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 32,140 students represent 49 states and more than 100 countries. The U of A has 10 colleges and schools offering more than 265 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, which celebrated 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.
The university's unifying themes help 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 10 Bachelor’s programs, 14 Masters degrees and a PhD degree in ten specialties. 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
Charles F. Robinson became interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas on Aug. 9, 2021 and permanent
chancellor on Nov. 16, 2022. Find out more about Chancellor Robinson, 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,
Donor Engagement, and Central Arkansas Advancement Office.
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.
Economic Development
The Division 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 Division 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.
A Great Place to Work
The University of Arkansas recognizes the challenge of balancing work with personal life, and we proactively look for ways to help our employees do well at both aspects of their lives. This includes creating health insurance and retirement plans that work well; offering flexible work-time options where possible; promoting career and personal development; and giving paid leave for holidays, illness, vacations, children's educational activities and military duty, among others.
In 2012, the state of Arkansas recognized our efforts with the Governor's Work-Life Balance Award. The same year, the Chronicle of Higher Education named us one of the top universities to work for based on surveys of our employees.
We believe in fostering a culture among our faculty, staff and students that promotes a healthy balance.
Find a job with us!