UAPB Friday Feature News Digest | March 6, 2026 | | #UAPB | #UAPBDearMother | #1TEAM1ROAR | #UAPB1873 | | UAPB Fishing Team Keeps Making Headlines in the Fishing World News | | Dr. Robert Cole Forges Legacy of Impact in East Arkansas Agriculture | |
For decades, Dr. Robert Cole has played a central role in strengthening small-scale farming and rural development across East Arkansas, leaving a lasting imprint on conservation, marketing and farmer education, according to Dr. Henry English, director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program. Through his close collaboration with UAPB, Dr. Cole helped expand research, outreach and market access initiatives that benefited farmers across the region.
Click to learn more
| | | UAPB Talks With Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers | | UAPB Researcher Nitish Sankurabhukta Pioneering AI to Transform Global Aquaculture Health, Expand Precision Access Worldwide | | | | At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), a quiet technological revolution is underway, according to Dr. Yathish Ramena, director of the university’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Center of Excellence. Nitish Kumar Sankurabhukta, a researcher in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, is leading the development of an artificial intelligence platform that could change how farmers measure, manage and protect aquatic life.o launch the program in 2023, bringing the Walton Family Foundation’s total investment in ESLI to $1.26 million. Click to learn more | | UAPB Alumna Janiya Fellows Receives UNCF Achievement Capstone Scholarship | | |
Congratulations to Janiya Fellows, a recent University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Social Work Graduate (May '25), Chancellor's Medallion recipient, and former member of the Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program!
She was selected as the recipient of the 2025 UNCF Achievement Capstone Scholarship in the amount of $4,000. Fellows is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work Degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. While in the Honors Program at UAPB, she was among the first cohort of Strada Scholars, which was part of a nationwide cohort of students selected at institutions participating in the Strada HBCU Initiative. She, along with J'Keile Hadley and Jada Sharp, were the first three students to represent UAPB as Strada Scholars.
| | UAPB Art Instructor Featured in ASC Black History Month Exhibition “Blaque” | | |
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) is featuring Blaque by UAPB Art & Design Instructor Jonathan Rashad Wright (shown in photo with Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham) as a highlight of its 2026 Black History Month programming.
The opening reception was held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5–7 p.m., launching an exhibition that explores identity, heritage, grief, and resilience through innovative artistic expression. Blaque will be on display in the ARTx3 Campus Gallery from February 19 through July 3, 2026, at 701 S. Main Street in Pine Bluff.
Wright, an instructor in the Department of Art and Design in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), describes Blaque as more than a color. Click to learn more
| | | |
UAPB Baseball: Golden Lions Rally from Eight-Run
Deficit to Defeat Little Rock, 10-8
| |
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions baseball team staged an incredible comeback Tuesday evening, rallying from an eight-run deficit to defeat the Little Rock Trojans 10-8 at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.
Reliever Brendan Hamlin (1-1) earned the win for UAPB after delivering a dominant performance out of the bullpen. The right-hander tossed 3.2 shutout innings, allowing just one hit, no walks, and recording three strikeouts to close out the game. Click to view the baseball schedule
| |
UAPB Writer Honored as a Member of Black Arkansas Media in URBANE Magazine
Kim Jones Sneed, a public information writer in the Office of Communications at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), is featured in the February/March/April edition of URBANE Magazine. February 1, 2026 marked the fifth anniversary of the Arkansas based publication. In a segment titled “Black Arkansas Media Worthy News,” Dianna D. Donahue-Holley — editor and publisher — honored the legacy of Black media outlets, platforms, and publications created and sustained in Arkansas. Click to learn more
| |
Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett Provides Leadership and Inspiration to UAPB Students
Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett, professor and assistant dean for academics for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS), not only provides leadership for academics, but she also engages in all three prongs of the land-grant mission – teaching, research and Extension.
Click to learn more
| | UAPB Scholars Gain Executive Insight into Banking Careers Through Arvest Leadership Experience | |
For students in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute (ESLI), career preparation extends far beyond the classroom. It includes stepping into executive spaces, asking thoughtful questions, and seeing firsthand how academic preparation translates into opportunity.
Recently, ESLI scholars participated in an executive leadership experience at Arvest Bank, reinforcing UAPB’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and economic mobility. Click to learn more
| | | | UAPB Small Farm Outreach Program Presents Community Outreach Empowerment Vegetable Production Workshop | The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Outreach Program will a Community Outreach Empowerment Vegetable Production Workshop on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Pine Bluff, AR. The time for this session is 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. | |
New Arkansas Farmers Sales Tax Exemption Card Available
Arkansas farmers now have a simpler way to claim agricultural sales tax exemptions thanks to a new identification card program, yet many producers may not realize it exists, according to Dr. Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Click to learn more
| |
Pond Strategies for Growing Giant Bluegills
The bluegill is a versatile species present in most Arkansas ponds, streams and large reservoirs. Many only consider bluegills as food for larger predators such as largemouth bass, catfish and crappie, according to Scott Jones, small impoundment Extension specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. However, with some adjustment to management strategies to favor bluegill growth, pond owners may come to appreciate their potential as a sportfish. Click to learn more
| | |
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 | | #UAPBFootball: Golden Lions Announce 2026 Football Slate Highlighted by Homecoming and Classic Matchups | | |
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions have officially announced their 2026 football schedule, highlighted by five home contests, two premier classic appearances, homecoming at Simmons Bank Field, and a nationally televised matchup against an SEC opponent.
The 2026 slate promises an exciting fall for Golden Lion fans, beginning in Week 0 on Saturday, August 29, when UAPB hosts Morehouse College in the Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The matchup marks a celebratory return to the capital city and continues UAPB’s tradition of showcasing Golden Lions football on a premier stage in the state. 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 | | |
Carolyn Turman Upperclassmen Scholarship Available
In May 2026, the UAPB/AM&N Memphis Alumni Chapter will award one $1,000 scholarship to a currently enrolled Memphis, Tennessee-area sophomore or junior who will attend UAPB in Fall 2026. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in:
- Academic achievement
- School and community involvement
- Character
The scholarship application period opened Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and closes Friday, April 11, 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, email uapbmemphisscholarship@gmail.com.
CLICK THIS LINK TO APPLY
| | | |
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
| | |
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
| |
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.
| | Here are some useful links to click on to experience more of the PRIDELAND: | | | | |
