SAVVY | November 2017 by Arkansas Times

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

NOVEMBER 2017 Â· THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Hit the Books! ON THE ARKANSAS COLLEGE TOUR

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Pumpkin, Spice & Everything Nice

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CALL US TODAY 501.666.8686 or 888.868.0023 Little Rock • Monticello www.cfyf.org @TheCentersAR 2 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

25% OFF 25% OFF OF THESE DELICIOUS UA-PULASKI TECH

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OF THESE DELICIOUS UA-PULASKI TECH

CULINARY COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES! EDUCATION CLASSES! Miniature Food November 7, 2017 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) Miniature Food

Be prepared7,for2017 any party, potluck, or p.m.) family gathering by learning how to November (5:30 – 8:30

Be prepared any party, potluck, or family gathering by class learning to make your for favorite meals into miniature food. This willhow feature the make your favorite meals into miniature food. class will feature the following appetizer favorites: meatloaf andThis mashed potatoes, macaroni following appetizer meatloaf and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, salad,favorites: and chicken and waffles. These mini meals are not only and cheese, salad, and chicken and waffles. These mini meals are not take only home delicious to eat but they are easy to handle! Participants will delicious to eat but they are easy to handle! Participants will take home recipes, ideas, and the food they make during class. recipes, ideas, and the food they make during class.

Soupsand andStews Stews Soups November 14, 2017 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) November 14, 2017 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.)

Properlyprepared prepared soups stews areonly not delicious only delicious and hearty Properly soups andand stews are not and hearty meals, meals, they’re also an economical way to stretch your dollar. Since they store they’re also an economical way to stretch your dollar. Since they store andfreeze freeze well, soups stews are ideal to prepare in Join bulk.Chef JoinJillChef Jill and well, soups andand stews are ideal to prepare in bulk. McDonaldto to learn to prepare a variety of these delicious broth and McDonald learn howhow to prepare a variety of these delicious broth and cream based meals that can be enjoyed year-round. Participants will take cream based meals that can be enjoyed year-round. Participants will take home favorite soup or stew made in class. hometheir their favorite soup or stew made in class.

The Braise TheWinter Winter Braise November 28, 2017 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) November 28, 2017 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.)

Braising is the perfect winter cooking technique, especially since you Braising is the perfect winter cooking technique, especially since you can braise just about anything! The journey to braising tender meats and can braise just about anything! The journey to braising tender meats and vegetables begins with focusing on low-and-slow simmering which creates vegetables beginsmeal. with Infocusing onChef low-and-slow simmering the ultimate one-pot this class, Jill McDonald will teach which you thecreates theofultimate In your this class, Chef art braising.one-pot You will meal. practice cooking skillsJillbyMcDonald preparing will Coqteach au Vinyou the art of braising. You will practice your cooking skills by preparing which is a classic French dish of chicken cooked in red wine. ParticipantsCoq will au Vin which is athe classic French dish during of chicken cooked in red wine. Participants will take home food they cooked class.

take home the food they cooked during class.

TO REGISTER

Visit lifelong.pulaskitech.edu. Enter NOV25 at checkout Visit code lifelong.pulaskitech.edu. toEnter get the discount. ends code NOV25Offer at checkout on to11/28/17. get the discount. Offer ends

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For more information, contact Jennifer Stewart For more information, at jstewart@uaptc.edu or contact Jennifer Stewart (501) 907-6670 ext. 3407.

at jstewart@uaptc.edu or (501) 907-6670 ext. 3407.

Community Education 3 Community Education

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 MODERN MOM 14 MAMA SAID 10 WAYS TO BE A GREAT VOLUNTEER

16 MIND, BODY & SOUL MORE THAN THE WINTER BLUES

18 SAVVY STYLE HANDCRAFTED HOSTESS GIFTS

SAVVY FAMILY

20 PUMPKIN, SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE SWEET, SAVORY AND SPICY PUMPKIN RECIPES

25 SAVVY COLLEGE TOUR SEE WHAT ARKANSAS'S COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HAVE TO OFFER

41 CHARTING A NEW COURSE WHITNEY SIMS GOES BACK TO SCHOOL TO BUILD A NEW LIFE FOR HER DAUGHTER

44 INSPIRING YOUNG DANCERS BALLET ARKANSAS INTRODUCES A NEW, INTERACTIVE YOUTH SERIES

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

10 NEWS & NOTES CALENDAR, CRAFTS & MORE!

46 MOM APPROVED STACY KINZLER

ON THE COVER: STUDENTS ON CAMPUS AT ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY. PHOTO COURTESY ATU.

NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

UAFS.EDU â&#x20AC;¢ 888-512-5466 THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE November is an excellent month for reflection. It's practically forced on us with shops packed with wooden signs, coffee mugs, T-shirts and everything imaginable emblazoned with all variations of the phrases "Grateful," "Blessed" and "Thankful." In those precious few weeks before the holiday shopping frenzy begins, when you can sit back and watch the leaves and take a breath of crisp, cool air, it's nice to dig a little deeper into those words and acknowledge what they mean to youâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even if they aren't scrawled across your mantel. The holidays are a great time to give back and get involvedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;pay it forward. Jen Holman taps into her community of volunteer organizers and leaders (the group of a few folks who always work the fundraisers, soup kitchens, bake sales, etc.) to ask them how the uninitiated can step up and become part of the team on page 14. While some moms have plenty of time for volunteer work (we appreciate you so much!) many are doing all they can to raise their kids, put food on the table and even hit the books to make a better life for their families. We talk to an impressive 28-year-old mom who's made the choice to commit to a full-time course load for the future of her 6-year-old daughter. See how she delicately balances her mom life and school commitment on page 40. If you're thinking about heading back to school or looking toward the future for your kids, we've got great info in Savvy's College Tour beginning on page 25. See what some of the top two-year and four-year schools in the state have to offer, and how chancellors and presidents of these colleges answer questions parents want to ask. While November is full of sentimental opportunities, some of us just want our pumpkin spice! Put it in a candle or my coffee, it's not fall until I can smell the spicy aroma of that lovely orange gourd! Kerry Guice shares her own pumpkin spice recipes in sweet, spicy and savory on page 20. You'll want to go ahead and flip there now, make a nice warm Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte and settle into the November issue of Savvy!

Amy Gordy Editor, Savvy @SavvyAR

NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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A Little Rock Zoo membership makes the perfect gift for family and friends! littlerockzoo.com

501.666.2406

Sports Injuries don’t take

Weekends Off Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic – get the most specialized sports medicine and orthopedic care in the state for your developing athlete. Sometimes sports injuries happen at the most inconvenient times, especially during the big meet. So you need a clinic that’s flexible. That’s why we’re open on Saturdays treating fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains and more. Because at Arkansas Children’s, we love bending over backwards to take care of your athlete. No appointment or referral necessary. Saturdays, September 2 – November 11, 9 AM – 11 AM Located in the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Orthopedic Clinic • archildrens.org THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

PUBLISHER BLAKE HANNAHS | blake@arktimes.com EDITOR AMY GORDY | amy@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER | mandy@arktimes.com ART DIRECTOR KATIE HASSELL | katie@arktimes.com EDITOR AT LARGE REBEKAH LAWRENCE | rebekah@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS | lesa@arktimes.com ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN | roland@arktimes.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR LARISSA GUDINO | larissa@arktimes.com

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U S

O N

NOW A FULL SERVICE SALON! WANT TO COVER NEW GROWTH, NEED HIGHLIGHTS OR A NEW LOOK FOR FALL? WE DO IT ALL!

contributors

17819 CHENAL PARKWAY (CHENAL PROMENADE)

LITTLE ROCK • 501-817-3969

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KERRY GUICE is a food blogger and photographer living in Little Rock with her husband, two kids and their dog. When she’s not sharing her latest meal on Instagram, Kerry is planning her family’s next Arkansas adventure or crafting with her creative tots.

$20 OFF ANY COLOR SERVICE OR $10 OFF A BLOW OUT COUPON

TAKING THE

Light ANGELA E. THOMAS is a proud University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate and a member of its Alumni Board. For 11 years, she served Central Arkansas as editor for a locally owned magazine. Thomas is founder and owner of the greeting card company GODsent Greetings.

INTO THE WORLD Share the light this Christmas! Your gift to Methodist Family Health provides behavioral, emotional and spiritual care to thousands of children and families throughout Arkansas. Would you bring light to someone’s life and give to Methodist Family Health this holiday?

4 WAYS TO GIVE

Text Online Call DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of four grown children. The emptynesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

Mail

Text GIVE to 501-254-6048 Visit MethodistFamily.org and choose “Donate Now” 501-906-4209 to contribute by debit or credit card Send your contribution to Methodist Family Health Foundation P.O. Box 56050 • Little Rock, AR 72215-6050

MethodistFamily.org

LILY DARRAGH is a photographer in Little Rock. She studied photography at Parsons the New School of Design in New York. Currently working out of a photography studio in downtown Little Rock, Lily loves to shoot people and places unique to Arkansas.

WHAT IS LIP SENSE

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

November

news & notes

Saturday

fostering hope through film

Celebrate National Adoption Month with a free film series at Ron Robinson Theater showcasing heart-melting adoption stories. The Arkansas Department of Human Services and Project Zero host this free event, which includes hors d'oeuvres and movie snacks. facebook.com/archildwelfare.

Saturday

landlubbers boat float

Row your boat down Main Street with the Downtown Little Rock Partnership! It’s a holiday-themed boat parade from 6 to 8 p.m. along Third and Main Streets, which includes a stream of decked out holiday boats pulled through downtown. A free “Yacht Rock Block Party” after-party at the 500 block of Main Street offers hot cocoa from Loblolly Creamery and a picture with Santa. boatfloatonmain.com.

chili fights

This family-friendly, food-centered event packs a punch to help raise funds for Arkansas Foodbank Network! Bring the whole family from noon until 7 p.m. in the Heights neighborhood. chilifights.com.

Sunday

out of the darkness walk

Take action to raise awareness on suicide prevention in Arkansas by participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk at Dickey-Stephens Park. These walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, raising millions for suicide prevention programs. They unite those who have been affected by suicide and help facilitate communities that are smart about mental health. Checkin is noon to 2 p.m., walk begins at 2 p.m. afsp.org/chapter/afsp-arkansas.

Monday

pj masks live

Everyone’s favorite pajama-clad superheroes gather for a live show at Robinson Center. “PJ Masks Live” is based on the top-rated Disney Junior TV series. Characters Catboy, Owlette, Gekko and the Baddies will delight fans of all ages.

10 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Tuesday spark! 2017

Light a fire for science at the Museum of Discovery’s biggest fundraiser of the year, “Spark! 2017: Igniting a Passion for Science, Technology and Math.” From 6:30-10 p.m., guests will enjoy hands-on science, great food and drinks, and live and silent auctions. museumofdiscovery.org.

BALLET ARKANSAS PRESENTS THE CHILDREN’S SERIES

7-11 holiday house

PETER & THE WOLF 11/11 @ 2:00PM UA-PULASKI TECH CHARTS THEATER

Get your Christmas shopping done in one spot at the Junior League Little Rock’s big event and fundraiser, Holiday House, at the State House Convention Center. This shopping extravaganza welcomes thousands of shoppers to peruse the goods of more than 180 national and local merchants. New this year, Holiday House is proud to announce Arkansas Children’s Hospital as its presenting sponsor. jllr.org.

Nov. 29- Dec. 24

December 8-10 th

www.balletarkansas.org

the gift of the magi

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents a new musical created just for its stage. “The Gift of the Magi,” based on O. Henry’s beloved holiday story, is a tale of love and sacrifice of a poor couple who search for the perfect Christmas gifts. therep.org.

Dre ! am, W lore onder, and Exp

greaT BirThday oPTionS!

Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm 501.225.4050 | www.ThewonderPlace.com Breckenridge Village ShoPPing cenTer, 10301 norTh rodney Parham THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

savvy craft

table top turkey trot

The kids will love helping with this fun Thanksgiving tabletop craft. With a few wood slices, colorful paper and googly eyes, kids can create their own personalized feathered friend to keep them company until the last slice of pumpkin pie. Make enough for the whole family and use them as placecard holders to organize dinner guests!

you’ll need:

· Wood slices from a craft store (or saw them if you’re tough) · Hot glue · Googly eyes · Card stock in fall colors · Card stock in glitter · Pencil · Scissors

Give Thanks Fall Decorations

INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES 12 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

how to:

1. Draw feathers in 5-, 4-, and 3-inch lengths on

4. Glue a 5-inch feather straight up the middle of your turkey’s tail feathers, then fan the feathers out, decreasing in size and mixing up the colors.

2. Cut out a triangle beak and two tall, thin, house shapes for the feet.

5. Once your tail feathers are as full as you like, steady your turkey by gluing on the feet with the pointy parts facing forward.

3. Glue the googly eyes and beak on the flat side of your wood slice.

6. We added hair bows and bow ties to jazz up our turkey trot!

the cardstock and cut them out.

11218 N. RODNEY PARHAM RD. / LITTLE ROCK 501.223.4929

4822 N. HILLS BLVD. / NORTH LITTLE ROCK 501.978.3154

• INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

mama said...

10 WAYS TO BE A GREAT VOLUNTEER

chool and sports are back in full swing, and the holidays are just around the corner. Work parties, class parties, church functions, fundraisers, field trips and STEM nights must all be planned—and manned. Who’ll do the work? Who’ll make sure the fall carnivals and spring galas go off without a hitch? In my experience, it’s usually the same set of worker bees. You know the ones, those men or women who can always be counted on to make things happen. Whether it’s asking for donations, corralling volunteers, setting a fabulous table or doing the dirty work, some people just know how to get it done. What’s their secret? Are their brains more organized? Do they have more free time? Is it experience? At work, at school, at church or the animal shelter, is it possible to become a great volunteer—one of those people you’ve always watched while shaking your head in awe? You bet it is. Take a look at these tips I compiled after speaking to several experienced volunteers and managers. 1. Try something new. Feel strongly about a cause or organization? Think you can make a contribution? Go for it! It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone, and chances are the group will need help so badly they’ll overlook your inexperience. 2. Take stock of your talents and interests. What are you good at? What are you comfortable doing? Is web design your thing? Maybe it’s baking. Do you have Fridays off? Somebody, somewhere will be thrilled to utilize your time and talents. 3. Don’t wait for an invitation. A great volunteer doesn’t wait to be asked. If you’re expecting a golden invitation, the party will pass you by. Committee chairs are often overwhelmed. They’re so busy working they can’t see you standing there. What they need are volunteers who’ll show up and get things done. If you can help, say so, which leads me to… 4. Four magic words: “What can I do?” Volunteer organizers love flexibility. They usually have a list of tasks a mile long, just waiting to be completed. Don’t know what to do? Ask. 5. Communicate. OK, so, you have a task, but the committee chair is wearing you out. She won’t stop emailing and texting about deadlines and specifics. Doesn’t she know you’ll come through in the end? Well, no. She doesn’t. Tell her. Respond to emails and texts with details of your progress. And this is very important: If you can’t follow through, let someone know right away so they can assign someone else to the task. 6. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. You had good intentions, but somewhere along the way you lost your head and promised to hand-make 40 centerpieces by Friday. Maybe you swore to secure your friend’s ex-boss’s cabin in Aspen to headline the silent auction, but now they’re on the outs. A recurring theme among the experienced volunteers I spoke with was the importance of not

overextending. A volunteer is helping no one if he crashes and burns. It’s okay to start small. It’s okay to set boundaries. Do what you know you can do, and observe the rest for next year. Don’t promise the moon; you’ll never deliver. There are a thousand little stars, though, that you can easily grasp. 7. Don’t take it personally. If ever you feel out of touch or out of the loop, check in. Volunteer organizers are people too. They have a lot on their plate. If you’re feeling slighted, it probably isn’t personal— they’re just overwhelmed. Or maybe you submitted a great new idea, but the old guard only wants to do things their way. If your brilliant plan isn’t adopted, move on to the next one. Keep trying. Remain diplomatic and try not to take it personally. 8. Keep negativity to a minimum. Though it’s too often rampant, there’s really no room for negativity in volunteer work. If you don’t like something, offer an alternative. Don’t criticize how a thing gets done; just be thankful it did. After all, everyone’s working toward a shared goal. Remember your cause and motivations. Keep a positive attitude and a smile on your face as you do the work for kids, for dogs, for Jesus. 9. Manage your time; know your limitations. Commitments can sneak up on you. Suddenly it’s the week of the event, which has taken over your life. It’s pizza for dinner again and your 4-year-old’s fingers are bleeding from twisting floral wire for the 40 centerpieces you promised. It’s important to manage your time well and consider your other obligations. Plan ahead so that the rest of your life isn’t sucked down the drain. Prioritize. Carve out undisturbed moments to make phone calls or update spreadsheets where you can. 10. Complete the task and prepare for meetings. A great volunteer is prepared for meetings. She has done the task/assignment from the last meeting, and is ready to report on it. If we’re being honest, I’ll admit to making outstanding phone calls en route to a committee meeting, but, hey, it gets done. Pulling off successful events or completing projects takes teamwork. Everyone has to pull their own weight. I’m learning as I go when it comes to volunteering and serving on committees. Often, I don’t have a clue where to begin. Some people, though, have been volunteering their whole lives—it’s part and parcel of parenting and community for them. Even so, I think we all have a little room to grow. A friend of mine, skilled and experienced in volunteer work, recalled a quote she’d taken to heart. “Volunteer work takes doers, donors and door openers.” From schools to shelters, there’s a lot of need in Central Arkansas. If you’re inclined to volunteer, put yourself out there. Maybe these tips will help. MANNING THE CHECK-IN BOOTH AT THE JEFFERSON FALL CARNIVAL!

Jen Holman is determined to be a voice of reason amongst reality TV and momjudgment-gone-wild. Her newest novel (as yet unpublished) won the 2017 Rosemary award for excellence in young adult fiction. She lives in Little Rock with her husband and three (im)perfect children.

14 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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Yes, recovery may take 12 steps… But The BridgeWay has always been the ﬁrst. As the ﬁrst psychiatric hospital in the state of Arkansas, The BridgeWay has helped thousands of Arkansans recover from addictions. From legal to illegal substances, we have treated them all.

Under the care of a certified addictionologist, The BridgeWay was the first to offer two treatment options: n Abstinence-based treatment n Medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient treatment, The BridgeWay has always been the first place to call. We provide services that treat addictions for adults, ages 18 and older, within a medical setting: n Medical detoxification n Outpatient n Yoga n Crisis stabilization n Support by AA and Al-Anon n Nutritional guidance n Dual diagnosis n Pet-assisted therapy n Computer access n Rehabilitation n Art therapy n Visitation n Intensive Outpatient For over thirty years, The BridgeWay has been the first and only program with a dedicated program for the treatment of substance abuse. Let The BridgeWay be your first call.

The BridgeWay may be reached toll-free at 1-800-245-0011 Our assessment and referral staﬀ is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Assessments are provided at no charge and are always conﬁdential. The BridgeWay is an in-network provider for Medicaid, up to 21 years of age, and all other insurance companies in Arkansas including Medicare and Tricare.

www.TheBridgeWay.com | THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

mind, body & soul

MORE THAN THE WINTER BLUES

Depression can strike any age or gender, and the symptoms can vary widely. Parents need to know what to look for and what treatments are effective to keep kids—and themselves—in good spirits. BY DWAIN HEBDA

epression is one of—if not the most common—mental health diagnosis. It affects all ages, both genders and according to the Centers for Disease Control, the estimated 2.1 percent of young people ages 3 to 17 diagnosed with clinical depression grossly underreports the actual scope of the issue. Yes, you read that age range correctly. Children as young as elementary school can and do suffer from depression, although assessing an accurate number is difficult. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that about five percent of American children and adolescents suffer from the disease, but chances are good you wouldn't know depression in your child because the symptoms don't match stereotypes. "Adults’ symptomology usually is going to be your very

16 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

clinical depression that we think of—withdrawing, isolating, crying, tearfulness, poor sleep," said Katie Walker registered play therapist with Chenal Family Therapy's North Little Rock practice. "For kids, it’s almost the opposite of how adults process depression. They look very different." Children suffering from depression will often display anger, Walker said, because they lack the coping skills to express sadness in the same way an adult does. Nightmares and other sleeping difficulties, acting out and problems concentrating in school are also common symptoms not usually thought of as depressive by the general population. What's more, this biological inability to process emotions can last through middle school and into high school.

"When teenagers go through their hormones, around ages 12 to 15, they actually function the same as a toddler," Walker said. "I would say up until 15, you’ll still see very much elementary age emotion. Then starting at 16 or 17, towards the end of adolescence, is when they’re really going to start understanding sadness and processing it more as an adult does." Middle and high schoolers were the subject of a 2015 study by the National Institute of Mental Health on major depressive episodes. The study looked at individuals ages 12 to 17 who experienced depressed mood of at least two weeks and displayed at least four depressive symptoms. The study found such occurrences were more frequent among 15- to 17-year-olds and among mixed race children than among other age and ethnic categories. Girls were more than three times more likely than boys to suffer a major depressive episode. Given the prevalence of the condition, treatment options have multiplied. Among newer therapies is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a trauma therapy often used to address an underlying event that may be at the root of depression. There's also a growing demand for essential treatments that don’t include pharmaceuticals. Walker's specialty, play therapy, is another relatively new treatment. Play therapy helps harness a child's ability to express themselves using toys, paints, puppets or other play materials in ways their limited comprehension and vocabulary can't. "A few years ago, there weren't many registered play therapists. A lot of kids just went to treatment and it was regular talk therapy," Walker said. "But that kind of treatment doesn’t work

for children. Children don’t have the brain capacity or capacity at all to say, 'I am sad because...' That requires very high prefrontal cortex thinking. Play therapy is a great way to reach the brain and let them process through it." One highly effective treatment for adult depression many people don't know still exists is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), where highly controlled mini-doses of electricity that last from under a second to about two seconds are administered to the brain. Generally reserved for problematic cases or where other treatment options have failed, it's considered a highly-effective option. "If you take a severely depressed person they have about a 60 percent chance of getting effective improvement with medicines," said Dr. Richard Owings, partner with Psychiatric Associates in Little Rock. "About 90 percent will get improvement with ECT." Owings, who conducts the therapy at The Bridgeway in Little Rock, has been performing the procedure since 1993 and said a common analogy for how ECT works is like rebooting a computer. Patients' neuro processes can get caught in a feedback loop they can't get out of. "When you do ECT, it essentially disorganizes the brain," he said. "We do EEG monitoring and right after the stimulus you just see erratic random waves. But after about 30 or 40 seconds you’ll start seeing coherent coordinated waves." The primary side effect of ECT is about half the patients experience some form of memory loss, ranging from temporary to severe. About 10 percent of patients simply don't do well with ECT or medication at all. For more information on depression visit aacap.org.

Under the care of a certified addictionologist, The BridgeWay was the first to offer two treatment options: n Abstinence-based treatment n Medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone

now open!

Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient treatment, The BridgeWay has always been the ﬁrst place to call. We provide services that treat addictions for adults, ages 18 and older, within a medical setting: n Medical detoxiﬁcation n Outpatient n Yoga n Crisis stabilization n Support by AA and Al-Anon n Nutritional guidance n Dual diagnosis n Computer access Explore the complexnemotions Pet-assisted therapy n Rehabilitation n Art therapy n Visitation of love and forgiveness n Intensive Outpatient

movement, art Forthrough over thirty years,words, The BridgeWay has been the ﬁrst and only program with a dedicated program for the treatment of substance abuse. Let The BridgeWay be your ﬁrst call. making,performance and play inthismay interactive The BridgeWay be reachedexhibit. toll-free at 1-800-245-0011

Our assessment and referral staﬀ is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Assessments are provided at no charge and are always conﬁdential. The BridgeWay is an in-network provider for Medicaid, up to 21 years of age, and all other insurance companies 500 President Clinton Ave, Ste 150 Little Rock, AR 72201 www.museumofdiscovery.org 501.396.7050 www.TheBridgeWay.com | in Arkansas including Medicare and Tricare. THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

savvy style

HANDCRAFTED HOSTESS GIFTS

Get in the spirit of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and support local makers and crafters. Whether you need a quick hostess gift to take to a holiday event or want to get a head start on holiday shopping, these locally made items are sure to be a hit!

18 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

1. Create your own fragrant home spa experience with a jar of Vintage Merlot soaking salts by Bathhouse Soapery of Hot Springs. These mineral bath salts will detoxify, relax and renew. bathhousesoap.com. 2. A couple bags of bold beans from Northwest Arkansas-based Onyx Coffee Lab is perfect for an office gift exchange or for the coffee lover in your life. This small batch coffee roaster takes pride in creating rich, exciting and approachable flavors. onyxcoffeelab.com. 3. A candle is the perfect, no-fail hostess gift, and a locally made home fragrance will really impress. Fill your rooms with the scent of Lux Fragrances candles, handmade in Des Arc, using a soy-free premium wax blend with a long burn time. The new fall scents are heavenly! lux-fragrances.com.

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6. You can't arrive to a party empty handed! If your beer you can't go wrong with a growler from Flyway Brewing in North Little Rock. This craft brewery has perfected every ale they make. Try the seasonal brews Dowitcher Pumpkin Ale or Oktoberfest, or the classic, year-round Free Range Brown. flywaybrewing.com.

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

good eats

ENJOY THIS DELICIOUS FALL GEM SWEET, SPICY AND SAVORY! STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY GUICE

PUMPKIN CHAI TEA LATTE 20 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

t's pumpkin time! You've likely visited one of Arkansas's several pumpkin patches at least once already to let the kids choose their own pumpkin for carving, while you carefully selected the perfect Cinderella pumpkins to stack next to the mums on your front porch. The chill in the air leaves me in the mood for things like soup and chai tea lattes, so I've come up with a few ways you can use this gorgeous fall staple to satisfy all those cool weather cravings! One of my very favorite autumn treats is a hot Chai Tea Latte from MYLO in Hillcrest. They use their own spice blend, and it's super spicy, just the way I like it! While I love the idea of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, they always taste too sweet to me. I created my own variation of a Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte to control the sweetness and the spiciness, and I wasn't disappointed! To truly maximize the flavor of this tea, drink on a cold and rainy Sunday while reading a good book.

If you need a show-stopper for dinner guests (or a warm-up on a lazy day), French Onion Soup is like comfort food from Heaven. The combination of this rich soup when served in a savory-sweet roasted pumpkin will make this time-consuming recipe worth the work, I promise! And don't forget to reserve the seeds from the two sugar pumpkins— roasted pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack! Along with being tasty, pumpkin seeds are incredibly healthy. With Omega-3 fatty acids to boost your brain power, magnesium for heart health, and zinc to build up your immune system, these powerful little seeds deserve to be enjoyed! Each ¼ cup serving gives you 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, so it's the perfect snack to keep in your purse to curb your appetite throughout your day, because, let's face it, cookie exchanges and holiday parties are just around the corner!

PUMPKIN CHAI TEA LATTE Makes 2 lattes 1 cup water 2 bags chai tea 1 cup milk (I use vanilla almond milk) ¼ cup pumpkin puree

½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons maple syrup Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Bring water to a simmer, then remove from heat and add the bags of tea. Steep for seven minutes, then squeeze the tea bags over the pan before removing. While tea is steeping, combine milk, pumpkin, cinnamon and maple syrup in a blender and blend about 45 seconds, until thoroughly combined. Slowly add the pumpkin “cream” to the chai tea, and serve hot (topped with whipped cream, if desired).

SPICY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed 3 cups water 1 tablespoon sea salt ½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons sesame oil ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon honey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove seeds from pumpkin, rinsing any remaining pumpkin flesh off the seeds. Bring water and sea salt to a boil; add the seeds and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the seeds well and pat dry. Spread in one even layer on a cookie sheet. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Drizzle seasoning over the seeds and toss to combine. Roast in a preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, checking and shaking the pan often. Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from the pan to store in an airtight container for up to a week.

SPICY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

FRENCH ONION SOUP IN A ROASTED PUMPKIN BOWL Makes 2 filled pumpkin bowls (with leftovers) 2 sugar pumpkins, roughly the same size 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 stick butter 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 cup red wine 1 tablespoon flour 1 quart beef bone broth (regular beef broth works, too) 1 loaf baguette bread (or other crusty bread) ¾ cup shredded Gruyere cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. With a sharp knife, carefully cut the top ¼ off of the pumpkin. Remove the seeds and “guts” from the pumpkin, leaving the fruit intact (reserve the seeds to roast for a snack!). Drizzle the inside and outside of the bottom and top with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper all around the inside of the pumpkins, and place whole pumpkins on two cookie sheets, the tops and bottoms side by side (not put back together). Roast pumpkins for 45-50 minutes, until a fork goes easily into the flesh of the pumpkin. Remove from oven and set aside. For the soup, melt the stick of butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper and red wine. Stir, then bring to a simmer (still over medium heat), stirring occasionally, for a minimum of 45 minutes, until all wine is evaporated and onions are very soft (almost melted). Add the flour and stir until dissolved, then add the bone broth. Bring to a boil and simmer for another 20 minutes. While soup is simmering, slice 2-4 pieces of the baguette. Place on a cookie sheet and top liberally with the Gruyere cheese. Place cookie sheet under the broiler, (watching carefully!), and remove when cheese is melted and the outside of the bread is toasted. To assemble, place a pumpkin bowl on a plate (or in a shallow bowl), then carefully ladle the soup into the pumpkin. Float a Gruyere toast on top of the soup, and rest the pumpkin “lid” against the side of the pumpkin (or place on top for an even more dramatic presentation). Serve immediately (or keep the toast separate if not serving immediately). When eating, scoop a bit of the roasted pumpkin with your spoon to combine the flavors of the roasted pumpkin with the rich soup. (Note: There will likely be more soup than you need to fill two pumpkins, so freeze the rest for later!)

22 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

FRENCH ONION SOUP IN A ROASTED PUMPKIN BOWL

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Holiday Gift Cards Available! THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

24 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

s a s n a k ACrollege Tour No matter what your goals and aspirations, Arkansas has a college or university to help you blaze the trail. From large-scale universities to intimate college settings or online coursework, the degree and certificate programs offered in the Natural State have something to get any student to the top of the class. PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITIES THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

ARKANSAS COLLEGE TOUR Four-Year Colleges

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY JONESBORO | ASTATE.EDU

Arkansas State University’s (A-State) total enrollment is just over 14,000 students, but the school casts a long shadow thanks to its many public-private partnerships bringing new opportunities to the university. A-State opened a $100 million campus in Querétaro, Mexico, in the fall of 2017 and hosts the second medical school in Arkansas with the New York Institute of Technology's College of Osteopathic Medicine at the heart of the Jonesboro campus in historic Wilson Hall. Arkansas State’s campus investments total $175 million in the past six years, including new undergraduate and graduate housing. The activity is paying off with some of the most academically gifted freshman classes in the school’s history measured by the highest ACT scores and high school GPAs. Under new Chancellor Kelly Damphousse, A-State has recommitted itself to undergraduate teaching with initiatives to emphasize that Every Red Wolf Counts. Campus Living: The popularity of on-campus living at A-State is at an all-time high. Arkansas State is the first university in the MidSouth to welcome LimeBike onto its campus. Students can commute easily with the addition of the rentable bikes at Red WOLF Center. Use of a LimeBike is only 50 cents per 30-minute time block for riders with AState.edu email addresses. Tuition & Financial Aid: Students at A-State receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, waivers, work-study and on-campus student employment. Approximately 90 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance. In-state tuition for a 15-hour semester is $4,239. Internships & Work Study: A-State’s Study Abroad program creates educational and volunteerism opportunities around the world. Sports: The Red Wolves play at the highest level of NCAA sports— Division I BCS competition—and are leaders in the Sun Belt Conference. Whether the four consecutive football bowl appearances, the winningest women’s basketball coach in SBC history or national champions in track and field, the Red Wolves success brings excitement in each of A-State’s 16 varsity sports. Clubs & Activities: A-State has over 200 special interest clubs ranging from academic disciplines to intramural sports.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse 1. What innovative curriculum or program at A-State excites you most right now? What excites me about Arkansas State is the way the faculty brings a commitment to individual research into the classroom, especially for our undergraduates. Ranging from laboratory

26 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

work at Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State, to restoration efforts at one of our four Arkansas State Heritage Sites, students tell me how much hands-on research work means to them. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of A-State students, and how does your institution work to ease that? I believe keeping the cost of college down is something on the minds of students and their families. However, the most costly thing is not completing a degree. This is the reason I appointed the Chancellor’s Commission on Completion to bring our faculty and staff together to find innovative means to increase our freshman retention rate to 85 percent by 2019, a four-year graduation rate to 45 percent by 2023 and our six-year graduation rate to 65 percent by 2025. 3. What are some common career paths graduates from A-State take? Arkansas State is a leader in health care professions, education, media and business career paths. Our physical therapy and occupational therapy programs are among the best in the region. We also have a strong pre-professional area to prepare students for law, medical, dental and veterinary schools. And as host to the state’s second medical school, New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State, we have an enhanced relationship in that area. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? As the new chancellor for Arkansas State, my wife, Beth, and I chose A-State for many of the same reasons as the students. I made a reference to “Every Red Wolf Counts” in my interview, and the A-State staff turned it into T-shirts and a campaign. That spirit of caring for students and creating a genuine campus community didn’t appear overnight because of something I said. It is a part of the DNA of this institution.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY RUSSELLVILLE | ATU.EDU

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is home to more than 11,800 students for fall 2017. Tech is the third-largest institution of higher learning in the state, and more than 90 percent of ATU students are from the state of Arkansas. With campuses in Russellville and Ozark, ATU offers a stackable degrees approach that allows for students to find the right starting point and advance from there on their educational journey. Arkansas Tech ranks No. 1 in Arkansas and among the top seven percent of institutions in the U.S. in its ability to help students improve their socioeconomic status after graduation. Campus Living & Safety: The National Campus Safety Summit has selected the ATU Department of Public Safety as one of its 2017 top 25 campus safety departments in the United States. In addition to providing a safe campus, ATU also understands the value of providing students with proper health and nutrition. That's why Tech opened a new Health and Wellness Center to provide for the physical and mental well-being of its students in fall 2017. Nourishment is available at such campus dining options as Chambers Cafeteria, Baswell Techionery, Doc's Place and Jerry's Eats, a food truck situated on the south end of the Russellville campus near the home of Wonder Boys football, Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field. Tuition & Financial Aid: Arkansas Tech has seven levels of freshmen academic scholarships beginning with a minimum composite ACT score of 21 and 3.25 minimum cumulative high school grade point average. Academic scholarships are awarded competitively. Tuition and mandatory fees for an undergraduate student enrolled

in 30 hours at Arkansas Tech during the 2017-18 academic year are $8,880. Residence hall rates in 2017-18 start at $1,694 per semester. Meal plan rates in 2016-17 start at $1,396 per semester. Internships & Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. ATU students interested in internships may work with the Norman Career Services office to find the best fit. Many of the largest employers in Arkansas and beyond regularly visit Arkansas Tech for career fairs and one-on-one interviews with ATU students. Sports: Arkansas Tech sponsors men’s programs in baseball, basketball, football and golf as well as women’s programs in basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis and volleyball. All 10 Arkansas Tech intercollegiate athletic programs have qualified for NCAA postseason play on at least one occasion. Arkansas Tech is a member of NCAA Division II and the Great American Conference. Tech is a five-time winner of the GAC All-Sports Trophy as the top overall athletics program in the conference. Clubs & Activities: Greek life is thriving at Arkansas Tech with one in five freshmen choosing to be a member of a sorority or fraternity. There are more than a dozen organizations representing the Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council. In all, there are more than 130 registered student organizations at ATU and more than 1,500 student events per year at Arkansas Tech. The student organizations vary from social to professional to service organizations. Campus recreation is the most popular activity among ATU students. They participate in intramural sports and fitness programs such as flag football, yoga, bubble soccer, table tennis, softball and much more. Dorm Information: More than 2,600 students choose to live in student housing at Arkansas Tech, which offers 16 housing facility options for its students. Options include apartment living, suite-style residence halls and traditional residence halls.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by ATU President Dr. Robin E. Bowen 1. What innovative curriculum or program at ATU excites you most right now? Arkansas Tech is a statewide leader in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. ATU has continued a wave of academic innovation with several new degree programs, including cultural and geospatial studies, game and interactive media design, environmental science, electrical engineering biomedical option, business data analytics, computer science education, chemistry education and physics education. Debuting in 2017-18 are Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees in cybersecurity, online Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Business Administration degrees as well as distinctive master's degree programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of ATU students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Students across the U.S. are faced with finding solutions for how to pay for college. At Arkansas Tech University, the Office of Financial Aid exists to connect students with funding sources that can help make the dream of a college education come true. In addition,

students may apply for privately-funded scholarships available through the ATU Foundation. More information is available at atu.edu/scholarships. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from ATU enjoyed? ATU alumni have served at the top of management for national retail chains, led customer service operations for one of the world's largest entertainment companies, served in capitols at Little Rock and Washington, D.C., risen to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army and provided national executive leadership for fraternities and sororities. Graduates of ATU also help form the backbone of communities across the Natural State and beyond, helping guide our K-12 school districts, manage large and small-scale agricultural operations, provide engineering expertise, lead emergency preparedness initiatives and ensure the success of Arkansas's tourism industry. ATU is producing graduates prepared to drive economic development. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? ATU offers a small school atmosphere with big school opportunities to help students blaze their own trails. Challenging classes and engaged faculty enhance the value of an ATU degree. Here students can explore intersecting career paths made possible by more than 120 undergraduate degree programs and more than 25 graduate degree options—all focused on student success.

HARDING UNIVERSITY SEARCY | HARDING.EDU

Harding University is a private, Christian institution committed to the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences while seeking to strengthen students’ faith and foster a lifetime commitment to serving others. Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas with more than 5,900 enrolled students representing all 50 states and 54 foreign nations and territories. Harding offers 10 undergraduate degrees in more than 100 academic majors, 14 pre-professional programs and 15 graduate and professional degrees. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the school as a top school in the south for 24 consecutive years and it also ranked ninth in the South in the Best Value School category. Campus Living & Safety: Harding University is located in Searcy, a safe and friendly city of almost 23,000 people located an hour’s drive from Little Rock. The campus occupies 350 acres with 47 buildings including a library, a world-class recreation center, 14 residence halls and five student apartment complexes. Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Harding also offers semester-long overseas campus programs in Zambia; Brisbane, Australia; Viña del Mar, Chile; London; Paris; Athens; and Florence. The Harding Department of Public Safety is open 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community. The department employs nearly 70 officers, with armed officers on duty at all times. Golf cart patrols at night provide around 20,000 rides each year for students going to various buildings and residence halls after dark. THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

Tuition & Financial Aid: Tuition for 2016-17 is $13,237 per year. Total cost including tuition, fees, room and board for 2016-17 is $26,279. Ninety-five percent of students receive financial assistance. Internships & Work-Study: The Center for Career Services and Center for Professional Excellence coordinate multiple career fairs and on-campus interviews each year to facilitate internship and job placement for students. Additionally, the Center for Career Services conducts hiring for hundreds of campus jobs qualifying for work-study. Sports: As a member of the NCAA Division II, Harding athletic programs include men’s intercollegiate competition in baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track as well as women’s intercollegiate competition in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball. Clubs & Activities: Harding offers more than 100 social, musical, religious and academic clubs and organizations, as well as on-campus radio and television stations and a student newspaper. Dorm Information: Nearly all students live on campus in six men’s and eight women’s residence halls as well as five student apartment complexes.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by Harding President Dr. Bruce McLarty 1. What innovative curriculum or program at Harding excites you most right now? Our peer guide program reflects who we are at Harding the best. As part of our required Bible class curriculum, male and female upperclassmen participate in each freshman Bible class to help facilitate discussions and provide insight on campus life. This creates a purposeful mentoring relationship and helps first-year students in making a successful transition into college. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Harding students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Students face a number of questions: For freshmen it’s “Will I make friends?” For seniors, it’s “Will I have a job?” But I think for all of them, there’s a deeper level of “Is what I’m investing myself in and preparing myself for going to matter?” Harding is a community of mission. Every discipline and every major is viewed as something anchored in the ministry of God. It is to be an avenue of service. The answer to that question is not something you discover once you get out; it’s something that is built into every one of our 100 majors. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from Harding enjoyed? I think prestige is found not in money or acclaim, but it’s found in the purposefulness of a career. When you look at it in terms of making a difference in the world, then someone who is a teacher, an accountant or an engineer is changing the world. It might not be something prestigious in the eyes of many, but at Harding we elevate that. We have had famous researchers and incredibly successful business people, but the thing that makes all of those significant is not what others recognize it to be but what the graduates themselves recognize it to be. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? When they visit campus, most of our students see themselves in a place they want to be. It is something that is seen and felt when they arrive, and I think that is why people who are looking for a Christiancentered, a faith-centered education, they walk on campus, they visit our

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classes, and they decide this is where they belong.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY ARKADELPHIA | HSU.EDU

For 127 years, Henderson State University, The School with a Heart® has served students and the community alike. Offering 40 bachelor’s degrees, 13 graduate degrees and many other educational programs, the school is consistently ranked for its affordability and quality of programs. The university received recognition as a 2017 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, placing the school No. 16 among southern colleges and universities. Among the leading majors are teaching, management and accounting at the bachelor and MBA level. Registered nursing, mental health and school counseling programs up to the master’s level and various human services and social work majors are also popular as is learning to soar, literally, in the state's only fouryear aviation degree program. Campus Living & Safety: Henderson has implemented several safety measures, including: a mass notification system with 26 alert beacons in academic buildings; the installation of outdoor emergency call phones across campus; an outdoor warning notification system/siren; emergency mass notification system; and golf carts to safely transport students during evening hours. Henderson police officers are on duty 24 hours a day. The Dunn Recreation Center offers a variety of events, activities, competitive and recreational sporting events, outdoor adventure opportunities, fitness and health education and training. Tuition & Financial Aid: 2017-18 undergraduate in-state resident tuition is $221 per semester hour; out of state resident, $276 per semester hour. Henderson offers scholarships, financial aid and work-study programs to help make the college experience more affordable for students. Internships & Work-study: Henderson State prepares students for life-long careers after graduation by encouraging them to use their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom at internships both on and off campus. The work-study program provides part time employment to both undergraduate and graduate students to help supplement educational expenses while providing professional work experience. Sports: The university’s athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division II Great American Conference. Henderson offers 12 men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, swimming and diving, golf, cross country and volleyball. Clubs & Activities: Henderson is home to more than 90 organizations, with interests ranging from academics, honor societies, religion, music, politics, student government, Greek life, the arts, yearbook and a TV and radio station. Dorm Information: On-campus living has grown immensely at Henderson with a new co-ed residence hall and apartment complex. Henderson offers eight housing options in total, where residents can enjoy on-site laundry facilities, cable TV and wireless Internet and a recreation center.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by Henderson President Glen Jones 1. What innovative curriculum or program at Henderson excites you most right now? We recently introduced a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering that has me excited about the opportunities for our current and future students. Engineering students acquire technology-based, problem-solving skills with an emphasis on project design and completion. Following graduation, these students will employ their skills in a wide range of technical careers, such as electrical engineering, computer-technology, research and aerospace. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Henderson students, and how does your institution work to ease that? All students—and their parents— want to know that their college time will lead to productive careers. Henderson State provides the skills that future employers say they most want—the ability to work as a part of a team, communication skills, planning and research skills, and the ability to write. Our graduates know that they will have a chance to connect these skills to their careers, no matter what they decide to do. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from Henderson enjoyed? The university produces graduates who are leaders in their careers and communities. Henderson’s alumni include some of the nation’s most successful men and women including nationally syndicated disc jockey

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

Bobby Bones; Army Nurse Corps Chief and Major General Jimmie Keenan; Dr. Billy G. Hudson, Elliot V. Newman Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Pathology at Vanderbilt University; Shannon Curtin, Senior Vice President of Consumer Beauty for COTY; professional golfer Ken Duke and the late Lawrence Hamilton, musician and Broadway star. 4. Why do students choose your university over other instate options? Henderson State has long been recognized as one the most affordable universities in Arkansas. In fact, we were ranked No. 52 nationally on the GoodCall 2016 Best Schools for Scholarships list and were named No. 16 among southern colleges and universities in the 2017 Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck rankings. Henderson State offers the most competitive scholarship packages in the state for undergraduate and transfer students, and each year, more than 90 percent of our undergraduates receive financial aid. Just a 15-minute drive from campus, you can explore the great outdoors at DeGray Lake Resort State Park—a wonderful place for swimming, fishing, camping and more. Most important, our students say their professors are dedicated to their academic success and that they feel at home on campus.

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ARKADELPHIA | OBU.EDU

With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get to know their professors as personal mentors at Ouachita Baptist University. These relationships are reflected in graduates’ outstanding 97 percent acceptance rate to graduate schools across the nation. Along with being cited among “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes for nine consecutive years and among “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for the past seven years, Ouachita is ranked as the No. 1 private university in Arkansas by Niche.com. Among Ouachita’s 60-plus degree programs are new majors in biophysics, community and family services, environmental studies, finance, music industry, public history and social justice studies that reflect the diversity of today’s students. Not to be missed is the annual Battle of the Ravine, which pits Tiger Nation against Henderson State in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, dating back to 1895. Campus Living & Safety: With a vibrant residential community, 95 percent of Ouachita students live in campus housing. The university campus is a safe environment with Campus Safety officers on duty 24 hours a day. Tuition & Financial Aid: Total tuition, fees and room and board for the 2018-19 academic year is $34,670. More than 97 percent of students receive financial aid, including generous new merit-based scholarship levels. Internships & Work-Study: Ouachita offers federal work-study positions. Our Career Services office and seven academic schools assist students in securing competitive internships in Arkansas and nationally. Sports: Fourteen NCAA Division II teams compete in the Great American Conference. Men: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, tennis and wrestling. Women: basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

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Clubs & Activities: Ouachita offers more than 40 registered campus organizations and a nationally recognized intramural program. Memorable campus traditions include Tiger Serve Day, Tiger Tunes and Scholars Day. Study abroad programs in 15 countries, including the annual European Study Tour each summer. Dorm Information: Ouachita has nine residence halls, and several apartment buildings are within a few blocks of campus.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by Ouachita President Dr. Ben R. Sells 1. What innovative curriculum or program at Ouachita excites you most right now? One of our exciting new initiatives at Ouachita is our Discover program for students who haven’t yet decided on a major. It offers students the opportunity to learn more about themselves as Ouachita educates the whole person—academically, spiritually and personally. Participants can take part in our Discover Summit, faculty advising, Career Services counseling and other resources as they evaluate their interests and goals. Our liberal arts approach allows students to explore a variety of career opportunities to help them discover the ideal fit. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Ouachita students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Ouachita is committed to addressing students’ long-term goals of earning their college degree, landing their first job or being accepted into graduate school. Ouachita has the top university graduation rate in Arkansas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Our graduation rate of 70 percent is the highest among all 22 of Arkansas’s institutions of higher education, both private and public, that grant baccalaureate degrees. More than nine out of 10 of our graduates either have a job or are accepted to graduate school within six months of graduation. We also strive to keep Ouachita affordable and have seen a surge in middle-income families choosing Ouachita. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from Ouachita enjoyed? Our graduates are equipped for successful careers or graduate studies as they pursue opportunities to serve throughout Arkansas and beyond as attorneys, physicians, business leaders, ministers, educators and more. Our graduates’ high placement rate indicates that many employers seek out Ouachita graduates to fill key positions of responsibility and service. K-12 schools across the state prize the teachers who are trained at Ouachita because of the impact they will have on young people of Arkansas— and that’s a significant achievement of which we’re proud. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? Ouachita has a rich tradition as a leading Christian liberal arts university. We are pleased that Ouachita is consistently recognized for our commitment to academic excellence, outstanding value and low student-faculty ratio. These efforts confirm that Ouachita is rising from strength to strength as we foster a love of God and a love of learning. Ouachita’s emphasis on high-impact learning includes such opportunities as taking part in summer science research projects, managing $1 million of the university’s endowment and participating in the Sundance Film Festival. Our goal is to equip our students through high-impact learning opportunities in an environment that prepares them to make an impact in their careers, communities and churches.

A COMMUNITY OF MISSION

Thundering Herd Marching Band

NCAA

Division II sports including baseball, basketball, golf, football, soccer, tennis, track & field, and volleyball

Degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral levels

Active campus with intramural athletics and world class recreation center with sports courts and fitness classes More than 100 social, musical, religious, academic and performing arts clubs and organizations. On-campus radio and television stations and a student newspaper

MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED Harding University is more than a place to learn; it’s a place to get involved. Whether you’re competing as an athlete on one of our nationally ranked sports teams, cheering them on or finding kindred spirits in your residence hall, a Bible study, or our many campus organizations and social clubs, the Harding experience goes far beyond the classroom. At Harding, we believe with whom you learn and from whom you learn are vitally important. Our Christian faculty and high-quality degree programs equip graduates with an exceptional education and a Christ-centered worldview. Visit harding.edu to learn more. Or better yet, come visit and see for yourself.

harding.edu • 501-279-4000 THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY MAGNOLIA | SAUMAG.EDU

Southern Arkansas University has experienced eight straight semesters of record numbers of students choosing SAU for their college experience. There are many reasons to become a Mulerider, but first and foremost students say it’s because SAU “feels like home.” SAU also offers more than 80 degree programs, ranging from traditional areas to new and unique programs established to meet industry and regional demands. Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and quality academics, both on campus and online, with four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies. SAU is recognized nationally for affordability, quality and economic mobility. Campus Living & Safety: Southern Arkansas University’s beautiful campus in Magnolia is abuzz with energy and life, and the student-centered atmosphere can be felt by first-time visitors and soon-to-be graduates. Activities, events and a wide range of organizational involvement keep students active and involved. SAU has a University Police Department that operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Tuition & Financial Aid: SAU is one of the most affordable universities in Arkansas and has been recognized with numerous national accolades for the quality and affordability. Undergraduate in-state tuition in 2017-18 is $228 per credit hour. The Office of Financial Aid is able to assist most students in finding financial assistance for their education. SAU also offers a number of scholarship opportunities. Sports: SAU is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and part of the Great American Conference. Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, track and golf. Women’s teams compete in volleyball, basketball, cross country, softball, track and golf. SAU also offers a sports fishing team and a disc golf team among the list of extracurricular competitive sports. The SAU Rodeo Team is nationally competitive and consistently ranks high in regional and national intercollegiate competitions. Clubs & Activities: The list of opportunities available outside of the classroom at SAU is as broad and diverse as the list of degree programs. Students can find a niche to match any interest through more than 60 student organizations. Entertainment flavors the campus experience throughout the year as SAU offers professional entertainment, concerts, plays, movies, lectures, workshops and intramural sports to round out the complete college experience. Dorm Information: Through the Residential Interest Group program, SAU offers students the unique experience of living with others who share similar interests. Because of the record enrollments, including campus living, SAU has added four new residence halls to campus over the past two years.

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QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by SAU President Dr. Trey Berry 1. What innovative curriculum or program at SAU excites you most right now? One reason Southern Arkansas University has experienced eight straight semesters of record growth is the establishment of new and unique degree programs that meet regional and industry demands. Perhaps the most exciting has been SAU Engineering, the only engineering program south of Little Rock. This program was built on strong support from regional industry, meaning incoming SAU Engineering students will not only gain valuable internship opportunities, but will also have high-paying jobs waiting for them upon graduation. Other exciting programs include Cybersecurity, Computer Game and Animation Design, Musical Theatre (BFA), Welding Engineering Technology, Supply Chain Management, and the new MBA in Social Entrepreneurship. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of SAU students, and how does your institution work to ease that? College students nationwide are challenged by today’s fast-paced world, the likes of which has never been experienced. With technology at their fingertips at all times, anxiety and stress are real concerns. At SAU, we have a tradition of being a student-centered campus. Our administrators, faculty and staff have an open-door policy, meaning we invite students to approach anyone in our Mulerider family for any help or support at any time. We are also expanding our Counseling Center and adding additional licensed counselors who offer free and confidential services for our students and employees. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from SAU enjoyed? Southern Arkansas University has been recognized as one of the best schools in the United States for economic mobility. Zippia.com placed SAU on its 2017 list of “Best Schools for Economic Mobility by State,” and OnlineU.org listed the University among the country’s top 20 in their list, “2017 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Student Economic Mobility.” Elston Strong, a 1980 business graduate of SAU and State Farm insurance agent in Little Rock said there are “a large number of SAU graduates around the United States in many career levels, and many are also self-employed.” 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? Record numbers of students are choosing Southern Arkansas University because “it feels like home.” We asked students at freshmen orientation this past summer why they chose SAU, and time after time they said it was because of the atmosphere—the culture of caring—at SAU. Many students also were attracted to SAU’s more than 80 academic programs, many unique to the state and region. Other incoming students, or their parents, were impressed with SAU’s balance of affordability and quality. When prospective students come for a tour of our beautiful and inviting campus, they find out for themselves why SAU is so special and why they should become a part of the Mulerider family.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH FORTH SMITH | UAFS.EDU

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) offers more than 60 future-focused bachelor and associate degrees, 35 certificates and a master's program to prepare students for the challenges of a changing world. Indemand concentrations include IT programming, security and enterprise computing and information systems management. Healthcare is also big with programs in imaging sciences, practical nursing, radiography and a Master’s of Healthcare Administration to name a few. The university is one of the most affordable in the region, made moreso by 96 percent of UAFS students receiving some form of financial aid, in total more than $54 million awarded. UAFS also stacks up well against peer institutions, named the college with the second-best value for a criminal justice degree in the U.S. by Best Value Schools and third-best affordable school for the RN to BSN program in the United States by Great Value Colleges. Campus Living & Safety: UAFS has 104 registered student organizations, and we add on average about ten new organizations every year. During the 2015-16 academic year, our student organizations hosted more than 300 different events and activities both on and off-campus. The UAFS Police Department serves the campus community with full time police services. The department offers safety escorts, lighting tours, emergency phone locations, Rave Guardian App for communication from smart phones, building locks and unlocks and mass alerts through the Lion’s Alert, which allows mass notification alerts. Tuition & Financial Aid: Undergraduate in-state tuition for 2017-18 is $166 per credit hour; out-of-state tuition is $461 per credit hour. Each year, more than 80 percent of UAFS undergraduates receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study and other tuition assistance programs. UAFS offers in-state tuition to residents of bordering states. Internships & Work-Study: Internships are one of many ways students receive applied learning opportunities at UAFS, and the university encourages students to pursue internships across the city and beyond. UAFS students have interned with the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), NASA and prestigious literary presses, in addition to companies across the greater Fort Smith region. The university also sends a student to Washington, D.C., each summer to intern with Congressman Steve Womack. Sports: UAFS athletic teams engage in intercollegiate competition in men’s baseball, basketball, golf, tennis and cross country and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, cross country and volleyball. Since becoming a member of NCAA Division II and the Heartland Conference, UAFS has won conference championships in volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, and men’s golf.

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY graduate programs are designed for professionals like you who want to shape their own destiny, upgrade their credentials, and be a strategic player in the world of business. Webster University not only provides you with a degree more and more employers are looking for, but also the critical thinking skills and teamwork experience necessary for today’s interconnected world. APPLY TODAY! ➢ Graduate degree programs in business, management and technology ➢ Accredited and non-profit ➢ No GRE/GMAT ➢ Classes offered one night a week for 9 weeks TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS & ONLINE LITTLE ROCK 200 West Capitol Ave. | Suite 1500 | 501-375-1511 LITTLE ROCK AFB 1490 Vandenberg Blvd. | Suite 109 | 501-988-5331

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Dorm Information: First-time, full-time in-coming college freshman who want to live on-campus must stay in our Lion’s Den Residence Hall. The Lion’s Den Residence Hall offers suite-style living. Returning students are permitted to live in the Sebastian Commons, which offers apartment-style living.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran 1. What innovative curriculum or program at UAFS excites you most right now? UAFS strives to base curricula off new and emerging technologies so that our students are graduating with skill sets relevant in today’s workforce, an example being our unmanned aircraft systems associate degree program we will begin offering next fall. The skills and knowledge acquired in this program can be applied to a number of jobs across multiple industry sectors. But, UAFS also innovates in the academic opportunities we provide to students, such as our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for non-traditional students. Through this program residents who already possess a bachelor’s degree and want a career in the nursing field can enroll in an accelerated degree program and enter a well-paying job in healthcare. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of UAFS students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Our institutional research shows that students are very cost conscious. Students don’t want to go to school and graduate with a large student loan debt. This concern continues to grow as a myriad of factors conspire to drive up the cost of higher education. At UAFS, our goal is to be both affordable and high quality. We serve a diverse population of students, many of whom are first-generation college students. We are proud to say we are now the most affordable four-year university in the state, with an outstanding faculty who teach in areas that have workplace relevance and a focus on critical thinking and problem solving. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from UAFS enjoyed? UAFS graduates have gone on to find success in a wide variety of career paths. Through their education here, graduates have attended prestigious graduate schools all over the United States and international universities in Europe and Asia, ascended to executive positions in local corporations, and flourished as entrepreneurs in the Fort Smith area. With a consistent 85 percent job and graduate school placement rate among our graduates, UAFS prides itself on being one of the leading workforce development universities in Arkansas, and the success of our graduates reflects that status 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? Our students continually note that they are compelled to attend UAFS because it is reasonably priced, offers workforce-focused degrees, boasts a beautiful campus, and provides countless opportunities for student involvement. UAFS is also lucky to be in a city that fully supports the focus and mission of the university.

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UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS CLARKSVILLE | OZARKS.EDU

The University of the Ozarks has developed a legacy of pushing boundaries. This private undergraduate university was the first in Arkansas to admit women, the first historically white college in Arkansas to confer a degree on an African American and to racially integrate athletics, and the first in the nation to create a program specifically designed for students with learning disabilities. That groundbreaking spirit continues, as the school combines a liberal arts education with specialization in multiple fields. Ozarks’ innovative LENS Program curriculum allows students to synthesize and connect across many different departments and graduate with an academic major and two minors. The university’s comprehensive academic program includes more than 60 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, and small class sizes ensure one-on-one attention. Ozark also boasts 16 NCAA Division III sports and 45 campus organizations to suit every interest. Campus Living & Safety: University of the Ozarks offers seven on-campus residential housing options, ranging from traditional residential halls to apartment-style lodging. On-campus students can take advantage of extensive residential life programming, free on-site parking and laundry services, a modern fitness center, cable TV and high-speed Internet, and a full-service dining hall and snack bar. The small, well-lighted campus is patrolled 24/7 by the university’s Department of Campus Safety. Tuition & Financial Aid: Each year, the university awards more than $7 million of its institutional funds to student scholarships. Scholarships range from the $8,000 Achievement Scholarship to the full-tuition Hurie Scholarship. Overall, 95 percent of Ozarks students receive some form of financial aid. For the past ten years, Ozarks has been ranked in the top 10 “Best Regional Colleges in the South” by U.S. News & World Report. Internships & Work Study: Ozarks encourages students to pursue internship opportunities and offers assistance to students who want to take part. The King Endowment for International Study and the Academic Enrichment Fund are competitive grants that provide nearly $100,000 a year for students who want to pursue internships or study abroad opportunities. There are also numerous work-study opportunities throughout campus that students can participate in. Sports: The university’s athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III American Southwest Conference, made of universities throughout Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Ozarks offers 19 men’s and women’s sports programs including: basketball, soccer, cross country, baseball, softball, tennis, wrestling, swimming, cheer, long distance track and shooting sports. Clubs & Activities: The university offers more than 40 clubs and organizations for students, ranging from academic to social to recreation. Also, Ozarks Outdoors is one of the most dynamic outdoor recreation programs in the state, providing numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy the nature-rich environment that is right outside of campus.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by University of the Ozarks President Richard Dunsworth, J.D. 1. What innovative curriculum or program at Ozarks excites you most right now? Within the last year we’ve implemented a new and unique curriculum called LENS, which stands for Learning Environment for New Syntheses. Under LENS, students are required to major in a program from within one of the three academic divisions—Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Science; Mathematics and Sciences; and Business, Communication and Education. They would also be required to earn two minors—one each from the two non-major areas. LENS is about encouraging students to go deep, to learn more about a subject, to see the connections between all things they study and to help them become curious, well-rounded and inspired graduates. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Ozarks students, and how does your institution work to ease that? The rising cost of a college education is a concern for many of our students and their parents. We’ve made it a priority at University of the Ozarks to make higher education more accessible and to lower student debt. We are doing this through disciplined price management, a mission-driven approach to financial aid and an emphasis on students graduating in four years. We have not raised tuition since fall 2013 and we’ve implemented new assistance programs like the Frontier Scholarship, which provides aid to promising students from

low- and middle-income families, and the King Scholarship, which assists students who want to enhance their educational experiences by studying abroad. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from Ozarks enjoyed? The most recent graduate success surveys by our Career Services Office reported that 98 percent of our graduates from the class of 2015, and 97 percent from the class of 2016 are either employed or enrolled in professional or graduate school. We have recent graduates who are enrolled in highly competitive medical, law and graduate schools across the country. We have recent graduates working in insurance, sales, human resources, mental health, child protective services, art museums, theatres and banking. Others are teachers, lab technicians, accountants, small business owners and marketing professionals. The University’s personalized and supportive environment is ensuring that our graduates are prepared to succeed in their chosen careers. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? For more than 180 years, University of the Ozarks has been empowering students and transforming lives by providing an education that is exceptional and accessible to all. This fall, University of the Ozarks welcomed its largest enrollment in its history—755 students, including more than 300 new students. We’re able to offer more than 60 academic programs in small classes that allow professors to get to know each student and help them succeed. We are proud of our mission to “prepare students from diverse religious, cultural, educational and economic backgrounds to live life fully.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT: OB U . E D U / A D M I S S I O N S 1. 8 0 0 . D I A L . O B U

At Ouachita, we do more than learn together. We do life together. As a nationally-ranked liberal arts university, we pride ourselves in offering high-impact learning experiences that will prepare you for your future career. Our commitment to a love of God and love of learning means you’ll leave here ready to engage with the world – and make a difference in it. Come see how Ouachita can invest in you. We would love to show you around!

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

More Four-Year Colleges Central Baptist College Conway | cbc.edu Located in Conway, Central Baptist College (CBC) students enjoy easy access to nearby Little Rock, yet reside in the friendliness and security of a small town. CBC is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Regional College in the South. Crowley’s Ridge College Paragould | crc.edu Crowley’s Ridge College (CRC) sits on 150 acres of Crowley's Ridge. We offer degrees in Bible, Business and Education. We have approximately 230 students on campus. Hendrix College Conway | hendrix.edu Hendrix is a four-year, private, residential, coeducational college of liberal arts founded in 1876 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The 175-acre campus educates a student body of 15,000. Lyon College Batesville | lyon.edu Lyon College is an independent, residential, co-educational, undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is one of the oldest colleges in the state, and generously provides financial support for 99 percent of the student body. Philander Smith College Little Rock | philander.edu Philander Smith College is a private, residential, co-educational, four-year undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist church, and a founding member of the United Negro College Fund. Philander is classified as a baccalaureate (liberal arts) college by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. University of Arkansas Fayetteville | uark.edu Nowhere else in the state can students experience the range of majors, classes, research opportunities and access to worldclass faculty and cutting-edge

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facilities offered by the University of Arkansas. And all that happens in Fayetteville, which was recently named No. 3 among the best places to live in the U.S. University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock | ualr.edu Providing the opportunities of Arkansas’s biggest city, yet small enough to deliver individual attention, the University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR) represents the best of all possible worlds. The university’s online learning program offers more than 450 online courses each semester, making earning a college degree easier and cost-effective University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello | uamont.edu Comprised of three campuses (Monticello, McGehee and Crossett) and covering more than 1,600 acres including timber and farmland, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) strives for excellence in all its endeavors. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff | uapb.edu The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a 140 year-old, land-grant institution offering students from Arkansas and those from the far reaches of the globe excellent degree programs, affordable tuition and an electrifying campus atmosphere. UAPB is ranked #4 on the 2015 Rankings of Best Historically Black Colleges & Universities. University of Central Arkansas Conway | uca.edu The University of Central Arkansas, founded in 1907, offers a picturesque 356-acre campus. Students can choose from 152 degree and certificate programs. Williams Baptist College Walnut Ridge | wbcoll.edu Williams Baptist College (WBC) is situated on a beautiful campus of 250 acres in rural northeast Arkansas. Williams is one of the most affordable Christian colleges in the U.S., and financial aid is available for both academics and athletics.

ARKANSAS COLLEGE TOUR Two -Year Colleges

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK LITTLE ROCK | BHCLR.EDU

With nine programs of study and nearly 100 years of distinguished service within the medical fields, Baptist Health College Little Rock has a long history of providing education, mentoring, academic support and student services to develop healthcare professionals of the future. Academic programs include training in patient care professions (practical nursing, registered nursing, occupational therapy assistant, nuclear medicine technology, radiography, sleep technology and surgical technology) and laboratory roles (histotechnology and medical laboratory science). These programs of study vary in length from one-year certificate programs, a two-year associate’s degree and a number of baccalaureate degree programs in affiliation with partnering colleges and universities. In each of Baptist Health’s programs, students receive extensive clinical experience that begins early in the educational process. This aspect of the curriculum has earned the college an unparalleled reputation for producing professional, work-ready graduates. Campus Living & Safety: Since 1921, Baptist Health College Little Rock has served the needs of residents throughout Arkansas and the region by providing quality, clinical-focused healthcare education in the areas of nursing and allied health. Currently serving approximately 800 students each year, BHCLR offers students small classroom sizes and one-on-one attention. Our diverse programs include Registered & Practical Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sleep Technology and Surgical Technology. Tuition & Financial Aid: BHCLR is proud to offer state and federal financial aid options, as well as local scholarships earned by students. We also offer Baptist Health Foundation Scholarships, open to all students. These scholarships vary in award and you can find the application with the Financial Aid Office.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by a BHCLR contributor 1. What innovative curriculum or program at BHCLR excites you most right now? Our Nuclear Medicine Technology program is a one-year, post Bachelor degree program for students interested in imaging. This program not only certifies students in nuclear medicine, or radioactive materials used in imaging techniques, but the program director, Daniel Guffey, also certifies students in CT (computed tomography), which can reveal anatomic details of internal organs not always seen in conventional x-rays. This unique “double certification” allows students more job opportunities and enhanced education. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of BHCLR students, and how does your institution work to ease that? One of the main questions all institutions receive is about job

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placement. Our students begin hands-on, clinical instruction within the first few weeks of their program, working hand in hand with professionals in their field. By blending hands-on learning with academic excellence, we can prepare professionals with amazing “real life” experience. 3. What are some common career paths graduates from BHCLR take? Each program is very diverse, so many avenues are taken depending on the program of choice. Many students who earn initial certification in healthcare will continue on to excel in leadership within hospital settings, work in sales, work as a travel nurse or travel allied health professional or even go into healthcare administration. 4. Why do students choose your college over other in-state options? Baptist Health College is very hands-on and is a main contender in the central Arkansas health care scene, as well as many rural hospitals and clinics around Arkansas. The partnerships with other hospital systems, large presence in Arkansas and Christian compassion of our hospital system is a unique experience for healthcare professionals and carries into our student experience.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DE QUEEN | CCCUA.EDU

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is an NCAaccredited two-year institution affiliated with the University of Arkansas System. Founded in 1975 as Cossatot Vocational-Technical School, the college has now joined the University of Arkansas system as a community college, allowing students who take their freshman and sophomore years at UA Cossatot to transfer to any of the five four-year universities in the UA System to complete their bachelor’s degrees. UA Cossatot offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields, along with four associate’s degrees that can be achieved completely online. Tuition & Financial Aid: Fall 2017 tuition per semester credit hour: In-district $71; in-state/out-of-district $84; out-of-state $100. Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants are available as well as institutional and local scholarships. Clubs & Activities: UA Cossatot offer clubs and activities includind: Campus Ministry at Cossatot, Collegiate FFA, Colts Club Soccer, Phi Theta Kappa, Skills USA, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Student Diversity Association and UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole 1. What innovative curriculum or program at UA Cossatot excites you most right now? Our Industrial Technology prepares students for a highpaying career as a maintenance technician within just about any industry. Local industries have historically had difficulties in hiring and keeping well-trained technicians that can solve complex breakdown issues such as repairing Programming Logic Controllers. This program gives the student the knowledge to address these and other manufacturing issues. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Cossatot students, and how does your institution work to ease that? The number one worry on our student’s minds is the ability to pay for college. While many students can access many different forms of financial aid, some do not know where to start. That fear is best

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alleviated by the student being extremely proactive in contacting and working with the college’s financial aid office, where they can direct students to all types of federal, state and local financial aid, 3. What are some common career paths graduates from Cossatot take? Currently the three most common career paths are welding, medical education and associate-level transfer programs. Across the U.S. we are seeing a severe shortage of available and qualified workers in the medical fields, especially nursing and medical technician areas. Welding is in high-demand due to the new booms in the oil pipeline and manufacturing industries. Transfer education opportunities have proliferated due to universities reaching out to community colleges to align themselves with useful articulation agreements. 4. Why do students choose your university over other in-state options? Students are choosing UA Cossatot for three major reasons. When you factor in our textbook program, where the average student saves over $500 per semester on book purchases, our college is the most affordable college in the state. Secondly, our students and their household decision-makers realize that our college has the third highest graduation rate in Arkansas. Lastly, UA Cossatot is revered for our customer service, where students feel the appreciation the minute they are assigned a real-time advisor.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE NORTH LITTLE ROCK | UAPTC.EDU

University of Arkansas—Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) at North Little Rock is a comprehensive two-year college that offers associate degree and certificate programs for students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and aids in career preparation and advancement. More than 90 programs, degrees and certificates are available through UAPTC to empower students to dig deeper, go further, and achieve more. Campus Living & Safety: UA-PTC Police officers are law enforcement officers of the State of Arkansas and are professionally trained and certified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The Office of Police and Public Safety at UA-PTC employs 13 fulltime employees, including 12 sworn officers. These officers have full arrest powers and investigative powers on our campuses and contiguous streets throughout the state of Arkansas when conducting official business for UA-PTC. Tuition & Financial Aid: In-state tuition is $130 per credit hour. Outof-state tuition is $169 per credit hour. Financial aid and work-study opportunities are available. Internships & Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study Program is a campus-based program that provides part-time employment for students who qualify based on financial need. UA-PTC partners with the UAMS College for Health Professions to provide hands-on internship experiences for students interested in careers in ultrasound, radiography, respiratory therapy, paramedic/EMT, ophthalmic technology, medical technology and surgical technology. Clubs & Activities: UA-PTC student organizations include: Amicus Curiae Paralegal Club, Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization, Fine Arts Association, History Club, Lambda Lambda Lambda English Honor Society, Metro Student Ministries, Philosophy Club, Phi Beta Lambda business professional organization, Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, Pulaski Tech Film Society, Pulaski Tech Psychology Society, Student Government Association, Skills USA and Pulaski Technical College Young Democrats.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by UA—PTC Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ellibee 1. What innovative curriculum or program at UA-PTC excites you most right now? I am particularly proud of the work being done in our partnerships with other institutions. On one hand, we are doing more cocurricular work in area high schools. Students are getting college credit while still in high school, making them far more likely to continue education immediately after they graduate, enhancing their likelihood of success. At the other end of the timeline, our innovative “2+2” agreements with four-year institutions will facilitate seamless transfers for our students. The Metro Degree partnership with UA Little Rock maps out a semester-by-semester pathway toward a bachelor’s degree. Our students are seeing tremendous benefits from these partnerships. They eliminate guesswork, and save time and money. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of UA-PTC students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Our students are concerned about getting the most out of their investment in themselves. We work hard to help our students make good choices when it comes to financial aid and managing college debt. Sometimes we say “life happens” to students. If students encounter setbacks when unexpected circumstances arise, we try to make sure they are aware of all of the resources at their disposal. For instance, we offer free bus passes for Rock Region Metro for all of our students. A car breaking down shouldn’t mark the end of student’s education. There are many other “wraparound” services that help students stay on track. 3. What prestigious career paths or achievements have graduates from UAPTC enjoyed? It’s surprising to many people when they learn how many of our graduates go on to practice medicine, law and other advanced fields. Even more impressive are the thousands of graduates who make important contributions to our community every day: business managers, welders, industrial workers, nurses, police officers, auto technicians, chefs and more. Working at UA–Pulaski Tech, I get a front row seat to people changing their lives. I wish everyone could have that experience. 4. Why do students choose your college over other in-state options? There are dozens of reasons, but the one that tops the list is our focus on student success. Our faculty and staff are always willing to go the extra mile for our students to ensure that they can meet their goals.

Our collective vision is to empower lives through learning and service. Everyone at this college bears a responsibility to give our students the tools they need to be better informed, better paid and more employable. As Chancellor, I take that responsibility very seriously. We all do.

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

LITTLE ROCK & LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE WEBSTER.EDU/LITTLEROCK Webster University provides accredited degree and certificate programs online and to students at the downtown Little Rock and Little Rock Air Force Base campuses. Webster's adaptable learning environment is designed to accommodate the flexibility needed by those serving in the military as well as students with full-time jobs looking to further their careers. The university is a yellow ribbon school and has established itself as leader in military education.

QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS Answered by Webster Area Director Dr. Kelly Lyon 1. What innovative curriculum or program at Webster excites you most right now? We’re excited to launch a new Cybersecurity graduate program. Students can earn a 12-hour certificate in Cybersecurity Threat Detection or a full master’s degree. The program is available in the classroom at our downtown campus or online. 2. What worry do you feel is most on the minds of Webster students, and how does your institution work to ease that? Advancing professionally. That could mean obtaining a promotion, changing careers or getting into a management track. For our military students, in may be earning a civilian credential to launch their second career. 3. What are some common career paths graduates from Webster take? Most of our students are working adult students, many of whom are already mid-career professionals. We have health care administrators at hospitals and managed care facilities, military officers in leadership positions, heads of human resources departments and state agency personnel, to name a few. 4. Why do students choose your college/ university over other in-state options? Night classes, nine-week terms, and classes taught by leaders in their field. We want our students to apply what they learned in class the night before to help them perform better in their current job, or to obtain a new position.

More Two-Year Colleges Arkansas State University at Beebe | Beebe | asub.edu Arkansas State University at Beebe is an independently accredited twoyear institution of the Arkansas State University System. Find campuses in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, Little Rock Air Force Base, and online to obtain an associate's degree, certificate, industry credential or workforce development training. National Park College Hot Springs | np.edu National Park College (NPC) offers two-year degrees and certificates both on campus and online. Nearly 70 percent of NPC students receive financial aid and scholarships. Northwest Arkansas Community College Bentonville | nwacc.edu Northwest Arkansas Community College classes are taught by experts in small class sizes, providing for more personalized instruction. A wide variety of programs are available to move students into the job market quickly prepare them for additional education and degrees. Ozarka College Melbourne | ozarka.edu Ozarka College is a comprehensive technical college, offering associate degrees, technical certificates and certificates of proficiency that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities or for entry into or advancement in the workplace. Shorter College North Little Rock shortercollege.edu Shorter College is a private, faithbased, two-year liberal arts college located in North Little Rock. Founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter College is one of the nation’s 110 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Southern Arkansas University Tech Camden | sautech.edu SAU Tech is a two-year public college which is part of the Southern Arkansas University System. The college began in 1968 and has an average enrollment of over 1,800 students. THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

hsu.edu â&#x20AC;¢ @HendersonStateU 40 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Charting a New Course

WHITNEY SIMS AND DAUGHTER WRYLEIGH CELEBRATE KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION.

More moms are hitting the books and returning to school as nontraditional students, and—with her daughter as motivation— Sherwood mom Whitney Sims aims for the top of her class. BY DWAIN HEBDA

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

Convenience and cost are definitely major factors that draw people to two-year colleges.

WHITNEY WORKS HARD TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO HER DAUGHTER AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A BETTER LIFE.

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very day, Whitney Sims wakes in the here and now and catches a glimpse of an elusive, yet sharply-focused snapshot of her future. The 28-year-old Sherwood native does things that typical moms do—she interacts with her 6-year-old daughter, WryLeigh, and works several hours a week at her job. And, like a growing number of people—women in particular—she musters up the energy and mental focus to leave her daughter in the arms of her folks four days and two evenings a week to attend class at Baptist Health College in Little Rock where she's a few months into a 12-month course of study in sleep technology. That's ironic, considering sleep is about the least of her luxuries. But Sims can take the long hours and the fatigue knowing why she's doing it. "When you have a 6-year-old who you want to provide an amazing life for," she said, explaining her drive, "she is the ultimate prize to stare at whenever you’re trying to get through something. That face is there no matter what. "It's not accurate to call Sims a returning college student; counting online courses she never really stopped except right after her daughter was born. But a combination of disinterest in the educational process, lack of motivation and real life delayed her getting a degree. Today, she's considered "nontraditional," a term generally applied to any undergrad over the age of 25. She's also the only woman in class with a child, a difference that doesn’t faze her much although it does bubble to the surface every now and again. "[Classmates] don’t really understand," she said. "They’ll be blowing up my phone about trying to review for a test or asking questions and they’re like, 'Where are you?' And I’m like, I’m trying to read my kid a book or do bath time or we’re at cheerleading. I’m trying to juggle her homework, my homework, getting wherever we need to go and back." She takes a deep breath. "It was kind of a shellshock to me to be in that environment where I’m the only one with a kid," she said. "No one really gets it." According to numbers from the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20.5 million students entered college in the fall of 2016, up about 5.2 million from 2000. (Women outnumbered men, by the way, 11.7 million to 8.8 million, a ratio that is projected to continue into at least 2025.) What's changing fastest is the age breakdown of those millions of students. While 18- to 24-year-olds are the majority at 12.2 million, it's by a much narrower margin than 20 or even 10 years ago. This means the nontraditional student has a louder voice in higher education these days and higher education is listening carefully. For institutions that have always served the nontraditional segment of the market, such as the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, none of this is news. "The tendency for nontraditional students to be attracted to a twoyear college education has remained steady," said Tim Jones, associate vice chancellor of public relations and marketing. "Our average age right now is 28 and we have a pretty strong student population in their 30s and 40s." In a U.S. News & World Report survey, nearly a quarter of nontraditional students said flexible scheduling was their top preferences for attending an institution of higher learning. Second was online courses at 12 percent, followed closely by career center resources and personalized instruction, at 11 percent each.

Jones said UA-PTC checks all of these boxes, as well as cutting the time to completion in half, which is particularly important to a student population looking to put that degree to work as quickly and economically as possible. "Convenience and cost are definitely major factors that draw people to [two-year] colleges," he said. "That’s all the more true for people who are in a position to kind of reboot their lives. "We get a lot of people who had a false start, professionally. Maybe they went to college for two or three semesters and dropped out, maybe they started a family really early and then here it is, 10 years down the line and they're seeing that their prospects are limited by their lack of education." Sims can relate to this assessment, saying part of the reason it took so long to get on track was lack of commitment to a clear goal in life. She said the Whitney of today bears little resemblance to the Whitney fresh out of high school. "Back then it was just kind of, 'Oh this is college, this is fun, I can go get Starbucks before class,'" she said. "And now it’s like, OK, you have to do this, you have to get through this, you have to pass with flying colors and get yourself a job because you have to support your family."

It was kind of a shellshock to me to be in that environment where I’m the only one with a kid. "When I was 18, I didn’t care. I was spending my dad’s money on tuition, my dad’s money on gas, my dad’s money on Starbucks. I didn’t care. I was just kind of doing it because that’s what I was supposed to do. And I think that’s why it took me so long to figure out what I wanted, because I was just doing it because I thought that’s what I was supposed to be doing." Baptist Health College Little Rock's 12-month program is so rigorous that completing it earns the equivalent of a two-year degree. Motivation and drive alone don't always cover the bases, Sims admits. She frequently deals with what she calls "mommy guilt" for leaving her daughter with her parents to attend class, which runs nearly six hours three days a week, plus fourhour clinicals two nights per week. Add in a 45-minute drive each way and her days leave little room for error or emergencies. "The other day something happened and I had to leave class. You’re freaking out as a parent because I’m almost an hour away from my kid," she said. "That’s a totally different dynamic of being in class versus being online, because now I’m on a tight schedule. If I’m five minutes off in the morning, my whole day will just kind of unravel." Sims said the support of her family and the tough love of her program director have been invaluable and she's determined to be at the head of the class come June graduation. From here, she has her eye on an advanced degree that will allow her to become a researcher of sleep disorders. She also hopes to set an example for others to follow along the way. "Sometimes one person can change someone else’s life and they don’t even have to meet them. Maybe I’ll be that for someone," she said. "If she's out there, she needs to look real hard at that angel face and make the decision that she’s going to do it. Once she puts her mind to it and says 'I’m doing this for my child, I’m going to give us a better life,' it becomes the only priority."

(FROM TOP) WHITNEY WITH CLASSMATE MK FREEMAN DURING A SKILLS LAB AND WITH CLASSMATE STEVEN MOSLEY PRACTICING A SLEEP STUDY HOOKUP.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

I nspiring Young Dancers

Dancers

(From left) Toby Lewellen, Amanda Sewell, Kaley Kirkman, Deanna Stanton, Meredith Loy, Hannah Bradshaw, Megan Hustel, Paul Tillman, Lauren Bodenheimer, Lynsie Ogden and Zeek Wright. Courtesy Melissa Dooley Photography

BALLET ARKANSAS INTRODUCES A NEW, INTERACTIVE YOUTH SERIES BY AMY GORDY

ccording to the National Endowment of the Arts, exposure to the arts (music, dance, theater and visual produces “better academic results, better workforce opportunities and more civic engagement” in children. Ballet Arkansas offers families an artistic outlet as it introduces an exciting new children’s series this season. These Saturday matinee performances are geared toward little ones with interactive elements to help fully engage them and captivate their attention.

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This series of three specialized productions include “Peter and the Wolf” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College’s Charts Theater; “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” at 2 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Charts Theater; and “The Toymaker” at 2 p.m. on May 5 at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Each production is designed especially for children and provides a unique and immersive experience for audience members. You’ll find pre-show handson crafting events, interactive storytelling and opportunities

to meet the cast, ask questions and learn about what goes on behind the scenes after each performance. “We wanted to expand our accessibility to the community, reach out to people with all different interests and do more for children with this programming,” said associate artistic director Catherine Fothergill. “The first two productions—performed by the company—are interactive, which is interesting because typically with ballet there’s no spoken word—you tell the story with movement. ‘Peter and the Wolf ’ is fully narrated and provides prompts throughout where kids can interact and become part of the show,” Fothergill said. Music takes on new life with the company’s production of “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” based on the 1945 musical composition by Benjamin Britten. Ballet Arkansas’s production will introduce each character as a musical instrument that will sound each time the performer comes on stage. “Children will learn the instruments. For example, we will introduce a dancer as a violin and in the end when you see the dancers come together, you see how instruments come together in

Exposure to the arts produces better academic results, better workforce opportunities and more civic engagement in children. symphony. It’s a very interesting take on a classic fairy tale,” Fothergill said. The third production, “The Toymaker,” which is an abbreviated version of the classic story of “Coppelia,” will open auditions to the community in January. With the introduction of the children’s series, Fothergill hopes to reach those in the community who may be unfamiliar with ballet or who have not had an opportunity or ability to enjoy it, as well as to expose potential young dancers to professional productions. “With ballet or any performing arts, there’s something moving about seeing something live and sitting with others who are experiencing the same emotions. There is a feeling of community in that, and children can see new ways to express emotions. Children enjoy seeing live action and a live story come to life. The ballet really reaches them in a different way.” Like all athletic endeavors, ballet teaches children discipline, and the hard work and dedication shows through in captivating performances. “In children’s terms, a ballet performance is very magical—it’s something when they leave, they remember for a very long time,” Fothergill said.

Admission to the children’s series is $20 for children 12 and under; $25 for adults. Log on to balletarkansas.org/ children-series for more information.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

mom approved

I AM IN MY CAR QUITE A BIT, AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SOAK UP NEW INFORMATION. SHRINK RAP RADIO HAS A GOOD BALANCE OF POP PSYCHOLOGY TALK AND BENEFICIAL INFORMATION FOR THERAPISTS. THERE'S PLENTY FOR PARENTS TO APPLY TO THEIR OWN LIVES AS WELL!

I LOVE MILK AND HONEY TEES. HER DESIGNS ARE SIMPLE, BUT ALWAYS ON-TREND, AND THE COMFORT FACTOR CAN'T BE BEAT. I CAN GO FROM TEACHING YOGA TO MY DAUGHTER'S SWIM PRACTICE TO THE GROCERY STORE AND NOT FRET OVER CHOOSING CUTE VS. COMFORTABLE. I ALSO LOVE SUPPORTING ANOTHER ARKANSAS MOM'S BUSINESS WHEN I CAN!

STACY KINZLER Stacy Kinzler is a mom to Mabry, wife to Wendell, a psychotherapist in North Little Rock and a yoga teacher at Blue Yoga Nyla. She was born and raised in North Little Rock and loves her hometown because of its charm and the residents who make it what it is.

I USE CANDLES ALL THE TIME. I HAVE THEM BURNING WHEN I MEET WITH CLIENTS TO CREATE A COZY ATMOSPHERE. I USE THEM AROUND THE HOUSE WHEN IT'S JUST THE FAMILY AT HOME OR WHEN WE HAVE PEOPLE OVER. THE CAPRI BLUE VOLCANO CANDLE IS WOODSY BUT FEMININE AT THE SAME TIME. IT'S A FAVORITE IN OUR HOME.

46 NOVEMBER 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY SUPERGAS. I'VE HAD THIS PARTICULAR PAIR FOR A COUPLE YEARS, AND THEY HOLD UP SO WELL. THESE KICKS HAVE TAKEN ME ALL OVER TOWN—FIELD TRIPS, DINNERS WITH FRIENDS, BACKYARD PARTIES. THEY'RE VERSATILE AND COMFORTABLE.

I DISCOVERED HEALTH-ADE KOMBUCHA THIS SUMMER. IT GIVES ME AN ENERGY BOOST PLUS TONS OF PROBIOTICS. IT'S A BUBBLY, LOW-SUGAR ALTERNATIVE TO SODAS THAT TASTES GREAT!

PLANTOPIA IS SUCH A HAPPY PLACE IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK. IT'S HAS BEEN MY GO-TO PLACE FOR PUMPKINS EVERY FALL SINCE THEY OPENED. I'VE ALSO BEEN COLLECTING PLANTS, AND I HOPE TO START A LANDSCAPING PROJECT WITH THEM NEXT SPRING. THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY AND ALWAYS HELPFUL.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017

bhclr.ed u

Apply online at

bhclr.edu

Practical Nursing

A two semester program for students leading to a diploma in practical nursing. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due June 1 and December 1 Classes begin in January and July

For additional information please call 501-202-6200 or 1-800-345-3046.

Sleep Technology

An allied health specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due April 15 Classes begin in July

NURSING HISTOTECHNOLOGY M EDIC A L L A B O R ATO RY SCIENCE NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY O CCU PATIO N A L T H ER A PY A SSISTA N T RADIOGRAPHY SLEEP TECHNOLOGY SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

b hclr.ed u

@ B H CL R

Baptist Health College Little Rock does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, physical challenges, gender, marital status, race, national origin, or religion. Gainful employment and consumer information can be found at bhclr.edu/outcomes BHCLR-Schools of Allied Health are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education. BHCLR-Schools of Nursing are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.