Couple’s $3.69M estate gift to ASU to create professorships, gallery

An estate gift for Arkansas State University — the largest in its history — will create three endowed professorships, an endowed scholarship, a gallery for the on-campus art museum and an excellence fund, the university said.

The gift totaling $3.69 million is from James E. and Wanda Lee Vaughn of Jonesboro. The two had planned the donation before their deaths — his in 2013, and hers in 2015, according to Arkansas State.

“Generations of A-State students will enjoy enriched lives because of the educational opportunities and initiatives Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn’s generosity is making possible,” ASU Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said in a prepared statement. “We are indeed very grateful for their gift and their foresight.”

As alumni of the university, the two took part in many of its civic opportunities. She served on the ASU Foundation board, and he was once a part of the chancellor’s cabinet and the ASU Museum Advisory Council. They also had started the Jim and Wanda Lee Vaughn Athletic Endowment for student-athletes, the university said.

The two also took part in civic and cultural events throughout northeast Arkansas, including writing, directing and producing historical dramas.

The latest gift will be distributed as follows:

$175,000 for the Jim and Wanda Lee Vaughn Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education and Behavioral Science for students who want to be educators.

$175,000 for the Vaughn Gallery in the Bradbury Art Museum.

$2 million to start the Vaughn Excellence Fund for special university initiatives.

$400,000 for the Vaughn Gap Fund that will award scholarships for “promising students” who receive financial aid but still have fiscal needs.

The university also will create three endowed professorships, which are:

$250,000 for an annual award in the College of Education and Behavioral Science. The first recipient is John Hall, professor of psychology and counseling.

$250,000 for an annual award in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. The first recipient is Argelia Lorence, professor of metabolic engineering.

$250,000 for an annual award in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. The first recipient is Cherisse Jones-Branch, a history professor.