NEWS & EVENTS
Minority Research Center on Tobacco and Addictions hires Director
New Research Center in Pine Bluff selects Arkansas native to Lead Organization
Dr. Valandra German, former Interim Chair and Assistant Professor of the School of Public Health at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been named Director of the UAPB Minority Research Center on Tobacco and Addictions, located 211 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 215 in Pine Bluff. In 2011, the Minority Research Center on Tobacco and Addictions (MRC) was established through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Master of Science Degree in Addiction Studies program, and the Arkansas Department of Health. Its mission is to provide assistance to the state and nation in tobacco and other substance abuse research, prevention, education,
technical assistance and evaluation, in regards to minority populations (Blacks, Hispanics, Marshall Islanders, and Asians). “I am honored and excited to have been selected as Director of the Minority Research Center on Tobacco and Addictions,” said Dr. German. “I have been a longtime supporter of research related to health disparities, tobacco use and other addictive substances. I look forward to capitalizing on the vision of the MRC.” As Director, Dr. German will provide consultation, support, and evaluation of the key components of the Center: research and dissemination; education and training; cessation and prevention; and wellness. “Dr. German will be a true asset to the MRC here in Pine Bluff,” commented Dr. Mary Benjamin, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. “Her breadth of experience and skill set will be invaluable to this organization as we continue to lay the groundwork for success.” Dr. German earned her doctorate in Public Health/Community Health Education from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, her master’s degree in Public Health/ Community Health Education from the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine, and her bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from Dillard University.
Knoxie Hall
rocking out Camp iRock, a week long health
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and fitness camp for girls was held on UAPB's campus. Sponsored by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, campers had contact with chefs, exercised with fitness instructors and learned healthy habits. Several of the volunteers that worked the camp were UAPB students. Photo by Knoxie Hall
PRIDE Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
ROTC Cadet receives prestigious LTG Edward Honor Leadership Award UAPB ROTC Cadet Shannya Williams is one of three recipients of the LTG Edward Honor Leadership Award presented by the ROCKS Foundation. Cadet Williams, an Earl, Arkansas native, majored in Biology and graduated from UAPB in the Spring Semester (May 2013) and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps. LTG Edward Honor’s career in the U.S. Army spanned 35 years in Transportation and Logistics. Subsequent to his military career he served as President of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) for 13 years. LTG Honor was born in Melville, Louisiana and is a graduate of George Washington Carver High School and Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1954. General Honor served at the highest levels of command and staff to include Director of Army Transportation, Commander Military Traffic Management Command and Director of Logistics Joint Chiefs of Staff. On September 3, 2008, LTG Honor passed away. To honor his legacy, the National Board of ROCKS, Inc. established a Leadership Award recognizing the most outstanding graduating college Senior.