Tyson Family Foundation Gift to Create Digital Library and Art Publication Funds

A $300,000 gift from the Tyson Family Foundation will create a digital library fund and art publications fund for the U of A Press.

The Tyson Family Foundation is contributing $300,000 to the U of A to create the Tyson Digital Library Fund and the Tyson Art Publications Fund. Both funds will support the U of A Press in the Division of Research and Innovation.

Mike Bieker, director of the U of A Press and assistant vice chancellor and director of operations and finance, said, “As the University of Arkansas Press celebrates its 40th anniversary, we are grateful for this tremendous gift from the Tyson Family Foundation. These funds will be used for two purposes: to digitize our entire collection of books, making them more widely available and accessible than ever before, and to advance our potential in the field of art publishing by supporting scholarship that explores the history and meaning of art and its effect on our lives. These fantastic initiatives would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of the Tyson family.”

The Tyson Digital Library Fund will be used to recoup previous investments in digital book technologies, including the conversion to eBook of approximately 300 of the press’ titles. It will also be used for continued investment in digital book technology, including the conversion of the remaining titles in the press’ catalog.

The Tyson Art Publications Fund will support books in the press’ art list with an emphasis on those books authored or contributed to by Tyson Scholars. These scholars are Ph.D. candidates (or equivalent), post-doctoral researchers and senior scholars who are part of the Tyson Scholars of American Art Program, which was established at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Since its inception in 2012, 46 scholars have been named.

Olivia Tyson, president of the Tyson Family Foundation, said, “My family has been a proud supporter of the UA Press for over 20 years, a legacy we are proud to continue through art publications and digital initiatives. Enhancing digital access to the incredible titles of the UA Press through this initiative will not only give the press’ catalog further reach but also position the Press for the future.”

Established in 1980, the U of A Press is the publishing arm of the U of A and a member of the Association of University Presses.

About the Tyson Family Foundation: Established in 1970, the Tyson Family Foundation supports efforts for education, health, arts and culture and youth programs as well as a scholarship program for Tyson Foods employees and their families.  The foundation has endowed and supported local, regional and national organizations committed to furthering access to knowledge, promoting creativity and supporting communities.  The Foundation is currently led by President Olivia Tyson. 

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.