The Upward Bound Program at Southern Arkansas University will hold its annual Senior Recognition and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Harton Theater on the University campus. A total of 19 graduates from seven southwest Arkansas schools will be recognized. Thirteen of our graduates will participate in the Upward Bound Bridge program and enroll in up to six hours of college credit at SAU during the first summer session. Eleven of these students will be enrolled at SAU this fall.
The Upward Bound Class of 2024 includes:
Bradley High: A’Mya Brown, Sharese Harris, and Kezia Warren; Emerson High: Jordan Jones; Hope: Jakobi Scott; Lafayette High: Alyzia Devereaux; Magnolia High: Myasia Davis, Andrea Gill, Jermiracle Joiner, Ranaiya Kirkindoff, Ja’Lasia Manning, Shakyria Thompson, Shan’Jordan Torrence, and Genesis Williams; Nevada High: Kadiya Curry and Bryceten Harris; Prescott High: Jade Sharp and Alanie Spratt.
The keynote speaker will be Mr. Malik McBride. He is a proud Magnolia, AR, native and the son of Carol and the late Michael McBride. He is a 2018 SAU Upward Bound and Magnolia High
School alum.
McBride graduated (cum laude) from Southern Arkansas University with a bachelor of university studies with an emphasis in education, social sciences, and humanities in 2021. He will graduate with a master of education in college counseling and student affairs from SAU in May 2024.
While enrolled as a full-time student at SAU, McBride was active in the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, and Black Student Association. He served as a resident assistant and graduate assistant for multicultural services and student activities. On the professional level, he is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Arkansas Association of Student Assistance Programs, the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs, and an active member of the Camden-Magnolia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Prior to his current position, Malik was the curriculum coordinator/academic advisor and summer instructor for the Upward Bound program at National Park College in Hot Springs, AR. As an underrepresented student who is now a graduate, Malik understands the challenges that minority students face on their journey toward post-secondary success.
As a higher education professional serving as assistant dean of multicultural student services at Arkansas Tech University, McBride strives to cultivate safe spaces and provide necessary recourses that allow minority students to thrive academically, personally, and socially.
