The University of Central Arkansas is a student-centered, learner-focused university. Our students receive a complete college experience in a nurturing, residential environment. Undergraduate programs provide each student with a well-rounded education, including a foundation in the liberal arts and specialized skills needed to enter the working world. Graduate programs at UCA include master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees, primarily in professional fields. UCA's undergraduate and graduate programs have received praise by independent evaluators and accreditation teams. Our Honors College has been a model for others around the nation.

UCA is actively creating programs to promote diversity, such as the first undergraduate degree program in African/African-American Studies in the state.  UCA has been designated as a regional East West Center to provide training to faculty for incorporation of Eastern culture and traditions into the curriculum.  In January 2005 UCA celebrated its first annual diversity month starting with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and continuing into February with events for African-American, Hispanic, and international students.

We take pride in the accomplishments of our students and graduates, among them UCA boasts a Rhodes Scholar and a Truman Scholar.  UCA students have also won numerous state and regional awards for drama, education, music, journalism, science, and many other areas.  And, perhaps most importantly, UCA boasts the highest graduation rate among state universities, and a significant number of those students are admitted to prestigious graduate schools, medical schools, and law schools.

UCA employs some of the finest faculty in the country, educated at some of the finest institutions in the country.  One thing all UCA  faculty have in common is that they are  very dedicated to student learning.  National faculty recognitions have included the Carnegie Foundation Sponsored CASE Professor of the Year, the Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Award, the outstanding chemical educator award, and the outstanding family and consumer science university educator.  They have published books, textbooks, and an extensive number of scholarly articles, along with being invited to present papers and lectures at a myriad of regional, national, and international conferences. 

Many consider UCA to be the premier Arkansas university for undergraduate study.  An exciting aspect of our undergraduate education is the development of ubiquitous computing.  Plus, UCA is a wireless campus -- the first university in the state to become truly wireless. The UCA network and Internet is available through wireless connection at any point on campus. We also have a laptop program where students are placed in specially clustered classes and use different educational media. For several years, groups of faculty have been designated as "Technology Faculty Associates" and have received special training to help incorporate technology into the classroom.   

UCA also has several very fine graduate programs including 35 master's programs, a PhD in School Psychology, two doctoral programs in Physical Therapy, and a unique consortial PhD in Speech-Language Pathology

Conway is a great place to live and UCA an excellent place to work.  Conway's public schools are second to none in the state, and the city has a vital business district and active Chamber of Commerce. 

Whether you are a prospective student, parent, or a potential faculty member, we hope you will visit the university in reality, as well as virtually, to learn more about our students, programs, faculty, and the opportunities that are available to you at UCA, The Center of Learning. 

--Keith Atkinson, Interim Provost & Dean of Faculty