Please click the link below to view the 2013 Homecoming edition of The Arkansawyer!
Category Archives: Uncategorized
2013 Greek Show tickets available
Get your Greek Show tickets before it’s too late!
The Arkansawyer Newsletter Vol. 1, Issue 1
Check out the Arkansawyer newsletter edition by clicking the link below!
UAPB Alum Film “The Beholder” Official Selection Of North Carolina 12th Annual Black Film Festival
Pine Bluff, AR— This week filmmaker Tenisha Allen received news that her film “The Beholder” is an Official Selection of the North Carolina Black film festival. As a resident of Pine Bluff and UAPB Graduate she is setting high goals to bring her film much national success. The film has already won an award for Best Actress, honoring Alexis Skinner, UAPB Theatre Instructor.
This moral tale of two sisters battling the superior/inferior beauty complex is causing much rave because of its relevancy. “I watch my sister’s deal with unfair treatment because she was of darker complexion, so this is more than a film for me, it’s an experience”.
Filmed with a shoe string budget this homegrown film needs community support, along with sponsors to get the Cast and filmmaker to Wilmington, NC covering their travel expenses. The Beholder Film will be screened March 16 on the Main Stage at the Community Arts Center Wilmington, NC. The film will represent Pine Bluff’s young artist community composed of UAPB students, local designers and musicians. The cast includes: Lauren Akins, Bennu Ankh Re, Carlton Brewer, Danny Burl, Na’shall Castle, Marquis Carter, Marchello Eans, Winter Eans, Obafemi Karamoko, Kelsey Newman, Obum Nwankwo, Amirha Singleton and Alexis M Skinner. “The Beholder” was produced with the production assistance of Bobby Dandridge and The Black Butterfly Media team.
To support this film through sponsorship, please contact Tenisha Allen by email at tmccaleb88@gmail.com.
For more about the film festival, go to www.blackalliance.org and like the beholder film on www.facebook.com/The Beholdershortfilm.com.
UAPB Students go to Haiti
By Nicole Louis
Three University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students are giving back and reaching out to the less fortunate.
Derrick Barnhill, Precious Taylor and Taurean Morrow will journey on a mission trip to the small-impoverished country of Haiti during spring break. The trio will be represent UAPB’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries, as part of a larger group that include students from U of A Forth Smith.
Each decided to embark on this journey for different reasons. “I am going to spread the gospel, and share the love of Christ with those that some may think are unlovable,” Barnhill says.
“I want to make disciples in a new place,” is Morrow’s reason.
All three are excited about going to a new place on a new adventure, but most importantly they are ready to “ be the hands and feet of Christ,” says Precious Taylor.
Haiti is known for being a poverty stricken country, however it is well known for its history of deadly hurricanes and earthquakes causing damage to the country and its people.
The most recent disaster was the devastating earthquake in 2010, which is responsible for more than 220,000 deaths, 300,000 injuries, and according to Oxfam.org (http://www.oxfam.org/en/haitiquake) , left more than one million people homeless.
During their trip to Haiti the group will dedicate their time to sharing the love of God. They will also work to give aid to those in need, and still suffering from the earthquake, although it has been three years.
Each student will dedicated their time during their spring break to make an impact and do their part to make a difference in the world. It took months to gather donations and prepared for this trip. They are excited to make an impact in Haiti.
Bobbitt to nominate Alexander as new UAPB chancellor
Posted on February 25, 2013 by University of AR at Pine Bluff
University of Florida associate dean selected after nationwide search
Ben Beaumont – Director of Communications, University of Arkansas System: 501-686-2951 | Wireless phone: 501-454-2779
LITTLE ROCK – University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt will nominate Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, associate dean of the Graduate School and director of the Office of Minority Programs at the University of Florida, to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Alexander was among the finalists in a nationwide search for a new chancellor conducted by Bobbitt and an advisory search committee of UAPB faculty, staff, alumni and supporters. Bobbitt will recommend Alexander for the position at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas that will be conducted by phone later this week.
“I’m pleased to nominate Dr. Laurence Alexander, who I believe has the right combination of experience and enthusiasm to help shape a positive, successful future for UAPB,” Bobbitt said. “Dr. Alexander understands the important role that UAPB plays in the higher education portfolio of our state and in the Pine Bluff community. It’s a university that has grown and developed throughout the past two decades, and I am excited about the leadership Dr. Alexander will provide to help the campus and its students, faculty and staff achieve at the highest levels. While we know there will be challenges ahead, I look forward to working with Dr. Alexander to ensure a successful future for UAPB.”
Alexander, who is a distinguished teaching scholar and a professor in the Department of Journalism at Florida, chairs the Graduate Curriculum Committee and directs more than 20 student development and funding programs, including the UF McKnight Doctoral Fellowships and the National Science Foundation LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate.
He also leads the Graduate School’s program in recruitment, retention, success and graduation of underrepresented minority students. Previously, he served as chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Florida and coordinator of journalism in the English Department at the University of New Orleans.
“It’s a high honor to be nominated as the next chancellor of UAPB,” Alexander said. “This university has a proud history as an HBCU that’s committed to student success and academic excellence. I am humbled by the nomination and encouraged by the outstanding opportunity facing UAPB, the Pine Bluff community and the state of Arkansas. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community and state leaders to advance the institution to the next level of academic excellence.”
A native of New Orleans, Alexander received a bachelor’s degree in drama and communications from the University of New Orleans, master’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Florida, Juris Doctor from Tulane University and Ph.D. in higher education from Florida State University.
He and his wife, Veronica, also a native of New Orleans, have three sons, Brandon, David and Tyler. David and Tyler are college students and Brandon, a Santa Fe College academic adviser, and his wife, Vanessa, are the parents of Alexander’s grandchildren, Jonathan and Allie. Veronica Alexander currently serves as the director of human resources for the University of Florida Foundation.
“My family and I are excited to get to know everyone at the university and in the Pine Bluff community, and we are anxious to join the traditions of the family of supporters of the Golden Lions,” Alexander said.
Upon approval of the board of trustees, Alexander will succeed Dr. Calvin Johnson, who has served as interim chancellor of UAPB since April 2012. It is anticipated that Alexander will begin his tenure by July 1.
“I’m grateful to Dr. Calvin Johnson for his guidance and steady leadership of UAPB during the past year,” Bobbitt said. “He has served UAPB, Pine Bluff and our state with honor and distinction throughout his outstanding career.”
About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff:
An 1890 land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is the second-oldest public university and the only public historically black institution in Arkansas. The institution’s historic mission is to teach in areas related to agriculture and the mechanical arts, as well as scientific and classical studies and help solve economic, agricultural and other problems in the community, state and region. For more information visit www.uapb.edu.
UAPB Tornado Preparation
By Andrew Spencer
Tis the season of tornados and thunderstorms. Knowing what to do when the campus is under a tornado watch is important. Though nothing can be done to prevent a tornado, surviving lies in planning, preparing and practicing what needs to be done in case a tornado strikes.
In an effort to improve its emergency response procedures, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is implementing AlertUAPB, an emergency notification system.
AlertUAPB allows the university to send time-sensitive notifications via voicemail, email, and text messaging; notifications for events such as severe weather, building concerns, and intruders. To resister follow www.getrave.com/login/UAPB. This link will take you to the UAPB site for Rave Mobile safety.
When severe weather threatens it is important students, faculty and staff in dormitories, dining halls, offices, classrooms, and all other buildings know what to do, and where to go. Move away from all windows and glass; go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest level. Assume the fetal (tucked) position with head toward the wall.
REMAIN CALM!
SUGGESTED SHELTER LOCATIONS (UAPB CRISIS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK)
Administration Building
Personnel in the Administration building including the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors and staff are to go to the basement by way of the nearest stairwell.
Henderson-Young Hall, Dawson-Hicks Hall, Caine-Gilleland Hall
Staff and students should proceed to the first floor and make use of hallways and auditorium walls. Avoid elevators. Use nearest stairwells.
Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts, Caldwell Hall, Corbin Hall, Woodard Halls, Kountz-
Kyle Hall, Rust Technology Building, Adair-Greenhouse Hall
Staff and students should proceed to the first floor hallways and/or auditorium.
Note: DO NOT USE WOODARD HALL AUDITORIUM
Hazzard Gymnasium – Military Science
All staff and students should proceed to the front hallway and bathroom.
Kenneth L. Johnson HPER Complex
In the event of a tornado during a sports event or class, everyone in attendance should proceed to the basement floor racquetball court area, ground floor locker room, and hallway.
Watson Memorial Library, Childress Hall, Browne Infirmary
All staff and students should proceed to the first floor innermost part.
L. A. Davis Student Union
Staff and students should proceed to the TV lounge, lobby, pizza area, and bathrooms.
Johnny B. Johnson Complex, Delta
Second floor residents are to proceed to the first floor lounge and restroom areas. When space is no longer available, the remaining students should proceed to the Commons Building.
Harrold Complex
All residents are to proceed to the first floor hallways and restroom areas. .
Hunt, Douglas, and Lewis Halls
All residents should proceed to the first floor hallways and bathrooms.
A pillow and/or blanket may be used for all students in the dormitories to shield from debris.
If caught outside away from any shelter, try to locate a depression in the ground, ditch, culvert or other low area. Cover your head and lay flat, facing the ground. If you are near a bridge or overpass, leave your vehicle and climb as close to the upper portion of the incline as possible. Do not stay in your vehicle or try to outrun a tornado using a vehicle.
Before leaving your shelter area wait until the situation has been declared safe by University Police Department.
With preparation comes the ability to not only survive a tornado, but to thrive after the emergency has passed.
Chancellor Prospect Attorney Luckes Speaks to Students
PINE BLUFF, AR – Attorney Kim Luckes spoke to students today about what she can bring to the table in UAPB’s search for a new chancellor. Held by the Student Government Association, the forum provided students the opportunity to learn important information about Dr. Luckes as well as to inquire about her future goals for the university.
Dr. Luckes is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia and has held the position since July of 2011. She also has experience acting as President/Chief Executive Officer at NSU with notable achievements including the acquisition of $2.4 million in funds to support STEM projects and integrating Datatel technology into NSU’s Financial Services Department.
Luckes was given 2 minutes to make an opening statement, 5 minutes to answer for each question asked, and 2 minutes for a closing statement. SGA composed a list of questions that reflect the general curiosity of the UAPB student body. Flashcards were also available to students who wished to have their questions read and “Search for the CEO” (#Search4TheCEO) was the designated Twitter hashtag for students to make online inquiries.
Luckes began by addressing the students. “I’m very excited about being here at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and I’m really excited to meet you.” Soon after the opening statement, SGA Executive Director Marquies Carter promptly delve into the question/answer session.
Many campus-related issues were covered during the forum, including improving expediency in the Financial Services Department, increasing student enrollment, and the role of Greek life on campus.
Students were very curious to hear Luckes’ plan of action for improving the Financial Services Department, however she quickly began by saying “Everywhere I’ve been, students have a problem with their financial aid.” Dr. Luckes also let students know she is well aware of the decrease in enrollment. “I have read and been told that enrollment has declined…we’ve got to increase our retention. We’ve got to make sure you’re prepared to graduate.” There was a unanimous feeling in the room when Dr. Luckes mentioned making the campus look more attractive. She suggested planting more flowers to enhance the scenery and landscaping.
When asked about the importance of Greek life on campus, Dr. Luckes responded “I think that Greek organizations have a place on campus…make that [organization] a part of your life, giving back; doing something that’s going to make a difference.”
In Luckes’ closing statement, she proclaimed that she is a student friendly, driven administrator and then thanked the students for allowing her the opportunity to speak directly with them.
The next candidate, Dr. Robert C. Mock, Jr., will speak on Thursday, January 24 at 2:00 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
UAPB professor selected for FBI Citizens’ Academy
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Dr. Sederick C. Rice, assistant professor of biology at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) has been selected as a member of the 2013 Little Rock Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Citizens’ Academy Class which is open to a diverse spectrum of business, civic, and religious leaders across the state. The Academy provides corporate executives and community leaders with an inside look at the FBI’s operations with the goal to improve understanding of the FBI’s role in the community, improve communication and increase interactions with the people and communities the FBI serves.
The Academy will begin March 5 and end May 7, 2013. As a member of the Academy, Dr. Rice will be trained in practical problem solving including fingerprint and forensic evidence collection and preservation, FBI jurisdiction and congressional oversight, and the structure and operation of FBI field offices and resident agencies.
Photo credit: uapbnews.wordpress.com
The Academy’s curriculum will include presentations on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Cyber Crime, White Collar Crime, Violent Crime, Organized Crime, Drug Matters, Civil Rights, Applicant Program, and Community Outreach Program. Skills gained from the Academy will support Dr. Rice’s teaching and research at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and community outreach initiatives within the Pine Bluff community, and throughout the Arkansas Delta. After graduation, Academy attendees will join the FBI Little Rock Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association to create new partnerships, strengthen existing bonds, and work closely with Arkansas leaders that share a vision for safer communities.
The Arkansawyer 