Sarah Smallhouse makes $5 million gift to endow deanship for the University of Arizona College of Science

A transformational gift will create an endowed deanship in the University of Arizona College of Science, strengthening the college's leadership and advancing its mission for generations to come through research, education and outreach.

Created through a $5 million gift from the U of A alumna and longtime supporter, the Sarah Brown Smallhouse Endowed Deanship will provide funding in perpetuity for College of Science strategic initiatives that advance research, promote student success and increase the college's engagement with the community to create opportunities throughout the state, nation and world. The endowed deanship will help retain and attract competitive leaders for the college, elevating the role of science at the University of Arizona.

"Endowed leadership positions sustain excellence, enabling the long-term success of a preeminent public research university like the U of A," said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. "Sarah Smallhouse's generosity strengthens the College of Science at a pivotal moment, providing resources for students, faculty, and staff while also enabling visionary leadership to drive progress. The College of Science is distinguished by multiple top-ranked programs with world-leading research, education and engagement, and we are grateful for Sarah's continued efforts to champion its impact."

"It's impossible to overstate the incredible impact Sarah and her family have had on the University of Arizona," said John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation. "Through the Thomas R. Brown Foundations, they have championed student scholars and critical research advancements over decades. It is a true honor that the College of Science deanship, a critical leadership role on campus, is now named for a visionary thinker and tireless advocate for research and education. Thank you, Sarah."

Smallhouse, who earned her Master of Business Administration at the University of Arizona in 1988, has long been committed to supporting education and scientific advancement, especially in Southern Arizona. Her philanthropy reflects a belief in the power of science to improve lives and inform decision-making across society, values instilled by her father, Thomas R. Brown. A foundation established in his name in 1998 has supported priorities across the state, as well as numerous areas in the University of Arizona – the foundation’s largest grant recipient – which includes funding endowed professorships and scholarships; programs to support K-12 learning in science, engineering, math and economics; and many more.

"If ever there was a time to get behind scientists and the work they do, it is now. Science is the process of discovery that makes mankind's expanding knowledge of the natural world possible," Smallhouse said. "Scientific curiosity and discovery are what engineering builds on, and what gives us a chance to successfully face the technical challenges of our time. It is a great privilege to support excellence in the U of A College of Science."

U of A College of Science Dean Carmala Garzione is the inaugural holder of the endowed deanship. Garzione, who has served as dean since 2021 – and earned her master's and doctoral degrees from the College of Science in 1996 and 2000 – said the gift represents a foundational investment in the future of the college.

"I am deeply grateful to Sarah for this transformative gift," Garzione said. "Sarah is an ardent supporter of the sciences who understands the critical importance of expanding educational access and tackling society's most complex challenges. This endowed deanship provides enduring support that will allow us to invest boldly in people, ideas and interdisciplinary collaborations, ensuring the College of Science remains at the forefront of innovation and public impact."

Under Garzione's leadership, the College of Science established a career center to support student connections with research, internships and job opportunities; developed and updated new and existing undergraduate and professional Masters programs that are in high demand by students and employers; and has increased sponsored research income and expenditures.

The gift is part of the university's Fuel Wonder campaign, a $3 billion effort that supports success for every student, research that shapes the future and engagement with communities to create opportunity.