American Theatre Company, TheatreSquared, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Zoetic Stage, Mad Cow Theatre, American Stage, Actor’s Playhouse, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre.
Jason Engstrom (MFA Acting): Regional: Orlando Repertory Theatre, TheatreSquared.
Justin Fletcher (BA Drama): Chicago: Artistic Director, Defiant Theatre Company.
Patrice Foster (MFA Acting): Chicago - Waltzing Mechanics company member, Athenaeum Theatre, Arc Theatre, Theatre Unspeakable, Pride Film and Plays, Knife and Fork, Prologue Theatre Company.
Chris Fritzges (MFA Acting): Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas.
Shana Goodsell (MFA Acting): Film: The Ice Harvest , Under the City, Casting About. TV: Swingtown, Chicago: Mercury Theatre, Human Race Theatre Company, Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, Illinois Theatre Center.
Andy Greene (MFA Acting): Regional: AIDA Hollywood Theatre, Greenwich Playhouse, London, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, MacKenzie Theatre, L.A.
Jenny Guy (MFA Acting): Artistic Director, Tulsa Shakespeare in the Park.
Betsy Jilka (MFA Acting): New York: Lover to Lover (world premiere), Times Square Arts Center.
Bryce Kemph (MFA Acting): New York: New York International Fringe Festival, Full of Noises, Access Theatre, Ampersand Theatre Company, New To New York Actor's Showcase.
Jenna Kirk (MFA Acting): New York: New York International Fringe Festival, The Living Theatre, Eyeblink Theatre, Ampersand Theatre Company, Terra Incognita, The Compass. Regional: Dell’ Arte Carlo Theatre, Double Edge Theatre.
Missy Maramara (MFA Acting): Instructor, Ateneo de Manila University.
Jenny Phagan (MFA Acting): Film: J. Big Picture, The Rhapsody.
Nadine Purvis Schmidt (MFA Acting): Associate professor of Theatre, Southwest Minnesota State University.
Mark Landon Smith (MFA Acting): Artistic Director of Arts Live Theatre.
Stan Tabor (MFA Acting): Instructor, UALR and University of Central Arkansas.
Gabe Templin (MFA Acting): Director: New York International Fringe Festival.
Mike Thomas (BA Drama): Fayetteville High School Theatre Teacher.

These alumni, through their diverse talents and dedication, have significantly impacted the world of theatre and design, bringing creativity, innovation, and artistry to various stages and platforms.

Other Notable Alumni

Dona Bailey: An American video game programmer and educator.
Jim Cathcart: An American entrepreneur, speaker and author.
Oscar Marin: An American professional baseball coach. He is the pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also coached in MLB for the Texas Rangers.

UA Little Rock Hall of Fame

Created in 1991, the UA Little Rock Hall of Fame is under the authority of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) Athletics Department and supported by the Trojan Lettermen’s Association. The primary goal of the hall is honoring alumni, coaches, teams, athletics administrators, and supporters of the athletics program. The hall is located at the Jack Stephens Center on the UA Little Rock campus, home of the UA Little Rock men’s and women’s basketball teams and women’s volleyball team.

To be eligible for induction, inductees need to showcase accomplishments in their athletic or personal careers and help advance athletics at UA Little Rock. There are four ways to be nominated: as a student athlete, a coach, a team, or a supporter of UA Little Rock athletics. The nomination process is overseen by a nominating committee consisting of the Lettermen’s Association Board, the athletics director, and an athletics staff member.

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