Hill Family Establishes Endowment to Support Future Portfolio Managers at Walton College

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has received a donation from the Jay F. and Patricia P. Hill Family Fund, to establish the Jay F. Hill Portfolio Manager Endowment, creating a lasting legacy to support undergraduate excellence in investment management.

The endowment, established by Hill Family Fund trustee, French Hill, is in honor of his late father and will provide annual scholarship and stipend support to the undergraduate student leader of the Walton College Portfolio Management program. The program — widely recognized for producing outstanding investment professionals — gives students hands-on experience managing real investment portfolios and developing advanced financial analysis skills.

“My father and grandfather were terrific mentors and role models when it came to financial stewardship and setting out long-term investment goals,” said Hill. “For more than six decades, they helped Arkansas municipalities and school districts build and enhance public infrastructure and facilities and guided the investment portfolio needs of families and institutions across the state.

“It’s a privilege to help in a small way build the skills, talents and knowledge of the next generation of asset managers and financial advisors. The Walton College portfolio management class is legendary and has produced some remarkably successful asset managers during its long and fruitful existence,” continued Hill. “Our family is thrilled with the opportunity to attach my father’s name to the recognition of an outstanding undergraduate thriving in the understanding of the magic of compound interest and the importance of financial stewardship.”

The endowment honors Jay F. Hill, a 1951 graduate of the University of Arkansas, veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict and longtime Arkansas investment executive. Hill spent most of his career with Hill, Crawford & Lanford Inc. of Little Rock, a firm originally founded by his father in 1933, where he served as chairman and CEO from 1986 to 1990. The fund recognizes his lifelong commitment to prudent investing, ethical leadership and service to Arkansas communities.

“Jay F. Hill’s principled approach to financial management benefited families and communities across Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Hill and the Hill family for honoring that legacy by helping prepare generations of Walton College portfolio management students to steward resources wisely and serve clients with integrity and care.”

Each year, faculty leaders of the Portfolio Management program will recommend a top-performing student to receive support from the endowment. In addition to scholarship funding, the recipient will receive a stipend to participate in conferences, workshops and professional development opportunities that further strengthen analytical and investment management skills.

“This generous gift celebrates the very best of what Walton College strives to do — prepare talented students for meaningful careers and responsible financial leadership,” said Brent Williams, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “The Hill family’s commitment will directly impact students for generations and reinforces the importance of experiential learning in shaping the next generation of investment professionals.”

To recognize the legacy of Jay F. Hill, the Walton College will install a commemorative plaque and portrait in the principal classroom used for the Portfolio Management course.

About Congressman French Hill: J. French Hill has built a distinguished career in both public service and finance. As a member of Congress representing Arkansas, he has been a leading voice on economic growth, community banking and responsible fiscal policy. Before entering Congress, he founded Delta Trust & Banking Corp., helping expand access to capital for businesses and families across the state. His work has consistently focused on strengthening Arkansas communities and promoting opportunity in the heartland.

About the Sam M. Walton College of Business: The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is a nationally recognized leader in business education, known for innovative programs in supply chain management, entrepreneurship, finance, and experiential learning. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic business regions, Walton College prepares students to lead with integrity, analytical rigor and entrepreneurial spirit.

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 $3 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 few 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 and Economic Development News.