College of Education and Health Professions Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of Lewis and Donna Epley

Lewis and Donna Epley were dedicated supporters of the U of A for more than 60 years, and their generosity left a profound mark on the College of Education and Health Professions.

In 2012, the Epleys made a founding gift to create a 45,000-square-foot clinic, classroom and laboratory. The Epley Center for Health Professions still houses the college's Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. The two also created a scholarship for students beginning their nursing journey at EMSON that has continued to build over the years.

Lewis Epley passed away in early 2025, and Donna in February 2026.

"The Epleys' enduring legacy lives on not only in our college but through the many students who have and will go on to help people across Arkansas and beyond through their work in the health professions," said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. "We remain forever grateful for their generosity."

The Epleys' niece, Heather Epley Francis, said her aunt and uncle had a personal connection to healthcare that guided their decisions. She said her Aunt Donna devoted herself to nursing throughout her career and had a strong desire to support others who chose to enter the profession.

Donna Epley, about 1952.

"She started at the VA and then worked in the Eureka Springs hospital until she retired," Epley Francis said, adding, "She helped deliver my brother at that hospital."

Her Uncle Lewis had a particularly deep connection with the U of A band program, a story that also has its origins in healthcare.

"He had played clarinet in the Springdale High School band, got polio and believed his band career was over," Epley Francis said. "His hands were affected, but they allowed him to continue being a part of the band without being able to play an instrument."

Epley became involved with the band program in other ways. One day, when he was serving as the public announcer for a regional marching band contest, he met the director of the Razorback Band at the U of A, who eventually asked Epley to be the "Voice of the Razorback Band." Epley spent seven years as the band's public address announcer.

Epley was the first in his family to graduate from the U of A. Since then, nine Epleys have earned degrees from the U of A (with one currently attending), and several have multiple degrees.

Epley Francis said her uncle's passion for education stemmed from her grandfather, Epley's father, who was forced to quit school in the eighth grade to go to work and help support their family. It was vitally important to him that his children and grandchildren receive a good education and develop a love for reading.

"He passed this down to his sons, and Lewis and Donna wanted to help anyone who wanted an education achieve their goal," she said.

Epley Francis graduated from the U of A with an anthropology degree, and her two daughters also have degrees from the university. Her oldest earned an exercise science degree from the College of Education and Health Professions, then a doctorate in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis.

"Uncle Lewis' story inspired her to want to help children," she said.

Her youngest received an engineering degree, and, to her family, it seems fitting that her name appears on Senior Walk just outside the Epley Center for Health Professions.