By John Cagle
Attending a new university, especially in a new city and state that you have never seen before, can be pretty intimidating.
However, that is just what University of Arkansas alumnus and career journalist Steve Andrews did, as detailed in his excellent piece in the June 2019 edition of Citiscapes magazine. Without ever having seen the campus in person or been to Arkansas, he arrived as a student in 1987 and thus his love story with Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas began – one that saw him and his family return to the area over twenty years later.
Many international students, and even some graduate students, may be in a situation similar to the one Steve faced: they may have heard of the University of Arkansas, but do not know much about the school, the city of Fayetteville or Northwest Arkansas. We asked Steve to share some of this thoughts on the area, in hopes that it might be helpful to those who are looking to learn more about this place, from the perspective of a former student and current resident.
When you first attended the U of A, you were totally unfamiliar with the region. What advice would you give to other students considering the University of Arkansas, who may know little or nothing about the school or the Northwest Arkansas region?
Steve: “First, I would strongly suggest that they come for a visit. This is a place that you really have to come and experience for yourself to get the full effect of how special this area is. I hear that from a lot of the athletes being recruited by the university. Many of them have a preconceived notion of what it is going to be like when they visit, then admit that they are taken back by the beauty, the people, as well, of course, of the facilities. To the outside world, Arkansas still has the “bare-footed hillbilly” stereotype. And whereas that persona does add to the character of Ozarks, the culture here is so much more advanced and diverse than that. Although on a smaller scale, it offers about everything that the big cities do, from nightlife, to music, to sports, to arts and entertainment. This is a well-educated population, with many distinct interests and lifestyles. It’s essentially a melting pot with many unique ingredients.”
How has the area changed since you first attended in 1987? What about the changes excites you the most?
Steve: “When I first arrived, I lived in the dorm at Gregson Hall and did not have any regular transportation, so most of my time and experiences were spent around the core of campus. Thankfully, the core of the campus is still much like it was 30 years ago, with some adjustments for growth.
A few structures have been added, and some have been restored. Old Main was actually closed to the public when I first attended, so it is really great to be able to go inside now and see classes actually being taught and see such a historic structure once again being a vibrant part of campus. The athletics department has grown by leaps and bounds. The football stadium was just two-sided back at that time, the basketball team still played in the legendary Barnhill Arena, the baseball team played behind the HYPR Building [sic], and there was no softball team.
Calling the Hogs at Barnhill Arena, circa 1990 (from University of Arkansas archives)
The area’s biggest change has been the enormous growth on the north side of Fayetteville. The Northwest Arkansas Mall used to be the only shopping center on the north side of town. Now it is tucked away in the center of all the hustle and bustle. The most exciting thing for me is that despite seeing all of the growth taking place Fayetteville still clings to its small-town values and hometown feel.”
What is one thing every student needs to do and/or experience during their time in Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas?
Steve: “The obvious answers would be to enjoy a football game inside Razorback Stadium, a basketball game inside Bud Walton Arena and/or a baseball game inside Baum-Walker Stadium.
But although I thoroughly enjoy all of those, and more, the one thing everyone – student or visitor – must do is visit the cross on top of Mount Sequoyah, especially at sunset. I can remember the first time I went up the hill back in 1987. It was one of the most amazing sights I had ever seen – a panoramic view of Fayetteville. Now, 32 years later, I make regular visits to just sit, gaze and meditate.”
How would you describe the University of Arkansas in one word?
Steve: “Inspiring.”
As an alumnus of our Operation Management graduate program, what advice would you give to individuals considering this program?
Steve: “It is a very broad business curriculum, encompassing everything from management styles, to finance reporting, to safety issues in the work place. The instructors are very well versed in every course and go out of their way to work with students to insure they have a true grasp of the subject matter. Although it was tough at times, reading the literature and completing the assignments more than prepared me for the exams.
The biggest words of advice: Do not overthink the final oral comprehensive exam. It’s not all about specific terms or equations. It’s more about having a grasp of the concepts of each course. Read the textbook when assigned, take good notes for review and try to relax. You’ll do fine. And the reward of accomplishment is priceless.”
