U of A Students Showcase Humanities Research at State Capitol

Digital technologies are rapidly reshaping how students learn and connect, but at the Arkansas State Capitol on November 4, university scholars focused instead on the enduring power of the humanities to decode human history and community.

Students from the University of Arkansas Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences presented five distinct poster projects during the second annual Arkansas Liberal Arts and Humanities Day. The day-long gathering brought together students, faculty, and community members from across the state to showcase research that bridges historical inquiry with contemporary perspective.

The program has expanded rapidly since its inception. Participation grew from 19 presentations across six institutions in 2025 to 37 presentations across eight institutions this year, alongside live performances spanning music, dance, and theater.

Humanities Day at the Capitol — Trojan Television

The University of Arkansas projects spanned literary studies, creative writing, Arkansas history, and social history. Honors students Caroline Riley and Sutton Lacewell examined literary and political intersections in their project titled The Rhythms of Walt Whitman: From Literary Seas to Political Storms under the mentorship of Laura Gray.

Other projects explored historical injustices and artistic expression. Honors student Michael Lynch analyzed capital punishment and lynchings in Arkansas between 1900 and 1940 with mentor Michael Anthony. Meanwhile, honors students Chloe Lewis and Lucy Cleveland investigated women’s activism and the fight for educational equality under mentor Chelsea Hodge.

Additional presentations included Juno Myers examining “Views of Irises” under mentor Davis McCombs, and Asher Smith analyzing Arthur Rimbaud’s “Stolen Heart” and the repetition of trauma with mentor Laura Gray.

Organizers emphasized that these undergraduate projects demonstrate the concrete value of liberal arts education in addressing modern societal challenges. The event was organized by Kari Harris, director of the Office of Student Research and Scholarship at Arkansas State University, and Molly Alexander-Steele, executive director for research development at Arkansas State University.

Jennie Popp, associate dean of the Honors College, delivered the opening remarks to attendees at the state capitol.

“The curiosity and creativity on display here make the humanities’ value clear: they deepen our understanding of one another and help us shape the future of our communities.”

Harris shared this perspective as students discussed their findings with visitors.