FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas (U of A) in Fayetteville is highlighting an alumni 55 years after he left his mark on university history.
In 1969, Harold Betton became the first African-American undergrad at the U of A College of Agriculture— and on Aug. 30, 2024, Betton (now Dr. Betton) received the honors he qualified for all those years earlier.
"Dr. Betton graduated with the qualifications to be honored," said Jeff Edwards, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences, formerly known as the College of Agriculture. "However, he did not receive the regalia or recognition that goes along with that designation of honors with graduation."
The university offered Betton a copy of his transcript with the honors designation as well. He said he hopes to provide a good example for his six grandchildren who were in attendance.
Dr. Betton thanked the school for the belated honor and spoke about how not many schools have taken steps to recognize the unrecognized achievements of past alumni. "It takes a lot of good boldness and right thinking and forthwith integrity to recognize something that should be observed."
Dr. Betton reportedly didn't contact the university at any point to request the honors and didn't hold any negative feelings about not receiving them in 1969. "I want the University of Arkansas to know that you have no idea of the kind of scholar you created when I graduated. I left Arkansas for med school and finished a year early."
Deacue Fields, the head of the U of A System's Division of Agriculture said Dr. Betton spent his career showcasing all of the incredible things people can use an agriculture degree for. "He's what we want to portray for our graduates to come ... We wanted to make sure we did things right."
Dr. Betton has practiced in Little Rock for nearly 50 years and works as a commissioner for the Little Rock National Airport while providing services as a pastor for the New Light Missionary Baptist Church. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary.
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