In 1875, Joseph Corbin, the son of former slaves, became the founder and principal of Branch Normal College, now UAPB, and served there until 1902. A profound mathematician, outstanding musician, linguist, and holder of bachelor and masters degrees from Ohio University, he was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Industrial University, now the UA system. He later served as principal of Merrill School in Pine Bluff until his death in 1911.