August 31, 1917

The first president of what is now called the University of Central Arkansas, John James Doyne, ended his presidency. UCA was created by the passage of Act 317 of 1907 as Arkansas State Normal School, the only institution of higher learning in the state created for the sole purpose of teacher training. The first degree offered by the school was the Licentiate of Instruction. This two-year degree was the equivalent of a professional license. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts was not created until 1920. The school grew rapidly and went from approximately 100 students in 1908 to 200 students in 1909. Before Doyne left office, enrollment reached 441 students in 1916.