The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Student-Athlete Development Office hosted the Fall 2025 Student-Athlete Development Career Tour in Dallas from Nov. 18-19.
Ten UAPB student athletes participated in this experiential learning opportunity designed to broaden their professional knowledge and industry exposure beyond athletics.
The tour began with a visit to Con Real LLC, a Black-owned commercial construction company recognized for its expansive portfolio and commitment to community impact. President and CEO Gerald B. Alley, a Pine Bluff native, leads the company.
Student athletes learned about the company’s history, industry innovations and major projects, including the STEM Building on UAPB’s campus, State Farm Arena and Globe Life Field.
Students also had the opportunity to meet the company’s current intern, gaining first-hand insight into career pathways in construction and project management, according to the news release.
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The group then toured Tree of Life, a Black-owned funeral services provider in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area. The agency is led by Andrew D.S. Kirkland and UAPB alum Parish E. Lowery, who is also a pastor.
Tree of Life provided students with an in-depth look into leadership, business operations and service within the death care industry. Lowery, the president of the UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association North Texas Chapter, shared his journey and professional experiences with the students.
Later that evening, participants attended the UAPB men’s basketball game at Southern Methodist University, where UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter President Jermane Raynor and numerous alumni welcomed them.
This engagement allowed student-athletes to strengthen alumni ties, build mentorship relationships and gain insights from professionals across various career fields, according to the news release.
On day two, student athletes attended the 2025 Sports Business Panel hosted by Dallas Cowboys Legends Global at AT&T Stadium.
The event included a facility tour, an interactive Q&A session with sports industry professionals and a networking lunch.
Through discussions covering career pathways both on and off the field, students gained exposure to roles and internships in event operations, business, marketing, sales, facility management and athlete services, according to the release.
UAPB thanks the sponsors and supporters of the event: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, UAPB Institutional Advancement, UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter, UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association North Texas Chapter, Con Real LLC and Tree of Life Funeral Directors.