The Bank of America Foundation has presented UALR with a gift of $25,000 to support the University’s recruitment and retention efforts, matching a similar gift UALR received from the foundation last year.

The gifts support UALR’s programs to enhance student success and consequently affect retention and graduation rates.

“Bank of America is pleased to continue its support of UALR,” said Donnie Cook, Bank of America president for central Arkansas. “We are particularly interested in supporting those students within the low-to-moderate income bracket stay in school and receive a four-year education. These programs address various issues that will positively affect graduation rates among this group.”

Some program examples include a mandatory orientation session created by the Office of Campus Life for incoming freshman and transfer students.

The “Campus Life Success Points” programs are a series of workshops and activities designed to enhance student success and consequently affect retention and graduation rates in a positive way. The programs highlight the myriad issues facing incoming freshman and are organized to create a healthy environment on which collegiate success will be achieved. Planned monthly session topics include “Basics of College Success,” “Time Management,” “Creating Good Study Habits,” “Picking the Right Major,” and “Managing Personal Finances.”

UALR has received financial support from Bank of America since 1990. The bank has invested close to a $400,000 in various programs across campus, including underwriting an annual award presented during the Faculty Excellence celebration recognizing faculty for performance in teaching, research or creative endeavors, and professional and public service.