Oct 23, 2019 

As the new school year begins to set in for students and faculty, we reflect on the past school year and begin to think forward on the year. We make goals to try and better Dear Mother. The lessons from the past and the dreams for the future merge together to create a better future. One person is the embodiment of learning from the past and dreaming for the future. Professor Henry Brooks, an alumnus of the University and now the head of the Political Science Department. After an extensive conversation with him about many topics, I realized his dedication to this university goes beyond his obligation to his students in the classroom, but also ensuring this University functions for every student. Some of our most interesting topics were student government, alumni relations, and campus political engagement.  

Professor Brooks graduated from UAPB and eventually navigated his way back to Dear Mother. His role as a professor is just the tip of the iceberg. His return to campus is also a way he is giving back. Through our conversation, one topic was recurring, student government reform. Mr. Brooks pointed out faults in student government that cause our system to not work as it should. Specifically, that hinders students from being a part of the Student Government Association. He made this a point to talk about because the effectiveness of the governing body of the students is only as good as the people who are chosen, by the students, to be in government. This topic led into a discussion about alumni relations and the need to change the approach to fundraising and the campus getting involved in local and state politics. A goal Professor Brooks stated was “...to have a student on the city council.” He plans to engage the campus to reach these goals and create a better space for not only the UAPB community, but Pine Bluff as well.  

“We come when thou call us to battle Dear Mother.” These words ring in our alma mater. Professor Brooks is the personification of this ideal. Dear Mother is crying out for help. This institution is not falling apart, but for it to progress crucial change must be made and Mr. Henry Brooks is someone who wants to ensure those changes are made. I enjoyed getting to interview him and look forward to writing about his accomplishments in achieving these goals.