UAMS Academic Pathways & Workforce Partnerships

🎓 Celebrating Achievement at Health Career University! 🎓

The UAMS Department of Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships proudly celebrated the accomplishments of our Preparing for the Profession: PMSS Scholars during the Health Career University Closing Ceremony on July 30, 2026.

The celebration featured inspiring remarks from Dr. Shanea Nelson and Dr. Brian Gittens, along with special reflections from PMSS Scholars Sophie Le, Jaiadhi Kumar, Asiah Bohanan, and Janet Reyes. Scholars were also recognized during the presentation of certificates by Dr. Shanea Nelson and Mr. Nick Pettus.

We are incredibly proud of our PMSS scholars and excited to see where their continued commitment to education and the health professions will take them next. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! ❤️🎉

Proud to share these special moments from the HCOP Summer Bridge Academy Closing Ceremony! Thank you to UAMS Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships and Southern Arkansas University for supporting our scholars as they prepare for their freshman year and future healthcare careers. 💙✨

HCOP Scholars experienced an exciting day of hands-on learning at UAMS!

The Health Careers Opportunity Program participated in “Acute Care Essential: A Clinical Simulation for Future Health Professionals” at the UAMS Centers for Simulation Education.

Scholars engaged in clinical simulation activities, including compressions, ventilation, intubation, case studies, suturing/stop the bleed, ultrasound basics, and more. They also heard from UAMS leaders, participated in a student panel, and toured with the College of Medicine Admission Office.

This experience gave our future health professionals a meaningful look into acute care, medical education, and the skills needed to serve in healthcare. We are grateful to the UAMS Department of Anesthesiology, Centers for Simulation Education, College of Medicine Admission Office, and Academic Pathways & Workforce Partnerships for supporting this opportunity.

Celebrating the Future of Medicine!

The Department of Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships proudly welcomed our Health Career University (HCU) Pre-Medical Summer Scholars during the Opening Ceremony and White Coat Presentation.

The ceremony featured a special welcome from Dr. Brian Gittens, Vice Chancellor of the UAMS Office of Human Resources, video greetings from Honorable Mayor Frank Scott of the City of Little Rock, and introductory remarks from Dr. Shanea Nelson, Executive Director of Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships.

Scholars also received an inspiring program overview from Dr. Antonia Bannister and learned about the significance of the white coat from Ms. Bianca Rochelle and Mr. Nick Pettus.

A special thank you to Assistant Dean Sharanda Williams of the UAMS College of Medicine for delivering the keynote address, “Commitment to Excellence,” encouraging our scholars to lead with purpose, dedication, and determination.

Congratulations to our HCU Pre-Medical Summer Scholars! This is only the beginning of an exciting journey toward medicine, leadership, and service. 🥼❤️

💰 Level Up Your Money, Level Up Your Future! 💰

Our HCOP Summer Bridge Scholars at Southern Arkansas University–Magnolia took an important step toward financial independence during an engaging Financial Literacy Workshop facilitated by Kimberly Marshall, Consultant with Unified CDC, Inc.

During Session I: "Level Up Your Money: Life After High School," scholars explored essential financial skills every recent graduate needs, including budgeting, banking, credit, and making smart financial decisions.

In Session II: "The Next Level: Earning, Saving & Building Wealth," students expanded their knowledge by learning strategies for earning income, saving intentionally, investing wisely, and building long-term financial security.

Financial literacy is a critical component of success in college and beyond. We are grateful to Kimberly Marshall and Unified CDC, Inc. for equipping our scholars with practical tools and knowledge that will empower them to make informed financial decisions throughout their educational and professional journeys.

🩺✨ Exploring the Future of Healthcare! ✨🩺

Our 2026 HCOP Summer Bridge Academy scholars had an incredible day at UAMS exploring healthcare careers through interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and tours of the College of Pharmacy, NICU, and Department of Neuroscience.
A special thank you to Mr. Wille Hicks (College of Pharmacy), Dr. Billy Thomas (NICU), Dr. Erica Malone (Department of Neuroscience), and Dr. Dechantria D. Wallace, who led an engaging Time Management Workshop, for investing in and inspiring our future healthcare professionals.

💙 Experiences like these help our scholars envision the limitless possibilities within healthcare. The future is bright!

🎓🥼 Celebrating the HCOP White Coat & Reaffirmation Ceremony! 🥼🎓

Yesterday, we proudly celebrated the scholars of the HCOP 4-Week Summer Bridge Academy during our White Coat & Reaffirmation Ceremony at Southern Arkansas University.

The ceremony began with welcome remarks from Yolanda Carman, HCOP Program Manager, followed by institutional greetings from Dr. Shanea Nelson, Senior Director of Academic Pathways & Workforce Partnerships; Dr. Bruno Hicks, President of Southern Arkansas University; and Dr. Daniel McDermott, whose leadership and support continue to strengthen opportunities for future healthcare professionals.

Scholars were inspired by keynote speaker Dr. Jay Franks, M.D., Internal Medicine, before participating in the HCOP Reaffirmation Ceremony, which included a reflection on the meaning of the white coat, the Scholars Processional of Commitment, placement of HCOP stoles, an LED Commitment Lighting Moment, the HCOP Reaffirmation Pledge, and a collective commitment to professionalism, leadership, and service.

This meaningful milestone symbolizes our scholars’ dedication to academic excellence, compassionate care, and leadership as they begin their journey toward careers in healthcare.

Congratulations to our HCOP Scholars! We are proud of your commitment and look forward to the positive impact you will make as future healthcare professionals and leaders.

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🎓✨HCOP Senior Spotlight: Lauryn Goodloe✨🎓

Congratulations to Lauryn Goodloe of Watson Chapel High School! 🌟 Lauryn is headed to Southern University and A&M College to major in Biology as she pursues her dream of becoming an OB/GYN and advancing research that improves the health and well-being of women of color.

💙 With her passion for advocacy, research, and compassionate care, Lauryn is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of women's health.

🎓✨ HCOP Senior Spotlight: Andreaja Sharp ✨🎓

Congratulations to Andreaja Sharp of Emerson High School! 🌟 Andreaja plans to attend South Arkansas College (SouthArk) to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Her passion for helping others and dedication to healthcare are guiding her toward a rewarding future.

💙 With her compassionate spirit and commitment to serving others, Andreaja is prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of those she helps.

🎓✨ HCOP Senior Spotlight: Shamya Richardson✨🎓

Congratulations to Shamya Richardson of Camden Fairview High School! 🌟 Shamya is headed to Southern Arkansas University to pursue a degree in Nursing, inspired by a lifelong passion for helping others and providing compassionate care.

💙 With her heart for service and commitment to making others feel valued and supported, Shamya is well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.