Part I – New Seasons Recruits High-Achieving International Students to UAPB
To prepare the next generation of global leaders, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) works to guarantee its students have transformational experiences studying abroad, according to Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for global engagement at UAPB. The other half of the equation is ensuring international students receive similarly transformational experiences through “study abroad” in the U.S. Supporting the educational experience of students from all over the world is one of the top priorities of UAPB’s Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS), which Dr. Moore oversees.
“Our office assists faculty, staff and even external organizations in their efforts to recruit and retain international students with the goal of enhancing global awareness and understanding, while preparing the next generation of global leaders,” Dr. Moore said. “As OIPS is responsible for ensuing compliance with immigration regulations, we play a key role in helping international students achieve their academic and career goals while adhering to the terms of their visas.”
One organization OIPS has assisted during recent years is New Seasons Youth Program, headquartered in Atlanta.
“In addition to working with our office, New Seasons also works closely with the Offices of Recruitment and Admissions,” she said. “Thanks to this ongoing collaboration, UAPB has experienced a significant increase in undergraduate international students from countries such as Jamaica, Zimbabwe,
Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and Ghana. Last year, for the first time since my tenure at UAPB, international student enrollment exceeded 70 students.”
Dr. Moore said UAPB benefits from the partnership with New Seasons Youth Program by gaining high-achieving international students who bring rich and unique perspectives to the academic experience, thus contributing to cross-cultural understanding on campus. The mission of New Seasons Youth Program is one closely aligned with the values of OIPS and UAPB as a whole, she said.
“The relationship is authentic, not driven by economic interests as would be the case with a paid recruitment firm,” she said.
Ray Jackson, founder and director of New Seasons Youth Program, said, “Our goal is to provide educational opportunities for youth from communities in Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. We aim to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Jackson’s passion for providing opportunities for international youth goes back around 26 years when he started attending Cross Culture Church (formerly Abundant Life Church) in Lithonia, Georgia. He credits the church with playing a significant role in his work and life. He appreciates how the pastor encourages church members to go beyond borders to positively impact other nations in addition to their own communities.
“At the church, I became exposed to people who were active in missions abroad,” he said. “I quickly realized I was not called to the mission field per se. It’s not that the idea of going abroad and teaching the gospel didn’t appeal to me. I just knew that if I was to go abroad, I would want to be out among the people and trying to understand the culture.”
Jackson prayed about ways he could make a difference. The answer to his prayers came in the form of a question: “Why don’t you help young people?”
“Churches always take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations, but what do we do to help them rise above their poverty, I asked myself,” Jackson said. “The best way to teach a man to fish – to be self-sustaining – is to give them an education. If you combine education with the word of God, you can make a tremendous difference.”
Jackson and his wife De’Adrianne started laying the foundation for an organization that would recruit students from Africa and the Caribbean to Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs). They had just recruited their first three students when tragedy suddenly struck.
“We had taken our newly recruited students to Philander Smith College, my alma mater, and when we returned home, my wife said she felt sick,” Jackson said. “It turned out that she had leukemia.”
De’Adrianne passed away a mere six months after her diagnosis.
“There I was trying to assist three foreign students and raise a 3-year-old child with special needs,” he said. “I had to make a decision. Was I going to follow the plan God gave me? Or was I going to use my tragedy to call it quits? I chose to continue on.”
Jackson’s organization gradually grew as did the number of international students he could help year-to-year. Though at the beginning he could only recruit three international students a year, last year he helped over 100 scholars to find places at 17 HBCUs, six of whom enrolled at UAPB.
“When it comes to recruitment, we reach out to different schools and organizations in the countries we work with,” Jackson said. “Government agencies often reach out because they know we take
very good care of our students. We receive other applicants simply thanks to word of mouth. When students know peers who joined our program, they reach out to us too.”
After meeting initial program requirements, applicants to New Seasons undergo a rigorous interview process that involves writing an essay, acquiring letters of recommendation and creating a video explaining their intentions to pursue higher education in the U.S. Finally, a selection committee determines the students who are chosen for the program.
“At UAPB, we have been very successful in getting most of the students full-ride chancellor’s scholarships,” he said. “We have to remember where these students are from and meet them where they are. That’s why most students have all costs covered, including airfare, Student and Exchange Visitor Program fees, clothing, supplies and housing.”
Dr. Moore said these additional costs, many of which are not included in university or institutional scholarships, are covered through New Seasons Youth Program.
“The additional support, including host families assigned to students here in the U.S., is tremendously important,” she said. “Institutional scholarships are certainly great, but students must cover a range of personal expenses as well as government fees required to obtain off-campus employment clearance as students or following their graduation. They must also pay for health insurance that includes certain provisions that are not essential for U.S. students.”
Jackson said the program participants thrive at HBCUs. Graduates have gone on to get jobs with Google, Apple, Microsoft and Uber. One currently works as a vice president at Goldman Sachs. Others go on to continue their studies at Ivy League institutions such as Harvard.
He feels inspired when he sees New Seasons program participants become ambassadors for change in their home countries.
After graduation, some New Seasons alumni have built homes for their families. Some have helped nieces and nephews get their educations. Others built a platform that assists students preparing for the SAT.
“One group has built dormitories so students in their home country can have affordable living,” Jackson said. “They do podcasts and engage in motivational speaking at their schools. They give back the best way they can. And most importantly, they teach others that you don’t have to be content if you feel stuck in a certain situation – there is always a chance to rise above your circumstances, seek opportunities and strive for excellence.”
Part II – Meet Some of UAPB’s New Seasons International Scholars
Chiko Musinga – accounting major from Zambia
Chiko Musinga credits the New Seasons Youth Program with helping her achieve her dream of studying in the U.S. Thanks to Jackson’s guidance, she received a full-ride chancellor’s scholarship to UAPB.
“UAPB has become more than just an academic institution – it is a home where I have grown personally, professionally and academically,” she said. “It has given me opportunities to engage in impactful research such as security market and food security projects. I have also been able to hold leadership roles such as vice president of the accounting club. Getting involved with on-campus groups such as Emerging Scholars Leadership Academy also improved my communication skills.”
She said the support of UAPB faculty helped her receive multiple scholarships and eventually get recognized as a White House HBCU Scholar.
“What I appreciate most is how UAPB lives up to its mission of transforming students into scholar-practitioners who are ready to serve and lead,” she said.
After she graduates in May, Musinga plans to enroll at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts and pursue a master’s degree in accounting with a concentration in assurance. This summer she also plans to intern with the EY (Ernst & Young) tax division.
“My goal is to become a certified public accountant (CPA) by 2027 and eventually specialize in tax at an accounting firm,” Musinga said. “Long-term, I hope to return to Zambia and launch financial literacy initiatives that empower small businesses. I also envision contributing to research in accounting, possibly through pursuing a Ph.D. in the future.”
Musinga said she believes education is a powerful tool for transformation – not just individually, but for entire communities.
“My journey proves that it is possible to succeed academically and professionally abroad with the right support system, resources and mindset,” she said. “At UAPB, I have learned that your uniqueness is not a barrier – it is the value you add. I have turned my Zambian work ethic into academic excellence, and whenever I get a chance, I guide other students through the process of applying to New Seasons and share information about opportunities and scholarships at UAPB.”
Otutochi Nwadinkpa – computer science major from Nigeria
Otutochi Nwadinkpa said New Seasons helped him in applying for colleges in the U.S. and eventually receiving a full-ride scholarship to UAPB.
“They also connected me with Education USA advisers who helped prepare me for the visa application process,” he said. “Mr. Ray Jackson was incredibly supportive, being there every step of the way and helping me navigate through the entire process.”
As a computer science student, Nwadinkpa said he appreciates the opportunities UAPB provides to obtain actual field experience in major tech companies that he may not have had access to had he pursued his studies in Nigeria.
“After the completion of my studies, I plan to pursue a career in software development, as it aligns closely with my strengths and interests,” he said. “I recommend an education at UAPB to anyone planning to pursue a career in software development or any other tech-related role.”
Jashina Tuffour – nursing major from Ghana
Jashina Tuffour said she felt a bit lost after taking the SAT and researching higher education in the U.S.
“I did not have a clear idea of where to start,” she said. “Joining New Seasons Youth Program provided a clear pathway for me to work on my plan to study abroad. Mr. Jackson’s guidance was invaluable in helping me navigate the process.”
At UAPB, Tuffour said she appreciates the recognition and assistance she receives as an international student.
“UAPB goes out of its way to ensure every student is comfortable and set up for success,” she said. “Help is always available whenever anyone needs it, including for international students.”
She said the only notable cultural shock she experienced upon arriving to the U.S. was the taste of the food.
“I cannot stress how different American food is from the cuisine I am used to,” she said. “Everything else was quite delightful and, in some ways, familiar.”
After she graduates, Tuffour plans to further her studies by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing practice degree.
“My goal is not only to work hands-on with patients but also to contribute to the field through research and education,” she said. “I aspire to specialize in a particular area of nursing and eventually take on leadership roles within healthcare organizations. My dream is to make a significant impact on patient care and healthcare systems, both locally and globally.”
Tuffour encourages students and youth to follow their dreams.
“If those dreams include pursuing education in the United States, then so be it,” she said. “The most important aspect is that they stay true to themselves.”
Pursuant to 7 CFR Section 15.3, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, 1890 Research and Extension Programs, offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
