Writing Her Next Chapter: Josie Eanes Builds on Family Tradition at UA Little Rock
Continuing a family tradition as a third-generation University of Arkansas Little Rock graduate, Josie Eanes has turned a lifelong love of storytelling into a journey of growth and creative achievement. This spring, she received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Instead of a minor, she completed two additional concentrations: nonfiction writing and viola studies.
Although she always knew she wanted to attend college, Eanes didn’t settle on her major until later in high school.
“After listening to a particularly encouraging and supportive English teacher, I decided I wanted to major in English and specifically focus on creative writing,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed my English classes, and I used to write ‘books’ when I was a kid, as well as being an avid reader.”
As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Eanes attended college full-time while working throughout her four years. Balancing coursework, work, and extracurricular opportunities required persistence, but the effort paid off.
“I think it can be particularly challenging to take Donaghey classes alongside my degree, while making room for a semester of study abroad, extracurriculars, and working,” she said. “Although there were times when I had my doubts, coming away with a degree and a 4.0 makes all of the late nights, early mornings, and tears feel worth it.”
One of the most transformative experiences of her college career came during a semester abroad at the University of Nottingham in England.
“I had never been away from home more than a week, never been out of the country, and never even been on a plane,” she said. “But after I made a few friends and began to get used to my life there, it became the most valuable experience I’ve ever had. I learned how to be truly independent and to create a social circle from scratch.”
Back on campus, Eanes continued developing her voice as a writer. Her work appeared in Equinox, where she served as managing editor, and The Oakland Arts Review. She also presented at the Arkansas and Mississippi Philological Association conferences.
“I think with every piece a young writer creates, there comes improvement,” she said. ” I certainly feel this way; every new piece I write turns out light years better than the last.”
Beyond academics, Eanes spent summers working at the Museum of Discovery, where she helped lead the Girls in STEM program and mentored pre-teen girls.
Mentors also played an important role in her success throughout college, including Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica R. Scott, director and associate director of the Donaghey Scholars program, respectively.
“Besides being engaging professors, they have helped me network, form my degree plan, and get the most out of study abroad and my scholarship in general,” Eanes said. “I also really appreciate Dr. (Earnest) Cox, Dr. (Kris) McAbee, and Professor (Jeffrey) Condran for their mentorship on my senior thesis. I’ve had a lot of really amazing professors who don’t get enough credit for all they do.”
Professor Condran, a UA Little Rock creative writing instructor, praised Eanes’ continued development as a writer.
“Her fiction is focused on the Urban South and deeply character-driven,” he said. “All of Josie’s fictional people have such distinct and engaging voices that the reader can’t help but fall in love with them. . . I’m excited to watch her literary career develop – it’s going to be special.”
Eanes is now a third-generation UA Little Rock alum, continuing a family legacy that includes her parents, grandmother, and grandfather.
She plans to take a gap year before pursuing graduate school. Reflecting on her college experience, Eanes said the journey shaped her both academically and personally.
“I hardly recognize the person who entered UA Little Rock, and I’m so happy with how I’ve grown as a person and student,” she said. “I am particularly grateful for my Donaghey scholarship, which has allowed me to graduate from college debt-free.”
As she looks ahead, Eanes offers simple advice to future students: “Be open to change because you never know how wonderful and exciting it can be.”
