Retired Conway businessman Michel Fortier has donated $135,000 to the UCA College of Education to establish the Mary Jane Fortier Memorial Distinguished Scholars Fund.
The gift, established in memory of Fortier?s late wife, will provide scholarships for students studying in the college?s new doctoral program in leadership studies.
“Mr. Fortier’s generous gift will allow the College of Education to support the work of worthy doctoral students,” said Patty Phelps, interim dean of the College of Education. “We appreciate his leadership vision and his willingness to invest in our new Ph.D. program.”
Last fall, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education approved UCA’s newest doctoral program. The program will begin admitting students in the fall. UCA also offers doctorates in physical therapy, school psychology and communication sciences and disorders. A clinical doctorate in physical therapy is also available.
Fortier said he was inspired to give to the new program because he believes that leadership traits — particularly visionary strategic planning, empathy and intellect — transcend all disciplines, whether in business, government or education.
“My career had nothing to do with education, but after I retired, I became interested in the status of education in Arkansas, and in other states – particularly with regard to minorities and the poor,” Fortier said. “I am interested in developing leaders — not necessarily principals and superintendents, but individuals who will establish a more optimistic program that will make a decided change in the status of education in the state.”
A World War II veteran, Fortier is the founder and former CEO and board chairman of 4TA Fortier Inc. The Conway-based company is now equally co-owned by four of his children. Prior to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Fortier held five administrative and managerial positions for Bryant air conditioning company, and served as vice president for sales and strategic planning for Universal Nolin. He is a 1942 graduate of Purdue University, and holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.
Fortier?s gift is also being recognized as a major contribution to UCA?s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, ?New Vision, New Century: The Centennial Campaign for UCA,? which was publicly announced last fall.
“Mr. Fortier?s generosity to the College of Education?s new doctoral program will help many students not only further their education, but also become strong leaders for the state. We are especially grateful that he chose to make his gift a part of UCA?s first major fundraising campaign,” Vice President of Advancement and Development Kelley Erstine said.
For more information on donating to the Mary Jane Fortier Memorial Distinguished Scholars Fund, contact the UCA Foundation at (501) 450-5288 or toll free 1-800-981-4426.
