About Town

UA Little Rock Leader – Rick Vance

Photography by Sarah Oden

Why UA Little Rock?

“I decided to back to college as a non-traditional student to pursue a career change. At the time, the construction industry was booming, and it was an industry that I had some experience in.  After doing research on various programs across the state, I was excited to see the strength of the construction management program at UALR, especially since it was right in my backyard.  I met with Mr. Tramel prior to enrolling, and it was a no brainer for me.

   At the same time, I applied for the Donaghey Scholars program. I was blown away by what the scholars program offered both academically and financially. Again, no brainer.  I was honored to be selected after a fun and challenging interview process with Dr. Ramsey and his team.  With the construction management and the scholars programs, UALR was able to offer me a top-notch, extremely affordable, and local college education.

I am in the energy efficiency and renewable energy field is because of what I started learning at UA Little Rock.  My education experience set me on the path I continue today.  Many of my classes, professors and fellow students influenced my professional direction by offering both academic and real-world perspectives.  Both programs encouraged me to pursue new ideas on green construction and helped me learn the concepts in the classroom as well as apply them in the work environment. I discovered my professional passion at UA Little Rock.

   I was fortunate to start learning many skills at UA Little Rock that continue to serve me today in my professional life. Everyday skills like business communications, research and writing were honed during my UA Little Rock experience.  Also, I gained many repetitions in public speaking through various course work and special projects that are critical in my business development role today.  I even got to do a project for UA Little Rock !  Our company performed efficiency services on the new Art & Design building.  Pretty cool to come back to campus in that capacity.

   I also met my beautiful wife Mollie at UA Little Rock in a Spanish class. Looking back, my time at UA Little Rock has produced much more than I could have ever expected – I am one lucky alum!”

   Affordable and relevant, a great metropolitan university is critical to the infrastructure of a vibrant city. It also requires a strong alumni association that’s engaged in civic and business leadership throughout the Capital City. UA Little Rock boasts both – with a shared vision for the future. As UA Little Rock celebrates the success of its alumni, the university and alumni reflect on the role the institution plays in the continued economic development of Central Arkansas and the wealth of knowledge is offer current students.

Rick Vance

‘08, Construction Management

Regional Director,  Entegrity

Inviting Arkansas

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