Contributor: Elijah Conley is a Senior Journalism and Political Science student. Elijah is involved in the Associated Student Government, Student Alumni Board, DIYA, and the Honors College. Elijah plans to attend law school and eventually practice civil rights law.
In 2021, the University of Arkansas turns 150 years old! Over time, the U of A has developed a legacy rooted in community, elevated by research, and sustained by societal contributions. Arkansas Industrial University was established in 1871. In 1899, the university changed its name to the University of Arkansas. From being the first public university in Arkansas, the first U.S. institution to establish an agricultural foreign mission, and the first team to win the triple crown in track and field, the University of Arkansas has had many “firsts.” In honor of its sesquicentennial anniversary, let’s explore some of the University of Arkansas’s early “firsts” through artifacts from the Museum’s collections.
On January 22, 1872, less than a year after establishment, the first classes began with seven boys and one girl. By the end of the first year, over 100 students were attending Arkansas Industrial University.
This is the first diploma issued by the Arkansas Industrial University. On June 10, 1876, it was issued to William J. Waggener, who received a Bachelor’s degree.
Arkansas Industrial University’s first graduating class included nine people: Laura Botefuhr, Emma Bridgeforth, Olive Carson, Lizzie Davis, Belle Gorton, Eva McCart, Charles McKinney, Anna E. Putman, and William J. Waggener. This photograph was taken of the nine students in 1875.
Ida G. Barr wore this gown at the University of Arkansas’s 1896 Baccalaureate Commencement. This was the first year graduates wore traditional regalia.
As we celebrate 150 years of being the state’s flagship institution we do so with deep pride and gratitude to those who came before us. Behind each of the 200,000 names etched in senior walk is an individual story that collectively comprises the history of the past 150 years and countless “firsts.”
Literature Cited:
1. Serving Arkansas and beyond. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2021, from https://www.uark.edu/about/time-line.php
- Serving Arkansas and beyond. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://www.uark.edu/about/history.php