University of Arkansas 101

This fall, there will be thousands of students all across the United States coming to the University of Arkansas, one of our favorite places ever. It quickly becomes a home away from home because of its rich history and sweet traditions.

Name Change

Founded in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University, it was home to 8 students, but quickly surpassed 100 students after the first semester. In 1899, the official name changed to what we know and love today - The University of Arkansas!

How We Became the Razorbacks

When the university was founded, our mascot was the cardinal. In 1910, the student body came together to officially change the mascot of our beloved university. During the 1909 undefeated season, the Arkansas football team beat the LSU tigers in which our head coach described his players as a "wild band of razorback hogs." After this, the name stuck.

This nickname perfectly captured the state's heart for agriculture, livestock and farming. There may be many tigers, bears and birds, but there's only one Razorback!

The Senior Walk

As you can imagine, it's pretty expensive to etch the name of each graduated senior into the sidewalks across campus. The University stopped this tradition for a few years due to the slow, expensive, and taxing process. A few engineering students built a machine to make the process more efficient! They called this machine the Sand Hog and it is the only machine like this in the world! Today, there are over 5 miles of names written in the sidewalks all over campus!

National Titles

Another pillar of the rich history here at the University of Arkansas is excellence. One example is our Track and Field program. The University of Arkansas has won more NCAA track and field national championships than any other school in the country, with more than 40 team titles. Fayetteville is also widely known as the "Track Capital of the World" because of the university's historic success and world-class facilities. Plus, the University of Arkansas sent over 80 athletes and coaches to the Olympics over the years. I bet you didn't know that.

Dino Nuggets

Ever wonder what a Razorback's favorite snack is? Dino chicken nuggest, of course!

As an assignment in our nationally ranked Walton College of Business, students were tasked to market regular chicken nuggets in a different light. These students took this assignment and created what you know and love today as the Tyson Dino chicken nugget. These have been on the shelves for over 15 years now! We even have Razorback shaped chicken nuggets as a nod to the original dinosaur shape.

Tri Delta on Campus

The Tri Delta roots run deep on our campus. As you may have seen, outside of the student union, there stands a clock tower with our beloved letters. This gift was given to the University to commemorate the 75th year of Delta Iota.

Gearhart Hall, formally Ozark Hall, was renamed in 2015 after former Chancellor David Gearhart, Jane Gearhart's husband. Jane Gearhart is a Delta Iota alumnae who has worked closely with the campus food pantry over the years.

There is a lot more to learn about the University of Arkansas. We know you will love this place just as much as we do! See you in the fall!