FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas natives Harry and Jo Leggett of Little Rock found a unique way to combine their loves for the University of Arkansas and the great outdoors of the Natural State. By making a $250,000 gift, the couple created the Harry and Jo Leggett Chancellor’s Fellowship for the benefit of the research initiated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at the University of Arkansas.

The purpose of the fellowship will be to support a graduate student to conduct research as approved by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at the University of Arkansas. Examples of such research might include research to support fish, wildlife and conservation.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We are grateful to Harry and Jo Leggett for this gift to endow a Chancellor’s Fellowship at the University of Arkansas. This fellowship will be very attractive to prospective graduate students interested in obtaining some practical research experience. There is a broad potential for valuable research generated by this fellowship, which ultimately will benefit the State of Arkansas.

"Endowed graduate fellowships are one of the best ways we can attract and retain great graduate students to the University of Arkansas," White said.

Collis Geren, dean of the Graduate School said, "The philanthropy of the Leggetts helps insure that research of paramount importance to the 'Natural State’ continues."

Harry Leggett said, "I was born and raised in Arkansas. My wife of nearly 48 years and I met at the University of Arkansas in accounting class. I’ve always loved hunting and fishing in Arkansas. My wife and I used to hunt and fish together. Of course we are Razorback fans. Between all that, I couldn’t think of a more fitting reason to make a gift to the University of Arkansas."

Leggett, retired since 1998, was in his family’s life insurance business and funeral business for many years. His father and grandfather were in the same business. He is a 1957 B.S.B.A. graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

The Leggetts raised four sons and have eight grandchildren.