The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees adopted the new UCA 2035 Strategic Plan, approved the university’s operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27, and approved updates to tuition, fees, and room and board rates during its regular meeting Wednesday, May 27.
During the 2025-26 academic year, the university engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to develop a new long-range plan to guide the institution through 2035. More than 1,400 individuals – including faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and community partners – contributed through surveys, community conversations, feedback labs and working groups.
The resulting UCA 2035 plan was approved by trustees to guide university priorities and planning around four strategic imperatives: Centering Student Success; Arkansas Campus of Innovation; Discovery in Action; and Future-Ready Foundations. This integrated roadmap will strengthen student outcomes, expand innovation and workforce partnerships, advance research and creative activity, and ensure that the university’s people, systems and infrastructure are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next decade.
“UCA 2035 is rooted in who we have always been as a university – an institution that believes education strengthens lives, communities and opportunities,” Provost Michael Hargis, who led the effort, said. “This plan builds on more than a century of preparing students for successful careers and engaged citizenship while positioning UCA to meet the opportunities of the next decade.
“It reflects our commitment to student success, innovation, mentorship, applied learning and community engagement, while ensuring our graduates continue to leave UCA prepared to contribute immediately and meaningfully in Arkansas and beyond.”