University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff employees received pertinent information, encouragement and motivation during the 2024 Fall Faculty/Staff Seminar on Aug. 16.
The event was designed to keep everyone engaged with a variety of interactive sessions, team-building exercises and insights on initiatives for the upcoming academic year.
Participants were also entertained by the UAPB Pep Band, Cheer and Spirit Teams and had a chance to win door prizes, according to a news release.
Following the Olympic Games in Paris, this year’s theme was “Going for Gold: Champions of Innovation, Growth, and Resilience.” The theme was reflected in the table décor, presentations and the passing of a baton from one speaker to the next, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge and inspiration to the UAPB Golden Lion faculty and staff.
The seminar was a platform for several presenters to share the latest updates happening at UAPB and in higher education. This included updates on university leadership, programs and initiatives, ensuring that everyone was well-informed about the university’s current state and future direction.
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Bruce McGowan, recently appointed interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, moderated the meeting.
Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart gave a State of the University Address.
A session entitled “Going for Gold: Using the Productivity Formula to Make Data-Driven Decisions” was presented by Carla Martin, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Margaret Taylor, director of Institutional Research and Planning. The productivity formula is a strategic approach that combines data analysis and decision-making to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the academic and administrative processes.
Aareyon Wallace, vice president of the Student Government Association, gave a Student Forecast.
Derek Young, a culture and career strategist, was the keynote speaker. His presentation, “YOU Are UAPB: Champions of Innovation, Growth, and Resilience,” inspired and entertained.
Dean of Student Involvement and Leadership Frank Dorsey II gave a welcome during the luncheon.
A moment of reflection was shared by Nina Lyon Bennett, assistant dean for Academics in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries & Human Sciences.
Christopher Hickman, director of administrative services in the Office of Human Resources, recognized new and retired employees and employees with 20 years of service. The four employees commemorated for providing two decades of service are Darryl Evans, Alicia Robinson-Farmer, Timothy Stubbs and Delila Thurman.
Suzzette Shaw Goldmon, assistant professor and program coordinator of hospitality and tourism management, presented a segment entitled “Champions of Employee Giving.” This segment celebrated the generous contributions of the employees who play a crucial role in supporting various initiatives and programs at UAPB.
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Development George Cotton recognized top employee donors, acknowledging their significant contributions to the university community.
An overview of UAPB’s Strategic Plan Implementation was presented by Steve Lochmann, co-chair of the Implementation Committee and a professor in aquaculture and fisheries.
“We look forward to team building and collaborative endeavors, and we want to increase our research knowledge this academic year,” said Stewart. “We want to demonstrate consistent customer service … for our students, constituents, alumni, staff and friends. Again, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve this academic year.”
Stewart outlined the top five priorities of the Strategic Plan for the 2024-2025 academic year:
Leverage UAPB’s image, reputation and recognition;
Improve student success, measures, and the academic culture;
Optimize research, streams, and resources;
Normalize requests for funds to upgrade facilities;
Sustain a culture of institutional excellence through professional development.
Stewart expressed excitement regarding the debut of two new academic programs beginning this fall semester: a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. She announced that Eddie Branch has been named the new chair of the Math and Computer Science Department. He has a doctoral degree in electrical engineering and a master’s and undergraduate degree in applied math.
UAPB also offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship.
“We want to see good things happen in business. We want our students to be able to start their own small businesses. I am encouraging the School of Business and Management to work with our students so that they have that opportunity,” Stewart said.
She also reported that under the leadership of Venetia Miller, project/program director in the Division of Academic Affairs, certificates of proficiency programs are now available at UAPB, including:
Certificate of Proficiency in Agricultural Relations.
Certificate of Proficiency in Construction and Management.
Certificate of Proficiency in Data Science.
Stewart added that the university is proposing to add a Certificate of Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence and an online Master of Business Administration in Educational Leadership Program.
“Our niche is also hospitality and gaming,” she said. “We are striving to offer more online programs. We are looking for certificates that will allow individuals in our communities to be self-sufficient and to increase the economic development in those areas.”
Sheena Meadows, director of Educational Assessment and assistant to Stewart, led the Faculty/Staff Seminar Steering Committee. She thanked committee chairs, members and program participants and shared that formal feedback was overwhelmingly positive.