Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and his wife, Heidi Whitman, administrative coordinator for the Arkansas District Export Council, have made a planned gift, currently valued at $50,000, to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

“Heidi and I believe in the mission of the university and the mission of the college,” Whitman said. “We want to help out in a way that provides the most impact in the future. This is one area that not many people think to give to, and we want to highlight the importance of maintaining the Donaghey College of STEM.”

The gift will benefit the Dean’s Fund for the Donaghey College of STEM, which provides general funding for projects that benefit the college. The Dean’s Fund has previously provided funding for laboratories, equipment, software, and professional development.

“To provide a scholarship for students is a great legacy, but it is equally important to make sure that the labs and facilities where students study and learn are current and in good order,” Whitman said. “This helps a student to receive the best education possible.”

The Whitmans feel it’s important to contribute to the future of STEM education and look forward to seeing the future innovations made by UA Little Rock students.

“A lot of STEM education is wrapped up in technology, and this is the college that will enable the STEM innovations of the future,” Whitman said. “We are preparing future professionals for careers that will change the way we live in the future.” 

“STEM innovations are often the foundation for new businesses and thus economic growth for Arkansas, which we wholeheartedly support,” Heidi Whitman added. 

The Whitmans live in Little Rock and have two sons and one granddaughter. Lawrence Whitman joined UA Little Rock as the dean of the former Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology and a professor of systems engineering in 2015. Before joining ArDEC, Heidi Whitman worked as the program officer for Global Ties Arkansas, a nonprofit which contracts with the federal government to bring international delegates to Little Rock for professional training.