Agriculture

Henry English
1972
Bro. Henry English, a former farm laborer from Phillips County, Arkansas, transformed his life through education and a passion for agriculture. Enrolling at UAPB, he discovered a deep interest in agricultural science and was driven to use his knowledge for meaningful change.
As the director of the Small Farm Program, Dr. English is dedicated to empowering Socially Disadvantaged Farmers (SDFs) and small farmers in Eastern and Southwest Arkansas. Through training, technical assistance, and financial planning, he helps producers enhance crop and livestock production, implement alternative enterprises, and access USDA programs and loans.
Over his 30+ year career, Dr. English's efforts have resulted in securing more than $8 million in grant funds for over 500 minority small farmers in Arkansas. His impactful work has earned him prestigious awards, including the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame Award and the Golden Eagle Award from NRCS.
Under Dr. English's guidance, the Small Farm Program has produced outstanding farmers, with three African American County Farmers of the Year and two African American National Small Farmers of the Year among them. His commitment to agricultural empowerment has left a lasting legacy on Arkansas's farming community.

Arthur Allen

1965
Dr. Arthur L. Allen, a distinguished alumnus, has made significant contributions to agricultural research and education. Throughout his career, he held esteemed positions at various institutions, excelling in soil and water quality research, aquaculture, and geospatial technologies.
At Langston University, he developed the first USDA research proposal awarded and taught soils classes. At Alabama A&M University, he conducted water quality research and taught plant and soil courses.
While at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Dr. Allen's leadership led to a $2 million grant-supported International Development Program and the establishment of a thriving Aquaculture Program which presently awards B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees,and is the only Arkansas comprehensive
aquaculture program that supports the state’s aquaculture industry with an economic impact of over $740 million/yr.
At Virginia State University, Dr. Allen served as Dean and Deputy Research Director, achieving departmental accreditations and continuing the development of the Aquaculture Program, impacting the state's agriculture industry.
Lastly, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Dr. Allen secured over $23 million in grants and played a pivotal role in establishing the UMES-NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center and the UMES Chesapeake Water Quality Center.
His accolades include the Fellow Award from ASA and recognition for his exceptional research papers. Dr. Arthur L. Allen's outstanding achievements make him a remarkable alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Beta Theta Chapter.