UAPB names SAFHS interim dean
Christopher C. Mathis Jr., Ph.D, was appointed interim dean/director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. In this position, he is responsible for the SAFHS’s Plan of Work and for providing leadership for SAFHS research laboratories, according to Bruce W. McGowan, Ph.D, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UAPB.
“Dr. Mathis brings to the position an excellent commitment to agriculture and research and is recognized throughout the agriculture community,” McGowan said. “He is a proven leader among the 1890 Association of Research Directors (ARD), the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). He is also a Fellow of the prestigious Food Systems Leadership Institute.”
In his most recent role at UAPB, Mathis served as professor and assistant dean of research for SAFHS. In that position, he supported the management of the Evans-Allen Research Program, capacity building grants which are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and other research and scholarly opportunities.
Evans-Allen research is the foundation of the agriculture research programs at all 1890 historically Black land-grant colleges and universities. Research projects at UAPB have been conducted in areas including improved agriculture production, animal husbandry, youth development, agronomy, agricultural marketing, economic development, poultry sciences, fisheries, entomology and horticulture.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Mathis joined UAPB after having served in several leadership roles at South Carolina State University (SC State) in Orangeburg, S.C. He served as director of student development and support where he took the lead in writing the South Carolina State 1890 Agricultural Innovation Scholarship grant and oversaw the implementation of the 1890 Ag Innovations Scholars Program. He also provided academic guidance and assistance to prospective students and oversaw the South Carolina State AgDiscovery and Combining Youth, Passion and Resources for Environmental Science (CYPRESS) summer outreach programs.
He served as associate research director of the 1890 Research and Extension Program twice while at the university. In that role, he provided administrative support to the executive director in the management and operation of the Evans-Allen Research Program and administrative and programmatic leadership to research programs in agriculture, as well as to graduate and undergraduate students who were employed by Evans-Allen funds.
From 2010-2019, Mathis served as senior research director for the Center of Agricultural Systems, Food Production, Safety and Security. In that role, he developed and oversaw the implementation of an outcomes-based work plan for undergraduate and graduate students who worked for 1890 researchers. He assisted in coordinating proposal planning, reviews, and full project development and implementation for research. He was also the founder and adviser for the MANRRS organization. In addition, he served as the interim associate vice president for research/chief administrator for 1890 Research and Extension at SC State, in 2006.
Mathis has a doctoral degree in agriculture and Extension education and a master’s degree in educational administration and higher education from Michigan State University. His bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, is from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.
New Community cancels giveaway
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., won’t open its pantry Saturday due to the winter storm forecast. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett.
Pleasant Grove MBC cancels service
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 S. Indiana St., has cancelled service for Sunday. Due to the forecast of inclement weather this weekend, Sunday School and worship won’t be held. “Once the weather conditions improve, they look forward to seeing you, your family and friends,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com. The Rev. Dennis W. Wilson is the pastor. To learn more about Pleasant Grove, visit here.
Red Cross reschedules PB event
The Greater Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross announces that the “Ready to Respond Volunteer Open House” is postponed. Originally scheduled for Saturday in Pine Bluff, the event was postponed due to anticipated severe winter weather. The event will now be held Feb. 21 from 2-5 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
“The safety of our volunteers and community members is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there,” according to a news release.