Graduate School Hosts Opportunities Forum for Minority-Serving Institutions

Alton Johnson from Central State University speaks on a panel during the Graduate Research Opportunities Forum
University Relations

Alton Johnson from Central State University speaks on a panel during the Graduate Research Opportunities Forum

The University of Arkansas Graduate School hosted the ninth annual Graduate Research Opportunities Forum earlier this month. The forum is a diversity initiative aimed at building relationships with faculty and administrators from minority-serving institutions.

The forum consisted of Graduate School staff presentations, graduate student Three Minute Thesis presentations, departmental meetings with University of Arkansas faculty and administrators, a panel discussion on recruiting underrepresented students and a panel on faculty and student experiences at the University of Arkansas. The forum participants also attended campus dinners which featured appearances from the University of Arkansas Inspirational Chorale Ensemble and the University of Arkansas Jazz Ensemble.

Faculty and administrators from 10 minority-serving institutions across the country were in attendance, including Alton B. Johnson, dean and professor of the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture at Central State University.

"Let's keep the conversation going to increase diversity at the University of Arkansas," he said.

Institutions represented at the forum included Johnson C. Smith University, Utah Valley University, North Carolina A&T University, University of New Mexico, Central State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Philander Smith College, Claflin University, Jackson State University and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Of the 4,161 graduate students enrolled at the University of Arkansas, 15% are from historically underrepresented populations. However, the Graduate School is aiming to grow enrollment of students from those populations through recruitment strategies and diversity initiatives.

Contacts

Romona West, assistant director of graduate recruitment and outreach
Graduate School and International Education
479-575-4887, romona@uark.edu

Headlines

The World as a Classroom: The Executive M.B.A. Program at U of A

The program, offered through the Sam M. Walton College of Business, blends online learning with face-to-face interaction and applied studies in a real-time international immersion trip.

Keri Blakinger, Author of 'Corrections in Ink,' to Speak at Fayetteville Public Library April 22

Blakinger, an award-winning journalist now at the Los Angeles Times, will talk about her memoir and her work as a reporter at 6 p.m. April 22 at the Fayetteville Public Library's Walker Community Room.

Visit With University Libraries and Pat Walker Health Center's Medical Services at Carnival Today

Employees are invited to meet fellow workers from units across campus including the University Libraries and the Pat Walker Health Center at today's Making Your Day Work Carnival at the Arkansas Union.

Farewell Reception April 3 for Fulbright College's Lisa Summerford

The campus community is invited to celebrate Summerford's achievements and to wish her well during a drop-in retirement reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the Fulbright College Dean's Office in Old Main 523.

Rachel McGathy Retiring After 25 Years

There will be a reception to celebrate McGathy's retirement from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the downstairs breakroom at Uptown East.

News Daily