Eureka Springs Couple Helps Future UA Walton College Students

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Charles (Charlie) R. and Princess H. Jackson of Eureka Springs, long-time supporters of the University of Arkansas, have established the Charles R. Jackson and Princess H. Jackson Endowed Scholarship Fund to benefit students in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas.

The gift comes in the form of a $750,000 charitable remainder unitrust, part of which will also go to the University of Iowa, and will be awarded on scholarship and need. In addition, the Jacksons have designated the Walton College in their will as the beneficiaries of approximately $1.5 million.

Princess Jackson was born in Iowa, but grew up in Rogers. In fact, her maternal ancestors were early settlers of that area. The couple, who celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary this year, met while she was working in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Charlie Jackson served as a major in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he wanted to move to the country. She agreed, but insisted that they live near the White River and that they had electricity. Although her bachelor’s degree is from the University of Iowa, she received her master’s in education from the University of Arkansas in 1955. Her interest in the Walton College began when she taught business subjects in high school. She retired as a secondary school teacher from the Eureka Springs School District.

Charlie Jackson is retired as a ranger for Beaver Lake where he had previously served in the Corps of Engineers.

The Jacksons said, "We want to be able to help academically talented students in financial need, especially students who will study business. We are very pleased with the level of excellence in education that is taking place at the University of Arkansas and hope in some small way we can support that effort."

Walton College Dean Doyle Z. Williams said, "One of our goals is to increase the quality of our student body and our graduate programs. The Jacksons’ gift will ensure that we are able to recruit top students who will go on to make contributions to the state and the nation. We are very grateful for their generosity and their impact on the future of the Walton College."

During the Jacksons’ lifetime, the unitrust will provide substantial tax and economic benefits, allowing them to fund the trust with appreciated securities, which can then be sold without capital gains tax and invested to produce in a stream of income for their lifetime; the gift also generates an immediate income tax deduction and eliminates the assets from their estates.

The Jacksons are members of the Heritage Club and the Chancellor’s Society and were inducted into The Towers of Old Main in 2001.