On Friday, Dec. 16, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and University of Arkansas System leadership hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the university’s new Student Engagement Center. The $33 million, approximately 62,000-sq. ft. The Center will become a hub for campus and community health education and engagement and student health and wellness, assessment, and counseling.
Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, University of Arkansas System President Donald R. Bobbitt, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Carla Martin, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Elbert Bennett, Student Government Association Vice President Trenton Wills, graduate student Manoja Reddy, Title III Director Dr. Margaret Martin-Hall, and Col. Nathaniel Todd (Ret.), a member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, used gold shovels to ceremonially break ground. The event can be viewed at YouTube.com/UAPBTelevision.
During his remarks, Chancellor Alexander led the audience in applauding the students and student leaders who were present, saying “In 2017, [students passed] a referendum to charge themselves a fee, which was later approved by the Board of Trustees. I would like to recognize them for the significant role that they played in making this vision a reality.”
Vice Chancellor Bennett, wearing t-shirt students developed to campaign for the referendum, said “today, we honor the promises made to students over the past decade – to provide a brand-new facility that will advance a sense of belonging and strengthen the institution by embracing the unique diversity of our UAPB community.”
