Justin Bates
|
December 15, 2025
Graduating students participate in the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony. Photo by Benjamin Krain
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrated its Fall 2025 Commencement Saturday, Dec. 13, as nearly 800 graduates crossed the stage during ceremonies at the Jack Stephens Center.
Students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines, career paths, and personal journeys — from first-generation and nontraditional students to those completing accelerated programs and earning second degrees.
Mikayla Anne Stertmann, an interdisciplinary studies major…
Justin Bates
|
December 15, 2025
Graduating students participate in the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony. Photo by Benjamin Krain
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrated its Fall 2025 Commencement Saturday, Dec. 13, as nearly 800 graduates crossed the stage during ceremonies at the Jack Stephens Center.
Students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines, career paths, and personal journeys — from first-generation and nontraditional students to those completing accelerated programs and earning second degrees.
Mikayla Anne Stertmann, an interdisciplinary studies major from White Hall, Arkansas, said she felt “relaxed” and relieved as she prepared to graduate.
“I’ve worked hard for five years to get here. It’s been a real journey, but I’m coming out more confident and ready,” she said.
Stertmann’s studies focused on psychology and gender studies. She plans to pursue a career in counseling.
Miranda Gillette, a general studies major from Little Rock, completed her degree through the 2+2 program between UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allowing her to fast-track her education. After graduating high school in 2024, she earned her undergraduate degree Saturday and said the milestone was simply a “stepping stone” toward her goal of becoming an X-ray technician.
For others, including Shershawna Lewis, commencement represented not a beginning but the completion of a longer professional journey.
Lewis, a psychology major from Fordyce, Arkansas, earned her second bachelor’s degree Saturday. She works for the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind and said she has always been driven to continue learning to better help others. She chose UA Little Rock for the quality of its psychology program, its proximity to home, and its affordability. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in adult rehabilitation to continue advancing her career.
Yajahira Dominguez, a first-generation college student from Hope, Arkansas, balanced full-time work and parenting while earning her degree in interdisciplinary studies. Dominguez said she returned to college after stepping away due to family and work obligations.
“I felt like I needed to come back, to finish what I started. I needed to do it for my kids and for me,” she said.
Dominguez chose UA Little Rock for its affordability and flexible learning options, adding that she was able to complete her degree while continuing to work and care for her family. She plans to continue her education at UA Little Rock by pursuing a master’s degree to become a college professor.