Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event included remarks from UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale and 糖心视频logo Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., a graduate of the university, followed by the unveiling of the new signs. During the ceremony, Scott also presented a commemorative proclamation on behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo recognizing UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 centennial celebration. 

“One hundred years, a centennial, higher education, economic development, the fabric of a capital city: that is the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, (and) I’m a proud graduate of this university,” Scott said. “On behalf of the City of 糖心视频logo, I share my appreciation for this university and its 100 years of steadfast service, 100 years of sacrifice, and 100 years of success.鈥�

The signs not only recognize聽 the university鈥檚 centennial but also its longstanding place in Arkansas and the city of 糖心视频logo. While UA 糖心视频logo has occupied three locations throughout its history, it has called its current campus home for over 75 years, growing alongside the city it has served for a century.

You can’t go to any public square, any pulpit, any process of progress across this entire state and not meet a UA 糖心视频logo graduate,” Scott said. “That鈥檚 the type of impact they have.”

The idea for custom signage originated with dedicated UA 糖心视频logo alumnus and Board of Visitors member Larry Golden, who envisioned using the university’s signature maroon color and Trojan head logo to create a more recognizable campus identity and to highlight UA 糖心视频logo’s presence in the surrounding community.

鈥淪treet signs do more than direct traffic,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭hey create a sense of place. They tell people they’ve arrived somewhere that matters. Beginning today, everyone who enters our campus will be welcomed by signs that proudly reflect this university.鈥�

The custom signs were made possible through a partnership with the City of 糖心视频logo and the university’s facilities management team. In collaboration with the City of 糖心视频logo and its Public Works Department, the university designed custom street signs and identified key campus intersections for the new signage.

The street sign dedication is one of several centennial initiatives recognizing the people, places, and partnerships that have shaped UA 糖心视频logo over the past century while looking ahead to its next 100 years.

“These signs now become part of that story,” Drale said. “They will welcome prospective students on their first campus visit, families celebrating graduation, alumni returning home, and countless others who will discover all that happens here.”

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UA 糖心视频logo 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 糖心视频logo Junior College opened in what is now 糖心视频logo 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, 糖心视频logo Junior College became 糖心视频logo 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 糖心视频logo University into the University of Arkansas System, creating the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo. 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 糖心视频logo 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 糖心视频logo 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鈥檚 legacy.

“The Centennial is an opportunity to celebrate the people who built UA 糖心视频logo, 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 糖心视频logo-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 糖心视频logo 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 糖心视频logo. 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 糖心视频logo for generations to come.”

A century after opening its doors, UA 糖心视频logo 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 .

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She鈥檚 sponsoring two in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry, making the project personal long before the doors open.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淜nowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.鈥�

That same opportunity is now available to others.

The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo is inviting alumni, friends, and community partners to support the return of the planetarium through a new seat sponsorship program.

Following a $1.2 million gift to restore and modernize the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the university is offering a limited opportunity for supporters to sponsor seats inside the facility. Each sponsored seat will include a personalized nameplate displayed for five years.

鈥淭he return of the planetarium to our campus is a transformative moment for UA 糖心视频logo, and our seat sponsorship program offers our community a unique opportunity to be a part of that legacy,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 鈥淲e invite alumni, friends, and partners to lend their support and help inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and explorers right here in central Arkansas.鈥�

Seat sponsorships are available for $2,500 for a five-year term, with the option to make a one-time gift or a five-year pledge of $500 per year. Sponsors will receive a personalized nameplate on a planetarium seat for the duration of the sponsorship, with the opportunity to renew at the end of the five-year period.

Sponsors may choose to recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. Seat selections will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once commitments are confirmed.

Funds raised through the program will support the planetarium鈥檚 educational mission, including:

• STEM education programs
• K鈥�12 school field trips
• Public planetarium shows
• Equipment maintenance and upgrades
• Student learning experiences

The restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space, creating hands-on opportunities for students across campus. The space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, involve students in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and provide business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

The planetarium is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. To learn more about the planetarium or to purchase a seat, visit ualr.edu/planetarium or call Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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The centennial celebration will begin July 1, 2026, marking 100 years since the university鈥檚 founding. Events throughout the year-long celebration will reflect on the institution鈥檚 history and explore its future direction.

A university-wide Centennial Committee began meeting in mid-March and will continue to meet monthly, with subcommittees convening regularly to guide key focus areas of the celebration.

鈥淎s we begin planning for our centennial, we have a meaningful opportunity to recognize the people and milestones that have shaped UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� said Dr. Carrie Phillips, chair of the Centennial Committee. 鈥淛ust as importantly, this effort is about positioning the university for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.鈥�

Some of the events being planned as part of the centennial celebration include: 

• A celebration marking the successful close of the university鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, which has already garnered significant philanthropic support from thousands of donors 
• A curated history exhibit highlighting key moments and milestones in the university鈥檚 development
• A community-wide service project reflecting UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 commitment to service
• A storytelling initiative showcasing defining moments and voices from across the university鈥檚 history

Subcommittees composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are leading efforts in areas such as community engagement, student experience, alumni engagement, storytelling, historical preservation, academic excellence and innovation, and campaign celebration.

The committee structure brings together faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to guide planning across key areas of the celebration.

Together, these efforts are designed to highlight the university鈥檚 history while engaging the campus and community in shaping what comes next.

Members of the Centennial Planning Committee include: 

• Sydney Ambrus
• Brian Berry
• Derek Boyce
• Ross Bradley
• Kara Brown
• Guy Choate
• Emily Cox
• Ginger Daril
• Becca Davis
• Brandy Dixon
• Alicia Dorn
• Aaron Duvall
• Bobbie Handcock
• Noah Henkell
• John Hill
• Leslie Hutchins
• Amy Johnson
• Tansel Karabacak
• Samantha Koros
• Michelle Malone
• Linda Martin
• Sheila McKinnis
• Meaghan Milliorn
• Emily Mills
• Wendy Mincer
• Michael Moore
• Nate Olson
• Angela Parker
• Xavier Parker
• Jess Porter
• Annsley Pugh
• Muriel Schrepfer
• Kaylee Smith
• Kristi Smith
• Klansee Tozer
• Sandra Vail
• Felisha Weaver
• Lloyd Webre

More details about centennial events and opportunities for involvement will be announced in the coming months.

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