UAPB leader formally installed

PINE BLUFF - With four standing ovations filled with cheers and shouts of encouragement, faculty members, students and alumni of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff officially welcomed Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander into the Golden Lion pride Friday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

University of Arkansas System President Donald Bobbitt presided over Alexander’s investiture, which drew about 650 people.

Also in attendance were Jim von Gremp, chairman of the University of Arkansas board of trustees; UA Trustee Dr. Stephen Broughton Sr.; Dr. Robert McGehee Jr., dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences graduate school; Jack Lassiter, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello; and Joel Anderson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Bobbitt called Friday’s event “a celebration of a new era. There is a hopeful spirit with this new tenure, and I know that there is great promise for the future at this institution.”

Friday also marked the 141st anniversary of the university, which was founded in 1873 as Arkansas Branch Normal College. Alexander, 54, took the helm of UAPB last July as the historically black college’s 19th chancellor.

Alexander said he felt honored to be a part of “such a rich history.”

“As chancellor, I appreciate the work all of our prior leaders have done. Without their commitment, we would not be here today,” Alexander said. “These are big shoes to fill, but I know I will have a great deal of help along the way.”

Bobbitt also praised the work of Alexander’s predecessors, most notably Lawrence A. Davis Jr., who served as UAPB’s chancellor for 21 years. Upon Davis’ retirement in 2012, Calvin Johnson served as interim chancellor until Alexander was hired.

Bobbitt said Johnson offered “the stability we needed during our search for a new chancellor.”

Under Davis, Bobbitt said, the university saw major growth, including “new, state-of-the-art facilities, as well as a doctoral program in aquaculture.”

When searching for a permanent chancellor to replace Davis, Bobbitt said, he and the search committee looked for someone with Arkansas ties who could shape UAPB and guide its growth in the 21st century.

He said he immediately saw those qualifications in Alexander, who has “a passion for creating an environment to allow students and faculty to succeed. He has a unique understanding of today’s scholars and the challenges we face today in education.”

With about 3,000 students currently enrolled at UAPB, Alexander said one of his goals is to increase the student population during his tenure, in addition to expanding and creating more rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs.

As a new university logo was unveiled on stage behind him during Friday’s event, Alexander said accomplishing those goals includes rebranding the institution.

The new logo features the historic campus bell tower in gold at the top right with an interlocking “U” and “A” as part of the “University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff” name at the bottom in bold black letters in front of a white background.

Alexander called the logo “an exciting symbol for our current and future students, alumni, and the entire UAPB community. This marks a new era of excellence at this university.”

UAPB faculty senate Chairman Michael Bates said he already considers Alexander a friend, adding that “we offer Dr. Alexander a handshake, an embrace and the knowledge that we are forging a bond with him that will move this university forward.”

Calvin Booker, president of the UAPB National Alumni Association, said UAPB alumni hold the task of handing leadership of the university to a new chancellor with as much care as they would in someone who watches over a family member.

And by all accounts, Booker said, Alexander is the right man for the job.

“We are entrusting our precious dear mother in your hands,” Booker said, looking over at Alexander. “Now we must lead with you on a collective track so that we can all see this university continue to succeed.”

Booker continued, “We today can be certain that we have the right person to do the job, and we thank you for accepting the call. Welcome to the Golden Lion country, and may God bless you.”