Community Briefs Jan. 24

UAPB leaders named fellows

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced that two officials were selected for the Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University 2025 Community of Fellows.

The participants are Frank D. Dorsey II, dean for UAPB Student Involvement & Leadership, and Tanya S. Walker, Ph.D., UAPB director of Academic Advancement Programs of the Division of Academic Affairs.

“The ELI January press release proudly announced that 46 outstanding candidates will participate in one of the most prestigious executive leadership programs for historically Black colleges and universities in the United States. This milestone not only celebrates individual achievements but also underscores the unwavering commitment of UAPB leaders to the university’s success and future,” according to a news release.

Dorsey and Walker will spend 2025 participating in virtual and residency seminars, providing knowledge and hands-on skills. The program focuses on the HBCU ELI Competency Framework that covers Social Impact, Personal Impact, HBCU Impact, Serving the Mission, Creating Capacity, and Leading Change, according to the release.

DORSEY

Dorsey is a native of West Memphis. In addition to being a dean, he is also executive assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. He has been instrumental in developing initiatives that enhance student involvement, leadership, and a sense of belonging on campus. Dorsey has fostered partnerships with external organizations to provide students with resources, including internships, volunteer opportunities, and mental health services.

“The HBCU ELI at Clark Atlanta is an incredible opportunity to elevate my leadership and enhance my contributions to UAPB,” he said. “I am truly honored to be selected for this experience. My gratitude extends to Dr. Nina Lyon-Bennett, assistant dean for academics in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences, who encouraged me to apply and provided unwavering guidance and support. Her participation in the program in 2023 and her commitment to ‘reaching across the aisle’ have been a source of inspiration as I prepare to bring new insights and leadership back to UAPB.”

WALKER

Walker is a native of Pine Bluff.

“Dr. Walker is an accomplished, energetic, and passionate higher education administrator with a diverse portfolio of professional and transformational leadership experience,” according to the release. “She has experience in providing strategic leadership in academic and student affairs, specifically in the areas of student success, career preparation, and retention.”

She has a commitment to academic success and assisting students in reaching their personal and academic goals.

“It is an incredible honor to be a part of this distinguished cohort, where I will engage with accomplished leaders, gain invaluable insights, and further refine my skills to contribute to the future of higher education,” Walker said. “This opportunity represents not only a personal milestone but also a commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership in service to our communities. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues, mentors, and the HBCU ELI team. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead.”

The HBCU ELI is an incubator for recruiting and developing the future presidents of HBCUs, according to the release.

Theft victim offers $5,000 reward

A recent victim of a theft in Jefferson County is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone providing information which results in the recovery of items recently stolen from their property, according to the Jefferson County sheriff’s office.

Some of the stolen items include:

Kubota Tractor Serial No. 11924-4WD

Kubota Excavator Serial No. KBCDZ15CJL3B36354

Kubota Track Loader Serial No. KBCZ053CHP1F12375

Texas Bragg Trailer Serial No. 17XFP24XL1097749

Starlite Trailer Serial No. 13YBF2325RC129488.

Anyone with information on the location of, or suspects involved in this stolen property are asked to contact Sgt. Clayton Cantrell with the sheriff’s office, Criminal Investigation Division, at (870) 541-5496 or by email at clayton.cantrell@jeffcoso.org.

Any determination or arrangement of the payment of the reward will be made by the victim and not the sheriff’s office, according to the release.