A Legacy of Opportunity. A Future of Purpose.
For more than 50 years, the UA 糖心视频logo William H. Bowen School of Law has prepared lawyers to serve Arkansas through exceptional legal education, hands-on learning, and a commitment to public service. Located in the heart of the state’s capital, Bowen continues to open doors for students who want to make a difference in their communities and profession.
A History of Expanding Access
Bowen’s story is rooted in expanding access to legal education and preparing lawyers committed to public service, professionalism, and justice throughout Arkansas.
Although legal education has existed in 糖心视频logo since 1868, Bowen traces its roots to the 糖心视频logo Division of the University of Arkansas School of Law, an evening program established by the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville to serve working professionals in central Arkansas.
In 1975, the Arkansas General Assembly established the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo School of Law, transforming the 糖心视频logo Division into an independent law school. The legislation preserved the school’s longstanding part-time evening program while creating a full-time program, expanding access to legal education for a broader community of students. Support from the Pulaski County legal community, including use of the Pulaski County Law Library, helped establish the new independent law school. The first full-time class graduated in 1978.
Over the past five decades, Bowen has prepared generations of lawyers who serve Arkansas and beyond. Today, Bowen graduates serve on federal and state courts, in elected office, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and law firms throughout Arkansas and across the nation.
Our Journey
1975
Law School Is Established
The Arkansas General Assembly established the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo School of Law in 1975, creating a law school that would serve both full-time and part-time students and expand access to legal education in central Arkansas.
1992
A New Home in Downtown 糖心视频logo
After years in several locations, the law school moved into its current home at the edge of MacArthur Park. The renovated former University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences building placed students within walking distance of courts, government agencies, law firms, and the Arkansas legal community.
2000
Becoming Bowen
The law school was renamed in honor of former Dean William H. Bowen, recognizing his leadership, public service, and lasting impact on legal education in Arkansas. President Bill Clinton joined the dedication ceremony celebrating the school’s new name.
William H. Bowen
In 2000, the law school was renamed in honor of former Dean William H. “Bill” Bowen, recognizing his extraordinary leadership, commitment to public service, and lasting contributions to legal education in Arkansas.
A lawyer, business leader, civic leader, and dean, Bowen believed legal education should prepare graduates not only to practice law, but also to serve their communities. His leadership helped shape the modern law school, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of students committed to professionalism, service, and access to justice.
Our Mission
The mission of the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo William H. Bowen School of Law is to be a community of uniquely talented faculty and students, rich in perspective and varied in life experiences; to provide access to a full- and part-time skills-intensive program of high-quality legal education; to equip students with knowledge, skills, and values; and to assist in solving challenging social and legal problems through scholarship and public service.