PINE BLUFF, AR - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander released a statement via social media on the House Bill 1838 that brought concerns to students, alumni, supporters and the HBCU community.

Last night Chancellor Alexander released this statement:

"The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is proud of all its academic programs and the contributions the institution has made in teaching, research, service and outreach.

We were understandably concerned when we learned earlier this week that a bill was filed in the Arkansas legislature concerning our Aquaculture program, a signature program created and supported by our institution from its inception. We are working with the UA System, our legislative delegation and other legislators to address the bill so that the Aquaculture program remains a vital part of the research and extension activities of our campus. We want to reassure our students, faculty and staff, agricultural stakeholders, alumni and all others who support UAPB of our unwavering commitment to our land-grant mission, and of the institution's role as an economic partner in Pine Bluff, our region and our state."

Voting of the House Bill was on the table to take place in a hearing this morning but according to UAPB's National Alumni Association President Tammie Hall, the House decided to withdrawn the bill. Hall also released a statement to the public.

"I have great news this morning for all of our UAPB/AM&N family and friends. This morning in the Agriculture Committee Hearing HB1838 was withdrawn. I take this opportunity to thank Chancellor Alexander, Representative Flowers and other Legislators supporting UAPB.

We continue from this point telling the great story of UAPB!!!"

Students at the university was not informed about the bill until the day before voting. If the House Bill 1838, introduced by first-term democrat Camille Bennett was to be voted on to pass, it would've removed UAPB's School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences and transfer all assets, equipment, grants and other funds to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. This would've expanse the UA Lonoke Extension Center.

Since 1988, the university has gained recognition as a leading research institution in aquaculture studies, offering the state's only comprehensive program in this field and according to the school, it's aquaculture program is a $167 million industry in Arkansas along and worth approximately $1.2 billion in the Mississippi Delta region. The program is enhanced by the addition of an Aquaculture/Fisheries PhD program, which received full accreditation in November 2011.

The D.J's Music Site HBCU Campaign would like to take the time to express our appreciation to all of the students, alumni, supporters in taking the time to help take into action this serious matter in saving a historical piece of a prestigious HBCU institution.