UAPB Friday Feature News Digest | February 20, 2026 | | #UAPB | #UAPBDearMother | #1TEAM1ROAR | #UAPB1873 | | KATV Channel 7 Spotlights UAPB research | | |
A natural compound found in rice may help protect cells from age-related damage, according to Dr. Sankar Devarajan, associate professor of nutrition for the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Dr. Devarajan is leading a study focused on gamma-oryzanol, a nutrient-rich compound found in rice bran, a byproduct of the rice milling process. Click to learn more
| | UAPB Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute Awarded Over $500K from Walton Family Foundation | | |
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has received a $512,925 award from the Walton Family Foundation to expand leadership development, career readiness, and workforce pathway programming through its Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute (ESLI), Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham announced.
The investment strengthens structured programming that includes internship placement, mentorship, public speaking development, and professional skill-building designed to support first-generation and underrepresented students as they transition from college into competitive career pathways. The grant continues an initial $750,000 award to launch the program in 2023, bringing the Walton Family Foundation’s total investment in ESLI to $1.26 million. Click to learn more
| | UAPB Enhances Career Readiness Program Through Advanced LMS Integration with Coursera | | |
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has strengthened its position as a leader in digital learning by becoming one of the first institutions to test Coursera Inc.’s natively built, 1EdTech-certified LTI 1.3 integration—a secure, industry-approved technology standard that allows external learning platforms to connect directly inside a university’s learning management system, enabling single sign-on access and automatic grade sharing.
As a result, UAPB is the first institution within the Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Career Readiness Program to adopt this advanced integration. Click to learn more
| | | UAPB Student-Athlete Selected to First Inaugural 2026 NCAA Legacy Lab Program | | |
Congratulations to Garrison Davis, who has been selected to the first inaugural 2026 NCAA Legacy Lab Program!
The NCAA Legacy Lab is a signature initiative designed to help Division I student-athletes explore entrepreneurship, develop business acumen, and build skills that will support success both on and off the field. Participants engage in interactive mentorship, hands-on learning tracks, and strategic planning to extend their legacy beyond athletics.
"Garrison’s selection is a testament to his leadership, academic standing, and commitment to personal and professional growth as a student-athlete. This opportunity not only reflects positively on him but also on our department and institution as a whole," says Aliyah Hill, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator/Academic Counselor.
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SAVE THE DATE
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's 153rd Founders' Celebration
April 20-26, 2026! This year's theme is
"Legacy in Action: Where History Inspires Tomorrow."
More information is coming soon!
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Small Farm Program to Provide Farm Financial Planning Assistance to Arkansas Producers
The Small Farm Program (SFP) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will provide farm financial planning assistance, training and technical support to producers across Arkansas, according to Dr. Henry English, director of UAPB’s Small Farm Program. The initiative has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Southern Risk Management Center. Click to learn more
| | UAPB Small Farm Outreach Program Presents Community Outreach Empowerment Vegetable Production Workshops | | The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Outreach Program will present Community Outreach Empowerment Vegetable Production Workshops. There are two opportunities to attend: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Marianna, AR and Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Pine Bluff, AR. The times for both sessions are 9:00am to 2:30pm. Training and technical assistance for production sustainability and success will be featured. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact UAPB Extension Specialist Hailey Wilkins at wilkinsha@uapb.edu. | |
Testing Water Chemistry Important in Developing a Healthy Fishing Pond
A lot goes into developing a healthy fishing pond. Long before fish are stocked, fertilizer is spread or feed is delivered, fish producers should know whether their water quality is holding them back, according to Scott Jones, small impoundment Extension specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Click to learn more
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UAPB Executive Cabinet Updates
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has recently announced executive cabinet appointments that will strengthen institutional leadership and advance the university’s strategic priorities. Click the following link to view Our Leadership on UAPB.EDU.
| | UAPB/AM&N Alumni Announcements | | During Black History Month, we spotlight some of the Golden Lions whose impact continues to strengthen our legacy. Through them, Our Pride Shows. hashtag#UAPB hashtag#UAPB1873 UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association | | UAPB Alumnus Appears on 'Star Search' Finale | | Congratulations to University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Alumnus Steven "Spud" Howard, who took the stage for the Finale of Netflix’s “Star Search” on Tuesday, February 17, 2026! A native of Camden, AR, Howard was honored by the city on Sunday, February 1, 2026 with a proclamation celebrating his achievements. Howard’s performance resume includes stints as a featured vocalist and working alongside artists such as Scarface, Ledisi and other hip-hop and R&B artists. He also sang “God Bless America” at the memorial for Sheila Jackson Lee in Texas, in front of political luminaries including the late Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Click to read more | | Opportunities for UAPB Students | | FAFSA for 2026-27 Now Available! | | |
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 academic year is now live. Filing the FAFSA is the gateway to the largest source of funding for higher education, including federal grants, loans and work-study. It’s also required for most state and institutional aid, even for families who don’t think they’ll qualify.
All U.S. citizen college students are required to complete the FAFSA each year.
CLICK THIS LINK TO VISIT THE FAFSA WEBSITE
| | | First-time freshman or two-year transfer student, here is the path to graduating in four years with a bachelor's degree. | | | Scholarships for Students | | |
2026 Faith Scholarship Announced by Sister Friends United, Inc.
Sister Friends United, Inc. announces its 2026 Faith Scholarship. Non-traditional students interested in applying must be a minority female age 30 or older who lives in Pulaski, Saline or Jefferson County (AR). The applicant must also have dependents.
Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
CLICK THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE OR APPLY
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Applications are now open for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for public service supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.
Deadline: March 17, 2026
CLICK THIS LINK FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS
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USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is open to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and to rising sophomores and juniors. For any questions regarding the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, please contact: Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
USDA 1890 Programs 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0601 Washington, DC 20250
Email: 1890init@usda.gov. Click this link to learn more.
| | Vesper Choir is Going Overseas! | | |
🎶✨ Help us raise $162K for our 2026 Scotland and England International tour by donating $100+ today! Your support creates lasting memories and bridges cultures through music.
Give today. Give anytime, and every amount helps. Use the following ways to give: Text UAPBVC to 41444, or use our Online giving.
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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Golden Lions hosted its annual National Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The event was held in the STEM Building Conference Room located on the UAPB campus. Head football coach Alonzo Hampton, along with the Golden Lions coaching staff, officially introduced and broke down UAPB's entire 2026 signing class, providing in-depth analysis of each signee along with exclusive video highlights.
CLICK TO READ MORE
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The 11th Annual Arkansas Heritage Celebration of Black History Month Legend Among Us Recognition is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. This free event will take place from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock Street in Little Rock, AR.
Click this link for more information
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Dear 1890 Community,
As we step into February, I find myself reflecting on my first 100+ days serving as President of the Foundation. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this broader community and to work collaboratively in advancing our shared mission.
Click this link to read more
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We hope to see you February 19th - 20th in Little Rock, AR for the 2026 Arkansas Vegetable Growers Conference. Early registration is $40 (before February 10th). Late or at-the-door registration is $50.
Click this link for more information
| | Here are some useful links to click on to experience more of the PRIDELAND: | | | | |
