UCA shares vision for multipurpose arena at December board meeting

Clean audit, budget adjustments enable increased salaries; arena advances to design phase

The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled meeting Friday, Dec. 5, where members saw conceptual renderings of a proposed multipurpose arena following a recent feasibility study and approved the revised FY 2025-26 base operating budget.

WER Architects shared findings from the multipurpose arena feasibility study, which outlined a plan to replace the 53-year-old Farris Center with a new 116,000 square feet multipurpose arena, based on conceptual design. Serving as the future home of UCA men’s and women’s basketball, the proposed arena will provide game seating for 2,650, a full practice gym and basketball operations space, as well as the ability to host other large events such as commencement ceremonies (3,000 seats), concerts (3,600 seats) and special events (up to 1,200 seats). With its proposed location just north of Estes Stadium on Bruce Street, the arena will close in the north end zone for football and include football locker rooms and operations space for Bears Football.

With the feasibility study completed, WER Architects, in conjunction with associate architect HKS, will begin the design phase of the arena. Once approved by the board, construction could begin in FY 2027.

“Seeing the early concepts for this facility underscores just how transformational it could be for our campus,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “A modern, flexible facility will not only elevate the experience for our student-athletes, but also strengthen our ability to host major events that bring our community together.

“As we move into the design phase, we are committed to thoughtful planning that supports the long-term needs of our students, our athletics programs and the broader UCA community.”

Trustees also approved the October revised base operating budget, which reflects strong fall enrollment and revenue. The revised budget includes $409,812 in funding necessary to support salary and benefit adjustments for 84 faculty and staff in line for increases following the university’s recent salary study report.

The board accepted the FY 2024 Legislative Audit Report as prepared by the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit. The report contained no findings, marking another year of strong financial oversight and internal controls.

“These actions reflect UCA’s continued financial stability and our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship,” Davis said. “We appreciate the diligence of our staff and the continued support of the board in keeping UCA on strong financial footing.”

Additional items approved by the board included:

• A Resolution of Appreciation honoring Trustee Dr. Terry Fiddler for his seven years of service, including his term as board chair in 2022.
• Contract authorizations, including a four-year, approximately $670,000 extension of the athletics contract with Teamworks Innovations, Inc., and a five-year, approximately $10 million agreement with Massey Properties to lease upper-class student housing.
• Annual Board elections for 2026 officers and committee appointments. Jim Rankin Jr. will serve as the board chair for 2026.

During the president’s report, trustees also recognized newly-crowned Miss UCA 2026 Ana Brandon and celebrated recent student achievements through the Bear C.L.A.W.S. program.

The December Bear C.L.A.W.S. (Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students) honoree was Angelica Thomas, who was recently named a 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. Thomas was recognized for her strong record of student leadership and her commitment to community engagement through roles in the Student Government Association, Honors College and student organizations, as well as her advocacy and volunteer work at the local and state levels.

The UCA Board of Trustees 2026 meeting dates will be:

• Feb. 20
• May 21
• Aug. 7
• Oct. 2
• Dec. 4