The University of Arkansas at Monticello: A History of Academic Excellence

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) stands as a four-year liberal arts university within the University of Arkansas System. This article delves into the history and academic offerings of this institution, tracing its evolution from its humble beginnings to its current standing as a comprehensive university.

Establishment and Early Years

The University of Arkansas at Monticello was established in 1909 by an act of the Arkansas General Assembly to serve the educational needs of southern Arkansas. Originally called the Fourth District Agricultural School, the school opened its doors September 14, 1910. The Drew County School Board established the A & M Training School #5 as a laboratory school for the college. In 1934 school district's name changed to Drew Central School District #5. A fire destroyed the school buildings, and growth in the population of both the school district and the college resulted in the school district becoming independent of the college. The college gave the school district a 99-year lease to a plot of land. Originally that land was 20-acre (8.1 ha) large.

Transitions and Growth

The institution underwent several transformations in its early years. In 1925, the General Assembly authorized the school's name to be changed to the Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College. It received accreditation as a junior college in 1928 from North Central. Key milestones during this period include:

1926: Festus H.
1927: Frank Horsfall named president again, to serve through 1934.
1928: Junior college accreditation received from North Central.
1932: Harris Hall, named for Trustee C.T. Stadium completed.
1936: Marvin S.

Expansion and Development

The university continued to expand its academic offerings and facilities in the following decades.

1940: Science Building completed; senior college accreditation received from North Central.
1943: Navy V-12 Program instituted.
1945: Forestry program begins.
1946: William E. Morgan named president.
1949: Horace E. Thompson named president.
1952: Student Union Building completed.
1956: Jeter Hall, named for Trustee R.E. Jeter, completed.
1957: Forestry Building dedicated.
1959: A&M celebrates 50th anniversary; Fieldhouse completed.
1960: Jack Mears named president.
1961: Maxwell Hall, named for Trustee Ray Maxwell, completed.
1962: Claude H.

Integration into the University of Arkansas System

Arkansas A&M became part of the University of Arkansas system July 1, 1971. It then became designated as the University of Arkansas at Monticello. From 1969 to 1972, the University of Arkansas System increased its racial diversity and serving the state population by adding three new campuses: in Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Monticello.

Modernization and Further Expansion

The University of Arkansas at Monticello continued to evolve in the late 20th and early 21st centuries:

1976: Fine Arts Center, new Administration Building, and Agriculture Building dedicated.
1977: Fred J.
2003: On July 1, the University of Arkansas at Monticello expanded its mission to include vocational and technical education.
2004: University Library and Technology Center renamed Fred J. Center in honor of retiring chancellor; Jack Lassiter named chancellor.
2006: Weevil Pond, Weevil Walk, and Willard Hall renovated.
2012: George H. residential facility; Randy S. by Wiltran Logistics, LLC.
2020: Peggy M. Performance Center renamed Kenneth H.

Academic Profile

UAM is part of the University of Arkansas System and offers master's degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and associate degrees. UAM is home to the only forestry school in Arkansas. The School of Forestry and Natural Resources makes use of the university’s 1,400 acres of forest for hands-on lessons in forestry, wildlife conservation and environmental science. Aside from the School of Forest Resources, UAM has seven other schools: computer information systems, nursing, business, education, arts and humanities, agriculture, mathematical and natural sciences and social and behavioral sciences. It also has specialised divisions of music, general studies and military studies.

College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

This is the only Forestry school in the State of Arkansas. It is appropriately located in the timber-producing region of Arkansas.

School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences is the school of sciences of the university. It is located in the Science Center Building. The school employs 23 faculty and offers Bachelor of Science degrees in four major areas: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences. It has around 176 students enrolled in its major and minor programs.

History Major Requirements

33 hours
HIST 1013 - World History to 1500 A.C.T.S. Equivalent Course # HIST 1113
HIST 1023 - World History Since 1500 A.C.T.S. Equivalent Course # HIST 1123
HIST 2213 - American History I A.C.T.S. Equivalent Course # HIST 2113
HIST 2223 - American History II A.C.T.S. Equivalent Course # HIST 2123
HIST 3513 - Historiography and Historical Methods
9 hours of electives in American History at the 3000-4000 level
9 hours of electives in History other than American at the 3000-4000 level

Supportive Requirements

9 hours
6 Hours of same Foreign Language at the 1000-3000 level (a language other than English)
GEOG 2213 - General Geography I A.C.T.S.

Campus Life

The Monticello campus is an idyllic place to study, with deer roaming its woodland and walking trails around the campus pond. Students can visit the planetarium, take a fitness class at the exercise centre or join an intramural sports team. The main campus in Monticello has one single-sex dormitory and three coeducational suite dormitories. The former is Horsfall Hall for women, and the latter three are Bankston Hall, Maxwell Hall, and Royer Hall. University Apartments is for single upperclassman students. There was previously a complex for married students, students with families, and university faculty,[9] HHFA Apartments.[10] These apartments were demolished.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Athletics

University of Arkansas at Monticello athletic teams are known as the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms. UAM is a member of the NCAA Division II and currently competes within the Great American Conference (GAC) for ten sports, including: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's golf, softball, and women's volleyball.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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