The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s graduation ceremony for the Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute included student recognitions, internship placement announcements, faculty, administration and student remarks and a keynote address by a local CEO.
Led by Tim Campbell, executive director, and associate directors Jillian Cheatham, Ed.D, and Kathy Richards, Ph.D, the ceremony was the culmination of an intensive program aimed at nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders.
Students obtained Certificates of Completion during the ESLI graduation. Completion includes attaining a summer internship or at least providing proof of a pending offer. An honor cord was also presented to graduating seniors to wear as part of their graduation regalia. ESLI had 14 graduating seniors last semester.
“It was a moment of both celebration and challenge, as it called for the graduates to carry the torch of leadership with honor, clarity and purpose,” according to a news release.
Joni Alexander Robinson, the CEO of the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce, delivered the keynote address.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Her message on the legacy ofleadership left a lasting impression on the graduates and attendees, urging them to never underestimate the power of their voices, according to the release.
“Leadership is not just a title or a moment,” Robinson said. “It is a legacy you leave behind every time you speak up, show up, and stand up for what matters.”
The ceremony also included special recognitions, with students being honored in several categories:
LEADER OF THE YEAR: Alexis Smith;
MENTOR OF THE YEAR: Mari’neshia Hardrick, Kasey Rowland, Jonathan Ware, Lauren Flanigan, and Janiya Cherry;
DEDICATION AWARDS: Brianna Butler;
GRADUATE PROGRAMS: University of Arkansas Little Rock, Clinton School of Public Service, Meharry Medical School, and the University of Alabama;
INTERNSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Mason Smith.
“The internship placement announcements were a significant part of the ceremony, drawing special applause. They underscored ESLI’s unwavering commitment to providing fellows with transformational, career-shaping experiences,” according to the release. “Each internship represented not just a career milestone, but a testimony to the belief that young leaders can shape the future when given the tools, support and opportunity.”
Organizations where interns were placed included: Transformation Arkansas, Walton Family Foundation, First Orion, DHL, B&G Financial, Apptegy, and TE Connectivity.
UAPB Vice Chancellor Elbert Bennett, UAPB Dean of Student Involvement and Leadership Frank Dorsey, and past ESLI graduate J’Keile Hadley gave remarks.
“As the graduates stepped into the next chapter of their journey, ESLI reaffirmed its mission: to cultivate a generation of leaders who don’t just follow paths, but create them,” according to the release.
