The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Derrick Cohens as the Chair of the Department of English, Humanities, and Foreign Languages in the School of Arts and Sciences.
His appointment became effective on July 1, 2026, according to Dr. Grant Wangila, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
“Following a comprehensive search process that included interviews with numerous highly qualified candidates, the School of Arts and Sciences selected Dr. Cohens to lead the department. His outstanding academic credentials, demonstrated leadership, commitment to student success, and clear vision for the future of language and literary studies distinguished him as the ideal candidate for this important role,” Dr. Wangila said.
Dr. Cohens joined the UAPB faculty in 2016 as an instructor of English.
After earning his doctorate in English from Emory University in 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Professor of English.
In 2026, he achieved another significant milestone by earning tenure and being promoted to Associate Professor of English.
“As a literature professor, Dr. Cohens has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of language study in shaping students’ critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
As department chair, he is committed to empowering faculty to create engaging learning experiences by modernizing pedagogical approaches, emphasizing language study as an essential lifelong skill, and encouraging students to challenge themselves intellectually.
Recognizing the growing influence of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs), Dr. Cohens envisions a department that prepares graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving world where strong language and communication skills remain indispensable,” Dr. Wangila said.
Dr. Cohens earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Master of Arts in English from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in English from Emory University.
A native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, he brings a unique combination of academic excellence, interdisciplinary experience, and a deep commitment to the mission of UAPB.
“The School of Arts and Sciences congratulates Dr. Cohens on his appointment and looks forward to his leadership as he advances the Department of English, Humanities, and Foreign Languages through innovation, academic excellence, and student-centered success,” Dr. Wangila said.
