University of Central Arkansas

The Division of Academic Outreach that we know today has its roots in extension services beginning at the Arkansas State Normal School from the early 1900s.  In 1919, President B. W. Torreyson instituted the first extension program as a public service mission to meet the need for trained teachers in remote locations of the state.  He appointed Heber L. McAlister a faculty member and National Guard Army officer as the first director of extension services at the Arkansas State Normal School.

Under McAlister’s directorial leadership, extension services grew astronomically!  In just a short period of time, there were more students enrolled in extension courses than in resident classes. McAlister would later become the university’s third president.  His passion and dedication to education allowed him to grow extension services and to provide educational opportunities to people all over Arkansas.  Today the success of Academic Outreach can be credited to the vision of our founding fathers and to the hard work and commitment of the faculty and staff that dates back to our very humble beginnings.

The work and legacy of President McAlister is alive today and lives in the Division of Academic Outreach.  The sole purpose of Outreach is to connect the UCA campus with the community.  The core values behind outreach and extension services have never changed.  Lifelong learning, professional development, public service and community engagement have been and will remain the primary values upon which our mission is based.

Academic Outreach is proud to offer:  online and extended study classes; professional development and continuing education programs; concurrent enrollment for high school students; personal enrichment courses; turn-key conference services; customized training and consulting services; and applied community and economic development. 

Along with these services, Academic Outreach also employs a staff of dedicated professionals who value and exhibit teamwork, creativity, achievement and integrity.  The staff of Academic Outreach is the spirit of the division.  Academic Outreach is your one stop shop to education and we welcome you to experience all that we have to offer.