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$3M Gift Benefits Chemical Engineering at UA

2 min read
A $3 million donation from Marie and Kevin Brown of Houston, Texas, has created an endowed department head chair within the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, the school announced Monday.
The Kevin W. and Marie L. Brown Department Head Chair in Chemical Engineering will benefit the Ralph E. Martin department of chemical engineering at the UA. Kevin Brown is a UA alumnus.
“Supporting the university by establishing endowed chairs helps us attract and retain the most innovative faculty for our students,” UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a news release. “This is a critical need, since endowed positions help us remain competitive with our peers. Kevin and Marie’s gift will make a tremendous impact within the College of Engineering and allow the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering to make significant strides in teaching, research and service.”
Kevin Brown, who received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2011, is senior vice president of refining for LyondellBasell Industries in Houston, the third-largest independent chemical company in the world. His responsibilities include the refining segment and the procurement and utilities, global engineering services and global project services organizations. He has served as chair and vice-chair of the National Petroleum Refiners Association and is currently a member of the executive committee of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association.
Brown is also on the university’s Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Advisory Council, their Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers. 
“I have a strong affection for the University of Arkansas,” Brown said. “My wife understands the importance of the university to our lives and supported our decision to make the gift. She’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to accomplish what we have.”
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