Baridon Hall, Arkansas State Teachers College, circa 1963
From the University of Central Arkansas’ earliest beginnings as Arkansas State Normal School (ASNS), women have been an integral part of the growth and success of the institution.
According to university history, three of the eight original faculty members were women: Beatrice Powell, Emma Rasor and Ida Waldran. In fall 2019, 57% of full-time faculty were female, according to the Office of Institutional Research’s Diversity Ledger. Currently, three women serve as vice presidents: Mary Bane Lackie serves as vice president of University Advancement; Diane Newton serves as vice president of Finance and Administration; and Patricia Poulter serves as executive vice president and provost. Additionally, Amy Whitehead is the university’s chief of staff.