Little Rock, Ark. – The Little Rock Trojans have energized their men’s basketball program by naming Travis Ford as head coach, a move set to reshape the team’s future.

 

Ford brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience and close to 500 wins, reflecting his reputation for excellence.

 

His successful stints at Eastern Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma State, and most recently Saint Louis highlight a career of building resilient, competitive squads.

 

At Saint Louis, Ford led the Billikens to an Atlantic 10 championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, earning praise for transforming programs and developing players.

 

Director Frank M. Cuervo and Chancellor Christina Drale voiced enthusiasm, citing Ford’s proven leadership as crucial ahead of the Trojan entry into the United Athletic Conference.

 

Ford pledged to engage fans and build excitement at Jack Stephens Center, aiming for a championship culture that represents Little Rock’s pride.

Erin Wood, originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, transformed her path from a legal career in Atlanta to becoming an influential advocate for local literature.

 

After the sudden loss of her father, Wood returned home and earned a master’s in professional and technical writing at UA Little Rock.

 

She honed her editing and teaching skills while studying, including serving as managing editor for the journal Literature and Medicine.

 

In 2010, Wood co-founded Et Alia Press, which she now leads independently, focusing on Arkansas’s rich stories and diverse voices.

 

Under her direction, Et Alia Press has received top state and national awards for its nonfiction and children’s titles.

 

Wood’s own books and essays, including Women Make Arkansas, have garnered critical acclaim and major honors.

 

Her journey highlights the transformative power of returning to one’s roots and uplifting local creativity.