Fort Smith Company Establishes Teaching Scholarship in Honor of David Banks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Beverly Enterprises Inc., of Fort Smith, the largest nursing home operator in the country, will provide $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship at the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions. The gift was made in honor of David Banks, chairman of the board of directors for Beverly Enterprises, who recently retired.

The David R. Banks Endowed Scholarship will benefit students pursuing degrees in the education and health professions.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We are grateful for this gift from Beverly Enterprises. It's a fitting tribute to a distinguished alumnus and dedicated supporter of the University. David’s service as chairman of the College of Education and Health Professions’ Campaign committee has been exemplary. This scholarship will make the College more competitive as it enables us to attract and retain highly talented students. The more scholarship opportunities we have available, the more students we are able to benefit, which brings us ever-closer to realizing our vision of a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world."

Banks is a 1959 graduate of the University of Arkansas and retired chairman of the board of directors for Beverly Enterprises. He is a member of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, the volunteer leadership group driving the Campaign effort, and chairman of the College of Education and Health Professions Campaign committee. He is also a member of the National Development Council — a volunteer organization that supports and advises the University in developing, enhancing and strengthening its academic and research programs. He is the recipient of the distinguished alumnus citation.

Reed Greenwood, College of Education and Health Professions Dean said, "I’d like to thank Beverly Enterprises for their generous gift to honor a generous man, David Banks. This gift is significant to the College in that it will provide financial assistance to high-caliber students interested in education and health professions. As a leader in the eldercare industry, Beverly Enterprises knows first-hand the importance of providing a quality education for future healthcare administrators, employees and providers."

Beverly’s gift is counted in the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. The Campaign is a six-year effort to raise significant gifts from private sources for the University of Arkansas. Campaign funds are being used to help the University achieve its vision of emerging as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. Campaign funds are being raised for six critical areas of need: endowed faculty positions, scholarship funds, academic programs, University Libraries, construction of new academic facilities and annual giving. As of Jan. 31, 2002, the Campaign has raised $300 million since its inception July 1, 1998.

Beverly Enterprises has also provided funding for the Yvonne-Keaton Martin Scholarship Program. This program is designed to encourage students from the Fort Smith area whose ethnic, cultural and/or national background contribute to the diversity of the student body to pursue a college education at the University of Arkansas.

Beverly Enterprises and its operating subsidiaries comprise a leading provider of services to the elderly in the United States. They currently operate 526 skilled nursing facilities, as well as 34 assisted-living centers, 56 home care and hospice agencies and 161 outpatient therapy clinics. Through AEGIS Therapies, they also offer rehabilitative services on a contract basis to nursing homes operated by other care providers.

The College of Education and Health Professions seeks to raise $10.1 million dollars through the Campaign effort.