Not sure if any of you all saw Queens University is merging with Elon: https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2025/09/16/elon-university-queens-university-of-charlotte-announce-merger-plans-to-expand-access-opportunity-and-educational-impact-in-charlotte/
While it seems a lot is still to be determined regarding Queens athletics, it makes me wonder if now is the time for UCA to consider satellite campuses. In my younger days I would have never been supportive of this idea, but I’m beginning to believe the lack of feeder schools is stunting our growth (academically, in athletics, enrollment, & alumni/donations).
I believe the core mission should remain educating Central Arkansas, but perhaps we have watched for too long while Jonesboro and Fayetteville swallowed feeder schools that surround Central Arkansas. I believe there could still be hidden gems that could complement and expand UCA’s mission.
For example:
Lyon college - Batesville is only 10K population, and the college has less than 1K students. Academically it’s a very strong institution with big plans Dental School in Little Rock, Veterinarian School in Cabot. I’m sure if they were swallowed up by UCA it may at first hurt enrollment in Batesville ( I suspect half the students are on a Scots sports team), but perhaps they keep wrestling, and esports, then add rowing & lacrosse.
University of the Ozarks - similar situation 10K population, less than 1K students. Athletically they could keep swimming teams, & clay target shooting.
At both schools their athletic facilities could be used for intramurals.
Third option in my opinion would be to start a new campus in Little Rock organically. Certainly a more difficult task, but with long term benefits.
What do others think should we stay put with single campus for the next decade, or expand UCAs reach?
