J.J. Doyne, as he was popularly known, was UCA’s first president. He was also UCA’s first employee. Even though the Arkansas State Legislature created UCA in 1907, it was not until 1908 that UCA actually became an operating institution. Doyne was officially hired on July 1, 1908, and was given a two-year contract at $2,500 per year. Doyne remained president of what was then Arkansas State Normal School (ASNS), until 1917. Doyne’s departure from the School was fraught with controversy. He resigned on March 27, 1917 amid significant political conflict that eventually involved Arkansas Governor Charles Brough. After Doyne resigned, Dr. J.R. Jewell was elected president, but he refused the position due to the tense political atmosphere that pervaded the institution. Dr. Jewell attributed the poor working atmosphere to the anti-Doyne faction. One interesting exchange took place between Col. George W. Bruce, one of Conway’s founding fathers, and Governor Charles Brough. According to witnesses Bruce had gone to see Governor Brough about the abrupt resignation of Doyne, and Governor Brough stated that a change in administration needed to take place due to friction at ASNS. Bruce replied by shaking his fist in the Governor’s face and saying: “If the school can make this kind of progress with friction among the faculty, then I say let her frick!”