UA Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year
A century ago, the institution that would become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was just beginning its journey. Today, UA Little Rock serves 8,000 students, offering programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Through education, research, and public service, the university strengthens Arkansas and prepares graduates to lead in their communities and careers.
UA Little Rock will mark its Centennial with a yearlong celebration from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, honoring its past and present while looking ahead to its next century of impact.
“Reaching our Centennial is both a celebration and a moment of reflection,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “The vision and determination of those who founded this institution created opportunities that have transformed lives for generations. As we honor the people, achievements, and milestones that shaped our first 100 years, we are also looking forward to a future filled with possibility for our students, our community, and our state.”
The university began in 1927 when Little Rock Junior College opened in what is now Little Rock Central High School. Founded to expand access to higher education in central Arkansas, the institution quickly grew beyond its original home and moved to its current campus in 1949, establishing a permanent foundation for future growth.
In 1957, Little Rock Junior College became Little Rock University, marking its transition from a two-year college to a four-year institution. The change expanded educational opportunities for students in central Arkansas and established the university as a destination for students seeking to earn bachelor’s degrees without leaving the region.
A new chapter began in 1969 when Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller signed legislation merging Little Rock University into the University of Arkansas System, creating the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. At the time, what was then known as UALR offered 28 undergraduate programs and enrolled approximately 3,500 students. Within a decade, the university had expanded to 73 degree programs, including 14 graduate programs.
Today, UA Little Rock is known for expanding access to higher education, advancing research that addresses real-world challenges, developing Arkansas’s workforce, and building partnerships that strengthen communities across the state.
As the university prepares to enter its second century, the Centennial offers an opportunity to reflect on that remarkable journey and celebrate the people, achievements, and milestones that made it possible.
Throughout the Centennial year, UA Little Rock will share “100 Moments of Impact,” highlighting the people, achievements, innovations, and defining moments that shaped the university’s first century.
Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members can also take part in events, exhibits, and traditions that unite generations of Trojans and honor the university’s legacy.
“The Centennial is an opportunity to celebrate the people who built UA Little Rock, the students and alumni who continue to shape its story, and the possibilities that lie ahead,” said Carrie Phillips, chair of the university’s Centennial Planning Committee. “We want this year to bring together generations of Trojans while showcasing the impact this university has had on our city, our state, and the lives of those we serve.”
The dedication of new UA Little Rock-branded street signs on July 16 will kick off the university’s Centennial celebration and welcome visitors to campus for years to come. When students return for the fall semester on August 24, they’ll celebrate the first day of classes with Centennial-themed cupcakes and the opportunity to sign a commemorative banner that will be preserved in the university’s centennial time capsule.
The Centennial celebration will also be woven into many of the university’s longstanding traditions. At BBQ at Bailey on October 7, alumni and friends will receive special centennial giveaways during the event. During Winter Fest, attendees will get a special preview of the newly renovated Shellam Flake Planetarium before it officially reopens this spring after nearly two decades.
The celebration will continue throughout the spring with the opening of a special history exhibit at UA Little Rock Downtown in February and a Centennial campus picnic celebrating every decade of Trojan history in March. The university will conclude its Centennial year with the burial of the Centennial time capsule, preserving memories and messages from the milestone celebration for future generations.
The Centennial arrives at a transformative moment for UA Little Rock. During its 100th year, the university will celebrate the successful completion of the Centennial Campaign, a historic effort expected to raise $250 million in support of scholarships, faculty, technology, and academic excellence. The campaign has already increased the university’s endowment by more than 200 percent, creating opportunities for future generations of students and strengthening the university’s long-term impact on Arkansas.
“The Centennial Campaign is a powerful reflection of what can happen when alumni, donors, and friends believe in the future of this university,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “As we celebrate 100 years of impact, we are also building a foundation for the next century. The generosity of our supporters is creating opportunities for students today and strengthening UA Little Rock for generations to come.”
A century after opening its doors, UA Little Rock is celebrating not only how far it has come, but also where it is headed. With a growing endowment, a historic campaign nearing completion, and a continued commitment to student success, the university enters its second century positioned to make an even greater impact on Arkansas and beyond.
Follow the Centennial celebration, explore the “100 Moments of Impact” series, and view upcoming events and activities at ualr.edu/centennial.