Higher education notebook

Alumni vow $1 million for Arkansas Tech

The Arkansas Tech University Foundation has received a pledge for one of the single largest gifts in the history of the institution, according to a news release from the school.

Bert and Annette Mullens of Russellville have pledged a $1 million unrestricted gift to the foundation. The gift will go toward existing scholarships in the Mullens’ name.

“The philanthropy exhibited by the Mullens is to be admired and celebrated. Their family tradition at Tech dates back almost a century, and this gift ensures their legacy at our university will be secure for generations to come,” Arkansas Tech University President Robin Bowen said.

The Mullens are both Arkansas Tech alumni. Bert Mullens went on to have a 43-year career in banking. He is an executive committee member for Regions Bank in Russellville.

University reaches fundraising record

Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia hit a fundraising record for the 2017-18 school year, receiving $17.2 million in private financial support.

That surpasses the previous record, set in the 2005-06 school year, by nearly $1 million.

“We are fortunate to work with alumni, friends and churches who believe in, and give so generously in support of, the mission and vision of Ouachita,” Ouachita Baptist University President Ben Sells said in a news release. “Our donors appreciate our success in developing leaders in so many walks of life and extend our impact around the world.”

Of the $17.2 million given, 58 percent is in the form of cash and pledges, while the remaining 42 percent is in realized estate bequests, the release states. Most of the funds, about $12 million, will go toward student scholarships, while the rest is earmarked for programs, facilities and strategic initiatives.

UALR alumni fund new scholarship

A $100,000 gift will fund a new scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to be awarded to students who demonstrate community service as well as financial need.

The Joyner Family Endowed Scholarship, funded by the gift from UALR alumni Jeanne and Harold Joyner Jr., will be awarded beginning fall 2019. Special preference will be given to applicants who have been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas, where Harold Joyner has been a volunteer coach for 25 years, according to the school.

“We are thankful for the opportunities we have had over the years and never want to miss an opportunity to pay it forward,” Jeanna Joyner said in a news release.

The couple has been involved with various community organizations including the Reviving Baseball in the Innercity Baseball League, the Junior League of Little Rock and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the school said.

UAPB professor’s research honored

Miah Adel, a physics professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, won an international award for his research on irrigation.

Adel was named Directorate of Environmental Sciences Fellow in a competition held by World Championship for an article entitled “Lightning generation correlation with widespread irrigation and means of protection.”

World Championship is an organization that highlights the latest breakthrough research, according to a news release from UAPB.

“I feel very excited and honored for the recognition of my environmental research work,” Adel said in the release. “It is a great honor for my institution also for hosting quality research. I feel proud knowing that I helped increase worldwide visibility for UAPB.”