College of Education and Health Professions Marks Milestones
The late Christopher Lucas, a professor in the College of Education and Health Professions, wrote this history of the college, Yesterday and Today.
In 2017, the College of Education and Health Professions at the U of A celebrates several anniversaries. Twenty years ago, the name was changed from College of Education to better reflect the diversity of programs offered. It is also the 20th year since the Master of Arts in Teaching graduated its first students, and the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing was dedicated. The nursing school had been added to the college as a department 10 years earlier, in 1987.
Going 100 years back, in 1917, the U of A Board of Trustees approved a request by faculty to create a college of education from what was then a school of education.
Teacher education has been integral to the U of A since its founding in 1871. It began in what was called the Normal Department, a phrase included in the legislation creating the university. The term "normal" was used commonly in the 19th century to refer to the imparting of norms of exemplary teaching, and so to pedagogical training or to an institution devoted to teacher preparation.
This was according to a history called Yesterday and Today that Christopher Lucas, a professor of higher education, wrote about the College of Education and Health Professions at the U of A.
"The normal feature of the university will be the first to bear fruit," predicted Trustee Albert W. Bishop in the 1872 commencement address. "With experienced teachers secured, the material to work upon here, and the necessary appliances for instruction obtained, the friends of this institution are very much encouraged by what they see has already been accomplished."
He believed the state's emerging public school system had begun to create a "new order of things in society" and the urgent need now was for an armory in which to forge classroom teachers, Lucas wrote.
To learn more about the history of the college, read reflections of former deans and see the full text of Lucas' book, visit Our History.
Contacts
Heidi S. Wells, director of communications
College of Education and Health Professions
479-575-3138,
heidisw@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.