Charles E. Scharlau, former CEO of Southwestern Energy Co., will donate $5 million to create an endowed chair in presidential leadership at the University of Arkansas System.
Scharlau, a past chairman of the UA board of trustees, served on the board for 10 years. His gift will be made in installments and will support the president’s office in its role in managing and operating a university system.
“I am grateful to Charles for his leadership, vision and generosity with both his time and his continued gifts toward the betterment of our university and state,” UA System President Donald R. Bobbitt said in a news release. “The Scharlau name is synonymous with the University of Arkansas System.”
Scharlau was elected UA board chairman for the 2005-06 academic year. During his tenure he was a member of the board’s athletic committee and served as chairman of both fiscal affairs and audit committees for three and four years, respectively.
“Arkansas must foster an educated and healthy workforce to continue to attract business and industry and grow our economy,” Scharlau said. “With our present strong leadership, the University of Arkansas System can be a leader in achieving these goals through its many campuses and units.”
Scharlau worked for Southwestern Energy for 47 years, serving as chairman of the board and CEO of the company and its subsidiaries, Arkansas Western Gas Co., Seeco, Southwestern Energy Production Co. and Southwester Energy Services Co. before retiring in 1998.
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