The University of Arkansas Graduate School is celebrating its 90th birthday today. A lot has happened in 90 years, so we have compiled a list of five of the most interesting facts that contribute to the school’s rich history and promising future.

If you are interested in learning more about what the Graduate School has to offer, please visit the school’s website or send us an email at gradinfo@uark.edu.

1. WE'RE OLD

The Graduate School was founded May 5, 1927, with John Clark Jordan as the school's first dean. Before 1927, master's degrees were occasionally awarded. However, the establishment of the Graduate School helped departments standardize requirements and grow programs.

2. YOU CAN TRUST US BECAUSE WE'RE DOCTORS
(OF PHILOSOPHY)

The Graduate School began offering doctoral degrees in the late 1940s. The school now offers doctoral degrees in more than 100 areas of study.

3. OUR ALUMNI ARE KIND OF A BIG DEAL

The Graduate School's family of alumni is an elite group that stretches across the globe. Our graduates are innovators in science, leaders in sports, prominent writers and members of royal families. They are also teachers, small business owners and parents. Our alumni are re-shaping the world for the better because of their experiences at the University of Arkansas. We've never been prouder.

4. WE HAVE THE WOMAN FOR THE JOB

Kim Needy was named dean of the Graduate School in August 2014. She is the first woman appointed to lead the school since its founding and is the eighth dean in the school's history.

5. WE'RE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER WITH AGE

The Graduate School has more graduate students enrolled this academic year than ever before. Nearly 4,300 graduate students were enrolled in the fall semester. Our graduate students work with experts in their fields who are striving to answer today's most challenging questions. They are at the forefront of discovery and are committed to enriching the global community.