SAFHS Highlights Summer 2018

Uni ve rs i t y of A r ka n sa s a t P i n e B l u ff – S c hool of Agr i c u l t u re, F i sh e r ies a n d Hu m a n S c ie n c es

Upcoming Events

September 27 Lonoke Agriculture Farm Field Day Perlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center, Lonoke, Arkansas October 4 Aquaculture/Fisheries Field Day Aquaculture Research Station, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff _____________________________________

Event updates will be posted on SAFHS’ social media pages.

Summer 2018

New Memorandum of Understanding for 3+1 Certificate of Excellence Program Signed

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niversity of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander and University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Chancellor Dr. Joseph Steinmetz signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding for the joint 3 + 1 Program in Poultry Science recently.

In 2013, a 3 + 1 Certificate of Excellence Program was established between UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences and the UAF Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. e course curriculum allowed senior agriculture majors with a poultry science option at UAPB to take poultry sciences courses classes at UAF, thus earning them a Certificate of Excellence.

e new MOU provides the opportunity for students to earn a bachelor of science degree in agriculture poultry science from UAPB and a concurrent bachelor of science degree in agricultural, food and life sciences-poultry science from UAF. Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan, interim dean/director of SAFHS, said the poultry industry is growing in Arkansas, but there is a lack of qualified students to work in the field. “ese changes will give students more opportunities and internships to help with their future careers,” Dr. Manoharan said. e new program will begin in the fall of 2018.

Chancellors Dr. Joseph Steinmetz (front left) and Dr. Laurence B. Alexander (front right) signed a MOU for the revised 3+1 Program in Poultry Science recently as others looked on. From left to right behind the chancellors are Dr. Obadiah Njue, Dr. Nick Anthony, Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan, Dr. Michael T. Kidd, Dr. Deacue Fileds III, Patrice Sims, Dr. Robert Z. Carr Jr. and Dr. James S. Coleman.

New Faculty Dr. Nicholas Romano has been appointed associate professor of aquaculture for the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. In this position he will develop a productive research program with an emphasis on emerging freshwater production technologies for catfish, as well as production techniques for other commercially viable fish species in Arkansas. e UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center provides research-based recommendations on aquaculture to the state’s aquaculture producers. Dr. Romano will be expected to produce recommendations that lead to farm-level adoption and innovation among Arkansas’ fish farmers.

Dr. Jonathan Spurgeon has been appointed assistant professor of aquatic habitat restoration and management for the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. In this position he will develop an independent, externally-funded research program with an emphasis on fish habitat restoration and ecosystem health in Arkansas. roughout his research, Dr. Spurgeon will focus on one or more aspects of fish habitat management; instream and riparian habitat restoration, reservoir fish habitat enhancement, or watershed planning, management and restoration.

In addition to publishing his research in peer-reviewed journals, he will also teach undergraduate and graduate courses in natural resources management and a new course in habitat management and restoration.

Degrees Awarded to 36 SAFHS Students

Thirty-six degrees were awarded to SAFHS students at UAPB’s 158th commencement. Graduates received degrees in several areas. One earned a Master of Science degree in aquaculture and fisheries. Eight earned a Master of Science degree in agriculture regulations. Four earned undergraduate degrees in agriculture/animal science; two undergraduate degrees in agriculture/plant science-agronomy; three in agriculture/agricultural business; one in agriculture/agricultural economics; one in regulatory science/agriculture; three in regulatory science/environmental biology; one in regulatory science/industrial health and safety. Eight degrees were earned in human sciences/human development and family studies; one in human sciences/merchandising, textiles and design; and three in human sciences/food service.

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SAFHS Highlights

Alumni Spotlight — Dr. LaPorchia Davis

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r. LaPorchia Davis, a 2011 alumna of the UAPB Department of Human Sciences Merchandising, Textiles and Design (MTD) Program, uses the lessons she learned as a student in her career at Morgan State University (MSU), a historically black college in Baltimore, Maryland.

As an assistant professor for the MSU Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, she aims to give students the kind of encouragement and support she received at UAPB. “Many students are convinced they cannot accomplish their goals,” she said. “I, too, was in their shoes in college, but I eventually believed in myself and pushed myself to accomplish every goal I set for myself. One of the reasons I challenge students to think creatively inside the classroom is because I know they are capable of more that what they think.”

Dr. Davis, a native of Pine Bluff, said she learned this transformative power of self-confidence during her education at UAPB. She appreciated her professors’ tendency to provide support and honesty, while making sure the students took responsibility for their own success.

“Nothing was handed or given to me at UAPB, and I had to work hard in every one of my classes to get the grade I deserved,” she said. “I would not trade that experience for anything in world.”

At MSU, Dr. Davis teaches classes in fashion entrepreneurship and merchandising. She enjoys engaging with students and encourages them to pursue academic research in fashion topics, an interest she developed at UAPB that has turned into a major aspect of her career.

“As an assistant professor, it’s important for me to stay current,” she said. “I like to research the latest fashion trends and fads.

Currently, the fashion and beauty industry is catering to millennials by engaging with influencer marketing and social media. Research allows me to bring these current ideas into classroom discussions or future projects.”

During her career, Dr. Davis has taught research-specific courses for the UAPB Department of Human Sciences. These classes emphasized the use of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods specifically as they relate to the field of family and consumer sciences.

“Human sciences research is all about students understanding and analyzing formal research methodology and procedures used in all areas of the field,” she said. “During the classes at UAPB, each student had the chance to critique research studies and

plan out their own research project.”

Dr. Davis said her emphasis in research began during her studies at UAPB when she participated in the McNair Scholars Program, a federal program designed to prepare first-generation or underrepresented undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. She said the experience not only introduced her to the concepts of formal research, but also paved the way for her future studies.

“As the first member of my family to pursue a doctoral degree, being a Ronald McNair Scholar prepared me for graduate school in so many ways,” she said. “I learned how to conduct doctoral studies through involvement in research and data collecting, as well as find an advisor, who was Dr. Edmund Buckner (then associate dean for research and Extension at UAPB). I also was able to prepare for the Graduate Record Exam and learn how to apply and get accepted into graduate school.”

Scholarly research became a part of Dr. Davis’ daily routine when she was accepted as a graduate student at Iowa State University (ISU), where she obtained both a master’s and doctorate degree. During her post-graduate studies, she conducted research on topics relating to social-psychological aspects of the appearance of African-American women, sustainability, entrepreneurship, social media and the product development of handbags.

Dr. Davis said the experience of graduate school was challenging and at times intense. Her ability to learn quickly and find professors and colleagues willing to help her on her academic journey ultimately helped her obtain her degrees.

“Each one of the faculty members and my major professor at Iowa State University truly wanted to see me grow as a professor,” she said. “Undergraduate students should be aware that graduate school is not for everyone – it’s a lot of work and you can’t go into a program playing around. However, I do recommend higher education for those who are truly interested in research and teaching in academia.”

During her education, Dr. Davis founded her own eco-conscious beauty brand, LC Beauty Extensions, and continues to run the company. The company’s vegan and toxin-free nail lacquer has been featured in Woman’s World Magazine.

“When I started the company, I visualized an affordable beauty line for the everyday woman on the go,” she said. “I was inspired to develop a beauty brand that em-

Dr. LaPorchia Davis

powers all women who want to look and feel fabulous when it comes to their hair and nails.”

In addition to starting her own company, Dr. Davis also wrote an e-book titled “Beauty with a purpose: Make your beauty business standout.” The book details how to be a successful entrepreneur, staying focused and the importance of writing down one’s thoughts.

“I hope to inspire and empower all girls and young women in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and around the world through beauty and business,” she said.

Dr. Davis credits Dr. Kaye Crippen, professor of the UAPB Department of Merchandising, Textiles and Design, with preparing her for her career. Thanks to her, she learned about the importance of textiles, international trade and woven materials, and received the encouragement to continue her education.

“Dr. Crippen influenced me to go to graduate school and helped with any questions I had about attending,” she said. “Dr. Syed Qadir, instructor for the department of business, sparked my interest for entrepreneurship and business management. During graduate school, my professors at the ISU Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, Dr. Mary Lynn Damhorst and Dr. Eulanda Sanders, humbly guided me with open arms to get me where I am today.”

July 2018

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UAPB Group Helps Restore Hurricane-Damaged Beaches in Puerto Rico A contingent from the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries recently took part in a service project to help restore the beaches and aquatic habitats of San Juan, Puerto Rico that were damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

Dr. Steve Lochmann, professor of aquaculture and fisheries, Joseph Kaiser and Cody Salzmann, graduate students of aquaculture and fisheries, and Kyler Hecke, alumnus, volunteered as part of the annual spring meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society (SDAFS). Dr. Mike Eggleton, associate professor of aquaculture and fisheries and president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and Shannon Smith, research associate, also attended the conference in San Juan.

As part of the service activity, 77 conference attendees partnered with two local non-governmental organizations, the San Juan Bay Estuary Program (Estuario de la Bahia de San Juan) and Grupo 7 Quillas, to form a 100-person dune restoration force.

“We cleaned the beach of trash, removed sand that had been deposited on an adjacent street and planted 200

coastal plants of two species, sea grape and icaco, at the Ocean Park urban beach in San Juan,” Douglas Austen, executive director of the American Fisheries Society (AFS), said. “e beach dunes will protect local infrastructure from flooding and protect important leatherback sea turtle nesting habitat.”

Hecke said taking part in the service activity alongside other fisheries professionals was a great experience.

“I am glad we could give back to Puerto Rico while attending the SDAFS meeting,” he said. e activity, part of the San Juan Bay Estuary Program’s #EstuarioRevive campaign, was made possible aer the AFS donated over $3,000 for the purchase of the coastal plants and supplies, and to supplement the cost of transportation for meeting participants.

Society members plan to raise an additional $3,000 to donate to the San Juan Bay Estuary Program.

Additional disaster relief funds raised by the AFS ensured that Puerto Rican chapter members affected by Hurricane Maria could attend the conference. “ese stipends were critical because our island-resident members and

UAPB volunteers helped clean the Ocean Park urban beach in San Juan of trash and planted 200 coastal plants. The beach dunes will protect local infrastructure from flooding and protect important leatherback sea turtle nesting habitat.

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SAFHS Highlights

UAPB participants in the service activity in San Juan: (from left) Dr. Steve Lochmann, professor of aquaculture and fisheries, Kyler Hecke, alumnus, and Cody Salzmann and Joseph Kaiser, graduate students of aquaculture and fisheries.

the agencies that they work for have been severely affected financially by the hurricane,” Austen said. “One member still does not have power and only has intermittent water service.” e San Juan Bay Estuary Program works on conservation, restoration, monitoring, resilience and education in the aquatic habitats of the San Juan Bay estuary, an extensive water system that includes several lagoons, bays and coastal habitats in the heart of San Juan. e organization “7 Quillas” is comprised of local sea turtle conservationists that protect nesting leatherback sea turtles and their habitat in the Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan. e Arkansas Chapter of the AFS was formed in 1987 to serve fisheries professionals in the state of Arkansas by promoting the wise management, conservation and use of fisheries and aquatic resources, facilitating the exchange of information among industry professionals and increasing the public’s awareness of fisheries-related issues and projects.

Six Students Participate in New Study Abroad Program in South Africa A group of six UAPB students participated in the university’s first study abroad program in South Africa. e UAPB Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS) plans to offer the program to students in subsequent years.

Student participants from UAPB included the followng: Timyah Wellmaker, a sophomore math education major from Belleville, Illinois; Rickey Anderson, a junior business management major from Dumas, Arkansas; Jasmine Alford, a freshman accounting major from Memphis, Tennessee; Kiana Wilson, a junior broadcast journalism major from Dermott, Arkansas; Arion Rivers, a junior psychology major from Detroit, Michigan; and Leah Ellis, a junior biology major from Maywood, Illinois. e program focused on South Africa’s history of youth empowerment.

Participants learned about the role of students and young people in the antiapartheid movement that started in the early 1960s. ey also learned about the diversity of the nation, which has a population of over 49 million people with a variety of cultures, languages and religious beliefs. “is was a great opportunity for UAPB students to learn about the vital role youth played in shaping presentday South Africa,” said Annette Fields, UAPB instructor/counselor for the Office of Basic Academic Services and the program’s organizer. “June 2016 marked the 40th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings, when thousands of high school students marched and protested against the Afrikaans language policy in the educational system. e youth’s role aided in changing the political system.”

Members of UAPB’s first study abroad program to South Africa are the following: (from left) Timyah Wellmaker, a sophomore math education major; Rickey Anderson, a junior business management major; Jasmine Alford, a freshman accounting major; Kiana Wilson, a junior broadcast journalism major; Arion Rivers, a junior psychology major; Annette Fields, UAPB instructor/counselor for the Office of Basic Academic Services and the program’s organizer; and (not pictured) Leah Ellis, a junior biology major.

Cultural tours included the Apartheid Museum and the Nelson Mandela House Museum in the Soweto township of Johannesburg. Students also took part in service-learning activities in rural and urban communities.

Fields encourages current UAPB students to consider applying to the South Africa program in 2019. Applicants need to be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. “e program in South Africa provides a great short-term study abroad opportunity,” Fields said. “Students oen want to travel abroad but might not want to be away for a month or more. Regardless of the length of a study abroad program, the experience is a memorable one that will last a lifetime.”

Fields and Dr. Pamela D. Moore, associate dean for global engagement, organized the project as part of an OIPS initiative that encourages UAPB faculty to develop study abroad opportunities for students and faculty.

During her own undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, Fields took advantage of study abroad opportunities. In 1998, she studied the cultural, political and social systems in South Africa and visited university, agribusinesses and cultural sites in Lesotho, the kingdom that is landlocked within South Africa. In 1999, she volunteered for a homeless shelter and served as an English tutor for Chinese refugees in Hawaii.

July 2018

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Mother and Daughter Graduate Together from UAPB

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n May 2018, Patricia Shavers, 50, and her daughter Sharra Shavers, 22, accomplished a goal that most parents and children aren’t able to experience at the same time. During UAPB’s 158th commencement, they both received bachelor’s degree diplomas.

According to both women, their success is the product of countless latenight study sessions at home, taking turns reviewing each other’s essays and assignments, and a pervasive, shared goal of academic success. In accomplishing their goal, they relied on mutual support and encouragement, as well as self-confidence and faith.

Patricia, a major of human development and family studies, decided to enroll at UAPB aer Sharra, a major of biology, had already started her studies.

A few years later, Patricia’s youngest daughter, Shanna Shavers, a 19-year-old physical education major, also enrolled at UAPB. “e experience of attending college at the same time as my daughters has energized me and put the feeling of youth back in me,” Patricia said. “It has been fun to see that I can hang with them and accomplish the same things they are accomplishing. Of course, I occasionally embarrass them when I yell ‘Hey, baby!’ whenever we happen to pass each other on the way to class.”

Patricia said the decision to enroll at UAPB was based on the right circumstances, support from family and colleagues and her longtime goal to obtain a bachelor’s degree. In 2006, aer earning an associate degree in early childhood education at Phillips Community College in Stuttgart, Arkansas, she started a job at a childcare facility in England, Arkansas.

“My workplace was helping me earn a bachelor’s degree, until the center was unexpectedly shut down,” she said. “At that point my motivation to continue my education had run out, and I turned my attention toward raising my children

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SAFHS Highlights

and starting a trucking business with my husband.”

In 2013, Patricia started her career at UAPB when she was hired at the Office of Career Services, and in 2014, began working for the UAPB Minority Research Center on Tobacco and Addictions. She said it was during this time that she received encouragement from Dr. Valandra Oliver, director of the center, to enroll in classes at UAPB and obtain her degree. anks to the motivation, in 2015, Patricia took on the challenge of earning her degree in addition to continuing her job at UAPB, as well as jobs at two other organizations – the Community Empowerment Council Inc. and the Jenkins Memorial Center.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Dr. Oliver,” she said. “She helped take away the doubts I had about returning to school and told me I wasn’t too old to advance in my education and career.” e experience of obtaining her degree has been transformative, Patricia said. She has become more confident and feels ready to achieve more. “e challenge was what I liked most about studying at UAPB,” she said.

“I was able to learn more about the things I am capable of accomplishing.”

Patricia started her scholastic journey at UAPB aer Sharra had completed a summer session with the Lions Program in 2014. Sharra said her decision to enroll at UAPB aer graduating from England High School in England, Arkansas was an easy one.

“I’m a country girl and I like being close to home,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU. UAPB was the perfect choice because of how close it is to home, its family-oriented atmosphere and the fact that several family members are UAPB alumni.”

As soon as Sharra started to get oriented at UAPB and familiarize herself with various campus services during her

Patricia and Sharra Shavers

freshman year, university personnel started commenting on her striking resemblance to a familiar face on campus.

“People would say, ‘Hey, you look really familiar to me,’” she said. “’You look just like Mrs. Patricia in the Minority Research Center. Are you her daughter?’”

Sharra said she appreciated the instant recognition by strangers, as it was always accompanied by praise for her mother. e new acquaintances also expressed a willingness to help her have a good start to her education at UAPB and take advantage of the university’s resources.

She credits the Office of Career Services staff for treating her well and helping her secure part-time work as an emergency technician at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC), a job she has held for over three and a half years.

“Working in the JRMC emergency room has perfectly complemented my passion for health care and has influenced my decision to eventually become a nurse,” she said. “I appreciate the

small-town, close-knit atmosphere at JRMC. Everyone knows each other, and you get the feeling you are making a difference in your own community.”

Sharra has applied lessons learned from working in the emergency room to her scholastic and personal life.

“When I started working at the emergency room, everything seemed overwhelming,” she said. “e nurses taught me how to focus on the ‘big picture’ of a problem and then take things one step at a time until the problem is solved. is approach has helped me take on the challenge of completing my final semester with a course load of 20 hours.”

Completing her education and working part-time has required a lot of self-discipline, Sharra said.

“Knowing I have made my family proud through earning my degree really makes it worth all the effort,” she said.

“My father keeps talking about my mom and I graduating. He has been really supportive and seems to be living this moment through us.”

Sharra credits her parents with giving her the motivation to succeed in all areas of her life.

“In my opinion, I have the absolute best parents in the world,” she said. “ey always ensured my siblings and I had the best. My father is incredibly motivated and never stops moving forward, and my mother is a very independent woman, who acts selflessly and tries to help others.”

Patricia and Sharra said they were both grateful for the quality of support they received from UAPB faculty and staff throughout their studies.

“Dr. Janette Wheat (associate professor for the Department of Human Sciences) had a great effect on my studies,” Patricia said. “ere was never a dull moment in her lectures – just listening to her teach was an incredible experience. Each lecture and assignment was engaging, and I was always eager to find out what we were going to learn about next.”

Sharra said she received constant help and guidance from her major advisors, Dr. Anissa Buckner, chair of the Department of Biology, and Dr. Sederick Rice, assistant professor of biology, as well as from Bobbie Bradley, instructor/counselor for the Department of Basic Academic Services, who advised Sharra during her freshman year.

“My professors ensured I always had a shoulder to lean on,” she said. “I knew that if I ever needed any assistance or advice, they were just a phone call away.”

Aer graduation, Sharra plans to continue working at JRMC and enroll in a nursing program, with the goal of becoming a nurse.

Patricia wants to open up her own foster care center or obtain a management position at the Community Empowerment Council, which operates two shelters for foster children.

“I see myself as a noble person, and I want to use my talents to help others enhance their lives,” she said.

In the future, Patricia hopes her daughters are able to use their degrees from UAPB to pursue meaningful careers in the fields they major in.

“I hope they will be successful in whatever career they choose and that they make sure they love their work,” she said.

In light of her mother’s accomplishment of earning her degree while working three jobs, Sharra hopes her mother knows she can slow down the pace of her life if she wishes to.

“My mother has done so much for my siblings and me throughout our lives that we want her to know she can slow down a bit and that we will take care of her,” she said. “But I know she will keep going and continue to challenge herself in new ways – that’s just who she is.”

Patricia is married to Sylvester Shavers. In addition to Sharra and Shanna, they have another daughter, Sharda Edwards, and a son, Jeremy Mitchell.

Dr. Marilyn BaileyJefferson Takes Over as Leader of State’s Home Economists

Dr. Marily Bailey-Jefferson

Dr. Marilyn Bailey-Jefferson, director of the UAPB Child Development Center and assistant professor, School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, took over as president of the Arkansas affiliate of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (ArAFCS) in June 2018.

Other leadership roles were filled by the following officers elected at the ArAFCS spring conference: Rebekah Luong, treasurer; Dr. Janette Wheat, program of work/convention chair; Yunru Shen, nominating committee position 4; Monica Lieblong, president-elect; Dr. Marilyn BaileyJefferson, president; Dr. Brenda Martin, public relations/ways and means/development chair; Teki Hunt Winston, immediate past president/counselor; Katie Frizzell, historian; Brittnie Irwin, secretary; and Rachel Schichtl, colleges and universities chair.

Rachel Luckett, UAPB Cooperative Extension Program specialist, and Brittnie Irwin, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, DeQueen Junior High School, received scholarship awards. Luckett received $1,000 and Irwin received $500. Luckett is working on a doctoral degree, and Irwin is pursuing a master’s degree.

July 2018

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SAFHS Highlights University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Mail Slot 4966 1200 N. University Drive Pine Bluff, AR 71601

SAFHS Highlights was produced by the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences Communications Office in July 2018.

Dr. Muthusamy Manoharan Interim Dean/Director Will Hehemann Carol Sanders Staff Writers/Editors Brad Mayhugh Graphic Designer and Photographer Debbie Archer Communications Section Leader

Send change of address and/or correspondence to: Debbie Archer University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1200 N. University Dr. Mail Slot 4966 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 archerd@uapb.edu (870) 575-8546

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UAPB Students Network, Find Job Opportunities at International Production and Processing Expo Twelve UAPB students recently attended the annual International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and North American Meat Institute, the annual trade show features the latest technology, products and services related to the poultry and egg, meat and feed industries.

According to an IPPE press release, over 31,000 people attended the 2018 expo, including 1,218 exhibitors.

UAPB student participants included Kalycya Hawkins, Kayla Smith, Tanilah Jones, seniors majoring in regulatory science; Yamnah Sargent and Terynn Riles, juniors majoring in regulatory science; Melissa Walker, a sophomore majoring in regulatory science; Kalyn Kaiser, a senior majoring in agriculture-animal science; Bria Khabeer and Tamia omas, juniors majoring in agriculture-animal science; LaTaylor Rembert, a junior majoring in agriculture- agriculture business; Makayla Binns, a sophomore majoring in agriculture-agriculture business; and Earnett Adams, a senior majoring in industrial technology/applied engineering. e students attended the expo through the UAPB College Student Career (CSC) Program, which paid for their travel and accommodation. ey traveled to the event by bus with students from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

As part of the CSC program, the students submitted their resumes months before the expo to set up interviews for jobs and internships during the event. “e expo is a great opportunity for senior students to receive job offers – even before

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students recently attended the annual International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.

they have a degree – with some of the top U.S. companies specializing in poultry and eggs, feed, meat, sanitation and processing,” Dr. Jayant Lohakare, associate professor of animal science at UAPB, said. “Juniors and sophomores have the chance to pursue internships with these companies. Interested student candidates can also take advantage of on-the-spot interviews provided at the expo, especially when applying for internships.”

Of the UAPB students who participated in the 2018 expo, two seniors received on-thespot job offers. ree students also received on-the-spot offers for internships.

“My experience during IPPE was wonderful,” said Hawkins, who received job offers from a poultry company and a sanitation services company. “Judging by the two job offers I received this year, it seems like all my hard work through college is finally paying off. I was so grateful to be able to experience this expo and network with industry leaders.”