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Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House

Dr. G. David and Jane Gearhart had the honor of becoming the first residents of the Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House when they moved in July 1, 2008-Dr. Gearhart's first day as chancellor of the University of Arkansas.

At an institution of University of Arkansas' stature, the chancellor's duties are rarely concluded with the workday. His responsibilities often extend into the evening hours, his public and private life inseparably intertwined. The chancellor needs a place in which to entertain alumni and friends, faculty, staff and students, as well as government officials, foreign dignitaries, and corporate executives, in a setting that is formal and official, yet comfortable and welcoming. Until Fowler House was completed, the University of Arkansas was the only school among its SEC peers not to have an official residence to accommodate larger gatherings.

As such, an official residence was long overdue on campus.

Fortunately, in 2005, Wallace and Jama Fowler of Jonesboro made a $1.75 million gift commitment toward the construction of a university chancellor's residence. The Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House is now a front door to the university, and enhances the chancellor's ability to conduct business at different levels of formality.

Some of the residence's features include:

• 9,200 square feet of heated space
• reception rotunda and living area accommodating up to 250 guests
• formal dining area with room for 14 guests
• four bedrooms
• two wood-paneled studies
• office space for Chancellor Gearhart and Mrs. Gearhart
• catering kitchen
• breakfast and exercise room
• walk-in pantry
• three-car garage.

In addition to the Fowler's lead gift, additional friends of the university provided more than $95,000 worth of in-kind furnishings and paintings. Fowler House conveys the elegance, formality, and professionalism needed to entertain corporate heads, dignitaries, and other leaders in academia and government. At the same time, there are plenty of cozy and comfortable areas for more intimate meetings with closer friends.

Since its opening, Fowler House has been an immediate hit. In its first year of service, Fowler House hosted some 4,000 guests at more than 70 university events.

The construction contractor, Flintco Inc., won two industry awards for its work on Fowler House: the 2008 Chairman's Trophy by the Associated Builders and Contractors' Excellence in Construction Awards Program, the top prize for construction in the state of Arkansas, and the 2008 Award for Institutional Buildings in the $2 million to $5 million category.

"Every day in Fowler House has been a blessing," Chancellor Gearhart stated at its dedication, "and I will cherish the years we spend here calling it home."