UAPB Friday Feature News Digest | March 20, 2026

#UAPB | #UAPBDearMother | #1TEAM1ROAR | #UAPB1873

The 153rd Annual Founders' Week Theme:

"Legacy In Action: Where History Inspires Tomorrow"

UAPB Founders_ Week Celebration 2026
Elizabeth Cash Green

UAPB Museum Preserves the Legacy of Elizabeth Cash Green, Honoring a Life That Spanned Slavery to the Civil Rights Era

On February 20, 2026, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) accepted a framed photograph honoring Elizabeth Cash Green, a woman recognized by some historians and descendants as the last surviving formerly enslaved female in the United States. The photograph was presented to the University Museum and Cultural Center by UAPB alumnus Retired Lieutenant Colonel Amos King, Jr., Green’s great-grandson.


Click to learn more

UAPB Innovative Learning Initiative Combines Magnifying Glass Plant Exploration with Immersive Virtual Garden Experience

Students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) are exploring plants through a combination of hands-on investigation and immersive technology at the UAPB Child Development Center.


The learning initiative allows students to study plant structure and growth while participating in inquiry-based activities that include observing real plants with magnifying glasses and discussing topics such as healthy eating, living and nonliving things, food deserts and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.


Click to learn more

UAPB Innovative Learning Initiative

The UAPB John McLinn Ross Players Continue Powerful Spring Productions Centering Black Stories and Voices

The Spaces We Keep

The John McLinn Ross Players at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) continue in its presentation of compelling spring theatre productions that center Black voices, lived experiences, and intimate storytelling through a vignette-style theatrical lens.


The 2026 spring season’s next feature is The Spaces We Keep, taking place March 19-22, 2026. The performances will be held in Caldwell Hall Auditorium on the UAPB campus.


UAPB students participating include Kasey Rowland, Arin Bell, and Marcel Haynes. 


Click to learn more

UAPB Observes National Procurement Month in March

March is National Procurement Month. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Office of Procurement hosted events to highlight the expertise in sourcing, supplier management, and securing resources to meet community needs. This year’s theme is “Procurement with a Purpose.”


Click to learn more

Leaundra Sanders

UAPB’s Dr. Suzzette Shaw Goldmon Selected for Council on Foreign Relations Educators Workshop

Dr. Suzzette Shaw Goldmon Council on Foreign Relations

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) associate professor Dr. Suzzette Shaw Goldmon recently participated in the Council on Foreign Relations College and University Educators Workshop, a national program designed to help faculty incorporate global policy and international affairs topics into their teaching.


Dr. Goldmon, program coordinator for Hospitality and Tourism Management in the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, was the only higher education faculty member selected from Arkansas to participate in the workshop. Click to learn more

UAPB to Host 2026 Southwest Arkansas Small Farms Conference in Hope

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program will host the 2026 Southwest Arkansas Small Farms Conference on Thursday, April 30, at the University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana, Hempstead Hall, 2500 S. Main St. in Hope.


The one-day conference will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will focus on the theme “Building Connections That Strengthen Rural Communities.”



Click link to learn more

2026 Southwest Arkansas Small Farms Conference

UAPB’s 41st Annual African American Read-In Attracts Guests from Arkansas and Tennessee

African American Read-In Group Photo

The power of spoken word, poetry, and literature from African American writers and dramatists was celebrated during the 41st Annual African American Read-In at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).


Hosted by the UAPB Department of English, Humanities, and Foreign Languages (EHFL) in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, the event brought together faculty, staff, students, and special guests to honor African American literary traditions through readings and reflection.


Click to learn more

UAPB Recognized as Partner of Delta Rhythm & Bayous Blues & Wellness Plaza

Dr. Karen DeJarnette DRB Blues and Wellness Plaza

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) was recognized for its contributions to the Delta Rhythm & Bayous (DRB) – Blues and Wellness Plaza during its recent grand opening. 


Beautiful blue skies and unseasonably warm temperatures provided an ideal backdrop at 3rd Avenue and Main Streets (Bobby Rush Way) in Downtown Pine Bluff, AR. Officials from UAPB, the City of Pine Bluff, and the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission – along with honored music legends, artists, and cultural leaders – were present to witness the debut of Phase I of the plaza. 


Click to learn more

ESLI Scholars Attend L.C. & Daisy Bates Brunch, Advancing Leadership Through Strategic Partnerships

ESLI Scholars Attend Bates Brunch

Little Rock, Ark. — Fourteen students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute (ESLI) participated in the annual L.C. & Daisy Bates Brunch on Saturday, March 14, 2026, gaining valuable exposure to leadership, history, and civic engagement.


Through the generous support of corporate partner West Fraser Timber, ESLI scholars were able to attend the event and engage in a transformative cultural experience designed to deepen their understanding of leadership and legacy.


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.

Trustees Approve Project Contractors for University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Health and Science Building


Click this link to learn more

UAPB/AM&N Alumni Announcements

UAPB Homecoming Class Reunion Save the Date

37th Southern Heritage Classic Game Tickets Now Available


Golden Lions,


The countdown is on.


Get ready for the Southern Heritage Classic Weekend, September 11–13, 2026, as the Black & Gold returns to Memphis in a major way! The 2026 matchup is a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s back-and-forth battle, where the UAPB Golden Lions secured a 24–20 victory over Alcorn State.


Purchase your game tickets and pull up to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to cheer on the Golden Lions as they defend their SHC title—rocking and swaying with M4 all game long.


Click to purchase tickets

Southern Heritage Classic Tickets Available

37th Southern Heritage Classic Set for 2nd Saturday in September 2026


Memphis, TN.- The Southern Heritage Classic, one of the nation’s premier HBCU Classics, will return to its historic calendar time slot, the second Saturday in September – Sept. 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. – with a rematch of last year’s exciting SWAC contest featuring the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Alcorn State University.


The game will be played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, with renovations expected to be completed in time for this year’s college football season. Click to learn more

Southern Heritage Classic

#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

UAPB Launches “ROAR Into Registration” Campaign to Support Student Success

UAPB is encouraging students to take early action in preparation for Summer and Fall 2026 registration through its ROAR Into Registration campaign—an initiative designed to streamline the registration process and support student success.


As students prepare for Spring Break (March 23–27), university officials encourage them to complete key steps online during the week to ensure a smooth and timely registration experience.


A Spring Break Reset for Student Success


Rather than waiting until returning to campus, students are encouraged to use Spring Break as a “reset moment” to get ahead. By taking a few minutes during the break to review their status in Workday, students can avoid delays and secure preferred course schedules.


Students who complete these steps early are more likely to register quickly and stay on track for degree completion.

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.

Thinking about Grad School? CLICK THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UAPB GRADUATE LEVEL PROGRAMS.

Scholarships for Students

Carolyn Turman Upper Classmen Scholarship 2026

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 17, 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, email uapbmemphisscholarship@gmail.com.


CLICK THIS LINK TO APPLY

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.

UAPB Dining Has An Updated Site Link:

https://uapb.mydininghub.com/en

Community Partners' News

Black Family Wellness Expo 2026
Black Family Wellness Expo 2026
HYPE Discovery Day March 2026
New St. Hurricane Financial Literacy Workshop March 2026
Dialoguing with Delta 2026 Flyer

Click this link to register

Click for Events At The ARTx3 Campus.

2026 Pine Bluff State of the City Address
All Black Affair with a Touch of Gold 2027
R and B and Tea at Magnolia Food Market and Bar

Here are some useful links to click on to experience more of the PRIDELAND:

Academics

Alumni

Athletics

Events

Students

Admissions

Campus Bookstore




Friday Feature is produced by the UAPB Office of Communications. Click below to subscribe or email us at Communications@uapb.edu. Thank you.

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