Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has reached a new milestone in philanthropic support, setting a fundraising record of more than $44 million during the 2026 fiscal year.
UAMS officials announced that the institution raised $44,097,654.35 through 1,548 individual donations during the fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of $41.57 million established in 2020. The achievement marks only the third time in UAMS history that annual fundraising has exceeded $40 million.
University leaders said the record reflects renewed momentum within the university’s fundraising efforts and demonstrates strong support from alumni, donors, community partners, and organizations that believe in UAMS’ mission of improving healthcare, education, and research.
UAMS Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., credited the success to renewed energy within the Division of Institutional Advancement and the continued generosity of supporters.
“When I became the interim chancellor a year ago, one of my major goals was to energize the Division of Institutional Advancement’s fundraising efforts, challenging them to strive towards new heights of success and to make our many philanthropic supporters realize the potential of this institution,” Barnes said. “I am happy to report that through our many efforts, through gifts large and small, we have bested the previous fundraising high mark by more than $2.5 million.”
Barnes described the accomplishment as a “phenomenal achievement,” highlighting the importance of both major gifts and smaller contributions in reaching the record total.
The Division of Institutional Advancement plays a central role in connecting donors and alumni with UAMS initiatives. The division combines fundraising efforts with donor relations and alumni engagement to secure financial support for the UAMS Foundation Fund, which helps advance the university’s educational, clinical, and research goals.
Read also: Governor Sanders orders Arkansas flags to half-staff to honor World War II soldier William P. Keele
Officials said philanthropic contributions provide essential resources for programs across the university, supporting students, patient care, medical research, and community health initiatives.
Several significant donations contributed to the record-breaking year. The Windgate Foundation provided a $7 million endowment dedicated to supporting student scholarships across UAMS’ five colleges. University officials said the funding will help expand educational opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
Anne and Merritt Dyke also made a major contribution, donating $5 million to support the expansion of clinical services at the Anne Dyke Breast Center within the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The gift will help strengthen services for patients receiving breast cancer care.
The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute also benefited from the success of its annual Gala for Life fundraiser, which generated $2.8 million. The event included a $1.4 million dollar-for-dollar matching gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. Proceeds from the fundraiser established the Nancy “Jo” Smith Endowment for Community Engagement and Patient Navigation.
Additional donations supported programs throughout the university. UAMS received a $720,702 gift from the trust of the late Dr. Frank Threlkeld, which will benefit initiatives within the College of Medicine.
The university’s eighth annual Day of Giving, held on October 7, 2025, also set a new record by raising $1.3 million. The annual event encourages supporters to contribute toward UAMS programs and initiatives through a focused fundraising campaign.
The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute received two additional significant gifts of $500,000 each from Dr. Helen and Nick Lang and Dr. Kent C. Westbrook. Both donations were made in honor of Westbrook’s late wife, Jonnie Kay Westbrook.
University officials said these contributions represent the wide range of support UAMS receives, from foundations and corporations to individual donors and community members.
The record fundraising year comes as UAMS continues its efforts to expand healthcare services, educate future medical professionals, and support research aimed at improving health outcomes in Arkansas and beyond.
Officials emphasized that every contribution plays a role in advancing the university’s mission. Whether supporting scholarships, cancer treatment programs, medical education, or research initiatives, donations provide resources that help UAMS continue serving patients and communities across the state.
With the successful completion of fiscal year 2026, UAMS leaders say the new fundraising record reflects strong confidence in the institution’s future and provides additional opportunities to invest in programs that benefit students, patients, and healthcare providers.
