Timeline of University's History Added to Website

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has added a timeline of the university’s history to its website, showing the genesis of the state’s first public university, its growth within the mission of a land-grant institution, and the ascendancy of the U of A as one of the top public research universities in the country.

“The university has a rich and significant history that deserves recognition, but history is often difficult to access unless you’re in the microfilm every day,” said Laura Jacobs, associate vice chancellor for university relations. “Our web team and editorial team worked collaboratively to find a way to present the university’s historical events in an engaging and interactive way. Read about our history and you’ll find yourself as optimistic as we are about the university’s future.”

The timeline opens showing the date of the first university classes held by the Arkansas Industrial University, Jan. 22, 1872.

Readers can move the timeline to events throughout events leading to the university’s opening and those occurring up to the present day, from traditions started by students to appointments of university presidents to scientific breakthroughs discovered by faculty. A slider at the bottom of the page makes it easier to quickly move to different eras. The timeline can also be viewed in 3D mode, which shows events stretching into the horizon.

Entries include photos, videos and audio recordings whenever they were available. For instance, the timeline has a YouTube film showing Clyde Scott as he becomes the first U of A student to win an Olympic medal, a silver in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1948 Olympiad in London.

Other videos include:

• The 1994 men’s basketball championship
• Miller Williams’ reading of a poem at President Clinton’s second inaugural in 1997.
• Highlights from the 1965 football championship game with Nebraska.

Some notable successes by alumni include:

• The altitude record set by aviator Louise Thaden in 1928.
• The American women’s record in the marathon, set by Deena Drossin Kastor in 2006.
• The development of optical fiber by Robert Maurer in 1970.

Many of the still images come from the University Libraries’ Department of Special Collections, while others are from the Office of University Relations’ archives, and still others are in the public domain.

“We will continue to add historical notes as we find events that are significant to understanding the history and culture of the University of Arkansas,” said Charlie Alison, executive editor for university relations. “As we move nearer the university’s 150th anniversary in 2021, we want the university community to celebrate the campus heritage. Knowing the U of A’s history is the first step.”

Additional noteworthy events may be sent to Alison at calison@uark.edu.