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Intercollegiate Athletics Commits $1 Million for Academics

Athletics Gift Press Conference
April 29, 2009

Dave Gearhart Remarks

For the last year, it seems like we've been hearing progressively worse news from around the country.

Foreclosures. Layoffs. Cutbacks.

Things have been pretty gloomy, to say the least. Our friends in the SEC have experienced major cutbacks and furloughs and other institutions, both public and private, are having similar financial issues. I think it's time that we gave people some very good news. I am very pleased to announce that the University of Arkansas department of intercollegiate athletics will be transferring the sum of one million dollars during the 2009-2010 fiscal year to support academic programs, initiatives and student-services university-wide. This contribution, to help address mission-critical institutional needs, is being made without conditions attached to it.

Let me also add that this decision is a prime factor in holding the line on tuition and fee increases this coming year. We don't not plan to raise tuition this coming year which will be the first time in 24 years that the UA has not raised tuition. Let me also point out that absolutely no athletic donor funds are being used in this transfer. Every penny of athletic donor contributions will always be used for its intended purpose: to support our athletic programs.

I believe that this generous support shows the strong commitment to academics by our athletic department. Likewise this announcement gives me great pride. I'd like to express my gratitude, on behalf of the entire university, to our vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics and director of athletics, Jeff Long. He is the inspiration behind this gift and has worked very hard in a short period of time to keep our athletic program fiscally responsible and cost conscious.

Jeff, I am proud of this decision on your part, I know the entire university of Arkansas Community joins with me in thanking you and your colleagues for this support, especially during tough economic times.
And I would like Jeff to come forward and make a few comments at this time.

Jeff Long Remarks

Over the course of the past year Chancellor Gearhart and his staff have worked to soften the impact of the economic down turn on our campus. During that time it has become clear that even with the proactive measures that have been undertaken, declining funds have put some of our educational programs at risk. While all of us in the University community have made difficult decisions and tightened our belts. It is imperative that in an economic down turn that we preserve some of the most important programs in your University.

The athletic department's ability to provide this type of support is a result of several factors. First, we have greatly benefited from our memebership in the SEC and the new television contracts with CBS and ESPN, which is the most lucrative in college sports history. In addition to the contracts on television it will allow us greater opportunity to expose our student-athletes accomplishments as well as the academic success of the University of Arkansas.

The athletics department also has benefitted from its business partnerships, particularly its year-old multi-media rights partner ISP. These partnerships will provide our program additional guaranteed financial resources at a time when the economic situation is uncertain at best. Just at the athletic department gains it's strength from the support and commitment of it's many fans, friends and supporters the University of Arkansas' academic mission is bolstered by many departments, division and contributors.

Today, intercollegiate athletics is even more proud to be one of those contributors and we are honored to play a roll in insuring the University of Arkansas remains a leader in higher education.