A Message from the Chancellor
As you move into and through your college career, I invite you to join the University of Arkansas community and to share in our vision for the University of Arkansas to emerge as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. With help from our innovative and devoted faculty and bright, hard-working students like you, the University of Arkansas moves closer to realizing this vision with each passing year. Ever-mindful of the vision, we strive to make progress toward five institutional goals:
Strengthening academic quality and reputation by enhancing and developing
programs of excellence in teaching, research, and outreach;
Increasing the size and quality of our student body;
Enhancing diversity among our faculty, students, and staff;
Increasing public financial support, particularly that provided by the state
and federal government;
Increasing private gift support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations,
and other organizations.
The University of Arkansas is building on a proud, 134-year history, one that has produced more than 125,000 graduates. And while the University already is well-known for its teaching, research, and outreach, the future promises to bring even greater renown to the University of Arkansas. In 2002, the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation gave the largest gift ever to an American public research university $300 million to the University of Arkansas. From that gift, $100 million endowed the University of Arkansas graduate school. The remaining $200 million established and endowed the University of Arkansas Honors College.
The effects are already in evidence. The graduate school is attracting talented graduate scholars in record numbers. The Honors College also is prospering, with nearly 1,800 students currently enrolled and taking advantage of a rigorous academic program at the University, which will prepare them for a future of leadership, service, and success in their communities and professions. They and many other students are taking advantage of study abroad opportunities, pursuing research projects, or benefiting from the many scholarships and fellowships available to undergraduates at the U of A. Whether in the Honors College or in any of the fine departments and programs interspersed throughout the University, all students are encouraged to strive for their highest level of achievement.
I invite you to use this catalog of the University of Arkansas and become better acquainted with who we are and where were going. On behalf of the University community, I wish you all the best, and I hope this catalog encourages you to take advantage of the lifetime of opportunities waiting for you at the University of Arkansas.
Sincerely,
John A. White
Chancellor