UA Little Rock receives $25 million gift, will use for scholarships and student success
by May 21, 2020 12:55 pm 890 views
An anonymous donor gifted $25 million the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the single largest gift in the institution’s 93-year history. Officials revealed the gift on Thursday (May 21).
UA Little Rock said it will use the $25 million to “support its strategic enrollment management plan” and to help students “achieve a world-class education.”
The first $15 million of the gift will be used to establish new need-based scholarships for undergraduate students over the next five years. Students at any level and in any major, either full-time or part-time, with financial need will be eligible immediately. Another $10 million of the gift is designated for a Student Success Endowment Fund that will expand and permanently support the University’s student retention and success initiatives.
“We have watched the rapid transformation of the institution under Dr. Drale and her team’s leadership. The purposeful, strategic approach to solidifying UA Little Rock’s unique and crucial role in the Arkansas educational system gives donors like me the confidence to invest,” said the donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
UA Little Rock will announce additional details about the gift and how students will be able to pursue scholarships and services in the near future.
“The University is focused on enhancing student success and producing more students who are prepared to meet the needs of our state and our communities,” said UA Little Rock Chancellor Dr. Christina S. Drale. “We have many students, and prospective students, who have considerable potential. With this amazing gift, we will be able not only to help more students get here, but to help them stay on the path to graduation and a rewarding career. I thank the donor for their support of our mission and their confidence in our ability to fulfill it. This is truly a transformational gift.”
Drale is leading UA Little Rock through “retrenchment,” a process to downsize the school’s programs, degrees and personnel. It is part of an effort to overcome a $6 million operational deficit.