The Arkansas Activities Association, or AAA, was originally founded in 1904 by seven high schools and colleges and was called the Arkansas State Athletic Association. In 1912 the high schools separated from the colleges and became the Arkansas Athletic Association. The first full-time executive secretary was hired in 1946 and a state office was established. Membership increased rapidly and the name and scope was changed in 1969 to include the supervision of all interscholastic activities and the organization became known as the Arkansas Activities Association.