University Archives Showcased in New Illustrated History, 'University of Arkansas'

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Meet the authors Amy Allen and Tim Nutt this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Clinton House Museum.

The rich history of U of A is celebrated in University of Arkansas, released in October. University archivist Amy L. Allen and Timothy G. Nutt, former Head of Special Collections, sifted through the archives to compile 215 vintage images that tell the story of the university's first 125 years.

The images date back to the early days of the university in the 1870s. They touch on our 1948 integration – the first in the South when Silas Hunt enrolled in law school – and cover Ruth Cohoon's tenure as our first women's intercollegiate sports director beginning in 1972. Photos in the book showcase well-known professors and administrators like Bill Clinton, J. William Fulbright, architect E. Fay Jones, and folklorist Mary C. Parler.

But students are the main focus of the university, and that comes through in the book. University of Arkansas captures many aspects of student life, including academic pursuits like working in a chemistry lab or on the University farm, to the warm days of summer school.  Academics aren't the sole emphasis of student life, so photographs also show homecoming, pep rallies, and commencement along with our unique traditions like Senior Walk. There are photographs of the everyday dorm life, Greek life, and hanging out in the Student Union, plus a chapter on Razorback athletics highlighting student athletes from many different sports, alongside the fans who support them.

Allen, a longtime resident of Northwest Arkansas, is an alumna and currently serves as the University Archivist in Special Collections. She works everyday to collect and preserve the history of the U of A. "I hope the book will spark an interest in University traditions for future Razorbacks," Allen said.  "I also hope it will remind alumni and community members of fond memories and inspire them to give their own materials to the University Archives to be preserved for future generations."

Nutt is the former Head of Special Collections, currently serving as the Director of the Historical Research Center at UAMS. Nutt has served as the founding managing editor and staff historian of the award-winning, online Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture and special projects editor. He currently serves as president of the Arkansas Historical Association and was an active member of the Washington County Historical Society.

An avid scholar of Arkansas history, Nutt is pleased to have been a part of the project to present the history of the University of Arkansas. "The University of Arkansas has a fascinating history filled with interesting characters, stories, and traditions," he said, "this book, hopefully, will be a catalyst for readers to remember their own fond memories of Arkansas's university."

University of Arkansas by Amy Leigh Allen and Tim Nutt from Arcadia Publishing's Campus History Series is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or directly from Arcadia at (888)-313-2665 or online.  The book is paperback, 128 pages, and sells for $21.99.

A number of book signings will allow community members to meet the authors, including 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14, at Clinton House Museum in Fayetteville; Nov.  21, at the Campus Bookstore (time TBA to coordinate with football game); and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Fayetteville Public Library. The event at the Fayetteville Public Library will also include an author talk – and all of these events are a great way to get some holiday shopping done!

For more information about Special Collections at the University Libraries, or to donate your materials to the University Archives, please contact 479-575-8444 or email ala005@uark.edu. Stop by to visit Special Collections in Mullins Library, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.