June 30, 2012

Edwin Bentley was one of the eight founders of the Arkansas Industrial University Medical Department, now the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). In 1879, Bentley was selected as chairman of a conference organized in Little Rock (Pulaski County) to resolve disputes over medical education in Little Rock. Bentley and a few others brought factions together, and on October 7, 1879, the Medical Department of Arkansas Industrial University opened. Bentley gave the opening address and on March 2, 1880, delivered the valedictory address for the first commencement.