The University of Central Arkansas has undergone numerous changes since its establishment in 1907, from its beginnings as a teacher training college to its current status as a premier destination institution offering more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. UCAʼs campus continues to build, grow and inspire – learning from the past and changing the future.
OLD MAIN
Old Main was built in 1919 as the administration building for Arkansas’ first Normal School. It currently houses classrooms, the STEM Institute, offices, Minton Commuter College (MCC), UCA’s Office of Student Transitions and Ida Waldran Auditorium.
TORREYSON LIBRARY
Torreyson Library was originally housed in what is now known as Harrin Hall. Construction on the new Torreyson Library was completed in 1964 when UCA was called Arkansas State Teachers College. Today, Torreyson Library holds more than 290,000 books, 350,800 ebooks, 93,000 digital serials and 130 databases spanning diverse disciplines.
MCALISTER HALL
The first building to be built on UCA’s campus with assistance from President Roosevelt’s New Deal Program was McAlister Hall. Constructed in 1934, it first served as a women’s dormitory. McAlister Hall is one of eight campus buildings comprising UCA’s Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
HARRIN HALL
Harrin Hall, originally known as Torreyson Library, has the distinction of being the only building on campus initially constructed without the assistance of state or federal funds. It currently houses several departments including enrollment, financial aid, the registrar’s office and transfer services.
MANION HALL
Initially constructed in 1948, the Ben T. Laney Industrial Education building occupied the site that is now home to Manion Hall, built in 1994. It was originally known as Laney-Manion Hall until it was renamed Manion Hall in 2020 in recognition of the distinguished service of Jerald “Jerry” M. Manion to the university. Manion was the longest-serving professor in the history of UCA, having served at UCA for 49 years. Manion Hall is home to the chemistry department.
BARIDON HALL
Baridon Hall was constructed in 1940 during the Depression Era. It was known as the National Youth Administration Building. It was later named Baridon Hall after Ida Emilie Baridon Frauenthal. Following reconstruction in the 1990s, it now houses freshman students in the Exploration, Discovery, and Global Engagement (EDGE) Living Learning Community.
IRBY HALL
Irby Hall was originally constructed in 1949 as a training school for teachers and was named after UCA’s fourth president Nolen M. Irby. It was then demolished in 1992 and rebuilt in 1993. Today, it houses several departments within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
WINGO HALL
Wingo Hall was the most hurriedly built building on UCA’s campus. It was built in 1934, in less than five months, and was the first Public Works Administration project in the state to be completed and dedicated. It now serves as the UCA Administration building.
HARDING PLAZA
Harding Centennial Plaza was dedicated in 2005 as the result of a major gift by loyal University of Central Arkansas alumni Rush ’76 and Linda Harding ’82. The plaza’s fountain and surrounding gardens make it a signature landmark, commemorating UCA’s centennial anniversary.