Jefferson County, Arkansas – The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame is set to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of 10 legendary athletes from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Though these honorees were not originally from Jefferson County, they left an indelible mark on the university’s sports history, earning a rightful place among the greats. Their legacy will be recognized alongside 71 other local sports figures during an honorary banquet on April 26 at the Pine Bluff Country Club.
Among those being honored is James “Mack” Allen, an iconic shooting guard who dominated college basketball from 1960 to 1964. A four-time NAIA All-American, Allen led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in scoring all four years, amassing 2,837 career points. His record-breaking 56-point performance against Grambling State in a thrilling double-overtime win remains one of the greatest moments in UAPB basketball history. His No. 20 jersey hangs proudly in the rafters of the H.O. Clemmons Arena.
Terron Armstead, a dual-sport athlete in football and track and field, also joins the Hall of Fame. A key offensive lineman for UAPB’s 2012 SWAC Championship team, Armstead turned heads at the 2013 NFL Combine by clocking a blistering 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the fastest time ever recorded for an offensive lineman. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round, he now serves as a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line.
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Paulette Bell carved her own path in both basketball and track, walking onto the basketball team in 1984 and earning an immediate starting role. A defensive powerhouse, she averaged 11.8 points and 2.5 steals per game. Her prowess extended to track and field, where she became UAPB’s first female athlete to earn NAIA All-American honors four years in a row. Her record-breaking 23.6-second finish in the 200-meter dash at the 1986 conference championships still stands as a testament to her speed and determination.
Another basketball standout, Harold Blevins, made history as UAPB’s second all-time leading scorer and the first Golden Lion to be drafted into the NBA. Selected by the New York Knicks in the 1965 draft, he also signed a free-agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys, making him the only UAPB athlete to go pro in two sports. His No. 50 jersey is enshrined at Clemmons Arena.
Robert “Bobby” Brown’s speed made him a track and football sensation. As a defensive back, he was known for his lightning-fast pace, running a 9.5-second 100-yard dash and achieving a long jump of 24 feet, 6.5 inches. His talent led to a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys and an invitation to the Pan American Games.
Wallace Francis, a standout wide receiver, found success in both college and the NFL. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1973, he later thrived with the Atlanta Falcons, racking up 244 receptions, 3,695 yards, and 27 touchdowns over his pro career. At UAPB, he caught 85 passes for 1,785 yards, with an impressive 14 touchdowns in his senior season.
L.C. Greenwood, a key member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ famed “Steel Curtain” defense, will also be honored. Drafted in 1969, Greenwood helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories and earned six Pro Bowl selections. The dominant defensive end’s No. 88 jersey is retired at UAPB.
Lytonya Johnson brought glory to UAPB’s track program by winning back-to-back national titles in the 100-meter hurdles at the NAIA Championships in 1989 and 1990. She also anchored the school’s record-setting 4×100-meter relay team, cementing her status as one of the university’s most decorated female athletes.
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Jesse Mason, an early basketball trailblazer, made his mark in the late 1950s. Known for his deadly jump shot, he led the SWAC in scoring during his senior season, averaging 25.2 points per game. His No. 42 jersey remains a symbol of his legacy at UAPB.
Charles “Monk” Williams rounds out the honorees as one of the most prolific running backs in UAPB history. His single-game rushing record of 292 yards against Prairie View A&M in 1967 still stands. With 41 career rushing touchdowns and a school-record 22 rushing scores in a single season, Williams’ impact on the program remains unmatched.
The Hall of Fame ceremony is set to be a momentous occasion, shining a spotlight on these remarkable athletes who helped shape UAPB’s sports history. Tickets for the April 26 banquet will be available starting March 5. Additionally, the Hall of Fame will officially open its doors on May 1 inside the Bill Carr Museum at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Main Library. Nominations for the 2026 class will begin May 7, ensuring that UAPB’s storied athletic tradition continues to be celebrated for generations to come.
