Welcome
What’s now Arkansas’ Independent Colleges & Universities was founded in March 1954 as the Arkansas Foundation of Associated Colleges. It began as a sort of “United Way” for the state’s private colleges and universities but has since evolved into an organization that also provides extensive governmental affairs and public affairs support for its 11 member institutions.
In January 2011, Rex Nelson, one of the state’s most high-profile writers and speakers, became the AICU president. He embarked on a statewide speaking tour to educate business and civic leaders in all parts of Arkansas about the importance of private higher education.
The 11 colleges and universities that are members of AICU are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. AICU is a tax-exempt charitable organization under federal and state laws. All contributions to the AICU scholarship fund are tax deductible. …more
News from our member institutions
Lyon College revives Edwards Commons
Lyon CollegeIts new 44,000-square-foot campus center under construction will bear the name of the Lyon College landmark that served students for decades — Edwards Commons. Lyon College President Dr. Donald Weatherman said the campus isn’t the same without the place that was affectionately known as simply “Eds.” “I believe the Board of Trustee’s decision to keep the Edwards name on the campus center is very fitting,” he said. “John Edwards and his family were very strong … …more
Campus Kitty Collects More Than $50,000 for Charity
Hendrix CollegeHendrix College students raised more than $50,000 through Campus Kitty, a week-long series of fundraising activities and events for local charities. The total amount raised is a new all-time record for Campus Kitty, exceeding the previous record raised in 2009 by more than $8,000. “As a senior, never in my four years at Hendrix have I been more proud of our campus than when I stood on the stage at Miss Hendrix and announced the … …more
OBU alum Jacob Watson wins second prize in Lotte Lenya Competition
Ouachita Baptist UniversityJacob Watson, a 2011 Ouachita Baptist University alumnus, won the $10,000 Second Prize in the Lotte Lenya Competition, held recently at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. The Lotte Lenya Competition, sponsored annually by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, is a renowned competition for young artists, ages 19-30, who specialize in singing both opera and musical theatre repertoire. This international theatre singing competition has sent on winners to play major roles on … …more
Harding University’s inaugural pharmacy class graduates
Harding UniversityStudents in Harding University’s College of Pharmacy are set a historic milestone during commencement exercises May 5. The University’s inaugural class of pharmacists received their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Harding’s pharmacy program is only the second in the state of Arkansas. The program’s inaugural class was seated in 2008. The College of Pharmacy shares a $7.7 million, two-story facility with the Physician Assistant program, the only PA school in the state. “The graduation of the … …more
