(Photo: Mike (left) and Susie (right) Powell of Dallas, Texas, recently made a $250,000 gift to U of O to establish the Ben Powell ’00 Faculty Enhancement for Science Endowment in memory of their son, Ben. Also participating in the signing were (from left) U of O President Richard Dunsworth and Ben’s daughters, Ari and Sylvia.)
Mike and Susie Powell of Dallas, Texas, have made a $250,000 pledge to University of the Ozarks for science faculty enhancement in memory of their son and U of O alumnus, Ben Powell ‘00.
The Ben Powell ’00 Faculty Enhancement for Science Endowment will provide the University with financial means to assist with recruitment and/or retention of science faculty, including salary support, according to Lori McBee, vice president for advancement.
“Mike and Susie’s generous gift to Ozarks helps strengthen our commitment to faculty excellence and student success,” McBee said. “This generous donation is a remarkable expression of confidence in our vision, our faculty and our students. By investing in our faculty, the Powells are helping ensure that Ozarks remains an outstanding undergraduate university.”
Mike Powell, who serves as secretary of the University’s Board of Trustees, said he hopes the gift will inspire others to support the faculty at Ozarks.
“Our son, Ben, got an excellent education at Ozarks thanks to the faculty there and this is our way of thanking them for their commitment and dedication,” Mike Powell said. “I hope others will think about the faculty members they had at Ozarks who meant a lot to them and consider making a gift to help ensure that current and future students at Ozarks have the same type of high-quality faculty.”
After graduating from Ozarks in 2000, Ben Powell expanded his landscaping business in Clarksville and in 2010 started Ben Powell Construction (BPC).
In addition to BPC, he owned and operated Motion Fuels and the Wrecked Canoe Bistro & Patio. He supported and advanced the University through his construction company on numerous projects, including the Alexander-Boreham Tennis Center, the River Valley Medical Center and the Seay Student Center food court.
In 2022, he was awarded the University’s Community Champion Award for his service to Ozarks.
Ben Powell died unexpectedly on Feb. 6, 2025.
For information on how to establish a faculty endowment at Ozarks, please contact the Office of Advancement at 479-979-1234.
Topics: Giving