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The University of Arkansas at Monticello has received the Diamond Award from the Arkansas Historical Association (AHA) for its efforts to restore and preserve historic buildings on campus and register them on the National Register of Historic Places.

UAM hosted the 85th annual AHA conference from April 9 to 11 and participated in the awards banquet on April 10 at the Monticello Country Club. Ralph Wilcox, national register and survey coordinator at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, nominated UAM for the award. Alex Becker, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UAM, accepted the award on the university’s behalf.

On the Monticello campus, six buildings are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official national list of properties deemed historically significant and worthy of preservation. The buildings include the Memorial Classroom Building (formerly the Science Building); the Visual and Performing Arts Center (formerly the Arkansas A&M College Student Union); the 1937 Faculty House (formerly the Arkansas A&M College 4th District Faculty House); the Music Building (formerly the Fine Arts Building); Harris Hall; and Horsfall Hall.

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, thanked the AHA for the award, stating, “We are proud to receive the Diamond Award from the Arkansas Historical Association. This recognition reflects UAM’s ongoing devotion to protecting and preserving the buildings that represent UAM’s history and their role in Arkansas’ heritage. We remain committed to maintaining these spaces for future generations, while honoring the legacy they represent, and we thank the AHA for its vital role in advocating for historic preservation, providing resources and raising public awareness about the importance of safeguarding Arkansas' historical landmarks.”