Photography by Lori Sparkman Photography
Our tip? All-in on UA Little Rock! It’s time to place your bets at SpectacuaLR, a fun-filled casino night, right in the middle of campus. The odds will be in your favor with Dora Jane and Greg Flesher as this year’s honorees. Steadfast spectators and sports fans of UA Little Rock, the couple has served on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board of Directors and recognize the university’s student-athlete programs as an invaluable resource.
The Fleshers gained insight about the University of Arkansas Little Rock in 1986, when former tennis head coach Paul Kostin asked them to house a men’s tennis player, Peter Svenson. Greg explains, “At this point, Peter was now the assistant women’s tennis coach, but used up his eligibility and needed a place to stay. So, he lived with us that semester.” Now, they wear black and maroon proudly as they continue to cheer on the Trojans on and off the court.
The comprehensive urban university prepares more than 9,000 students and supports nearly 400 full-time faculty and staff. Greg adds, “I believe that UA Little Rock provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals in Arkansas, and especially central Arkansas, to receive an excellent education at an affordable amount. UA Little Rock graduates enter the workforce well prepared and serve as a key component to the economic engine that drives our capital city.” With 60+ undergraduate programs, 40+ graduate programs and more than 200 athletic events annually – there are ample opportunities to celebrate the Trojans!
Dora Jane believes this education is for everyone. “Did you know before I served on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board, I attended classes at UA Little Rock?” She explains, “My dad loved to travel; I inherited his passion. I loved experiencing new and challenging places in the world, and quickly developed a desire to understand various religions.” So, about 10 years ago, Dora Jane enrolled in courses at UA Little Rock. “I took classes for five semesters and loved all my history, world religion, philosophy of religion & cultural anthropology lectures. Education is life-changing and UA Little Rock gave me an opportunity to learn new things without the pressure of pursuing another degree.”
Dora Jane and Greg Flesher are lifelong learners and civic leaders, who volunteer with numerous organizations throughout Little Rock. Dora Jane is a Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids (PARK) Board of Directors member as well as the CFO for nearly three decades. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in accounting and is a CPA; Greg graduated from Hendrix College where he earned an accounting degree and is also a CPA. He began his career with Frost, PLLC. in 1977, where he still works today – 45 years later! His community service includes support of Arkansas Repertory Theater, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Just Communities of Central Arkansas, Rotary Club 99 and Rotary Club 99 Foundation and the George W. Donaghey Foundation. Greg is most excited about the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Athletic Department!
At SpectauLR, guests will play for raffle tickets that can be used to win prizes; all proceeds support student-athlete programming. Greg emphasizes, “We are so excited to be a part of something that makes a direct impact on the lives of close to 300 Trojan student-athletes. We understand how much this event provides in funding for the athletic department, which in turn provides Trojan student-athletes the resources not just to compete on the court or on the field, but in the classroom, as well as life after graduation.” Dora Jane adds, “It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet and visit the student-athletes that the proceeds are benefitting. I consider this the most rewarding piece of the night as they are all terrific and appreciative young adults that make you proud to support them as they compete and represent Little Rock.”
