UA named best place for Arkansas students, Hispanics
Eric Evridge
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: News
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The UA also was named the best place in the state, and the only Arkansas college or university named, for Hispanic students to attend college, according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education's Publisher's Pick issue.
"This is good news for the university and for our students," said Chancellor John A. White in a press release.
"First, this is national recognition that the UA provides a quality education," White said. "Second, it reflects the commitment this state is making to higher education."
The UA placed 59th out of 100 on the list of Best Values in Public Colleges for 2008, a 36-place increase from the previous year. The UA was No. 5 out of the Southeastern Conference schools. However, no other Arkansas school placed on the list.
The UA has taken many steps over the last 10 to 11 years to improve academic standards and increase the school's academic standing nationwide, said Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations for University Relations.
"You can credit the governor and Arkansas legislature on the financial end, and Chancellor White with improving academics," he said. "The governor and legislature made the biggest increase in 20 years to state funding for higher education. That helped a lot."
The UA is proud of the progress, but there is more to be done, such as more need-based programs and scholarships so low-income students can attend school, Voorhies said.
"The Access Arkansas campaign is addressing this university's need for additional need-based financial aid," White said in a press release. "The success of this campaign will be a dramatic benefit for our students. If that also improves our 'best value' ranking with Kiplinger's, so much the better.
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