Perry L. Williams, a spring 2025 graduate and former student leader at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was named the 112th recipient of the Guy Levis Grant Award.
A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Williams received the award during the fraternity’s 87th Grand Chapter Meeting, according to a UAPB news release.
The award, named after one of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s 10 founders, is bestowed upon undergraduate members who exhibit extra meritorious contributions to the fraternity’s advancement, according to the fraternity’s website.
In his public statement, Williams credited his mother and chapter adviser for their guidance and support. He also acknowledged UAPB for providing a foundation that helped shape his values and purpose-driven leadership.
“This award is not only a result of my hard work and dedication as a member of my fraternity, but is also a tribute to those around me,” Williams said. “I would especially like to thank my mother for instilling in me strong core values, and my Chapter Advisor, Brother Ray Walker, for his unwavering support in my pursuit of this honor.”
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For Williams to be considered for the award, an extensive and detailed petition had to be prepared by chapter officers showing his accomplishments from a fraternity, community and scholastic perspective. The 38-page document is filled with photos that highlight his involvement in health, literacy, technology and other relevant topics.
“This award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an undergraduate member of the organization, recognizing exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service,” said Frank D. Dorsey II, dean of Student Involvement & Leadership and executive assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UAPB.
“He represents the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi here at UAPB,” Dorsey said.
Williams, a native of Crossett, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and a Certificate of Proficiency in cybersecurity from UAPB in May.
“We believe this recognition aligns perfectly with the university’s mission and vision to produce graduates who are prepared for leadership and service,” Dorsey said.
Ray Walker, who has served as the UAPB Gamma Sigma Chapter advisor for 10 years, emphasized the significance of the award. In addition to receiving a medallion and wall-sized certificate, Williams will be recognized at all future meetings he attends.
“Any meeting that he goes to, whether it’s a national, local, or provincial meeting, he’s always recognized when he walks in the room. They stop what they’re doing and acknowledge his presence in the room. And he always sits at the front. They have designated seating,” Walker said.
This award marks a significant milestone in the history of the UAPB chapter, as it is only the second time in nearly three decades — and the first time under Walker’s leadership — that a member has been honored with the Guy Levis Grant Award.
“Perry is the second recipient from the UAPB Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi to receive that award,” Walker said. “The other awardee was (Dr.) John Kuykendall III. John received it 26 years ago, in 1999. UAPB Alumnus Kuykendall III currently serves as the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Indianapolis. Dr. John Kuykendall III is the son of John Kuykendall Jr., director, UAPB Office of Alumni Affairs.
“The award is the highest award that an undergrad can receive from Kappa Alpha Psi,” he said.
Walker said when he first met Williams, he had a 4.0 grade point average, which he maintained. He added that Williams was later awarded for having the highest GPA during that year in their region, the Southwestern Province, and has consistently been in the top three in their province.
Before receiving the Guy Levis Grant Award, Williams was named Undergraduate of the Year for their region, as well as Brother of the Year and Brother of the Month. He has volunteered as a mentor at TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service); served as a tutor at SOAR (Students of Responsibility & Achievement); worked at the Ivy Center for Education, which conducts STEM workshops for high school students; and for two consecutive years, chaired the St. Jude — Sunday of Hope Campaign.
Under his leadership, their chapter has raised more money for St. Jude than any other undergraduate chapter in the nation, according to the news release.
Williams also chaired the chapter’s website committee and led the fraternity to win Website of the Year in their province and National Website of the Year in the U.S.
“He is a bright spot for his generation. He works hard, and a lot of his work ethic came from how he was raised with his mother. He’s been a great member of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi his entire career there,” Walker said.
He revealed that Williams had begun a new journey in his career with a job opportunity in Texas.
“I hate to see him leave because now, Perry’s gone. He’s now accepted a job at Wells Fargo in Dallas,” Walker said.
