The University of Arkansas System has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Anthony Graham as the next Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), following a unanimous vote by the UA Board of Trustees. The decision, recommended by UA System President Jay B. Silveria, positions Dr. Graham to begin his new role on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Graham brings extensive leadership experience to UAPB, having most recently served as interim chancellor, provost, and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Winston-Salem State University, a fellow HBCU in North Carolina. His academic journey includes tenure as a professor of education and service as the dean of the College of Education at North Carolina A&T State University.
“There are different types of leaders that are most effective for different times and places, and Dr. Graham is the right fit for UAPB at this moment in time,” said Silveria. “He understands the unique role UAPB plays within the UA System and brings both the vision and experience necessary to lead this storied land-grant HBCU into a new era of growth and impact.”
A proud North Carolina native, Dr. Graham holds a B.A. in English with a minor in mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with an M.A. and Ph.D. in education from UNC Greensboro. Before transitioning into higher education leadership, he began his career as a high school English teacher and has remained committed to advancing access, equity, and representation in education.
In his statement following the appointment, Dr. Graham expressed both humility and purpose:
“I am deeply grateful to the UA Board of Trustees and President Silveria for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead UAPB—one of the nation’s esteemed 1890 land-grant institutions. I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to elevate student success and ensure UAPB continues serving as a catalyst for social and economic mobility. This role is more than a position—it’s a calling rooted in legacy, service, and transformation.”
The national search for UAPB’s next chancellor attracted nearly 60 applicants, culminating in a series of campus visits and finalist interviews in February. The process was guided by an advisory committee led by Perry Stuckey, UAPB alum and Pine Bluff native.
“President Silveria and the Board were presented with exceptional candidates, and I’m proud that UAPB’s reputation drew such a competitive pool,” said Stuckey. “Dr. Graham’s leadership will undoubtedly guide the institution into an exciting new chapter.”