University of Central Arkansas facts for kids
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Former name
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Arkansas State Normal School (1907–1925) Arkansas State Teachers College (1925–1967) State College of Arkansas (1967–1975) |
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| Motto | Go here. Go anywhere. |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1907 |
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Academic affiliations
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Space-grant |
| Endowment | $56 million |
| Budget | $187 million (FY 2018) |
| President | Houston Davis |
| Provost | Michael Hargis |
| Students | 10,112 (Fall 2024) |
| Undergraduates | 8,268 (Fall 2024) |
| Postgraduates | 1,844 (Fall 2024) |
| Location |
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Arkansas
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U.S.
35°04′37″N 92°27′25″W / 35.077°N 92.457°W |
| Campus | Suburban, 356 acres (1.44 km2) |
| Colors | Purple & gray |
| Nickname | Bears & Sugar Bears |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Bruce D. Bear |
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The University of Central Arkansas (often called Central Arkansas or UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas, United States. It was started in 1907, making it one of the oldest universities in Arkansas. For many years, UCA was the main place in Arkansas where teachers were trained. It was one of about 180 "normal schools" created by states to prepare teachers for the growing number of public schools.
UCA has five main colleges and several residential colleges where students live. About 10,000 students attend UCA, including both undergraduate and graduate students. This makes it one of the biggest universities in Arkansas. There are about 17 students for every teacher. UCA offers more than 150 different study programs. The university campus covers about 356 acres and has over 120 buildings.
Contents
History of UCA
The Arkansas State Legislature officially created the Arkansas State Normal School in 1907. This school is now known as the University of Central Arkansas. Its main goal was to properly train students to become professional teachers. Classes started on September 21, 1908. At that time, there were 107 students, seven teachers, and one building on 80 acres of land.
In 1925, the school's name changed to Arkansas State Teachers College. This new name better showed that its main focus was still on training teachers.
By 1967, the school's mission had grown beyond just teacher training. It started offering more programs in liberal arts and health care. To show this wider range of studies, the name changed again in January 1967 to the State College of Arkansas.
President Silas Snow helped lead this name change. He also organized the college to be more like a university. The State College of Arkansas grew quickly and offered many more degree programs. In January 1975, the school officially became the University of Central Arkansas, or UCA.
Past Presidents of UCA
Here are the people who have led UCA throughout its history:
- John James Doyne (1908–1917)
- Burr Walter Torreyson (1917–1930)
- Heber L. McAlister (1930–1941)
- Nolen M. Irby (1941–1953)
- Silas D. Snow (1953–1975)
- Jefferson D. Farris (1975–1986)
- Winfred L. Thompson (1988–2001)
- Lu Hardin (2002–2008)
- Allen Meadors (2009–2011)
- Tom Courtway (2011–2016)
- Houston Davis (2017– )
UCA Traditions
School Colors
UCA's colors were chosen in its very first year, 1908. President Doyne asked two people, W.O. Wilson and Ida Waldran, to pick the colors. Wilson was wearing a gray sweater, and Waldran had a purple scarf. They thought purple and gray looked good together, so they chose those colors. Today, purple and gray are the official colors for all UCA sports teams.
School Mascots
UCA's athletic teams got their first official mascot in 1920. Before that, teams were called names like Tutors, Teachers, or Normalites. In 1920, the teams became known as the "Bears." This was a good choice because Arkansas is sometimes called the "Bear State." For many years, the women's teams were called the Bearettes, and later the Sugar Bears. The mascots Victor E. Bear and Victoria E. Bear arrived in 1999. Bruce D. Bear became the newest mascot in 2006.
Old Main Building
UCA's Old Main is the oldest building on campus. It was finished in 1919. George Donaghey, a former governor of Arkansas, helped build it. For many years, Old Main was both the administration building and a place for classes. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 11, 2011.
World War II Memorial
UCA has a special memorial dedicated in October 2003. It honors 46 UCA alumni who died during World War II. The memorial lists their names and the military branch they served in. It helps everyone remember the UCA alumni who gave their lives in the war.
Memorial Unity Garden
In October 2008, a sad event occurred on campus. Two students were fatally shot, and another person was injured. Four suspects were arrested and later pleaded guilty. A special place called the Memorial Unity Garden was created in front of Arkansas Hall to honor the victims and promote peace.
Senior Legacy Walk
The Senior Walk is a special pathway located in the courtyard in front of the Student Center. Each year, graduating students can buy bricks to be placed in the walk. These bricks are engraved with their names or the names of other graduates they want to honor. It's a way for students to leave a lasting mark on the campus.
Academics and Programs
| USNWR National University | 377 (tie) |
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The University of Central Arkansas has six main colleges. These colleges offer almost 150 different majors for students to choose from. The colleges are:
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Science and Engineering
- The Graduate School
UCA also has a study abroad program. This allows students to travel and learn in other countries. For example, students can study literature in Italy or the UK, learn about healthcare in China, or study sociology in Africa. Credits earned at many foreign universities can count towards a degree at UCA.
College of Fine Arts and Communication
This college offers five different areas of study. Many of the degrees from this college help graduates work or teach in their chosen field. The college offers both bachelor's and graduate degrees.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
This college offers eleven different fields of study. These include natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. It also has six programs that prepare students for professional careers. The college offers both bachelor's and master's degrees.
College of Business
Students interested in business can earn an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree from this college.
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
This college offers bachelor's and graduate degrees. Students who are part of the ROTC program at UCA also attend this college for their training to become military officers.
College of Liberal Arts
There are many different fields of study available within the College of Liberal Arts. This college offers both graduate and bachelor's degrees.
Drama and Theatre Arts
The University of Central Arkansas takes part in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival every year. UCA also hosts an annual Arkansas High School Audition Day. This event gives high school seniors who want to major in theater a chance to audition for many theater programs in Arkansas. UCA Theatre is officially recognized by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Public Performances
UCA Public Appearances is a part of the university's College of Fine Arts & Communication. Their main job is to manage the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall. This is a large theater with 1,200 seats. They also plan and present many performing arts shows in the hall.
The Reynolds Performance Hall opened on September 15, 2000, with a concert by Ray Charles. Since then, many famous people and groups have performed there. These include Loretta Lynn, Seth Meyers, Gavin DeGraw, the Temptations, Gladys Knight, and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
UCA Public Appearances also runs UCA Ticket Central. This office sells tickets for all non-athletic events on campus. They help with tickets for Public Appearances shows, UCA Theatre plays, the Conway Symphony Orchestra, and other events.
UCA Athletics
The university's sports teams are called the Bears for men's teams and Sugar Bears for women's teams. Central Arkansas competes in the NCAA at the Division I level. On July 1, 2021, UCA joined the ASUN Conference. For football, UCA is part of the United Athletic Conference.
UCA has 19 different varsity sports teams with over 450 student-athletes. The men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and track and field. The women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball, STUNT, and beach volleyball.
Greek Life
Students at UCA can join one of the 29 Greek organizations on campus. Greek life at UCA started in 1915.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association, or SGA, speaks for all students at UCA. They help decide how student activity money is spent. They also advise the university leaders on policies that affect students. The SGA works with teachers to figure out student responsibilities and awards. They also plan and oversee all SGA elections and approve new student organizations.
Notable Alumni
Many successful people have graduated from the University of Central Arkansas. Here are a few:
- Kris Allen, a singer and winner of American Idol
- James Bridges, an actor, director, and writer known for films like The China Syndrome
- Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
- Jimmy Driftwood, a famous songwriter and musician
- Gil Gerard, an actor
- Julia Koch, a very wealthy businesswoman and leader of the David H. Koch Foundation
- Benjamin Travis Laney, who was the 33rd Governor of Arkansas
- Scottie Pippen, a Basketball Hall of Famer and 6-time NBA Champion
- Carol Rasco, who worked for President Bill Clinton and supported rights for people with disabilities, education, and children
