FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas joins eight Southeastern Conference universities and 45 of the 54 benchmark institutions as one of the year’s “Publisher’s Picks” in the Nov. 29 issue of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education. The U of A is the only college or university from Arkansas included among the 564 institutions named in the issue.

The 2004 edition of The Hispanic Outlook's "Publisher’s Picks" marks the 10th anniversary of the list, and the University of Arkansas has been included every year since its inception in 1995.

“The University of Arkansas is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is inclusive of all people and one where all students of culturally diverse backgrounds will feel comfortable,” said Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “It is encouraging to see that a publication like The Hispanic Outlook is recognizing not only the efforts that have been made by the UA community in the past, but also its commitment to creating a more diverse campus for all cultures, including Hispanic students.”

Other SEC institutions named as “Publisher’s Picks” include Mississippi State University, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, the University of Mississippi, the University of South Carolina, the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University.

In his congratulatory letter to the selected institutions, Hispanic Outreach Publisher Jose# Lo#pez-Isa said, “Whatever else is wonderful about your institution — its state-of-the-art classrooms or its central location or its prominence in a particular field or its generous endowments, even its diverse and renowned faculty — what is important is the breadth and depth of your commitment to the success of your students — including those who are Hispanic.”

During the past year, total Hispanic-American student enrollment at the U of A has increased 3.8 percent from 287 to 298 students and makes up 1.7 percent of the entire student body. Since 1998, however, Hispanic-American student enrollment has increased 44.6 percent, from 206 in 1998 to the current enrollment number of 298.

Also, international students, among whom are students from Latin American countries, make up 5.2 percent of the UA student body with 895 students currently enrolled. The Hispanic enrollment figure given above does not include international students.

 “Among entering freshmen this past semester, the university experienced an increase from 38 to 55 Hispanic-American students, up 44.7 percent,” Medley said. “To help make the transition as smooth as possible for these students, the Office of Admissions has launched several programs, including early counseling to assist with financial aid and housing. We also attempt to educate these students about the Enhanced Learning Center.

“The university recently hosted an event, Diversity Impact 2004 to introduce prospective students of diverse backgrounds to the U of A campus,” Medley added. “We welcomed almost 200 students, and it was a tremendous success. We look forward to welcoming even more students to campus in the future as they choose to make the U of A their home.”

Other programs intended to reach out to Hispanic students include the Hispanic Engineering Society offered through the College of Engineering, Latinos Unidos, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the International Culture Team, which is offered through the Office of International Students and Scholars.

“The International Culture Team involves several of our Bolivian and Columbian students,” said Michael Freeman, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars. “These students work to highlight their culture through programs offered both on and off campus, and they remain quite active within the campus community.”