Chiseled with the hammer of endurance and polished with the cloth of progress, the University of Arkansas, nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, bridges the past and the future. Born from the efforts of visionaries in the late 19th century, the institution has grown immensely over time, becoming an academic beacon in the region. From humble beginnings to remarkable developments, the university carries a rich history that has shaped its current identity.
Particularly captivating is the choice of the Razorback as the university’s mascot – a unique symbol that distinctively represents the Arkansan spirit. This essay presents an intriguing narrative of the establishment of the University, its growth, the adventurous journey to adopting the Razorback as the mascot and the institution as we know it today.
Establishment & Early Years of University of Arkansas
Establishment of University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas, often known as U of A or UA, is a public land-grant research university based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and was established back in 1871 following the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act. The university was originally created as the Arkansas Industrial University, but it changed its name to University of Arkansas in 1899.
Key Individuals & Early Challenges
Individuals like Governor Powell Clayton and Elias Nelson Conway, the first superintendents of public instruction, played an instrumental role in setting up this institution. In the initial days, the university struggled with issues like inadequate funding, political meddling, and sparse attendance. Despite these challenges, the university persevered and slowly began to grow, adding different academic colleges in Agriculture, Engineering and Education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Academic Evolution
Since its humble beginnings, the university has expanded its academic purview remarkably. It now houses over ten colleges and schools offering more than 200 programs, including prestigious law and business schools. The UA’s renowned programs in architecture, creative writing, history, and space and planetary sciences are particularly esteemed nationwide.
The Genesis of the Razorback Mascot
Recognized far and wide as the Arkansas Razorbacks, affectionately known as the ‘Hogs’, the university’s sports teams have a fascinating history behind their name. It is intriguing to learn that the university did not initially have the razorback as its emblem, rather the original mascot was the ‘Cardinals’. This initiation came from the fact that the school colors were cardinal red and weren’t tied to any specific animal.
This, however, changed in 1909, after the university’s football team emerged victorious in a hard-fought game against LSU. The then head coach, Hugo Bezdek, famously described his resilient team as wild razorback hogs, an aggressive breed of wild boar renowned for its tough and unyielding fighting spirit. This statement instantly ignited a spark and by 1910, the Razorbacks was established as the official mascot following a vote by the student body.
Since then, the “Fighting Razorbacks”, dubbed in honor of their grit and ferocity, have become a deeply-rooted symbol of the University’s fighting spirit, attracting nationwide admiration and acknowledgment. The emblem has even evolved into a quintessential part of the campus life, boasting an iconic hog call and a live mascot – an initially Russian boar, later domesticated due to safety concerns – known as “Tusk”, enhancing the overall school spirit.
Progress & Development of University of Arkansas
Early Years and Scholarly Milestones
Located in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas was founded in 1871 under the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act. Initially named Arkansas Industrial University, it started its journey with a mere 8 students and one incomplete building. Nonetheless, the university showcased a rapid progression, paving its way towards several academic milestones, such as the integration of graduate and professional education. A significant leap in its growth was marked with the establishment of its Graduate School in 1899, which was followed by the conferment of the first master’s degree in 1900.
Infrastructure Development Over Time
The university gradually developed its infrastructure and by the 20th century, it featured a number of administrative buildings, laboratories, dormitories, and classrooms. It expanded significantly during the “Great Building Boom” in the 1960s under Governor Rockefeller’s guidance, establishing several additional facilities including libraries, auditoriums, and sports arenas. By the late 20th century, the infrastructure supported advanced education in agriculture, engineering, business, law, arts, and many more areas.
Inclusion of Notable Faculty
The University of Arkansas has boasted faculty of exceptional stature and talent. Some notables include J. William Fulbright, former president of the university and creator of the Fulbright Scholarships; and E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright who went on to become a famed architectural educator and practitioner. The faculty attracted diverse students who contributed to an enriched academic environment.
Student Accomplishments
Students of the University of Arkansas have brought their alma mater pride through numerous accomplishments. From establishing successful businesses to pursuing esteemed careers in politics, arts, sports, and more, the university’s alumni have made significant contributions in various fields worldwide. Several of them have also been honored with prestigious awards and recognition, including but not limited to, Fulbright Scholarships and Rhodes Scholarships.
An Inspired Choice: How the Razorback Became the Mascot
In 1910, the University of Arkansas made a significant decision that shaped its identity henceforth. It was during an intense football match against LSU that the team displayed extraordinary determination. The energetic performance led to their live hog mascot breaking loose and making a dash onto the field, to the delight of the crowd. Coach Hugo Bezdek, in his excitement, applauded his team for playing “like a wild band of Razorback hogs.” The student body, delighted at the remark, voted to change the official school mascot from “Cardinal” to the distinctive wild boar native to Arkansas, popularly recognized as the “Razorback.”
Choosing of the Razorback as Mascot
The Beginnings of the University of Arkansas
Established as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act in 1871, the University of Arkansas was initially recognized as the Arkansas Industrial University. The aim was to offer high-quality education to the locals of Arkansas at an affordable rate. In 1899, the decision was made to rename the institution as the University of Arkansas. Since its establishment, the university has grown to become a leading public research institution offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
University of Arkansas Original Mascot
Interestingly, the Razorback, which is now the symbol of pride and sports for the university, was not the original mascot. The University’s first mascot was actually the Cardinal. However, this mascot was short-lived, used only during the football team’s 1894 undefeated football season.
The Undefeated Season and the Razorback
The transformation from the Cardinal to the Razorback mascot occurred during the 1909 school year. However, the root cause of that change can be traced back to the 1905 football season. The football team, led by coach Hugo Bezdek, accomplished a spectacular feat by going undefeated in that season. After a victory over LSU, Coach Bezdek, impressed by his team’s tenacity, compared them to a “wild band of Razorback hogs.”
Official Mascot Change to Razorback
The comment resonated with the players, fans, and the general public alike. The image of a fierce, wild, and fighting Razorback symbolized the fighting spirit of not only the university’s athletes but also of every Arkansan. The comparison made by Bezdek filled the people with pride and enthusiasm. The following year, 1906, the student body voted to change the official mascot from the Cardinal to the Razorback.
The Razorback Symbolism
A Razorback is a type of wild feral pig found in the southern United States, known for its aggressive behavior. This mascot and name reflect the relentless, tenacious spirit of the University of Arkansas. It offers a unique mascot that stands apart from most other colleges and universities, which often choose more common mascot figures, such as tigers, bulldogs, or eagles. This decision to adopt the Razorback as the official mascot has been thoroughly embraced by the students, faculty, and the entire Arkansas community.
The Razorbacks: An Integral Part of the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas identifies strongly with its mascot, the Razorback, which represents its athletic teams. The indomitable spirit and unique charm of the Razorback have come to be associated with not just the University but the broader community. The crowd-led “Wooo Pig Sooie” chant at sports games—an affectionate call to the Razorbacks—highlights the University’s spirited history, unique identity, and its strong bond with its mascot. Interestingly, the University of Arkansas stands as one of the few American universities to have a hog for a mascot, further underlining its unique heritage.
Impact of Razorback Mascot
Establishing the University of Arkansas and its Unique Mascot
Officially established in 1871 as part of the Morill Land-Grant Colleges Act of 1862, the University of Arkansas initially christened its sports teams as the ‘Cardinals.’ While that served well for a time, a significant turn of events in 1909 at a compelling football face-off against Louisiana State University marked the birth of the University’s distinctive identity and its eventual association with the unforgettable ‘Razorbacks’.
The Game That Sparked a Change
The game against LSU was played on a cold day in Memphis, Tennessee and was a pivotal match in the season. The Cardinals stood out not just for their immense strength and determination, but for their wild, aggressive style of play. This was especially evident in the Cardinals’ defensive line, which was likened to a group of “wild razorback hogs” by Hugo Bezdek, the coach of the Cardinals at the time.
Bezdek was so impressed by his team’s performance that upon their triumphant return to Fayetteville, he declared before a crowd of students at the train station that his team played “like a wild band of Razorback hogs”. This statement resonated with both the students and community, sparking a campaign to change the mascot from the Cardinals to the Razorbacks.
From Cardinals to Razorbacks
The Razorback, a type of wild boar known for its fearsome demeanor and sharp tusks, accurately represented the fierce approach of the University’s teams. By 1910, the University officially adopted the Razorback as its mascot, making it one of the very few colleges with a unique mascot. This transformation ignited a wave of school spirit among the students and faculty, further establishing the University’s reputation as a competitive institution.
Impact on University of Arkansas’ Culture and Identity
The Razorback mascot has since become a fundamental part of the University’s culture and identity. From the “Running through the A” tradition where a Razorback mascot leads the football team onto the field, to the iconic “Call the Hogs” cheer during sports events, the Razorback is emblematic of the athletic prowess and fierce determination embodied by the University’s teams.
Effect on School Spirit, Sports and Branding
The university’s mascot has a significant effect on the school spirit, sports, merchandise and branding. Razorback merchandise is worn with pride by students, alumni, faculty and fans, and the unique Razorback logo is recognized nationwide. The institution’s fight song, “Arkansas Fight,” which ends with a call to “call those Hogs” also attests to the influence of the mascot.
Morphing Through Time
Over the course of its history, the Razorback mascot of the University of Arkansas has undergone an interesting transformation. The fierce hog initially chosen as a representation has gradually changed into a more friendly-looking, anthropomorphized character fondly called “Big Red”. Despite the changes in its physical depiction, the Razorback has remained a symbolization of the university and its sports teams’ fighting spirit and tenacity.
Setting the University of Arkansas apart, the Razorback mascot provides an unique, identifiable brand which brings about unity and unbridled enthusiasm amongst students, faculty, alumni and fans. It encapsulates more than just an image, but stands as an emblem of the University’s strength and identity.
The University of Arkansas Today
Now, the University of Arkansas is a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. Its programs, faculty, and handsome campus has allowed it to produce graduates that lead in their professional fields and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. The university has ten colleges and schools offering over 200 programs of study, and the overall student body representing students from every county in Arkansas, every state in the U.S., and over 120 countries.
As the state’s only comprehensive doctoral-degree granting campus, the university’s commitment to excellent academics and spirited athletic programs has helped it gain the respect and renown it consistently receives in its journey of discovery, creation, and service.
Despite the circumstances, the Arkansas Industrial University saw exponential expansion and development, culminating in a major shift in 1899. The institution then was rechristened as the University of Arkansas, offering a vast curriculum that included an agricultural department, a law school, and an engineering school.
Conclusion
The present-day University of Arkansas, influenced by an amalgamation of its illustrious past and a vibrant present, stands tall as a monument of resilience signified by the Razorback. This resilient spirit has fostered an inclusive, dynamic academic environment and a culture that encourages innovation and achievement.
Today, the Razorback continues to ignite school spirit, drive unity and inspire victory, playing an integral role in shaping the university’s identity. Much like the university itself, the Razorback has grown from an idea, a story, into a symbol of power that reverberates through every corner of the university, deeply etched in the ethos of the institution. They together embody the spirit of perseverance, strength, and unity that will continue to lead the University of Arkansas towards newer horizons.
