The Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff recently hosted an inaugural Leadership Summit.
UAPB students, joined by professionals and community leaders from the Arkansas Delta, assembled for the Emerging Scholars event held at the STEM Conference Center on the UAPB campus, according to a news release.
“The summit delivered a dynamic evening of leadership development, workplace readiness, professionalism, and career advancement strategies in addition to transformative student engagement,” said Kathy Richards, Ph.D., associate director of placement and assessment at Emerging Scholars.
Using feedback from employer partners and student interns, the objective was to additionally equip students with strategic approaches for securing full-time employment offers beyond the internship experience upon graduation, Richards said. It also marked the beginning of a new tradition, as the institute announced the Emerging Scholars Leadership Summit will now be held annually at the end of each fall semester, she said.
“Dr. Richards’ student-centered vision shaped the summit from inception to execution, resulting in a highly intentional experience that focused on practical skill-building, career preparation, and personal growth,” according to the release.
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Executive Director Tim Campbell expanded the summit’s reach through strategic partnerships and long-term program alignment. At the same time, Associate Director Jillian Cheatham provided critical operational support through coordinated logistics and student engagement efforts.
The event presenters included:
Frank Dorsey II, dean of Student Involvement & Leadership and strategic adviser at UAPB.
Jamal Gordon, member engagement representative of the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County.
Angelisa Henry, executive director of Pine Bluff Downtown Development.
Falana Jackson, manager of quality assurance at Private Healthcare Systems.
LaTasha Randle, vice president and director of community outreach for FBT Bank.
Joni Alexander-Robinson, president and CEO of the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce.
Drekkia Writes, founder of Seven of Arts Inc.
Their sessions covered a wide range of topics, including professional dress and grooming, code switching, navigating difficult conversations, adapting to workplace culture, networking as a leadership tool and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Rather than featuring traditional panel discussions, Emerging Scholars allowed students to lead professional conversations with the guest speakers, according to a news release.
Emerging Scholars interviewers Arin Bell, Byron Maze, Mason Smith, JaNiyha Cherry, Makenzie Newton, and Mari’Neisha Hardwick demonstrated preparation, confidence and communication skills, earning high praise from presenters and attendees.
The summit also welcomed a delegation from Arkansas Baptist College, led by Director of Student Activities Lamarius McGraw, along with Southeast Arkansas College, represented by John Proctor, director of student recruitment, and a cohort of SEARK student leaders.