The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced on April 14 that Tanesha Thompson, president of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, and Rev. Joshua Pickett, pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, will serve as keynote speakers during its 153rd Founders’ Week Celebration.
The annual event will take place from April 19 to April 26 and features commemorative, educational, and entertaining activities under the theme “Legacy in Action: Where History Inspires Tomorrow.” The university says the week is an opportunity to honor its history while recognizing current achievements among students and alumni.
Thompson is scheduled to speak at the Founders’ Honors and Awards Convocation on Thursday, April 23. The convocation recognizes outstanding scholars and scholarship recipients. Thompson is a graduate of UAPB who has led various alumni engagement initiatives. As president of the national alumni association, she has increased scholarship funds by over 100 percent and tripled UAPB’s brand presence on social media. She also launched fundraising opportunities engaging young alumni.
Pickett will deliver remarks during the Sunrise Service & UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Breakfast on Sunday, April 26. Pickett began preaching at age thirteen and previously served as pastor at Grace & Mercy Missionary Baptist Church for twelve years before his current role at First Missionary Baptist Church. He also holds leadership positions within local religious organizations.
Both events are free and open to the public. The university competes as the Golden Lions in athletics—including football—and supports community development through outreach programs aimed at diverse populations according to its official website. UAPB operates within the University of Arkansas System with a main campus in Pine Bluff and an additional site in North Little Rock as outlined on its website. It maintains a faculty-to-student ratio of fifteen to one according to university data.
UAPB recognizes excellence through awards such as the Distinguished Teaching Award and University Customer Service Award as reported by university sources. For more information about Founders’ Week events, visit UAPB.edu/founders-week.
