RECOGNITION LUNCHEON HONORS STEWART SPRINGFIELD, PROFESSORSHIP NAMED IN HIS MEMORY

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Stewart Springfield was a man who will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the University of Arkansas as the executive director of the Walton Family Foundation Inc., and as secretary of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

To honor Springfield’s leadership and commitment to fostering educational outreach, the U of A has created the Stewart T. Springfield Professorship in Educational Administration in the College of Education and Health Professions. The holder of the professorship is Dr. Beverly C. Elliott, associate professor and director of the Arkansas Leadership Academy.

"The Springfield Professorship is the first named professorship to be established in the college, adding a special dimension to this recognition," said Interim Dean of the College Sharon Hunt. "While a milestone for us, the professorship is a modest acknowledgement of the tremendous contributions Stewart made to the College and to the education of children in Arkansas and the nation. We in the College witnessed first-hand the depth of his commitment to children and youth and are grateful for the insights he shared and the resources he helped direct to us."

Today, Springfield’s family, UA officials and numerous friends and acquaintances gathered for a luncheon held in the Boyer Hall of the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House to celebrate the establishment of the Stewart T. Springfield Professorship. Inscribed medallions were presented to the Springfield family to commemorate the event.

Springfield joined the Walton Family Foundation as executive director 1993.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We are grateful for the work that Stewart fostered on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation. It is but a small token of our esteem that we name a professorship in Stewart’s memory, but one that we think fitting to honor the character and actions of a faithful friend to this institution."

White then reviewed a sample of the Walton Family Foundation and the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation contributions made to the U of A under Springfield’s leadership over the past three years.

Following the Chancellor’s remarks, Interim Dean Sharon Hunt and Beverly Elliott spoke about the impact of Springfield’s role through the two foundations. Vice Chancellor for University Advancement G. David Gearhart then made personal comments about his experiences working closely with Springfield. The luncheon concluded with a Springfield family response to the day’s events.

Elliott’s appointment is based on her exceptional contributions to educational leadership in Arkansas and the nation. She has been associated with the Arkansas Leadership Academy since its inception as both associate director and director, and many of its accomplishments are credited to her efforts. Elliott has served public education as a mathematics teacher, school counselor, assistant superintendent, superintendent, assistant to the director of the Arkansas Department of Education and Associate Professor of Educational Administration. She worked closely with Springfield in many capacities over the years and said she counted him as one of her dear friends and advisors.

During the luncheon, Elliott recalled, "Stewart always held me to asking the hard questions and tackling the tough issues. This was balanced by a strong sense of humor."

Family members who attended were Springfield’s wife, Yvonne; their son, Justin Springfield; and their daughter, Amanda Ferm.