Celebrating our Centennial

Honoring our Past. Building our Future.

For 100 years, UA Little Rock has expanded opportunity, transformed lives, and helped shape the future of Arkansas.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the university will launch a year-long Centennial celebration honoring the people and milestones that shaped UA Little Rock into the institution it is today while positioning the university for continued growth and impact in the century ahead.

Guided by a university-wide Centennial Committee composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, the celebration will feature special events, storytelling initiatives, historical exhibits, community engagement projects, and the celebration of the successful close of the university’s Centennial Campaign.

The Centennial celebration will recognize the university’s history while bringing the campus and community together to help shape its future.

Upcoming Centennial Celebrations

The Centennial celebration will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members through initiatives that honor UA Little Rock’s legacy and envision its future.

First Day of Class Celebration

August 24

Kick off the first day of classes with a special Welcome Week celebration on Trojan Way. Enjoy a commemorative treat, capture your first-day photo, and sign a centennial banner that will be preserved in the university time capsule.

Street Sign Dedication

July 16 | 11 a.m.

Join us as we unveil new campus street signage designed to reflect the UA Little Rock brand. Be among the first to see this campus enhancement, snap photos with the new signs, and enjoy refreshing lemonade.

Centennial BBQ at Bailey

October 7 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us for a special Centennial BBQ at Bailey Alumni and Friends Center. Enjoy free food, reconnect with fellow Trojans, celebrate our championship teams, and pick up exclusive centennial giveaways as we honor 100 years of UA Little Rock.

Centennial Campaign Celebration

November 5

This invitation-only event is for campaign donors to enjoy a special night celebrating the successful conclusion of the UA Little Rock Centennial Campaign. Together, we’ll commemorate a historic period of growth and recognize the generosity that helped increase the university’s endowment by more than 200%.

Winter Fest

November 17 | 5-7:30 p.m.

Experience one of UA Little Rock’s newest traditions as Trojan Way transforms into a holiday celebration. Enjoy festive lights, hot chocolate, ice skating for children, and a special performance by Rodney Block. This free event is open to the community and offers a memorable way to kick off the holiday season.

Shellam Flake Planetarium Grand Opening

January 2027

A new era of discovery begins with the opening of the Shellam Flake Planetarium. Check back soon for details about the grand opening celebration and opportunities to explore this exciting addition to campus.

Explore Our Moments of Impact

From its humble beginnings as a two-year junior college to being an R2 research university with more than 150 academic programs, UA Little Rock has helped shape Arkansas through innovation, opportunity, service, and student success.

Explore some of the defining moments that have shaped the university’s first century and the people who made them possible.

The Beginning – Explore the 1920s

Centennial Planning Committee

Aaron Duvall
Alicia Dorn
Amy Johnson
Angela Parker
Annsley Pugh
Anterica Jones
Becca Davis
Bobbie Handcock
Brandy Dixon
Brian Berry
Carrie Phillips
Deborah Baldwin
Derek Boyce
Earl Ramsey
Emily Cox

Emily Mills
Felisha Weaver
Ginger Daril
Guy Choate
Jess Porter
John Hill
Kara Brown
Kaylee Smith
Klansee Tozer
Kristi Smith
Leslie Hutchins
Linda Martin
Lloyd Webre
Meaghan Milliorn
Michael Moore

Michelle Malone
Muriel Schrepfer
Nate Olson
Noah Henkell
Rosalie Cheatham
Ross Bradley
Samantha Koros
Sandra Vail
Sheila Mckinnis
Sydney Ambrus
Tansel Karabacak
Windy Mincer
Xavier Parker