Campaign Leader To Turn Over Reins To New Presiding Co-Chair

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Presiding Co-Chair Tommy Boyer will turn the reins of leadership over to Jim Walton on July 1, 2002.

Jim Walton, a 1971 UA graduate and chairman and chief executive officer of Arvest Bank Group Inc., Bentonville, Ark., will serve as presiding co-chair until June 30, 2003.

During Boyer’s tenure as presiding co-chair, the Campaign received $506 million, bringing the Campaign total to $612.5 million. The total accounts for gifts and pledges received between July 1, 1998, the beginning of the Campaign, and April 30, 2002. Also during Boyer’s tenure as presiding co-chair, the Campaign goal was raised to $900 million. Boyer is a 1964 UA graduate and owner and chief executive officer of Micro Images, Amarillo, Texas.

Prior to Boyer’s term as presiding co-chair, Rob Walton, a 1966 University of Arkansas graduate and chairman of the board of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Bentonville, Ark., served as the first co-chair from July 1, 1998, until June 30, 1999, during what was called the "quiet phase" of the Campaign. During his tenure, much of the Campaign’s planning and recruitment of Steering Committee members took place.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "I am truly excited about Jim Walton’s upcoming term as presiding co-chair of the Campaign. He has been a strong friend of the University of Arkansas and an advisor to our fund-raising programs. Jim has the executive experience and stature to guide this committee though another stellar year. We are most grateful to each of our previous Campaign co-chairs, Rob Walton and Tommy Boyer, and to our entire body of volunteer leadership. We could not do the work necessary to move the University of Arkansas forward if not for their shared vision, leadership and commitment to helping us realize our vision of a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world."

Frank Broyles, UA men’s athletic director and former head football coach, will serve as presiding co-chair from 2003-2004. Then, Boyer will return to the post of presiding co-chair the final year of the Campaign, from July 1, 2004, until June 30, 2005.

Serving as Campaign treasurer for the duration is Johnelle Hunt, corporate secretary of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Lowell, Ark.

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement G. David Gearhart said, "We are truly blessed to have such an engaged group of volunteers and leaders helping us move the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century ahead. We are looking forward to working even more closely with Jim Walton as he takes the helm of the Steering Committee. His guidance and leadership thus far have been exemplary and we expect continued success under his leadership. "

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