The mission of the University is to develop the intellect of students; to discover and disseminate knowledge; to serve and strengthen society by enhancing awareness in scientific, technical, and cultural arenas; and to promote humane sensitivities and understanding of interdependence. Within this broad mission are the responsibilities to use quality instruction to instill in students a lifelong desire to learn; to use knowledge in ways that will contribute to society; and to apply the resources and research skills of the University community to the service of the city, the state, the nation, and the world in ways that will benefit humanity. (UALR Faculty Senate, 1988)
1927
Little Rock Board of Education established Little Rock Junior College (LRJC) upon the urging of Swedish-born principal John A. Larson. The 
college was located in Little Rock High School (now Little Rock Central High School) at West 14th and Park Streets.
1929
LRJC became the beneficiary of a trust established by former Arkansas Governor George W. Donaghey and his wife Louvenia.
1931
LRJC moved to the Uriah M. Rose Grammar School located at 13th and State Streets beginning with the fall term in September.
1949
LRJC moved to present location on an 80-acre tract of land on Hayes
Street (now University Avenue) donated by Mr. Raymond Rebsamen.
1949
LRJC’s football team won Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena California.
1957
LRJC became the private Little Rock University (LRU) and began offering four-year degrees.
1969
Little Rock University merged with the University of Arkansas to create the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).
1975
UA law program in Little Rock transferred to UALR and School of Law
created.
1975
UA Graduate School of Social Work in Little Rock transferred to UALR.
1977
UALR Graduate School established.
1978
UA Industrial Research and Extension Center in Little Rock transferred to UALR.
1979
UALR joined the Trans-America Athletic Conference and began NCAA Division I competition.
1985
UA Little Rock Graduate Resident Center graduate programs in education transferred to UALR.
1986
UA Graduate Institute of Technology in Little Rock transferred to UALR.
1986
UALR Public Radion--KUAR-FM public radio went on the air.
1990
First UALR doctoral degree offered.
1991
UALR joined SunBelt Athletic Conference.
1992
First UALR student residence hall opened.
1995
UALR Benton Center opened.
1999
Donaghey College of Information Science and Systems Engineering
established.
2000
UALR classified as doctoral university/research intensive in the National Carnegie categories of institutions of higher education.
2004
UALR purchased University Plaza Shopping Center on south end of campus at Asher and University Avenues.
2005
UALR opened on-campus intercollegiate athletic arena, a gift from Mr. Jackson T. Stephens.