It is with profound sadness that I join the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff family and our broader Pine Bluff community in mourning the passing of Ms. Florence Caine — an extraordinary educator, counselor and mentor whose life’s work transformed generations of students. As an alumnus of UAPB, I witnessed firsthand the power of people like Ms. Caine, who quietly and consistently did the heavy lifting that turns dreams into degrees and promise into purpose.
For decades within UAPB’s Basic Academic Services Department, Ms. Caine invested not only her time and expertise, but often her own personal resources to ensure that students had what they needed to succeed — books, guidance, encouragement and a steady hand when life became complicated. She understood that academic advising is more than schedules and credit hours; it is about removing barriers, building confidence and helping students see the future they deserve.
Her “What Is Your Next Step in Life” initiative embodied that mission. In collaboration with the Divine Nine organizations and as part of UAPB’s 150th anniversary community involvement efforts, Ms. Caine led outreach to high schools across our region, bringing the campus to the classroom, demystifying college readiness and walking students through the practical steps from high school to higher education. The purpose of this initiative was to speak with various groups of high school students and share what we loved most about attending UAPB, while emphasizing the positive aspects of college life through the lens of our organizations’ years of engagement with the campus.
For me, those conversations were deeply personal: After high school, I stood at the same crossroads. Choosing UAPB was a turning point in my life. I encourage every student to speak with their family and college counselor about next steps after graduation; to consider how being part of a Greek organization at an HBCU can cultivate commitment, leadership, community service and character within an environment of friendship; and to explore all that UAPB has to offer.
UAPB was a good fit for me because it paired rigorous instruction with a community that expected — and supported — excellence. It shaped my leadership, grounded my service to others and connected me to mentors and peers whose influence I carry into public service each day. Ms. Caine championed that same pathway for countless students, and her legacy will continue wherever Golden Lions gather to learn, to serve and to lead.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Caine was a familiar face to our entire community through her leadership in coordinating UAPB Homecoming Parade year after year and serving as chairperson for the homecoming parade committee. Her joyful presence and meticulous stewardship helped make Homecoming a signature celebration of pride and tradition. This year, many will feel her absence along the parade route, and we will miss seeing her steady hand guiding the festivities she loved.
On behalf of the Jefferson County sheriff’s office, I extend heartfelt condolences to Ms. Caine’s family, her colleagues and the many students she guided. We honor her by carrying forward her example — investing in our youth, partnering across our community and opening doors so that every student can take that “next step” with confidence.
To the Golden Lion family, may we find comfort in knowing that Ms. Florence Caine’s life was a master class in servant leadership. Her kindness was policy, her excellence was standard and her impact is permanent. May God grant her eternal rest, and may He grant us the strength to continue the work she so beautifully began.
Lafayette Woods Jr. is sheriff of Jefferson County.