U.S. Bank has presented Dr. Anthony F. Chelte, dean of UALR’s College of Business, a gift of $10,000 to help enhance the College’s high quality educational programs and economic development initiatives.

Michael Shelley, president of U.S. Bank, presented Chelte a check for the College of Business’ Dean’s Fund as a source of support for a wide range of activities that support the college’s vision as a catalyst for high quality business education and economic development in Arkansas.

“At U.S. Bank we recognize that UALR and the College of Business are vital to the Central Arkansas area,” Shelley said. “They are strategically located in the governmental, financial services and health care center of Arkansas and are in position to aid each of these important economic drivers for the state. UALR has great potential for partnership in such areas as economic development, medical research and many specific industries, including financial services.”

The Dean’s Fund supports continuous improvement efforts across the College of Business including: student initiatives and scholarships, faculty research and professional development, educational programming, and outreach efforts by the College.

Shelley said U.S. Bank relies on the College of Business to generate well-prepared graduates for its hiring needs and also looks to the UALR master of business administration program to further train several of its high-potential bankers.

“Chancellor Joel E. Anderson has clear vision of where he wants to see UALR go in the future,” Shelley said. “Enhancing the College of Business is a part of that vision. I am very impressed with Dean Chelte and his plans for the UALR College of Business and wanted to show our support in a tangible fashion. I felt a contribution to the Dean’s Discretionary Fund would enable Dean Chelte to determine how best to utilize the funds.”

U.S. Bank currently serves as a sponsor and partner for the UALR College of Business Sales Center and its regional commercial banking manager, Scott Teague, has served on the college’s advisory board for nearly five years. The bank also was a sponsor for the 2009 College of Business Alumni of the Year Awards Luncheon.

“U.S. Bank’s generosity will significantly help our efforts to successfully realize the College’s vision and greatly benefit students through programs that help prepare students for productive careers and lives,” Chelte said. “This type of giving enhances the college’s ability to develop partnerships with the business and broader communities that positively impact the overall quality of life in our community.”