BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR
A career highlight is launching the UA Little Rock Centennial Campaign. It will set the course for the next 100 years by raising funds for scholarships, student success, learning environments and program excellence. Supporting our students is such an honor.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
As a first-generation college student, I know the life-changing impact of earning my UA Little Rock degree. After seeing how a college education impacted me, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help others achieve the same.
MY FIRST JOB AND WHAT IT TAUGHT ME
My first job was at a theme park in the summer. It taught me the importance of a team. It took the team working together to get the job done, and the team camaraderie made it fun despite the heat.
NONPROFIT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT
UA Little Rock Foundation is the nonprofit I choose. Our students have challenging paths. However, they achieve greatness when given an opportunity. I’m continually inspired by the incredible work of our students, faculty and our alumni.
WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERYDAY
Watching students walk across the stage at graduation to earn their degree is incredibly fulfilling. There is something special about knowing that our team may have played a small role in helping them achieve their goals.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MY CAREER
Setting an ambitious goal to raise $250 million for UA Little Rock is the biggest career challenge. We have a great team, a clear vision and a desire to ensure UA Little Rock continues serving Arkansas students for generations.
A SKILL I NEVER EXPECTED TO USE IN THIS FIELD
The pandemic taught me to expand my use of videoconferencing technology. Even though it doesn’t always work as intended, it has value in helping connect with people who can’t be face-to-face for a variety of reasons.
ONE PRACTICE I USE TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH
Laughter. I try to make sure the team has fun while we work. The work of raising funds isn’t always easy. However, if we make it fun. I think everyone benefits from that positive energy, including our students and donors.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
Show up each day and give it 100%. Then, each day take time to rest so that you can do the same the next day. The rest and recharge part is critical to giving it your all each day.
ONE THING I WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT MY COMPANY
I want everyone to know about the transformative impact our local university has on our community. More than 85% of UA Little Rock alumni remain in Arkansas, which helps make our communities and our economy even stronger.
WHAT KEEPS ME MOTIVATED
Every day I get to do work that matters. Garnering philanthropic support for UA Little Rock is incredibly fulfilling. It motivates me to get up each morning and go to work because I’m making a huge difference.
THE FIRST THING I DO TO COURSE CORRECT WHEN I HIT A WALL
I stop, take a deep breath and always count my blessings. That helps me to come back to the challenge I’m facing with a fresh perspective and a new sense of energy to solve the problem.
IN THE DETAILS
Hometown: Hot Springs
Natural Talent: I have a knack for knowing how to make people laugh and smile. It’s helpful to put people at ease and lighten serious situations.
How I prepare on Sunday for the week ahead: I list out 3-5 key things I want to accomplish for the week. Having that list helps me to stay focused when all sorts of other things inevitably arise.
Favorite Local Dish: A steak from Arthur’s
Hobbies: I love history, so anything related to history. I also like cheering on the Little Rock Trojans at a variety of athletic events.
ualr.edu/centennial
2801 S. University Ave.
Little Rock
Facebook: /Christian.Oneal
Linkedin: ChristianO’Neal
