As we begin a new year, we thought it would be a good idea to reflect on some of the university’s accomplishments in 2014, and also let you know what is happening at UCA in 2015.

Over the past year, there are many achievements of which we should be proud. Enrollment continues to increase. Several construction projects are underway or about to commence. And, our financial condition continues to remain in a very healthy and positive state. All of this is to provide for and enhance the UCA experience for students, faculty and staff.

This video captures what has been accomplished and highlights our vision for 2015 and beyond.

Thank you most of all for your support of, and commitment to, the 51ÇàÂ¥ and its students.

Sincerely,

Tom Courtway, President

On Monday  November 3, 2014 twenty-nine UCA students joined Dr. Katelyn Knox, Assistant Professor of French in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures for a celebration of sub-Saharan African culture held in EDGE residential college.

After preparing a feast of tomato, corn, and avocado salad, chicken and beef brochettes, peanut soup, rice, tropical fruit salad, and fried plantains, the group watched by Burkinabe filmmaker Dani Kouyaté’s Keïta! ou, L’héritage du griot [Keïta! Voice of the Griot] (1997), which is a modern retelling of the myth of Sundiata Keïta, founder of the Malian empire.

Though set in a time and place far from our own, the young Mabo’s struggles to find his own balance between recognizing his cultural heritage and affirming his individuality raised those very questions central to the EDGE mission: Where do we call our home? What roles do familial, regional, and national histories, cultures, and values play in our daily lives? And what discussions unite us as humans across geographical, historical, and cultural lines?

UCA director of public history internships Dr. Kim Little and UCA resident master for STEM Residential College Dr. Faith Yarberry, along with their students, will be participating in the Faulkner County Museum’s 12th Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

UCA’s STEM Residential College students will be demonstrating some traditional skills, including woodworking, Dutch-oven cooking, needle arts, corn-husk doll making, rope making, spinning and weaving, and blacksmithing as a service-learning project.

UCA’s EDGE program funded this project through a grant to pay for the demonstration supplies and food.

This event is free to the general public, but donations will be accepted.  For more information, contact the museum at fcm@conwaycorp.net or call (501) 329-5918.  The museum is located at 801 Locust Street, Conway, AR 72034.