Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett Provides Leadership and Inspiration to UAPB Students

By William Hehemann, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, School of Agriculture

Pine Bluff, AR — Feb. 2, 2026 — Dr. Nina Lyon Bennett, professor and assistant dean for academics for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS), not only provides leadership for academics, but she also engages in all three prongs of the land-grant mission – teaching, research and Extension.

Dr. Bennett is responsible for fostering a spirit of excellence in the academic mission of the School and for providing creative leadership to department chairs as it relates to student mentoring and recruitment, retention and timely degree completion. She also assists SAFHS faculty with program enhancement, implementing student support programs and supporting professional development opportunities.

“As a professional in higher education, my leadership has been forged through perseverance, service and relationship-building.” Dr. Bennett said. “My 30-year career has spanned roles as a faculty member, department chair, assistant dean for academics, and now full professor, each position strengthening my resolve to lead with purpose, integrity and compassion.”

Dr. Bennett says she is inspired by professionals who lead not for recognition, but to create pathways for others. Her commitment extends to her scholarship, including a forthcoming book, which amplifies stories of ascension, resilience and possibility.

“Leadership, for me, is deeply relational. Through peer-to-peer and career mentoring initiatives, I am committed to supporting students and emerging professionals as they navigate systems not always designed with them in mind,” she said. “I believe that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by impact – by the confidence built, opportunities opened and communities strengthened.”

For the past four years, Dr. Bennett has sponsored 40 students in SAFHS to participate in the Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference. Last year she presented a workshop at the conference. This year, she has been invited to be the opening speaker.

“Your workshop last year was incredibly well-received, and your enthusiasm and ability to connect with the audience made a lasting impression,” said Lindsey Holtzclaw, president of the board of the Arkansas Women in Agriculture. “Because of that, we immediately thought of you as someone who would be ideal for helping us set the tone for the conference in a meaningful and energizing way.”

Dr. Bennett earned a doctoral degree in child and family development from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in sociology from Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clark College.

Dr. Bennett’s professional memberships include the National Association of University Women, the STEM Society of Women, American Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) Board on Human Sciences, 1890 Council of Administrators for Family and Consumer Sciences, National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

She was awarded the UAPB Chancellor Award for Distinguished Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity Award, the Forever Emerald Ollie D. Johnson Education of the Year award by the Little Rock Chapter of the National Association of University Women, and the Outstanding Family and Consumer Sciences Professional Award by the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences for exhibiting a commitment to the field.

Her leadership training includes the Rutgers MSI Aspiring Leaders Program, CAU HBCU Executive Leadership Institute, and APLU’s Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) Fellows program. She currently serves as secretary for APLU’s Academic Program Section and previously served as board chair for LEAD21.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bennett has been awarded numerous grants from entities including the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Foundation, Maryland Higher Education Commission, U.S. Department of Education and Bank of America. She has also authored and edited publications and book chapters on leadership development, human development and family studies topics.