86 • UNIV E R S I T Y O F A R K A N S A S - F O R T S M I TH : THE F I R S T 85 Y EAR S
Timeline
1980 The first electronic student registration takes place during the summer term. An International Student Center is opened in Fullerton Student Union. 1981 The Westark men’s basketball team wins the national championship. Westark gets a share of mineral lease money from Fort Chaffee.
1982 The Business and Industrial Institute is established. Governor-elect Bill Clinton makes the first of several visits to the Westark campus.
1983 Joel Richard Stubblefield is named sixth president of the college. The grade of “F” replaces “NC.” 1985 For the first time in its history, Westark receives a 10-year reaccreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The Echols property is purchased by Westark. The student newspaper, The Collegian, is renamed Lion Pride. OCLC, the library’s first computer service, is installed. 1986 Westark television begins broadcasting, and a computerized telephone system is installed.
1987 The new Holt Library is completed and Fullerton Student Union is renovated. The Westark Faculty Association votes to institute a designated-smoking-area policy. 1988 The revitalized Westark Foundation begins the first Major Gifts Campaign. Both Grand Avenue and Waldron Road are widened. The 60th anniversary celebration includes publication of Reflections at 60. Student enrollment exceeds 4,000. 1989 The University Center is approved by the state. The gym receives an upgrade, and the bookstore is relocated to the corner of Kinkead Avenue and Waldron Road.