The ongoing collaboration between Arkansas Tech University and the Windgate Foundation expanded in 2021 to create additional opportunities for student access and success.
ATU President Dr. Robin E. Bowen announced on Thursday, Aug. 19, the ATU Foundation has received a $4.3 million donation from the Windgate Foundation.
The majority of the gift — $4 million — is earmarked to create a need-based scholarship endowment for the benefit of Arkansas Tech students.
“This is a transformational gift for Arkansas Tech University,” said Bowen, who made the announcement during a meeting of the ATU Board of Trustees. “Student access is the foundation of our mission. The ability to provide more need-based scholarships will make the dream of graduating from college attainable for more Arkansas Tech students. We offer our appreciation to the Windgate Foundation Board of Directors for their support of Arkansas Tech and their investment in our students.”
The remainder of the $4.3 million gift from the Windgate Foundation gift will be utilized to purchase new simulation equipment for use by students in the ATU Department of Nursing.
“This gift represents the strengthening of the partnership between the Windgate Foundation and Arkansas Tech as well as our shared commitment to increasing the quality of life in Arkansas,” said Jason Geiken, ATU vice president for advancement. “Our work together over the past three years has yielded the first artist in residence program at Arkansas Tech, professional development opportunities for K-12 art teachers and increased scholarship opportunities for ATU art students. We are excited to increase our collaboration with the Windgate Foundation and provide even more pathways to success for Arkansas Tech students.”
Earlier in 2021, the Windgate Foundation pledged $500,000 to help create an endowment intended to provide scholarship assistance to students in the ATU Department of Art.
“With our longstanding support of visual arts programs across the United States, we are proud to deepen our partnership with Arkansas Tech University,” said Patricia Forgy, executive director of Windgate Foundation. “It is our hope the scholarship endowment will enable greater access and opportunities for students with an interest in the degree programs offered by the ATU Department of Art.”
Another Windgate Foundation grant to ATU announced in December 2021 will provide $107,900 for the creation of a seamless pathway for Arkansas Tech graduates who wish to pursue medical degrees at Arkansas College of Health Education in Fort Smith.
In addition, the Windgate Foundation made gifts in 2021 that will allow for the continuation of the ATU artist in residence program and the Windgate Summer Art Launch for Arkansas Educators, a professional development program ATU has provided to K-12 art teachers since 2018.
“We are grateful for our partners at the Windgate Foundation,” said Bowen, “and we are excited about what the future holds as a result of this demonstration of support for our students and our mission.”
