News

UA - Pulaski Tech to present Women’s History Month panel discussion at CHARTS Theater March 18

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College will host a panel discussion in observance of Women’s History Month on Tuesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. at the Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) Theater on the UA-PTC Main Campus in North Little Rock.

A reception beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the CHARTS lobby will precede the panel discussion. The panel discussion and reception are free of charge and open to the public as well as all UA-PTC students, faculty, and staff. The event will be moderated by Dr. Ana Hunt, provost and chief academic officer at UA – Pulaski Tech.

The discussion will focus on the theme of the National Women’s History Alliance for 2025 - Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present.

During this special celebration, the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame will honor two outstanding female students with scholarships to UA-PTC.

Featured on the panel will be:

• Keesa M. Smith-Brantley, Executive Director of the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
• Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring, Assistant Superintendent for School Performance for the Little Rock School District
• Cathy Owen, Chair, President & CEO of State Holding Company, and Executive Chair, Eagle Bank & Trust Company

About the panelists

Keesa M. Smith-Brantley serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Her extensive career in public service includes serving as Deputy Director for Children and Youth with the Department of Human Services, where she oversaw divisions managing childcare, early childhood education, juvenile justice, and child welfare. She also served as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Review and Deputy Legal Counsel for Governor Mike Beebe. Smith-Brantley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. An Ascend fellow with the Aspen Institute and a Commissioner on the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Commission on Children, Youth and Families, she is also active in community service and professional organizations.

Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring is dedicated to advancing education in Central Arkansas. As the Assistant Superintendent for School Performance for the Little Rock School District, she leverages her experience as an English teacher, instructional facilitator, assistant principal, principal, program coordinator, and curriculum director. Spriggs-Loring holds a BA in Mass Communication, a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, an Educational Specialist degree, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Supervision. She has also completed prestigious programs like the Relay Graduate School of Education National Principals Supervisors Academy and the AASA Urban Superintendent’s Academy at Howard University. Her focus is creating learning environments that provide access and opportunity for all students.

Cathy Owen is a prominent figure in Arkansas banking and business. As Chair, President & CEO of State Holding Company and Executive Chair of Eagle Bank & Trust Company, she brings over 50 years of experience to the financial sector. She is the only female to have served as Chair of the Arkansas Bankers Association in its 135-year history and holds leadership positions with the American Bankers Association. Owen’s business acumen extends to real estate and other ventures, and she is actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Foundation and the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Board. Recognized as one of American Banker’s 2022 Most Powerful Women in Banking to Watch and an Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, she holds a BSBA in Finance and Banking from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Graduate Banking Degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking.

About CHARTS

The Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) is located at UA – Pulaski Technical College’s Main Campus at 3000 West Scenic Drive in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Opened in 2016, the 90,000 square-foot facility houses a 456-seat proscenium theater that provides a comfortable listening environment that is perfect for concerts, theater performances, recitals and other events. In addition, CHARTS houses the Windgate Gallery for art exhibits. For more information, contact Michele Grainger at [email protected].

Pictured, from left: Keesa M. Smith-Brantley, Cathy Owen, and Dr. Shana Spriggs-Loring