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UAPB STARTS SCHOOL YEAR WITH ‘POSITIVE’ CONVOCATION

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:04 PM CDT

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff wants to accentuate the positive.

UAPB chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr. addresses the crowd inside the HYPR Complex Tuesday morning during UAPB’s Fall Convocation. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

At Tuesday’s fall convocation held at the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex, UAPB Chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr. said there was plenty to celebrate.

He said he traveled to different campuses in various states.

“There was one overriding thing I observed,” he said. “There was always room for improvement at that university — always.”

Davis said UAPB has come far, particularly in the last few years.

“We have much that needs improvement, and at the same time we have much that has been improved,” he said.

Davis talked about “persistence of the spirit,” and asked various members of the staff, faculty and student body to stand and be recognized for their contributions to the university.

Davis highlighted changes in the dormitories and other student facilities, as well as the campus’ security system.

“This is for your protection,” he said.

Davis talked about the university’s aquaculture program and fish disease diagnostic center.

UAPB recently received a systemwide nod to go forward in plans to offer a doctorate in aquaculture.

“It is world class,” he said of the program. “These people are right we do need a Ph.D.”

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