PINE BLUFF, Ark.—The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) on Monday announced that Smokie Norful—renowned pastor, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, educator, and UAPB alumnus—will serve as speaker for its 171st commencement ceremony. It will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center located at 1 Convention Center Plaza, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601, United States. The procession will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the commencement exercises will begin at 10:00 a.m. The full ceremony will be livestreamed on the UAPB YouTube channel at youtube.com/@UAPBTV.
Pastor Norful holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UAPB and has gone on to impact the world through both ministry and music. With more than 27 years of preaching, 19 years of pastoring, and a musical career spanning more than two decades, he has sold over 6 million albums worldwide and earned two Grammy Awards, 11 Stellar Awards, five Dove Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and multiple NAACP Image and BET Award nominations. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Illinois and Victory City Atlanta in Sandy Springs, Georgia—churches that have collectively connected with more than 2 million worshipers and led over 15,000 souls to Christ. A lifelong learner, Pastor Norful is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.
“Pastor Smokie Norful is a shining example of the excellence, resilience, and transformative leadership that UAPB strives to cultivate in every student,” said UAPB Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart. “From the pulpit to the global stage, he has used his gifts to uplift, inspire, and change lives. His journey—rooted right here at UAPB—embodies the power of purpose, faith, and education. We are beyond proud to welcome him home as this year’s commencement speaker, and we know his message will leave a lasting imprint on the Class of 2025.”
Clear Bag Policy in Effect
For the safety and security of all attendees, UAPB will enforce a clear bag policy at the Pine Bluff Convention Center for the commencement ceremony. Permitted items include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small clutch bags no larger than 5.5″ x 8.5″, with or without a handle or strap
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. All bags are subject to search upon entry. For more information, please refer to the Pine Bluff Convention Center Clear Bag Policy (Pine Bluff Convention Center – Home).
For more information, please visit uapbcommencement.com or contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at [email protected].
About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For more than 150 years, UAPB has worked to create an environment that emphasizes learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students: a chance to advance. UAPB offers certificate and associate degree programs, more than 50 undergraduate and master’s degree programs and a doctoral program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. Students are active in more than 100 organizations, including an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, and an accomplished National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletics program.
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