U of A to Reinstall, Rededicate Fulbright Historical Marker

Courtesy of Special Collections

J. William Fulbright during his time as president of the U of A.

The University of Arkansas will reinstall and rededicate a historical marker commemorating J. William Fulbright at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday, April 19. The historical marker will be placed next to the 1931-1949 section of Senior Walk, which leads from Arkansas Avenue to Old Main. All members of the campus community are invited to the rededication ceremony.

The historical marker was originally erected in the mid-twentieth century. However, a new marker was commissioned earlier this year, when the original marker had become damaged beyond repair.

"Senator Fulbright made an indelible impression on our university, our state and our world," said Curt Rom, associate dean for the Graduate School and International Education. "It is an honor to remember him and his legacy with the placement of this marker."

J. William Fulbright is a former University of Arkansas president, United States senator, creator of the Fulbright Scholar program and namesake for the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

“Fulbright College is proud to be the living legacy of our namesake and to honor J. William Fulbright with this marker and through our daily commitment to embody his dream of peace through education,” said Todd Shields, dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “In fact, our college’s mission is also taken from his writings, which state that ‘...the highest function of higher education is the teaching of things in perspective, toward the purposes of enriching the life of the individual, cultivating the free and inquiring mind, and advancing the effort to bring reason, justice, and humanity into the relations of men and nations.’”

The historical marker is not part of the University of Arkansas historical marker program. Its dedication is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fayetteville, the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School and International Education.