Justin Bates joins UA Little Rock Marketing and Communications team

September 1-7, 2025

By Sydney Ambrus

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has welcomed a new addition to its Marketing and Communications team. Justin Bates, an experienced storyteller from Pine Bluff, has joined the team as a marketing writer.

In his new role, Bates will create written content for the web, email campaigns, and other projects that support telling the UA Little Rock story and advancing the university’s mission.

Bates attended Henderson State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and media. He has spent most of his career working in various forms of storytelling. Before joining UA Little Rock, he was the marketing and development director at the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith.

“I want to continue that by telling the story of all the great things happening at UA Little Rock and the community that surrounds it, and how this university is a vital resource for students in Arkansas and across the country,” Bates said.

Bates shared that working on a college campus brings refreshing and inspiring energy.

“Our role in helping students identify affordable options for college in Arkansas is also exciting and inspiring, as it not only provides a boost to enrollment but can help create the next great set of leaders in our community,” he said. “As we work to amplify the story of UA Little Rock and all it has to offer, we are also working to provide a boost to the local economy and the Arkansas workforce. That excites me the most.”

When asked what he is looking forward to in his first year, Bates said, “It’s a privilege to work with an institution that is so committed to student success and community improvement. I look forward to joining this great team and contributing however I can to help the university build on its success.”

Bates also plans to begin his master’s degree in mass communications at UA Little Rock next fall.

“I’m looking forward to expanding my own knowledge to better serve our students, potential students, and alumni,” he said. “I’m excited about collaborating with this great team and helping tell the story of UA Little Rock.”  

Photo Caption:

Justin Bates is the new marketing writer at UA Little Rock. 

Photo Credit:

Photo by Ben Krain.