UAPB’s student officers sworn in

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff class officers and Student Government Association executive cabinet members were sworn in during an inauguration ceremony Oct. 21.

UAPB faculty, staff, mentors and family members witnessed as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors took their oaths of office. The event took place at UAPB in the STEM Conference Center during Homecoming Week 2024.

Before swearing in the officers and cabinet members, Frank Dorsey II, dean of Student Involvement and Leadership, shared what leadership is about, according to a news release.

“Today is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, and it is through servant leadership that it will continue to elevate our campus,” Dorsey said. “To those who step into these roles, you have been chosen because you embody the values of excellence, integrity and resilience that we hold dear. But above all, you have been chosen because of your commitment to servant leadership and the idea that the best leaders are not those who choose to serve but those who choose to serve first.

“Each of you now carries a responsibility to represent not only your peers but the rich legacy of UAPB, which has stood up for progress and empowerment for generations,” Dorsey said.

Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart offered congratulations and charged the students to lead with integrity, purpose and compassion.

“To the newly elected SGA officers, I congratulate you on earning the trust and confidence of your fellow students. You now stand as the voice of the student body – the bridge between students and administration – and most importantly, the champions for positive change. This is both an incredible responsibility and a remarkable opportunity, so take advantage,” Stewart said.

Stewart reminded the students that she and the members of her executive cabinet will provide support and listen to issues that are presented by SGA representatives, who will be included in monthly board meetings. She added that faculty, staff and administrators also have an open-door policy.

Caleb Williams, the 103rd SGA President, said that he and others in the room learned to become leaders from parents and friends. He credited his parents and fraternity brothers for teaching him key components of leadership and being a servant to the community. He also stressed how critical it is to become a problem solver.

“A lot of students will come to you with different problems, asking you to solve different things. Sometimes you may not have an answer or may not have a solution,” Williams said. “You have to do something. You have to acknowledge the problem. You have to acknowledge what the student has come to you with and what has been said. And if you can solve it, solve it to the best of your ability.

“You have to be that leader that listens and does something about the problem, or at least acknowledges that problem,” said Williams.

The SGA officers and their titles for 2024-2025 are as follows:

Caleb Williams — President;

Aareyon Wallace — Vice President;

Kamayiah Hendrix-Turner — Secretary;

Taniyah Wells — Treasurer;

Nathaniel Floyd — Director of Public Relations;

Chloe Brackens — Chief of Staff;

Freddiemae Thompson — Miss UAPB;

Joshua Watson — Mr. UAPB.

Class officers and their titles for 2024-2025 are as follows:

Senior Class:

David Opiri — President;

Halle Roby — Vice President;

Kelsea Smith — Treasurer;

Jamaria Lewis — Miss Senior;

Derrick Luckey — Mr. Senior.

Junior Class:

Kasey Rowland — President;

Krisitan Payne — Vice President;

Myla Ellis — Secretary;

Mason Smith — Treasurer;

Diamon Ellis — Miss Junior;

Courtney Clark — Mr. Junior;

Jerry “Tre” Sands III — Senate Member.

Sophomore Class:

Colby Moore — President;

D’Mya Flint — Vice President;

Kirston Jones — Secretary;

Kamauri Trotter — Miss Sophomore;

Kaleb Gray — Mr. Sophomore;

Senate Members: Kenice James, Alexandria Collins and Mekhi Christmon.

Freshman Class:

Dezmond Holman — President;

Candra C. Hodges — Vice President;

Amiah Bryant — Secretary;

X’Zavion Dickens — Treasurer;

Paris Smith-Lampkins — Miss Freshman;

Alexander Harris — Mr. Freshman;

Maliyah Williams — Senate Member.