Little Rock's only four-year public research university is preparing to expand its presence in Arkansas's capital.
A grand opening for UA Little Rock Downtown is set for Wednesday at noon at the center's location on President Clinton Ave. in Little Rock's River Market district. It will offer meeting space, faculty lectures and a series of extended education courses not for college credit.
UA Little Rock Downtown Director Ross Owyoung says the center will boost the university's presence in the city, particularly in an area frequented by visitors.
"This downtown location really increases visibility, serves as a billboard and... a front door to the university," Owyoung said.
First on the agenda for UA Little Rock Downtown is a series of faculty lectures, beginning with a discussion on microbiology with university Chancellor Andrew Rogerson.
"We're going to have UA Little Rock Downtown programs, which will encompass faculty lectures and extended education courses non-for-credit," Owyoung said. "Every Wednesday at 6, starting Feb. 6, we are going to showcase a faculty member and the work that they do and have a faculty lecture that appeals to the interest of the community."
Also on display at the center is The Struggle in the South, a 1935 mural by American artist Joe Jones detailing the plight of African-Americans in the early 20th century. Following the noon grand opening, a 6 p.m. lecture on the mural will be presented in partnership with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Following the grand opening, Owyoung says the center will be open to the public from Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and be available for private meetings by reservation.
KUAR-FM 89.1 and KLRE-FM 90.5 make up UA Little Rock Public Radio, which is licensed to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas System. Its newsroom and editorial decisions remain independent from the university.
