UAPB National Alumni Association

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Martha L. Ficklin — a true action taker whose dedication to education, service, and leadership has left an indelible mark on every community she has touched.

A proud 1981 graduate of UAPB, Martha earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting, completing her degree in just three years — including a Cooperative Education semester at the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City. As a student, Martha was a member of Gamma Alpha Iota Chapter of Phi Beta, Ebony Queens, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, Alpha Chi National Honor Society, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She later earned her MBA from Texas Southern University in 1992.

Martha devoted more than 26 years to Higher Education, serving in multiple capacities at the University of Houston and retiring from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she coordinated and managed the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program.

Her commitment to UAPB never wavered. As a 40-year financial member of the UAPB Houston Alumni Chapter, she served as Chapter President for five years and Secretary for over 20 years. Under her leadership, the Houston Chapter raised over $75,000 for the General Scholarship Fund and an additional $35,000 for its Endowment Fund. Martha’s impact continued after her return to Little Rock in 2021, where she now serves as 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair for the Pulaski County Alumni Chapter. Thanks to her tireless efforts, she has recruited over 160 paid members, generating $8,000 to support scholarships and chapter operations.

A Diamond Life Member of the UAPB National Alumni Association since 2017, Martha has been a passionate advocate for alumni engagement and advancement. She also volunteers as a fundraiser for the New Alumni Center Building Campaign, helping raise over $10,000 toward its success.

Beyond her professional and alumni commitments, Martha remains deeply engaged in her community. She is an active, financial member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serves with the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter, and volunteers on the Finance Committee at Grace United Church.

Martha L. Ficklin embodies excellence, service, and lifelong commitment. Her impact reaches far beyond her achievements, inspiring all who know her to serve with heart and lead with purpose.

Michael D. Mason is a dedicated public servant and proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Class of 1981. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Michael has built an impressive career in public service, with over 21 years at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Prior to his time at HUD, he served as Director of EEO and Fair Housing for the City of North Little Rock.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UAPB and a dual Master’s Degree in Management and Public Administration from Webster University. A member of the inaugural FHEO Leadership Development Program class, he has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Federal Employee of the Year Award in 2007 and 2016 for his outstanding investigative work in federal service. He is also a Certified Mediator.

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael serves his community with distinction. He has served as a member of the Little Rock School Board, the Rock Region Metro Board of Directors, the FBI Little Rock Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and AFGE Council 222. He also led as President of the UAPB Pulaski County Alumni Chapter and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Prince Hall Mason Unity Lodge 454. Faith is central to Michael’s life, and he is a committed member of St. Mark Baptist Church.

Michael and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to four beautiful grandchildren. His lifelong commitment to government, law, and community service exemplifies excellence, leadership, and integrity.

Jennifer R. Smith, a third-generation graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Class of 1989. Following in the footsteps of her parents and many family members, Jennifer has remained a faithful supporter of her alma mater. She is an active member of the DFW Metroplex Alumni Chapter, a Pride Life Member of the National Alumni Association, and a co-founder of the Descendants of Wiley C. and Belle Dora Warren Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to deserving UAPB students.

Jennifer’s commitment to community service runs deep. She is a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, and a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has served faithfully on local, regional, and national levels. Selected for the inaugural Delta Fellows Program, Jennifer exemplifies leadership, service, and excellence. She also actively serves with The Links, Incorporated and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Professionally, Jennifer works in the Civil Rights Office of Texas Health and Human Services, serving others with compassion and commitment to justice. Her faith is her foundation — she cherishes her family and her role as a Child of God and has been a devoted member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church since 2001.

While at UAPB, Jennifer distinguished herself as President of the Delta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Off-Campus Senator in the Student Government Association, and a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She was also recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Jennifer R. Smith’s life is a shining example of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication — to her community, her profession, her faith, and her beloved alma mater.

Larry L. Braggs is an extraordinary artist whose voice and passion have left an indelible mark on the world of music. A Chicago native, Larry discovered his love for music early and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, later returning as an Adjunct Professor to pour into the next generation.

With a vocal range spanning over three octaves, Larry’s dynamic stage presence and unmatched work ethic have made him one of the most respected and sought-after voices in the industry. He spent 14 years as the lead vocalist for the legendary soul band Tower of Power and later became the lead singer for the iconic R&B group, The Temptations.

Larry’s powerful vocals have graced projects for celebrated artists such as David Sanborn, Bob James, Michael McDonald, Marcus Miller, and the late George Duke. His discography includes over 25 CDs, and he continues to be a featured voice in collaborations across multiple genres.

Rooted in classical training and a deep sense of purpose, Larry believes that music and words carry the power to change lives — always striving to use his gifts for the better. Today, he continues to perform nationally and internationally, thrilling audiences with his show, “Tower of Power’s Own Temptation – Honoring the Legacy,” a tribute to the two groups that shaped his remarkable career.

Today, we proudly honor the remarkable life and legacy of TeRoy Betton, Jr., a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, whose musical brilliance and passion for education left an enduring imprint across generations.

A 1958 graduate of Horace Mann High School, TeRoy continued his studies at UAPB/AM&N, graduating Cum Laude with Distinction in Field in 1962 with a degree in Music Education. He later earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education/Social Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, and pursued additional studies in music at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign.

TeRoy’s career as an educator began at Columbia High School in Magnolia, Arkansas. In 1964, he made history as the first Black band director in the Pulaski County Special School District, establishing the award-winning band program at Sweet Home High School. His outstanding leadership later led him to Wilbur D. Mills High School, where he created the concert band, stage band, and marching band — and composed the school’s original Alma Mater.

In 1973, TeRoy joined the faculty at UAPB/AM&N as Assistant Band Director, where he taught Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and instrumental methods. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, TeRoy was recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and remained deeply engaged in the UAPB alumni community.

Beyond the classroom, TeRoy was a vibrant force in the Arkansas music scene. He performed with local groups like the Thrillers, led several ensembles including TeRoy Betton and the Spillers Illusion, and collaborated with music legends such as Sammy Davis, Jr., Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, The Spinners, and Gladys Knight and the Pips. His talents were also showcased on television programs like Center Stage and Minor Key, and he composed music that was recorded at CBS Studios in Chicago.

A devoted husband to Ira Brewer Betton, and proud father to Kim and Dr. Sherri Betton, TeRoy’s influence reached far beyond the stage — touching the lives of countless students and inspiring excellence in every life he encountered.

Posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 2022, TeRoy Betton, Jr.’s legacy as an educator, musician, and community leader continues to resonate powerfully.