LITTLE ROCK – Charles E. Scharlau, former chairman and CEO of Southwestern Energy Company and past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, will donate $5 million to create an endowed chair in presidential leadership at the University of Arkansas System, it was announced today at a regular meeting of the UA board.
Scharlau, who served 10 years on the board of trustees before also serving as a member and chairman of the board of directors of the University of Arkansas Foundation, is a lifelong supporter of the UA System and its many campuses. The gift, which will be made in future installments, will support the Office of the President in its role in managing and operating a large, complex university system.
“I am grateful to Charles for his leadership, vision and generosity with both his time and his continued gifts toward the betterment of our university and state,” said UA System President Donald R. Bobbitt. “The Scharlau name is synonymous with the University of Arkansas System. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and admire Charles and his late wife Clydene through their many volunteer efforts at the university, and I even had the privilege to teach one of their children during my time on the faculty at UA-Fayetteville. This gift will benefit and strengthen the Office of the President for years to come.”
“Arkansas must foster an educated and healthy workforce to continue to attract business and industry and grow our economy,” Scharlau said. “With our present strong leadership, the University of Arkansas System can be a leader in achieving these goals through its many campuses and units, including its major research university, regional universities, medical campus, community colleges and the new online eVersity program, among others. It is my hope that this gift will help ensure that we continue to have strong leadership at our university system for the benefit of all Arkansans.”
Scharlau served on the UA Board from 1997 to 2007 and was elected chairman for the 2005-06 academic year. During his tenure he was a member of the Athletic Committee and served as chairman of both Fiscal Affairs and Audit Committees for three and four years, respectively. Upon his retirement from the board, he was recognized for his financial insight and efforts to increase accountability and efficiency at the university.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Scharlau and his family for their continued support of our university system,” said Ben Hyneman, chairman of the board of trustees. “We are especially grateful for this unique gift that acknowledges and advances the role of the president as a leader not only for the UA System but for the entire state. Having served on the board, Mr. Scharlau has an understanding and appreciation for the important work conducted by our system and its leader on a daily basis.”
A native of Mountain Home and longtime resident of Fayetteville, Scharlau graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with his law degree in 1951.
In addition to his service on the board of directors of the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc., Scharlau has served on numerous advisory boards at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is past president of the Arkansas Alumni Association and his many university honors include being named Outstanding Volunteer and receiving the Citation for Distinguished Alumni.
Scharlau worked 47 years for Southwestern Energy, serving as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the company and its subsidiaries, Arkansas Western Gas Co., SEECO, Southwestern Energy Production Company and Southwestern Energy Services Co. before his retirement in 1998.