One of those was Heber McAlister, who later became UCA’s third president. McAlister had accepted a teaching position at UCA in 1917 and was to begin his duties in September 1917. However, World War I intervened and as a member of the Arkansas National Guard he was activated in August 1917, and later sent to France. He entered the war at the rank of captain, but was quickly promoted to major. One year later he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
While serving in the war McAlister received a letter written by King George Vth, King of the United Kingdom and British Dominions and Emperor of India. Many U.S. soldiers received the same letter, which was distributed to show support from the King. The UCA Archives has President McAlister’s letter. We scanned the letter and it is attached to this email. Please feel free to print this letter on a color printer. King George signed his name, George, R.I. The R.I. stands for Rex Imperator, or King and Emperor.
After the war ended, McAlister finally began his career at UCA and was the first head of UCA’s Extension Department.