U of A Rededicates Hotz Hall as Honors Residence After Renovations

Photo Submitted

More than 100 honors students attended the Ice Cream Social held on the first day of classes. Photo by Shelby Gill.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas officially rededicated Hotz Honors Hall on Monday, Sept. 16 as the newest home for incoming first-year honors students.  The university has spent the past two years renovating the almost 50-year-old building.

The facility has been thoughtfully redesigned to foster community among first-year honors students, starting with traditional two-person rooms that encourage new students to interact and form friendships in common areas.

The first floor provides a large space for relaxation where students can play ping pong or pool, watch movies, practice music, prepare food or read near the fireplace. The building also houses a computer lounge and conference rooms, and each floor offers study areas and alcoves for secluded TV viewing and video gaming. The spa-style bathrooms have multiple shower facilities, reconfigured for greater privacy.

 “The newly renovated Hotz Honors Hall is a fantastic facility,” said Bob McMath, dean of the Honors College. “Its proximity to honors wings in nearby dorms gives us a great opportunity to expand programming for all honors students. Top notch facilities like Hotz, and our new home in Ozark Hall, will help in drawing high-achieving students to the University of Arkansas Honors College.”

The Honors College has expanded its staff to develop and implement a series of events geared for all honors students, both at Hotz Honors Hall and the college’s new home in Ozark Hall.

Hotz Hall first opened in 1964 as a women’s dormitory and was named in honor of Henry G. Hotz and his wife, Stella Palmer Hotz. Henry Hotz was a member of the university faculty for 24 years, including 11 years as dean of the College of Education. Stella Hotz was the first female full professor at the University of Arkansas.