A rendering of the planned student activity center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. (AMR Architects)
Funding for the construction of a new Health and Wellness Center at Arkansas’ largest HBCU increased by $3 million on Friday, following an allocation from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is the state’s oldest Historically Black College and University, and the only one within the UA system. The school is currently undergoing major construction projects, including a $36 million Health and Wellness Center.
Through new construction, renovations on existing buildings and plans for future developments, UAPB is working to “enhance the living/learning community and to spur innovative academic and research collaboration,” according to a campus master plan.
“As a Pine Bluff native, I know how important UAPB is to the success of that city and our entire state,” Sanders said in a Friday press release announcing the funding. “I’ve been proud to support the school throughout my governorship and today, we are doubling down on that investment by providing $3 million for a new Health and Wellness Center. UAPB is our state’s foremost HBCU and deserves support for its unique and critical mission.”
The school’s master plan includes priority, mid-term and long-term projects. In December 2022, officials broke ground on a multimillion-dollar student activity center, which is expected to include a wellness center and student health services.
“The Health and Wellness Center will provide essential support for both the physical and mental well-being of our students. This investment is not only a boost to student well-being but a vital step in enhancing overall student success and engagement,” UAPB Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart said in a statement.
Stewart also extended her gratitude to the governor and state lawmakers for “their commitment to addressing our campus needs.”
Existing funding for the center has come from a variety of sources, according to a press release from the governor’s office. A dedicated student fee, Title III funds and bonds have all contributed to the project.
The greater Arkansas Delta is also expected to benefit from UAPB’s wellness center through outreach services and community health fairs. Residents in the state’s rural areas often experience lengthy ambulance wait times or face a long drive to get the services they need, which can be a burden for many who are bound by finances and time constraints.
“This is great news for UAPB,” Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, said in a statement. “Prioritizing health and wellness at UAPB is not just beneficial for the individuals on campus, but it also has a ripple effect that extends to the broader community. I am proud to have championed this funding, which I know was a top priority on campus.”
Shepherd also thanked the governor and his fellow lawmakers for supporting the funding.
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