English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
Esperanto
French
German
Greek
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
UrduWilson’s daughter, Kathy Wilson Roberts, made the generous donation to establish the Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment for Innovative Business Programs in the UA Little Rock School of Business. This gift marks the third largest gift ever made to the School of Business.
The newly established endowment will serve as a catalyst for business innovation and a driver of meaningful societal impact. It will provide funding for business faculty and staff who develop innovative business education and learning experiences for UA Little Rock students and the broader community. Additionally, the endowment will support faculty members who apply their business expertise to address pressing challenges faced by businesses and communities.
“This moment represents the essence of what UA Little Rock stands for: empowering students, supporting our community, and driving innovation,” Chancellor Christina S Drale said. “Kathy Wilson Roberts’ gift comes at a pivotal time for our university, as we work to set the foundation for the next 100 years of academic excellence and community impact.”
The $1.5 million endowment aligns with UA Little Rock’s Centennial Campaign, which has raised more than $210 million toward advancing education in Arkansas. Chancellor Drale emphasized that a cornerstone of this campaign is expanding program excellence, ensuring faculty and students have the resources needed to innovate, inspire, and transform lives.
“Pat Wilson was more than a successful businessman,” Chancellor Drale said. “He was a true visionary who understood the importance of education in shaping individuals and communities. Through his leadership, generosity, and forward-thinking spirit, he left an indelible mark on this state.”
Pat Wilson, a Jacksonville native, built a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship, education, and community service. His career journey was a prime example of hard work and vision. Starting as a dishwasher making 25 cents an hour, he put himself through college, later serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning to Arkansas, he played a pivotal role in shaping Jacksonville’s business landscape. He founded Jacksonville State Bank, now First Arkansas Bank and Trust, and was instrumental in securing funding and land for the construction of Little Rock Air Force Base.
“It’s not often that we have the privilege of celebrating someone whose life’s work has touched so many aspects of our community and state,” Provost Ann Bain said. “Pat Wilson was a pioneer, a leader, and above all, a person who saw potential where others may have seen obstacles. Pat’s visionary efforts have shaped the region we know today. He founded businesses in multiple industries, advised aspiring leaders, and championed education.”
The UA Little Rock School of Business already houses the Kenneth Pat Wilson Center for Economic Education, which reflects his enduring passion for finance, economics, and student success. The new endowment will further strengthen the university’s role in fostering business innovation and industry collaboration.
Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, highlighted the significance of the endowment in shaping the future of business education at UA Little Rock.
“The Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment will fuel the same spirit of ingenuity and community building that defined Pat Wilson’s life,” Funk said. “This gift will empower faculty to develop innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of our economy while honoring the values that shaped Pat’s career.”
During the ceremony, a commemorative photograph of Pat Wilson was unveiled and will be displayed in the School of Business to ensure that future business students are inspired by Wilson’s legacy. Beneath it, a plaque reads:
“The UA Little Rock School of Business gratefully recognizes the lifelong contributions of Pat Wilson to business and education in Arkansas. The Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment for Innovative Business Programs, established by his daughter, Kathy Wilson Roberts, and her husband, Bobby Roberts, continues his legacy today.”
Wilson Roberts, a double alumna of UA Little Rock, also spoke at the event, reflecting on her father’s influence and the importance of continuing his work through education and innovation.
“My dad was a successful businessman who cared deeply for his community and for central Arkansas,” she said. “To him, education was the key, and he held that standard high in our family. To honor him with this endowment reflects my respect for his lifelong efforts to make a difference. It is only because of his efforts that I am able to make this gift.”
Funk concluded the event by expressing gratitude to Roberts for her commitment to furthering her father’s legacy.
“On behalf of UA Little Rock, our faculty, and our students, we thank you for entrusting us with this gift and for giving us the opportunity to carry forward the work your father so passionately began,” he said.
The event marked a historic moment for UA Little Rock, reinforcing its mission to drive innovation, economic growth, and positive change for future generations of business leaders.
