UA Little Rock Alum Honored with Will Rogers Medallion for Children's Book

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating one of its own, as alumna Susan Polk Van Dusen has earned a prestigious Will Rogers Medallion Award for her children's picture book, Our Friend The Cowboy: A Wild West Hero. This national recognition not only shines a light on Van Dusen's talent but also underscores the impactful education and supportive environment that UA Little Rock provides its students, fostering creativity and empowering them to achieve their publishing dreams.

Van Dusen, a graduate of UA Little Rock's Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing program, received the award in the Western Nonfiction-Young Readers/Illustrated category. According to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Will Rogers Medallion Award celebrates outstanding Western literature and media, recognizing works that authentically reflect the spirit of the American West through literary merit and engaging storytelling.

A Legacy of Art and Storytelling

What makes Van Dusen's achievement particularly heartwarming is the deeply personal inspiration behind her award-winning book. Our Friend The Cowboy is part of her "Art and Verse" series, which features the artwork of her late father, John S. Polk. Polk was a beloved Arkansas artist and educator who dedicated over three decades to the Hot Springs School District, working in watercolor, graphite, and oil.

Van Dusen, who resides in Sherwood, shared her philosophy with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, stating, "My belief is that even the youngest child can appreciate the beauty of original art." She hopes her series will "inspire art lovers and budding artists of all ages, as well as spark interest in each book’s specific topic." This vision offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and educators to introduce children to fine art in an accessible and engaging way, perhaps even sparking a lifelong love for visual arts and reading. For students looking to explore different subjects or understand complex concepts, COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, can offer personalized support in various academic areas, making learning both interactive and fun.

The choice of a cowboy theme for Our Friend The Cowboy was intentional. Van Dusen was inspired by her father's extensive collection of paintings depicting cowboys caring for horses, roping cattle, and working the land. She believed these subjects would capture children's imaginations while educating them about the important historical and cultural roles of cowboys.

Empowerment Through Education and Self-Publishing

Van Dusen's journey as a self-published author managing every aspect of her books, from writing and design to marketing, makes this award especially significant. "Winning an award can be a great way to help potential readers find your book and to get the word out to a broader audience," Van Dusen told the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This insight is invaluable for aspiring authors and creators, highlighting the dedication required in self-publishing and the tangible benefits of industry recognition.

Crucially, Van Dusen credits her time in UA Little Rock’s Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing program with providing her the confidence and skills to pursue this path. She discovered a passion for creative nonfiction, learned how to write effectively for children by studying picture books, and gained the courage to navigate the complexities of the publishing world. Dr. Heidi McCauley, a professor within the department of rhetoric and writing, commended Van Dusen's talent, stating, "Susan’s writing talent impressed us during her time in the MA, and her ability to combine her words and her father’s artwork is a joy to see."

This success story serves as an inspiring example for current and prospective students at UA Little Rock, demonstrating how academic programs can equip individuals with the practical tools and creative encouragement needed to translate personal passions into professional achievements. It also highlights the broader impact of higher education in fostering a vibrant community of creators and thinkers.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Young Readers

Van Dusen will be formally recognized at the Will Rogers Medallion Awards ceremony in Tulsa later this year, where the final placements will be announced. As she awaits the results, her primary hope, according to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is that this recognition will encourage more young readers to explore the beauty of original artwork and the compelling stories it can tell. This aspiration aligns perfectly with the goals of many parents and educators: to foster literacy and an appreciation for the arts in children.

For families and teachers seeking to nurture these interests, resources like COSMIQ's free practice hub offer supplementary learning materials by grade and subject, helping students build foundational skills that support both reading comprehension and creative expression. Van Dusen's journey reminds us that education extends beyond textbooks, embracing personal legacies and community engagement to enrich the lives of young learners.

This award for a UA Little Rock alumna is a testament to the power of combining education, personal inspiration, and dedication to create something truly meaningful. It celebrates not just a book, but a legacy, and the enduring spirit of learning and creativity fostered within the University of Arkansas at Little Rock community.