University of Arkansas to Premier Weekly Video Series

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Short Takes, a web-based video series debuts Friday, March 8. Each week Arkansas Short Takes will tell a story about an exceptional student, faculty member or special point of pride at the University of Arkansas.

“The U of A is made up of remarkable people, and Arkansas Short Takes will help our alumni, friends and campus colleagues learn their stories and accomplishments,” explained University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Collectively, these stories showcase the university’s unique role as a partner, resource, and catalyst in advancing the educational and economic interests of Arkansas and the nation.”

The series title comes from the length of each episode, said John N. Diamond, associate vice chancellor of the university’s office of university relations, which produces Arkansas Short Takes.

“Each week’s segment runs roughly 90 seconds — long enough to tell a story and short enough for viewers to watch without a lengthy commitment of time,” Diamond said. “The length of each story and the web-based delivery mode are designed to appeal to the ever-growing number of people who watch video content on their smart phones, tablets and computers.”

In addition to a Arkansas Short Takes web page, the videos will be available via Arkansas Newswire and the U of A’s social media channels. A link to each week’s episode also will be emailed on Fridays to university alumni, donors and parents of current students.

The first installment tells the story of Mike Norton of Lincoln, Ark. Norton, an honors student majoring in agricultural economics and business, found life-altering experiences through the university’s study abroad experience and internship programs, which enabled him to study at the London School of Economics and to work in Ghana for the World Cocoa Institute as part of his U of A undergraduate experience.

Each edition of Arkansas Short Takes is introduced by a student host. The series’ producer is Kris Katrosh.

“The U of A has alumni and friends in all 50 states and in more than 100 countries around the world,” said Graham Stewart, the executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. “We think Arkansas Short Takes is a creative new way for the university to stay connected with them.”

Campus leaders also expressed excitement about the new series.

“I think students will enjoy Arkansas Short Takes,” shared Tori Pohlner, president of the U of A’s Associated Student Government and a communications major. “I'm excited that university relations is utilizing new media to display and enhance the university's reputation. The story format, the length and the options for accessing the content make it very convenient and appealing.”

“We have outstanding faculty members whose work as scholars, teachers and mentors deserves attention,” explained Timothy Kral, a biological sciences professor and the current chair of the U of A’s Faculty Senate. “This series will help raise awareness of our academic quality.”

“Great things happen on our campus every day,” said Jeremy Battjes, director of the U of A’s department of University Recreation and chair of the university’s Staff Senate. “Arkansas Short Takes will give the public a new way to learn about and appreciate the hard work and innovation that occur here.”