Joe serves as the Chair of PAL. He is a senior with majors in Biology and French. Joe is from St. Louis and first got involved with the VAC when he served weekly at Kid’s Life After School, helping kids learn math, reading, and other skills after their normal school day. Getting to not only know so many people but also help so many people is Joe’s favorite part about being a part of the VAC!

Tori Hudson serves as the PAL Intern. She is a senior majoring in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation with two minors: nonprofit studies and political science. Tori is from Harrison, AR, and she first got involved in the VAC when she began volunteering in PAL as a mentor in her sophomore year. In past years, she served as the PAL Development Coordinator and Lead Mentor. She loves being involved in the VAC because of all the amazing people she has connected with and all of the opportunities that come with being a member of the VAC.

Sherlin Joe is the PAL Development Coordinator. She’s a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Human Development & Family Science, Social Work, and Child Advocacy Training. Sherlin is from Bentonville, Arkansas and first got involved with the VAC through the Get Your 10 program, where she discovered the programs that the VAC offers, and was especially interested in PAL. This is her first year on the VAC Board, and she’s excited to be part of it. Sherlin loves creating meaningful impacts in the community through the VAC, especially through PAL. She’s passionate about PAL’s mission to create a love for literacy and empower kids through learning.

Karis serves as the PAL Curriculum Coordinator. She is a senior majoring in Biology and African American studies with a minor in Medical Humanities. Karis is from Conway, AR and first got involved with the VAC when she volunteered with PAL her sophomore year. In past years, she served as a PAL mentor. Karis loves being involved with the VAC because she loves the selfless, intentional environment that it embodies on campus. She is grateful for the opportunity to grow and empower young minds whilst also building strong relationships with her peers.

Cam serves as the Communications Coordinator for Passionate About Literacy (P.A.L.). He is a junior majoring in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Economics. Cam is from Olathe, Kansas, and he first got involved with the VAC when he joined PAL as a mentor during his sophomore year. This is Cam’s first year on the VAC board, and he loves being involved with the VAC because it’s nice to make a difference with fun people.

Sophie Le serves as the co-volunteer coordinator for the Passionate About Literacy Program. She is a sophomore majoring in Biology with a minor in Accounting and Finance. Sophie is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and she first got involved with the VAC when she began volunteering with PAL as a mentor during her freshman year. She loves being a part of the VAC because she is passionate about helping her community and loves connecting with people.

Callie Gottsponer serves as the Passionate About Literacy (PAL) Co-Volunteer Coordinator. She is a sophomore from Morrilton, Arkansas, majoring in Speech Language Pathology with a minor in Business. Callie first got involved with the VAC in her freshman year as a mentor for PAL. Her fulfilling volunteer experience and her lifelong love of reading inspired her to become more involved with the VAC and join the PAL board. Callie’s favorite part of the VAC is being surrounded by positive people who motivate her to be kind and compassionate each day to everyone she meets.

Nora serves as the PAL Matching Coordinator. She is a junior double majoring in English and English Education. Nora is from Williamston, MI and she first got involved with the VAC during her sophomore year as a volunteer with PAL. She loves being involved with the VAC because it allows her to make an impact in her new home while fostering connections with other students.

Melanie Oria Perez serves as the English Language Learner Coordinator for Passionate About Literacy. She is a sophomore majoring in Marketing. Melanie is from Rogers, Arkansas, and she first got involved with the VAC during her freshman year. In the past years she has served as a mentor for PAL and Dream Big. Melanie loves being involved with the VAC because she enjoys facilitating the growth of our future leaders and building bonds with the VAC board members!