A group from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, including six students, recently trekked all the way to Washington D.C. and back. These students made the journey from Independence County to take part in the dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial on October 16, 2011.
Van Taylor, co-advisor for the Black Student Association (BSA) at UACCB and Administrative Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Services, traveled with the students. Taylor described the trip as “an awesome experience for the students of UACCB to be part of history. The dedication was breathtaking.”
Students participating in the trip were Forlanda Peel, Sharon Mitchell, Rose Clark, John Barber, Crystal Michelle Robinson, and Russell Ade. Steve and Leann Collins served as drivers, and Taylor attended as the BSA advisor.
The group from UACCB visited the MLK Monument on Saturday, October 15, 2011, then attended the dedication the next day. While in Washington D.C., the students also toured the White House and the Capitol. Taylor said these tours were arranged by Congressman Rick Crawford’s representative team, including a very helpful Lyon College graduate, Bridget Nutt.
According to Taylor, the Black Student Association was established at UACCB during the spring semester 2010. Taylor and Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Nikki Williams are the advisors for the BSA, one of several student organizations on campus.
Taylor summarized the benefit of the trip by declaring the 19-hour drive to Washington D.C. as “well worth the effort!” She adds, “The students who attended say the trip was a remarkable learning experience and being there was something none of us will ever forget. I truly believe Dr. King would be proud of how far we have come.”
BSA group members left to right: Forlanda Peel, Van Taylor, Leann Collins, Russell Ade, and Steve Collins, prepare to board Metro transportation while touring national monuments in Washington D.C. on October 15, 2011.
