Student Affairs Board Member Jack Rash Remembered for Service to Students

The Division of Student Affairs is remembering Executive Leadership Board member and U of A alum Jack Rash, whose generous service, support and commitment to student success helped strengthen the division's work.

Rash, 79, died June 27 following a brief illness.

Alongside his wife, Carolyn, Rash served on the Division of Student Affairs Executive Leadership Board, where the couple dedicated their time, insight and philanthropy to advancing initiatives that support students. Together, they supported the Student Affairs Executive Leadership Board Fund and the Robert W. Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps send students to the Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium.

"Jack and Carolyn generously shared their time, insight and commitment to supporting our students and the Division of Student Affairs," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for the division. "Their service has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our work, and we are deeply grateful for the difference they have made in the lives of our students."

Following Jack's passing, Carolyn has chosen to step away from her service on the Executive Leadership Board.

"While we will certainly miss Carolyn's thoughtful contributions, we completely understand her decision," Battjes said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to her and the Rash family and remain thankful for the support that Jack and Carolyn shared with the University of Arkansas community."

An avid Razorback fan, Rash first came to Fayetteville as a teenager when his family relocated from Houston, Texas. He graduated from Fayetteville High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences in 1971. He and Carolyn married in 1972, settling in Dallas, Texas.

As an alumnus, Rash remained deeply invested in the U of A. In addition to supporting Student Affairs, he championed the Department of Journalism, KUAF 91.3 FM and the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History.

His professional career included decades with the Society of Petroleum Engineers, editing publications, managing digital communications and contributing to the organization's television programming before retiring in 2009. After retirement, Jack and Carolyn returned to Fayetteville, where they remained deeply engaged in the community they loved.

Beyond his devotion to the university, Rash found joy in the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas. He was a Master Gardener, an active member of the Washington County Historical Society and an amateur historian researching his family's roots. Rash delighted in watching wildlife from the porch of the cabin he and Carolyn shared in West Fork, playing Native American flute music and cheering on the Razorbacks across sports year-round.

Loria Oliver, director of development for Student Affairs, said the university is grateful for the example of generosity Jack Rash leaves behind.

"Jack's support of student-centered programs, combined with the generosity he shared alongside Carolyn, will continue to benefit Razorback students for years to come," Oliver said. "He will be missed."

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture. For more information, visit studentaffairs.uark.edu