First African American Woman Faculty Member Leads Campus Campaign
Dr. Shelia Brooks has taken on a groundbreaking role at UA Little Rock. She is the first faculty member, and specifically the first African American woman faculty member, to chair the university’s annual Campus Campaign.
The campaign encourages faculty and staff to give back through payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or in-kind donations. For Brooks, the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Without faculty and staff support, we can’t expect the outside community to have a buy-in on what we do here,” Brooks said. “Every dollar can make a difference, while every gift shows that we believe in the mission of our university.”
A Career Rooted in UA Little Rock
Brooks’ connection to UA Little Rock spans decades. She first earned her associate degree in nursing in 1994. Two decades later, she returned to complete her bachelor’s and graduate studies while raising two sons and maintaining her career.
She joined the faculty in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bringing with her years of clinical experience, Brooks also carried a strong commitment to teaching and student mentorship.
“I’ve seen firsthand how much this university has grown,” Brooks said. “When I was a nursing student, our program shared half a floor in the Engineering Technology and Applied Sciences Building. Today, we have a state-of-the-art building and the largest program on campus.”
Strong Community and Family Ties
Brooks and her husband, Anthony, are lifetime members of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association. Their family business, Platinum Drywall, has contributed to the university by supporting student internships and building projects.
Her community service is equally far-reaching. Brooks is active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also serves on the board of Home for Healing and is involved in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as well as Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas.
Her leadership and service were recently recognized statewide when she was named one of the 100 Great Nurses of Arkansas for 2025. “I don’t do this work for accolades but for my love for people and serving our community,” Brooks explained.
Looking Ahead to the Campaign’s Impact
The Campus Campaign has seen steady growth since it began in 2001. Last year, about 35 percent of employees participated. Brooks hopes to continue that momentum by sharing her own story and encouraging more involvement.
“Faculty and staff are in the grit of it,” she said. “We see firsthand the struggles and successes of our students. By giving, even in small ways, we’re showing that we believe in our students and in the future of UA Little Rock.”
Brooks is particularly excited about events like Taste of Little Rock, the university’s premier culinary fundraiser. She views these gatherings as opportunities to combine community engagement with student support.
“I am excited to lead this campaign and to show how far we’ve come as a university,” she said. “If we all give a little, together we can do so much more for our students, our colleagues, and our community.”
