U of A Alumnus and Benefactor Ken Shollmier Passes Away at Age 85

Photo Submitted

Ken Shollmier

Ken Shollmier, a U of A alumnus and benefactor, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at age 85.

In 2002, Shollmier gave $1 million to the U of A to support and name two physical spaces on the U of A campus, including a plaza named for his wife, Linda Sue Shollmier. The Linda Sue Shollmier Plaza in the Sam M. Walton College of Business was constructed as an outdoor gathering space for students and faculty on the Walton College campus. The gift then for Ken and Linda Sue Shollmier Hall helped fund necessary technological and physical upgrades to the only auditorium space in Vol Walker Hall, home to what is now the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

"Ken Shollmier left an indelible mark on the University of Arkansas, and his generosity and vision will continue to inspire our campus community for many years to come," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Ken will be greatly missed, but his legacy will endure."

In 2000, the Shollmiers made a significant contribution to Walton College through the establishment of the Shollmier MBA Investment Fund. Ken Shollmier and his brother, Dudley, both from Little Rock, donated $250,000, creating an invaluable learning experience for Walton M.B.A. students specializing in finance. This initiative has grown significantly, with students now having the opportunity to actively manage a $650,000 investment portfolio by applying asset allocation techniques they acquire during their coursework.

"Ken Shollmier was a steadfast supporter of the University of Arkansas and, through years of leadership, service and counsel, helped elevate the university and the state," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "His kindness and generosity will continue to inspire and impact countless students and our campus. We are forever grateful."

"The Fay Jones School community is indebted to Ken Shollmier for his enthusiasm and generosity towards our teaching and learning mission," said Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School. "Together with his wife, Linda Sue, Ken was a trusted friend and counselor to successive deans, as reassuring in his advice as he was in his desire to sustain the school through repeated acts of generosity. His legacy, represented in the naming of our auditorium, is one of lasting benefit to generations of our students."

Ken was a 1963 graduate of Walton College with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He was active in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry in Louisiana and founded Shollmier Distributing Inc. in 1989 as a distributor of HVAC products. The company went on to become the 40th largest privately owned company in Louisiana in 2000. He was CEO and president of Shollmier Investments Inc. (SII) in New Orleans, where he was involved in a number of civic and leadership organizations, including the National Democratic Leadership Council and the board of directors of Doctors Hospital.

Shollmier was honored by Walton College as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. He was a member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee for the university and an honorary member of the Fay Jones School's Dean's Circle. He and Linda Sue were honorary chairs of the Fay Jones School's campaign committee and are counted in the Towers of Old Main, a giving society for the university's most generous benefactors.

The Shollmiers' previous support at the university also has included the Lambda Chi Alpha Building Fund and a professorship in Walton College.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Second Presbyterian Church parlor, 600 Pleasant Valley Dr., in Little Rock.