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Grant initiative aims to produce bilingual teachers for Springdale

Subscriber onlySPRINGDALE — When she entered kindergarten at Jones Elementary School in Springdale, Jessica Rodriguez didn’t speak a lot of English. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 27, 2012 at 3:42 a.m.

Garland Center making a mark on UA campus

Six-level parking deck, retailers occupy space that opened in ’10

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Rob Potts pictures the scene in his mind. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 25, 2012 at 3:34 a.m.

UA increases bond request by $26 million

Bobbitt: Critical projects weren’t in March proposal

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is seeking authorization of a bond issue not exceeding $72 million that would finance several capital projects on the growing campus. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 24, 2012 at 3:54 a.m.

Ground broken on four new schools in Joplin

Subscriber onlyJOPLIN, Mo. — Standing just a few yards from home plate Tuesday at Joplin High School’s former baseball field, Callie Van Ostran was reminded of the fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the nation’s deadliest tornado in decades. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 23, 2012 at 4:34 a.m.

UA to use $1 million in gifts for display honoring Walton

Subscriber onlyLITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville will use a combined $1 million in private gifts to fund a new display featuring Wal-Mart Stores Inc. founder Sam Walton in the building that houses the college of business that bears his name. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 23, 2012 at 3:47 a.m.

Walton display to get lift at UA

Combined $1 million given

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville will use a combined $1 million in private gifts to fund a new display featuring Wal-Mart Stores Inc. founder Sam Walton in the building that houses the college of business that bears his name. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 22, 2012 at 4:44 a.m.

A year after Joplin tornado, emotional scars linger

Residents try to cope with anxiety

Subscriber onlyJOPLIN, Mo. — Enduring the nation’s deadliest tornado in nearly 60 years was bad enough. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 21, 2012 at 4:38 a.m.

School adds in autism support

New program in Clarksville

Subscriber onlyUniversity of the Ozarks, long known for its support system for students with learning disabilities, is branching out into a new area. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 18, 2012 at 3:36 a.m.

Higher ed workers get boost

Classified employees to receive up to 3 percent bonus

Subscriber onlyNORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Following the state’s lead, officials at public colleges and universities across the state plan to distribute one-time merit bonuses of up to 3 percent to certain employees. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 17, 2012 at 3:57 a.m.

At 88, oldest graduate gets that master’s

Alice Walton also honored during UA commencement

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — As he was handed his diploma Saturday morning, it was announced that at 88 years old, Richard Murie was the oldest graduate in the class of 2012 at the University of Arkansas. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 13, 2012 at 4:09 a.m.

New UA department opens opportunities for students

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Jimmy Vo is conducting research at the University of Arkansas that focuses on preventing the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 6, 2012 at 4:38 a.m.

UA sorority sets house makeover

Groundbreaking today on lawn

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house at the University of Arkansas is about to undergo its third significant makeover since it was built in 1935. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 5, 2012 at 3:56 a.m.

Plan would provide UA test materials

Students would no longer buy Scantrons and booklets

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — With final exams set to begin Monday, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is moving forward with a plan under which students will no longer have to purchase test materials and bring them to class. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 4, 2012 at 4:20 a.m.

Alumna gives $1.15 million bequest to UA

2 schools get surprise gift

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — With his left hand, University of Arkansas Professor Robert Harrington lifted the lid on an oversized skillet sitting in the corner of the culinary kitchen teaching laboratory. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: May 1, 2012 at 4:28 a.m.

UA MBA program extends to Panama

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — For years, the University of Arkansas has provided studyabroad opportunities for its business students in such countries as Brazil, China, Japan and Mexico. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 30, 2012 at 3:46 a.m.

Higher education spot still open after deadline

Subscriber onlyBENTONVILLE — The application deadline for the state Department of Higher Education’s director position has passed, but the leader in charge of the search isn’t counting out those who haven’t submitted their names for consideration. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 28, 2012 at 4:04 a.m.

Math policy could mean no college algebra for some

Subscriber onlyBENTONVILLE — The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board on Friday approved an amended freshman assessment and placement policy that allows public higher education institutions to replace college algebra as a graduation requirement for most students. The state Department of Higher Education recommended the move, which calls for the course to continue to be required for students in majors related to the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 28, 2012 at 3:57 a.m.

Higher education notebook

Subscriber onlyHigher Education news. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 28, 2012 at 3:50 a.m.

Grads increase but only slightly

Officials want pace to pick up

Subscriber onlyBENTONVILLE — The graduation rates at the state’s public colleges and universities increased slightly in 2011 but not at the pace needed to double the number of degree holders in Arkansas by the year 2025 — a challenge issued by Gov. Mike Beebe. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 27, 2012 at 4:18 a.m.

Police probe death of suspect

After stop, he fought trooper

Subscriber onlyNORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Arkansas State Police is investigating a trooper’s fatal shooting of a Winslow man who fought with the trooper after running from the scene of a traffic stop on U.S. 71 in Crawford County. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 24, 2012 at 4:33 a.m.

Life Styles admitted to UA

Adults with disabilities get to experience college life

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Bathed in sunlight as they step outside the student union at the University of Arkansas, a half-dozen young adults are heading to their afternoon class, backpacks strapped to their shoulders. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 4:28 a.m.

Petrino had chance to tell side

Notes reveal meetings UA officials had with ex-coach, Dorrell

Subscriber onlyIn his final meeting with Bobby Petrino, University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long gave his football coach a chance to state why he should keep his job after trying to hide his extramarital affair with a subordinate, according to documents released Thursday by the university. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam, Matthew Harris Posted: Apr 20, 2012 at 4:25 a.m.

Dorrell resigns in deal with UA

She gets $13,933, can’t file suit

Subscriber onlyLITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas employee whose extramarital affair with head football Coach Bobby Petrino eventually led to his firing has resigned and agreed to a settlement that will pay her nearly $14,000, according to a news release from the school Tuesday. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 18, 2012 at 5:08 a.m.

2 seeking position in House

Pair to face off in District 97

Subscriber onlyNORTHWEST ARKANSAS — The Republican candidates for the District 97 seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives both feel their values are in sync with the citizens they would represent. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 17, 2012 at 4:25 a.m.

Auditorium questionable for fall open

UA hall behind schedule, but alternate sites planned

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Construction has fallen behind schedule on an auditorium planned to accommodate large classes at the University of Arkansas, but administrators have come up with a contingency plan. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 15, 2012 at 4:41 a.m.

Petrino’s phone logs over 300 Dorrell calls

4 within hour of accident report’s release

Records for the cell phone issued to fired University of Arkansas football Coach Bobby Petrino show calls made between him and Jessica Dorrell less than an hour before the Arkansas State Police released a report on their motorcycle crash. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam, Matthew Harris Posted: Apr 12, 2012 at 5:02 a.m.

UA welcomes Fulbright statue back to campus

Friendly sight reinstalled near Old Main on his 107th birthday

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — At 7 feet tall with a granite base that almost doubles its overall height off the ground, the statue of J. William Fulbright towers over the Old Main courtyard at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 10, 2012 at 4:15 a.m.

10 years after Walton gift, fundraising is ‘fabric’ of UA

2002 donation began ‘new day’ at university

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — They called it Quantum. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 8, 2012 at 3:47 a.m.

UA fundraising ‘science and an art,’ Gearhart says

Subscriber onlyThe University of Arkansas at Fayetteville ranked among the top 5.5 percent of public and private institutions in fundraising in 2011, according to the Council for Aid to Education. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 8, 2012 at 3:43 a.m.

UA college gets Clinton for major talk

Event private, for students

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to return to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville this month to deliver the university’s inaugural Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 5, 2012 at 4:08 a.m.

UAFS entertains plan to get downtown venue

Subscriber onlyFORT SMITH — As she listened to a guitar resonating across the room, Elizabeth Momand knew that this place was the right place. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 4, 2012 at 3:51 a.m.

JBU gift to be used on new hall, dorm

Subscriber onlySILOAM SPRINGS — John Brown University announced on Monday a $4 million lead gift that will help pay for the construction of two projects that will address the needs of the growing Siloam Springs campus. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 3, 2012 at 4:19 a.m.

Ozarks leader builds legacy

Niece known for openness

Subscriber onlyNORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Rick Niece has led the charge to raise enrollment, improve facilities and provide financial stability at the University of the Ozarks. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Apr 2, 2012 at 3:52 a.m.

UA seeks $46 million bond

Plan to pay for campus projects needs UA System OK

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Officials at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville are seeking approval of a $46.2 million bond issue that would finance capital projects on the growing campus. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 29, 2012 at 4:05 a.m.

Student e-mail at UA changes

Service switching to Google Gmail

Subscriber onlyThe University of Arkansas at Fayetteville plans to outsource its student e-mail to Google, joining a long list of colleges and universities that were enticed by the technology giant’s offer of free e-mail service and applications. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 25, 2012 at 2:11 a.m.

Alternative spring break gives teenage girls a taste of college

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Johnnieshia Frazier looked out the window of a bus Wednesday morning as it chugged along the streets surrounding the University of Arkansas. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 22, 2012 at 3:45 a.m.

UA set to add two fraternities to Greek roster

2 sororities will join this fall

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, which recently added two new sororities, is also planning to expand its fraternity system. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 20, 2012 at 4:04 a.m.

Business colleges pay great, UA’s included

New dean:Will ‘earn’ $375,000 income

Subscriber onlyLITTLE ROCK — The new dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville will be the highest paid employee outside of the athletic department. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 11, 2012 at 4:17 a.m.

Ladies who lunch, punch

UA luncheon speakers address changing work roles

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — In her first college teaching job, Sharon Gaber sat in her office and watched her male colleagues leave the building each day to eat lunch together. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 10, 2012 at 3:42 a.m.

Nobel winner: Arrest leaders of Syria, Iran

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The leaders of Syria and Iran should be arrested and brought before an international court on charges of crimes against humanity, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel said Wednesday. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 8, 2012 at 4:03 a.m.

London complex designed for use after Games’ end

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The complex hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in London is designed to last well beyond the completion of the worldwide event this summer, one of the Games’ project directors said Monday. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 6, 2012 at 4:06 a.m.

UA proposes making gym a music hall

Project has $15 million tag

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — The first time Al Witte saw the Men’s Gymnasium at the University of Arkansas, he was wearing an olive drab uniform. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 4, 2012 at 4:40 a.m.

Pea Ridge gearing up for 150th Anniversary

Events will honor 3,400 who died

Subscriber onlyPEA RIDGE — While a stiff breeze whistled through the nearby oaks and hickory trees, Mike Rodda snapped photographs outside the Elkhorn Tavern at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 4, 2012 at 4:38 a.m.

2 UA chapters resume this fall

Sororities’ new popularity cited

Subscriber onlyThe University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is expanding its sorority system, which has seen unprecedented numbers of new members. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 2, 2012 at 5:36 a.m.

UA revises Continuing Ed

Some Global Campus services to be moved from core

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — In an effort to enhance its distance education offerings, which include online courses, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is reorganizing its School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Mar 1, 2012 at 3:57 a.m.

Shelter animals get face time on Internet

Social media helping animal adoptions

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Shana Woolems was scrolling down her Facebook page earlier this month when she came across something she couldn’t ignore. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Feb 26, 2012 at 4:50 a.m.

$575,000 in gifts announced for abuse prevention center

Subscriber onlyBENTONVILLE — It was a tender, quiet moment after a ceremony filled with a range of emotions — from the joy of benevolence to the despair of violence against children. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Feb 25, 2012 at 4:20 a.m.

Music official, writer touts Delta influence

Arkansan prominent with Stax, Motown

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — As a young DJ in Memphis in the early 1960s, Al Bell was determined to come up with an attention-grabbing signon. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Feb 24, 2012 at 5:54 a.m.

Retired banker collected history

Subscriber onlyNORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Years ago, Fadjo Cravens would pile his children into the family car on Saturday mornings and drive to antique stores all around Fort Smith and beyond, searching for historical artifacts. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Feb 22, 2012 at 4:23 a.m.

Mercer extols ‘mighty oak’

Legacy winner lauds white students who offered support

Subscriber onlyFAYETTEVILLE — Using a variation on a popular expression, a central figure in the integration history of the University of Arkansas said the school has made strides in its diversity efforts. Continue reading...

By Chris Branam Posted: Feb 21, 2012 at 4:15 a.m.

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