Southern Arkansas University proudly announces a continued partnership with the Windgate Foundation through a transformative, multi-year grant of $400,000. This grant will provide annual contributions of $200,000 over two years, supporting the Windgate Scholars Program, a program that focuses on the most financially vulnerable students, and the College of Education and Human Performance. 
The Windgate Foundation’s meaningful commitment to SAU is pivotal in cultivating an education that empowers our students to emerge as visionary leaders, adept critical thinkers, and effective problem solvers poised to make remarkable contributions to our global society. This support significantly impacts students who often represent trailblazers in their families attending college, ambitious entrepreneurs poised to shape industries, and non-traditional learners embarking on a transformative journey back to education after significant life experiences. Each of these diverse students finds their home at SAU, and the profound effect of this backing transcends individuals, shaping future generations.
The $200,000 allocation for pass-through scholarships in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years will target need-based support for undergraduate students eligible for Federal Pell Grants, spanning various degree programs.
The dedicated funds for the College of Education and Human Performance will empower students and faculty, ensuring preparedness for impactful roles as educators and leaders in today’s classrooms and education-related domains. These resources will mitigate obstacles hindering student progress, nurturing their journey towards graduation, advanced studies, and fulfilling, impactful careers.
Windgate Foundation, established in 1993 and based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a private foundation that aims to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. The foundation also supports children and youth in the State of Arkansas. www.windgatefoundation.org Over the last five years, the Windgate Foundation has contributed over $1.2 million to SAU enhancing our educational offerings and enriching the lives of our students.
The commitment and generosity of the Windgate Foundation will fortify SAU’s mission of fostering academic excellence, access, and opportunity for students, thereby catalyzing positive change within our community and beyond. This collaboration will significantly expand access to high-quality education for at least 50 students annually throughout the timeline of the grant.
