The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Donors Report is printed strictly to acknowledge donor gifts. Any other use is unauthorized. This report includes the names of donors to the University and its Foundation Fund whose gifts were received between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Gifts received after June 30, 2025, will be recognized in the 2025-2026 Donors Report. This report does not include National Alumni Association dues or donations to The Letter “A” Club.
For decades, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has stood as a gatekeeper for educational access to thousands of students seeking an opportunity to find their place in a rapidly changing world. There is little doubt that this great and historic institution has helped to transform lives and send forth leaders who have
As we enter a new era for UAPB, the horizon for change could not be brighter. In July of this year, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Anthony Graham as the 10th Chancellor of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Dr. Graham comes to us from Winston Salem State University in North Carolina and brings more than a decade of leadership and innovation to UAPB. Lion Nation welcomes our new servant leader and remains excited about the way forward and the optimistic vision that “The Graham Era” provides.
Philanthropic support to “Dear Mother” continues to build! Together, alumni and friends have generated close to $50 million in financial support over the past decade; more than $15 million of which has gone directly to fund student scholarships and educational learning experiences. Longterm investments in UAPB have also grown our endowment significantly over the past six years, growing from $16 million to more than $32 million.
In early September, The Windgate Foundation announced a $5 million gift to UAPB to construct an Art Tower extension on the Hathaway Art Building, the first significant improvement of the facility in more than three decades, and the largest single gift in university history. Recently, The Thurgood Marshall Fund announced a $2 million grant to UAPB to strengthen enrollment and educational outreach. Additionally, the nationally acclaimed UAPB Vesper Choir received notification in August that they had been invited to perform in London, England as part of an international celebration of Music.
Amid all that makes life challenging, we remain excited that UAPB continues to make life better for the students
While the excitement of change and increased levels of stakeholder support points to the positive developments taking place, the need for financial support could not be greater. As the cost of a college education rises, and the external pressures push us to operate in a highly competitive educational environment, we need your financial
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On behalf of the more than 19,000 alumni who have called UAPB home, thank you for helping to create opportunities that change the world!
George R. Cotton, Sr.
Vice Chancellor, Institutional Advancement and Development
KOHLER, Wis. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) men’s golf team made history this week, capturing the 2025 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at the renowned Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin. This landmark achievement marks UAPB’s first-ever HBCU National Championship in men’s golf and a historic milestone for HBCU athletics.
On a cold and windy final day of competition, the Golden Lions posted rounds of + 23 over par (291, 280, and 311) for a three-day team total of 882, earning a dominant 32-stroke victory over Prairie View A&M and North Carolina A&T (+55), who tied for second. Texas Southern (+65) and Chicago State (+69) rounded out the top five.
Hosted annually by the PGA of America, the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship is regarded as the most prestigious golf event for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. UAPB’s victory elevates the program to national prominence and underscores the increasing competitiveness of HBCU golf programs nationwide.
“This is a monumental achievement for our program,” said UAPB Head Coach Roger Totten, a five-time Coach of the Year honoree. “These young men have worked incredibly hard and grown so much over the season. To see their dedication rewarded with a national championship on such a big stage is phenomenal. This victory gives our program and our university tremendous national visibility, and it showcases the caliber of talent in HBCU golf. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
Totten has led UAPB to two SWAC championships in the last three seasons and has built a program defined by resilience, discipline, and excellence. That culture was on full display at Whistling Straits, where the Golden Lions placed four golfers in the top 10:
• Jose Berenguel (So.), a First-Team All-Conference selection, was crowned individual medalist at 7-under-par (71–64–74 = 209).
• Jules De Reu (So.) finished 4th at +7 (72–69–82 = 223).
• Juan Melida (Fr.) placed 5th at +9 (73–74–78 = 225).
• Timur Alalin (So.) finished 10th at +14 (75–73–82 = 230).
• Jonathan Baumann (Fr.) contributed steady play, finishing 28th at +22 (76–79–83 = 238).
Totten also credited the broader UAPB family for supporting the program’s growth.
“I also want to thank my Athletic Director, the administration, our supporters on campus, and the Pine Bluff community,” Totten added. “This win belongs to all of us.”
July 1, 2024 — June 30, 2025
Dr. Anthony Graham, Chancellor, Ex-Officio
Calvin Booker, Sr., Chairman, (Retired) Waste Management
Dr. Carolyn Blakely
Retired, UAPB
Carl Bracy
Dr. Diane S. Gilleland
Former Executive Director
AR Department of Higher Education
Fundraising initiatives at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff address institutional funding needs with an emphasis on three major areas (unrestricted funds, scholarships, and athletics) that significantly impact the ability of UAPB to deliver educational excellence.
The results of our fundraising efforts are reported herein.
Annual contributions for the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, totaled $5,567,402
Our donors designated their gifts consistent with their interests and chose a variety of ways to make an investment in our students. Many donors gave unrestricted gifts so that unanticipated student needs could be met. As a result, the Annual Giving Drive consisted of several successful initiatives. Though all specific initiatives that gave a positive impetus to our fundraising efforts are too numerous to mention herein, special note is made of a few that have a far-reaching and long-term impact:
the medical field.”
“As a single mother of four, receiving the Royal Knight Society Scholarship has lifted an incredible burden from my shoulders. I am from Kansas City, Missouri and I come from a large family of ten. I am pursuing a degree in physical education to inspire children to embrace healthy living and avoid preventable illnesses that have deeply impacted my Polynesian community. Your support gives me the stability to continue my education while serving as a youth coach in the community and role model for young people.”
“Thanks to your generosity, I can focus on completing my biology degree with a concentration in pharmacy at UAPB. I am an active member of the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Your donations not only help me purchase textbooks and pay tuition but also moves me closer to my dream of pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UAMS.”
“Your investment in me through scholarships allows me to complete my senior year as a business education major. This year I will be student-teaching at Pine Bluff High School, gaining valuable classroom experience as I prepare for a career in teaching. After graduation I plan to pursue a master's degree in educational psychology to further enhance my ability to support student growth and development. On campus, I am active in the National Education Association, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Your support is helping me pursue my call to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in life.”
“Growing up working in my father’s construction company in Chicago, I developed a passion for building and design. With your donations to scholarships, I can pursue a degree in industrial technology management and applied engineering while also performing in the Marching Musical Machine of the MidSouth. Your support helps me work toward graduating debt-free and equips me to return home and inspire the next generation to explore engineering and project management. I want the Chicago Alumni Chapter to know that by investing in me you are helping me and all the people I plan on helping along the way.”
“Your generosity allows me to continue my senior year in art education with a minor in biology while completing my student teaching at Forest Park Greenville Elementary. As a member of the Art Guild Club and a proud Parkview Arts/Science Magnet graduate, I believe art teaches life skills such as patience, persistence, and creativity. With your support, I can finish what I started in 2018 at the
There are hundreds of reasons why people give to ensure students arrive at destination graduation!
Here are a few of them:
Christian Jefferson c/o 2017
“I give because it is written: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Dear Mother has poured into me and provided countless invaluable opportunities — not only when I was a student leader as an undergraduate, but also as a creative artist today. Because of that foundation, I am now able to collaborate with major partners and create opportunities for today’s student leaders to shine, just as I once did.”
“My consistent support for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is rooted in the transformative education I received within the Industrial Technology department. The faculty distinguished themselves by treating students as family, while simultaneously providing the critical skills that prepared us for success in corporate America. The foundation I built at UAPB has been instrumental throughout my professional journey, which spans federal government service, government contracting, and the private sector. I give back as a means of investing in the program that invested so deeply in me. It is my hope that my contributions will provide the necessary financial support to allow the department to continue its vital work of shaping future leaders.”
“I feel it is my responsibility to support UAPB/AM&N. I am a member of the class of 1969. Our class, as a whole, has been a major contributor to our university. Personally, I can truly say without the personal attention given by the dedicated professionals and leaders at our college (at that time), my wife Carolyn and I would not be so generous. We both were educated, trained and conditioned to give back. Life has been wonderful.”
“Simply put, I love my university. Every day, I witness the needs of our students and feel compelled to be part of the solution that helps them achieve their goal of earning a higher education. I also know the struggles that HBCU’s face in gaining resources to support the goal of retaining and graduating successful students. When I graduated in 1991 and began my career, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of giving back because as a student I wasn’t deeply involved in campus clubs and organizations. I went to class, went to work, and went home. Because of the education I received from UAPB, doors of opportunity have been opened and now I’m blessed to be in a position to give back. I encourage others to do the same.”
“I give because the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff gave to me!
Mr. Jerron A. Liddell, Director of Choral Activities at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The 2024–2025 academic year was one of the most rewarding in recent history for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir. This group of students distinguished themselves with exceptional discipline, dedication, and artistry. They consistently rose to every challenge, presenting performances of the highest caliber while maintaining strong academic achievement.
In the fall, we presented our seventy-first annual performance of Handel’s Messiah at St. James United Methodist Church while renovations continue in the Hathaway Howard Fine Arts Building. This year’s performance featured numerous student soloists, along with our newly appointed Assistant Choir Director and Instructor of Voice, Dr. Jamie Dahman, who joined the University in August. Dr. Dahman’s artistry as a tenor soloist and his expertise in vocal pedagogy have already proven invaluable, greatly enriching both our students’ training and the choir’s overall sound.
One of the defining highlights of our year was our spring tour. In keeping with our recent tradition of introducing the choir to new cities, this year’s tour featured Louisville, Kentucky, as our “first-time” stop. The choir spent two days in Louisville, presenting inspiring worship services at Bates Memorial Baptist Church and Burnett Avenue Baptist Church. The impact was so profound that the choir was invited back to Bates Memorial in September 2025 — a testament to the excellence and professionalism of our students.
The tour also carried us to Cincinnati, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Chicago. At each stop, the warmth and hospitality of our AM&N/UAPB alumni chapters fueled our success. We are especially grateful to the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter, with the leadership and support of Mr. Larry Thompson and Mr. Elliot Holmes; to the Detroit Alumni Chapter, with special thanks to Mr. David Jones; to the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter, with heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Teresa Brown for her support; to the Chicago Alumni Chapter, with gratitude to Mr. Jackey Cason; and to the Kansas City Alumni Chapter, especially Ms. Lynda Walker, Ms. Janice Bankston, and Ms. Tanesha Thompson, for the tremendous support we received throughout our stay. Alumni support continues to make our work possible, and our students were deeply moved to see firsthand how invested our extended UAPB family remains in their success.
Recruitment is always at the heart of our tours, and this year yielded remarkable results. Three students from Detroit, one student from Milwaukee, and two students from Kansas City have joined UAPB and the Vesper Choir as a direct result of our tour. The ability to grow our student body and bring fresh voices into the choir is a direct outcome of alumni efforts in coordinating schools, setting up auditions, and ensuring our presence in each community.
We concluded our year with a spring concert built around the theme of Time. The program showcased an array of styles reflecting the passing of time, life’s transitions, and the enduring power of music. It was a fitting close to a year marked by growth, excellence, and joy in music-making.
Looking ahead, the choir is preparing for a more ambitious undertaking: an international tour to the United Kingdom in 2026. Over the course of 10 days, the Vesper Choir will present performances in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Glasgow while also engaging in cultural exchanges and learning
experiences. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will give our students a chance to serve as global ambassadors for UAPB, but it will only be possible through the continued generosity of alumni and friends.
Our students continue to excel in the classroom, with the majority maintaining GPAs of 3.0 or higher, earning scholarships, and securing internships that prepare them for their future careers. They remain shining examples of the values and spirit of UAPB, representing the university with dignity, professionalism, and artistry wherever they go.
As always, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our alumni and
$7,000 - $9,999
Alumni Chapter
- Memphis, TN
Charles Stewart Mott
Flowers, Dr. Martha A. Fox, III, Jimmy Gardner, Ken & Elaine Goldmon, Dr. Moses
& Dr. Suzzette
Horton, Katryne Hudson, Albert
& Dr. Dorothy Hyatt Corporation
Jackson, Myron & Stephanie
Kelley, John & Clementine
Lee, Jennifer Lilly Foundation
Mason, Jr., Jesse & Gail Reede Jones, M.D.
Mitchell, Mary D. Nelms, Dr. Charlie & Jeanetta
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Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church
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Swift, Roger & Johnnie Brown-Swift Tree of Life Funeral Directors, LLC
Turner Finney, Dr. Gladys Wallace, Doris
White, Elizabeth
DEANS CLUB
$2,000 - $3,999
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Aspen Ridge Golf Course
Atkinson, Drew & Catherine
Baxter, Bunia
Billups, Lisa Blackshear, Dr. Patsy Booker, Lawrence
Branch, Dr. Samuel & Johnnie
Brown, Timothy E. Burnett Avenue
Baptist Church Campbell, Dr. Danny & Staphea
Campbell, Joyce L. CDI Contractors, LLC
Chunn, Barbara J. Class of 1994
Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville Corvette Brothers of Pine Bluff Corp.
Cotton, Vera Davis, Ramus
Double Good
Duvall, Clarence & Karen
Eaves, John & Christine Faulkner, Dorothy Fowler, Bettye
Gameday Card Shop, LLC
Graham, Dr. Brenda Greater New Birth Church Hall, Arthur L. & Dr. Margaret J. Hamiter, Theo & Jeanetta Harris, Eddie & Dr. Michele Reid Harris Harris, Fred & Archie F. Haynes, Frank & Elthean Hubbard Hayes
Hemphill Callaway, Evelyn Historical West Mansfield
Texas Community Development Corp.
Horton, Jr., Lurie & Janice
Horton, Kay Jackson, Ava Jeffers, Mary Jefferson Comprehensive Care System, Inc.
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Johnson, Michael
Kemp, Dr. Kenneth
Kingston, Dr. Rebie
Kuykendall, Jr., John
Lockheed Martin
Matching Gift Program
Martin, Travis & Dr. Carla
Michaels, Jon & Toni
Mitchell, Patrick
Murry, Kenneth & Alchiinese
Reed, Teresa Robinson, Chris & Kimberly
SGIG Fred Johnson
JR Arkansas
Simmons Bank
Smith, John & Linda F.
Smith-Curry, Kendra
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
Tau Sigma Alumni Foundation, Inc.
The Jewish Community Foundation Los Angeles
The Philomathean Charity Club, Inc.
Trice, Kalvern
Turner, Ardelia Kay
Warren, Dr. Mack
Watley, Dr. Ryan L.
Webb, Mildred A.
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
Wilder, Bill Wilkerson, Randall & LaShawn
Williams, Sr., Dr. Larry Young, Johnnie
Zeigler, Charles & Gwendolyn
$500 - $1,999
Adams, Janet
Adkins, Dessie
Alexander, Sharon
Algon Capital, LLC
Allen, Gwendolyn
Alumni Chapter
- Austin, Texas
Alumni Chapter –Cincinnati/Dayton, OH
Alumni Chapter
- Pulaski County, AR Ameriprise Financial Anderson, Glenn & Clarice
Anderson-Lindsey, Rugenal
Arbor, Darryl Arkansas Community Foundation
Art Porter Music Education Inc.
Awopetu, Dr. Lawrence Bailey, Dr. Marilyn
Barden, Lynn Barraque Street
Baptist Church
Bates Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Inc.
Beck, David Bennett, Tom & Stephaney
Billingsley, Maureen D.
Blakely, Dr. Carolyn Booker, Calvin & Janetta Booker, III, Willie
Bracy, Marvin
Bradley, Charlotte Branch, Cornovious & Annette
Branch, Electa Bratcher, Caleb Brookins, Dr. Danita
Brooks, Charles
Broughton, II, Dr. Stephen
Brown, Cassandra Brown, Jr., Donald & Radiance Woody-Brown
Brown, Jr., Dr. Glen Brown, Ronald & Charlena
Brown, Sr., Frederick & Debra Wilbert Brown
Bunch, Theodis & Gwendolyn
Burton, Mingo
Byrd Collins, Dr. Sharon
Caine, The Late Florence
Caldwell, Jeanette
Carpenter's Produce
Carter, Violet Templeton
Chapple, LaKeysha
Cherry, Fuller & Shirley
Chestnut Enterprises, LLC
Colclasure, Dr. Ray Cole, Faye
Collins, Dr. Gretchen
Cosmopolitan Choir
Cotledge, Quranner
&The late Beverly Crayton, Josephine Crumbly, Johnetta Dalton Farms
Darden, II, Frederic Davis, Jimmy Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. –Delta Eta Sp'99
Dendy, Patricia Dorsey, II, Frank
Doster, Martha
Duffy, Jr., O. C.
Duke Energy
Dukes, Francyne
Dworsky, Matthew
Earls, Terri
Easter, Gary
Edwards, Lillie
Eloquent Ladies Civic Club
Epperson, Joseph
Everett, Willie & Diana
FBT Bank & Mortgage
Fletcher, Dr. Tina Fletcher, Dr. Trina
Foster Johnson, Virginia
Foster, Kenneth Fulce, Jay Gathen, Thomas Gibson, Rev. Dr. Marcus
Glover, Leonardo & Dr. Tamara
Grant, Faye
Gregory, Jasmine Grice, Ronnie & Dr. Cheryl Gries, Deborah Hammock, Jimmy
Harris, Charles & Fannie
Harrison, Dr. Bertha N.
Harrison, Steve Hartfield, Jr., Dr. Freddie Hayes Anthony, Betty
Haywood, Donny
Heathcott Associates Henderson, Milton
Hyman, Myrtle
Hynes, Gerald C.
Ingram, Jr., Earnest & Darlene
James, Marshall Jemerson, Johnny C.
Joel Day State Grand Assembly
Johnson, Amos & Shirley Johnson, Arnetta Johnson, Dr. Carl & Patricia
Johnson, Hyder & Deborah
Johnson, Jr., Andrew
Johnson, Kevin
Johnson, Rashandra
Johnson, Ruthie
Johnson, Shirley E.
Jones, David R.
Jones, Earl Jay Jones, Jacquelyn
Jones, James & Alicia
Jones, Janice J.
Jones, Margaret L. Jones, Murphy & Sissy
Jones, Otis & LaDonna Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Little Rock Convention & Visitors
Lofton, Clara Long, Hosea & Christene
Louisiana Tech University
Lusk, Don Macadonia Church
Mack, Ruthie
Madison, Farris & Beverly Malone, Michael & Georgia
Massey, Deloris
Mauldin, Anita McBeth, James & Andrea McCraw, Linel
McDonald, Johnnie McGee, Barbara
McKinney, Dr. Charles & Lillie
McKinney, Paul & Hazel
McMurtrey, Emogene Meadows, Dr. Sheena
Mid-Arkansas Vending
Monger, Sr., Larry Mooney, Donna Moore, Helen Moore, Roye Morris, Dr. Bishawn
Pighee, Timothy & Veronica
Pine Bluff Branch of NAACP
Ponds, Ronald & Gwendolyn
Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter Fund, Inc.
Radlauer, Prof. Madalyn
Rancifer, Marvise
Raynor, Dariest "Doc"
Raytheon Technologies
Reed, Lavoy & Brady
Regions
Reid, Dorthy
Rice, Dr. Sederick
Robinson, Willistine
Roshell, Jr., Andrew
Sails, Jr., Verties
& LaFrancina
Sanders, Clinton & Bobbie
Savage, Dontae
Shelby, Sr., Andre
Sherrod, Eddie
Shine, Dr. Lawrence & Shiree
Simmons, Dr. Michael & Catherine
Simpson, M.D., Dr. Pervie
Sims, Kevin
Sims-Davis, Edith R.
Slack, John
Smith Jackson, Karen
Smith, Bobby & Rosemary
Smith, Jennifer R.
Smith, Jillian
Smith, Mary S.
Smith, Paula
Smith, Tonya
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St. James United Methodist Church
St. Paul Baptist Church
Starks, Waymon
Stephenson, Dr. Kevin & Karen
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Strickland-Stewart, Courtney Surratt, Arey
Sutton, Emma B.
Tatum, Daisy
Terry, Bernice Terry, Romanetha
The Hatcher Agency, Inc.
The Lady J Foundation, Inc.
Thomas Groceries
Thompson, Robert & Carolyn
Titus, Keesha
Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc.
Torrence, Dr. William Torrence, Gerry
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Trotter, Vernon L.
Tucker Smith, Patricia Tufts, Sharon Turner Finney, Dr. Gladys Turner, Carl Turner, Earsline
Wade, Arthur & Shirley
Walker-Turner, Lou Evelyn
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Weaver, Joann
Wilkerson, Nicholas
William A. & Genevieve
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Williams Tate, Marylene
Williams, Brian T.
Williams, Shirley M.
Williams, Vanessa
Woods, Kristy
Wright, Steve & Mary
Wright, Steven & Vivian
Young, Margie
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
CHALLENGE CLUB
$250 - $499
Abedi, Dr. Sharokh
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc., Sigma
Beta Omega
Anderson-Ward, Stacia
Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
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Bass, Sr., Rodney C.
Benford, Monique
Bennett, Elbert
Bobo, LTC. Walleon & Sharon
Booker, Sherry
Branch, Charlie & Linda
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Butler, Luvertha
Castle, Brian & Constance
Clark, Freddie
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Fuller, Oscar
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Zion Hill Baptist Church
CENTURY CLUB
$100 - $249
Abson, James Agosto, Mildred Aldridge, Nyeshia Alexander, Terry Alley, Jerlean Alumni Chapter
- Pine Bluff/Jeff. Co. Alumni Chapter
- Southeast Arkansas
Amagwula-Keeton, Dr. Tochi Anderson, Maudie
Thomas, Rev. Clark & Hazel Thompson, Christie Thompson, Tanesha Thrower, Shurunda
Bi State Development
Agency of the Missouri-IL Metro. Dist.
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Center Grove
Water Association
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Davis, Dr. Leroy & Elaine
Davis, Theodis "Ted"
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Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc.
DeShazier, Ruby
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Dillard, Bettye
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Eatmon, Bianca
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Elam, Nikia
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Ficklin, Martha
Fitzhugh Family Trust
Fletcher, Kathryn
Flippin, MD, Dr. Ardena
Fogle, Penny
Fooster, Jr., Harold
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Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission
Gamble, Lela Garrett, Beverly Gilbert, Thurma & Sharon
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Good Hope Baptist Church
Govan, Dr. Dieterick
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Grant, Raoul & Katrice
Greater Love COGIC
HaGood, LaDonnya
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Hansberry, Michael
Harrell First
Baptist Church
Harris, Constance
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Hildreth, Laura
Hill-Seals, Kymara
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Howell, Trammell
Humphrey, D. Yvonne
Humphrey, James & Ollie
Hunt Law Firm
Hyder, Rachelle
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Ingram, Dr. Jerry G.
Jackson, Alma Jackson, Carole Jackson, Cedric
Jackson, Courtney Jackson, Lavonda Jackson, Sandra
Jacob, John Jarrett, Theravan & Hazel
Jenson, Shirley
John Kelly Edwards
Bible Institute
Johnson, Barbara
Johnson, Daniel & Janet
Johnson, Dennis
Johnson, Lazelle
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Jones, Roy
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Kearney, Sr., John
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Lackey, Marvia
Lambert, Phillip Lanier, Dana
Las Vegas Black Women Literary Guild
Lathan, Phyllis
Lee, Learthur
Leonard, Doris
Lephiew Gin
Company, Inc.
Long, Marjorie
Lothery, Marian
Lott, Kenneth
Lowe, Troy
Luckett, Dr. Kellye
Luckett, Rachel
M & N Augustine Fnd.
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Maxwell, Robert & Angela
May, Hilda
May, Margaret Mazique, Barbara McAfee, LaKeiesha
McCall, Jr., Dr. Tomie
McCastle-Freeman, Toni McClusky, Yvonne T.
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McKindra, Gloria
Dr. Olivia Morgan, Edna Morris, Shere Mosby, Angela
Mosca, Anna
Mugambi, Margaret
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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) is directed by Mr. John R. Graham Jr., with assistant directors Mr. Darryl Evans and Mr. Harold Fooster, and arranger, Mr. Ryan Harris. "M4" performs at all home football games and travels to most away games.
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Each year, "M4" continues to be an ambassador for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the State of Arkansas.
The band hosted 750 high school students for a halftime performance during the Annual Band Day at the first home football game. The UAPB band program also features awardwinning ensembles, including the UAPB Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion and World Hand Drumming groups, and other chamber ensembles by request. The band is considered the heartbeat, face, and sound of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
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Your investment in scholarships help us to recruit some of the brightest minds our nation has to offer. We are able to keep pace with other institutions in recruiting academically advanced students.
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a much better understanding of the retail industry now.
"My main takeaway from the National Retail Federation Conference is the new career perspective I obtained," she said. "All the speakers were very transparent about their beginnings before achieving success, which gave me complete confidence in my future. I now see there is space for everyone to succeed in retail."
"Attending the NRF Foundation Student Program was an invaluable opportunity for our students to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into the latest retail trends and explore career pathways beyond the classroom," said Jane Opiri, associate professor and merchandising, textiles and design program coordinator in UAPB's Department of Human Sciences. "Exposure to real-world applications of their studies, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, helps bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring them to think innovatively about their futures."
Opiri said attending this conference enhances students' understanding of business operations, marketing strategies and crucial leadership skills, as well as the latest technology in the industry. It also allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them to be competitive in the job market.
Charles, a senior majoring in merchandising, textiles and design, said the trip to New York expanded her educational and professional horizons. She feels she has
After graduation, Charles plans to work as a merchandise displayer for a large chain store such as Lowe's Home Improvement, Home Depot or Home Goods.
Chambo, a sophomore majoring in computer science, said one of the most impactful aspects of the event was learning how technology, specifically digital twin technology, is used in the retail industry.
"It was amazing to realize how pivotal technology is to the life cycle of products," he said. "I was fascinated to learn how they predict and adapt to trends in style using this technology. I also was intrigued by discussions on leveraging data analytics to drive personalized marketing strategies and improve customer experiences."
He said he appreciated hearing Best Buy representatives talk about how they have implemented AI in their website to help with customer interactions with certain products.
"Aside from the tech segments, the program also emphasized the importance of leadership and
The National Retail Federation Student Program in New York City provides opportunities for students to connect with some of the world's largest retail brands. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff participants recently included Simon Chambo, left, Associate Professor Jane Opiri, Gerald Shimo and Jonathan Black-Ross.
(Special to The Commercial/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)
adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment," Chambo said. "Additionally, the networking opportunities allowed me to connect with professionals and fellow students, providing valuable insights into current trends and future innovations in retail."
After graduation, he plans to work as a software engineer. In the meantime, he is working to gain skills that can be transferred to any role of his choice.
"I'm particularly interested in positions where I can contribute to developing customer-centric strategies and integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency," he said. "Whether it's within a leading retail organization or a forward-thinking
startup, I look forward to being at the forefront of transforming the retail landscape."
Shimo, also a sophomore student of computer science and the 2025 NRF student program ambassador at UAPB, said his main takeaway from the conference was that AI is revolutionizing retail.
"Being in attendance for this program makes me feel like I can go so far," he said. "There is space for everyone to succeed in retail. Attending the NRF foundation inspires, opens minds and gives inside knowledge."
He attended sessions on AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics and automation.
Continued on page 34
"It was incredible to see how companies use technology to enhance customer experiences," he said. "I've always viewed AI from a more technical perspective, but NRF opened my eyes to its real-world business applications, from chatbots handling customer service to AI optimizing supply chains."
Beyond the technology, Shimo was struck by the importance of storytelling in marketing.
"I attended a session where retail executives spoke about how brands connect with customers on an emotional level -- something that data alone can't accomplish," he said. "This gave me a fresh perspective on how businesses leverage psychology and technology together."
He also appreciated the chance to network at the event.
"Meeting industry leaders, fellow students and recruiters was inspiring and eye-opening," he said. "I had the chance to talk to professionals from significant retail and tech companies such as Kohl's, Walmart, Amazon and Target. Hearing about their career journeys reassured me that there are many paths to success. The best advice I received was to stay adaptable and always be open to learning."
After graduation, Shimo sees himself working in AI development, data science or software engineering, ideally in a field in which technology drives innovation. He wants to be
The University continues to be grateful for the support of its corporate partners. The companies and corporate foundations listed on this page are those that have provided contributions to the University and its Foundation through their matching gift program. The University urges its alumni and friends to investigate the matching gift program that may be offered through their companies. Some companies offer programs, which will match one-for-one, two-for-one, or
This is an excellent way to multiply gift dollars and have a greater impact on academic programs. To take advantage of a company’s matching gift policy an employee may obtain a form from their company’s corporate giving office and send it in along with their gift.
