About Us
The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster and promote the general welfare and growth of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. We serve as a catalyst for building goodwill among the administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, while encouraging the moral and financial support needed to strengthen UAPB.
No matter where you are, we are here to keep UAPB alumni connected, engaged, and committed to Dear Mother.
Officers
Tanesha Thompson
Serving on a board is a profound responsibility and an opportunity to make a lasting impact. It allows individuals to use their expertise, resources, and networks to guide an organization toward its mission and growth. Board members are entrusted with shaping strategic decisions, ensuring accountability, and fostering sustainability. This role embodies Luke 12:48 that “to whom much is given, much is required,” emphasizing the moral duty to give back when blessed with influence and ability. By dedicating time and skills, board members help create meaningful change, leaving a legacy of leadership and service for the greater good.
Dr. Ashia Muhammad
We come when thou call us to battle Dear Mother! I am honored to serve as First Vice President of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to supporting our institution through various roles, contributing at both the local and national levels. My passion lies in strengthening our alumni community—engaging members, fostering connections, and ensuring everyone stays informed about our university’s progress. I am deeply committed to advancing the fundraising efforts of both young and seasoned alumni, cultivating a culture of shared giving, leadership, and active involvement that will sustain our association for generations to come.
Phillip Williams
My desire to serve as a board member of UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association is to advocate for the advancement and success of “Dear Mother” and its students by supporting the needs of the institution, through scholarship, recruitment and retention. Helping UAPB to remain a very relevant HBCU and the “Flagship of the Delta.”
Members
Dr. Fernando Branch
I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving on the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Board of Directors. As a proud alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, I have always considered myself a lifelong supporter and advocate for our beloved institution. The education, values, and experiences I gained at UAPB have shaped my life and career, and I am deeply committed to giving back to the university that helped me grow.
With a passion for strengthening our UAPB family, I would love the opportunity to support outreach and engagement efforts, particularly in the West Region. I believe that through collaboration and continued outreach, we can further cultivate a strong and united alumni network that reflects the spirit and legacy of UAPB. I would be honored to contribute my time and efforts to help grow our alumni community and ensure that future generations of Golden Lions have the same opportunities for success that I did.
Thank you for your consideration.
Tahirah Buford
Serving on the Board provides me with the meaningful opportunity to give back to and support my Alma Mater, which has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional success. Staying connected to the University through the National Alumni Association and as a member of the Board of Directors allows me to contribute to its growth and reputation, strengthen the alumni network, and cultivate a deep sense of PRIDE in the institution that has given me so much.
Carmita Collins
“State College, we greet thee with love and devotion. Our hearts and our treasures we bring to thy shrine.” I will never forget being a scared eighteen-year-old at the first-year assembly listening to the encouraging words spoken by Chancellor Lawrence Davis Jr. When I left that assembly, I felt so empowered.
As I have achieved professional goals in life, I reflect on values instilled at Dear Mother. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors. I am committed to promote Dear Mother throughout my everyday life. I hope to celebrate educational excellence at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Jimmy Fox, III
I serve on the board of directors for UAPB’s National Alumni Association because it offers opportunities to contribute to the institution’s strategic direction, academic excellence, and community impact by giving back, leadership development, networking opportunities and Institutional advancement. I encourage all of my fellow alumni to serve and to give back to Dear Mother!
Kameshia Freeman
As a proud UAPB alumnus, I am driven to serve on the Board by a deep sense of responsibility. UAPB provided me with opportunities which were crucial to my success. Now, I feel compelled to pay it forward. I recognize that there are countless ambitious students who, like I once was, need support to reach their full potential. I believe in leading by example, and my commitment to “walk the talk” reflects my conviction that the strength of our alumni association depends on our engagement. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about ensuring UAPB’s legacy thrives for future generations.
Ladonna Hendrix
Serving on the Board of Directors for the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, Inc. is pivotal for fostering a sense of community and continuity among alumni. As a board member, I can play an essential role in strategic planning, supporting scholarship initiatives, enhancing alumni engagement, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the Association. The partnership I have with University and Alumni Chapter leadership helps maintain the legacy of the university and strengthens the network that benefits both current students and graduates. By contributing my talents, time and vision, as a board member, I help pave the way for future generations, upholding the values and mission of the institution we call Dear Mother.
Thomas Jackson, II
Service to the National Alumni Association is a duty, and not an option. For all that Dear Mother has given me, and as a legacy, I proudly offer my time, skills, and financial support. There’s nothing more fulfilling than working with other alumni to achieve the goals of the Association. There’s plenty of work to be done in this membership of educated individuals who bring a different and unique contribution to the overall success of the Association, and I’m here for it!
Joy Matthews
When Dear Mother calls, you answer. In 2024, I was honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors, driven by my desire to give back some of my time, talent, and finances. As Chair of the Student Recruitment and Retention Committee, I have seen firsthand the importance of the work done by the Board, but I understand there is still much to be done. As such, I am committed to helping shape a stronger future for our community by continuing in my pursuit to give back to what “Dear Mother” has given me! Holding true to my commitment to “come when thou call us to battle dear mother.”
Janice L. Roberts
1982, I raised my right hand and committed to supporting the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Serving as a member of the National Alumni Board allows me to contribute actively to the institution, often referred to as “Dear Mother.” I leverage my professional experience to support students, foster meaningful connections among Alumni, and help enhance the University’s growth and reputation. Additionally, being on the board enables me to provide guidance, advocacy, and support through fundraising, promoting alumni engagement, and representing the interests of the alumni community on a broader scale. I purposefully serve as a community bridge between the University and its graduates across various regions and industries.
Jennifer R. Smith
It is my desire to serve on the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, Inc. Board of Directors because I am a proud 1989 graduate of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. My experience at the University has afforded me with so many opportunities, and I want others to know about our University’s rich history and about how we (faculty, staff, and alumni) pour into our students to make them productive members of society. Additionally, I want to be an example and encourage other alumni to financially support the Association and our Alma Mater, to assist with increasing the NAA paid memberships, and to assist with recruiting students to UAPB.
Jennifer Trice
Becoming a member of the UAPB / AM&N National Alumni Association Board of Directors provides mean opportunity to support an Institution that educated me in many ways. My family’s rich legacy at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) includes more than 25 attendees and graduates. I plan to serve on the Board and represent THE PRIDE we have as a family. I feel a great responsibility to ensure that Dear Mother has resources to educate future generations. I intend to use my talents, connections, all of my means to further that goal within the National Alumni Association.
Tyree “Ty” Webster, II
My parents taught me to serve God and give back in every way possible. UAPB/AM&N runs deep in my family—many of us have served through athletics, student media, and leadership. My late father and I are proud members of the Letter A Club. I also serve as President of the DC Area Alumni Chapter and am part of the ROTC Alumni Association. I’m working on a project to inspire other Divine Nine groups to increase engagement in the National Alumni Association. All of this—every effort—is done out of deep love and commitment to Dear Mother.
Staff