Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of July 27.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. First-time freshman enrollment is up 17%, and more than 60 students, while transfer student enrollment is up 29%, more than 100 students.

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a UA 糖心视频logo education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming the first fall class of our second century in just a few weeks.”

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student who joins us this fall has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”

Those students will arrive at a university entering its second century with momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. Students entering this fall will be the first fall class of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 second century, as the university began its yearlong Centennial celebration July 1, recognizing 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university’s move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program’s historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university continues to expand opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics launching this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “These preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at UA 糖心视频logo. We still have several weeks before classes begin, and our team will continue working with prospective and admitted students as they complete the enrollment process.”

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus.  Preliminary graduate headcount is down 5%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are down 2%. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. UA 糖心视频logo is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends will increase to $10,000 for master’s students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university’s largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

Students who are still considering UA 糖心视频logo have time to join the fall 2026 class before classes begin Aug. 24. Eligible incoming freshmen may qualify for the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied, or the university’s Half-Off Scholarship. More information about admissions, scholarships, and enrollment is available at or by calling 501-916-3127.

“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and help them take advantage of everything UA 糖心视频logo has to offer. As we prepare to begin our second century, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed, and it鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥� 

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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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Phillips, chief marketing and communications officer at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, will conclude her term as chair of CASE District IV later this year, a role she held from 2024 to 2026, after serving as chair-elect beginning in 2022. She will continue to serve in an advisory role as past chair. 

CASE 鈥� the Council for Advancement and Support of Education 鈥� is a global professional organization composed of colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit institutions. It supports professionals in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, and provides strategy and tools to strengthen enrollment, engagement and long-term sustainability.

The end of Phillips鈥� formal leadership marks the culmination of a nearly 20-year volunteer journey with CASE District IV that began, she said, almost by accident.

鈥淭his was never the plan,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter getting my degree, I planned to work for a year or so at a college while the economy got better and then find something else. Instead, I found a career.鈥�

That early work in higher education led to what she describes as a 鈥渧oluntold鈥� assignment 鈥� attending a CASE district conference that quickly pulled her into volunteer service. From there, she moved into successive cabinet and conference leadership roles, including serving as District IV conference chair in 2020.

鈥淚 left the first conference with a volunteer spot the next year. The rest, as they say, is history,鈥� she said.

When she stepped into the chair-elect role, Phillips said District IV lacked a cohesive structure for engagement outside its annual conference. That gap became the foundation for what she considers her most significant contribution.

鈥淥ur district didn鈥檛 quite have an identity,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淚 developed the engagement model that our district implemented. We created a plan that didn鈥檛 exist and executed it. That plan resulted in more than 1,000 engagements each year outside of the conference for our district. I鈥檓 really proud of that effort.鈥�

Phillips said the work positioned the district for continued growth. The framework she helped design has since been adopted by all seven other CASE districts. She also shared the results with CASE trustees at a national meeting a few years ago, elevating both District IV and UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 presence in national advancement discussions.

Leading a district that spans Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, required alignment, Phillips said. Member institutions vary widely in size, mission and resources. She and the District IV cabinet worked to build a shared framework that could connect and support those institutions through intentional outreach and programming.

鈥淲e sat down as a cabinet and looked at our overall engagement goal, identified the groups we wanted to reach and developed tactics to support them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a very marketing-driven approach.鈥�

That systems-focused leadership mirrors Phillips鈥� work at UA 糖心视频logo, a metropolitan research institution committed to expanding access to education and preparing career-ready graduates for the regional workforce. In her role at the university, she oversees institutional marketing and communications strategy. That work shapes UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 enrollment messaging, strengthens brand positioning, and aligns the university鈥檚 storytelling across campus. Through her involvement with CASE, Phillips has connected UA 糖心视频logo with national best practices and peer institutions addressing similar priorities in enrollment, communications and institutional positioning.

鈥淐ASE is good for UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are so many institutions that we can always learn something from.鈥�

Those connections have had practical impact. Phillips said early planning for the university鈥檚 upcoming centennial celebration has been informed by conversations with CASE colleagues across the country. She also has contributed to CASE efforts to establish professional metrics for marketing and communications 鈥� standards designed to help institutions assess effectiveness and improve operations.

鈥淏ecause of my involvement at the leadership level, we鈥檝e been able to give feedback and help shape those standards,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen complete, that work will be a key tool to help units across the world assess their approach and continue improving their marketing and communications function.鈥�

She credited UA 糖心视频logo leadership, including Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Vice Chancellor Christian O鈥橬eal, with supporting her service and recognizing its institutional value.

鈥淚 have to begin with thank yous,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淐hancellor Drale and Christian O鈥橬eal were both incredibly supportive of my CASE involvement. They saw the bigger picture of how this could help the institution.鈥�

O鈥橬eal said Phillips鈥� leadership strengthened both District IV and UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 reputation.

鈥淐arrie鈥檚 leadership has elevated not only our work at UA 糖心视频logo, but the visibility of our institution across the CASE District IV region and beyond,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淪he brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to everything she does and has a unique ability to connect people and ideas in meaningful ways. Carrie has managed well at home and well at CASE. We are all better for it.鈥�

Chancellor Drale said Phillips鈥� impact has been just as significant within the university.

鈥淐arrie brings to the table a consummate professionalism that has allowed us to transform our marketing and communication division into the powerhouse it is today,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淪he has an impressive creative talent as well as sharp analytical skills. But her superpower is her ability to understand the importance of mission and purpose and translate those into strategy, structure, and messaging. And for an extra bonus, she is a delight to work with.鈥�

For Phillips, the most lasting impact of her CASE journey is rooted in community.

鈥淐ASE friends became family,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are better together.鈥�

As she hands leadership to her successor, Baleigh McCoin, executive director of Advancement and Marketing at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, Phillips is confident in the district鈥檚 continued progress. Phillips said she is especially proud that McCoin is the first leader from a two-year institution to serve in the role. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e built the framework, and I鈥檓 excited to see her build on it and continue to refine it,鈥� she said.

While her term comes to a close, her involvement continues, as does the work of advancing institutions such as UA 糖心视频logo through collaboration and shared purpose.

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鈥淯A 糖心视频logo is home to a diverse student body and respected faculty transforming academic endeavors into practical support and solutions for Arkansans. Establishing a full-service veterans legal clinic within the Bowen School of Law and bolstering nanotech research with a wide range of real-world applications will benefit veterans and accelerate innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and medicine,鈥� said U.S. Senator John Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to have championed these investments and look forward to the exciting impact they will have on our state and beyond in the years to come.鈥�

Chancellor Christina Drale added that these investments further position the university to serve Arkansas through impactful research and programs.

鈥淭his level of federal investment affirms the value and impact of the work happening at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� said Chancellor Christina Drale. 鈥淔rom supporting Arkansas veterans to advancing research in nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and data analytics, these appropriations strengthen our ability to serve the state and deliver research that makes a measurable difference for our communities and our country.

The federal funding package includes two direct allocations secured by Boozman for the veterans legal clinic and nanotechnology research equipment, in addition to the other investments he and the Arkansas congressional delegation supported for UA 糖心视频logo programs:

• $750,000 to support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law
• $6 million for nanotechnology initiatives, including:
  • $3 million to enhance nanotechnology research capacity through the purchase of highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment
  • $3 million specifically for nanomaterials for bone regeneration research
• $5 million to develop a cyber-resilient computing platform in partnership with Montana State University
• $1 million to support COSMOS (social networks analysis) research

Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The $750,000 appropriation will enhance the Bowen School of Law鈥檚 Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while giving law students hands-on experience. To date the clinic has supported Veterans in two thirds of Arkansas counties and has secured more than $500k in benefits for veterans. With the additional funding, the clinic hopes to secure additional support to serve all Arkansas counties.  

鈥淭his funding strengthens our ability to stand alongside Arkansas veterans and ensure they have access to the legal services they deserve,鈥� said Dean Colin Crawford of the Bowen School of Law. 鈥淚t also gives our students meaningful, real-world experience advocating for those who have served our country.鈥�

Analytical and Nanotechnology Research Expansion

The $6 million in nanotechnology funding will significantly expand UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 research capacity. The $3 million equipment investment will enhance nanotechnology research through the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, positioning the university for continued growth in high-impact materials science. The instrumentation will serve both the academic as well as the industrial partners and provide educational opportunities for a variety of students and users. An additional $3 million will support research focused specifically on nanomaterials for bone regeneration, with potential applications for injured service members and others requiring regenerative medical treatments.

鈥淭hese investments strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to conduct advanced characterization and research at a higher level both academically and industrially,鈥� said Dr. Alex Biris, Chief Scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences. 鈥淭he funding expands our research capacity, and the support for the development of technologies focused on advanced bone and tissue regeneration, allowing us to pursue innovative solutions with significant implications for both national defense and medical advancement.鈥�  

Cyber-Resilient Space Computing Platform

The $5 million cyber-resilient computing platform project, a joint effort between UA 糖心视频logo and Montana State University, will focus on strengthening satellite systems against emerging cyber threats and enhancing national security capabilities in space.

鈥淭his project advances our ability to build AI models that protect mission-critical systems operating in increasingly complex and contested cyber environments in space,鈥� said Dr. Philip Huff. 鈥淚t reflects UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 growing leadership in applied cybersecurity research that directly supports national defense and workforce needs.鈥�

COSMOS: Social Networks Analysis

The $1 million investment in COSMOS (social networks analysis) will expand research capabilities in data analytics and national security applications.

鈥淪ocial network analysis plays a critical role in understanding complex digital ecosystems and cognitive security challenges,鈥� said Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of COSMOS Research Center at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淭his funding allows us to deepen our research impact while preparing students to lead in high-demand intelligence and analytics fields.鈥�

Together, these investments accelerate UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 momentum as a leading public research university and a driver of innovation in Arkansas. From supporting veterans in Arkansas courtrooms to advancing technologies that strengthen national security, the university continues to translate research excellence into tangible benefits for the state and the nation.

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The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall, creates a clear and affordable pathway from associate to bachelor鈥檚 degree while strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 workforce in two of the state鈥檚 highest-demand fields.

UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and the future of Arkansas.

鈥淲e鈥檙e especially proud to be here with our colleagues from UACCB to celebrate this step forward together,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I鈥檓 excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.鈥�

Provost Ann Bain said the agreement provides a practical solution for students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.

鈥淭hrough this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at UACCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor鈥檚 degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing 鈥� two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淚t provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities.鈥�

UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said the partnership connects students to the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs.

鈥淥ver the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University鈥檚 Center on Education and the Workforce. 鈥淭his partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.鈥�

UACCB Provost Zach Perrine said the agreement ensures students can move smoothly from a two-year college to a four-year university without losing time or credits.

鈥�2+2 partnerships like this ensure students can transparently and seamlessly move from their community college to a university,鈥� Perrine said. 鈥淏y connecting students to critical pathways in education and health care, we are improving families, our community, and our state.鈥�

UACCB serves students throughout north-central Arkansas with affordable associate degrees and technical certificates, and the new agreement is designed to reduce transfer barriers while expanding access to bachelor鈥檚 degrees in high-demand fields.

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,鈥� she said.

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Attorney General Griffin spoke to students, faculty, and staff about the urgent need to educate young people on the risks of illicit opioids. The effort was announced Sept. 8 during a meet and greet with students and a press conference at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, followed by a student training session in the Donaghey Student Center that was completed by about 120 students.

鈥淭his is really important,鈥� Griffin said. 鈥淭oday is about making sure people never make that first mistake. Opioids are highly addictive, and this country has lost hundreds of thousands of Americans to them. With the illicit opioids, you have no idea what you are holding. It may look like a legitimate prescription drug, but you have no guarantee that it is. It all starts with informing people, educating people, and increasing awareness.鈥�

Griffin, who lost his brother to opioid addiction earlier this year, emphasized that prevention and education are critical steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

鈥淥ur goal is to educate campuses by working through student leaders, the media, and word of mouth,鈥� Griffin said. 鈥淲e are providing training here to ensure students are prepared, including in the use of Narcan if needed. We are making progress, but this is a fight we must continue.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects the university鈥檚 deep commitment to student safety.

鈥淎s chancellor, I can tell you the safety, health, and well-being of our students is central to everything we do,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ne of the most insidious and dangerous risks facing young people today is the growing presence of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. These substances are often taken unknowingly, and the consequences can be immediate and irreversible. Our responsibility is to do everything we can to keep our students safe. The reality is that it only takes one moment, one decision, one pill to change a life forever.鈥�

Drale added that prevention starts with awareness and collaboration.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here today to partner with the Arkansas Attorney General鈥檚 Office in supporting the One Pill Can Kill initiative,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for the leadership of the attorney general and his team in bringing this initiative to the forefront on our campus and for being a strong partner in our shared effort to keep students safe.鈥�

The initiative is supported by opioid settlement funds managed by the Attorney General鈥檚 office. It provides resources to campuses across the state, including prevention campaigns, student trainings, fentanyl harm prevention kits, and free access to Narcan through new vending machines. One of those machines will soon be located in the Donaghey Student Center.

UA 糖心视频logo student Braden Carr, who serves as legislative affairs officer for the Student Government Association, said the initiative is an important step forward.

鈥淚 am extremely excited to see the university and the attorney general come together to tackle this issue,鈥� Carr said. 鈥淭his program is a great first step in educating the youth on the dangers of the opioid epidemic. As a student leader, I will continue to advocate for increased education and awareness on the opioid crisis, alongside continuing to support partnerships such as this.鈥�

The 鈥淥ne Pill Can Kill鈥� initiative aims to educate students, faculty, and the broader community on how to prevent opioid misuse, recognize the warning signs of overdose, and respond effectively in emergencies.

鈥淭his is truly a statewide, multilevel, multicampus enterprise,鈥� Griffin said. 鈥淯A 糖心视频logo is always a great partner. It goes to quality of life. You want a healthy, thriving student body, and we have an obligation to educate and use these opioid dollars in a responsible way for opioid abatement. I am excited to be here and excited to partner with you.鈥�

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Growth extends well beyond the freshman class. Sophomore and junior enrollments also increased, contributing to a 4.1% rise in total undergraduate enrollment. The enrollment surge marks the largest percent increase in overall undergraduate enrollment growth at UA 糖心视频logo since 2009. Additionally, on-campus housing occupancy climbed 9.2% compared to last fall, with more students choosing to live and learn in the heart of 糖心视频logo.

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Corporate Partnership Program also continues its rapid expansion. The program provides opportunities for employees of Corporate Partners to reskill and upskill at a lowered tuition rate. This program enrolled 474 students this fall from more than 120 local and regional corporate partners. This represents a 40.7% increase in participation over last year. By creating pathways for working professionals, the program strengthens workforce development across Arkansas while expanding access to higher education.

At the graduate level, overall enrollment is projected to decline 9.5% (141 students), primarily due to a drop in international enrollment. However, several programs, including Engineering and Engineering Technology, Mass Communication, Social Work, and Criminal Justice and Criminology, reported notable graduate-level growth.

鈥淭he continued momentum we are seeing this fall is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the hard work of our students, and the distinctive programs that make UA 糖心视频logo an outstanding choice,鈥� said Dr. Christina S. Drale, UA 糖心视频logo chancellor. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to see so many students choosing to launch their futures here in 糖心视频logo, knowing their contributions will strengthen our communities and support growth across Arkansas and the region.鈥�

This growth is fueled by stronger connections with schools, communities, and industry partners, creating new pathways for students to access and succeed in higher education.

鈥淭hese tremendous enrollment gains reflect the growing number of students and families recognizing the value and quality of a UA 糖心视频logo education,鈥� added Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淲e鈥檙e especially proud of the multi-year growth in our freshman class, which will have a lasting positive impact on our campus community.鈥�

The growth reflects both the strength of our academic programs and our commitment to affordability, as many UA 糖心视频logo students continue taking advantage of affordability initiatives like the Trojan Guarantee and Half-Off Scholarship. These programs provide Arkansans with an affordable way to access a high-quality education. In fall 2024, 615 students benefited from these initiatives. Since their inception, the programs have supported 1,425 students, resulting in $5,666,400 in total savings 鈥� an average of $3,184 per recipient.聽聽

UA 糖心视频logo anticipates enrolling approximately 8,000 students this fall, representing a 1.2% increase over last year. Student semester credit hours are expected to rise by 4.0%, and full-time equivalent enrollment is projected to grow by 3.9%.

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UA 糖心视频logo announced the creation of the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund on May 2 during a special event at Ottenheimer Library. The Windgate Foundation鈥檚 gift includes $5 million to establish a permanent endowed scholarship fund, creating a sustainable source of financial support for future students, and $2.5 million in immediate-use funds to support affordability initiatives over the next several years while the endowment grows. 

鈥淭he Windgate Foundation is pleased to support the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo in its ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for students,鈥� said Pat Forgy, executive director of the Windgate Foundation. 鈥淲hile I regret that I cannot be with you in person today, I want to express our deep appreciation for UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 steadfast commitment to making higher education more accessible for students across Arkansas.鈥�

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program reinforces UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 longstanding commitment to affordability and access in higher education. It builds on earlier initiatives such as the Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee, made possible by a $25 million anonymous gift in 2020.

鈥淔or the last five years we鈥檝e made affordability a top priority for our students. We knew that to move the needle on educational attainment, we had to step up our game in the area of need-based student aid,鈥� UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina Drale said. 鈥淲e were fortunate to receive a substantial anonymous gift in 2020 that allowed us to take bold steps in reimagining how we structure our scholarships and to introduce new initiatives. In order to sustain this momentum, our goal has been to create a structure that will help ensure that we can offer these opportunities in perpetuity. This generous gift from the Windgate Foundation does that and represents a powerful investment in the future of Arkansas. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in building a legacy of opportunity and success for our students.”

The Windgate Foundation鈥檚 support not only ensures long-term sustainability for these student success initiatives, but it also propels the university forward in a historic way. This generous contribution also marks a major milestone in UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in university history. With this gift, UA 糖心视频logo has now raised $225.5 million toward its $250 million campaign goal ahead of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027.

鈥淎t Windgate, we believe that when students are empowered to pursue their education free from financial barriers, they are better positioned to thrive and reach their full potential,鈥� Forgy said. 鈥淲e are proud to support Chancellor Drale and the entire UA 糖心视频logo community for their thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication to student success.

Forgy emphasized the transformative potential of investing in students. 

鈥淚t is our sincere hope that this gift will help open new doors, create meaningful opportunities, and ensure that more students can access the quality education they deserve鈥攖oday and for generations to come,鈥� she said.

To further strengthen the impact of the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund, the Windgate Foundation has issued a $1.5 million challenge to the UA 糖心视频logo community to grow the endowed scholarship. UA 糖心视频logo aims to meet this goal quickly and build on it to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Demonstrating her commitment, Chancellor Drale announced a personal gift of $25,000 as the first contribution to the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Challenge.

“I am personally committed to this important effort and honored to take the first step,” Drale said. “I want to invite all of our supporters to dream big with me and help us grow this endowment many times over. Together, we can ensure that affordable education is forever.”

By breaking down financial barriers, UA 糖心视频logo has reversed an enrollment decline and achieved its strongest enrollment growth in over a decade. As an anchor institution, the university is not only expanding access to higher education, but also driving long-term economic mobility and community success. The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund builds on that momentum, ensuring more Arkansans can choose a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives for generations to come.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, you can learn more about giving opportunities by visiting the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund website.

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The E. Joseph Savoie Leadership Award honors a District IV president or chancellor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancement, collaboration, and innovation within their institution. 

Under Drale鈥檚 leadership, UA 糖心视频logo has achieved its strongest enrollment growth in 15 years, including a 29% increase in freshman students and an 18% increase in transfer students. Her focus on affordability has led to the creation and expansion of high-impact programs like the Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee, reducing tuition costs by more than $3.8 million for Arkansas students.

鈥淲hen I took this position 5陆 years ago, my institution had a lot of challenges, and we were looking for a way forward,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淚 knew that my job was to build a clear and coherent path forward. I remember sitting at my desk with a blank sheet of paper in front of me and writing the word focus in big letters in the middle of the page. We had to come back to the center of our mission and focus on the things that defined our purpose as part of the educational landscape in Arkansas.鈥�

Drale was selected for her steady, visionary leadership during one of the most challenging periods in UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 history.

鈥淐hancellor Drale has led UA 糖心视频logo through a pivotal period with clarity and purpose,鈥� 2025 CASE District IV Conference Chair Rebecca Nievar said. 鈥淗er ability to drive meaningful change while keeping students at the center of every decision exemplifies the very best in higher education leadership.鈥�

Drale has remained committed to student success, institutional integrity, and collaborative leadership. Her efforts helped the university stabilize and grow, with this past fall marking a 40% increase in applications for the upcoming semester. The university鈥檚 Centennial Campaign has already surpassed $215 million raised toward its $250 million goal, with nearly two years remaining in the campaign that will celebrate the university鈥檚 100th anniversary.

鈥淪he listens deeply, plans intentionally, and never loses sight of the bigger picture,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淪he brought clarity, focus, and strength to every decision, refusing to let circumstances define our future. She placed student success and access to affordable, high-quality education at the center of everything. That steady leadership is producing real results.鈥�

Drale concluded with a powerful reflection on education鈥檚 resilience and impact in times of adversity.

鈥淓very institution shares a belief, an essential faith in the transformational power of education,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淣o matter how difficult things may be or what might be taken away, we don鈥檛 have to stop helping students discover that power. We can do it every day as long as we focus and keep the faith.鈥�

About CASE District IV

CASE District IV represents professionals and institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, providing support and recognition for excellence in alumni relations, communications, development, and marketing.

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This represents the largest amount ever raised in a UA 糖心视频logo campaign, exceeding the previous campaign by $100 million. This achievement highlights the university鈥檚 ongoing commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and strengthening its impact across Arkansas.

“This outstanding achievement would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our entire Trojan community,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淥ur donors are excited to invest in our students and faculty in ways that will have a lasting impact. We are truly grateful for the belief they have in our mission and the future of UA 糖心视频logo. Together, we are building a stronger future for our university and our community.”

Launched to commemorate UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 100th anniversary, the Centennial Campaign has seen tremendous support from alumni, friends, and community partners, all working together to enhance the university’s programs and initiatives. Some of the successes from the campaign include:

• 22,625 distinct donors
• 193,694 generous gifts
• 453 new foundation funds
• 235 new scholarships
• 173 new endowments
• 32 gifts for student support
• 19 sponsored classrooms and labs
• Six named professorships and two directorships

The Centennial Campaign is centered around four key pillars, which include student scholarships, student success initiatives, the living and learning environment, and program excellence.

“This $203 million milestone is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors and partners who believe in the transformative power of education,” said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “These contributions are already making a significant impact on the lives of our students, and as we continue forward, we are excited about the future opportunities this campaign will create for UA 糖心视频logo and the entire community.”

The Fall 2024 semester resulted in the university鈥檚 largest enrollment growth in 15 years, with undergraduate enrollment increasing by 3.7 percent. UA 糖心视频logo saw significant increases in first-time freshmen of 28.9 percent and transfer students of 18.2 percent.

鈥淎s we celebrate this milestone, we will continue to emphasize the importance of the student experience by enhancing our academic, research, athletic, and student support programs, as well as our living and learning environment.鈥� Drale said. 鈥淎s our enrollment grows, we want to make sure that accessibility and the quality of the learning experience remain high.鈥�

Some of the most notable gifts of the Centennial Campaign include:

• A $25 million anonymous donation for student scholarships and student success initiatives
• A $8.5 million donation from the Donaghey Foundation to support the Trojan Way Project
• A $6.75 million gift from the Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust honoring the late Dr. Yupo Chan, the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering, to support student scholarships and an endowed directorship for the School of Engineering
• A $3.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to support an endowed directorship for the School of Education
• A $3 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to create a building maintenance endowment for the Windgate Center of Art + Design
• A $1.4 million gift from Greg Hatcher to support the creation of a Division 1 wrestling program and the building of the Greg Hatcher Wrestling Center

鈥淥ur donors have done an incredible job getting us to this point, and we鈥檙e right on target for where we should be,鈥� Centennial Campaign Co-chairs Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow said. 鈥淗owever, the work of the Centennial Campaign is not done yet. To set UA 糖心视频logo up for success in its next 100 years, we must continue to push toward our $250 million goal over the next two years. Every contribution will help secure a brighter future for the university and the students we serve.鈥�

As the Centennial Campaign continues, UA 糖心视频logo is dedicated to raising more funds to reach its final goal, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant center of learning and excellence for generations to come. For more information, visit /centennial/.

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