As the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff begins the 2026 spring semester, the Department of Athletics reflects on a major academic milestone achieved by its fall 2025 graduating student-athletes and academic support staff.
Twenty-six UAPB student-athletes and athletics support personnel earned undergraduate degrees.
Representing multiple academic colleges across the university, these graduates successfully balanced the demands of Division I competition with rigorous academic coursework. Their accomplishments underscore UAPB Athletics’ continued focus on preparing student-athletes for life beyond competition — as educators, business professionals, scientists, health care providers and innovators, according to a news release.
“As we begin a new year, it is especially meaningful to celebrate these graduates and the legacy they leave behind,” said Chris Robinson, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “They officially join the ranks of UAPB alumni having demonstrated discipline, integrity, and resilience. They represent the very best of what it means to be a Golden Lion, and their impact will extend far beyond the field of play.”
In addition to earning degrees, several graduates achieved notable academic distinctions. Several student-athletes were inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in both scholarship and athletics. Others received the Chancellor’s Medallion, one of the university’s highest academic honors, awarded to top-performing students within their respective schools.
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“These graduates have shown remarkable perseverance and commitment,” said Shon Pilcher, associate athletic director for academics. “Their success reflects not only their individual determination, but also the strong academic support system at UAPB. They are an inspiration as we begin another year focused on student achievement.”
Fall graduates include:
University College
Jared Sylvester – General Studies
School of Education
Isaiah Jones – Health and Kinesiology
Kavion Majors – Health and Kinesiology
Arryonna Simmons – Health and Kinesiology
Dae’Tre’ll Cooper – Health and Kinesiology
Kaiel Kimble – Health and Kinesiology
Martavious Miller – Health and Kinesiology
Kyle Knox – Health and Kinesiology
Elijah McDonald – Health and Kinesiology
Jeremiah Rodgers – Health and Kinesiology
School of Business and Management
Michael Saumell Jr. – Business Administration/Finance
Cornelia Watts – Business Administration/International Business
Dylan Booker – Business Administration/Management
Keaundra Sykes – Business Administration/Management
Genesis Joseph – Business Administration/Management
Jamison Gary – Business Administration/Management
School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences
Bryce Lusk – Agriculture/Agricultural Business
School of Arts and Sciences
Ashley Robinson – Criminal Justice
Kaelyn Kimble – Biology
Ashley McGuire – Biology/Dentistry
Ariyonna Edmond – Industrial Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Kevin English – Industrial Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Empress Roberts – Industrial Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Kaleb Knox – Psychology
Bachelor of Science
Nautica Nelson – Rehabilitation Services
Zyrin Willoughby – Health & Kinesiology
Fall 2025 Inductees
Chi Alpha Sigma – National College Athlete Honor Society
Ashley Robinson – Criminal Justice
Ashley McGuire – Biology/Dentistry
Genesis Joseph – Business Administration/Management
Kaiel Kimble – Health and Kinesiology
Dylan Booker – Business Administration/Management
Cornelia Watts – Business Administration/International Business
Isaiah Jones – Health and Kinesiology
Fall 2025 Chancellor’s Medallion Recipients
Ashley Robinson – Criminal Justice
Kaiel Kimble – Health and Kinesiology
Cornelia Watts – Business Administration/International Business.