UCA History Department

Why, look at that! It's our own Dr. Anderson at the Alliance for Texas History's annual conference, where she ran into the Department's newest member Dr. Lucius Seger, who presented a paper on Texas anti-lynching politics in the 1890s.

Hey! Hey! Our alum Sydney Scroggins (BSE '25) just won the Lakeside School District's "Rookie of the Year" for her outstanding work teaching 7th grade US History and high school civics! She also took several students to the Arkansas History Day state finals!

We're so proud of her amazing work, and we know there's more achievements to come. Check out her appearance on the "History after Hours" podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-11-episode-10-trust-but-verify/id1481733865?i=1000769516641

Sure, it's been more than a week since graduation, but we're so proud of our newest History Department alums that we wanted to show you the scene before everyone marched out to start the ceremony! Congratulations, grads!

Big shoutout to our Spring 2026 history graduates. We are so grateful to have had so many talented scholars spend their undergrad at UCA, so sad to see them all go🥲.

We wish all of you good luck on your future careers and other education!

The Department of History was proud to attend the opening of the Arkansas Chinese Heritage Project’s new gallery space in Schichtl Hall this past Saturday.

The event brought together students, faculty, and community members, including UCA President Houston Davis, along with other university leaders, to celebrate and preserve the rich history and contributions of Chinese Arkansans. With over 100 attendees, the opening marks an important step in expanding historical awareness and cultural understanding on campus and beyond.

We’re grateful to be part of a university community committed to telling diverse and meaningful stories.

History came to life in Dr. Lucas’s HIST 2301 class! 📜

Over the past few weeks, students stepped into the roles of historical figures during a Reacting to the Past game focused on post-Civil War Reconstruction in New Orleans. Through research, debate, and persuasive speeches, they worked to influence the future of Reconstruction, just like the leaders of the era.

Learning history isn’t just about reading it… sometimes you have to live it.👀

History in action 📚✨

Our students and faculty had an incredible time at the CAHSS Cornerstone Research Conference! From engaging panels and thought-provoking presentations to creative performances, readings, and posters, the event showcased the passion, curiosity, and hard work that define UCA History.

We’re proud of everyone who shared their research and brought history to life, this is what it’s all about! 👏🐻

Big congratulations to Dr. Zach Smith! 🎉

Dr. Smith has been named the Peter J. Mehl Service-Learning Practitioner of the Year—an honor that recognizes faculty who go above and beyond to connect the classroom with real-world impact.

Through his commitment to service-learning, Dr. Smith not only brings history to life for students, but also builds meaningful partnerships that make a difference across campus and in the community. From thoughtful course design to genuine community engagement, this award reflects the heart behind his work.

We’re proud to have faculty who show what it means to use history in service of others. 👏📚

Congratulations to Dr. Juan Maefield on receiving the Student Advocacy Award at the University of Central Arkansas’s 73rd Annual Faculty & Staff Recognition Celebration! 🎉

This award recognizes a sustained commitment to student success, and Dr. Maefield’s dedication to supporting and advocating for our students truly embodies that mission. We’re proud to have him in the Department of History!

A great night celebrating an even greater group of students.

The Ophelia Fisher Reception brought together faculty, students, and families to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our graduating seniors, including five outstanding award winners.