The University of Arkansas-Monticello was established in 1909 by act of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas to serve the educational needs of Southeast Arkansas. Originally called the Fourth District Agricultural School, the University opened its doors on September 14, 1910. In 1925, the General Assembly authorised the school's name to be changed to Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College. A&M received accreditation as a junior college in 1928 and as a four-year institution in 1940. The mission of the university is to search for truth and understanding through scholastic endeavor.