The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received an $800,000 gift from Dr. Bruce Murphy, president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas Heart Hospital, that will benefit students in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Murphy’s gift supports the Student Success Initiatives Fund within the college. Funding will be used to employ a full-time social worker and provide emergency funds for student support services such as expanded academic support through tutoring and mentoring programs, career development and financial management workshops, emergency student assistance funds, and scholarships.

“Dr. Murphy understands the role UA Little Rock plays in this city and is willing to support programs that promote student success while helping the economy of the region,” said UA Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson. “His generous giving to the College of Education and Health Professions to help in the retention and timely graduation of our nursing, social work, and education students clearly serves our students and central Arkansas. I thank him sincerely for his ongoing faith in this university and his commitment to continue to move UA Little Rock forward in the coming years.”

Murphy, a longtime Little Rock cardiologist, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He said he hopes the gift will help equip students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles that might prevent them from getting a college education.

“One future Little Rock must face and meet is the hope these kids have to get a college degree,” Murphy said. “This generation needs family-like resources, and we are planning this effort to supply resources to those in need.”

About 2,500 students are now enrolled in programs within the College of Education and Health Professions, which includes the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology; the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation; the School of Education; Department of Nursing; and School of Social Work.

“Students across all of our disciplines have benefited from the availability of these services,” said Dr. Ann B. Bain, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “This is a model of support for students that makes a difference in student success. I cannot thank Dr. Murphy enough for his support.”

Dr. Bruce Murphy is shown in the photo at top right.