University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas
Former name
Arkansas State Normal School (1907–1925)
Arkansas State Teachers College (1925–1967)
State College of Arkansas (1967–1975)
MottoGo here. Go anywhere.[1]
TypePublic university
Established1907; 117 years ago (1907)[2]
Academic affiliations
Space-grant[3]
Endowment$56 million[4]
Budget$187 million (FY 2018)[5]
PresidentHouston Davis[2]
ProvostPatty Poulter
Students11,487 (Fall 2016)[6]
Undergraduates9,615[6]
Postgraduates1,872[6]
Location
Conway
,
Arkansas
,
U.S.

35°04′37″N 92°27′25″W / 35.077°N 92.457°W / 35.077; -92.457
CampusSuburban, 356 acres (1.44 km2)[7]
Colors    Purple & gray[7]
NicknameBears & Sugar Bears[8]
Sporting affiliations
MascotBruce D. Bear[8]
Websitewww.uca.edu

The University of Central Arkansas (Central Arkansas or UCA) is a public university in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School, the university is one of the oldest in the U.S. state of Arkansas.[2] As the state's only normal school at the time, UCA has historically been the primary source of teachers in Arkansas.[2] It was one of about 180 "normal schools" founded by state governments to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. Some closed but most steadily expanded their role and became state colleges in the early 20th century and state universities in the late 20th century.[9]

The university comprises five colleges[10] and five residential colleges and one commuter college.[11] UCA has about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students, making it one of the largest universities in the state.[6] The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 17 to 1.[7] Over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered at the university.[7] UCA occupies over 120 buildings within its 356 acres (1.44 km2).[7]

  1. ^ "UCA Unveils Updated Academic Logo and Marketing Campaign". UCA Magazine. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d "From the Archives: UCA History". University of Central Arkansas. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  3. ^ "Affiliates". Arkansas Space Grant Consortium. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  4. ^ "Data USA: University of Central Arkansas". Data USA. October 1, 2023.
  5. ^ "Operating Budget 2017-2018" (PDF). University of Central Arkansas. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d "RETENTION AND AVERAGE ACT SCORE INCREASE FOR FALL 2016". University of Central Arkansas. September 1, 2016. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Quick Facts". University of Central Arkansas. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  8. ^ a b "History and Traditions". University of Central Arkansas. UCA Alumni Association. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  9. ^ Christine Ogren, The American State Normal School: 'An Instrument of Great Good' (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) pp. 1-5, 213–235; online.
  10. ^ "Academics". University of Central Arkansas. Archived from the original on July 5, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  11. ^ "Residential Colleges". University of Central Arkansas. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.