The University of Arkansas is one of the biggest universities in the state, and it has many opportunities and skills for undergraduates and graduates. There are students from not only Arkansas but also other states and countries. 

Before finally committing to the U of A, John Eckert, a freshman double majoring in anthropology and psychology and minoring in theatre, contemplated between the U of A and a private Christian university in Missouri called Evangel University. 

“It was good, but ultimately, they paid more to come here,” Eckert said. “I knew more people who were here, and I think those were the two big reasons. I felt better about here.” 

Eckert said he was indecisive on attending the university because he did not know if it was what he really wanted by going there. 

“Fayetteville has a reputation, but I was like that reputation is not true for everyone,” Eckert said. “I’m living proof of that right now because I don’t party, I go and learn, and I go play Fortnite on the couch and all of that stuff.” 

When Eckert enrolled, he was an undecided major until he took a quiz to see what majors it would recommend him. 

“Anthropology and psychology were two of the top choices,” Eckert said. “I didn’t declare the majors until the middle of the fall semester, but as soon as I figured out that I liked the classes, I was like ‘yeah, anthropology and psychology.’” 

Jackson Dowler, a freshman double majoring in English and psychology and minoring in Japanese, had family ties to the university since both his parents are U of A alumni. 

“I was like ‘I don’t really care if I go to the same one as my parents, but I really liked Fayetteville as a town,’” Dowler said. “I liked the food, and I liked how you could walk everywhere so not having to drive to literally everything like in high school for places where you want to have fun with your friends is great.” 

Another major reason Dowler decided on the U of A is his pre-law path. 

“All that matters is that I got a degree that was something that would help me in law school,” Dowler said. “I didn’t consider things like ‘oh, this place is really good.’ I was always just like ‘I need to go somewhere that I can go to law school.’” 

 

Dowler also said he attended the U of A because of individuality and expression. He said he wanted to grow his hair, so he did. He said he enjoyed debate, so he joined the Speech and Debate Society and ended up being the Novice Division Champion and Novice Arkansas Champion. 

“The university allows you to become yourself,” Dowler said. “The classes offered, the clubs, and the culture in general helps you not only get an education but also learn who you are, and that’s invaluable. That’s not something that any college can offer, and I think that’s something the University of Arkansas does really well.”