UA Little Rock Gets $1.5M Gift for New Business Programs

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale, left, Kathy Wilson Roberts, center, and School of Business faculty Mark Funk, right, participate in an event announcing a $1.5 million gift made in memory of the late Pat Wilson. The gift will establish the Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment for Innovative Business Programs in the UA Little Rock School of Business. It will provide funding for business faculty and staff who develop innovative business education and learning experiences for UA Little Rock students and the community, (Photo by Benjamin Krain provided by UA Little Rock)

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announced a $1.5 million gift to establish new programs at its School of Business.

The gift was made in memory of the late Pat Wilson by his daughter, Kathy Wilson Roberts. Wilson was the founder of Jacksonville State Bank, now First Arkansas Bank and Trust, and was instrumental in securing funding and land for the construction of Little Rock Air Force Base, the university said in a news release.

UA Little Rock said the endowment will provide funding for business faculty and staff who develop innovative business education and learning experiences for UA Little Rock students and the broader community. Additionally, the endowment will support faculty members who apply their business expertise to address “pressing challenges” faced by businesses and communities.

The university’s School of Business already houses the Kenneth Pat Wilson Center for Economic Education.

Before rising to prominence in Arkansas banking, Wilson worked as a dishwasher, earning 25 cents an hour to pay his way through college. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II.

“Pat Wilson was more than a successful businessman,” Christina Drale, chancellor of UA Little Rock, said in the release. “He was a true visionary who understood the importance of education in shaping individuals and communities. Through his leadership, generosity, and forward-thinking spirit, he left an indelible mark on this state.”