Fall 2026 Welcome Message to Faculty and Staff

August 17, 2026

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

As we begin a new academic year, I want to thank you for all you do for our students, for one another, and for the people and communities we serve. 

Over the past five years, we've built tremendous momentum in areas that are crucial to fulfilling our land-grant mission. Since 2021, the number of Arkansans enrolled at the U of A has increased by more than 2,300, reaching a record 17,769 last fall. We’re providing our students with record levels of scholarship funding and helping more of them stay on track and graduate than at any time in our history. Our research expenditures have risen nearly $90 million, from $164 million to $252 million. That 54% growth rate ranks among the highest in the SEC. We also contribute billions of dollars to the state's economy each year, generating a record economic impact for Arkansas.  

We expect the record-breaking momentum to continue this year. Our total enrollment should be the highest in our history. We're also on track to set a new record graduation rate later this fall, with a significant increase over the record we set just last year. And less than two years after we launched the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign, we're welcoming our first cohort of Land of Opportunity Scholars this fall. The scholarship will make a meaningful difference for Arkansas students, families and communities for generations to come. 

That meaningful difference is the thread that connects each of the milestones you've helped the U of A achieve. Enrollment growth means more students have access to the transformative benefits of higher education. A record graduation rate means more students are leaving campus with knowledge, skills and experiences that will help them lead meaningful, impactful lives. Research growth means more discoveries and innovations that can strengthen Arkansas industries and address some of society’s most pressing challenges. 

That kind of impact is why the work you do matters so much. Thanks to you, the University of Arkansas is better positioned than ever to reach higher, creating more opportunities for students and making an even greater difference for our state and nation.  

Next week, I'll be joining several leaders from across campus to discuss how we'll achieve our Reaching Higher goals, including an 80% graduation rate and $500 million in annual research expenditures. Your support will be critical to reaching those goals, so I hope you can join us Monday, Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m. in the Faulkner Performing Arts Center to hear more about the plan.  

I’m excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the role each of you will play as we reach higher for our students, our state and the people we serve. 

Sincerely, 

Charles F. Robinson, Ph.D. 
Chancellor