As Vice
Chancellor of Institutional Advancement, I have the wonderful opportunity of
engaging with alumni and friends of the University in making a difference in
the lives of the students and the next generation of scholars. It is a responsibility that I value deeply,
and take very seriously.
In many
ways, my role as Vice Chancellor is tied to my life experiences growing up in
West Helena, Arkansas. There is no secret to the fact that as a poor kid from
the Delta, my opportunity for a better life came in the form of a college
scholarship from an organization I had never heard of. That gift of generosity opened doors that
literally transformed my life, and redefined my future.
UAPB is a
unique educational jewel in Arkansas. In
many ways, this institution helped to build the Black middle class across the
state. Without UAPB, far too many people
of color would have remained locked out of the educational process.
Each year,
we welcome back thousands of alumni from all across the nation as they
reconvene to say hello again to “Dear Mother”. Through Homecoming, Founders
Week, or the excitement of a thrilling UAPB sporting event, Lion Nation is
still calling your name! For the more
than 17,000 alumni who call UAPB home, the importance of coming back is a
life-long tradition. So, if you haven’t
been home in a while, we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
As you
consider your opportunity to give back to UAPB, or to simply help a student get
through this semester, reflect back on the impact a college education had in your
life. We owe a tremendous amount of
gratitude to those who came before us. Giving
back is simply our way of saying thanks to those countless generations who
paved the way for us.
Join us in
supporting UAPB with a direct gift, or remembering the university in your
will. There are so many ways for each of
us to make a difference.
Thanks for
caring!
Get Connected:
cottong@uapb.edu