We support UALR

Rex Nelson’s column concerning the crisis at UALR was an interesting read, providing a great history lesson. He stated, “Too many of Little Rock’s business leaders … have never given UALR the support it deserves or taken advantage of the programs it offers.”

As president of a 114-year-old, third-generation business, our family and company have always been UALR, now UA Little Rock, supporters. My mother’s first job after completing Little Rock Junior College was running the office for Van Trump testing lab which compiled all of the masonry and concrete-testing results of the Robinson Auditorium project in 1940. Her degree allowed her to be proficient in typing, shorthand and stenography. Later mom worked at M.M. Cohn Department Store, advancing to executive credit manager, and later worked directly for Arthur Phillips, the company president. Arthur’s son Dan served on the Donaghey Foundation Board for decades.

UA Little Rock’s Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering Department is nationally recognized. There is a critical shortage of engineers and construction professionals entering the work force. This department is part of the solution. Before graduation, 98 percent of these students have fulltime employment, excellent starting salaries and substantial opportunities for rapid advancement. I have had the opportunity to interview and hire some of these outstanding students.

One critical key to this successful program is the department’s advisory board comprised of leaders from Arkansas’ construction companies and engineering firms, too many to mention. These individuals have been mentors to hundreds of graduates. So let’s hear it for one set of local business leaders who have stepped up to the plate in support of UA Little Rock.

If you are a foodie like Rex Nelson, you would support one of the best fundraising events in Little Rock— UA Little Rock’s annual Taste of Little Rock.

LARRY ALMAN

Little Rock