The University of Arkansas Black Graduate Student Association, in conjunction with the Graduate School and International Education, will host the Attracting Intelligent Minds Conference Feb. 23-26.

The conference, now in its tenth year, provides opportunities for prospective graduate students from historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to learn about the U of A graduate programs, funding sources and research opportunities. Those in attendance will also meet with faculty and students from their programs of interest.

Stacy Williams, acting deputy director for the Office of the Haiti Special Coordinator in the U. S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, will be the headline speaker at the conference. Alfred Dowe, adviser to the Black Graduate Student Association, said Williams' story resonates with prospective graduate students.

"This will be Stacy's second visit to the AIM Conference, but as a result of his first visit, the university has strengthened its relationship with the Department of State," Dowe said. "Moreover, his message regarding the necessity of graduate school to be competitive in the global job market is relevant."

Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge.

Those students attending this year's conference come from a variety of institutions across the nation including Hampton University, Clark University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, Penn State University, and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

Dowe said the conference offers a strategic opportunity for departments to recruit targeted students from specific schools, while supporting university diversity initiatives and the Black Graduate Student Association.

"The AIM Conference has enabled graduate programs to effectively identify and recruit some of the most prepared researchers in the country," he said. "Additionally, the amenities within northwest Arkansas are on display, because many graduate students bring their families with them. Of the 12 participants we had last year, all 12 received offers."

Those who would like more information about the event should contact Dowe at atdowe@uark.edu.