Dr. Tamara P. Glover, Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), has been crowned Mrs. Arkansas 2025 under the prestigious USA World Pageant Organization, a renowned platform for women’s empowerment and leadership. In November 2025, she will carry the pride of her alma mater, her students, and the State of Arkansas onto the national stage, with the opportunity to advance and represent the United States internationally.
Dr. Glover’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of UAPB. As a student, she performed as a Golden Girl in UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, widely known as “the baddest band in the land.” Her dedication and talent led her to be crowned the 79th Miss University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. After honing her skills and knowledge, she returned to her alma mater as a faculty member, serving three years as Chair of the UAPB Department of Social Work before continuing her career as Associate Professor.
“UAPB laid the foundation for everything I am blessed to do,” Dr. Glover said. “From the moment I put on the black and gold, this university began shaping me. Today, as a professor, my mission is to ensure my students not only succeed but surpass me. I want them to see that a UAPB education prepares you not just for a career, but to lead, to serve, and to thrive on any stage in the “world.”
As a licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Glover’s commitment to student success and mental health is unwavering. She works alongside her husband, Leonardo Glover, who serves as Director of Counseling and Student Wellness at UAPB. Together, they embody a shared commitment to service, education, and the well-being of the UAPB community. Their dedication, both professionally and personally, is a source of pride and inspiration for the entire UAPB community. Beyond their professional roles, they are the proud parents of two sons, Sasuke and Samson, who remain their greatest inspiration.
Dr. Glover is also the founder of Yes Ma’am: Empowering Mothers, Elevating Mental Health, an initiative dedicated to addressing maternal mental health and ensuring women feel seen, heard, valued, and worthy. Her advocacy, rooted in her own lived experience of overcoming postpartum depression, has touched countless families and now positions her to amplify this mission on a national platform.
Her recognition as Mrs. Arkansas is more than a crown; it is a reflection of UAPB’s legacy of excellence and resilience. By standing on the national stage, Dr. Glover shines a light on the transformative power of a UAPB education and inspires students to dream bigger, reach higher, and know that their voices matter.
“I proudly bleed black and gold,” Dr. Glover said. “Every opportunity I have to shine is another opportunity for UAPB to shine. My greatest hope is that every student I teach will go further, rise higher, and become greater than I am. That will always be my “crown.”
