UAMS dedicates office in honor of Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has honored Reed Greenwood and his late wife, Mary Ann, by dedicating an office in their honor at the UAMS NWA regional campus in Fayetteville.

According to a UAMS news release, the “Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood Office of the Vice Chancellor” recognizes the couple’s dedication to improving healthcare access in Northwest Arkansas, their advocacy for the UAMS regional campus in Fayetteville and their philanthropic contributions to UAMS initiatives.

Chancellor Cam Patterson praised the Greenwoods for their compassion and belief in the transformative power of education and healthcare.

“At the heart of their philanthropic endeavors lies a profound sense of compassion and a belief in the power of education and healthcare to drive positive change,” Patterson said. “The naming of the office serves as a fitting tribute to their vision and dedication, providing a lasting reminder of the Greenwoods’ commitment to their community.”

The couple not only provided financial support but also actively engaged with UAMS to identify and address community needs. They played key roles in establishing programs at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and the regional campus in Fayetteville.

The naming of the office serves as a tribute to the Greenwoods’ vision and commitment, highlighting their impact on the community.

John Erck, vice chancellor of UAMS Institutional Advancement, emphasized that their philanthropy extends beyond UAMS.

“Their investments in healthcare and education ripple across communities, fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment,” he said. “By naming the office in their honor, UAMS not only celebrates their generosity but also seeks to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Mary Ann Greenwood, who died in September 2022, attended the University of Arkansas, where she earned three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in economics and a doctorate in economics and finance. She founded Greenwood Gearhart Inc., a pioneering woman-owned wealth management firm, in Fayetteville.

She was the chair of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and was a member of the Northwest Arkansas Council. Greenwood also served as director of the Little Rock Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Her volunteer service included the UAMS Northwest Advisory Board, the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Board, the UA Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Sam B. Walton College of Business and the Board of the Walton Arts Center Foundation. Greenwood also volunteered as director of the National Association for Business Economics, Cancer Challenge, Washington Regional Medical Foundation and NARTI.

Reed Greenwood also attended the UA, where, like Mary Ann, he earned three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and social studies, master’s degree in education administration and a doctorate in counselor education. In his 35 years with the UA College of Education and Health Professions, he served as director of research and coordinator of rehabilitation education; director of research and faculty development and professor in counselor education; and associate dean for research, graduate studies and faculty development.

He accepted the position of dean in 2001 and retired in 2009 to return to the faculty. As dean emeritus, he received the College of Education and Health Professions’ inaugural Dean’s Circle of Care Award in 2024.

His volunteer community service has included serving on the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Commission for Public Education, co-chairing the Martin Luther King Planning Committee, serving on the Fayetteville Board of Education, chairing the Walton Arts Council and the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Board. He has served on UAMS volunteer committees including the Northwest Campus Advisory Board and the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging Advisory Board.