UALR alum finds calling at work with UALR alumni
December 15-21, 2014
By Becca Bona
As a student in political science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Derek Boyce had plans to follow in the footsteps of his grandmother.
“My grandmother was in politics and I always wanted to do what she did … she always seemed like she was having the best time, talking to people. I thought, I want to do that,” he says.
Boyce must have garnered those people skills, although through a slightly different vein, namely, his alma mater. Now serving as director of alumni membership and annual giving, he has, like his grandmother, truly blossomed into a people-person, especially around his fellow alumni.
A native of Little Rock, Ark., Boyce always knew when it came time for college he would be going to UALR. “I was going to college right after high school and I knew that I didn’t want to leave Little Rock so UALR was the clear choice,” he explains.
From there he began his studies in politics, and became active on campus. He wanted a full-blown collegiate experience, as he remembers, “I don’t think any of my friends or anyone that I knew came to UALR with me. So I immediately, purposely tried to do as many activities as I could.”
He joined a fraternity and got involved with student government. Looking back, he remembers his proactive attitude paying off, as he not only made fast friends with his peers, but also with the faculty. In fact, one particular mentor, Dr. Peggy Scranton was integral in helping Boyce garner work experience when he was a student.
“Dr. Peggy Scranton was just wonderful, and she got me my internship,” he said. He worked at the Clinton Library before it was called the Clinton Library, as part of the materials project. The two-semester gig was engaging enough for Boyce to want more.
“Then after the internship ended, … I even went back and I said, I would love to continue working here. So the Clinton Library and Dr. Scranton, they found further funding to keep me,” he says.
He continued working in college, and through the help of the vice chancellor at the time, Bill Walker, Boyce was able to garner legislative working experience. He worked with Walker in governmental relations, and was responsible for attending local legislative meetings that might affect UALR or higher education in general.
“I got one on one working experience … thanks to UALR and thanks to Bill Walker,” he says.
After graduation Boyce decided to switch gears and he began working for the Med Center in the ENT clinic, spending three years there. He laughingly says, “I stayed within the system. We’re a system family, my mom, grandmother … my uncle my brother. We’re all system people. The University of Arkansas system has been very kind to my family.”
He couldn’t keep UALR’s soil out of his shoes however, and moved back to working for the school. At this juncture Christian O’Neal, who would also become a mentor to Boyce, hired him with the alumni office. “He took a chance on me and hired me as the volunteer coordinator,” remembers Boyce.
Working for the alumni office fit Boyce’s personality and skills, and he was able to grow professionally in the job. He has enjoyed watching UALR change and grow, and was promoted to his current position during the restructuring of the university.
He is very grateful for his endless opportunities afforded him by the mentors he’s met along the way. Since the office of alumni has merged with the office of development, Boyce has felt especially grateful to those around him. He says, “I owe a thanks to Bob Denman and Christian O’Neal who promoted me to director of the membership and annual giving.”
In terms of the changes taking place in the colleges, Boyce is excited for the energy he feels on campus. He has spent time talking with Dr. Bond-Maupin, the dean of College of Social Sciences and Communication, where his studies of politics would fall under the new system.
“She understands the need and the desire to pay it forward and we have very generous alumni who want to do that. They also want to see the university grow and continue to do amazing things,” he says.
“As an alum it’s easy for me to come to work everyday, It’s such a wonderful place,” he says, “We have the best alumni in the state.”
Join Boyce at any of the premier alumni events, including his favorite, Taste of Little Rock, which this year has outgrown the Bailey Center and will take place at Jack Stephens in 2015.
Boyce wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, and loves calling both UALR and Little Rock his home. “Even though Little Rock has been booming for the last 14 or so years, I still think it’s one of those hidden gems for people.”
When not working Boyce enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
