Ozark Hall, Food Pantry Renamed in Honor of Dave and Jane Gearhart, Respectively

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Jane and Dave Gearhart

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees voted this month to name two facilities on the University of Arkansas campus after Chancellor emeritus G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane.

In recognition of Dave Gearhart's service as vice chancellor for advancement from 1998 to 2008 and leadership as chancellor from 2008 to 2015, Ozark Hall will be renamed G. David Gearhart Hall and dedicated on Nov. 20.

Honors College Dean Lynda Coon said, "Dave Gearhart was instrumental in securing the $300 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation that led to the creation of the Honors College. As chancellor, he championed the restoration of Ozark Hall and the development of a beautiful new wing to house the Honors College. Naming this historic building after Dr. Gearhart is a wonderful way to honor his legacy."

"Ozark Hall is home to the Graduate School and International Education," said Dean Kim Needy. "Our home was beautifully restored under the capable leadership of Chancellor Gearhart, and we are honored that the building will bear his name. This renaming will be a wonderful tribute to him in recognition of his steadfast support of all students and especially in our case, of graduate and international students."

Jane Gearhart, the university's "first lady" for seven years, is also being honored for her time, dedication and leadership in volunteer public service.

In fall 2010, she learned that U of A students were working to establish a campus food pantry to address food insecurity among their fellow students and other members of the university community. Jane Gearhart stepped in to help and became a prominent and effective advocate supporting the establishment and continued operation of the pantry.

Because of her commitment, the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry will be renamed the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Campus Food Pantry and dedicated on Oct. 23.

"Jane's legacy with the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry is one of compassion and education," said interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor. "She did a remarkable job educating our campus community on food insecurity and put forth a great deal of effort to address it. I know she will be tremendously honored to have this important student-driven facility bearing her name into the future."

Dave Gearhart retired from the University of Arkansas on July 31, 2015. In spring 2015, the Gearharts announced a $1 million gift commitment to the university, and a scholarship was created in their honor by family, friends and fans of the couple. Dave Gearhart will return to campus in fall 2016 as a faculty member of the College of Education and Health Professions after a year-long sabbatical.

Exterior building signage, wayfinding signs and maps will all be updated with the new building names later this fall. Until that process is complete, the facilities will use their former names to avoid confusion.

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.