SEARK plans graduation May 16
Southeast Arkansas College will conduct its 2024 commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. May 16 in the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena.
Ernie Murry will be the commencement speaker, according to a news release.
Murry, a member of Arkansas’ 1990 NCAA Final Four basketball team, is from Wabbaseka and is currently in medical sales in Little Rock.
“During his tenure with the Razorbacks from 1989-91, Murry showcased exceptional skills as an outside shooter, contributing significantly to the team’s success by clinching the Southwest Conference championship each season,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
SEARK will confer 361 degrees and certificates, honoring the Summer and Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates. The community is invited to attend the graduation.
Interim SEARK President Stacy Pfluger emphasized the significance of celebrating this milestone for the graduates.
“Commencement is a time-honored tradition that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is a momentous occasion not only for our graduates but also for their families, friends, and the entire SEARK community. As our graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, we are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see the impact they will make in their respective fields and communities,” Pfluger said.
SEARK sets forums with finalists
Public forums will be held this week with the three finalists for Southeast Arkansas College president.
Finalists are Tyrone Jackson, Ed.D, president of Mississippi Delta Community College; Douglas Miller, Ph.D., senior associate vice president and chief campus administrator, Utah State University Eastern; and Dometrius Hill, Ed.D, associate vice president of academic affairs, Lee College, Texas.
Each candidate will participate in two forums at the SEARK at the Welcome Center in the Training Center on these dates:
May 6 — Jackson, 10:15-11:15 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
May 9 — Miller, 10:15-11:15 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
May 10 – Hill, 10:15-11:15 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.
During the week, the finalists will be visiting SEARK where they will have the opportunity to meet with students, faculty, and staff. The SEARK College Board of Trustees will make the final selection from among the finalists in the coming weeks, according to a news release.
Synergy awards grants to 2 PB schools
The Forrest Park Pre-K and the Broadmoor Elementary schools have each received $500 grants for the 2024-25 school year.
The district submitted an application to the Synergy Forum Grant Committee in March for restocking the schools’ clothing/hygiene closets and to assist underprivileged students with the purchase of shoes, coats, school supplies, clothing, and other needs, according to a news release.
Marceinia Peoples is the principal of the Forrest Park and Alycia Wiley is the principal of the Broadmoor.
The mission of the Synergy Forum Inc. is to provide financial incentives for the initiation and implementation of activities that enhance Pine Bluff/Jefferson County in the arts, education, or social services; and to provide developmental assistance for efforts to improve the quality of life in Pine Bluff/Jefferson County. Amy Hunt is the vice president/grant chairman, according to the release.