University of the Ozarks has been awarded a $700,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., to help fund the University’s new $10.75 million Wilson Athletic Complex. In order to receive the challenge grant funds, the University must raise an additional $3,278,329 by Oct. 10, 2024.
The University began construction in October on the complex that will include new fields for baseball, softball and soccer. Partial funding for the project was made possible through a $6.2 million gift announced last summer from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson of Tulsa, Okla.
The challenge grant marks the continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Mabee Foundation and Ozarks, beginning in the 1950s when the foundation provided funds for the University’s Mabee Gymnasium. The foundation has also supported the University’s Mabee Administration Building, Mabee Residence Hall and Wilson Science Center and earlier this year made a $1.5 million gift to create an endowed scholarship fund for students.
“The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has been a staunch champion for higher education in this part of the country for more than 70 years and we’re proud of the partnership we’ve had with them through most of that time,” said Lori McBee, vice president for advancement at Ozarks. “They have helped transform our campus into the beautiful gem that it has become. Athletics plays a significant role in keeping students engaged and goal-driven to complete their education. This new facility will serve students for many years and we are very grateful for the wonderful support from the Mabee Foundation.”
The Wilson Athletic Complex will be located where the current fields are and will include new turf fields on all three playing surfaces, new lighting and bleachers on all fields as well as new locker rooms, press box and bathroom facilities.
The Mabee Foundation was formed in 1948 by Missouri natives and Oklahoma residents John and Lottie Mabee. Since its formation, the Mabee Foundation has made grants totaling over $1.5 billion. Limited to capital expenditures and the purchase of major medical equipment, the Mabee Foundation exclusively funds projects located in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.