UAPB’s 1890 Students Selected for National Mentoring Program

By Will Hehemann, UAPB School of Agriculture Communications Specialist

PINE BLUFF, Ark.  – May 13, 2026 – Four students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) are gaining direct access to industry professionals and real-world career pathways after being selected for the University Mentoring Program by Bayer (B4U), one of the largest cohorts in the program’s history.

The students, Braylen Stephens, a sophomore majoring in agricultural business; Jamarion Beasley, a senior majoring in agricultural engineering; Isaiah Solomon, a master’s candidate in agricultural regulations with an emphasis in entomology and pollination; and LaCandyce Lee, a junior majoring in agricultural engineering, were selected to join a competitive cohort of more than 280 mentees representing over 39 universities across North America.

Participants include students from leading research institutions and land-grant universities such as Cornell University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and University of California, Davis, placing UAPB students among a competitive group of peers.

“I’m thrilled to connect with an agricultural professional, gaining valuable knowledge and expertise while fostering meaningful relationships,” said Lee.

All four students are part of the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences 1890 Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing degrees in food and agricultural sciences-related fields through academic development, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.

As 1890 Scholars, the students receive structured support designed to prepare them for careers in agriculture and related industries. On campus, they are mentored by Dr. Tomekia White, Extension specialist-outreach director and interim SAFHS 1890 Scholarship coordinator at the UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Center, and Dameion L. White, research associate.

“We are very proud of our 1890 Scholars,” said Dr. White. “They represent the very best of UAPB and are the next generation of leaders.”

UAPB’s participation in B4U is supported by Bayer core leads Oscar Sparks and Sam McDonald, along with university liaisons Jaimie D. Wright, Dr. Traci Hudson and Dr. Kimberly R. Haynie.

Led by Bayer Crop Science, B4U connects early-career scientists and engineers with industry professionals while strengthening both technical expertise and professional skills. The program focuses on fields such as plant science, engineering, environmental science and data science, preparing students for careers in agriculture, biotechnology and related industries

“Programs like B4U are about more than mentorship,” said Oscar Sparks, Bayer core lead for the UAPB B4U chapter. “They connect students directly with professionals in agriculture and crop science while helping them build the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in the industry.”

Sparks said UAPB brings a strong group of students who are well-prepared and eager to grow. He and his team are excited to work with them and support their development as they explore opportunities within agriculture and crop science.

Jaimie D. Wright, corporate and foundation relations officer at UAPB and a university liaison for the program said, “This is a great opportunity for our students to learn from professionals who are doing the work every day. Programs like B4U help them build confidence, expand their networks and better understand where they fit in the industry.”

As a public land-grant institution, UAPB is committed to student success and workforce readiness by creating opportunities that connect students to industry and prepare them for high-demand careers, Dr. Kimberly R. Haynie, associate professor in the Nutrition and Food Science Program within the Department of Human Sciences, said.

“Within SAFHS, particularly across our plant and agricultural sciences programs, we are focused on strengthening career pathways and ensuring our students gain the skills, experiences and industry connections needed to succeed,” she said.

The 2026 North America B4U cohort officially launched during a virtual kickoff meeting on April 16, featuring keynote speaker J.D. Rossouw, senior vice president and global plant breeding lead at Bayer.