DeAndra Haynes and Caleb Williams, two graduating seniors from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, will be commissioned during the 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday.
Haynes, a native of Milwaukee, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant health service administration officer with the U.S. Army.
Williams, a native of Little Rock, will be commissioned as an infantry officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard, according to a news release.
Haynes will receive a Bachelor of Science in biology/pre-medicine. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Medical Laboratory Science program. Her goal is to become a doctor or a physician’s assistant.
Haynes has served as a logistics specialist with the Arkansas Army National Guard since September 2018. She credits her academic success to the dedicated faculty and staff in UAPB’s Department of Biology. She extends her gratitude to Chairperson Anissa Evans and associate professor Traci Hudson, who were initially her advisers, and Cynthia Burroughs and Celeste Henry.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Haynes said her biggest motivation for accomplishing her goals is her 2-year-old daughter, Dani.
“This has been an up-and-down journey, but of course, we pushed through everything,” Haynes said. “Even though I had a child while I was in college, it was hard, but it was doable. She gave me more reason to be a positive role model, a Black female in the Army. It’s not out of reach.”
Williams served as the 103rd president of UAPB’s Student Government Association. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed him to the Arkansas Black History Commission. Williams shared that Col. Nathaniel “Nate” Todd, a member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, is one of the reasons he attended UAPB.
“He taught me about the university’s history of commissioning young African Americans in the U.S. Army and played a huge role in my personal development at the university,” Williams said.
He added that several mentors were instrumental in providing him with wisdom and direction, which set him on a path of progress.
“There are a few influential people who I could not have made it this far without,” Williams said. “One of them is Jason ‘J.D.’ McGehee, an alumnus and proud supporter of this university, and someone who has been an amazing mentor to me. His guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. From helping me secure internships to shaping my personal and professional growth, I am truly grateful for his support every step of the way.”
Williams also praised the hard work of UAPB faculty members Leonard Williams and Henry Brooks IV.
“Dr. (Leonard) Williams, working in the HPER (health, physical education and recreation) Department, has worked with me to navigate the university. He is a great mentor and instructor. Mr. Brooks, a political science professor here at UAPB, is invaluable to any student who has studied with him. He has helped countless students get into the field they love, and my experience would have been so different without his instruction. These amazing mentors guided me with unwavering support and have each played a vital role in my journey. I am deeply grateful for their encouragement and belief in me,” Williams said.