The UAPB 1890 HBCU Leadership Development Academy is a premier leadership development initiative designed to cultivate transformational leaders at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Through professional growth, collaborative leadership, and institutional engagement, the Academy empowers faculty and staff to lead with purpose while advancing excellence, innovation, and institutional impact.
Development Pathways
Tier I – Executive Leadership Fellows Program:
A selective cohort experience designed to prepare emerging and aspiring leaders for greater institutional leadership responsibilities through mentoring, experiential learning, executive engagement, and applied leadership projects.
This will be the only tier requiring an online application and selection process. Applications will officially open on Monday, August 10, 2026, during the Institutional Excellence Summit. Additional information regarding eligibility, the application process, and program expectations will be available at that time.
Tier II – Chancellor’s ELiTE Professional Series:
A university-wide professional development series open to all faculty, staff, and administrators that explores topics critical to leading in higher education and advancing UAPB’s strategic priorities.
This program will be coordinated through the Chancellor’s Office and will be open to all employees. No application or registration form will be required.
Tier III – Required Supervisor Professional Development:
A foundational training series designed to ensure supervisors possess a common understanding of effective supervision, institutional expectations, employment responsibilities, and university policies.
This program will be administered through the Office of Human Resources as mandatory professional development exclusively for UAPB employees with supervisory responsibilities. No application will be required.
Advisory Board
- Dr. Tanya Walker – Chair
Interim Dean, University College - Dr. Grant Wangila – Co-Chair
Interim Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Members
- Dr. Kimberley Davis-Hunt
Dean, School of Education - Dr. Christopher Mathis
Interim Dean, School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences - Dr. Lawrence Awopetu
Interim Dean, School of Business and Management - Dr. David Fernandez
Interim Dean, Graduate Studies and Continuing Education - Dr. Machell Dailey
Interim Chair, Curriculum and Instruction - Dr. Tanesha Ford
Assistant Professor, School of Business and Management - Mr. Henry Brooks
Instructor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett
Assistant Dean, School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences - Dr. Tamara Glover
Associate Professor of Social Work - Dr. Stacy Luckett
Assistant Professor/Coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program, School of Education - Ms. Deseray McKinzy
Project/Program Manager – Communications, School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
Stay Connected
Interested in the HBCU Leadership Development Academy?
Be among the first to learn more!
Complete the interest form to:
✓ Receive program updates
✓ Learn more about program opportunities
✓ Be notified when applications open
✓ Access the application on August 10, 2026
