Scholarship Created to Honor Gearharts' Legacy at the U of A

Photo by University Relations

Jane and David Gearhart

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Chancellor G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane, will now have a scholarship named in their honor to commemorate their legacy on the University of Arkansas campus. The G. David Gearhart and Jane Brockmann Gearhart Endowed Scholarship has already raised more than $1.5 million from friends and family of the couple and will be awarded to 10 students beginning in the fall semester of 2016 - the same time the Gearharts return to campus from sabbatical.

"We really wanted to do something to honor the Gearhart 'Students First' philosophy and fundraising legacy at the University of Arkansas," said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. "After consulting with those friends closest to the Gearharts, we decided a need-based scholarship for underrepresented students was the appropriate way to pay tribute to them. The result has been overwhelming. Many donors have stepped up to support this effort, because they believe in the Gearharts and acknowledge the incredible difference they have made on our campus."

Gearhart is retiring July 30 after a 20-year tenure on the Fayetteville campus, seven of which included his current leadership position as chancellor. Prior to this appointment, Gearhart served as vice chancellor for university advancement from 1998 to 2008 and was instrumental in leading the successful Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, which raised more than $1 billion for the campus. Earlier in his career, Gearhart was director of development for the university from 1982 to 1985 and organized and successfully completed The Campaign for Books, one of the university's first capital campaigns.

"Dave and Jane Gearhart are dear friends of ours, and we were happy to support the creation of a scholarship in their honor," said scholarship donor Marilyn Bogle. "Dave has done a tremendous job in every role he has held on campus. As vice chancellor, he led the fundraising for the university's billion-dollar capital campaign, and as chancellor he increased student enrollment and made diversity a priority on campus. He and Jane have always put students first, so it was a pleasure to contribute to a scholarship honoring their legacy."

"Dave and Jane Gearhart are dear to us and have done so much," said scholarship donor Julian Stewart. "I had the privilege of working with Dave during the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. We accomplished so many things in that campaign and truly started a transformation at the University of Arkansas. He and Jane deserve a lot of credit for the work they've done here - they've played a key role in our transformation and achievements. Dave's interest prior to becoming chancellor - and, now, as chancellor - has always been students first. There is no way we can repay him and Jane for their contributions to the U of A, but this scholarship is an excellent tribute to the impact they've made."

The Gearharts recently announced a $1 million gift to the University of Arkansas the bulk of which will also be designated to this scholarship fund in the future.

The scholarship will provide funding to academically accomplished undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas who demonstrate financial need.  

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.