You can be the reason we all succeed鈥攖oday, tomorrow, together.
What if there were a university where futures were forged without the crushing weight of college debt? Where local talent fuels the region鈥檚 largest businesses and the students of today train for the industries of tomorrow with the experts who literally wrote the book on them.
What if there were a city where devastating shortages in essential fields were a distant memory and where employers faced the gravity of rapid technological change with confidence because their university was ready to train their workforce in every new innovation?
What if we could build it?
The future doesn鈥檛 have to be a dream.
We just have to be brave enough to ask, 鈥淲hat if?鈥�
Unlocking Opportunity
We believe we can remove financial barriers, ensuring every student鈥攔egardless of background鈥攃an access the life-changing power of education.
Investing in Excellence
We aim to holistically support the 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff, who not only educate but also drive progress and invention, and to bring the industry鈥檚 most profound thought leaders to the River Valley where they鈥檒l prepare the innovators of tomorrow.
Empowering our Economy
We are redefining economic impact with a goal to offer exceptional career training to everyone from master鈥檚 degree candidates to skilled technicians鈥攅nsuring they are ready to lead, thrive, and make a difference in their fields. And through the Center for Economic Development, we鈥檒l expand the ways we support each phase of business development.
As of our public launch on April 2, 2025, we've raised 80% of our $85M goal.
donors have supported this campaign during the quiet phase through more than
unique gifts, totaling more than
already raised.
Asking the Tough
Questions
Jamie Hernandez
Class of '19 & '22
CT Technologist
"If we belive in what we do, and serve people when it matters most, can we turn someone's darkest day into a new beginning?
Rachel Williams
Class of '20
Anchor, Reporter
"Could we redefine journalism in a world that never stops scrolling? In the age of rapid news cycles and viral moments, real storytelling still matters. I'm on a mission to inform my community and give a voice to the voiceless."
Zack Gramlich
Class of '15
Teacher, State Representative
"I was born and raised in Fort Smith. And in my classroom, and in the legislature, I'm asking - What if real change doesn't mean leaving home, but leading from it?"