The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present Smokie Norful, renowned pastor, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, educator and UAPB graduate, as speaker for its 171st commencement.
The graduation will be at 10 a.m. May 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The procession will begin at 9:45 a.m. The full ceremony will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@UAPBTV.
“Pastor Smokie Norful is a shining example of the excellence, resilience, and transformative leadership that UAPB strives to cultivate in every student,” UAPB Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart said in a news release.
“From the pulpit to the global stage, he has used his gifts to uplift, inspire, and change lives. His journey — rooted right here at UAPB — embodies the power of purpose, faith, and education. We are beyond proud to welcome him home as this year’s commencement speaker, and we know his message will leave a lasting imprint on the Class of 2025,” Stewart said.
Norful has a bachelor’s degree in history from UAPB and is known for ministry and music.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“With more than 27 years of preaching, 19 years of pastoring, and a musical career spanning more than two decades, he has sold over 6 million albums worldwide and earned two Grammy Awards, 11 Stellar Awards, five Dove Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and multiple NAACP Image and BET Award nominations,” according to the release.
He is currently senior pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Ill., and Victory City Atlanta in Sandy Springs, Ga., churches that have collectively connected with more than 2 million worshippers and led more than 15,000 people to Christ, according to the release.
A lifelong learner, Norful is pursuing a doctor of ministry at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.
COMMENCEMENT DETAILS
For the safety and security of all attendees, UAPB will enforce a clear bag policy at the convention center for the commencement ceremony.
Permitted items include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″; one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags; and small clutch bags no larger than 5.5″ x 8.5″, with or without a handle or strap.
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. All bags are subject to search upon entry. For more information, please refer to the Pine Bluff Convention Center Clear Bag Policy (Pine Bluff Convention Center — Home).
Details: uapbcommencement.com or contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at registrar@uapb.edu.