Trojan Forge Makerspace Opens at Ottenheimer Library
What is The Trojan Forge?
The Trojan Forge is UA Little Rock’s new discipline neutral makerspace – a collaborative, hands-on hub where students, faculty, and staff from any background can access equipment, test ideas, and bring creative projects to life. Designed to foster cross pollination between art, science, technology, and the humanities, the space offers free access to tools, specialized software, breadboard kits, podcasting setups, art supplies, and checkout materials.
To explore the complete equipment inventory – including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, and embroidery setups – visit the official Trojan Forge Web Page.
Grand Opening Details
- Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Location: First Floor of Ottenheimer Library (located at the back of the Learning Commons)
Join us for the official ribbon cutting ceremony, opening remarks, and light refreshments. Special thanks to Chancellor Drale, Provost Bain, Vision Partner Facilitator Brandon Sollars, the library’s Trojan Forge Task Force, IT Services and Facilities Management for bringing this student-led dream to life.
Built by Students, for Students
The idea for Trojan Forge began in 2023 with the Library Vision Partners, a group of dedicated student leaders who envisioned a vibrant, hands-on hub where students from all majors could connect, collaborate, and bring creative ideas to life. In that first year, these student leaders toured regional makerspaces to gather inspiration and see how other campuses built their creative spaces.
Building on that foundation, the Fall 2025 Vision Partner cohort – Will Fausel, Ella Campbell, Grayson Jackson, Khari Wiley, Marchello Burks, Tamara Scott, and Val Bell Ovwiomoriemu – researched equipment options, selected gear, and actively advocated for a permanent home for the space on campus. Their efforts culminated in a prototype event that drew overwhelming support, with 98 percent of participants endorsing the initiative alongside more than 200 campus signatures, paving the way for today’s opening.
Centennial Legacy: History of Growth at Ottenheimer Library
The launch of Trojan Forge marks a milestone in UA Little Rock’s 100 year history of student centered adaptation. Dating back to its origin as Little Rock Junior College in 1927 – housed inside Little Rock High School (now Central High) – the campus library has continuously evolved alongside its community:
- 1927: Founded inside Little Rock High School as Little Rock Junior College.
- Mid Century: Relocated to the university’s current campus inside Larson Library, named after Junior College founder John A. Larson.
- 1976: Opened the doors of Ottenheimer Library to accommodate the expanding campus community.
- 2000s–Present: Transformed traditional spaces by establishing an active learning classroom (2019), and launching the Learning Commons (2022) to centralize tutoring centers.
As UA Little Rock celebrates its centennial, Trojan Forge carries this legacy forward – expanding the library’s mission beyond study and academic support into hands-on innovation for the next century.