New endowment challenge will fuel scholarships, faculty excellence, and emerging academic pathways designed to prepare students for today’s workforce
December 1, 2025 – Hendrix College has received a transformative $10 million endowment challenge grant from Little Rock’s Windgate Foundation, marking one of the largest single investments in the College’s history. As Hendrix prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial in 2026, this commitment provides powerful early momentum for the College’s next chapter.
“This extraordinary commitment from the Windgate Foundation strengthens the long-term foundation of Hendrix College,” Hendrix President Karen Petersen said. “The challenge will inspire donors to invest in the people and programs that define the Hendrix experience—supporting our faculty, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring that Hendrix remains vibrant for the next 150 years. We are grateful for the Windgate Foundation’s continued support.”
The challenge funds will accelerate Hendrix’s efforts to build a stronger, more sustainable endowment—one that supports scholarships and financial aid, invests in faculty excellence, and expands distinctive programs. By encouraging new and increased major gifts, the grant will help ensure that Hendrix can continue providing an accessible, high-impact liberal arts experience for future generations.
The Windgate Foundation’s challenge will match new donations to Hendrix over $100,000 1:1 up to $10 million. Over nearly three decades, the foundation’s support for Hendrix has reached into the millions, transforming the college through its enduring generosity. The partnership has played an essential role in helping the College evolve while staying true to its mission.
“Windgate Foundation is committed to expanding educational opportunities, and Hendrix College plays a vital role in opening doors for students across Arkansas,” Windgate Foundation Executive Director Patricia Forgy said. “We are proud to offer this challenge grant to help strengthen the programs, scholarships, and faculty support that directly impact student success.”
As Hendrix approaches its 150th anniversary, the College is laying the groundwork for its next century of service. The College is developing new academic pathways and experiential learning programs that more intentionally connect the liberal arts to the needs of today's workforce. The challenge grant will help launch the sesquicentennial with renewed energy, supporting a comprehensive effort to strengthen the College’s financial foundation, elevate the student experience, and position Hendrix for long-term success.
“This challenge grant is a powerful catalyst for our next chapter,” said Quincy Davidson, vice president for Advancement at Hendrix College. “It gives our alumni and friends an extraordinary opportunity to amplify their support and directly strengthen the student and faculty experience. We are deeply grateful to the Windgate Foundation for their confidence in our mission and for helping us build the philanthropic momentum that will carry Hendrix into its sesquicentennial.”
The Windgate challenge sets the stage for a pivotal period of strategic investment, ensuring Hendrix can continue evolving to meet the needs of students and communities over the next 150 years.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose
About the Windgate Foundation
Windgate Foundation, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a private foundation established in 1993 whose purpose is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. Education, health, and community initiatives are an additional area of focus in Arkansas.