For magna cum laude graduate Dorian Henry II, a love for sneakers led to a passion for art, a shift in academic focus, and ultimately, a scholarship to one of the nation’s leading museum studies programs.
The visual arts major from Austin, Texas graduated Saturday and has accepted a scholarship to Baylor University’s Museum Studies program, becoming the first UAPB art major to pursue a Master’s in that field. It’s a landmark moment for Henry and the university’s Department of Art and Design.
Raised with passions for music, sports and fashion, Henry remembers his first artistic experience came from designing sneakers on the Nike iD platform. Yet formal training was limited—just one art class in high school. His artistic spark was lit later, inspired by museum exhibitions and cultural storytelling.
“I originally enrolled at UAPB as an aquaculture major because I was drawn to the natural state,” he said. “But I felt my creativity becoming stagnant. Switching to visual arts changed everything.”
A turning point came while reading Figures of Speech by fashion designer and cultural innovator Virgil Abloh. The book, which documented Abloh’s cross-disciplinary exhibitions, inspired Henry to see curating as a powerful tool for dialogue and representation.
“Abloh had this intentional way of engaging people across different mediums,” he said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to go into museum work.”
Throughout his time at UAPB, Henry maximized every opportunity—from opportunities for leadership in the Leadership and Achievement Building program, or L.A.B., to multiple internships across the country. Henry participated in internships at the Bard Graduate Center in New York, where he studied digital exhibition design, and at the Yale University Art Gallery and Winterthur Museum, gaining hands-on experience in conservation and archival practices. He also interned at the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, where he later worked as an assistant curator.
“I was trusted with real responsibilities,” Henry said. “That experience was a blessing. UAPB has given me different opportunities every year. It’s where I learned grit. For me, Pine Bluff became ‘Grind Bluff.’”
He credits mentors like Mr. Jonathan Wright, Ms. Te’Arra Stewart and Mr. Matthew Fields for sharpening his observational skills and preparing him for curatorial work.
“All of the art professors here are master observers—and some of the finest artists in the Delta. Learning from them has been a gift I’ll carry forward.”
Department Chair Dr. Karen DeJarnette played a pivotal role in helping Henry prepare for graduate studies.
“She really supported my dream of becoming a curator,” he said. “With her guidance, I now feel confident entering the museum world.”
Henry said his decision to choose Baylor’s Museum Studies program was driven by a strong sense of support and alignment with his academic and creative goals.
“I feel that Baylor is truly invested in me and what I learn over the next two years,” said Henry. “They support my interest in African American art and design, and they emphasize how art impacts business and the economy. That’s often overlooked. Business is just the exchange of values, and the liberal arts have tremendous value, even if it’s not always recognized.”
His ultimate goal is to elevate Southern artists and underserved communities through meaningful, well-curated exhibitions. “Wherever I can make the biggest impact, that’s where I want to be.”
