UAMS College of Pharmacy Awards Scholarships to Record 181 Students

By Benjamin Waldrum

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) College of Pharmacy awarded nearly 200 scholarships to a school-record 181 students at a Sept. 20 ceremony. The college also announced the creation of three new scholarships.

“This year is especially significant, as we celebrate recognizing over 180 students, which is a record for the College of Pharmacy,” said Brendan Frett, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of the College of Pharmacy Awards Committee. “This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication of our students, the generosity of our donors, and our ever-growing impact within the pharmacy community.”

The annual ceremony, held at the UAMS Little Rock campus, recognizes pharmacy students for their hard work and allows some the chance to meet the donors supporting their education. Donor contributions through scholarships and awards help pharmacy students continue their education and provide financial assistance during their time in school. Students fulfill various criteria to be considered for scholarships, including submitting applications and letters of recommendation, writing essays and meeting in-person with the awards committee.

UAMS College of Pharmacy Awards Scholarships to Record 181 Students

Jon Wolfe (far left) and Donna Wolfe (far right) flank students (from left) Ciarra Helms, Tykiya Rankin, Marissa Bones, Ma'Kyah Goodlow and Addyson Schwartz, who were awarded this year's Robert N. and Robert H. Manley Endowed Scholarship. The College of Pharmacy awarded scholarships to 181 students this year. Image by Evan Lewis

College of Health Professions Celebrates Students, Donors at Scholarship Reception

By Ben Boulden

The UAMS College of Health Professions brought together and celebrated both the students who recently received scholarships and many of the donors who support them.

At the Sept. 5 reception, College of Health Professions Dean Susan Long, Ed.D., said the average debt of an in-state undergraduate student is $35,000, while an in-state graduate student’s debt is more than twice that at about $75,000.

“Because of the generosity of our donors, we have been able to award over $100,000 in student scholarships to 57 students this year,” Long said. “However, with increasing enrollment, this equates to only 3% of our students. Obviously, there is more work to be done to help students afford a higher education.”

College of Health Professions Celebrates Students, Donors at Scholarship Reception

College of Health Professions students hold certificates of scholarship while gathering on the lobby stairs in the Rahn Education Building after a scholarship reception that recognized scholarship donors and student recipients. Image by Andrew Vogler

Anonymous Donors Give UAMS $9.7 Million During 2024 Fiscal Year

By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) received $9.7 million through anonymous gifts in the 2024 fiscal year, supporting several UAMS programs throughout Arkansas.

“During the 2024 fiscal year, one of UAMS’ highest fundraising years, we received several significant anonymous gifts that support a variety of programs in many parts of the state,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “Though the contributors of these gifts would prefer to not be publicly acknowledged, it is difficult to not highlight the impact that these funds are having on the recipient programs.”

The Division of Institutional Advancement integrates donor and alumni relations with fundraising to secure resources and support for the UAMS Foundation Fund for the benefit of the UAMS mission.

Anonymous Donors Give UAMS $9.7 Million During 2024 Fiscal Year

John Erck, vice chancellor for the Division of Institutional Advancement.

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Achieves $30 Million Fundraising Goal for NCI Designation

By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) met its $30 million fundraising goal for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s campaign to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation.

The fundraising milestone was achieved with a $5 million gift from the Chris Fowler family of Jonesboro. In total, 8,700 philanthropic gifts have been received from Arkansans and donors across the U.S. to support this campaign.

“Reaching our fundraising goal is exciting news, and I know it will embolden UAMS to work harder in achieving our overall goal of NCI Designation, which will have a profound impact on UAMS and Arkansas,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “Huge credit for this achievement of course goes to the many donors who have championed this campaign. I would especially like to thank the Chris Fowler family, who made significant contributions that realized this goal.”

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Achieves $30 Million Fundraising Goal for NCI Designation

From left: Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, Sen. Jonathan Dismang, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Chris Fowler, Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., and Kevin Crass.