The University of Arkansas Black Graduate Students' Association, in conjunction with the Graduate School and International Education, will host the Attracting Intelligent Minds Conference Feb. 22-25.

The conference, now in its eleventh year, provides opportunities for prospective graduate students from underrepresented populations to learn about the U of A graduate programs, funding sources and research opportunities. Those in attendance will also meet with faculty and graduate students within their programs of interest.

This year's itinerary includes a visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to view "The Soul of a Nation," workshops on mentoring and professional development led by members of the campus community and local business leaders and a guided tour of Northwest Arkansas.

Those students attending this year's conference come from a variety of institutions across the nation including Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas-El Paso, Virginia Tech University, the University of Missouri, Penn State University, Tuskegee University and St. Augustine's University.

Alfred Dowe, adviser to the Black Graduate Students' Association, 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 Students' Association.

"The AIM Conference has enabled graduate programs to strategically recruit and host some of the most prepared researchers in the country," he said.

Additionally, Dowe believes the cultural and professional amenities within northwest Arkansas help persuade top students to consider the U of A.

"Graduate diversity recruitment is very competitive, but the U of A campus and community — the research, the diverse students and faculty, the city of Fayetteville — really differentiates us from other institutions," Dowe said.

Over the last two years, 24 students have attended the AIM Conference and almost half are engaged in an active application process.

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