The University of Central Arkansas began in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal College, established to train teachers. It underwent several name changes as it expanded its curriculum beyond teacher training to include liberal arts and health care programs. Today it has over 75 majors across 6 colleges and is known for its respected programs in education, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. As a public university, it is run by the state of Arkansas and has grown from its original 107 students to nearly 13,000 students today. Its traditions include an innovative honors college and emphasis on small class sizes, distinguished faculty, and grants for students.

1. Origins In 1907, the Arkansas State Legislature created a small school in the town of Conway in central Arkansas . The school was named The Arkansas State Normal College and the purpose was to properly train students to become professional teachers. In 1925 the name of the school was changed to Arkansas State Teachers College since teacher training was such an important part of the schools mission. Then the name changed again in 1967 to State College of Arkansas after the school began to expand and offer other programs. Finally, in 1975 the school gained university status and became the University of Central Arkansas. Curriculum When the school began in 1907 the curriculum was focused on the mission of training teachers. However, by the mid 60’s the liberal arts and health care programs expanded rapidly. Today the University has 6 distinct colleges and offers over 75 majors as well as a study abroad program. UCA is very well known for their respected programs in Education, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Students from around the nation Government/Church The University is a public school that is run by the state of Arkansas. The University relies on the state of AR for it’s funding and support. While the University is not affiliated with any religions organization it does have many religious student organizations on campus for students who choose to participate in them. Enrollment/Students When classes began in 1908 the University had one building with 107 students and seven faculty members. Enrollment continued to grow rapidly as did central Arkansas economy due to agriculture and industry. In 1916, the enrollment had grown to 441. Before 1956 only middle and upper class white people had attended the University. UCA enrollment has continued to boom with a 28% increase over the past 15 years. The highest enrollment rates were met in Fall 2008 with 12, 974 students attending the University. Traditions UCA is famous for its innovative Honors College as well as their small class size, distinguished faculty, TAG and URGE grants for students, high ACT and SAT scores, and outstanding medical and graduate school rates. Their slogan is, “A tradition of excellence.” References Bryant, Jimmy. (2008) Centennial History of the University of Central Arkansas. Virginia Beach, VA: Donning http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Central_Arkansas