FridayFeature News Digest

UAPB Friday Feature News Digest | July 17, 2026

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UAPB Introduces Mane Materials Program to Simplify Course Material Access and Support Student Readiness

Beginning Fall 2026, UAPB will launch Mane Materials, a Total Access course materials program designed to simplify how students receive their required materials and ensure they are ready to learn on the first day of class.

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How Research Could Make Shrimp a Big Arkansas Revenue Stream

Arkansas has long been synonymous with catfish production, but researchers at UAPB believe the state’s aquaculture future may be much broader and potentially much more profitable. At the center of that effort is Dr. Yathish Ramena, director of the Center of Excellence within UAPB’s Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, who is leading research to adapt a commercially valuable saltwater shrimp species for freshwater production.

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UAPB Alumna Brenda Stallings Honored With Women’s Leadership Award UAPB alumna Brenda Stallings, an attorney, educator and civic leader, was honored June 27 with the Irma Hunter Brown Women’s Leadership Award by the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus during its annual Kennedy King Gala. Named in honor of the late Irma Hunter Brown, an AM&N graduate, civic leader, and political trailblazer, the award recognizes women whose leadership, service, and advocacy have created meaningful change in their communities, a distinction that reflects UAPB’s mission to prepare graduates who use their education to serve, lead, and expand opportunity in their communities.

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UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Centers Cultivate Future Agricultural Leaders

UAPB's Discovery Farm Educational Centers are helping shape the future of agriculture in Arkansas by providing hands-on learning opportunities, workforce development experiences and conservation education for students, producers and community members, Dr. Tomekia White, UAPB Extension specialist and outreach director, said.

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UAPB Announces Open Forum Schedule for Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Finalists

UAPB is hosting open forum presentations for finalists advancing in the search for the next vice chancellor for institutional advancement. Two finalists have been featured. The forums will give faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and members of the campus community an opportunity to meet each finalist and hear their vision for advancing UAPB’s philanthropic future.

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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and visionary executive leader to serve as its next Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Reporting to Chancellor Anthony Graham, the Provost will serve as the institution’s second -ranking officer.

Click this link for more information

Click the following link to learn more about UAPB's strategic alignment and sustainability planning process announced on May 21, 2026.

Friday Feature News Digest Publications Now Available on UAPB.EDU UAPB's Friday Feature News Digest publications are now available on UAPB.EDU! Stay informed about UAPB news and events for and about students, faculty, alumni, and community partners.

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UAPB Researcher to Study Rice Bran’s Potential Health Benefits Dr. Swathi Nedunchezian has joined UAPB as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Human Sciences. She will work under the mentorship of Dr. Sankar Devarajan, professor and program director of nutrition and food science.

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Staying Hydrated Is Key to Preventing Heat Illness During Summer, UAPB Nutrition Expert Says As temperatures climb during the summer months, staying properly hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health, according to Rachel L. Luckett, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) coordinator for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. Click to read more

Trustees Approve Project Contractors for University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Health and Science Building Click this link to learn more

UAPB/AM&N Alumni Announcements Golden Lion Nation Hosts the 2026 Natural State Kickoff Classic Press Conference

The UAPB Athletics Department hosted the official 2026 Natural State Kickoff Classic Press Conference on July 13, 2026, kicking off one of the most anticipated HBCU football matchups of the season. Fans, media, alumni, supporters, and community members attended the event which was held at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock, Arkansas. Representatives from the UAPB Golden Lions and the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers officially previewed the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic, a Week 0 showdown scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at historic War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Click here to learn more

Curtis Symonds, HBCU Go Co-Founder, to Speak at Classic Coaches Luncheon

The Southern Heritage Classic is honored that television executive Curtis Symonds will be the special guest speaker at the Classic Coaches Luncheon presented by FedEx on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Renasant Convention Center/Grand Ballroom. The luncheon begins at noon.

Symonds is the president and co-founder of HBCU GO, a free streaming digital platform aimed at providing sports, entertainment and educational content elevating the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Visit southernheritageclassic.com/events

Natural State Kickoff Classic Tailgate Interest Form

The 2026 Natural State Kickoff Classic features the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Golden Lions playing the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers. The HBCU football showdown takes place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas Tailgate spaces are available for $150 and provide the perfect opportunity to gather with fellow Golden Lion fans, alumni, family, friends, and supporters before and after kickoff. Whether you're hosting friends, celebrating with fellow alumni, or creating the ultimate game day setup, the Black & Gold Takeover is the place to be before the Golden Lions take the field!

Click here to learn more and complete your tailgate interest form

To purchase tickets or make a donation, contact Dr. Sederick Charles Rice at drriceuapb@gmail.com

Click here to purchase tickets or be a sponsor

37th Southern Heritage Classic Game Tickets Now Available Golden Lions, The countdown is on.

Get ready for the Southern Heritage Classic Weekend, September 11–13, 2026, as the Black & Gold returns to Memphis in a major way! The 2026 matchup is a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s back-and-forth battle, where the UAPB Golden Lions secured a 24–20 victory over Alcorn State.

Purchase your game tickets and pull up to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to cheer on the Golden Lions as they defend their SHC title—rocking and swaying with M4 all game long.

Click to Purchase Tickets

CLICK THIS LINK FOR Classic Tailgate Packages

See you at the Westin!  or the 2026 Southern Heritage Classic, the official UAPB host hotel is The Westin Beale Street F Memphis, located in downtown Memphis. The hotel serves as the central hub for the UAPB 901 Takeover, the weekend of September 9–14, 2026.

#UAPBFootball: Golden Lions Announce 2026 Football Slate Highlighted by Homecoming and Classic Matchups The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions have officially announced their 2026 football schedule, highlighted by five home contests, two premier classic appearances, homecoming at Simmons Bank Field, and a nationally televised matchup against an SEC opponent.

The 2026 slate promises an exciting fall for Golden Lion fans, beginning in Week 0 on Saturday, August 29, when UAPB hosts Morehouse College in the Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The matchup marks a celebratory return to the capital city and

continues UAPB’s tradition of showcasing Golden Lions football on a premier stage in the state. Click to read more

Opportunities for UAPB Students SECOND SUMMER SESSION 2026 started July 6, 2026 FALL SESSION 2026 starts August 24, 2026

FAFSA for 2026-27 Now Available!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 academic year is now live.

Filing the FAFSA is the gateway to the largest source of funding for higher education, including federal grants, loans and work-study. It’s also required for most state and institutional aid, even for families who don’t think they’ll qualify.

All U.S. citizen college students are required to complete the FAFSA each year.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VISIT THE FAFSA WEBSITE

First-time freshman or two-year transfer student, here is the path to graduating in four years with a bachelor's degree.

Thinking about Grad School? CLICK THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UAPB GRADUATE LEVEL PROGRAMS.

Scholarships for Students

Available for UAPB Students: Scholarship Universe Scholarship Universe is an online platform that matches students with vetted internal and external scholarships based on their personalized profiles, helping them save time and avoid scams. Students answer questions to find, track, and apply for relevant merit- and need-based opportunities.

USDA 1890 National Scholars Program The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is open to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and to rising sophomores and juniors. For any questions regarding the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, please contact: Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement USDA 1890 Programs 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0601 Washington, DC 20250 Email: 1890init@usda.gov. Click this link to learn more.

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