TLDR:
- UCA received a $5 million anonymous gift for the interior design program.
- The gift will support faculty positions and internship opportunities for students.
The University of Central Arkansas received a $5 million anonymous gift to support its interior design program. This gift, one of the largest in university history, will establish endowed funds to support the program. The majority of the gift, $4 million, will be used to endow faculty positions, allowing for at least four named professorships. The remaining $1 million will be designated to support internship and experiential learning opportunities for students.
President Houston Davis expressed gratitude for the generous gift, stating that it will be transformative for the program which has a national reputation for producing high-quality graduates. The funds will ensure outstanding faculty retention and recruitment, as well as provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students.
Provost Patricia Poulter highlighted that the gift will allow the interior design program to expand access to real-world learning experiences such as national conferences, community-based projects, and certification exams. All students are required to complete an internship before graduation, with nearly 60 businesses across Arkansas currently serving as internship partners.
The interior design program has seen a 41% increase in enrollment since 2016-17, showcasing its growth and impact in the field. This significant gift will undoubtedly bolster the program’s reputation and provide invaluable opportunities for students and faculty alike.