Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is preparing to bring back a beloved campus landmark after nearly two decades of silence. Thanks to a generous $1.2 million donation from Leslye Shellam, the university’s planetarium is set for a full restoration, modern upgrades, and a new name that honors Shellam’s late father, L. Dickson Flake, a respected Arkansas business leader. The facility will be called the Shellam Flake Planetarium.
The planetarium has been closed for almost 20 years, leaving generations of students and community members without access to its immersive educational experiences. The donation promises not only to reopen the doors but to completely reimagine the space with major renovations. The project will include a new roof, updated flooring, home theater-style seating for up to 89 visitors, and a state-of-the-art projection system designed to give unobstructed views across the dome.
“The planetarium has long been a special place on campus, and I wanted to help bring it back for today’s students and families,” Shellam said. “It’s meaningful to be able to restore a space that encourages curiosity and a love of science and learning.”
University officials say the restored planetarium will serve a wide audience, including UA Little Rock students, faculty, and staff, as well as local K–12 school groups and members of the general public. Shellam envisions the facility as a multidisciplinary learning hub, offering hands-on experiences across multiple fields of study. Students from different majors will have opportunities to participate in creative, scientific, and practical projects related to the planetarium.
Plans for the project include integrating student artwork in nearby outdoor areas, involving students in shaping the planetarium’s visual identity, and giving business students the chance to develop marketing strategies for the facility. These efforts aim to make the planetarium a fully interactive space that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
“This investment allows us to reimagine the planetarium as an active learning environment that supports teaching and discovery across disciplines,” said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It will provide UA Little Rock with increased engagement with our community. It is exciting to bring life back to a space that means so much to Little Rock, the University, and future generations of planetarium visitors.”
The reopening is currently scheduled for the fall of 2026. The project represents just the first of several science-focused initiatives at UA Little Rock, including enhancements to the campus observatory, the planned Museum of Natural History, and outdoor educational features like the Solar System Walk along Trojan Way. Together, these developments are expected to strengthen the university’s role as a center for science education in the region.
Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, praised Shellam’s contribution, noting its importance for both students and the broader community. “We are incredibly grateful to Leslye Shellam for believing in UA Little Rock and in the vision we share for the future of the planetarium,” O’Neal said. “This gift reflects a close partnership with Provost Bain and our academic leaders to reimagine the planetarium as a vibrant, interdisciplinary learning space. As we approach our centennial, the Shellam Flake Planetarium honors our past while opening new doors for student learning and community engagement.”
Officials say additional details, including information on public access, will be released as renovations move forward. Until then, students, educators, and science enthusiasts alike can anticipate a renewed space that promises to inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery for generations to come.
