It’s hard to describe the feeling that comes with stepping onto the University of Arkansas campus for the first time. There’s excitement in the air, and the sidewalks and green spaces are full of students heading to class, studying with friends, or just enjoying the weather. It feels full of possibility.
Visiting college campuses is a rite of passage for prospective students, and for future Razorbacks, it’s a chance to feel just how special life on The Hill can be. This is why, each day of the week, four times a day, students and their families leave Silas Hunt Hall on a tour of the U of A, led by one of the Office of Admissions’ 165 student ambassadors.
“I enjoy talking to prospective students and sharing what an amazing place the University of Arkansas is,” said Benjamin Purcel, a third-year student in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and vice president of social engagement for the student ambassadors. “Visiting with families lets me highlight my experience as a student and help them envision what life at the U of A is like.”
The University of Arkansas Student Ambassador program is a volunteer group led by students. Participants receive training on admission policies, current events, campus landmarks and U of A history. They conduct tours several times a week, including at least one Saturday each semester. Students compete for officer positions each year, while a graduate assistant oversees the programs.
Last year, the Office of Admissions in Enrollment Services hosted more than 17,000 visitors on campus. Each visit begins with a presentation and Q&A session conducted by an admissions counselor, and then guests participate in a walking tour of the campus. There are also optional tours of student housing and the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) building. Additionally, prospective students can meet with representatives from the Honors College and select academic departments.
“We know that seeing campus for yourself is one of the biggest deciding factors for our students,” said Matt Hargis B.S.B.A.’02, director of recruitment. “And while it’s always good to hear from our admissions counselors, families especially love to hear from our students about their experiences at the U of A.”
*This post is condensed from a longer article by Jeremy J. Burns M.A.’09, Ph.D.’14 and John Baltz B.S.B.A.’96, B.S.B.A.’12, B.S.B.A.’15 published in the summer 2025 issue of Arkansas Magazine. Burns is the associate dean for communication and information in the Division of Enrollment, and Baltz, a life member of the association, is the senior associate director of admissions for communications.
