Snow’s successor, Jeff Farris Jr., already had strong ties to UCA through his father Jeff Farris Sr., who taught physical education at UCA from 1943 to 1961. The younger Farris began his duties as president of UCA on July 1, 1975. However, his inauguration as president did not take place until March 24, 1976. During his tenure as president UCA’s student population increased from 4,759 to 6,425. Farris stated he was most proud of instituting a selective admissions policy for freshmen, creating the state’s first Honors College, establishing the state’s first computerized library, the creation of the UCA Press and establishing the Presidential Scholar award. According to the October 2, 1986 edition of THE ECHO, UCA’s student newspaper, his main ambition was to leave UCA a stronger institution. Farris came to UCA in 1961 as chairman of the health and physical education department. He also served as the first dean of the College of Fine Arts and Sciences. Farris resigned the presidency after 11 years on December 1, 1986.