UALR approved for race institute

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will establish an Institute on Race and Ethnicity after gaining approval from the University of Arkansas board of trustees Friday.

The institute will assist Little Rock and the state in addressing race issues through research, teaching and activities that open dialogue, Chancellor Joel E. Anderson said.

Students and faculty at UALR can participate in research projects or other activities through the institute, according to a letter of support from UA System President B. Alan Sugg.

The institute will have a director and staff, and it will add grant-funded positions for programs and activities funded by sources outside the school, Anderson said. The Donaghey Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to launch the institute, and UALR is seeking endowment funding for it, Anderson said.