University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is a state-run institution located in the city of Conway, Arkansas. The school is most respected for its programs in Education, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. It is also the home of the UCA Honors College as well as four Residential Colleges, and its most famous alumnus is former NBA star Scottie Pippen.

History and Mission

The University of Central Arkansas is a public four-year institution founded in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School, changed to Arkansas State Teachers College in 1925, to State College of Arkansas in 1967 and finally to the University of Central Arkansas in 1975. The mission of the University of Central Arkansas is to maintain quality and to ensure that its programs remain current and responsive to the diverse needs of those it serves. The University is committed to the intellectual, social, and personal development of its students; the advancement of knowledge through excellence in teaching and research; and service to the community. The University of Central Arkansas is further dedicated to intellectual vitality, diversity, and integrity.

Enrollment

The University's fall 2005 enrollment was 11,375 students with over 60% of those being female. Students come from 38 states and 55 countries. Full enrollment statistics can be found here.

Academics

The University has 6 distinct colleges offering over 75 majors.^*

Athletics

The University of Central Arkansas participates in 13 NCAA Division II Varsity Sports, supported by the efforts of a diverse group of over 300 male and female student-athletes. Its mens teams are called the Bears and the womens are the Sugar Bears.

UCA presently competes in seven men's sports (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, cross country and track) and eight women's sports (basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country and track). A number of former Bears have found success in the NFL, including Landon Trusty, Willie Davis, Tyree Davis, Dave Burnette, Curtis Burrow, Andre Collins, David Evans, and most notably Monte Coleman. The most famous athlete in school history is unquestionably Scottie Pippen.

From 1993 to 2006, UCA competed in the West Division of the Gulf South Conference. In 2005-2006, UCA's men's athletic teams won the conference's All Sports Trophy. However, on July 1, 2006, UCA moved to the Southland Conference, which is Division I-AA in football and Division I in all other sports. UCA plans to be a full Division I member by September 10, 2010.

Greek Life

Approximately 10% of UCA's students are members of one of the 20 Greek organizations hosted by the campus. Most other student organizations, including Student Government, The Bear Den, and the Student Orientation Staff, are led and comprised mainly of Greek students. These groups are dedicated to academics and community service. The organizations also devote thousands of man-hours and dollars to local charities each year. Greeks played a major role in breaking a world record for filling the world's largest Christmas stocking on 3 December 2005.

Registered Student Organizations

The University is home to more than 200 student organizations, with more forming every year.

PRISM "Pride Raising awareness Involvement Support and Mentoring" an LGBTQA organization was established in 1997 and continues today hosting events and lectures as well as working with other non-lgbt organzations for the change on the campus and the world.

External links

Universities and colleges in Arkansas | Southland Conference | Public universities