The Simmons First Foundation has donated $50,000 to support the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence, a nationally unique research center focused on advancing waterfowl and wetlands science.
The center is based at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and operates in partnership with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. It was established to address growing concerns related to waterfowl and wetlands conservation. UAM’s proximity to major waterfowl and wetlands regions provides a geographic advantage for research and educational opportunities.
In 2022, the State of Arkansas appropriated $1 million to establish the Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Endowed Program, along with a challenge to raise an additional $1 million in private donations to fund an endowed chair. Donors led by Arkansas conservationist David Snowden and Dyke Industries Chairman Merritt Dyke raised the matching funds to create the Dyke-Snowden Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetlands. The group later secured an additional $5 million to elevate the program to the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence. The center and endowed chair were formally announced in October 2025.
The Simmons First Foundation’s $50,000 gift was part of the $7 million in total pledges raised for the project. Established in 2014, the foundation focuses on giving back to Arkansas communities and maintains a dedicated endowment supporting environmental and conservation management initiatives.
The donation will fund educational and scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students participating in waterfowl and wetlands research programs.
“We are grateful to the Simmons First Foundation for their support of the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence and UAM’s outstanding waterfowl program,” said Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “Arkansas has long been a national leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, and UAM proudly continues that legacy through critical research conducted at the center. The generous support strengthens our ability to assist students as they produce impactful research to direct management of waterfowl and wetlands across the state and beyond.”
Douglas Osborne, professor of wildlife ecology at UAM and inaugural director of the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence and the Dyke-Snowden Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetlands, said the foundation’s support will help advance the center’s mission.
“The generous support of the Simmons First Foundation helps fuel the mission of the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence and empowers us to better serve students who choose a career path in waterfowl conservation and management,” Osborne said.
University officials said continued support through the center will enhance UAM’s ability to prepare future conservation leaders and ensure the long-term health and viability of waterfowl and wetlands resources.
For more information, visit the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence webpage or contact Dr. Michael Blazier at [email protected] or 870-460-1152, or Dr. Douglas Osborne at [email protected] or 870-460-1448.
