Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), is among the list of inductees into the National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame. Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the Hall of Fame for significant contributions they have made in their respective fields. This event promotes the viability of HBCUs and highlights the accomplishments of their alumni.
A native of Pine Bluff, Davis received his formal education at the Arkansas AM&N Laboratory and Merrill schools. A true believer in education, Davis attended Arkansas AM&N (now UAPB), University of Arkansas, and completed his doctorate degree at Iowa State University. Originally a teacher of Mathematics and Physics, Davis worked across the United States, from the halls of Mississippi Valley State University to the halls of NASA, before returning to his hometown to become a professor at the UAPB. In 1991, Davis was named Chancellor of the university by Dr. B. Alan Sugg, former President of the U of A System. A published researcher, receiver of distinguished alum awards from UAPB, U of A-Fayetteville, and Iowa State, and an active community member, Dr. Davis made UAPB athletics one of his many platforms during his tenure with the institution, and made many strides in the advancement and promotion of the various athletic programs the university operates. During his tenure, the football stadium and adjoining field house were contracted and completed, as well as the baseball complex and the UAPB Soccer Field. He led the university through a period of academic growth and spearheaded the accreditation and reaccreditation of various academic programs throughout the University. He also led the construction of three new academic buildings in the center of campus, as well as the renovation and construction of on-campus housing. After 21 years of leading the university, Davis retired in 2012.
The Induction Ceremony is part of the Annual NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend. Other events include The Competition of Black College Queens, HBCU Invitational Golf Classic, Presidents Summit, Legacy of Leaders Alumni Awards, Call to Womanhood and Call to Manhood Symposia, Positive Image Program and other programs intended to empower and equip HBCU alumni to better serve their alma maters and communities as a whole.
