The University of Arkansas at Monticello was founded in 1909 by act of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas to serve the educational needs of Southeast Arkansas. 

The University was first called the 4th District Agricultural School, the School opened its doors September 14, 1910.  In 1925, the General Assembly authorized the institution's name to be changed to Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College.  A&M received accreditation as a 2 year community college in 1928 and as a 4 year university in 1940.

Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical college became part of the University of Arkansas system July 1, 1971. The >College is governed by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, which also oversees the operation of schools in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Helena, Batesville, Little Rock, Morrilton, Requiem, Hope, and Pine Bluff.

On July 1, 2003, the University expanded its mission to include technical and vocational education when the UAM College of Technology-McGhee and the UAM College of Technology-Crossett became part of UAM to create a comprehensive system of postsecondary education in Southeast Arkansas.