Interim Chancellor Calvin Johnson is taking a hands-on approach in recruiting students to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Accompanied by Director of Recruitment Lee Hardman, they recently set out on a road trip of sorts visiting top level administrators in Lake Village, Dermott, McGehee and Dumas.
A native of Jerome (Drew County,) Johnson graduated from Dermott High School and spent his formative years in Southeast Arkansas. Johnson has a connection to Lake Village, having grown up in the area.
“I wanted to come with him (Hardman) to visit the schools in this area,” Johnson said. “A lot of the students we serve come from these areas. We need to establish some sense of partnership and relationship with the administrators.”
While meeting with Joyce L. Vaught, superintendent of Lakeside School District, Johnson and Hardman discussed partnering with the district with the goal of getting more Lake Village students on campus including visitations and one-on-one interaction.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Vaught started in the district as a 5th grade teacher and has been with the school district for 21 years and met Johnson at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock while working on a project.
“When we get our students to UAPB, they have a better chance at succeeding,” Vaught said.
During the trip, Johnson and Hardman moved on to McGehee and met with a spokeswoman on behalf of Thomas Gathen, superintendent of the McGehee School District. With education and agriculture as popular majors in the area, UAPB is a great fit, official said.
Johnson’s meeting with Superintendent David Rainey of Dumas schools, was confirmation that their efforts were well received, officials said.
The largest part of the conversation centered around the full collegiate experience that begins with recruitment and ends with graduation and job placement.
“It’s important that our students get more than a degree,” Hardman said. “They are investing in a way of life and a foundation for their families.”
Details: Contact the UAPB Office of Recruitment at 575-7176.
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Tisha Arnold is with the Office of Planning, Institutional Research and Public Information at UAPB.