U of A students, faculty and staff will have a new spot to gather in Mullins Library, thanks to a $500,000 gift from Kim and Chris Fowler of Key West, Florida. Their contribution will help fund the renovations currently underway in the facility and create a café called Fowler’s Nook.

Jason J. Battles, dean of libraries, said, “This gift from the Fowlers is a powerful example of the generosity of the libraries’ friends and alumni; it will markedly elevate the experience in Mullins. As the new dean of libraries, it’s exciting and inspiring to see this level of commitment. We’re truly grateful to Kim and Chris for providing the funding to make the café a reality.”

Kim, who serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University Libraries, said her involvement with the university helped her become aware of what was needed for the facility.

“With our family’s history in food service and our love for the university, this seemed like the perfect fit for us,” she said. “Mullins Library has needed some aesthetic updates, and we really wanted to support the overall vision of having a more lively, bright, accommodating environment for students and other visitors. We hope the addition of this space will help entice students to utilize Mullins Library even more.”

Fowler’s Nook will be situated in a prominent location on the main floor of Mullins Library and will offer easy access for the campus community. Preparation for Phase II of the Mullins renewal project, which includes the café, is underway, with architectural planning commencing in the spring semester of 2022.

Adriana Gonzalez, associate dean for research and learning, said, “The new café will provide our students and faculty with a welcoming and inviting place to escape their studies, to refuel, to meet up with friends or colleagues, or to simply find a comfortable space for a pitstop in their busy day.”

Chris Fowler is president of Fowler Foods Inc. in Jonesboro. Fowler Foods operates more than 90 KFC/Taco Bell stores in eight states. Both Kim and Chris served on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee.

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