One hundred and fifty years ago, the Morrill Land-Grant Act was signed into law by President Lincoln. This act allowed the states to set up universities by providing federal land for these institutions. The University of Arkansas, which held its first classes in 1872, is one of these land-grant institutions.
Until 1899, the school was known as the Arkansas Industrial University, and the engineering department was an important part of the university from early days. One hundred years ago, in 1912, the College of Engineering, along with the College of Education and Health Professions, separated from the College of Arts and Sciences and appointed their own deans. William Gladson, who had taught engineering since 1894, became the first dean of the new College of Engineering.
Over the past century, the university and the college have made great strides, making their way into the top tiers of education in this country. In this issue of the magazine, we’re looking back at life in the past, and at how the engineering student experience has changed. The print issue focuses on two important aspects of student life in the College of Engineering: the changing role of women in the college and the celebration of Engineer’s Day, an event that showcased the best (and sometimes the worst) of engineering student achievements.
(photos courtesy of Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville, Ark.)