Pine Bluff, AR — After he graduates in May with a degree in agricultural business from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Trenten Wills plans to continue his education at the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Arkansas. The institution has awarded him a full-tuition scholarship, as well as stipends for living expenses.
Wills says his decision to apply at the Clinton School was influenced by several UAPB alumni.
“It all started with Frank Dorsey, dean of Student Involvement and Leadership, who sent me to a leadership conference called ‘Engaged Arkansas,’ where we were able to learn leadership development techniques and talk a little about the school. After that, I became the executive president of the Student Government Association, and my chief of staff connected me to another alum, Jason Meghee, who became a mentor to me. He encouraged me to apply to the Clinton School with the aid of UAPB alumnus Reginald Ballard, who is also a Clinton School graduate. After hearing success stories and truly understanding the mission of the Clinton School, I realized that it aligned with my values and would be able to fulfill all my needs.”
Wills says he hopes to obtain a strong understanding of what it means to work in public service, since that has been one of his priorities throughout his education. He wants to develop ways to aid others both domestically and internationally.
“I intend to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program to obtain both my master of public service degree and a Juris Doctorate degree in just four years,” he said. “My aim is to practice law for a few years and then run for office. My ultimate goal is to reestablish the core mission of being a public servant.”
Wills credits Dr. Tomekia White and Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett for their advocacy of the SAFHS 1890 Scholarship Program, which allowed him to obtain his degree debt-free. At UAPB, he most values the connections he made and the opportunities that helped him advance his education and career.
Wills was a member of the UAPB Collegiate 4-H Club, MANRRS Club (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), Carolyn F. Blakely Honors College, Union Programming Board, Black Male Achievers, Political Science Club, National Society of Leadership and Success and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
