As the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff extended wishes for Mother’s Day on May 11, the university shared the journey of mother Patricia Ann Cole and daughter Maya Ashanti Cole, graduates of the 2025 class at UAPB.
The mother and daughter duo not only honored a UAPB family and female legacy that Patricia Cole coined as the Wisemon sisters’ UAPB legacy, but also created a unique Mother’s Day gift, graduating together.
Maya Cole and Patricia Cole graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees from UAPB at the May 10 Spring Commencement ceremonies.
Maya Cole earned a degree in nursing, and Patricia Cole has earned a degree in business management.
They offered their experiences as traditional and non-traditional college students.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
They wanted to share that the historically Black college and university experience is available to support one’s goals at any age.
As a Pine Bluff High School senior, Maya Cole joined the Ivy Center for Education and, in 2019, received her first white coat through Club Scrub-Ivy Center and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central Campus. Her learning experience in the Medical Applications of Science of Health program solidified her desire to be in the medical field.
While on the UAPB campus, as a traditional student, Maya Cole participated in the cheer squad and spent a year as a UAPB athletic trainer and, in 2023, participated in the UAPB nursing program white coat ceremony.
She has secured a certification in mental health first aid and is CPR certified.
“I always had a heart to care for people,” Maya Cole said. “The clinical rotations during my senior year at UAPB solidified my decision to become a nurse. The learning experience was phenomenal. I was trained in medical surgery, postpartum care, neonatal care, postmortem care, pill call/sick call, pre- and post-operation, geriatrics, cardiovascular, ER and ICU.”
“I also had the opportunity to work with medical professionals in preschool, middle and junior high school as a part of my clinical rotation. My Big Momma, the late Freddie Mae Wisemon, always wanted a nurse in the family. In pursuit of a career in nursing, I’m able to fulfill her desire,” she said.
Patricia Cole attended UAPB many years ago but didn’t complete her degree at the time.
However, she never gave up on her dream.
In the interim, she gained valuable experience in procurement, from supply chain management to purchasing analysis. Today, she serves as the fiscal support manager in the UAPB Purchasing Department, a role that showcases her dedication and hard work.
Patricia Cole’s journey was not without sacrifice. A year after her return to UAPB, her daughter, Maya Cole, also became a UAPB student.
“To avoid student loan debt for her, I sacrificed and cut back on my classes to help pay for her tuition,” Patricia Cole said. “Yes, it took longer for me, but it was well worth it in the end.”
“It was challenging going back to school at this period in my life; some classes, at times, were difficult to comprehend, but with God’s help, I could make it through. All my sisters graduated from UAPB, so continuing the legacy of the Wisemon sisters is an honor,” she said.
Patricia Cole expressed her love for he daughter and the significance of their joint graduation.
“I’m forever grateful that my daughter and I are able to receive our bachelor’s degrees together. I love her dearly. This is the best Mother’s Day gift ever!”
The women attributed their success to their family’s love, support and unwavering faith in God. Each offered a scripture that guided them.
Maya Cole shared 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity,” as one of her favorite scriptures.
Patricia Cole shared that one of her favorite scriptures is, “With God, all things are possible,” from Matthew 19:26. Their faith has been a guiding light in their educational journey.
In addition to recognizing support from their family and God, they offered shouts to people who have helped them reach this milestone.
For Maya Cole, she wants to thank Mattie Collins and her staff at the Ivy Center for Education; Renisha Ward at UAMS South Central Campus; Kristy Walker Armstrong for being an enormous blessing during her college journey; Vineta Lindsey at UAPB for always challenging her to be better; and Debra Davis at UAPB for her knowledgeable and caring approach.
Patricia Cole extended a heartfelt thank you to all her instructors who assisted her as a “seasoned student” in the classroom. She thanked her UAPB Procurement Department Interim Director Alisha Lewi for encouraging her to continue when she felt overwhelmed and UAPB Vice Chancellor Elbert Bennet for the “constant reminders of the promise to my mom, the late Mae Wisemon, to make sure I go back to college and get my degree.”