PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has announced award-winning actress Robin Givens as speaker for its 169th commencement.
The ceremony will be on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with a procession at 9:45, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center at 1 Convention Center Plaza.
Givens has appeared in films and television shows such as “Head of the Class,” Tyler Perry’s “The Family that Preys,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” among many other titles over her expansive four-decade career.
She made her directorial debut with “Murder to Remember” for Lifetime Movie Network and recently directed “So Help Me Todd” for CBS.
In addition to entertainment, Givens is an acclaimed director, author, and advocate for women’s rights. In 2007 she wrote the autobiography “Grace Will Lead Me Home.”
She served as spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and received the Vital Link Award for more than 20 years of dedicated service advocating for women, children, and families impacted by domestic violence.
The ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube here. The convention center's doors open at 7:30 a.m.
Metal detectors will be located at the main entrance and security personnel will search all items carried inside.
The University’s Clear Bag Policy will be enforced, and backpacks, fanny packs, and large purses are prohibited. The following items are allowed:
- Clear plastic bags (1 per person) no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (1 per person)
- Non-transparent clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (1 per person)
- Bags necessary for approved medical equipment
For more information, please visit the university's website here. To learn more about commencement exercises please contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at lacefielda@uapb.edu.