By: Aly Covington
Fayetteville, ARK. (UATV) – The University of Arkansas is a predominately white institution. Among the student body, 71.9% of those enrolled at the University are White while only 4.3% are Black or African American. This is clearly a majority whose numbers favor the White race. Hispanic or Latino individuals as well as those with two or more races are also represented in larger numbers than the Black or African American students. 
The 4.3% of Black or African American students equals out to 1,251 students enrolled for the Spring semester of 2023. This is an i
ncrease from Spring of 2021, when 1,190 Black or African American students were enrolled at the University. It’s a decrease in numbers from Spring of 2022, as these numbers are fluctuating. However, some organizations on campus are dedicated to making the current 4.3% of Black or African American current and former students welcomed and connected in Fayetteville.
President-elect of the Black Alumni Society Lindsey Leverett-Higgins said the mission for their group is to make the Black students feel welcomed. One of the main ways they do this is by hosting the Black Alumni Weekend. This is a weekend where Black alumni of the University gather in Fayetteville for official and non-official events. The reunion happens every two years and Leverett-Higgins said since the last reunion was virtual, they had an increase in attendance for this year’s celebration.
“Alumni were definitely eager and excited to be back in person and to get back on campus where it all started,” said Leverett-Higgins.
The theme for this year’s Black Alumni Weekend, “Ignite Your Why!” was all about deliberatiely investing in Black students, faculty and staff on campus. This year’s celebrations not only served as a chance for the alumni to get together again and connect, but it’s also a chance to raise money for scholarships. There are fees to participate in some actives in order to contribute to the fund. A golf tournament, “Welcome Back” Receptions, Homecoming Festivals and After-parties are all offered for alumni to participate in and make a difference while they do it.
Director of Multicultural Center Retention Programs C.J. Mathis is also an alumni of Arkansas.Director of Multicultural Center Retention Programs C.J. Mathis is an alumni of Arkansas who’s back on campus in a different role. In between alumni years, there are chances for the Black alumni to come back and speak on panels to students, to serve as mentors and other chances to meet and network with students to talk about career opportunities as well. The Black alumni are able to stay involved even after their time as students is over. Mathis said he’s seen Black faculty and staff mentoring students as well, even though they aren’t necessarily alumni.
While Mathis was finishing his undergraduate degree, he said he was able to attend the alumni celebrations as a student. When he participated in the step-show as well as attended other events, he said it encouraged him to finish his degree so that he could come back and be a Black alumni. Having the alumni on campus and connecting with them provided a chance for the students to see what it’s like to make it to the other side.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate experience. I think coming back almost 15 years later, I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen in regards to growth for not only the institution but just the Northwest Arkansas area,” said Mathis.
He followed this up by saying his experience is not the only experience. Because he was on scholarship, he said he knows he had some privileges in that regard. While he had privilege in the financial aspect, he was still in the minority of overall attendance. But after speaking to the alumni, it doesn’t seem as though the minority aspect affected their overall impression of the University.
When asked about whether or not Mathis would attend the reunions if he wasn’t employed at the University, he said “absolutely.” The Black student experience is impacted by groups like the Black Alumni Society as well as the Black Student Association. Mathis also said he sees many Black individuals making themselves available, alumni or not to students. Those on campus are dedicated to enriching the Black student’s experience while on campus. And after graduating, they have something to look forward to thanks to the work of the Black Alumni Society partnering with the Arkansas Alumni Association.
The festivities of the reunion are a celebration of the work put in in previous years as well as a time to connect with alumni who came before and after those celebrating. It’s also an opportunity to help out the up and coming generation of Black Students at the University. The future of the Black Alumni Society is the students enrolled now. Investing in those students is investing in the future.