Arkansas Best chairman, company donate $500,000 to college

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Arkansas Best Corp. Chairman Robert Young and his wife, Mary, recently announced they have pledged a $250,000 gift to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. The trucking firm, based in Fort Smith, also has pledged $250,000 to the college.

The $500,000 in gifts was announced Wednesday, April 5 during an on-campus “celebration luncheon.” The endowments the gifts create are expected to generate about $25,000 annually for scholarships.

Robert Young served as president of Arkansas Best for 31 years until stepping down in 2004 and assuming the roles of chairman and chief executive officer. Young, who also is immediate past president of the UAFS foundation board, said at the luncheon that Fort Smith residents should benefit from an opportunity to earn a “first-class college education” at UAFS.