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Most Arkansans, even those who’ve never set foot on the Fayetteville campus, own a bright red Razorback shirt or hat. The color can instantly evoke a shout of “Woo Pig!” and creates a sense of camaraderie amongst fans, no matter where you go. The scenario doesn’t just apply to the University of Arkansas; it’s the same amongst all of Arkansas’s Colleges and Universities.
The colors aren’t just random picks from a color wheel – they’re emblems of tradition and pride. Wearing team colors creates a sense of shared identity and belonging, making fans feel connected to their team and the community. While each school’s history is a little different, there is meaning behind the colors, which have been carefully chosen and refined. Let’s explore why collegiate colors mean so much to students, alumni and fans alike.
University of Arkansas – Cardinal Red and White
The University of Arkansas is instantly recognized by its bold cardinal red, a color that has defined the Razorback spirit for well over a century. In 1895, students were asked to vote between two colors: cardinal red and heliotrope (a shade of purple). Cardinal red won and became the heartbeat of U of A’s identity. White was later added to complement the cardinal red and is affectionately referred to as “Apple Blossom White” as a nod to the state flower of Arkansas.
Fun Fact: Early football teams were known as the “Cardinals” until 1910, when the Razorback was chosen as the mascot.
Arkansas State University – Scarlet and Black
A-State defines its colors as scarlet and black. These colors have been a constant at the University, even as the school underwent changes over the years. While there is no written history about how the colors were selected, they have been a part of the university’s identity since the 1920s. Scarlet is meant to embody energy and intensity, while black represents strength. The colors were fitting while the school was known as the “Indians” and continues to work even after adopting the new Red Wolves mascot in 2008.
Harding University – Black and Gold
In 1924, Arkansas Christian College and Harper College merged to form Harding College (which later became Harding University). Although the history of the process has been lost to time, the colors of black and gold were chosen in the mid-1920s. Black is often associated with formality and power, while gold symbolizes success and value. As a Christian university, the gold may also represent the idea of purity or the “refiner’s gold” of character or a “gold standard” of excellence in education.
University of Central Arkansas – Purple and Gray
UCA was established in 1907, and in 1908, President John Doyne tasked two faculty members with selecting the collegiate colors. The story is told that Mr. W. O. Wilson showed up to the discussion wearing a gray sweater and Ms. Ida Waldren had on a purple scarf. The pair noticed how well the colors complemented each other, and the decision practically made itself. UCA’s purple is a rich, royal purple that signifies pride and uniqueness, while the gray (also sometimes referred to as silver) provides a balanced, dignified contrast.
Fun Fact: Instead of the traditional green, UCA’s football field is painted in alternating purple and gray stripes. It’s a memorable experience for students and players on both sides of the field.
Henderson State University – Red and Gray (The “Reddies”)
In the early 1900s, long before a mascot or colors were chosen, the Henderson football team showed up to a game wearing bright red jerseys. They were dubbed the “Reds,” which eventually morphed into “Reddies.” When official colors were chosen, red was a natural choice. The Henderson State official shade of red is coincidentally the same as the Razorbacks, but it represents energy, courage and the “heart” in the school’s motto “The School with a Heart.”
Fun Fact: Henderson State is the only university in Arkansas whose mascot is its color.
Ouachita Baptist University – Purple and Gold
Founded in 1886, the royal collegiate color combination of purple and gold is said to be one of the university’s longest-standing traditions. Purple has long been associated with royalty, leadership and distinction, while gold is a symbol of excellence and faith. All are qualities OBU aspires to instill in its students.
Fun Fact: At the annual Battle of the Ravine football game, Ouachita’s side of the stadium is a sea of purple and gold while Henderson’s is a sea of red and gray. Students and fans on both sides take great pride in donning their colors.
Lyon College – Crimson and Navy Blue
The Lyon College “Scots” are known for their Scottish pride and crimson red (also known as Lyon dark red) and navy blue have been associated with the school (formerly known as Arkansas College) since the 1870s. Lyon College has its very own tartan (plaid pattern) in crimson and navy that is officially registered in Scotland.
Fun Fact: The Lyon College Pipe Band wears kilts made of the school’s custom tartan.
Arkansas Tech University – Green and Gold
The Second District Agricultural School was founded in 1909, renamed Arkansas Polytechnic College in 1925 and finally dubbed Arkansas Tech University in 1975. Students chose the colors green and gold, perhaps a tribute to the school’s agricultural roots. The university’s mascots are the Wonder Boys (men’s teams) and the Golden Suns (women’s teams), and the campus ambassador is Jerry the Bulldog.
Fun Fact: The school’s fight song concludes with, “Go! Fight! Green and Gold, Wonder Boys, You’re Number One!”
Hendrix College – Hendrix Orange and Black
Hendrix College sports an eye-catching collegiate color duo: orange and black. The colors have been part of school history for over one hundred years, and it’s a tradition to which students and alumni stay loyal. On several occasions, people have suggested changing the colors, switching to red, or to a combo like black and gold – but none of those efforts ever succeeded. “Hendrix Orange” and black give a high-contrast, energetic look to everything Hendrix.
Southern Arkansas University – Royal Blue and Gold
When SAU was founded in 1909 as the Third District Agricultural School, it was heavily influenced by the local Farmers’ Educational and Cooperative Union (often just called the Farmers Union). The Farmers Union selected blue and gold as its own emblematic colors to represent agriculture and the promise of prosperity. SAU adopted blue and gold to honor the Farmers Union and the purpose for which the school was established. This agricultural legacy is evident not only in the colors but also in SAU’s utterly unique mascot: the Muleriders. (Yes, SAU’s athletes are the Muleriders, a nod to the early 1910s when students literally rode mules to get around the rural campus and to football practice!
Fun Fact: SAU also honors its agricultural history through its mascot, the Muleriders. This is also a nod to students, who in 1910 rode mules to get to football practice.
Other Colleges in Arkansas and Their Colors
In addition to the larger institutions highlighted above, several other colleges and universities across the state proudly wear their own distinctive collegiate colors:
- John Brown University (Siloam Springs) – Royal Blue and Gold
- Philander Smith University (Little Rock) – Green and Gold
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Maroon and Silver
- University of Arkansas at Fort Smith – Blue and White
- University of Arkansas at Monticello – Green and White
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Black and Gold
- University of the Ozarks (Clarksville) – Purple, Gray, and White
- Williams Baptist University (Walnut Ridge) – Blue and White
For more college and team fun, check out these articles:
Arkansas School Mascot Statues
The History of Arkansas Mascots
Unique Places on Arkansas College Campuses
Visit College Coffee Shops this Summer
Top 25 Game Day Weekend Things to Do in Fayetteville
Cover photo courtesy of Harding University – Jeff Montgomery
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