FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A $5 million gift to the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century by volunteers J.B. and Johnelle Hunt has driven the Campaign past its overarching $900 million goal.

The $300 Million Challenge goal remains.

The gift has been designated toward the construction of the new center for academic excellence, a $30-million facility that will house several interdisciplinary programs and departments:

• The Information Systems department labs, the Information Technology Research Institute and the Behavioral Research Lab — in the Sam M. Walton College of Business;
• The Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, a program in J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences;
• The Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering; and
• The facility will provide resources for computationally intensive research applications across campus.

UA Chancellor John A. White said: “This is an extraordinary gift from extraordinary people! Their gift carries special significance because it puts us over our $900 million goal. We are so grateful to J.B. and Johnelle Hunt for their generosity and volunteerism in the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. Not only have we reached the Campaign goal, but we are solidifying our message that we are a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. This is a great moment for everyone in the University of Arkansas family and the State of Arkansas. Thank you, thank you, thank you, J.B. and Johnelle!”

J. B. Hunt founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. in 1961 by personally raising the funds through sale of stock to several Arkansas investors and served as president, chairman or senior chairman through four decades of growth. He retired as senior chairman and a member of the board of directors in December 2004.   

As living examples of the American dream fulfilled, J. B. and Johnelle Hunt have guided their billion-dollar trucking empire with the same enthusiasm and raw fortitude from which it began. J. B. Hunt succeeded where others failed not simply because of his interest in opportunities offered by a wide assortment of ventures, but also because of his strong religious convictions and the pragmatic business acumen of Johnelle, his partner for almost 50 years. 

The Hunts have supported many local and regional charities as well as educational and arts organizations including Washington Regional Medical Center and Mercy Health System. In 1990, they were named Arkansans of the Year by the Easter Seal Society and, in 1996, Citizens of the Year by the Arkansas chapter of the March of Dimes. They support the J. B. Hunt Transport Services scholarship in the Walton College. In 2001, they were inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Johnelle Hunt has served as Campaign treasurer for the duration of the seven-year fund drive and J.B. Hunt is a member of the Campaign Steering Committee.

“We’re grateful beyond words to the Hunts for this fantastic gift to the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century,” said Dave Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “It’s so fitting that our treasurer, Johnelle, and such a staunch supporter as J.B. put us over the goal and we’re certain that the Hunts’ demonstration of generosity will inspire others to get involved and support the Campaign. We still have to raise $18 million to match the Challenge goal and with such a magnificent outpouring of financial support from people like J.B. and Johnelle Hunt, we’re certain we’ll get there.”

Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Update

• The Campaign for the Twenty-First Century — counts all gifts and pledges to academic and athletic purposes. Including the Hunt gift: $903 million
• The $300 Million Challenge — counts all gifts and pledges to academic purposes between Jan. 1, 2002, and June 30, 2005. Including the Hunt gift: $282 million