UAPB Staff Members and Alumna Named 2026 New Leaders Council Arkansas Fellows

Two staff members and an alumna of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) have been named 2026 New Leaders Council (NLC) Arkansas Fellows. Angela Howard, an Extension Program Aide in Agriculture & Family and Consumer Sciences, Jermaine L. Ramos, a Student Involvement Analyst in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL), and 2022 UAPB Alumna Alexandria Slater are among the 20 Arkansas fellows who were selected.

NLC’s Arkansas Chapter described them as “local changemakers” in a December 12, 2025, Facebook post.

“NLC Arkansas trains the people who change the world,” the post stated. For 15 years, NCL has trained and connected nearly 10,000 leaders across 50 local and statewide chapters, according to its website. 

“NLC is the hub for proximate leaders in America. We identify and elevate changemakers (local leaders rooted in their communities) through dynamic training, deep community, and national connection.  NLC trains and connects the local changemakers who champion equity and fuel progress. We invest in those historically excluded from leadership pipelines yet are best equipped to solve our nation’s most challenging issues,” the website read.

“NLC views leadership as a collaborative process, where individuals share their unique skills and expertise to solve problems together. This networked approach ensures that each of our Fellows are equipped to lead in any scenario. Our approach offers place-based leaders continuous opportunities for learning, support, and growth through the NLC Institute,” the website read.

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Howard graduated from UAPB magna cum laude in 2014.  As an Extension outreach Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Associate for the university, she promotes and teaches overall health and wellness to the community. She is a dedicated member of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order Elks of The World, ELKS Daughter, as well as a Rotarian member. 

In 2023, Howard was nominated for Arkansas Trailblazer of the Year, and in 2025, was awarded an Impact Community Award. She is also the proud recipient of the 1890 Multi-State Conference Helping Hands Award and has been featured in numerous articles focusing on healthy living.

Ramos is dedicated to empowering students, young professionals, and creative entrepreneurs through mentorship, guidance, and project-driven leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UAPB and his MBA from Philander Smith University.  In the university’s OSIL, he helps students build community, strengthen leadership skills, and fully engage in meaningful educational experiences.

Ramos’ work centers on fostering authentic connection and creating spaces where individuals feel supported and are inspired to grow.  Passionate about photography, creative direction, and program development, he is committed to service-driven, intentional leadership that uplifts the communities he serves and creates lasting, positive impact.

Slater is an aspiring student affairs professional and educator committed to empowering students and fostering leadership development. She currently serves as a family and consumer science teacher in the Pulaski County Special School District. Slater is in her fourth year of teaching and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2024-2025. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human science education from UAPB and her master’s in leadership and policy – Student Affairs Administration from the University of Memphis.

She is zealous about mentoring students, creating inclusive learning environments, and supporting student success. In her free time, Slater enjoys photography, baking, and traveling to zoos across the country.