UAPB Magazine | Spring/Summer 2019 issue

A Publication for Alumni and Friends of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

SPRING / SUMMER 2019

CASSIUS CASH HELPING OTHERS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

36

STARTING A NEW CHAPTER

Diana Cortez, a member of the Fall 2018 graduating class, is enthusiastic about commencement as she prepares to enter the arena. Keynote speaker, Dr. Steve Perry, encouraged graduates to live with purpose.

PHOTO BY RICHARD REDUS

4 6 56 42 60 62

Chancellor’s Letter News & Events Athletics Alumni Updates Class Notes In Memoriam

Features

50 COVER STORY

HELPING OTHERS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

CASSIUS CASH

by Donna Mooney Photography by Brian Williams Alumnus Cassius Cash began as a biology major but found his true path in wildlife management. Today, he is the first African American superintendent of the most visited national park in the U.S.

38

CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS

by Henri Linton, Sr. and Carla F. Bryant

AM&N College professor George M. James wrote a book questioning the history of Greek mythology. More than 60 years later, it is required reading at universities across the nation.

42

THE RIGHT FORMULA

by Donna Mooney

She was the first female physics graduate from UAPB and the second African-American physics doctoral graduate in the state of Alabama.

Now working at NASA, Dr. Ruth Jones looks to impact the lack of diversity in STEM fields.

46

DECIDING FACTOR

by Tisha D. Arnold

Alumna Erica Ingram's choice to join UAPB ROTC led to her being appointed the first female African American Colonel in Arkansas National Guard history.

63

REMEMBERING JOHN E. SMITH Learn more about the life of this distinguished alumnus and his commitment to invest in his alma mater.

Cassius Cash '91 stands at one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

As Superintendent, he oversees the process of managing park activities for the popular half-million acre park.

Learn more about him on page 50

Spring/Summer 2019 3

CHANCELLOR'S LETTER

Keeping student success at the forefront of strategic planning Reprinted by permission of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

Like many contemporary universities, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has offices and personnel dedicated to the familiar student-success pillars of recruitment, retention, progression and graduation.

However, the growth and enhancement of this key division of the university has occurred methodically over the last five years through innovative practices and systems born out of inclusive strategic planning and institutional integration.

When I joined this proud land-grant HBCU located in the Southeast Arkansas Delta, the institution had hit a rough patch: enrollment was in decline, admissions was a slow and cumbersome paper-driven process, and first-year retention and graduation rates were stagnant.

It became clear to me early on that we needed to immediately put a laserlike focus on student success, or else. Already one of our strategic priorities, student success has become a focal point of the University of Arkansas system, the board of trustees, the state coordinating board, the funding formula, and accreditation. Consequently, student success cannot be assumed or considered as an after-thought. It is so vital to the bottom line and reputation that it is incumbent on the chief executive to underscore it by increasing the involvement of faculty, staff, students and alumni. Guaranteeing student success takes the support of the entire village.

All Hands on Deck Fundamentally, we needed to change our institutional approach to achieving greater student success: First, we employed a dynamic strategic approach—one centered on innovative tactics through institutional integration, which is achieved through campus collaboration and engagement.

Second, we identified and secured a dynamic new leader, Dr. Linda Okiror, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMSS), and developed a strong and dedicated support team.

Third, recognizing the need to bring sustainable change to the institution, we reorganized EMSS, transitioning the functions from the Division of Student Affairs to a new stand-alone cabinet-level division, enabling its participation in bi-monthly cabinet meetings, keeping all other senior leaders engaged.

Fourth, we communicated the need to have all hands on deck through bulletins, seminars and all-personnel auditorium gatherings.

Fifth, we removed barriers separating EMSS units and started to bring some integration between the offices providing leadership in recruitment, admissions, retention and student success. In fact, this included establishing a Student Success Center, which raised the visibility of campus-wide retention and progression initiatives.

Sixth, we reached out to get faculty more involved in student success efforts as liaisons between EMSS and the academic units. A deeper engagement with faculty is ongoing.

Seventh, we launched several technology based initiatives using new software, and we sought to combine those methods with a more traditional approach requiring a customer-service oriented personal touch. Specifically, we rolled out a completely paper-less application process that works seamlessly with the admissions and registration processes.

We also have employed data analytics tools, self-service course planning, advisement and registration software, and a 15 credit-hour semester initiative.

We will seek to improve the personal touch with the addition of student success coaches dedicated to the unique challenges within each academic area.

4 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

A Work in Progress In many ways, this is all a work in progress, but there are some early signs of success. Over the last four years, enrollment increased 12 percent before declining by 5.8 percent in fall 2017. During the same period, the first-time freshman retention rate rose by 25 percent, steadily increasing from 56.2 percent freshman retention in 2013 to 70.8 percent freshman retention in fall 2017.

Also, retention of all students from fall to fall has grown from 71.9% in 2013 to 76.5% to 2017. Graduation rates have increased from 23 percent to 28 percent.

In summary, we have hired key leaders in student success, created a new cabinetlevel EMSS division, integrated the work of its internal units, encouraged innovation through institutional integration, fostered cross-departmental collaboration, and prioritized funds for computer software and additional personnel.

Though our student success transformation continues to evolve, the early indications and results are encouraging.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2018 issue of Public Purpose, the magazine of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Editorial note: Special thanks to the Title III Grant, our alumni and friends for their support of the University's student success initiatives.

Volume 4 No. 1 Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, J.D., Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Institutional Volume 5 No. 1 Advancement Marla Mayberry Editor

Tisha D. Arnold Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, J.D., Ph.D. Lead Writer Donna Mooney Editor Tisha D. Arnold

Creative Director

Brian T. Williams Lead Writer Donna Mooney

Contributing Writers

WINNING OFF THE FIELD The Department of Athletics unveiled a new student-athlete academic center at the J. Thomas May Fieldhouse. The first of its kind at UAPB, the center will assist student-athletes in their studies.

See more on page 56

KnowlesDirector Adkisson Creative

TishaT.Arnold Brian Williams Shakari Briggs Contributing Writers Staphea Campbell Tisha Arnold Siony Flowers Carla Bryant William Hehemann Shedelle Davis David Hutter William Hehemann Henri Linton, Sr. Henri Linton, Sr. Donna Mooney Donna Mooney Carol Sanders Contributing Photographers Contributing Photographers

Brandon Batemon Joe Dempsey Emmett Given Brad Mayhugh Brad Mayhugh Richard Redus Thomas Metthe Brian T. Williams Richard Redus Correspondence and Address Changes Cameo Stokes University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Brian T. Williams ATTN: UAPB Magazine Correspondence and Address Changes 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4789 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 71601 ATTN: UAPB Magazine 870.575.8946 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4789 Email Pine Bluff, AR 71601 communications@uapb.edu 870.575.8946 Website Email www.uapb.edu/magazine communications@uapb.edu UAPB Magazine is published two times a year by the Website University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a member of the www.uapb.edu/magazine University of Arkansas System.

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Thisof policy extends to allBluff educational, University Arkansas at Pine is fully service and employment programs the university. accredited

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A bust was dedicated in the memory of Pearlie S. Reed, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture 2008-2012.

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news and events

Windgate Foundation gives $2.2 million to UAPB to benefit student scholarships The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff received a $2.2 million gift from the Windgate Foundation (Windgate) to establish the Windgate Foundation Scholarship Endowment and fund the John Miller Howard Art and Education Legacy Exhibition (Howard Exhibition) at the Leedell MooreheadGraham Fine Arts Gallery at the UAPB Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts Center.

The scholarship endowment will provide funding each year to assist eligible students with education-related expenses. Entering and current students pursuing any degree plan are now eligible to apply.

“It is always remarkable when organizations, such as Windgate, partner in our institution’s mission to assist students in reaching their educational and career goals.

So it is with extreme gratitude and excitement that we enthusiastically accept this gift and thank Windgate for recognizing UAPB’s role in educating the next generation,” UAPB chancellor Laurence B. Alexander said.

“Windgate Foundation is pleased to partner with the

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to create significant academic opportunities for student success. The Windgate Scholarship Endowment fits perfectly with UAPB’s mission of providing access and opportunity to academically deserving students and producing graduates who are equipped to excel through their contributions and leadership,” Patricia Forgy, Windgate Foundation executive director, said.

The Howard Exhibition is named in honor of the late John Miller Howard, who was an artist, founder of the UAPB Department of Art, and art educator at the university for four decades. The exhibition, to open in the fall of 2020 and run through 2022, will feature Howard’s paintings, personal letters, collectibles, photos, and memoirs. Arkansas Delta region public and private schools will be invited to view the exhibit.

The Windgate Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in 1993 and has awarded more than $698 million in grants.

Career services receives $200,000 grant to offer paid internships to students The Office of Career Services was awarded a $200,000 grant as part of a new Paid Internship Program. Funded

by Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation, the grant will create new paid internship opportunities and convert previously unpaid internships into paid opportunities for students.

“This is a double win for university students and local businesses,” said UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander.

“Students are getting paid while obtaining valuable work experience and the local employers are getting a temporary workforce funded through a grant to the university.”

During the summer, the Office of Career Services hosted a luncheon to collaborate with approximately 15 businesses in Pine Bluff and Little Rock to develop paid internship opportunities. After the luncheon, resumes were submitted

6 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

to employers and students were interviewed for internship experiences to begin in the fall semester.

The students are working 20 hours per week in positions that are relative to their field of study. In addition, they will receive up to 6 hours of academic credit for the experience.

“This is a great opportunity for students to position themselves to be marketable upon graduation,” said Shirley Cherry, Director of Career Services. “Employers seek new hires that have obtained at least two internships or Cooperative Education experiences in their field of study.”

Career Services is financially supported in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Strengthening Institutions, Title III, Part B, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program.

Blue & You Foundation gives a $109,630 grant to enhance the nursing lab and supply defribrillators across campus

Above: Chief of University Police Maxcie Thomas, Blue & You Foundation’s Pine Bluff representative Rebecca Pittillo, Nursing Department Chair Kymberly Beard, and UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander are photographed during the check presentation held December 17. Photo by Richard Redus

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was presented a check for $109,630 from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas today. The grant will fund an enhanced nursing clinical lab and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout campus. Blue & You Foundation’s Pine Bluff representative, Rebecca Pittillo, made the presentation at the CaineGilleland Hall atrium.

“We are grateful to receive this grant from the Blue & You Foundation,” said Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, UAPB chancellor. “Not only does it allow us to strengthen clinical education delivery in our nursing program, but it also increases the number of students the department can serve. Our campus is also made safer for individuals with heart conditions with the addition of twelve AEDs placed in our housing complexes, student and faculty gyms and other key areas.”

The grant will enable the department to purchase simulation technology to provide on-campus, supervised lab practice during nonscheduled hours. The nursing lab will be enhanced with upgraded medical equipment and supplies, including SimMan® 3G, an emergency patient simulator, portable computers, IV infusion pumps, and an electrocardiogram machine.

And while it covers the cost for acquiring the AEDs, the grant will also pay for operational training.

“Our grants this year went to programs throughout the state that address such issues as nutrition and exercise, food insecurity, emergency medical services and medical professional education,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of Blue & You Foundation.

Spring/Summer 2019 7

news and events

UAPB students visit South Africa and learn about the country’s struggle for freedom

by William Hehemann

Five UAPB students participated in the university’s first study abroad program in South Africa. The program, which will be offered in subsequent years, focuses on South Africa’s history of youth empowerment.

Student participants included: Timyah Wellmaker, a junior math education major from Belleville, IL; Rickey Anderson, a senior business management major from Dumas, AR; Jasmine Alford, a junior accounting major from Memphis, TN; Kiana Wilson, a senior broadcast journalism major from Dermott, AR; and Arion Rivers, a senior psychology major from Detroit, MI. During the program, participants learned about the role of students and young people in the anti-apartheid movement that started in the early 1960s. Cultural tours included the Apartheid Museum and the Nelson Mandela House Museum, where they learned about Mandela’s early life, anti-apartheid activism, imprisonment and eventual rise to the presidency of South Africa.

"At the museum, program participants were surprised to see a framed citation from UAPB, which was delivered to Mandela during his first visit to the U.S. in 1990," Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement, Office of International Programs at UAPB, said.

According to the 1990 citation, “The faculty, staff and students at UAPB take great pride and honor in recognizing the monumental achievements of Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the area of human rights and international relations … Be it resolved that his brothers and sisters at UAPB commend this great liberator and are pleased that he satisfied so much hunger for freedom and equality during his lifetime.”

"Upon their return to Arkansas, several student participants mentioned how inspirational it was to see the UAPB citation," Dr. Moore said.

“The experience is an example of how we may inspire our students to appreciate the power of thinking and acting globally – beyond the limits of what may be perceived here in the Arkansas Delta,” she said.

During the program, students took part in servicelearning activities in rural and urban communities. At the Jabulani Rehabilitation Centre, they met a group of disabled seniors who make a living selling handmade crafts.

“We learned how the center’s elderly residents manage to survive with no stable income,” Alford said. “They sell handmade crafts to buy the things they need. They also 8 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

taught us how to make their crafts. It was a very humbling learning experience.”

The students also visited the Umbuyisa School of Arts and Culture, an after school community-based art center, where children in the area are taught basic artistic skills.

“The school provides services to kids who are growing up in unhealthy environments,” Wilson said. “The students showed us their garden and paintings, and they also taught us some of Soweto’s traditional childhood games.”

Anderson said, "The art school is located in a povertystricken shanty town that lacks running water and consistent access to electricity."

“My heart goes out to the students, who were all around 14 to 18 years old,” he said. “However, I will say they were making the best of their given situation. They had just built a computer lab where students could do their homework and access the internet. This school was not only a resource center for the students, but also a safe haven and retreat from their impoverished living conditions.”

Alford said, "Interacting with locals was a highlight of the study abroad experience."

“The house ‘aunties’ at a bed and breakfast we stayed at were the first people to teach my group their language, IsiZulu,” she said. “They were so nice to us and encouraged us to keep trying to speak the language, even if we were not good at it.”

The students’ tour guides and taxi drivers were also memorable, Alford said. They tried to introduce the students to unfamiliar aspects of South African culture and customs through humor.

“My main takeaway from the people of South Africa is that everyone is family, and we should all make sure that we take care of one another,” she said. “The people are all about unity and empowerment. Their outlook on life is very inspirational.”

Wellmaker said she most enjoyed the food, culture and people of South Africa. She appreciated the acceptance and the friendliness of the South Africans she met.

Rivers found the South African people open and helpful.

He liked learning about the language as well as local customs such as dancing and craft making. Though he never developed a taste for the local cuisine, most of his peers said they liked trying the local flavors.

“I also appreciated learning about apartheid – the

segregation and discrimination on the grounds of race that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s – because it opened my eyes about the suffering of black people around the world,” Wellmaker said.

Alford said, "I learned that the South African government turned different parties of the apartheid movement against each other to prevent change. The officials gave one party weapons and guns and encouraged them to kill off members of the other party. This is so interesting to me because it disrupted the fight for change for years. The conflict did not end until Nelson Mandela was released from prison. It was then that the violence stopped and all parties returned to peaceful protests for changing apartheid laws.”

Wilson said she most enjoyed visiting Soweto. Forty-two years ago, the township was the site of the Soweto uprising, during which thousands of high school students marched and protested against the Afrikaans language policy in the educational system.

“Visiting Soweto opened my eyes to the fact that South Africa and the United States have a lot in common,” she said.

“I learned that the people of both nations have been victims of police brutality, racial discrimination and segregation.”

Alford said she enjoyed touring Freedom Park in Pretoria, South Africa, which includes monuments and a museum dedicated to the country’s struggle for freedom. “This site was my favorite because it included all of South Africa’s history while honoring those who made sacrifices for change within the country,” she said. “It was a very informative and interactive experience.”

Rivers said highlights of the program included visits to the Nelson Mandela House Museum and a museum dedicated to Hector Pieterson, a South African schoolboy who was shot and killed during the Soweto uprising when police opened fire on protesting students.

All of the program participants said they recommend the study abroad program in South Africa to other UAPB students.

“It is a life-changing experience,” Alford said. “I was able to learn things that help me improve personally, professionally and academically. It is also a humbling experience to see how less fortunate and more fortunate individuals operate their lives in a completely different country.”

Wellmaker said she recommends the study abroad program in South Africa to other UAPB students because of the new knowledge and outlooks they can gain.

“The more places you travel and the more stories you hear, the more you understand about the world you live in and how it has been shaped to be the way it is today,” she said.

Below: Jasmine Alford, second from right, visits traditional “sangoma” healers at Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village. Photo provided courtesy of the Office of International Programs

At right: Timyah Wellmaker and Kiana Wilson play games with students at the Umbuyisa School of Arts and Culture. Photo provided courtesy of the Office of International Programs

Spring/Summer 2019 9

news and events

Sophomore business major selected for China-U.S. Rising Star study tour Taylor Johnson, a sophomore business management major at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was selected as a participant in the China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour. She will travel to China and participate in an intensive two-week course on vocational education.

The vocational education exchange program is co-sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) International Education Office and the China Education Association for International Exchange. Student participants will study in host vocational colleges in China and learn about the latest developments in various industries.

According to the AASCU, the program is meant to facilitate the increase of students studying in China in the vocational education sector, as well as strengthen the cross-cultural communication skills and professional capacity of student participants.

During the program, American and Chinese student participants will attend lectures together and visit important industrial and cultural locations to better understand the social and economic conditions of modern China. They will receive in-lab training from professors and take part in projects that focus on cooperative learning. Workshops, seminars and team-building activities are intended to foster long-term friendships and collaboration between students from the two countries.

Student participants were nominated by the director of international programs at each participating university. Applicants were required to have completed at least one year of college education, be in good academic standing and have an interest in Chinese culture.

“Taylor fits the profile of students we are targeting through our global leadership development initiative, which prepares students for effective engagement in a global society,” Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement, Office of International Programs (OIPS) at UAPB, said. “She made a strong impression on me through the focus, initiative, enthusiasm and commitment she demonstrated towards participation in the Rising Star Tour.”

Dr. Moore was also impressed by Johnson’s entrepreneurial experience.

Johnson said it was her existing business ties to Chinese products that originally sparked her interest in the program.

“I own a hair products company called ‘Baddie Boutique,’ and since I get most of my products from China, I thought participating in the program would be a great way to learn more about the goods I sell as well as the manufacturers’ business structure,” she said. “I hope to develop ideas on how to improve my own business.”

10 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Taylor Johnson

Johnson said she is also interested in learning about Chinese e-commerce and how large online companies, such as Alibaba, one of the world’s largest retailers, function online.

“I believe this program will expose me to another culture besides my own,” she said.

“I feel going on this trip will enhance my creativity, keep my mind sharp and increase my connection to others, as well as myself.”

After she graduates from UAPB, Johnson plans to go to law school and pursue a career in business law.

Dr. Moore said OIPS continues to explore ways to boost UAPB student participation in education abroad programs. Because UAPB is an institutional member of AASCU, programs offered by this and similar national associations may result in reduced participation costs for students.

Above: Keith Day, AAFP treasurer and sponsor-Twin Rivers Foods, Ashlyn Carlton, and Dr. Yasser Sanad, assistant professor of food science/food safety for the UAPB Regulatory Sciences Program

Senior animal science major takes first place poster on plasmid research at Arkansas Association for Food Protection meeting Ashlyn Carlton, a senior animal science major at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, won the First Place Poster Award at the Arkansas Association for Food Protection’s (AAFP) annual meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

She was awarded an undergraduate first-place prize of $250 and a commemorative certificate for her research titled “Identification of Factors that Impact the Efficiency of Plasmid Transfer Among Enteric Bacteria such as Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli.”

“The UAPB Department of Agriculture congratulates Ashlyn on her achievement,” Dr. Yasser Sanad, assistant professor of food science/food safety for the UAPB Regulatory Sciences Program and Carlton’s research mentor, said. “She was the only undergraduate student present at the annual meeting – most other student attendees were doctoral and graduate students from different universities.

The judges seemed impressed by the advanced research she has conducted as an undergraduate student.”

As part of her studies, Carlton conducts microbial food safety research at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) laboratories in Jefferson, Arkansas. There, under the supervision of Dr. Sanad and collaborating researchers from NCTR, she contributes to a project focused on plasmids, the extra chromosomal DNA present in bacterial cells that carry antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.

“Plasmids move between enteric bacteria, and they can then be transferred to humans through the food chain from plant or animal sources and pose a public health threat,” Dr. Sanad said. “This study will quantify the rates of plasmid transfer under multiple exposure conditions using RNA sequencing.”

The AAFP is a part of the International Association for Food Protection, which aims to protect the global food supply. The organization comprises educators, government officials, microbiologists, food industry executives and quality control professionals.

Spring/Summer 2019 11

news and events

Animal Science major earns select apprenticeship at Mississippi State

by William Hehemann

Above (from left): Dr. Rocky Lemus, MSU Extension forage specialist, Corianne Schmidt, MSU junior and Forage Program apprentice, Lizney Rudds, UAPB senior and Forage Program apprentice, and Dr. Gary Jackson, director of the MSU Extension Service. Photo provided courtesy of Mississippi State University

Lizney Rudds, a senior animal science major from Detroit, Michigan, was one of eight students nationwide selected for the Extension Service Apprenticeship at Mississippi State University (MSU). The paid internship program offers students the chance to earn college credit while working directly with a faculty specialist to assist with ongoing research and participate in outreach efforts to key stakeholders.

Rudds’ internship was coordinated through the MSU Forage Program, which conducts research on forage management practices that support the hay and livestock industry. Over the course of the 13-week program, she assisted with studies on the planting and harvesting of forage crops. Her responsibilities included collecting, drying and testing plant samples in the laboratory, as well as maintaining study plots and treating them for weeds.

“In addition to helping with existing MSU research projects, I also began my own study in June,” Rudds said.

“My research tested the impacts of the fungus Trichoderma on yields, nutrient uptake and growth rates of warm season annual forages. I was in charge of monitoring, fertilizing, collecting data and other management requirements necessary for the success of the study.”

12 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Rudds said she spent most days in the field, harvesting forages and collecting samples. If the weather was bad, she and the other members of the research project spent the day grinding harvested forage samples and running analyses in the laboratory.

“The aspect of the internship I liked the most was the visits to various farms or county offices around the state,” she said.

Rudds’ advisor at UAPB, Dr. Jayant Lohakare, associate professor of animal science, said the internship was a good complement to her studies in animal sciences at UAPB. “Rudds was a deserving student for this apprenticeship,” he said. “She is sincere, hard-working and very punctual.

Though she ended up choosing to pursue the apprenticeship at MSU, she was also the only candidate selected from the UAPB animal science program for a two-week Access to Animal-Related Careers Program at Purdue University.”

Dr. Lohakare said UAPB courses in animal nutrition and livestock production prepared Rudds for the internship by giving her an understanding of animal production, animal feeding and the importance of forages in animal agriculture.

“Rudds gained valuable firsthand experience through this internship as she dealt with farming issues and worked to find solutions,” he said.

“These experiences will prepare her for careers at agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in the animal industry and also as a veterinarian who treats farm animals.

I am very proud of her achievements.”

Rudds encourages other UAPB agriculture majors to take part in a unique, hands-on learning experience alongside faculty specialists.

She said she appreciated working with her supervisor, Dr. Rocky Lemus, MSU Extension forage specialist, who trusted her to fulfill all of her obligations.

“There was rarely a second that I wasn’t learning something new,” she said.

“The internship also pushed me to work on my public speaking skills because the job required the ability to communicate well with producers and other clients.”

As she prepares to take the Graduate Record Examinations, Rudds would like to find a job as an animal caretaker or veterinary intern to strengthen her application for veterinary school.

“My ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian and specialize in small animal rehabilitation,” she said.

At UAPB, Rudds is a member of the Collegiate 4-H Club, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Club, STEM Scholars Academy, Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program, Spirit Team, Vesper Choir and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.

Above: UAPB nursing students Tanisha Phelps, Alisha Phelps, and Lakeria Henderson, were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for demonstrated excellence in scholarship. They are joined by UAPB Nursing professor Carolyn Hood. Photo provided courtesy of the UAPB Nursing Department

Students inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor International Society of Nursing The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Nursing Program has inducted eight students into the Gamma Xi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Three of the eight senior nursing student inductees attended the ceremony that included more than 100 nursing students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Spine Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The students were presented with honor cords and certificates of membership at the ceremony. UAPB Nursing Sigma Theta Tau advisors attending were Carolyn Hood, MNSc, BSN, RN and Shawna Hughey, DNP, MSN, RN. The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is the second-largest nursing organization in the world with approximately 135,000 active members. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students, who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. 61% of active members hold master’s and/or doctoral degrees; 56% have a specialty certification; 48% are clinicians; 40% have more than 15 years of work experience; 21% are administrators or supervisors, and 20% are educators or researchers.

Spring/Summer 2019 13

news and events

Sweetpotato Foundation Seed Program sponsors four agriculture student interns

by William Hehemann

Above: Student interns, from left, Jasmine James, Raven Burnett and Danielle Williams, join as McKinney Hackett, research technician, center, as he demonstrates how to position sweetpotato slips into holes dug by Corinthian Greaves, extra-help worker, far right, during a hand-planting exercise. Photo by Brad Mayhugh

Four students completed internships with the UAPB Sweetpotato Foundation Seed Program. As interns, Chasity Brown, a senior agriculture business major, Danielle Williams and Jasmine James, junior agriculture business majors, and Raven Burnett, a senior animal science major, assisted UAPB researchers in the development and multiplication of virus-indexed sweet potato slips for use in the production of high-quality sweetpotato seed stock.

The students’ responsibilities included watering, fertilizing and making cuttings of the sweetpotato plants in UAPB greenhouses and planting the cuttings in high tunnels for further multiplication. They learned how to manage a controlled environment conducive to the growth of sweetpotato plants and assisted in the production of about 63,000 cuttings (slips).

“This program provided an opportunity for our agriculture students to experience the practical aspects of concepts taught in the classroom,” Shaun Francis, Extension horticulture specialist for UAPB, said. “They observed the symptoms of certain nutrient deficiencies in the plants, as well as the effects of over-fertilizing. They were then responsible for tailoring their fertilizer regimen to correct these issues.

14 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The interns saw firsthand how plants reacted to insufficient light or excess heat in the high tunnels. They had to regularly monitor the temperatures in the greenhouse and high tunnels and make adjustments when necessary.

They also checked for incidence of pests or symptoms of stress in the plants, particularly after cuttings were made.

They learned how to plant sweetpotato slips both by hand and mechanically at UAPB farms on campus and in Lonoke, Arkansas. They also practiced grading sweetpotatoes using a handheld sweetpotato grader.

During a UAPB youth enrichment summer camp, they taught local children, ages 6 to 11, how to plant their own flower or tomato plants.

The UAPB Sweetpotato Foundation Seed Program features a state-of-the-art biotechnology lab that allows UAPB researchers to develop and multiply virus-indexed sweet potato slips for use in the production of high-quality seed potatoes. In 2014, UAPB was designated as one of six universities that make up the National Clean Plant Network for Sweetpotatoes, an organization supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that promotes the use of pathogen-tested, healthy planting materials for food crops in the U.S.

BECOME A PART OF THE

PRIDE

news and events

At the UniversitY of ArkAnsAs At Pine BlUff, YoU Are A PArt of A PlAce where A legAcY of excellence hAs Been forged.

You are a part of a place where our students are as diverse as the world in which they are preparing to thrive.

You are a part of a place where world-renowned academic programs are led by stellar faculty.

You are a part of a place that prepares you to go on to impact the world — as a proud representative of the pride.

UAPB.EDU #PrideUAPB Spring/Summer 2019 15

© 2015 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

news and events

International students gain employment and job experience during internships Each semester, around 50 students from other countries study at UAPB, Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement, Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS) at UAPB, said. Thanks to a collaborative initiative between OIPS and the Office of Career Services, international students studying at UAPB are able to earn money and gain practical work experience at internships throughout the U.S. Dr. Moore said the ongoing collaboration aims to help international students find meaningful paid internships to offset the costs of tuition and allow the students to gain work experience related to their field of study.

Because most international students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, they typically focus on mobilizing

financial resources through scholarships or personal savings to meet the costs of enrollment. In the past, after enrolling at UAPB, these students had limited opportunities to learn about employment opportunities they could legally pursue once in the U.S. In the past year, 11 international students at UAPB have interviewed for and gained internships at private companies and educational institutions across the U.S. in fields including medicine, informational technology and computer science.

“Five students who interned at different locations recently shared details of their internship experiences,” Dr. Moore said.

The following are accounts of the students' experiences.

Clement Nana Agyemang | University of AR - Medical Sciences A junior majoring of chemistry/biochemistry from Kumasi, Ghana, Agyemang was a member of the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Summer Student Mentored Research Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

His internship responsibilities included performing assays in the laboratory, reviewing scientific literature, attending weekly seminars and presenting research publicly.

During his internship, Agyemang learned to use SAS, a software suite commonly used to manage data. In addition to learning about data analysis and interpretation, he also learned about applying to graduate school, presenting research and skills related to writing scientific papers.

“I loved everything about my internship,” he said. “I had a great mentor who guided me throughout the program. I also loved the weekly seminars, which taught me much about graduate and medical school.”

Marcel Nwaukwa | University of California, Los Angeles Marcel Nwaukwa, a junior majoring in computer science from Nigeria, participated in an internship on principles of bioinformatics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The project focused on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), variations that occur in individuals’ DNA sequences. Nwaukwa was responsible for calculating the weight of an SNP through frequency and pathway.

“I liked that I was able to learn new concepts related to bioinformatics,” he said.

“Learning programming languages at UAPB really helped me in the programming portion of the research I conducted during the internship.”

Nwaukwa said other international students should consider enrolling at UAPB because the university equips students to achieve their academic aspirations.

16 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Shamara Lawrence State University of New York For her internship, Shamara Lawrence, a junior biochemistry major from Portland, Jamaica, conducted biomedical research for the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University. She assisted in a project related to the treatment of dietinduced obesity.

“Thanks to my internship, I learned a lot about the research environment,” she said.

“I developed important transferable skills that will be useful in my career as a researcher, such as the western blot analytical technique, flow cytometry analysis and animal surgery. The program also organized seminars in which we learned how to prepare for graduate school.”

Lawrence appreciated having the chance to work with a patient mentor who had a lot of experience training students, as well as a principal investigator who took an interest in Lawrence’s summer project. The most challenging part of the experience was learning new protocols, as it takes time to master any new skill in the laboratory, she said.

After she graduates from UAPB, Lawrence plans to earn her doctorate degree in biomedicine. Since the field of study is competitive and requires research experience, she feels her internship at SUNY will help her get a head start as she begins to apply for degree programs.

Sadiq Haruna

Sireta Roach

University of AR - Medical Sciences

IBM Corporation

For his internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Sadiq Haruna, a junior major of computer science from Kumasi, Ghana, was responsible for writing codes and generating scientific models based on data within the National Readmission Database.

“I had the opportunity to learn to use the Python programming language, which allowed me to generate scripts for the data,” Haruna said. “Weekly team meetings were a great learning experience. I learned about teamwork and collaboration, and I was able to polish my communication skills.”

Throughout the internship, Haruna gave presentations to develop his public speaking skills. He also wrote a scientific paper that was published in a journal.

“I really enjoyed the relationship I developed with my mentors,” he said.

“They were very helpful and resourceful.

I learned that trying to find solutions on one’s own isn’t always helpful when working in a team.”

Haruna said his education at UAPB has helped develop him into a wellrounded individual. Not only does he feel he is receiving a quality education, but he is also learning important lessons about personal development and leadership.

“Faculty and staff at UAPB are incredible,” he said. “Anytime I reach a roadblock, I simply knock on a door and someone is willing to offer help. I love being a part of the pride.”

A graduate student of computer science from Kingston, Jamaica, Sireta Roach worked in a collaborative environment to understand technical requirements, design, code and test innovative applications at the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation’s campus in Austin, Texas. During her internship as a software developer specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, she was a member of a team responsible for creating products with high performance, security, quality and stability. Throughout her internship, Roach gained experience using a variety of relational databases, operating systems and user interface frameworks.

“At IBM, I was able to learn the company’s design thinking approach and adapt to the platforms that are used for software development,” she said. “In this area, I was able to explore the Watson Discovery Service, which is basically a search engine utilized to provide sentiment analysis on both pre-enriched and private collection data.”

Roach learned about model training, the machine learning technique used to create algorithms that are able to make predictions and decisions based on data.

She said she was also able to enhance her organizational, time-management, presentation and public speaking skills.

Roach said the skills she learned from UAPB courses were particularly useful throughout the internship.

Spring/Summer 2019 17

news and events

Above: In Yaguara, Colombia, program participants visited Betania Dam. Back row, from left: Monica Triana, SENA faculty member, Dr. Anita Kelly, program adviser and associate director of the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence, Nathan Egnew, graduate student of aquaculture/fisheries, Dr. Herbert Quintero, program trainer and Extension aquaculture specialist for the UAPB Lonoke Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Oma Fukui, OIPS project program specialist, April Surratt, graduate student of aquaculture/fisheries, Juan David Cerquera, SENA student, Jacqueline Motta Barrera, SENA administrative assistant, Brian Freeman-Rhodes, junior major of aquaculture/fisheries, Annette Fields, doctoral student of aquaculture/fisheries, and Monica Alejandra Gonzalez, SENA student. Front row: Wilman Andres Buitron, SENA student, Maria Goretti Ramirez, SENA faculty, and Jessica Alejandra Montes, SENA student.

UAPB collaborates with Colombian institution in a global aquaculture exchange program to enhance research of fish disease

by William Hehemann

The Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the Office of International Programs and Studies participated in an international exchange program with the Centro de Formación Agroindustrial La Angostura (La Angostura).

La Angostura is one of many training centers within the Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) network across the South American country of Colombia. The program’s goal was to educate students and faculty from both universities in the areas of fish disease diagnosis and valueadded fish product development and food safety.

18 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The aquaculture exchange program was funded by the “100,000 Strong in the Americas” Innovation Fund grant, sponsored by the National Association of Partners of the Americas, headquartered in Washington, D.C. UAPB was one of eight U.S. land-grant universities and community colleges to be awarded a grant under the Colombia/SENA funding initiative. The program is the result of an inter-departmental collaboration with OIPS that commenced in late 2016.

Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement, OIPS, said she hopes to continue to build upon the relationship established with La Angostura and looks forward to future collaborations of a similar nature with other departments on campus.

“UAPB does not have a program in value-added products for seafood, and La Angostura does not have a program in fish disease diagnostics,” Dr. Anita Kelly, associate director of the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence and Extension fish health specialist, said. “This program expanded the knowledge of students and faculty from both institutions by exposing and training them in the respective areas.”

During the summer semester of 2018, a UAPB delegation visited La Angostura in Campoalegre, Huila, Colombia. There, four UAPB students of aquaculture/fisheries and three faculty and staff learned about value-added fish product development and food safety.

Student participants included Annette Fields, doctoral student, Nathan Egnew, graduate student, April Surratt, junior, and Brian Freeman-Rhodes, junior. Faculty and staff participants included Dr. Kelly, Dr. Herbert Quintero, Extension aquaculture specialist for the UAPB Lonoke Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and Oma Fukui, project program specialist.

The students and faculty from UAPB visited several tilapia farms and a tilapia processing plant. They participated in value-added workshops, water quality and diagnostics labs, and cultural activities.

“Students in Colombia had the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field of value-added products for fish processing,” Dr. Quintero said. “This type of training will help prepare them for careers in the industry.”

Dr. Kelly said her biggest takeaway from the program in Colombia was how different aquaculture practices in Colombia are from those in the U.S. “The ponds used in Colombia are small and most aquaculture facilities have their own processing plants,” she said.

“Some of the techniques used to produce value-added products will be most useful for UAPB staff and students since we lack that area of expertise.”

Annette Fields, UAPB instructor/counselor for the Office of Basic Academic Services, is currently earning a doctoral degree in aquaculture/fisheries at UAPB. She said learning first-hand about the industry in Colombia was an experience of a lifetime.

“As an instructor, I teach my students to think globally,” she said. “I share my experiences to inspire them to look beyond their current situation. This program has the potential to expand. I believe all majors could benefit from this experience.”

Fields said the exchange program highlighted the advantages of pursuing a career in the aquaculture/fisheries industry.

She plans to use her new insights as she assists the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries recruit underrepresented populations to the field.

SENA participants Monica Alejandra Gonzalez and Juan David Cerquera speak during awards ceremony as Dr. Pamela Moore (left, standing), Director of OIPS and Mrs. Sheena Meadows, Interim Assistant to the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, observe.

“There was much to glean from the faculty at La Angostura in regard to the processing of fish into valueadded products, as well as the cage culture of tilapia, something not common in Arkansas,” Egnew said.

“Likely, I will be able to apply the things I saw during the visit to my future career as I intend to manage a production facility at some point.”

In October 2018, five students and two faculty members from La Angostura took part in a two-week training program on fish disease diagnosis at the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence. The participants learned about water quality, fish anatomy and the diagnosis of parasites, bacteria and viruses in fish. Learning activities included tours of UAPB’s aquaculture/fisheries facilities, visits to local fish farms and surveys of fish populations through electrofishing.

“We wanted the Colombian students to see how different our aquaculture farms are from the ones we visited in Colombia,” Dr. Kelly said. “The disease diagnostic portion of the program taught the students how to identify common parasites and bacterial infections in fish, as well as the basics of real-time DNA determination of fish viruses.”

Dr. Quintero said the exchange program was beneficial to students and faculty of both universities.

“This program helps give a broader vision of the aquaculture industry in regard to species cultured, production systems, management practices, and most of all, to the culture in which those practices are embedded,” he said.

Spring/Summer 2019 19

LAS VEGAS UAPB and AM&N

National Alumni Association, Inc. A N N U A L S U M M E R C O N F E R ENCE

HOSTED BY THE UAPB/AM&N SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ALUMNI CHAPTER

AUGUST 1-4, 2019

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW:

GOLDEN NUGGET

129 East Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 RESERVATION NUMBER: (844) 486-4438 DIRECT NUMBER: (702) 385-7111 GROUP NAME: UAPB Summer Conference

Room rates: $99 (July 31) | $79 (August 1) | $129* (August 2-3)

REGISTRATION

$250.00

Includes conference packet, reception, three meals, workshops, and souvenir book

Registration payments should be mailed and made payable to: Southern California Alumni Chapter P.O. Box 43956 Los Angeles, CA 90043

*includes resort fee

For more information, contact: UAPB National Alumni Association at 870.536.2309 or jimmydaniel292@gmail.com

news and events

Dr. Mansour Mortazavi gains distinction, honors in Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow appointment Dr. Mansour Mortazavi, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), was recognized as one of six Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) Fellows at a press conference held at the Arkansas State Capitol. The ARA Fellows program recognizes distinguished university research leaders in the state with an established history of impact. The program was created to advance the mission of ARA by supporting world-class researchers whose work strengthens the competitiveness of the state through research. ARA Fellows focus on innovations in biomedical engineering, plant biochemistry, nanoscience, microbiology, nutritional improvements, and electronics research that often results in a direct impact on the state’s economy.

“I am so grateful to be recognized as part of the program,” said Dr. Mortazavi. “I’m so happy that our work at UAPB is being noticed.

I hope to continue to boost our work with the goal of benefiting graduate disciplines.”

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the six ARA Fellows, each representing different research universities in the state: UAPB, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR).

ARA Fellows were nominated by the chancellors of their affiliated universities and will receive a $75,000 grant paid over three years.

Dr. Mortazavi began teaching at the university level as a graduate teaching/ research assistant at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 1984 through September 2017. He earned the rank of Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

After joining UAPB in 1992, he began his research. Since 1995, Dr. Mortazavi has continued to receive funding from federal and state agencies.

Above: Dr. Mansour Mortazavi, center, receives recognition with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. Photo by Brad Mayhugh

As Principal Investigator, he has received awards from Air Force of Scientific Research; Army Research Laboratories; National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and National Science Foundation. Dr. Mortazavi has also been in partnership with grants related to nanoscience, engineering and computer science disciplines.

He has publications featured in journals such as Science, Science News, Physical Review Letters, and Optics Letters. Dr. Mortazavi was involved in design and implementation of Spintronics research which had the world record for efficiency and consistency.

Dr. Mortazavi is affiliated with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as a faculty member of Nanoscience and Engineering Institute and MicroElectronics and Photonics. In September 2017, he was selected to serve as Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development.

Currently, he has initiated collaborations with the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the National Center for Toxicological Research in addition to partnerships with universities in the state of Arkansas. Dr. Mortazavi is active member of many scientific societies and his office publish a journal “INNOVATE” to highlight the research activities of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Spring/Summer 2019 21

news and events

Small farm program recognized nationally for success in educating forest landowners The “Keeping it in the Family” (KIITF) Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SLFR) Program was one of three projects recognized recently at the 76th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference at Tuskegee University. Developed by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program, KIITF was honored for its success in educating African-American forest landowners about how to properly manage forestland and apply conservation practices to improve the land’s sustainability and value.

During the conference’s L.A. Potts Luncheon and Success Stories meeting, Alexis Cole, UAPB Extension associate, accepted the award for Dr. Henry English, head of the Small Farm Program and KIITF project director.

After receiving the award, Dr. English announced the expansion of the KIITF program to ten counties across southern Arkansas, including Bradley, Calhoun, Clark, Cleveland, Dallas, Drew, Jefferson, Miller, Pike and Sevier Counties. Originally, the program focused on eight counties in southwest Arkansas – Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Little River, Nevada, Ouachita, Union and Lafayette Counties.

“Targeting more counties will ensure we are providing resources and support to a greater number of Arkansas’ African-American forestland owners,” he said. “Forestry educational meetings will be conducted in the counties, which will help landowners develop sustainable management plans for their land.”

In addition to educating landowners about sustainable land management, the program also seeks to resolve common heir property issues. Heir property – land that is inherited by a group of family members – can be a major problem for African-American communities in Arkansas, as this type of property leaves families without the clear titles that allow for active management of the land, thereby limiting any economic returns.

In cases involving heir property, KIITF staff connect landowners with specialists at the Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corporation, who help them find an attorney for legal assistance with their heir property.

22 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

“Landowners commonly underestimate the value of their land and decide to sell their acreage before considering the benefits of keeping and maintaining their land,” Dr. English said.

“Our goal is to help landowners realize the value of keeping their land and increasing both its sustainability and profitability.”

The KIITF program began in 2016 after UAPB was awarded a grant by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. The program was designed to address barriers to African-American success in profitable and sustainable forestry, including a weak support system for landowners due to limited nonprofit, government and university programs, limited access to forestry markets, diminished forest value and a history of limited return on investment for forest management.

In addition to Dr. English, the three-member staff includes Kandi Williams, outreach coordinator, and Joe Friend, UAPB forester. Williams lives in the targeted area and arranges outreach meetings for both forestry education and legal education (heir property, wills and estate planning), and Friend works directly with program participants in developing forest management plans and connecting them with Arkansas Forestry Commission and Natural Resources Conservation Services representatives, as well as private foresters, contractors, vendors and loggers.

Between 2017 and 2018, the program conducted 11 educational meetings (forestry and legal clinics) with a total of 362 participants, Dr. English said. The UAPB forester made around 60 one-on-one visits to participants’ forestland to make forestry recommendations. Nineteen forestry management plans were completed and eight are in the process of being completed.

“During the last fiscal year, the program helped allot around $90,000 worth of Environmental Quality Incentive Program funds to implement forestry conservation practices,” he said. “Forestland improvements at various landowners’ properties included the installation of 3.4 miles of firebreaks, the harvest of timber and site preparation and tree planting.”

Above: Dr. David Fernandez (seated and wearing a baseball hat) hosts a question and answer session on the front porch of one of the goat farmers in the Surkhet District of Nepal.

Dr. David Fernandez aids Nepal goat farmers in production practices to maximize profits Dr. David Fernandez, Extension livestock specialist and interim dean of graduate studies and continuing education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, served as a volunteer for the U.S. Agency for International Development Farmer-to-Farmer program in southwestern Nepal. There, he helped local goat farmers optimize their production practices.

“Goat farming is an important source of income in many communities in the Surkhet District of Nepal, especially among women,” Dr. Fernandez said. “The popularity of the business has led small goat farmers to produce more goats.”

Despite increases in production, the farmers haven’t always been able to earn more money, he said. Many of them did not know how to breed goats appropriately for hardiness (health).

“I encouraged the farmers to pool their funds to purchase superior breeding bucks that will help guarantee more valuable kids,” he said. “They will be able to reduce feed needs by selecting moderate-sized replacement females that can be crossed with larger bucks to produce larger offspring for sale.”

Dr. Fernandez said goats in Nepal are susceptible to many of the same parasites found in Arkansas. He recommended the farmers use the FAMACHA method to detect internal parasites "such as barber pole worms" for more effective treatment and to select goats that are resistant to these parasites.

Because barber pole worms are increasingly resistant to dewormers, he also recommended that the farmers plant Sericea lespedeza – a flowering plant native to Nepal – in their pastures. The plant will repair the highly eroded ground on the farms and provide a nutritious feed that can help reduce the prevalence of barber pole worm.

“Despite the low literacy rate in southwestern Nepal, the farmers quickly grasped the importance of keeping records and using them in the selection of breeding animals,” Dr. Fernandez said. “The farmers are doing a good job raising goats and it’s clear they have put practices in place, which they learned during previous trainings.”

The Farmer-to-Farmer Program promotes sustainable economic growth, food security and agricultural development worldwide. Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps developing countries improve productivity, access new markets, build local capacity, combat climate change and conserve environmental and natural resources.

Program volunteers work with farmers, producer groups, rural businesses and service providers to develop local capacity necessary to increase food production and rural incomes, expand economic growth, and address environmental and natural resource management challenges.

Spring/Summer 2019 23

news and events

Dr. Du, Dr. Mortazavi receive $600,000 Army grant to study application of photonics

Dr. Wei Du

Dr. Mansour Mortazavi, Professor of Physics and Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), and Dr. Wei Du, former research scientist of Nanoscience at UAPB (currently Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania), received a $600,000 grant from the United States Army Research Office (ARO) to conduct a deepened systematic study of GeSn material. This includes an investigation of fundamental material characteristics, with the aim to establish a complete database, which could provide sufficient design information for GeSn-based device development. Such research allows the research team to implement the recently proposed research vision, “Siliconbased Longwave Integrated Optoelectronics (LIO),” which is beyond the current success of Si-Photonics in near infrared (NIR) wavelength range. This cutting edge new material research will be done in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (UAF) and Wilkes University (WU).

By introducing the group-IV element “Tin” (Sn) into germanium (Ge), a new material platform GeSn could

24 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Dr. Mansour Mortazavi

be created with tremendous new electrical, optical, and mechanical properties which could dramatically change the landscape of future microelectronics and photonics. A silicon optoelectronics “superchip” with enhanced processing speed, reliability and efficiency through combining photonic and silicon-based devices can be achieved via GeSn technology, which will improve lasers, detectors in a wide range of applications such as lasers for medical use, infrared detections, and in optical communications.

Funded by ARO, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) EPSCoR, material growth and active device characterization has been extensively performed by the research team at UAPB, UAF and WU for the past few years.

Newly built measurement systems at UAPB complete the capability of passive device characterization, which makes the institution well equipped to pursue worldwide leading position in Silicon-based LIO--in addition to the significant research and technological accomplishment.

news and events

Music department receives reaccreditation from national association after review process The Department of Music at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has renewed the membership and accreditation to the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for its Bachelor of Science degree in Music. The degree offers emphases in music teaching, sound recording technology, and an outside area (business/marketing or theatre/ multimedia communication). The extensive re-accreditation process was begun under the stewardship of Dr. Michael J. Bates (interim chair of the music department) and completed with Dr. Richard Bailey as the current chair.

Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization of schools, conservatories,

colleges, and universities with approximately 643 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

The purpose of the Association as articulated is: To advance the course of music in American life and especially in higher education; to establish and maintain threshold standards for the education of musicians, while encouraging both diversity and excellence; and provide a national forum for the discussion of issues related to these purposes.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® presents $50,000 towards endowment

Above: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. South Central Regional Director Katina Simeon, J.D., EAF Executive Director Erika Everett, and AJCH President Dr. Glenda Glover present a check for $50,000 to UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander to benefit student scholarships.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF), has pledged an endowment in the amount of $100,000 to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as a part of the organization’s AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund.

On February 28, UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander came together with 31 other leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters in Chicago to accept the first installment of their institution’s award.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has implemented the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund with the goal of investing in the future of our young people

and the sustainability of our treasured HBCUs,” said Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President, Dr. Glenda Glover. “Our organization has pledged to donate a total of $10 million towards the endowment, and we are honored to provide UAPB the first $50,000 during our February event as we celebrate Black History Month and the legacies of all HBCUs.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908. It is the oldest Greek letter organization established

by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of nearly 300,000 members in more than 1000 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. The organization is led by International President Glenda Glover, Ph.D, JD, CPA. Spring/Summer 2019 25

news and events

"GOLDEN TIME OF YEAR" Homecoming 2018 welcomed alumni and friends to a weeklong celebration that gave them the opportunity to reconnect, reinvigorate and develop a deeper love for the Pride. With the theme, "Golden Time of Year," the celebration included events for students, alumni and the Pine Bluff community alike.

Below: Blake Conner, fourth Mister University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, joins Angelica Perkins, 89th Miss University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, for a photo at the coronation ceremony. Photo by Richard Redus

UAPB faculty, staff, and students celebrate together during the Black and Gold Pride Assembly.

Above: The UAPB Cheer and Pom Squads marched during the Homecoming parade and engaged with the crowd. Photo by Brian T. Williams

John E. Smith ‘61, second from the left, presented a check for $334,185.00 to establish the John E. Smith and Charlene Smith-Gaines Vesper Choir Fund. UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, Vesper Choir Director Michael Bates, and Director of Development and Title III Programs, Dr. Margaret Martin-Hall.

Above: Flesh-N-Bone of Bone Thugs N' Harmony performs with the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) during the halftime show.

Photo by Richard Redus

26 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

At left: The graduating class of 1948 celebrated their 70th reunion in style as they traveled the Homecoming parade route in a carriage pulled by horses.

Photo by Brian T. Williams

Below: Sharri and Bill Jones, center, present a check for $100,000 for upgrades to the Torii Hunter Baseball/Softball Complex. They are joined by UAPB Director of Athletics Melvin Hines, II, Head Coach Carlos James, Tracey Key of Sissy's Log Cabin, and Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. Photo by Richard

Redus

At left: Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson participates in the coin toss at the beginning of the Homecoming Game at Simmons Bank Field.

Photo by Richard Redus

Spring/Summer 2019 27

news and events

Aquaculture/Fisheries Field Day

Topics included water quality management, fish diseases, telemetry Aquaculture/Fisheries Field Day was held at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Aquaculture Research Station and included research and Extension demonstration tours, a poster session and a trap shoot. The event also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Aquaculture/ Fisheries Center of Excellence at UAPB. Attendees learned about topics including split-pond systems, water quality management, the prevention of fish diseases, value-added catfish products, and the use of telemetry to track bass in the wild.

Bruce Westerman, U.S. Representative for Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, gave remarks during the luncheon.

At right: Bruce Westerman, U.S. Representative for Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, discusses the Farm Bill and workforce development in Jefferson County at the luncheon.

Photo by Brad Mayhugh

Below: Dr. Steve Lochmann, professor of aquaculture and fisheries, talks about fish telemetry with attendees. Photo by Brad Mayhugh

28 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Guest speakers at the luncheon included Dr. Mark Cochran, vice president-agriculture for the University of Arkansas System, and John Farmer, member of Catfish Farmers of Arkansas.

Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, UAPB chancellor, Dr. Robert Z. Carr Jr., UAPB provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan, interim dean/director for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, and Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, interim chair for UAPB’s aquaculture/fisheries department, also spoke at the event. Scott Jones, small impoundments Extension specialist, moderated the luncheon.

News and events

Above: Dr. Amit Kumar Sinha, assistant professor of water quality, discusses control of blue-green algae in ponds with hydrogen peroxide.

Photo by Brad Mayhugh

Above: Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, UAPB chancellor, center, introduces the speaker, Dr. Mark Cochran, vice president-agriculture for the University of Arkansas System, left, at the field day luncheon. Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan, interim dean/director for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, right, joined campus visitors at the head table. Photo by Brad Mayhugh

Spring/Summer 2019 29

news and events

Rural Life Conference

Strengthening Farmers, Families and Communities

by William Hehemann | photos by Brad Mayhugh

The 63rd Annual Rural Life Conference was held February 1, 2019 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Around 400 participants attended.

This year’s conference theme was, “Working Together to Strengthen Farmers, Families and Communities.” The event featured 17 workshops on topics related to agriculture, fisheries and family and consumer sciences. Participants were also able to peruse a poster session highlighting research projects and exhibits by governmental and community agencies.

To kick off the conference, Maurice Jackson, Family and Community Fishing Program coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, delivered the S.A. Haley Memorial Lecture. Dr. Mamie Parker, president of Ma Parker and Associates and an executive coach and facilitator, spoke during the conference luncheon.

At right: Maurice Jackson, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Family and Community Fishing coordinator and UAPB alumnus, gave the S. A. Haley Memorial Lecture.

Above: Nilima Renukdas, interim assistant director, UAPB’s Fish Health Inspection Program, presented a poster on the potential of kaolinic clay to control Columnaris disease in cultured sportfish.

30 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

news and events

Above: The Rural Life Conference was dedicated posthumously to Dr. Irene K. Lee. Dr. Lee worked in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences for 45 years. Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, UAPB chancellor (far left), and Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan, interim dean/director of SAFHS (far right), presented the award to Dr. Lee’s family (from left to right), Michael Scott Sr., Margaret Lee Scott, Ronnie Ratliff III and Princess B. Olten.

At right: Dr. Yong Park, associate professor, agriculture, conducts a winemaking workshop at the conference.

Below: Dr. Mamie Parker, UAPB alumna and executive coach, ecologist, facilitator and spokesperson for Ma Parker and Associates in Dulles, Virginia, speaks during the luncheon.

At right: In the foreground, Jaylan A. Haskin, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil conservationist in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and a UAPB agriculture alumnus (left), and Harold Dorn, Grant County rancher (middle), discuss NRCS programs with Charley Hunter, NRCS district conservationist in Jefferson County (right).

Spring/Summer 2019 31

news and events

Black History Month

National Urban League CEO Marc Morial asks UAPB students to remember black history, make a difference in their community

by Shedelle Davis/Courtesy of the Pine Bluff Commercial Posted Feb 20, 2019

National Urban League CEO Marc Morial addresses the capacity crowd during his speech at the annual Black History Month Celebration at UAPB. Photo by Richard Redus

Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League, painted a picture of the world for University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students recently, highlighting the contributions made by African Americans from the beginning of slavery until today.

Morial was the keynote speaker at the annual Black History Month celebration. The entire month of February is dedicated to remembering black history and the contributions black people have made to the world.

Throughout his time at the podium, Morial encouraged every student in the audience to take advantage of the ease

32 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

of researching the African Americans whose shoulders they are now standing on.

Morial set the tone for his speech by recalling the year 1619, when 20 African Americans were traveling to Hampton, Virginia, on a Dutch merchant ship as indentured servants. He said those servants were promised freedom once the ship reached land in return for their service, but that promise was broken as the servants became the property of people and slavery was born.

“Four hundred years ago was the beginning of that peculiar institution,” Morial said.

“That institution which stands as one of the most heinous acts of mass terrorism of humankind. American slavery was born.”

He then jumped to 390 years later to January 20, 2009, when Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States of America. He said in the period that transpired from 1619 to 2009 to now, African Americans made contributions in art, literature, science, music, agriculture and astronomy.

“One might ask how an enslaved people can be subjected to chains and barbarism and terrorism, restrictions on movement, restrictions on reading, restrictions on learning (yet) make contributions of such a significant nature to the making of North America and, to be exact, the United States of America,” Morial said.

Morial said when slaves were brought to America they didn’t come void of language, skills and culture.

They brought with them knowledge of masonry, mathematics and agriculture.

He attributed the enhancement of crops like cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, corn and peanuts to the agricultural knowledge base of slaves.

He said that when studying this snapshot of African American history, students are only seeing a narrow slice of the contributions African Americans made not only to the United States but to the entire world. Morial told the students that if no one else, they should get to know the history of Carter G Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week, which is now called Black History Month.

He talked about the many degrees that Woodson obtained and how, during that time, he studied about the contributions of Europeans to American life. Woodson later began studying and writing about the contributions of Africans to North America and the United States.

“He knew as he wrote in his book The Miseducation of the Negro that part of American history was regrettably a systematic effort to downplay, diminish and erase the

contributions of people of African descent,” Morial said.

Morial said there is no excuse for college students not to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the contributions of the people of African descent.

“This generation has at the tip of its hands knowledge and information on these contributions ... you don’t need a book, you don’t need a book or a classroom or a Powerpoint,” he said.

“You can learn it with your own curiosity and your own determination because you say deep down in your soul that I am going to know about myself ... knowing about myself is the only way I will ensure that I can be great.”

Morial also told students to learn about the African Americans who have come before them and succeeded in different fields of study. He asked the students who are interested in law to go online and learn not only learn about Thurgood Marshall and Johnnie Cochran but also William Henry Hastie — the first black to ever be a federal district court judge.

He reminded students that UAPB is black history, being founded in 1873 right after slavery ended. He said they are tomorrow’s black history, but in order to be great they must understand where the source of their power came from.

“We need to know about history, the use of power to build institutions being about lifting each and every generation,” Morial said.

“So, I am asking all of you, yes the students and yes all of us who used to be students, to make a new commitment. We must understand that we can’t educate other communities if we don’t know it. We can’t be proud and strong if we don’t recognize it, and there’s a role model for each one of you in African American history who’s done what you want to do or who has scratched the surface.”

“...I am asking all of you...to make a new commitment. We must understand that we can’t educate other communities if we don’t know it. We can’t be proud and strong if we don’t recognize it, and there’s a role model for each one of you in African American history who’s done what you want to do or who has scratched the surface.”

Spring/Summer 2019 33

news and events

Women's History Month

White House Correspondent April Ryan cites the positive influence of women in major social movements, development of leaders

by Tisha D. Arnold

The annual Women’s History Month Celebration at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff featured White House correspondent April Ryan. During her presentation to attendees that included faculty, staff, students and Pine Bluff community, she emphasized the importance of women to society.

“I think about those women in history who took the charge silently…who had a [disease] in their spirit to change the condition,” explained Ryan, using the word "disease" to describe the discomfort one has with a situation in its current state.

She reminded the audience that 400 years from the date she was giving the speech – March 7 – marked the day the first Africans were brought to the United States to be enslaved. At the time it was an abomination to teach slaves to read and write, however, Ryan pointed out a woman that chose to defy that rule.

“I think about a woman whose efforts saved the fruit – which is us,” said Ryan. “[She was referred to as] Moses.” After asking the crowd to identify the person she was describing, she was met with a resounding, “Harriet Tubman!” Her remarks continued with reflections from Tubman who said she could have saved thousands more people if only they knew they were enslaved. Ryan praised Tubman’s actions for taking the leap to make a way for others to be free.

“That’s what we do as women,” Ryan said, moving the conversation to another influential woman.

“We don’t talk about her a lot unless we’re trying to get our weave done or make sure our hair is straight,” she quipped. Asking the audience again, the response was unanimous – she was referring to Madame C.J. Walker.

Although Walker’s innovations in African American haircare was groundbreaking, her success was felt on more than one level.

“She was our first millionaire,” Ryan said. “You know what she did? Beyond having money at the time that was unheard of for a black person with this kind of enterprise, she felt a dis-ease in her spirit as well. She took women whom she employed and had these kitchen political sessions where they talked about how to change things.”

Ryan noted that the kitchen political sessions fed Walker’s desire to empower women to impact their communities and discuss topics such as anti-lynching and equality.

34 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

She hailed movies like Black KKKlansman, Green Book, Black Panther, and If Beale Street Could Talk, but brought to attention that anti-lynching legislation has yet to be added as law. She also reminded the audience that Black America has only been franchised in the last 50 to 60 years, citing Brown v. Board of Education, Civil Rights Act, and Voting Rights Act. Ryan moved her conversation to the strength of women in the civil rights movement.

“We might hear something about them, but we don’t know the truth,” Ryan said. “They were the backbone – Dr. King marched, he strategized, he galvanized, but these women helped the march go on.”

She mentioned that before social media, the landline phone was used to organize or would meet in churches to plan tactics. According to Ryan, only four percent of black churches supported Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thusly, money wasn’t in abundance. She learned this listening to the recount of Harry Belafonte and Senator John Lewis.

“My parents and some of those here with wisdom felt the sting of oppression, but how did [they] get over?” asked Ryan. “How did they do it without the financial backing?

It was women. When [Dr.] King went down south, it was mothers that gave Harry Belafonte a pallet to sleep on next to John Lewis. How did they eat? Those mothers went into the field and got some tomatoes and potatoes. That’s how they did it.”

Citing other influential figures like Rosa Parks and the supportive community that led to the Montgomery bus boycott, she shared a story about John R. Lewis’ mother.

When Lewis was growing up in Troy, Alabama, he had a close bond with his mother. A sharecropper of nearly 100 acres of family owned land, Ryan asserted that the young Lewis had a dis-ease in his spirit also. Although he loved his mother dearly and didn’t want to go against her wishes, he questioned why things were the way they are. Her response was always, "mind your business, stay in your place." That was hard to do, considering he and his siblings were being denied access to basic things like a book from the local library.

In a discussion with him, Ryan observed that even though Lewis and his mother had faith, she didn't want him to worry about or pay attention to the separate but equal treatment he was enduring.

"I do not discount any story everyone and everything has a story. When you tell your story, make sure you tell the story about women."

White House Correspondent and CNN Political Analyst April Ryan addresses the audience during the annual Women's History Month Celebration at UAPB. Photo by Richard Redus

Lewis ultimately left home to become the first African American student at Troy State University. His decision prompted him to ally with Dr. King, who affectionately called him 'The boy from Troy."

"His mother was nervous and upset because Dr. King said if you do this, they will bomb your house [and] they will take your land," Ryan said. "For black folks, that's a lot."

Lewis didn't attend Troy State, instead, he decided to march with Dr. King. Ryan said his mother did not like it, but she kept praying. "[Lewis] said if my mother and father can be who they are and have all of this, the same God that saved her is the same God that will save me in this march," Ryan said.

Going through the highlights of Lewis' experience during the march - his head bloodied from being beaten, body wet from a high-pressure water hose, tearing of his flesh from a dog bite - she said Lewis kept marching on.

"We shape the world," Ryan said. "We shape thoughts, we shape ideas."

Speaking of her own experience with a challenge, she said that women have to know who they are and what they want when faced with adversity.

Shifting the conversation to Shirley Chisholm and her presidential run in 1972, Ryan shared a quote from the

candidate, "If you don't have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

"You got a lot of people who are building off the legacy of women and you don't even know it," Ryan said. "So when Beyonce sings 'Who Runs the World? Girls!', I'm with it. What I will tell you is, never discount the power of a woman, we will surprise you every time."

Ryan continued by saying that women have something in them that men will never conceive, perceive, or comprehend. Remembering her own late mother, Ryan said she is able to stand in the midst of the storm because of her presence and influence. "[I remember telling her as a child] I'll never be able to make it if anything happens to you. She said, no sweetie, you never let anyone stop you."

Learning from her mother that life is not about her, she remembers that she stands on the shoulders of women like Harriet Tubman, Madame C.J. Walker, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, and her late mother, Vivian Ryan.

"I do not discount any story - everyone and everything has a story," Ryan said. "When you tell your story, make sure you tell the story about women."

Her final words to the audience, "Aspire to Inspire."

Spring/Summer 2019 35

recap

Dr. Steve Perry speaks to graduates and attendees during Fall Commencement Exercises at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

Photo by Richard Redus

LIVE HUMBLY AND HUMANELY Dr. Steve Perry delivers keynote for Fall 2018 Commencement

by Tisha D. Arnold

From the proud procession to the beat of the African Drum Ensemble to the rendition of Pomp and Circumstance that played as Fall 2018 graduates entered the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena, the sentiment of celebration was felt and spoken by those that encouraged the graduating class of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“The word commencement means the beginning,” said UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. “This is the end of your academic work for your degree. But from this day forward, you will apply the knowledge, skills, and experience gained at this institution. This is the occasion on which you’ll begin the rest of your lives. You are laying the foundation for a better life for you and your family, and by extension, for others you encounter.”

Senator David Pryor, Chair Emeritus of the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees admonished graduates to serve their fellowman. University of Arkansas System 36 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt showed appreciation for the perseverance the graduates exhibited to obtain their degree.

Renowned author, educator and philanthropist Dr. Steve Perry began his introduction complimenting the style in which UAPB lauded its graduates.

“Our graduations will look just like this,” Dr. Perry said.

“You guys are doing graduation the way it’s supposed to be.

We are here to celebrate something extraordinary.”

At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Perry spoke to first generation graduates and told them they were a miracle in the making.

A first-generation college graduate himself, Dr. Perry shared that he was born on his mother’s 16th birthday and lived in public housing until his sophomore year of college.

He told the graduates that may have had to surmount challenges like his, that there are more challenges ahead.

“I need you to understand that while you’ve made it here,

you haven’t made it there,” Dr. Perry said. “We’ve still got very far to go. This is your first college graduation. There are so many around this great country of ours that are looking at you and wondering if it’s possible for them too. Your support system made this possible and believed in you before there was a you. In many cases, they believed in you when they could not muster up the belief in themselves.”

Dr. Perry told the graduates that as much as they were a miracle, they must remain humble. Likening UAPB to Wakanda in the movie Black Panther, he emphasized that the expectation is for them to make a difference.

“There is no greater gift to humanity than humanity which comes from humility,” Dr. Perry said. “[A lot of people] worked so hard for you to be here because they believed that when you got here, you would do something extraordinary.”

Dr. Perry also shared his philosophy on making a living versus making a life.

“When you make a living, that’s how you pay your bills.

When you make a life, that’s how you pay your debt.”

According to Dr. Perry, it is humility that will carry you far and allow you to bring others with you. He encouraged graduates to understand that they are here to do something great and focus on purposeful progress.

“Here is not where we’re going, here is where we’re starting. That’s why they call it commencement. The expectation is that you will be humble in your path and you’ll recognize that every single person is human, and you must be humane towards them. As great as you are, your greatest contribution to society is as a servant. Regardless of how you make a living, you are here to make a life, which is to make a difference and give back.”

"...your greatest contribution to society is as a servant. Regardless of how you make a living, you are here to make a life, which is to make a difference and give back.”

UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander joins the Chancellor's Medallion Recipients for a photo during commencement exercises. Photo by Brandon Batemon

Memorable moments for graduates include entering the Pine Bluff Convention Center Arena, at left, and moving the tassel from the right to the left side of their mortarboards at right.

Photos by Brandon Batemon

Spring/Summer 2019 37

Challenging Perceptions

AM&N College professor George M. James wrote a book questioning the history of Greek mythology. More than 60 years later, it is required reading at universities across the nation.

by Henri Linton and Carla F. Bryant

It has been said that brilliant minds will often veer off into territories unexplored by individuals uncomfortable with challenging theories established in status quo mentality. That was clearly evident for the late AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) Professor, Dr. George G.M. James. He joined the faculty in the fall of 1950 and taught courses in social sciences, mathematics and philosophy.

38 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

A prolific writer and distinguished educator, James wrote and published his controversial and groundbreaking book, The Stolen Legacy, during his tenure at AM&N College in 1954. In his book, James laid the framework for African American intellectual thinkers to question long held beliefs amongst western academics of the authorship of Greek Philosophy.

then and now The death certificate indicates Professor James passed It was James’ intentions to reveal the fundamental truth away June 30, 1956, while being treated at George W. that the Egyptians of North Africa were the true authors Hubbard Hospital for complications related to gastric of Greek philosophy. This would also stimulate pride and cancer. Hospital records also show he was admitted for 21 self-respect among African-Americans by revealing their days. In an effort to find irrefutable proof corroborating true place in the history of culture. When he wrote and or rebutting this theory, Dr. Charles D. Johnson, Director published The Stolen Legacy, this was also a pivotal time of the Public History Program at North in history for the civil rights movement, as Carolina Central University, researched the the United States Supreme Court rendered death of Professor James and published his its ruling on Brown v. Board of Education, findings in the essay An Investigation into deeming segregation in public schools the Death of Professor George G.M. James. unconstitutional. A short two years later, His research asserts there is only plausible in 1956, Dr. George G.M. James would die conjecture supporting the idea of foul play unexpectedly which led some to speculate in James’ death. He further concludes the on the cause of death. Could his death be preponderance of evidence pointing to related to the national discourse on race? death by causes related to cancer. Therefore, Did theories he espoused in his book it’s unlikely he fell prey to some nefarious ultimately lead to him being targeted? plot. James, who by all accounts was a loner, In the 1950s, an African-American Ivy chose to deal with his health crisis privately League educated professor, challenging the as did many of his contemporaries. omnipotence of Greek philosophy would His former student, the renowned late undeniably be defined as a nonconformist.

Dr. George G.M. James historian Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan held Dr. This line of reasoning makes it plausible George G.M. James in the highest esteem. He paid tribute that Professor James was singled out by hate groups or to the professor in his essay, In Pursuit of George G.M. radicalized individuals.

James' Study of African Origins in “Western Civilization,” in According to available records, James was born which he describes James as an “African-Guyanese linguist, November 9, 1893, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Egyptologist, theologian, philosopher, historian, scientist Guyana), on the northern coast of South America to and mathematician parents, Reverend Finch B. and Margaret James. He Recently, a renewed interest in Professor James by received his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology and western philosophers and researchers has led to numerous Master of Arts degrees from Durham University in England reprints of the 1954 edition of The Stolen Legacy in the where he was also a candidate for a Doctorate of Literature United States and his home country of England.

Degree. His postgraduate studies led him to Columbia Dr. George G.M. James’ contribution to academia University in New York City where he read for his Ph.D. and society at large can’t be exaggerated or disregarded.

Professor James held teaching certificates, which included secondary licensure that allowed him to instruct students in Decades have passed since he routinely walked the grounds mathematics, Latin and Greek common core subjects during at AM&N College, but his legacy endures and continues to inspire thoughtful research. The University Museum that era of education. Prior to joining the faculty of AM& N and Cultural Center (UMCC) responds to inquiries on College, his teaching career led him to universities in North James and his tenure at the school on a consistent basis.

Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Particularly, regarding The Stolen Legacy, as it is required In previous writings, students have described Professor reading for students studying western philosophy at many James as a quiet unassuming gentleman of regular habits. universities across the nation. On loan to UMCC from the He walked the campus grounds daily. “You could set your Henri Linton Private Collection is of one of the few known watch by him,” said distinguished colleague and friend, signed copies of the book in existence.

AM&N Public Relations Director and Professor John His other notable writings such as The First Step In Howard.

Negro Reconstruction, The Influence of Mathematics Upon During an interview regarding Professor James, Howard the Mentality and Character of Students, The Need of a New recalled receiving the phone call that his friend passed away Education for the Subject Peoples of the World, also addressed while visiting relatives in Nashville, Tennessee. Later in his racial and sociopolitical phenomena of the times. memoirs, Howard wrote of that moment, “It was strange to me that this guy born in British Guiana died so far away from home."

Spring/Summer 2019 39

alumni updates

Letter from the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association President Greetings fellow Alumni and Friends, I am honored and excited to serve as your new President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the UAPB/ AM&N National Alumni Association!

I embrace the challenge and the responsibility to represent your needs and VeLois Bowers your diverse interests. You have a dedicated Board of Directors, poised to serve you. Through the lens of the UAPB/AM&N alumni, your Alumni Board will continue to work diligently to advance and support university initiatives.

Our focus is unwavering and still remains on recruitment and retention of students. We know how critical this is to the overall success of students, which is why we have partnered with our Alma Mater to launch a UAPB Alumni Mentoring Program.

Strengthening membership of the National Alumni Association is another area of extreme importance. The truth of the matter is that in order to keep sustaining our HBCU, we all must play an active role in growing the National Alumni Association. As a member, it’s time for all of us to claim our rightful position by doing more to protect and preserve the future of UAPB. How do we accomplish this? I am glad that you asked!

We achieve this by giving more of our time, talent and resources.

And if you have never joined the Alumni Association, this is the perfect time to become involved! The National Alumni Association is constantly evolving and many new developments are on the horizon, including our initiative to build a new Alumni Center. As you can see, now is the time to get involved and take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of our illustrious future.

Whether you make a monetary donation or donate your time, the support of fellow and future alums will help us all and enable UAPB to continue on as the great educational institution it is today. Remember, you are the best representative of UAPB. You reflect “Dear Mother” in all of her glory wherever you are and whenever you participate in chapter, civic and social events. You can make an amazing difference through your current and future student outreach as well as peer-to-peer collaboration.

In closing, our Alumni Association is only as strong as the sum of its parts. I would love to hear from you on how we can make our Alumni Association a stronger, more engaged organization. You can email your thoughts and ideas to veloisbowers@gmail.com.

Let’s continue our work together in the spirit of excellence!

Sincerely, VeLois Bowers, ‘81 President and Chairman of the Board

Chancellor's Scholarship Gala honorees named The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a long history of recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing positive change at UAPB, in their communities, the state of Arkansas, and the nation.

The 2019 honorees are:

Bunia Baxter '48 Retired Educator

Wiley A. Branton, Sr. '50 (Posthumous) Attorney for the Little Rock Nine

40 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Marty Casteel

Senior Executive Vice President Simmons First National Corporation

Dr. Christy Walker '97 Dr. Torrance Walker '97 Obstetrician/ Gynecologist

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Rod and over 2,600 other students need your help to upgrade from student to a top notch career professional. Help them on their flight to success. Get them off to a ROARing start!!

Please make an investment today!

Please help us to

ROAR.

REACHING - OPTIMAL ACADEMIC - READINESS

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Office of Development • UAPB Foundation Fund 1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4981 • Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: 870-575-8701 • Fax: 870-575-4605

Rodrequis Thompson Industrial Techonology Pine Bluff, AR Senior

alumni profiles

Dr. Ruth Jones is pictured in front of a model Space Launch System (SLS) at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

42 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

THE RIGHT FORMULA SHE WAS THE FIRST FEMALE PHYSICS GRADUATE FROM UAPB AND THE SECOND AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHYSICS DOCTORAL GRADUATE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA. NOW WORKING AT NASA, DR. RUTH JONES LOOKS TO IMPACT THE LACK OF DIVERSITY IN STEM FIELDS.

by Donna M. Mooney photos by Emmett Given Who would have thought that a girl from the heart of the Delta - West Helena, Arkansas - could get a physics degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, become a distinguished physicist and work for NASA? Ruth Jones, PhD, is a UAPB alumna currently working as the Branch Chief of the Industrial Safety at the NASA Safety Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She is a 1994 UAPB graduate and one of the University’s first female physics graduates, a notoriety gained without fanfare, but with dedication, persistence and hard work.

Jones attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1990 with the intent of “just getting an education.” She was a recent graduate of West Helena High School and she wanted a bachelor’s degree. Mathematics came easy to her, so she decided to become an accounting major. In keeping with her curriculum, she enrolled in College Algebra and excelled in it. Her combination of mathematics skills and intelligence caught the attention of her professor, Dr. Miah Muhammad Adel, who told her she should do more with her abilities.

Dr. Adel recommended Jones major in physics and become a physicist. The STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field had yet to become a popular buzzword, and Jones immediately rejected the idea and continued her studies in accounting because “being a physicist was not a part of her plan.”

Spring/Summer 2019 43

alumni profiles

“I found that a UAPB education had the same caliber or qualities as the University of Arkansas and all other schools, but UAPB was more so a family...you can get a quality education in books and in life.”

“I always loved math and science, but going to college, I wanted to take the easy route,” she said. “I had an academic scholarship, and I wanted to keep my GPA up.”

PHYSICIST AT HEART As Jones progressed in the study of record keeping, spreadsheets and cash management, she found the assignments unrewarding and unchallenging. Consequently, Dr. Adel had never stopped encouraging Jones to major in physics. It wasn’t a harassment, but an encouragement to do more.

By the beginning of her junior year, Jones changed her major to physics – unaware that she was the only physics major at the time. Her team of professors consisted of Dr. Adel and Dr. Islam Chowdury, two long-time UAPB chemistry professors, and legendary AM&N/UAPB professors Dr. Freddie Hartfield who taught Pre-Calculus, and the late Dr. John Gilmore, who taught Statistics and Dynamics.

“Dr. Adel and Dr. Chowdury taught me like they had a room full of students,” she said. “But I could say for sure when I went to graduate school that I was fully prepared.

My exams on campus included a mid-term and a final, but I was ready. I had a 20 chapter mid-term test with five questions. I either studied by myself or went to tutoring with Dr. Adel or Dr. Chowdury because there was no study group for me.

UAPB lived up to giving me a quality education with a personal touch; my professors cared about their students.”

Although Jones was the only physics major, she never felt alone. Using self-discipline and time management, she scheduled early morning classes and dedicated two hours a day for friends.

“When my friends were in class, I needed to study,” she said. “I knew my purpose was to get an education – partying came second. I enjoyed college life, but I knew why I came to school.”

Aside from her full study plate and ample social life, Jones was very active in student organizations. She was a President of Honors College, Vice President of Alpha Chi, a Resident Assistant, a member of the National Society of Black Physicists and the National Society of Black Engineers.

Jones also made time to tutor students in the Mathematics and Physics Department.

44 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

“I found that a UAPB education had the same caliber or qualities as the University of Arkansas and all other schools, but UAPB was more so a family,” Jones said. “Ms. Florence Sulcer (Caine) in Basic Academic Services cared about you.

She told students what was acceptable to wear to class, and taught us it was important to come to class. At UAPB, you can get a quality education in books and life.”

ASSIGNMENT COMPLETED After graduating from UAPB with honors, Jones received a master’s degree in 1997 from Alabama A&M University.

In 2000, she received a PhD in Physics Material Science.

Her first job after graduate school was a graduate Co-op with NASA as a Material Science Physicist in Huntsville, Alabama. Succeeding in this field meant Jones had a mindset of being knowledgeable and confident.

“I felt comfortable in my job because I knew the subject matter,” Jones said. “In all of my jobs, I have always been the youngest, the only female, and the only black. Most of the men were old enough to be my parents, so there was a big generational gap. I learned that I may have book knowledge, but they had the experience, and I needed to remain humble and learn from them.”

Almost a decade later, the face of physics has not changed much. More females are entering the field, but not many blacks. Currently, there are 150 African American physicists worldwide out of 3,000 civil servants. At Marshall Space Flight Center there are four African American physicists – two males and two females.

Diversity in physics is being addressed with classes, seminars, and inclusion.

“We are having conversations that say you are inviting me to the party, but are you inviting me to dance. In other words, do you want my input?

As an African American female in a male-dominated field, Jones still has challenges to overcome. She said the first step to overcoming is always knowledge.

“Knowing your subject matter can take you anywhere, and it doesn’t matter your color or gender,” Jones said. “It will take you lots of places.

Getting an education is up to you; professors can only do so much. I knew my job and what I didn’t know, I asked, just because you have a PhD doesn’t mean you know everything.

As a supervisor in an upper level position, I still have to overcome being the youngest and female.”

Dr. Ruth Jones inspects structures and scaffolds within a Shuttle Launch System at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

Jones said she didn’t realize she was making history at the time of graduation from UAPB and Alabama A&M University. In the state of Alabama, she was the second African American female to graduate with a PhD in physics.

“Having a title and working for NASA have been my greatest success in that it has inspired other females to come into the field,” she said.

Recently, NASA named Jones a “NASA Modern Figure.”

THE SCIENCE OF MENTORING Jones said she would advise students today in any industry to do as much field work and as many co-ops as possible to get work experience now.

“Work experience also will help students determine what they want to do in life,” she said. “Co-ops allow you to rotate until you find your place. Then, you have to stay there and learn.”

Other advice to students includes being open to challenges, not being afraid to take on new assignments, and finding mentors.

“I found that you need a board of mentors,” Jones explained. “Students preparing for a career need educational, professional, spiritual, and personal mentors as guides. We all need them.”

Jones, who also practices mentoring, has been a part of the UAPB Youth Motivational Task Force for several years.

Since 1996, she has traveled at least once a year to West Helena, Arkansas, visiting schools and giving motivational speeches on the importance of education.

“I tell them, who would have thought that a girl from West Helena, Arkansas, could get a physics degree and work for NASA? If I can do it, you can too! My goal is to leave a legacy behind and let students know they can do anything.”

Spring/Summer 2019 45

alumni profiles

Colonel Erica Ingram is photographed at Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas. Photo by Brian T.. Williams

46 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

DECIDING FACTOR ALUMNA ERICA INGRAM'S CHOICE TO JOIN UAPB ROTC LED TO HER BEING APPOINTED THE FIRST FEMALE AFRICAN AMERICAN COLONEL IN ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY

by Tisha D. Arnold

The auditorium at Camp Robinson was standing room only. There were so many people present, the staff began to place extra chairs to accommodate guests. While promotion ceremonies in the Arkansas Army National Guard are nothing new, this one was special.

As the loudspeaker announced the beginning of the program, the audience stood to welcome program participants along with the guest of honor, UAPB alumna Erica Ingram. This event, this moment marked the first time an African-American woman was elevated to the position of Colonel within the 215-year history of the Arkansas National Guard.

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alumni profiles alumni

profiles

“The entire ROTC program at UAPB prepared me for where I am today...My experience during those competitions helped me develop the mindset that I have what it takes and I am just as good whether I’m the only person that looks like me or not.”

Colonel Erica Ingram gives remarks during the promotion ceremony held in her honor.

THE CROSSROAD Almost 30 years ago, the Wilmar, Arkansas, native was a senior at Wilmar High School trying to figure out what she was going to do after graduation. Having applied to UAPB and other institutions and obtaining several scholarships, she was at a crossroad of deciding which state school would be the best fit for her career aspirations. Regardless of the school, she planned to major in business administration with a minor in management. Ingram’s interest in the industry was solidified by her involvement as Treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) since freshman year.

The high school principal knew the professor of Military Science at UAPB and encouraged Ingram to apply for the ROTC scholarship. While she has family members that served in the National Guard, Army, and Navy, she was not really interested in it. Although she applied, Ingram admitted that she didn't plan to accept the ROTC scholarship if it was offered. A self-proclaimed girly girl, she was not willing to sacrifice her hot-pink nails and the highlights in her hair.

“I was the cheerleader type, not the basketball player,” she quips.

For as long as she can remember, Ingram says she was always surrounded by a village of support.

“If I didn’t succeed in life, I can only blame myself,” she said.

She says she was fortunate to have two parents who loved and supported her unconditionally. Her father John Johnson was a supervisor at a lumber mill and mother Vera was a beautician. Through their daily actions, they taught her 48 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

strong work ethic and to truly value people. Ingram said her parents would give a person the same level of respect, regardless of what a person looked like, where they came from, or how much money they had. While they weren’t thrilled about the idea of their daughter going to the military, they supported her decision.

After being notified that she was awarded the ROTC scholarship, Ingram says she was up at night trying to figure how she was going to graciously deny the offer. Ultimately, she decided to take the offer because it had an option to leave the program after a year if she decided it wasn’t a good fit. At the end of the first year, she was approached by Staff Sergeant Elton Forte who convinced her to remain in the program for the full term of four years.

“Even though I agreed to stay in the program, I still didn’t think it was for me,” admitted Ingram.

She didn’t have to do drills because of her involvement in the simultaneous membership program with the National Guard. While she appreciated the structure and discipline of the ROTC program, Ingram had her mind set to obtain a corporate job in human resources. While matriculating at UAPB, she encountered educators like Dr. Barbara Grayson who taught her business communication and keyboarding, among other subjects.

“The entire ROTC program at UAPB prepared me for where I am today,” says Ingram. “We were the only historically black program in Arkansas. There were certain times we did competitions together and other institutions thought they were better than us.”

Even in 2019, Ingram recalls sitting around most tables where there are 40 people and she is the only female and/or

At left: Colonel Ingram’s daughters Desarie Ingram (left) and DeeDee Shantelle pin insignias on Ingram’s uniform during her promotion ceremony at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock.

Below: Major General Mark H. Berry greets Colonel Ingram as she approaches center stage.

African American.

“My experience during those [ROTC] competitions helped me develop the mindset that I have what it takes, and I am just as good whether I’m the only person that looks like me or not.”

AT AN IMPASSE After four years on active duty, Ingram said she planned to leave the military, however, a conversation with a recruiter resulted in joining the Army Reserve. She joined the Arkansas Army National Guard in December 1999, where she now serves as deputy chief of staff personnel and manages the main building of the Arkansas National Guard, the Medical arm of the organization, and the Joint Services program.

Rising through the ranks, Ingram garnered several awards and recognitions that include the Meritorious Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon and Arkansas Service

Ribbon. She is also a past president of the National Guard Association of Arkansas and a "big sister" with the Big Brother/Big Sister of Central of Arkansas program.

THE ROAD TO COLONEL Some people grow up dreaming to become Colonel – for Ingram, it was not a goal but became a possibility the longer she stayed in the military. After having been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2010, Ingram says it looked like the rank of Colonel was an option.

The process of being considered for the rank is a tedious one. The vetting component itself has to encounter at least 25 offices that include the Pentagon, Senate, and the President’s desk, in addition to an extensive background check.

Col. Ingram said that the promotion ceremony was the most overwhelming day of her life.

“Three days before, I could not eat or sleep,” she said, recalling her experience serving as MC for several programs. “I was so nervous and didn’t go to sleep the night before until 2:00 a.m.”

Sleep deprived from the last three days, Col. Ingram says she wasn’t sure what she was going to say. When she saw the sea of people that came to witness the ceremony, she was floored.

Every time she went to write her speech, she would start tearing up.

Once she took the podium and began her speech, the anxiety began to wane.

During her comments, Col. Ingram gave credit to her village for becoming the person she is today - from her parents, to the people that impacted the direction of her life in Wilmar, Arkansas, to the educators that influenced her at UAPB and in the military. During her acceptance speech at the promotion ceremony, she summed up her experience by quoting Major General Marcia Anderson, the first African-American woman to become a major general in the United States Army: “My wish, my desire is that at some point in our history there won’t be a ‘first woman’ or ‘first African American’ doing anything, it will just be somebody doing something.”

The morning after the promotion ceremony, Ingram says she paused for a moment to take in what occurred.

She knew she was going to the same office to do a job she’d been performing for the last 39 months. It was more than her title that changed.

“I always received respect before the promotion, but people treated me differently,” she said. “Maybe it was a bigger deal than I thought.”

Spring/Summer 2019 49

COVER STORY

by Donna M. Mooney

Alumnus Cassius Cash began as a biology major, but found his true path in wildlife management. Today, he is the first African American superintendent of the most visited national park in the U.S.

50 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Cassius Cash is photographed in front of a mountain range located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Photo by Emmett Given

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cover story

Cash is photographed inside his office at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Photo by Brian T.. Williams

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52UAPB UAPB Magazine Magazine • University • University of of Arkansas Arkansas at at Pine Pine Bluff Bluff

B

Biology pre-med majors don’t usually become National Park Superintendents, but one alumnus discovered his true passion for the outdoors during a summer internship through UAPB Career Services.

Cassius Cash, Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, learned that he didn’t have to wear a white coat to help others, but he could wear a green coat and still accomplish his goals – he had to – it’s in his DNA. Cash is the first African-American named to the Superintendent position and the second youngest overall. This popular half-million acre National Park and 300 active employees have been under Cash’s jurisdiction since February 2015. Cash supervises the overall process of managing park activities for the purpose of maintaining and preserving natural resources for generations to come. Almost a city within a city, the grounds include a public works system, waste water system, government housing, and U.S. Park Rangers. More than 10 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year, making it the most visited park in the nation.

A Memphis native, Cash graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology (pre-med). Prior to graduation, he accepted a summer internship with the U. S. Forestry Department that led him from the medical field to the great outdoors.

the dna effect Working outdoors was the farthest idea in Cash’s mind when he participated in the U.S. Forestry Service interviews through UAPB Career Services, many years ago. His intention was simply to hone his interviewing skills, but in the end, he walked away with an intriguing offer he couldn’t refuse. Even though he had no prior experience in the outdoors or wildlife services, other than the Boy Scouts and an amusing fascination with "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” television show, he accepted the offer.

Before his internship ended, Cash knew he had found his niche.

His hardest conversation, after convincing his mother to let him travel to Washington (state), was later telling her she would not have a doctor in the family.

“I grew up in a family that helped others, so I thought my obvious options were to become a police officer, a doctor, or a lawyer,” Cash explained. “So I chose doctor and enrolled at UAPB as a biology pre-med major.”

Cash was a junior when he changed his mind about his future; however, he was clever enough not to change his major – an act that would have delayed his graduation. He stayed the course and graduated on time, using the tools that helped him reach success.

Cash says his ultimate goal is to help people – he says it was in his DNA. Spring/Summer Spring/Summer 2019 2019 53 53

cover story

“My influence came from my instructors...the teachers and the course work at UAPB taught me a sense of self.

You knew who you were and what you had to be and do to be a success."

His mother and father were his role models – a cosmetologist and a policeman, respectively. His mother made wigs for young cancer patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and his father was a Memphis officer known for helping people.

Band scholarships are valuable assets, and Cash used his scholarship as a trumpet player to help finance his undergraduate education.

“My influence came from my [UAPB] instructors,” he said. “Band taught me discipline, respect, timeliness and teamwork. Mr. Milton Jackson was a great person, and we had music discussions and life discussions about how the world works. Dr. Shelton Fitzpatrick was another important mentor to me. The teachers and the course work at UAPB taught me a sense of self. You knew who you were and what you had to be and do to be a success.”

Success for Cash meant life in the higher elevations.

Mountains of truth

Two days shy of winter’s onset, administrator Cash takes a morning drive with guests up the winding road to Newfound Gap (overlook) – a popular sight-seeing destination for tourists and regulars searching for amazing views and nature’s unspoken ode to beauty. Weeks earlier, a kaleidoscope of gold, red and brown leaves made for a breathtaking backdrop against these hazy clouds and ever rolling hills. On this day, the theatrical show of leaves has come to an end, and only the mountains command the view – offering a surreal view of endless peaks.

Cash, dressed in a traditional green semi-formal uniform, is confident, professional and knowledgeable. He values the GSMNP as much as he is impressed with it, quick to spout the history of its humble beginnings and declare appreciation and admiration for the previous land owners.

“Even though those families no longer live in this park, their traditions and cultures are very much a part of the Smoky Mountains,” Cash said. “We will never forget the sacrifice that families made 100 years ago to ensure that these mountains were protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Cash is a part of that future generation.

“This is my home no matter where life takes me, and I will always return to the Great Smoky Mountains.”

One year into his job as GSMNP superintendent, Cash faced the traumatic event of a fierce unpredictable fire in the Smokey Mountains that stole lives, destroyed homes and threatened businesses of the beloved mountain community.

Remnants of the violent fire of 2016 are prevalent near 54

54UAPB UAPB Magazine Magazine • University • University of of Arkansas Arkansas at at Pine Pine Bluff Bluff

downtown Gatlinburg; the exposed burned hillsides stand as a sobering reminder of the brutal capabilities of an extreme wind and fire combination.

“The fire of 2016 changed me in two ways,” Cash said. “It reminded me that people being upset is a natural course of emotions. People had to make sense of the situation. And, I learned the value of relationships during turbulent times. I also learned the dynamics of humanity and workforce and community are almost the same. Leaders need support – I gained experience and learned a lot about myself in selfreflection.”

Retrospectively, Cash said he learned four truths – forensic, personal, social and resolved truths. “I learned that people needed to talk about their personal truth – the feel and the smells of the fire. You have to let people talk about the social issues and share their concerns. Finally, resolved truths allow people to get back to normal.” He was full circle back to helping others.

Cash added that speaking about this experience reminded him of what he would tell students to prepare for while still in college. “I’d tell them to develop their interpersonal skills,” he said. “During the fire event, there were internal and external challenges. I learned to listen, hear, lead and facilitate.”

the path to success

The trail leading to Cash’s current position at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been an adventurous one. After graduating from UAPB, he attended Oregon State University to study wildlife management. He began his federal career in 1991 with the U.S. Forest Service as a wildlife biologist at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State. He worked with that agency for 18 years in various leadership positions.

From graduation on, Cash remained unwavering in his career, having served as an administrative officer in Nebraska, district ranger in Georgia, and a civil rights officer in Mississippi. Next, Cash was the deputy forest supervisor at the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon, and he also served as the deputy regional director and chief of staff in the Northeast Regional Office.

Cash served as superintendent at the Boston parks from 2010 to December 2014. While there, his accomplishments included opening a new visitor center in Faneuil Hall, and collaborating with park partners to raise $4 million to reopen the African Meeting House, the oldest black church still in its original location in the country.

Cash stands in front of the gallery of superintendents of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Being the first African American appointed to the position, his promotion was a pivotal moment in the history of the national park.

Photo by Brian T.. Williams

In 2017, Cash served a 120-day detail as acting superintendent of the National Mall and Memorials Parks in Washington, D.C. “There will be times that you will be the only one or the first, an uncomfortable position to be in, but don’t let that stop you,” Cash said. “Your best moments come when you are stretched and overcome. History shows that it will always be worthwhile.

This job [at the Smoky Mountains] made me realize I was living my dream. I didn’t know how to tell my story until I learned my story or my journey of success, failures and fears. I didn’t think my story had any value until now.”

Showing others the way

Putting his boots to the path, Cash met his own personal challenge in 2016 to hike 100 miles of park trails in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday celebration. During that summer, he walked part of his challenge with 20 different groups of visiting children in an effort show them first-hand the existing recreational and historical parts of the park.

Cash explained that because children today spend a lot of time indoors with electronics, they may not be exposed to the opportunities the outdoors offer in National Parks like hiking, fishing and sightseeing.

“I understand the fear of the unknown in the woods,” he said. “I had to overcome my fears as an urban kid from Memphis; that’s how I know the more knowledgeable kids are about national parks today, the better our National Parks will be in the future.”

“My desire is for the younger generation to learn more about the outdoors and what it has to offer,” Cash said.

“The field of wildlife biology is open and people don’t have to have a job outdoors – they can be computer technicians, graphic designers, business and budget managers.”

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golden lions athletics

Student-athlete academic center unveiled at May fieldhouse ceremony Center features new computer lab, tutorial lab, meeting space for staff

Above: Kimberly Evans, Director of Student Athlete-Academic Service prepares to cut the ribbon. Others from left include Athletic Director Melvin Hines, II, Tiese Roxbury & Vinh Nyugen, Assistant Director of Research, Assessment, & Academic Success for NCAA, and Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. Photo by Cameo Stokes

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff athletic department has a great reason to celebrate--the grand opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Center at the J. Thomas May Fieldhouse.

For the first time in the history of athletics at "UAPB", the student-athletes have a learning center and a staff on hand to assist the student-athletes in their studies. Kimberly Evans, who serves as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services Center (SAASC), leads the SAASC staff.

"The opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Center was phenomenal! It has been a much-anticipated event; and to have our NCAA partners on campus today to share in the opening, made it an even greater occasion," said Evans.

Evans also stated, "We were excited about the grand 56 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

opening of the student-athlete academic center. It was a big deal. As our student population grows, so does the needs of our student-athletes. The center will be an area for our students to study as well as visit with their athletic academic advisors and have access to computers and technology as well as additional access to academic tutors. None of this would be possible without the assistance of the NCAA AASP grant."

Student-athletes, representing every sport, were present and given an opportunity to speak candidly with the NCAA representatives as a part of the day festivities. There were a few seniors present during a round-table with the NCAA staff; however, they were just as excited about the changes as the underclassmen.

"The event was an important, momentous and historic day in the life of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff," said Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander.

"This is the day in which we open our academic center for the athletic department, and it is a great day and a great occasion because it punctuates, that is, it puts an exclamation point on the importance that we place on academics at our university. We have an athletics program, we believe, that is on the rise and will be second to none, and we want that rise in athletics to equal and rival our rise in academics."

The day was a day of smiles and celebration for the Golden Lions that will be remembered for years to come. The student-athletes were able to see that the department and NCAA are deeply invested in their education and future success.

"Today was a historic moment and huge for the athletic department to have an academic center right here on campus to where our students can concentrate on their academic deficient which is major,"Athletic Director Melvin Hines, II said. "Our studentathletes were all over campus from the football complex to the basketball arena and the library. Now they have a dedicated place where they can meet with their academic advisors."

The center, which has a new computer lab, tutorial lab, offices and meeting space for the staff, will be considered as a "one-stop shop" for academic endeavors, and a great resource tool for student-athletes.

Hines II finished with, "I'm proud of my staff and the members of the Oversight Committee for supporting the vision as well as the collaborative effort being done to bring about change to improve academic support services for our athletes."

Sports technology firm Vivature gives $7,667 to Golden Lion athletics

Above: UAPB Athletic Director Melvin Hines II, Head Athletic Trainer Robert Long, and Vivature Southern Division Manager Don Stowers.

Vivature, a top Sports Technology Firm in sports, presented a check for $7,667.50 to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletics for studentathlete development. UAPB will use Vivature's NExTT 360 software to record student-athlete injuries and treatments, as well as record and track their activities in Nutrition, Counseling, Academic Counseling and Strength & Conditioning. Using a $20 million enterprise-level single database state of the art technology, NExTT makes documenting, tracking and reporting easy and simple.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Vivature provides practice management software to help campus health centers and athletic departments track patients and injuries and streamline billing.

At left: Student-athletes stop for a photograph with Vinh Nyugen (third from right), Assistant Director of Research, Assessment, & Academic Success for NCAA. Photo by Cameo Stokes

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golden lions athletics

Upgrades completed at H.O. Clemmons arena

Renovations include black and gold seating, Golden Lion branded basketball courts, goals Renovations were completed to the H.O. Clemmons Arena in time for the 2018-2019 basketball season. Located inside the Kenneth L. Johnson, Sr. Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex, the 4,100 seat multipurpose arena is home to Golden Lions Basketball.

Originally opened in 1982, the arena was extensively renovated in 2006, and underwent significant renovation in 2019. Upgrades include newly installed bleachers in black and gold colors with the Lion head, a new floor with the logo emblazed at center court, and new basketball goals featuring the logo on each basket support.

The sports area was named after Hubert O. Clemmons, who had served as the athletic director for UAPB. He dedicated 40 years as an assistant professor in the Department of Health Physical Education and Recreation and also played a significant role in UAPB’s return to the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Clemmons served as head basketball coach for 20 years until 1977 and was ranked 7th at that time among active NCAA Division II coaches.

Men's Cross Country team wins SWAC:

58 UAPB Magazine • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

At left: Full view of H.O. Clemmons arena shows renovations that include newly installed bleachers in black and gold colors, a new floor with the logo emblazed at center court, and new basketball goals featuring the logo on each basket support.

Inset: Courtside seats in H.O. Clemmons arena feature the lion head logo.

Photos by Cameo Stokes

Head coach McCoy named SWAC Coach of the Year The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff placed five runners in the top 20 to bring home the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference Men's Cross Country Championship this past October.

The Golden Lions tallied 62 points to win their first conference title since 1993, as UAPB head coach Chris McCoy was named SWAC Coach of the Year. “I knew we had a good chance of winning a conference championship," said McCoy. "We had the people and the personnel available to win, so we just had to put it all together. We had three guys come in from junior college, and when I recruited them, I knew they could run. They were really humble and ready to be a part of a championship team, so it all worked out. As for my returners, we started off a little slow. We had to get back in shape because it was a long summer. The good thing is that they wanted to run faster than they ran last year, so if they listened, I knew we would have a better chance at being successful this season."

Wade Garner (Jr., St. Joseph, Barbados) led the way for the Golden Lions, finishing fourth with a personal best time of 26:20.30 to earn first-team All-SWAC honors.

Laurel Heath (Jr., Kansas City, Mo.) finished 10th overall, also setting a personal best with a time of 26:50.44 to earn second-team All-SWAC Honors.

Toshin Agbede (Fr., San Diego, Ca.) finished 13th with a personal best time of 26:56.44. D’Andre Mighty (Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y.) finished 17th with a time of 27:22.78, just ahead of teammate Akeem Marshall (So., St. Joseph, Barbados), who also set a personal best with a time of 27:28.20.

"The morning of our race, my motivational speech was simple," McCoy said. "I told my team to go and run for yourself. If you take care of self, everything else will fall in place. We stopped using the term 'run,' and now used the word 'race.' If they raced to their capability, we knew we could win a championship."

On opposite page: Members of the Men's Cross Country team are joined for a photo by UAPB Director of Athletics Melvin Hines (left), Assistant Coach Natoya Baird-Davidson (second from left), Head Coach Christopher McCoy (second from right) and Assistant Sports Information Director Cameo Stokes (far right). Team members include (first row): Akeem Marshall, Romario Marshall, Alex Collier, Tyran Lyons, (second row): Toshin Agbede, Malique Smith, Laurel Heath, D'andre Mighty, and Wade Garner.

Spring/Summer 2019 59

class notes Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. '58, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), was inducted into the National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame. Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the Hall of Fame for significant contributions they have made in their respective fields. A native of Pine Bluff, Dr. Davis received his formal education at the Arkansas AM&N Laboratory and Merrill schools. A true believer in education, Dr. Davis attended Arkansas AM&N (now UAPB), University of Arkansas, and completed his doctorate degree at Iowa State University.

Originally a teacher of Mathematics and Physics, Dr. Davis worked across the United States before returning to his hometown to become a professor at UAPB before being named Chancellor in 1991. Dr. Davis made UAPB athletics one of his many platforms during his tenure with the institution, and made many strides in the advancement and promotion of the various athletic programs the university operates. During his tenure, the football stadium and adjoining field house were contracted and completed, as well as the baseball complex and the UAPB Soccer Field. He led the university through a period of academic growth and spearheaded the accreditation and re-accreditation of various academic programs throughout the University. He also led the construction of three new academic buildings in the center of campus, as well as the renovation and construction of on-campus housing. After 21 years of leading the university, Davis retired in 2012.

Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr.

Kevin Cole

LTG Aundre Piggee

Kevin Cole '82 and Lieutenant General Aundre Piggee '81, were inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Cole’s artwork is well known for including imagery of neckties as symbols of power and emphasizes the relationship between color and music, particularly jazz, blues, hip-hop, and gospel. He incorporates patterns and textures from traditional African cloths to speak to human conditions and behaviors. In 1994, Cole was commissioned by the Coca-Cola Company to create a fifteen story mural celebrating the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. The mural took two years to create and was a little over 800 square feet. He has been featured in Who’s Who in Education and received the Award of Excellence for Public Art by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.

LTG Piggee serves at the Pentagon as the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and oversees logistics policies, programs, and plans for the Army of over 1.1 million soldiers. He manages an $11 billion annual portfolio used to fund the Army’s arsenals and depots, maintain equipment, and acquire supplies to ensure the Army is ready to fight any mission throughout the world. General Piggee is a native of Stamps, Arkansas and commissioned into the United States Army where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from UAPB. He has a Master of Science Degree in Material Acquisition Management from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master’s Degree in Military Strategy from the Army War College.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame

Kimberly Harper

Kimberly Harper '95, was given the Columbia Basin College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award for her work in mentoring dozens of teens during more than two decades in the Washington State Tri-Cities area. The prize is given each year to someone who exemplifies King’s work in equality and social justice and whose contributions to society reflect his spirit, philosophy and teachings. The program gives participants a chance to gain diverse views, an integral part of all three foci. One of the program’s mentors was a corporate trainer, so the girls are absorbing leadership training that’s intended to challenge them. The Forrest City, Arkansas, native is a physical scientist at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

She works at the Pacific Northwest site office where she reviews proposed projects from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland. Her outreach includes work as a STEM community coordinator, with United Way, Tri-Cities Young Leaders Society, Junior Achievement and as president of the local chapter of the National Association of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

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Oliver Elders '54, was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Elders was born in 1932 in DeWitt (Arkansas County) and was a basketball star at Arkansas AM&N (now the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff) graduating in 1954. He coached basketball in the state of Arkansas for 36 years, 35 of which were in the Little Rock School District at Little Rock Horace Mann and at Little Rock Hall High. He was selected Coach of the Year in 1983 and served as the head coach of the East squad in the Arkansas High School All-Star game that summer. His teams won 4 state championships and 2 Overall Championships.

The sportswriters of Arkansas selected Elders as the Coach of the Decade for the 1980s. He retired in 1993 as the winningest active coach in the state of Arkansas with 656 victories. In 1997, he was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Above: Retired basketball coach Oliver Elders gives remarks at the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Photo by Thomas Metthe

Lafayette Woods, Jr. '04, was sworn in as Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Sheriff. After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Woods pursued a career in law enforcement with the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office, where he was originally assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division as a Deputy Sheriff. After one year of being assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division, he was re-assigned to the Tri-County Drug Task Force in 2005. In 2008,

Myrtle Hyman

Major Woods was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assigned to the Little Rock District Office as a Task Force Officer (TFO). As a TFO from 2008 to 2010, Woods was tasked with investigating a variety of federal criminal matters specifically related to federal drug offenses under the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) initiative.

While assigned to the DEA, Major Woods was tasked with heading up agencies Internal Affairs Division as a collateral duty. In 2009, Major Woods was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and continued his work with the DEA and the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office Internal Affairs Division.

In 2010, he was promoted to rank Major and tasked with heading operations.

Lafayette Woods, Jr.

Myrtle Hyman, '51 was recognized as 2019 Grandest Delta by the Las Vegas chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Initiated into Delta Eta Chapter in 1950 at UAPB, she was also a member of the Prairie View Alumnae Chapter, Springfield Alumnae Chapter and Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter where she was Delta of the Year in 1996.

Hyman was raised in Pine Bluff, AR, and was a Health and Physical Education Teacher and Coach at Merrill High School. She also attended and graduated from Merrill High School in 1948.

She moved to Wisconsin where she was a Coach, Athletic Director, Counselor and Assistant Principal Tanesha Ford '07, received her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Walden University. Dr. Ford credits the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for giving her the foundation she needed. She received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology (2007). She received her master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University (2009).

with Milwaukee Public School System for 32 years.

Myrtle was Teacher of the Year at West Division High School in 1968. She taught Health and Physical Education at Prairie View A & M College, in Prairie View, TX. She retired after 34 years as an educator and relocated to Las Vegas in 1997. Her passion for designing clothing led her to the University of Nevada Las Vegas Fashion Design School. She was on the Dean's List, as well as, Student of the Year in 2002. She received numerous trophies and awards for her creative designs, fashions, and modeling.

The name of her dissertation is “Sustainability Strategies for Small Business Survival Beyond 5 Years”. Currently working as an Education Program Coordinator in the School of Arts and Sciences at UAPB, she is also working on her Post-Doc Bridge to Business Administration Certification. In the near future, Dr. Ford plans to continue her research on small business sustainability in the Delta.

Tanesha Ford

Joyce Scott, '93 joined Southeast Arkansas College as the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. As an experienced nursing educator and clinician, Scott wasted no time evaluating and reviewing procedures to promote division programs while increasing the quality of services. Scott holds an Associate Degree in Nursing

from Arkansas State University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Central Arkansas and has post-graduate doctoral hours from North Central University.

Spring/Summer 2019 61

class notes Jamaal Nash-Dyer, '08 was appointed

The Wayman L. Tisdale Foundation, Inc. honors the life and legacy of professional basketball player and smooth jazz bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale. Together with a host of collaborators, the Tisdale Foundation identifies eligible individuals with unmet prosthetic needs. Dyer will continue his roles as the project manager of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission and Coordinator of Student Success for Tulsa Public Schools.

Dr. Marcus Chanay, '95 was named Vice President

most recent position as vice president for Student Affairs at Jarvis Christian College.

The roles that Chanay has held in leadership also align with Lincoln’s vision to serve as a university believing in diversity and embracing the learning environment. He has led initiatives that cater to a diverse student body, which includes the Jackson State University Veteran’s Center, which helped veteran students, active military students, and their families.

Executive Director of the Wayman L. Tisdale Foundation, Inc. Dyer is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, OK. Dyer later attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Broadcast Journalism. He went on to receive a Masters of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor from Langston University-Tulsa.

Jamaal Nash-Dyer

of Student Affairs at Lincoln University. He started his career in higher education in 2001 at Jackson State University as a specialist in program development. In 2004, he became the dean of the Division of Student Life. In 2008, Chanay served as the vice president for Student Life and as an assistant professor of higher education. He held that position until 2014.

Chanay then moved to Hawkins, TX, for his

Dr. Marcus Chanay

Thomas Jackson II '01, was nominated and elected to the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Jackson has been a member of the Chamber since 2012 and is a Leadership Phillips County Class IV Alumnus. Public Relations Officer for the Phillips County UAPB Alumni Chapter, Jackson owns Suburban Computer Solutions, LLC, an Information Technology company that specializes in Windows-based computer system service and repair, networking, and web development; Pac-ManBail Bond Company of Phillips County, an Arkansas-licensed bail bond company, and Suburban Tax Service, all located in West Helena, AR.

in memoriam M.C. Johnson '66 was born on January 16, 1945, in Pine Bluff, AR, to Ella Mae Clark of Pine Bluff and Arthur Johnson of Cleveland, OH. A retired educator, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Lee Esther Johnson, who preceded him in death in 1999. He later married Mrs. Helen Cooper Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Arnett Clark, and his daughter, Yolunda Johnson Upshaw.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Helen Johnson, children - Angela Sutherland (Samuel), Kevin Johnson (Yolunda), Tracey Smith (Eric), Charles Hatley, one brother -

James Woody, and sister Brenda Johnson. 13 grandchildren - Aaron J. Washington (Amber), Timothy W. Washington, Jr. (Andrea), Micha J. Washington, Robert P. Upshaw, Jhordan L. Upshaw, Alexia Upshaw, Faith Upshaw, Eric Smith, Jr., Jabarius Hattley Palmer, Xavier Hattley, Remy Hattley, Teral Hattley, and Maurice Hattley. Four great-grandchildren Aaron Washington, Jr., Saniah Washington, Isaiah Washington, and Amere Washington, and a host of nieces, nephews, sons and daughters in the gospel.

M.C. Johnson

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in memoriam

REMEMBERING JOHN E. SMITH “I always had the desire to give back. I was fortunate in the last few years of my career to earn a couple of extra nickels and chose to share it with [my alma mater] and one of my favorite organizations, the Vesper Choir.”

John E. Smith

Johnnie Edward Smith '61 was born on Christmas day in 1939 to Georgia and Solomon Smith in Eudora, AR. He was raised in the segregated south of Pine Bluff, AR, and overcame many obstacles to become personally and professionally successful. Smith was a big man with a big heart. He had love for God, his family, his alma mater Agricultural Mechanical & Normal College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), his church, All Saints United Methodist Church, and his hometown of Pine Bluff.

He spent his formative years roaming the campus of AM&N College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where his mother attended school and went on to become a school teacher. His grandmother instilled in him the importance of an education. Smith graduated with a double major in math and chemistry in 1961 from AM&N College and legally changed his name to John Edward Smith shortly thereafter. He worked briefly as a high school math teacher in St. Louis, MO, while concurrently pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics at St. Louis University. He married, moved to New Jersey and obtained his master’s degree from Rutgers University. Shortly after graduation, he accepted a position with J.P. Morgan as a Portfolio Manager and worked there for nearly 20 years.

After enjoying several years of professional success as an investment banker, he left J.P. Morgan and joined U.S. Tobacco Co. (UST) in 1984. He held various executive positions with UST until he retired in 1996.

Smith enjoyed spending time with family and friends and playing golf. He thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to his Merrill High School class reunions and UAPB homecomings.

Smith’s generosity to the UAPB Vesper Choir was a demonstration of his love and respect for the ensemble. He and his sister Charlene Smith-Gaines, established a Vesper Choir student scholarship in memory of their mother, Georgia B. Bradshaw. In 2015, Smith contributed $300,000 to establish the John E. Smith and Charlene Smith-Gaines Endowment.

Raleigh, NC, became his new hometown in 2005 where he built a home and moved into Brier Creek and remained there until his death, November 22, 2018.

“I always had the desire to give back. I was fortunate in the last few years of my career to earn a couple of extra nickels and chose to share it with [my alma mater] and one of my favorite organizations, the Vesper Choir.”

Above: Smith served as Parade Marshall for the 2018 Homecoming Parade.

Spring/Summer 2019 63

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