The History of UAM

The University of Arkansas at Monticello was established in 1909 by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas to serve the educational needs of Southeast Arkansas. Originally called the Fourth District Agricultural School, the University opened its doors September 14, 1910. In 1925, the General Assembly authorized the school's name to be changed to Agricultural and Mechanical College of the Fourth District. It received accreditation as a junior college in 1928. In 1939, the name was changed to Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College and it received accreditation as a four-year institution in 1940.

Arkansas A&M became part of the University of Arkansas system July 1, 1971. The University is governed by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, which also oversees the operation of institutions in Batesville, DeQueen, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Helena, Hope, Little Rock, Morrilton, and Pine Bluff. 

On July 1, 2003, UAM expanded its mission to include vocational and technical education when the UAM College of Technology-Crossett and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee became part of UAM to create a comprehensive system of postsecondary education in Southeast Arkansas.

UAM VISION

The University of Arkansas at Monticello will be recognized as a model, open access regional institution with retention and graduation rates that meet or exceed its peer institutions.

Through these efforts, UAM will develop key relationships and partnerships that contribute to the economic and quality of life indicators in the community, region, state, and beyond.

UAM MISSION

The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a society of learners committed to individual achievement by:

• Fostering a quality, comprehensive, and seamless education for diverse student learners to succeed in a global environment;
• Serving the communities of Arkansas and beyond to improve the quality of life as well as generate, enrich, and sustain economic development;
• Promoting innovative leadership, scholarship and research which will provide for entrepreneurial endeavors and service learning opportunities;
• Creating a synergistic culture of safety, collegiality and productivity which engages a diverse community of learners.