Boyce Billingsley, Philanthropist and Friend of the University, Passes at 89

Photo by Russell Cothren

Boyce Billingsley.

Boyce Billingsley, a 1955 alumna of the U of A and longtime philanthropist, passed away on March 18 at the age of 89. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, impacting programs in multiple colleges and schools, as well as Razorback Athletics.

“Boyce Billingsley was one of a kind, and she and her late husband, George, were remarkable supporters of the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “She gave more than just her time and financial support — she gave her energy and enthusiasm as well. Her welcoming spirit and love for education will be fondly remembered, and the difference she made to the university will be felt for decades to come.”

Billingsley grew up in West Memphis and came to the university to major in finance. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and worked in the business office of Cherokee Village Development Company, later renamed Cooper Communities Inc., after graduation. She and her husband, George, moved to Bella Vista in 1965 to help start Bella Vista Village and raise their two daughters, Boyce Ann and Kelly, as well as Boyce’s son, Chuck, from her previous marriage to Charles Morgan Jr. Throughout her life, Billingsley dedicated herself to community service and was active in numerous organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Thanks to the generosity of Billingsley and her husband, many projects and endowments across the U of A campus now bear their names. In 2001, the university announced an $8.4 million gift from the couple to support scholarships, endowed chair positions and athletics through the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. Their contribution created the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in Information Systems in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in Nursing in the College of Education and Health Professions, the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in Engineering in the College of Engineering, the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in the Department of History for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and also supported the University Libraries, Chancellor’s Scholarships and the Razorback Foundation Inc.

Prior to this gift, the couple provided funding for the restoration and renovation of Old Main and the establishment of a program for international music preservation in the Fulbright College. In recognition of their contributions, the home of the Department of Music was renamed the George and Boyce Billingsley Music Building.

Boyce Billingsley’s volunteerism was appreciated and admired at the university as well. She served on both the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, as well as on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, co-chairing the latter with Marilyn Bogle and Johnelle Hunt for a year. She also served on the Board of Advisors and the Library Leadership Council and was a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association and inaugural member of the Women’s Giving Circle. The Billingsleys were included at the ruby level of the Towers of Old Main, a giving society for the university’s most generous benefactors, and were awarded the Chancellor’s Medal in 2005.

“Boyce was passionate about philanthropy and its impact,” said Mark Power, vice chancellor for advancement. “She meant so much to our fundraising efforts and provided excellent leadership during our campaigns. Over the years, she supported many parts of campus and left an incredible legacy benefiting our faculty, students and programs. She will be missed by all of us.”

The Billingsleys were instrumental in the support of Razorback student-athletes for more than seven decades. George Billingsley was the founder of the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Club in the early 1960s and the club now bears his name in tribute. The Billingsleys were also honored as “Difference Makers” for their extraordinary support of Razorback Athletics. They are recognized in a tribute on the northwest plaza outside of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, along with coach Frank Broyles and other individuals who played an integral role in the growth of Razorbacks Athletics.

In 2002, the Billingsleys were honored with the U of A Sports Hall of Honor Distinguished Service Award. In 2008, they made the signature gift for the construction of the George M. Billingsley Tennis Center, which gave the Razorback tennis programs one of the best collegiate indoor and outdoor tennis complexes in the country. The couple also made major gifts for the renovation and expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, an endowed fund in athletics, the Bev Lewis Center, Bogle Park and consistently supported the Razorback Athletics’ Red Tie Salute to Excellence Dinner. In 2012, Boyce Billingsley was recognized in the “A” Walk of Honor before the Arkansas-Kentucky football game.

“Mrs. Billingsley was an avid Razorback fan and her prodigious support for the Razorback Foundation and Razorback Athletics throughout the years will always be deeply appreciated and remembered,” said Scott Varady, executive director of the Razorback Foundation. “She and her late husband, George, were truly ‘difference makers’ with their gifts to several Razorback athletic venues and their endowed scholarship for Razorback student-athletes. She will be remembered for her passion in assisting Razorbacks in their athletic and educational endeavors for generations to come.”

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.