Event Details
Learn, Connect, Serve: Cultivating Arkansas' Next Generation of Behavioral Health Leaders will be held Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 8 am – 4:30 pm at the I. Dodd Wilson Education Building on UAMS's campus (116 Hooper Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205). There will be an open-house style Pop-up Academic and Career Fair with breakfast from 8-9 with the program kicking off at 9. More features below.
Purpose
Made possible by a UAMS Chancellor’s Circle Award, this conference introduces current college students to the rewarding and diverse world of behavioral health careers. Through expert-led sessions, real-world insights, and interactive discussions, attendees will learn about educational pathways, professional roles, and the impact behavioral health professionals have on individuals and communities.
Features
No cost to attend! Breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks, and dessert will be provided | Pop-up Academic and Career Fair | Mock treatment team discussion | Career path workshops | Practical skill-building workshops | Panel discussions with behavioral health professionals | Research poster session and networking
For Faculty, Staff, and AdministratorsWhat to Expect
Learn: Hear practical insight into educational requirements, career options, and real-world experiences from local and national experts.
Connect: Meet students with similar interests from across Arkansas as well as behavioral health professionals and educators.
Serve: Be part of the solution. Arkansas faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with nearly all of the state’s counties designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Get polished: Networking, resume and interview prep, and skill-based workshops. A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Fuel up: Breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks, and dessert included
Subpages
For Faculty, Staff and Administrators
The aim of this conference is to bring new talent to the world of behavioral health.
Learn more
Getting Here
Download a PDF with parking instructions and walking directions to the venue.
Day-of Parking Instructions
Apply
Applications for Learn, Connect, Serve closed on Sept. 30, 2026. Registration closes on Oct. 8, 2026.
For more information, contact event staff at PRIEvents@uams.edu
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health encompasses mental health conditions, substance abuse, personal crises, life stressors, as well as physical stress-related symptoms. Behavioral health care focuses on preventing these issues and providing diagnosis and treatment.
Job types are broad and include psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, researchers, educators, case managers, healthcare administration, and more.