Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders pledged $2M to UAPB and over $1M for HBCU nursing programs at 2026 HBCU Summit, citing federal and state funding with DEI and protest restrictions.

On March 12, 2026, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders reaffirmed her administration’s support for the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the 2026 Arkansas HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College. She highlighted a $2 million investment in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and over $1 million for HBCU nursing programs, citing federal funding from the Future Act and state legislation like Arkansas ACCESS, which expanded scholarships but included restrictions on DEI and student protests. Sanders emphasized efforts to strengthen HBCUs through infrastructure, innovation, and economic mobility, while acknowledging ongoing challenges, including a $330.9 million funding gap for UAPB. The summit brought together leaders to discuss long-term support for the state’s four HBCUs.