The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville announced Monday that it has received two anonymous gifts totaling approximately $5.1 million, the largest contribution ever given to University Libraries.
The majority of the contributions will come from a planned commitment and will establish two endowed faculty positions — the first endowed positions — in the University Libraries, with $3 million allocated for an endowed dean’s chair and $1.5 million reserved for an endowed professorship in special collections.
Another $600,000 will support phase II of the Mullins Library renovation and will create a materials and preservation area in special collections and an office suite for Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, a program of the University Libraries.
The donors’ identities were not disclosed.
Jason Battles, dean of the University Libraries, said in a news release, “Endowing these two key positions is critical for the Libraries’ aspirations to grow our collections, expertise and recruitment as we strive to keep pace with the university’s growing research endeavors. The Phase II gifts come at the perfect time as we commence on the design and planning stage of the final part of the Mullins renovation project."
