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$100,000 gift aids UA entrepreneurs

FAYETTEVILLE — A $100,000 gift from a Dallas couple will support entrepreneurs at the University of Arkansas.

The Janet Ryan Stegall and Bob Stegall Entrepreneurship Fund will help both faculty and students, according to UA.

Janet Ryan Stegall, a North Little Rock native, attended UA and works with entrepreneurs as part of her job with U.S. Trust, a division of Bank of America.

“Many of my clients did not come from great wealth but have created great wealth. The entrepreneurship journey often fosters a strong belief in giving back,” she said in a statement released by the university.

Matt Waller, dean of UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business, said the university is looking to create a “working space” to serve as a hub for student entrepreneurial groups.

“Gifts like the one from Janet Ryan Stegall and Bob Stegall would help fund this space — the details of which are still being worked out,” Waller said. “Our hope is to create more places in Northwest Arkansas where we can give innovative, entrepreneurial ventures the room to grow and be successful.”

Sex-assault survey gets 2,830 replies

FAYETTEVILLE — A new initiative to survey University of Arkansas students about sexual assault received 2,830 responses, a UA spokesman said.

Results most likely will be available next month, UA spokesman Steve Voorhies said. The university’s preliminary 2017 spring enrollment was 25,382 students.

All enrolled students were sent emails asking them to complete the 30-minute survey, according to UA. Students filled out the surveys anonymously between Feb. 21 and March 10.

“The U of A is conducting this survey as a way to measure campus perceptions and provide the specific information we need to develop ways to prevent and respond to incidents of campus sexual assault and violence,” Tyler Farrar, the university’s Title IX coordinator, said in a statement released last month by the university.

A White House task force established under President Barack Obama asked colleges to consider doing assessment surveys on sexual misconduct. Federal lawmakers have also introduced legislation that would make such surveys mandatory for colleges.

Voorhies said the university plans to conduct a survey each spring.

Donor relations, events role filled

FAYETTEVILLE — Amy Linimon has been named director of donor relations and special events for the University of Arkansas.

Linimon began March 1 in a role that has involved working with high-profile visitors to campus, such as the the Dalai Lama in 2011 and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush in 2009.

She replaces Melissa Banks Cherry, who stepped down at the end of September.

Linimon earns a yearly salary of $87,500, according to UA spokesman Steve Voorhies. She earned two bachelor’s degrees from UA as well as a master’s of political science degree from the University of Kansas. Linimon, a Fort Smith native, most recently worked for IMG Razorback Sports Properties, the company that holds media rights for UA’s intercollegiate athletics.

“Donor relations and special events are a crucial part of the University Advancement operation, and Amy Linimon has the experience and personal qualities needed to do an outstanding job,” Mark Power, UA’s vice chancellor for advancement, said in a statement released by the university.

Bank puts $50,000 toward scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE — A $50,000 gift from Bear State Bank of Little Rock will support a University of Arkansas scholarship program that aims to help more low-income, first-generation college students interested in studying business.

The bank joins four other Arkansas banks in pledging donations to the Fleischer Spirit Scholars Program, established by entrepreneur and financier Morton Fleischer.

The program began in 2015, when high school students were invited to campus during the summer. Last year 33 students attended, paying a $25 registration fee. UA officials have said the gifts will help fund college scholarships for in-state students.

“We are proud to support this distinctive program in order to provide a life changing educational experience to a student from Arkansas,” Matt Machen, president and chief executive officer of Bear State Bank, said in a statement released by UA.

Other banks pledging support are Signature Bank, Bank of England, Citizens Bank and First Arkansas Bank and Trust.