University of Arkansas

 

ABOUT

The University of Arkansas is one of the nation’s top public research universities. Our ideas, solutions and collaborations make communities and economies stronger. The opportunities and skills we provide make lives better. We envision a better world and we’re determined to build it.

THE U OF A

That 'students-first' philosophy is a big reason why the U of A is consistently ranked among the nation's top public research universities and best values. We work hard to ensure a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes plenty of personal attention and mentoring opportunities. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the university as having "the highest possible level of research," placing us among the top 3 percent of colleges and universities nationwide.

Founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas is the flagship of the University of Arkansas System. Our 27,000 students represent all 50 states and more than 120 countries. The U of A has 10 colleges and schools offering more than 210 academic programs. The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Our picturesque campus is located in Fayetteville in the hilly northwest corner of Arkansas and includes two arboreta overlooking the Ozark Mountains. Some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus. Fayetteville is routinely considered among the country’s finest college towns, and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S.

VISITORS GUIDE

Welcome! This handy guide provides information about the campus and community including what to see and where to eat in one of the nation’s best places to live.

QUICK FACTS

Key facts, figures, and some interesting trivia. For instance, did you know Bill and Hillary Clinton began their careers by teaching law at the U of A?

HISTORY

Learn more about the university as we approach the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2021.

OUR MISSION

The University of Arkansas is determined to build a better world by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture, nurturing creativity, and solving problems through research and discovery, all in service to Arkansas.

Since 1871, our fundamental purpose as a land-grant institution and state flagship remains unchanged — to serve the state of Arkansas as a partner, resource and catalyst by:

• Providing access to a comprehensive and internationally competitive public education, and fostering student success across a wide spectrum of disciplines.
• Utilizing research, discovery and creative activity to improve the quality of life, develop solutions to the challenges we face and drive the state's economy.
• Contributing service and expertise through outreach, engagement and collaboration.

Our mission provides a broad outline of the work required to achieve our vision – that the University of Arkansas represents the best of public higher education, advancing Arkansas while building a better world.

A campus-wide, collaborative effort led by Chancellor Joe Steinmetz resulted in eight Guiding Priorities and measurable goals that provide direction for the university’s Strategic Plan. This roadmap for our future is articulated through unifying themes that describe who we are, what we do and why it matters.

OUR VALUES

We are guided by our mission to advance Arkansas while building a better world. Our core values help frame a desired culture that best supports that mission. We value:

Curiosity

Curiosity drives progress – the need to know more, understand better, ask questions and find answers. We embrace the challenges that come with exploring the unknown and seeking solutions to problems shared by all. This intellectual curiosity feeds our determination to improve lives through discovery, innovation and the expansion of knowledge.

Creativity

We are inspired by the art, music, literature, architecture and other creative works that enrich our lives. But creativity is not limited to the arts and humanities; it is no less important to the sciences, driving innovation and new technologies. A creative environment stimulates original thought, varied perspectives and new ways of looking at things. Creative people and approaches lead to new ideas, improved outcomes and other valuable contributions that make our lives better.

Character

We value personal integrity and the related behaviors that make us better people, collectively strengthening our community and society. We strive to be trustworthy, to lead by example, to get better every day and to have a positive impact on others. We cultivate a culture of honesty, fairness, respect and understanding. We are accountable to ourselves, each other and the publics we serve.

Our Shared Humanity

We care about the safety, health and well-being of those around us. We support an open exchange of ideas and respect the unique perspectives and contributions that each of us provides. As a community of individuals, our diversity is our strength. We help nourish an inclusive environment where equity, opportunity, representation and civility are valued. Respecting our differences creates better understanding of our shared humanity, the foundation of our mission to build a better world.

COLLEGES & SCHOOLS

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
The Bumpers College prepares leaders for careers that matter – in areas of food, family and the environment. The business of foods, healthy families, quality of life, the stewardship of our environment, the impact of foods on health and a positive self-image affect everyone. The School of Human Environmental Sciences is a part of Bumpers College. 

Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design
The Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design offers architecture, landscape architecture and interior design education, with the architecture program ranked among the nation's top 10. The renovation of our historic home and the addition of a modern design center provide an opportunity for collaboration in a world-class facility.

J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
Fulbright College is the largest and most diverse academic unit on campus with 19 departments and more than 30 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all  University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator. The School of Social Work, The School of Art, and the School of Journalism and Strategic Media are all a part of Fulbright College.

Sam M. Walton College of Business
Founded in 1926, the Sam M. Walton College of Business currently ranks among the top business schools in the nation. The Walton College combines outstanding academic programs in a number of disciplines with a wide range of experiential learning to help students connect world-class scholarship with real-world business practice.

College of Education and Health Professions
The College of Education and Health Professions focuses on two very important areas – education and health – with disciplines as diverse as teaching, nursing, community health promotion, human resource development, kinesiology, recreation and sport management, and communication disorders. Students gain hands-on experience and work with faculty on research in these fields. The college includes the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.

College of Engineering
The most comprehensive engineering program in Arkansas, the College of Engineering offers ABET-accredited bachelor's degrees, plus master's degrees and doctorates. With over 100 labs and a dedicated, supportive faculty, the College of Engineering provides an environment of exploration and innovation.

Honors College
Our endowed Honors College unites the university's top undergraduate students and professors from all disciplines in a learning environment characterized by discovery, creativity and service. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, priority registration, special housing and enhanced opportunities for hands-on research and study abroad.

Global Campus
The Global Campus supports the development and delivery of online, distance and professional education offerings. The University of Arkansas ONLINE is your portal for online and distance education programs and courses. High-quality teaching combined with technology gives students flexible, robust academic options, backed by the university's strong student support system.

Graduate School and International Education
The Graduate School and International Education is the home for all graduate students and all international students, both graduate and undergraduate, and all students seeking an educational experience abroad. Our vision, mission and goals encompass our dedication to the recruitment, admission, retention and graduation of students from Arkansas and across the U.S. and the world, as well as our service to the University of Arkansas.

School of Law
The School of Law, a National Jurist top 15 value in legal education and among U.S. News and World Report's top 36 public law schools, prepares students for success. The law school offers challenging courses taught by outstanding faculty, unique service opportunities and a community that puts law students first.

ADMINISTRATION

Office of the Chancellor
Joseph E. Steinmetz became the sixth chancellor of the University of Arkansas on January 1, 2016. Find out more about Chancellor Steinmetz, his administration and staff, and other key communications from this office.

Academic Affairs
The Division of Academic Affairs works to enhance the university's excellence in instruction; research; outreach and public service; and student affairs; and is responsible for academic planning and budgeting, faculty development and promotion, and academic initiatives.

Enrollment Services
Enrollment Services seeks to enroll and graduate a diverse group of capable students who will engage fully in academic and service programs, develop intellectually and personally, and contribute to the campus, the state, and the global community. To assist students in achieving their academic and career goals, the Enrollment Services Division offers support in academic success, admissions and orientation, financial aid and scholarships, nationally competitive awards, registrar, and UAConnect.

Finance and Administration
The Division of Finance and Administration provides services that enable the university to support its learning mission. Services provided include maintenance of facilities, information technology systems, financial services, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, operation of business services, protection offered by the University Police, and human resources.

Student Affairs
Ensuring every student's success is the focus of the Division of Student Affairs. Students benefit from multiple support services, programs and initiatives focused on community engagement, activities and entertainment, standards and conduct, Greek life, student media, housing, dining, mental and physical health, and career development.

University Advancement
The Division of University Advancement builds understanding and support for higher education in three key ways: enhancing the university's image by communicating the accomplishments of our outstanding students and faculty while highlighting special points of pride; involving alumni and other constituencies in proactive functions and raising private gift support. The division includes the Arkansas Alumni Association, and the offices of University Development, University Relations, Donor Relations and Special Events, and Central Arkansas Regional Advancement.

Governmental Relations
Coordinating university activities related to government and community organizations on a local, state and federal level is the focus of the Governmental Relations office. Locally, the office works with Chambers of Commerce and other community groups. At the state level, the office handles legislative issues and assists faculty and staff with issues involving state agencies and offices. The office also works with our congressional delegation on the university's priorities for federal initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for enriching campus diversity and inclusion, one of the university’s top priorities. More inclusive and diverse learning environments yield better learning and productivity outcomes for all students, staff, faculty and even our community. To help the university develop and sustain a more diverse, inclusive environment, the office provides guidance, support and leadership for initiatives, policies and programming and other strategic efforts designed to support the university’s academic mission. The office collaborates with units across campus as well as external stakeholders to achieve this important work.

Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development directs and coordinates the university’s campuswide efforts to expand economic opportunities and improve quality of life in Arkansas and beyond. The office is responsible for assessing, increasing and communicating the university’s economic and social impacts. The office collaborates with colleges, schools and administrative units across campus to maximize the university’s influence on quality of place, economy and social betterment.

Research and Innovation
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies the University of Arkansas among those with the “highest research activity.” The Office of Research and Innovation is responsible for growing the university’s research program, developing and improving research infrastructure and capacity, and energizing innovation. The office also oversees research administration and compliance, optimization of research space and equipment, interdisciplinary research centers, undergraduate research and the University of Arkansas Press.

See our complete organizational structure.