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University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas seal.svg
Latin: Universitas Arkansiensis
Former names
Arkansas Industrial University
Motto Veritate duce progredi (Latin)
Motto in English
To Advance with Truth as our Leader
Type Public flagship land-grant research university
Established 1871; 154 years ago (1871)
Parent institution
University of Arkansas System
Accreditation HLC
Academic affiliations
  • CDIO
  • Space-grant
Endowment $2.6 billion (2021)
Budget $866 million (FY 2018)
Chancellor Charles Robinson (interim)
Provost Terry Martin (interim)
Academic staff
1,353
Administrative staff
3,150
Students 29,068 (Fall 2021)
Undergraduates 22,825
Postgraduates 4,354
Other students
383 (Law)
Location , ,
United States

36°04′07″N 94°10′34″W / 36.068681°N 94.176012°W / 36.068681; -94.176012
Campus College Town, 412 acres (1.67 km2)
Newspaper The Arkansas Traveler
Colors      Cardinal
     Apple Blossom
Nickname Razorbacks
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division I FBS – SEC
Mascot Tusk & Big Red
University of Arkansas logo.svg

The University of Arkansas (often called U of A or UArk) is a large public university in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's the main campus of the University of Arkansas System. It is also the biggest university in Arkansas.

The university started in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University. The first classes were held on January 22, 1872. It changed to its current name in 1899.

U of A is known for many strong programs. These include architecture and agriculture. It also has great programs in communication, history, and law. The business school is highly rated. Its supply chain management program was ranked best in North America in 2020. Many graduates work at top Fortune 500 companies.

The campus has 378 buildings across 512 acres (2.07 km2) in Fayetteville. A famous building is Old Main. This was the first permanent academic building. The university offers over 200 different study programs. In 2019, about 27,559 students were enrolled. There are about 19 students for every teacher. The university is known for its high level of research.

The university's sports teams are called the Arkansas Razorbacks. They compete in NCAA Division I. They are part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The university has many unique traditions. One is Calling the Hogs at sports events. Another is the Senior Walk. This is a sidewalk over 4 miles (6.4 km) long. It has the names of all graduates since 1871 etched into it. The University of Arkansas is also where the first Chi Omega sorority chapter was founded.

Sports Teams and Competitions

The university's sports teams are known as the Razorbacks. The women's teams are sometimes called the Lady Razorbacks. They have 19 different varsity teams. These teams compete in the Southeastern Conference.


Famous People from U of A

Many famous people have attended or taught at the University of Arkansas.

Even though they didn't go to U of A, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton taught at the university's law school in the 1970s. The house where they lived in Fayetteville is now a historic site and museum.

The University of Arkansas Alumni Association has groups in 30 states. Many former students and teachers have become important in different areas. For example, Ricardo Martinelli was president of Panama from 2009 to 2014. Seventeen Arkansas graduates have been governor, including the current Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson.

Many U of A graduates have also served in the United States House of Representatives. Some have also held seats in the US Senate from Arkansas. From 1979 to 2003, both US Senate seats for Arkansas were held by U of A graduates: J. William Fulbright and John Boozman.

Arkansas alumni have also become famous in music. Singer-songwriter Ben Rector graduated from U of A in 2009. His song "Brand New" was featured in a movie trailer.

U of A alumni have also made big contributions in business and education. These include Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Other business leaders include S. Robson Walton from Walmart. Many alumni have also become leaders at other universities.

In sports, many Arkansas Razorbacks have gone on to play professionally. They have played in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. Famous sports alumni include Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee (baseball) and seven-time NBA All Star Joe Johnson (basketball). Ten Olympians who won 14 Olympic medals also attended U of A. This includes Mike Conley, Sr.. Eight members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, like Dan Hampton, also went to the University of Arkansas.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Universidad de Arkansas para niños

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