Hendrix College receives $2 million Mabee Foundation grant to renovate Galloway Hall

Hendrix College has been awarded a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to support the renovation of historic Galloway Hall on the school’s campus.

Galloway Hall, constructed in 1933 and designed by renowned Arkansas architect Charles L. Thompson, is the oldest women’s residence hall on campus. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Tudor Revival-style building has been a central part of the Hendrix College community for more than a century.

“The Mabee Foundation challenge grant provides an opportunity to engage the entire Hendrix community in the restoration of Galloway Hall and the rejuvenation of the residential experience at Hendrix College,” said Hendrix President Karen Petersen. “Galloway exemplifies the value of the residential experience — for nearly 100 years, students, alumni, and their families have developed lifelong friendships and connections as Galloway residents. Thanks to generous supporters, we will ensure many more generations of women are able to do the same.”

Conway-based Hendrix College is actively working to raise an additional $2 million in funds from alumni and friends.

The $12.5 million Galloway Hall fundraising campaign will include construction costs for the restoration and an endowment for maintenance of the building in perpetuity.

Hendrix College was founded in 1876 and will commemorate its 150th anniversary next year. The restoration of Galloway Hall will kick off the college’s sesquicentennial celebrations as it reopens in August 2026 for student use for the fall semester.

“Completing the restoration next fall as we launch our sesquicentennial celebrations aligns perfectly with our community’s emphasis on honoring our history as we prepare for our next 150 years of life-changing work,” Petersen said.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, established in 1948, is a private philanthropic organization based in Tulsa, Okla.. The foundation provides grants to institutions of higher education, health care organizations, and other charitable entities, with a focus on capital improvement projects. Since its inception, the Mabee Foundation has awarded over $1.6 billion in grants to support initiatives that enhance educational and community resources.