LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Six University of Arkansas students shared their scholarly and creative work at the inaugural Arkansas Liberal Arts and Humanities Day at the Arkansas State Capitol. The event brought together students, faculty and community members from across the state to celebrate the impact and importance of the liberal arts and humanities.

The daylong program showcased student research, performances and creative projects spanning disciplines such as graphic design, history, literature, music and communications. Live woodwind and choir performances filled the Capitol Rotunda as attendees explored student displays, adding a dynamic atmosphere that reflected the diversity and creativity of Arkansas' liberal arts community.

Event organizers Kari Harris, director of the Office of Student Research and Scholarship at Arkansas State University, and Molly Alexander-Steele, executive director for research development at Arkansas State University, said the day highlighted the "creativity, scholarship and passion of Arkansas' brightest minds," while fostering connections among students, educators and policymakers.

The collaborative spirit of the event underscored the essential role of the humanities in shaping thoughtful, engaged citizens and innovative thinkers.

"Our arts and humanities students bring vital insight and creativity to the world, and we're proud to see their work take center stage," said Jennie Popp, associate dean of the Honors College. "While STEM fields have long had opportunities to share their innovations, this event shines a light on the equally important contributions of students studying culture, communication and human experience."

Student participants include:

Demonstrations

• Madison Bussell Escoto, honors English major and Honors College Fellow
  Mentor: Laura Gray
• Avery Isaacson, honors biology major with a medical humanities minor
  Mentor: Jennifer Hoyer
• Silas Wilkinson, history major with a Jewish studies minor
  Mentor: Jennifer Hoyer

Posters

• Abbie Ahlbrandt, honors graphic design major with art history and communication minors
  Mentor: Tom Hapgood
• Garrison Brister, graphic design major with art history and business administration minors
  Mentor: Tom Hapgood
• Henry Jones, honors English major and Honors College Fellow
  Mentor: Laura Gray

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About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university's top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students' academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.