LRU Earns Full Accreditation – 1960

On April 20, 1960, Little Rock University reached a major milestone when the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted the university accreditation as a full senior institution. The designation strengthened LRU’s reputation and the recognition of its degrees.

The association’s review team praised the university’s potential, its independent Board of Trustees, and the strong spirit of cooperation between faculty and administrators. The accreditation positioned LRU for continued growth in the years ahead.

LRU Focuses on its Expanding Campus – 1960

In October 1960, the LRU Board of Trustees authorized the appointment of Robert M. Staples as the university’s full-time buildings and grounds superintendent. Staples’ hiring ensured that LRU had someone dedicated to caring for its expanding campus and preparing it for the future.

Campus Improvements – 1961

A $150,000 campus beautification program brought long-awaited improvements in 1961, including paved roads and parking areas. New sidewalks connected buildings and streets, helping to end the annual mud and dust problems.

The university also completed new tennis courts. Students joined the campus improvement effort by giving the Theatre Building a facelift and painting the Music Building on Saturdays.

Students Meet President Kennedy – 1963

Numerous LRU students had the opportunity to greet President John F. Kennedy on Oct. 3, 1963, when he visited to deliver a speech at the Arkansas State Fair. Kennedy was met by Gov. Orval Faubus and two senators. With security less restrictive than it is today, people were able to line up and shake Kennedy’s hand. Some attendees recalled the young president with an outstretched hand and friendly face, who looked you in the eye as he shook your hand. 

During his visit, Kennedy spoke about the nation’s promise and its responsibility to provide opportunity for all Americans. 

“This country has great opportunities and great responsibilities, and I hope that this state and others like it will associate together to provide a fairer opportunity for all Americans to realize their talents, to make something of themselves, to give them a fair chance, which is what we stand for and which our Constitution promises,” he said.

Just seven weeks later, on Nov. 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated, compounding the significance of the memories held by those who met him that day.

Coleman Creek Bridge Construction – 1964

When the university relocated in 1949, there was no formal entrance, so students and faculty had to drive through Coleman Creek to reach campus. Although the waterway added scenic beauty as it wound through campus, it also posed challenges during heavy rains.

For example, in September 1949, a flash flood stranded three children in a tree until the Trojan football team rescued them. Campus access improved in 1961 with a new entrance from University Avenue (then Hayes Street). Then in spring 1964, a bridge was built at 32nd Street, connecting the east and west sides of campus for vehicles and pedestrians and replacing the need to cross the creek bed. The new bridge marked another step in the campus’ transformation.

LRU Takes Historic Step Towards Integration – 1964

Seven Black students made history in fall 1964 when they enrolled at Little Rock University, officially desegregating the student body after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

By the opening of classes in September 1964, the administration had adopted an official policy that prohibited “discrimination based on race or color in eligibility for courses, lectures, in classroom seating, or access to dining halls.” President Stabler reported that the historic group included three full-time and four part-time students.

Among the Black students admitted was Wanda Hamilton, who had preserved her 1963 rejection letter from the university when it was still segregated.

Enrollment on the Rise – 1967

In 1967, enrollment climbed to 3,238 students, with the freshman class experiencing the biggest increase. Part-time and night students continued to outnumber full-time students, demonstrating the university’s importance to working and nontraditional students. 

Registration expanded to two buildings for the first time to handle the growing student population. The university also used its IBM processing system for a second year and introduced new all-plastic ID cards featuring student photos. The rising enrollment reflected LRU’s growing reach and the demand for higher education in Little Rock.

Business and Economics Sees Highest Enrollment – 1967

The Division of Business and Economics had the highest student enrollment in 1967, reflecting the growing interest in business education. The division’s objectives were to “to provide a professional education for young men and women planning careers in business and government service, and to prepare students for graduate study in the fields of business and economics.”

The division was organized into the specialized departments of Accounting, Business, Administration, Business Education, Economics and Finance, Management and Labor, and Marketing and Advertising. 

Business continues to be one of the leading programs at the university. UA Little Rock’s School of Business ranked No. 194 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, climbing nearly 30 spots from the previous year.

East Building and Library Dedication – 1967

Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller was the featured speaker at the 1967 dedication of Little Rock University’s East Building and the new John A. Larson Memorial Library. The East Building, now known as Stabler Hall, was originally two stories before it was later expanded with five additional floors. Its auditorium hosted the dedication ceremony, which included a performance by the LRU Band.

The new library replaced an earlier one created in Larson’s honor in 1949. The new building housed more than 54,000 volumes and offered open stacks, reading areas, current periodicals, recreational books, reference services, and library offices.

In his address, “The Role of LRU in Higher Education in Arkansas,” Rockefeller spoke about the exciting developments underway at LRU and the university’s potential to profoundly influence social change in the region.

Cooper Fountain Built – 1968-69

Completed around the 1968-69 academic year, Cooper Fountain is a beloved university landmark at the heart of campus and a popular photo backdrop for students and graduates. The fountain honors Dr. William G. Cooper Jr., a long-standing member and president of the Board of Trustees for Little Rock Junior College and Little Rock University. Cooper’s sister, Mary Pelton Cooper Jewett-Gaiser, and her children made a campus beautification donation as a living tribute honoring his legacy. 

In 2010, legendary NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw featured the campus landmark in the closing shot of his CNBC documentary Boomer$, which explored the Baby Boomer generation.

LRU Becomes UALR – 1969

In 1966, Little Rock University and the University of Arkansas began a series of discussions looking toward a merger of the two institutions. After the Arkansas General Assembly approved the merger on Feb. 6, 1969, Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller signed the bill into law five days later, officially transferring the campus to state control.

On Sept. 1, 1969, LRU  joined the University of Arkansas System, becoming the 91������ȫ. The new designation marked the end of LRU’s private era and the birth of a public metropolitan center of learning. By anchoring the University of Arkansas System in the capital city, the historic legislation turned a local college into a catalyst for regional growth and accessible education.

The merger also marked the start of rapid growth for what was then known as UALR. The university went from about 3,500 students and 75 full‐time faculty members in 1969, to more than 8,200 students and 362 full‐time faculty members in 2026.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped UA Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1960s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Halloween Carnival Begins – 1950

Initially held as a benefit for the athletic department, the Halloween Carnival became a popular annual event supported by many social clubs. The Battlecriers sponsored a kissing booth, the Zeta Phis ran a concession stand, the Phi Alpha fraternity ran a poker game, and the Sigma Taus held a dance.

This event continues today as the outdoor Fall-o-Ween, which features treats, games, costume contests, and booths hosted by student organizations.

Enrollment Growth – 1951-1952

As LRJC entered the 1950s, the college expanded rapidly to meet the community’s growing educational needs. In 1951, the college enrolled 457 daytime students and more than 700 students in its night school program, which became a vital resource for military veterans and working professionals.

During the 1951-52 academic year, total enrollment reached a then-record 1,356 students.

Businesses Pay Employees’ Tuition – 1951

Under President Davis’s leadership, LRJC focused on maintaining general education courses during the day with more practical courses in the evening classes. Davis believed that emphasizing practical courses “will be helpful to employers and employees in our business community.” Courses in accounting, commercial law, marketing, salesmanship, air conditioning, shorthand, and typing all reached record enrollments.

Additionally, several Little Rock businesses began paying the tuition of their employees who enrolled in courses related to their jobs. This strengthened LRJC’s partnership with the community. Today, UA Little Rock’s Corporate Partnerships Program offers educational benefits to employees of over 150 Arkansas organizations. 

Silver Anniversary Celebration – 1952

LRJC marked its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration from May 1952 to May 1953. Festivities included special exhibits of student and faculty artwork, a series of theatrical productions, and colorful brochures mailed to alumni and local high school graduates. The yearlong celebration was an opportunity for the faculty and staff to promote LRJC’s achievements and call attention to the future needs of the college.

In the quarter century since its opening, LRJC saw 2,384 students graduate and an additional 9,667 enrolled. The anniversary allowed the college to build excitement for its future.

Changes in Athletics – 1955

The college board voted in December 1955 to discontinue varsity football, despite various efforts to keep the program running. Multiple factors contributed to the decision, including the lack of athletic scholarships, students leaving school to join the armed forces, rising support for the emerging University of Arkansas program, and financial challenges.

LRJC Becomes a Four-Year Institution – 1954-1957

Interest continued to grow in transforming LRJC into a four-year institution. President Davis met with the sophomore class to discuss the possibility, and the students were enthusiastic.

In 1954, members of the Little Rock School Board passed a resolution recommending that the school expand to a four-year senior college; however, the Donaghey Foundation believed this would be too expensive and was not in favor of the idea. The conflicting opinions of the two boards eventually led to President Davis’s resignation.

After several appearances in court and a decision by the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Donaghey Foundation and the college board held a joint meeting in May 1955 and appointed Little Rock business leader Gus Ottenheimer to chair a task force. The Ottenheimer Committee unanimously agreed that Little Rock needed a four-year collegiate program and that the community overwhelmingly supported this plan. Their final report recommended expanding LRJC to a four-year institution by 1961 and that the institution should be renamed to “George W. Donaghey College of Little Rock.” 

Two months later, the board elected Dr. Carey V. Stabler as the new LRJC president with an annual salary of $12,000. Stabler quickly worked with faculty on the new school structure, which included four schools and three degrees. On June 1, 1957, the college trustees voted to accept Stabler’s idea to officially name the institution Little Rock University.

First Class Graduates from LRU – 1959

Twenty-eight seniors became the first graduates of the new four-year institution in 1959. To distinguish them from the sophomores receiving junior college certificates in blue gowns, the seniors wore black robes with white collars. This ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for LRU.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped UA Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1950s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Civilian Pilot Training Program Begins – 1940s

On the eve of World War II, Little Rock Junior College joined the nation’s effort to prepare a new generation of pilots. The college was among the first Arkansas institutions selected for the Civilian Pilot Training Program, in part because of the aviation facilities at the nearby Adams Field airport, now known as the Clinton National Airport.

In the two-year program, students studied civil air regulations, air navigation, meteorology, and practical skills, including cross-country flying. Those who completed the training could earn a private pilot’s certificate. Because of government regulations, women were not allowed in the secondary course. 

By the early 1940s, the program had become an important part of the college’s wartime contribution, helping meet the nation’s growing need for trained pilots.

LRJC Adjusts Courses to Meet Wartime Needs – 1943

In 1943, Dean Brothers and President Larson recommended shortening the spring term by eliminating final exams in order to allow students to receive the maximum amount of college credit before entering the armed forces.

Faculty also voted to grant full credit to every student called into military service. Students and faculty participated in community service projects, such as assisting in charity drives, explaining the importance of rationing, and teaching first aid classes. A War Bond booth on campus, supported partly by the Battlecriers, helped raise more than $14,000 for the war. 

Postwar Enrollment Surges – 1946

After World War II, the GI Bill provided education benefits to returning veterans and brought a rush of students to LRJC. Enrollment leaped from 250 to 800 by fall 1946, prompting classes to be held six days a week and increasing the faculty from 22 to 45. The growth also led to the addition of five temporary buildings from Camp Robinson. The surge transformed LRJC and expanded its role in meeting the community’s postwar demand for higher education.

Additionally, student veterans actively promoted the concept of expanding the school into a four-year institution. They spoke to civic groups encouraging the community to develop a complete collegiate program. Their efforts helped encourage the momentum that eventually resulted in Little Rock University. 

LRJC Receives Land Donation for Permanent Campus – 1947

In 1947, Little Rock businessman and civic leader Raymond Rebsamen donated 80 acres along Hayes Street, now University Avenue, to LRJC for a permanent campus. In the fall term, school officials secured four temporary buildings that faced south on 32nd Street. By 1949, the campus had expanded to 12 semi-permanent buildings. 

The new campus fueled significant increases in enrollment, facilities, and academic programs. Rebsamen’s gift did more than provide a new campus; it gave the college the space and opportunity to grow.

In 2008, the 91������ȫ honored Rebsamen’s lasting impact by designating the site the Raymond Rebsamen Campus.

Alumni Association Supports $650,000 Campaign – 1948

During the 1940s, the LRJC Alumni Association became increasingly active in supporting the college. It published a newsletter to keep former students connected, supported memorial funds, and established the Shield of the Trojan award to recognize distinguished alumni at graduation. 

With LRJC’s move to Hayes Street, leadership faced the task of raising funds for permanent buildings. The newly created Little Rock Junior College Foundation, chaired by James H. Penick, launched the Permanent Home Campaign to finance the construction of a modern campus. At the time, the campaign was described as the “largest and most successful financial campaign that Little Rock had seen.” 

The community rallied behind the college, raising $650,000 through the efforts of corporations, alumni, and private citizens. The campaign enabled LRJC to build four modern facilities on its new campus in 1949, including two classroom buildings, a library, and a fieldhouse. 

The campaign not only provided LRJC with a permanent home but demonstrated the community’s investment in the college’s future. These efforts reflected growing alumni pride and support for LRJC.

Football Returns – 1947

In 1947, President John A. Larson and Coach James T. “Jimmy” Karam revived football after a decade-long absence. They realized the lack of a team had a negative impact on student morale. Soon after the announcement was made, t-shirts with the Trojan emblem became a top-selling item in the campus bookstore.

The Trojans quickly became a force, winning the Coffee Bowl in 1947.

Trojans Win Junior Rose Bowl – 1949

In 1949, the Trojans achieved an historic undefeated season winning ten straight games. The team was invited to play in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA., the most prestigious postseason junior college game. The Trojans closed out their remarkable run by defeating Santa Ana Junior College, 25-19.

Led by Coach Karam in front of 50,000 people, the championship win brought widespread attention to LRJC and became a defining moment in Trojan athletics history. 

At a 2006 ceremony at the 91������ȫ, surviving members of the 1949 Trojans finally received their Junior Rose Bowl championship rings. For reasons unknown, the players never received them after their victory.

Construction Begins on Larson Memorial Library – 1949

In November 1949, President Larson passed away just as the new campus neared completion. The trustees of the college immediately voted to name the new library in his honor, and construction began on the John A. Larson Memorial Library to anchor the new campus.

The innovative design of the library and two classroom buildings later drew national attention, earning LRJC a feature in the February 1952 issue of Progressive Architecture.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly.

Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped UA Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1940s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Inaugural Football Team – 1930

One of the more memorable moments of this decade was the creation of the football team. In 1930, Little Rock Junior College fielded its first football team after students pointed out that the college had one of the state’s largest freshman classes but no football program. Coached by chemistry instructor Kenneth Bird and recent college football player Johnny Estrada, the 14-member squad chose the name “Trojans” – a name that has remained the university’s athletic identity ever since.

Although the inaugural team lost all six games without scoring a point, football continued at the college for four more seasons before the program was discontinued in 1935.

First Homecoming – 1931

LRJC held its first homecoming celebration in November 1931, just weeks after the Trojans earned their first gridiron victory with a 13-12 win over El Dorado Junior College. Homecoming featured a special assembly, a parade through downtown Little Rock, a football game, and a dance.

School traditions continued to grow throughout the decade, including the adoption of the college’s alma mater in 1935. Written by Blanche Markham after winning a campus-wide contest sponsored by The Trojan, the song’s lyrics were:

Hail LRJC, Hail to thy name!
We’ll wave thy colors, Long sing thy fame!
Maroon and White forever! Loyal we’ll be;
Our Alma Mater, LRJC!

Campus Relocation – 1931

LRJC made its first campus relocation in 1931, moving from the second floor of Little Rock Senior High School (what is currently known as Central High), to the former Uriah M. Rose Grammar School at 13th and State. The new campus welcomed 425 students and gave the college its own identity, separate from its high school location.

Under the leadership of President John A. Larson, the college invested $10,000 in remodeling and equipment to prepare the campus for its growing student population. The total monthly utility bill was just $50 – a reminder of a very different era.

The Rise of Greek Life – 1932

As enrollment grew at LRJC, so did student life. The first Greek organizations took shape with the founding of the men’s fraternity Phi Alpha Beta. In 1932, the Battlecriers Club, initially created to support Trojan athletics, evolved into the college’s first sorority, Beta Chi. This local sorority formed the foundation for the Arkansas Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi.

The Delta Kappa fraternity was also established this year, which sparked a spirited rivalry with Phi Alpha Beta. The Greek community continued to grow with the founding of the Tri Phi sorority in 1938, creating lasting traditions of Greek life leadership, service, and campus involvement that continue today.

Donaghey Week – 1932

A new campus tradition took root in 1932 with the celebration of Donaghey Week, an annual event created to honor former Arkansas Gov. George W. Donaghey and his generous endowment to LRJC. Built around the slogan, “Honor to Whom Honor is Due,” the first observance featured a box supper, a series of radio programs, special editions of the campus newspaper, and a luncheon in honor of Gov. and Mrs. Donaghey. Although the week’s activities changed over time, Donaghey Week remained a cherished tradition for nearly three decades. 

LRJC Receives Carnegie Corporation Grants – 1937 and 1938

In the fall of 1937, LRJC received a $6,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation to upgrade its library collection. The funds enabled the college to buy new books, expanding resources for students and faculty. As one of only 10 institutions chosen in this round of grants, this helped earn the college national recognition. The Carnegie Corporation continued its support the following year, awarding a $1,500 music set that included a phonograph and records.

LRJC Opens Peanut Butter Plant – 1938

During the Great Depression, Little Rock Junior College created a student-run peanut butter plant on 14th Street to help rural students afford college. The operation provided students with paid work and hands-on experience in scientific farming, production, and distribution. The program reflected the college’s commitment to practical education and supporting students during challenging times. The jars carried the slogan, “Build Arkansas – Use Jaycee Butter.” One year later, the plant relocated to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped UA Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1930s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Little Rock Junior College is Founded – 1927

The history of the 91������ȫ begins in 1927 when John A. Larson had a goal to expand access to higher education in Arkansas’ capital city. Larson was the principal of Little Rock Senior High School, what later became Central High School, and he was determined to provide higher education opportunities in Little Rock after the college courses offered through the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s extension program were cancelled.

Despite limited funding, Little Rock Junior College opened on the second floor of Little Rock Senior High School. Larson was named LRJC’s first Dean and R.C. Hall, Superintendent of the Little Rock School District, served as the first President.

LRJC, affectionately nicknamed “Jaycee,” began with 100 students who paid $5 per semester hour and were taught by one full-time teacher, Lula B. Chase, and part-time teachers.

First Library Opens – 1927

Even in its earliest days, the college began investing in the resources needed to support its students. In 1927, LRJC established its first library with just over 1,400 books. The collection was initially housed in a repurposed storeroom before expanding into a former classroom. What began as a modest collection quickly became an important part of the college’s academic foundation. As the library expanded, Phyllis Perkins became the institution’s first librarian, helping shape one of LRJC’s earliest academic resources.

First Student-Newspaper Debuts – 1928

Student life quickly took shape as an important part of campus life. In 1928, students launched “The College Chatter,” a newspaper that not only connected the campus community but also helped strengthen it. Proceeds from newspaper sales helped purchase new books for the library, supporting its continued growth. The 2-cent two-column publication eventually grew alongside the institution and community it served, becoming a longstanding voice for students and an enduring aspect of campus life.

LRJC Earns Accreditation – 1929

In spring 1929, LRJC achieved a milestone of earning full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools while also celebrating its first graduating class.

First Class Graduates – 1929

LRJC celebrated a pair of early milestones with its first graduating classes in 1928 and 1929. The inaugural class consisted of 12 graduates and commencement was held jointly with Little Rock Senior High School in 1928.

The following year, the college graduated the first students who had completed the institution’s full two-year program after enrolling when LRJC opened its doors. Together, these early graduates helped establish a foundation of academic achievement and institutional pride that would support the college’s continued growth in the years to come.

LRJC Receives $2 Million Gift – 1929

Momentum continued in 1929 when former Arkansas Gov. George W. Donaghey and his wife designated LRJC as the sole beneficiary of a $2 million trust – the largest gift ever made to an Arkansas educational institution at the time. Donaghey also appointed a board of trustees to administer the endowment.

Donaghey was a strong advocate for education and said, “I was convinced that no greater field for educational development exists anywhere that can be found right here in Little Rock.”

The gift not only gave LRJC the financial stability it needed, but it also put statewide attention on the College and gave its supporters optimism that the college would endure.

Enrollment Grows Nearly 200% – 1929

Donaghey’s transformative gift and LRJC’s accreditation helped propel enrollment. From fall 1928 to fall 1929, enrollment surged from 119 to 347 students. 

LRJC Offers Evening and Late-Afternoon Classes – 1929

To meet the demand of growing enrollment, LRJC introduced evening and late-afternoon classes for local school teachers seeking advanced credit. The classes soon attracted more than 140 students and demonstrated LRJC’s commitment to serving nontraditional students.

By the end of the decade, Little Rock Junior College had already begun laying the foundations of a thriving university: academic resources, student engagement, and a growing sense of community. Though still in its infancy, the college was building the groundwork for decades of growth.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped UA Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1920s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.