Waltons Give $1 Million to Writing Program
by July 26, 1999 12:00 am 67 views
The Walton Family Foundation recently gave $1 million to the creative writing program at the University of Arkansas.
Of that amount, $350,000 will be used to bring guest writers to campus, $600,000 will go toward Walton Fellowships to outstanding students who are preparing to publish a book, and $50,000 will be used to bring writers to the UA to give readings.
William Harrison, emeritus professor of English, and James Whitehead, recently retired director of the program, established the creative writing program in 1966. Through the program, students earn a master of fine arts degree in creative writing. The program frequently ranks among the best in the nation.
Carolyn Walton, wife of Rob Walton, took graduate courses in the creative writing program while completing her master’s degree in English literature at the UA. Rob Walton is son of the late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.