Photography by LORI SPARKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Assistant Professor of Art History
DAY AT WORK
There are three major components to my job: teaching, research and service. I teach a broad range of courses, things like African Art, Global Contemporary Art and Art of the Americas. In my courses I lecture, discuss the readings with my students, and teach them writing and critical thinking skills. My research centers on West Africa. I contribute research to scholarly journals and books and present my research at academic conferences. I also apply for grants so that I can conduct field and archival research. In terms of service, I serve within the university as an advisor with the honors program and on various committees. My days during the school months, therefore, generally consist of a combination of teaching, teaching prep, meetings, research and writing. My summers often have some component of travel and research.
BEGINNING INTERESTS
I have always loved art. I love art because I love people. Art is a way to connect human beings together. I chose to study African Art because it is a great combination of Art History and Anthropology.
CAREER EVOLUTION
There has been progress, but not really evolution. I pretty much got my PhD and started teaching. I haven’t looked back. It has been wonderful!
LOVE THE WORK
I love opening up the world to my students. I love taking them on study abroad trips, exposing them to new ideas, seeing them grow and develop academically. I also love that I get to be a life-long student – always learning, researching and discovering.
These wonder women are redefining what “full STEAM ahead” means in Arkansas. With exciting careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics – each reflects WIT (Women in Tech) and true grit for making the most of every opportunity. Here’s to the powHER of knowledge.
