UCA is central to NWA

Northwest Arkansas is a hub of industry, innovation and opportunity, and great universities do not just respond to opportunity — they help create it. That is why the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is strengthening its commitment to the region, ensuring our graduates are prepared to contribute to its continued growth and success.

At UCA, education is not confined to classrooms but expects the use of that knowledge to make the state better. It drives economic development. Our mission is clear — we cultivate problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and forward-thinking leaders who will shape Arkansas’ future.

Through hands-on learning, internships and research partnerships, we ensure students are prepared for the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. With small class sizes and faculty who are deeply invested in student success, we provide an edge that many other institutions simply cannot match.

This April, we are bringing that energy to Northwest Arkansas with the NWA Blitz, a weeklong initiative designed to forge stronger connections between UCA and this thriving region.

From April 21-24, we will host high school senior send-offs, speak at Rotary clubs in Bentonville, Rogers and Fayetteville, and highlight our Aviation Academy at an “Off the Clock” networking reception at Thaden Field. The week culminates in an Alumni & Friends social at the Leroy lounge on April 24.

In partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Council, a key event will be a higher education roundtable on April 23 at the Fayetteville Town Center where University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson, NorthWest Arkansas Community College President Dennis Rittle and I will be speaking. Moderated by Roby Brock of Talk Business & Politics, our conversation will tackle multiple topics, including higher education’s role in workforce development, recruitment and collaboration.

UCA already has a strong presence in Northwest Arkansas, with nearly 4,000 alums in Benton and Washington counties. Many top employers count UCA graduates among their ranks. The UCA Blitz is our way of reinforcing those ties, opening doors for more meaningful partnerships and ensuring that UCA graduates are part of the next chapter of Northwest Arkansas’ success.

We are also committed to making higher education affordable and accessible. In 2023, we launched the UCA Commitment, the state’s first debt-free degree pathway for Arkansas students from households earning $100,000 or less. Boosted by more than 750 inaugural UCA Commitment students, we welcomed one of our largest freshman classes last fall —nearly 2,200 students, a 26% increase from 2023, bringing total campus enrollment to over 10,000.

Let me be clear: UCA is not competing with Northwest Arkansas — we are complementing it. While our campus may be a couple of hours away, we are central to the region’s success. UCA, the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University collectively enroll half of the state’s college students. Strong universities mean a strong workforce, and that benefits everyone.

We are focused on fields that matter in a growing economy: nursing, business, aviation, cybersecurity, engineering and health care — industries that will define Arkansas’ future. By working together with business and industry leaders, we are not just preparing students for jobs; we are making sure they are ready to lead and innovate.

The NWA Blitz is not just a UCA initiative — it is a community effort. If you are a business leader, an alum or someone who cares about the future of Arkansas, we want to connect with you. Let us build something lasting together.

And we are not just visiting Northwest Arkansas; we are investing in it. We cannot wait to show you what is next.

Editor’s note: Dr. Houston Davis has served as the 11th president of the University of Central Arkansas since 2017. He can be reached at presidentsoffice@uca.edu. The opinions expressed are those of the author.