UAPB Friday Feature News Digest | January 23, 2026

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

UAPB Fall 2025 Athletic Department Graduates

Excellence Beyond the Game: UAPB Athletics Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates


As the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) begins the 2026 Spring Semester, the Department of Athletics proudly reflects on a major academic milestone achieved by its Fall 2025 graduating student-athletes and academic support staff. A total of 26 UAPB student-athletes and athletics support personnel earned undergraduate degrees, closing out the year with an achievement that exemplifies the Golden Lion commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. Click to learn more

dr-christopher-c-mathis-jr

Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr. Appointed as Interim Dean/Director for UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences


Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr. has been appointed as interim dean/director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS). In this position, he is responsible for the SAFHS’s Plan of Work and for providing leadership for SAFHS research laboratories, according to Dr. Bruce W. McGowan, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UAPB. Click to learn more

UAPB Staff Members and Alumna Named 2026 New Leaders Council Arkansas Fellows


Two staff members and an alumna of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) have been named 2026 New Leaders Council (NLC) Arkansas Fellows. Angela Howard, an Extension Program Aide in Agriculture & Family and Consumer Sciences, Jermaine L. Ramos, a Student Involvement Analyst in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL), and 2022 UAPB Alumna Alexandria Slater are among the 20 Arkansas fellows who were selected.


Learn more

UAPB Fishing Team

UAPB Fishing Team Casts Off for Florida — Representing Conservation, Community, and Commitment

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is proud to spotlight its UAPB Fishing Team, a group of dedicated student-conservationists and ambassadors who represent their university and community with passion, poise, and a commitment to outreach. The team — Isaiah AtoeKeidron Warner, and Zykei Lewis headed to Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday, January 16, for a major tournament under the prestigious Bassmaster banner — the world’s largest bass fishing organization, best known for hosting the Bassmaster Classic, widely regarded as the “Super Bowl of Fishing.” 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.

Register Now for UAPB High School Day February 7, 2026

UAPB 2026 High School Day Welcome to the Yard





Get ready for an unforgettable experience at High School Day at UAPB! Join hundreds of students from across the region for a day packed with live performances, campus tours, academic showcases, giveaways, and a front-row seat to the electrifying UAPB spirit! Meet future classmates, connect with faculty, and feel the roar of the Pride as you explore what it means to be a Golden Lion. This isn’t just a visit—it’s a vibe. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

UAPB/AM&N Alumni Announcements

UAPB Homecoming Class Reunion Save the Date

Join a UAPB Alumni Chapter!

UAPB graduates are encouraged to join an alumni chapter! Recent UAPB graduates receive a complimentary one year membership to the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association.


The organization serves as a catalyst for building goodwill among the administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, while encouraging the moral and financial support needed to strengthen UAPB.

CLICK THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTIVE CHAPTERS

UAPB Houston Alumni Association Kickoff Meeting 2026

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

UAPB Alumni Endowment Scholarship Available

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) announces that its Alumni Endowment Scholarship is available. Applicants must be current UAPB students who have completed at least 30 credit hours by the end of the current semester, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3, and are first-time degree seeking students. Students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters to qualify for the scholarship. The scholarship amount is divided between the fall and spring semesters and will only be awarded to students who are enrolled in both semesters.

Deadline: February 13, 2026

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

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.

NCAA Leadership Development Programs are Now Open

NCAA Educational and Leadership Opportunities

The NCAA is thrilled to announce that applications for its leadership development programs are now open for the spring season. The programs currently open for student-athletes, faculty and staff in Athletics (and beyond), and other campus partners, include:

  • Career in Sports Forum
  • Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute
  • The Pathway Program
  • NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy (will close on February 20, 2026 – 5 p.m. EST)

Each program is carefully crafted to enhance the leadership skills critical to your roles, from career exploration to fine-tuning your leadership abilities.

What’s next: Apply by the deadline of 5 p.m. EST on February 27, 2026, to secure your spot in these transformative programs. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Join UAPB in Celebrating 250 Years of Music!

Celebrate 250 years of U.S. history with the UAPB Vesper Choir! 🎶✨ Help us raise $162K for our 2026 United Kingdom 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 UAPB19 to 41444, or use our Online giving.

UAPB Dining Has An Updated Site Link:

https://uapb.mydininghub.com/en

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE LADY'S SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE MEN'S SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Camp

Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Camp Inspires Arkansas High School Students


A two-day Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Camp hosted by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff gave Arkansas high school students hands-on exposure to careers in agriculture, food systems and entrepreneurship, according to Dr. Kimberly Haynie, associate professor of nutrition and food science. Click to learn more

Jaylon Reynolds Undergraduate Brother of the Month

Brother of the Month - Jaylon Reynolds January 2026

The Southwestern Province proudly recognizes Jaylon Reynolds of the Gamma Sigma Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) as Undergraduate Brother of the Month for his outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.


Reynolds currently serves as Polemarch of the Gamma Sigma Chapter, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, accountability, and dedication to advancing the mission and objectives of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.


While leading his chapter, Reynolds maintains a strong 3.505 grade point average, reflecting his commitment to scholarship and personal development. Throughout the month, he made a significant impact through a wide range of community service initiatives. His service includes reading to students at Friendship Aspire Academy, assisting with the preparation of 16 Thanksgiving baskets at UAPB and an additional 38 Thanksgiving baskets at New Salem Church, and donating water to the Jefferson County Boys and Girls Club.


His academic accomplishments have earned him notable recognition. He is a proud recipient of the First Ward Living Grace Academic Scholarship, the Thurgood Marshall Kiewit Academic Scholarship, and the Alumni Endowment Scholarship, highlighting his dedication to academic achievement and excellence.

#UAPBMensTrack&Field: Gregory Clerkly Named to the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team 

Gregory Clerkly Named to the 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team

At the intersection of excellence, service, and leadership stands Gregory Clerkley, a college junior standout for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Men’s Track and Field program whose impact reaches far beyond the track.


Clerkley, affectionately known as Keshawn, was selected as a nominee for the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team (Winter), a national honor that celebrates student-athletes across all divisions and sports who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academic achievement, and athletic performance. Click to learn more

Landowners: Winter Maintenance Ensures Healthy Ponds in Spring  

Winter Maintenance Ensures Health Ponds in Spring

With the cold temperatures, it can be easy for landowners to overlook pond maintenance, Scott Jones, small impoundment Extension specialist for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said. However, there are a few maintenance steps pond owners should consider taking in the winter to ensure their ponds are in prime condition by spring.


Click to learn more

Community Partners' News

Zeta Phi Beta Book Scholarship
RSVP Senior Volunteer Benefits Flyer
R and B and Tea at Magnolia Food Market and Bar

Click for Events At The ARTx3 Campus.

Join an exciting community event every Thursday from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in downtown Pine Bluff! Sponsored by the City of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Downtown Development, and Explore Pine Bluff, Trolley Hop Thursdays is dedicated to revitalizing the vibrant downtown area of Pine Bluff. FREE trolley rides!


Click this link for more information.

All Black Affair 2026
Heart Healthy Meals Event February 21 2026

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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