Houston Couple Donates $3 Million to UA

University of Arkansas alumnus Kevin Brown and his wife, Marie, have created an endowed department head chair within the College of Engineering thanks to a $3 million gift.

The Kevin W. and Marie L. Brown Department Head Chair in Chemical Engineering was established by the Houston couple and will benefit the Ralph E. Martin department of chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Buddy Babcock, department head for chemical engineering, said in a news release the endowed gift is very timely, because the department now stands at a crossroads with a new department head search underway.

“Kevin and Marie are making a difference by providing the resources we need to attract and retain a proven leader for the Ralph E. Martin department of chemical engineering,” he said.

Brown is originally from North Little Rock and came to the UA after receiving an academic scholarship. “I came to the university to obtain a degree in chemical engineering,” he said. “Not only did I receive the degree, I learned a number of valuable life and professional skills while at the university. As a result of that early financial help and the skills learned, we have been blessed, and feel an obligation to share our success with future generations.”

Brown believes his experience at the university directly impacted his ability to be effective in the business world. Today, he serves as senior vice president of refining for LyondellBasell Industries in Houston, the third-largest independent chemical company in the world.

He has served as chair and vice-chair of the National Petroleum Refiners Association and is currently a member of the executive committee of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association.

“I have a strong affection for the University of Arkansas,” he said. “My wife understands the importance of the university to our lives and supported our decision to make the gift. She’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to accomplish what we have.”

Brown received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2011. He and his wife are recognized in the Towers of Old Main, a society that honors the university’s most generous benefactors.