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The University of Arkansas at Monticello Investment Club has received a $30,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support the new Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), an initiative launching this fall that will provide club members with real-world experience in investing in financial markets, conducting financial analyses and managing a live portfolio.

The SMIF will be managed by a select group of UAM Investment Club members under the guidance of faculty advisors. The group will be responsible for researching companies, analyzing market trends and executing investments using the $30,000 fund, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a practical context with real financial stakes.

“Providing students with the opportunity to manage real investments not only builds financial acumen but also instills confidence and critical thinking skills that will serve them for life,” said Kevin Stephenson, trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. “We’re proud to support a program that turns classroom lessons into meaningful, hands-on learning.”

Knight Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its focus on journalism, media and fostering informed and engaged communities, awarded the grant as part of its broader mission to support civic engagement and economic opportunity. By helping students at UAM gain hands-on experience in managing real investments, the foundation aims to strengthen financial literacy and decision-making among future leaders in southeast Arkansas.

“Our goal is to give students meaningful, applied learning experiences that prepare them for careers in finance, business and beyond,” Becky Phillips, associate professor of accounting at UAM and faculty co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club, said. “This fund will allow them to make real decisions with real money and learn powerful lessons in responsibility, strategy and financial stewardship.”

Dr. Shanna Knowles, assistant professor of business at UAM and faculty co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club, stated, “We deeply appreciate Knight Foundation’s support in bringing their purpose and vision of developing well-informed citizens to life for UAM students. Their contribution promotes financial sustainability and long-term success within our campus and community.”

Scott Saffold, executive vice president for Union Bank & Trust in Monticello and chairman of the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc., who serves on the UAM Board of Visitors and volunteers with the UAM Investment Club, stated, “We’re grateful to Knight Foundation for its $30,000 gift in support of UAM’s new Student Managed Investment Fund. This continued investment in UAM’s students helps turn classroom learning into real-world experience.”

“We are deeply grateful to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for their generous support of the Student-Managed Investment Fund at UAM and their belief in the potential of our students,” Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, said. “The foundation’s investment directly supports the important work our faculty and students are engaging in to connect academic knowledge with hands-on experience. This gift will have a lasting impact, providing our students the opportunity to develop financial literacy that will benefit them far beyond the classroom and contribute to the future economic success of our region.”