David Pryor Hosts Celebration of KUAF's New Broadcast Center; Studio Naming Announced

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When the University of Arkansas public radio station, KUAF 91.3 FM, moves into its new facility on School Street, the station will be outfitted with much-needed equipment and space to improve its services to listeners across northwest Arkansas. Former Sen. David Pryor hosted an event Thursday, Feb. 26, to celebrate the commencement of construction. The lead gift for the station’s new performance studio was also announced.

The KUAF Performance Studio will be named The Firmin-Garner Performance Studio in honor of Denise and Hershey Garner’s parents, Jack and Helen Firmin and the late Hershel and Helen Garner. A lead gift of $150,000 made this naming possible.

“Every part of the new KUAF facility will be critical to our future,” said station manager Rick Stockdell, “but the performance studio is something that can really bring new life to what we offer. I am grateful for the outstanding support from the Garners, and I am excited to watch with them as the future of KUAF unfolds. It is because of supporters like them that this is possible at all.”

The new 350-square-foot performance studio, with its electronic and acoustical design, will allow KUAF to broadcast new types of live programming such as live performances of small chamber ensembles, roundtable discussions or mayoral debates. "The possibilities presented by the performance studio are endless," said Stockdell. "While most KUAF listeners won't notice much of a change once we begin broadcasting from the new facility, the programming that results from having a performance studio will stand out and our listeners will hear the difference."

 “Hershey and I love the University of Arkansas, and we feel passionate about public radio,” said Denise Garner. “We could not think of a better way to honor and celebrate the lives of our parents than by putting their names on something that means so much to the northwest Arkansas community. It is an honor to be associated with such a worthwhile project.”

In its new 7,500-square-foot facility, KUAF plans to expand programming and regional news coverage, operate three high-definition radio stations — the existing mixed news and music format, one all classical, and one with all news and information programming — and broadcast live shows and host live community concerts. The building will also provide much needed office and studio space.

KUAF is currently in the midst of a $1.5 million fundraising campaign that has already raised over $900,000 for its new building. Co-chairs of the capital campaign volunteer committee are Ann Henry, Frank Sharp and Dan Ferritor. The honorary chair is Jim Blair. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 17.

The Garners moved to northwest Arkansas with their boys, Wes and Adam, almost 20 years ago. Hershey Garner works with cancer and hospice patients, and Denise is a community volunteer. They attend St. Paul's Episcopal Church.