FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Barbara A. Lofton, director of diversity programs for the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, was elected to vice president/president-elect for the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education.

The term of office for vice president is from 2009 to 2011. She will serve as president of the organization from 2011 to 2013. As the vice president of programs, Lofton will lead teams in the development and implementation of the national conference, Leadership and Mentoring Institute and the International Study Tour.

The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education is the voice of blacks in higher education. The organization pursues the educational and professional needs of blacks in higher education with a focus on leadership, access and vital issues impacting students, faculty, staff and administrators. The association also facilitates and provides opportunities for collaborating and networking among individuals, institutions, groups and agencies in higher education in the United States and internationally.

The organization evolved from the American Association of Higher Education Black Caucus. The association is an individual and institutional membership organization. Over the years, it has been involved in several initiatives such as addressing the pipeline of black faculty and staff, bringing the issues pertinent to the black faculty and staff to the attention of the larger academic community, and recognizing African American accomplishments in the academy.

Previously, Lofton served on the board of the association, chair of the first national conference, and co-chair of the development and implementation of the second national conference. She holds a doctorate in high education administration from Grambling State University.