Leslye Shellam donates over $100,000 in support of the arts at UA Little Rock
August 18-24, 2025
By Angelita Faller
Leslye Shellam, a long-time supporter of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a member of a multi-generational family of donors, has made two new contributions to support the university’s arts programs. Shellam gave $90,000 to the Art Student Domestic Travel Fund and $14,000 to the Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund.
“I feel like many students, especially in the arts, haven’t had a lot of exposure to different places,” Shellam said. “Getting outside of your comfort zone is so important for artists. Exposure to new environments and ideas fuels creativity. These travel opportunities provide new stimuli that can transform a student’s work.”
These gifts continue a legacy of generosity that spans three generations of Shellam’s family and reflect her deep commitment to advancing education and the arts in Arkansas.
“What inspired me originally was to honor my mom and dad, Linda and Dickson Flake,” Shellam said. “My mom was a nationally recognized artist, and even though she didn’t pursue a degree at UA Little Rock, she would take community art classes here to get reenergized. This was her home. My dad had a long legacy of leadership at UA Little Rock, and I wanted to keep both of their names and passions alive in this community.”
The Art Student Domestic Travel Fund will support travel for students to attend professional conferences, visit major U.S. cities known for cultural and artistic institutions, and engage in opportunities that expand their exposure to the broader art world. The Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund will support visiting artists who mentor and engage with students and in the Windgate Center of Art and Design.
“Leslye Shellam’s generosity has a real and lasting impact on our students,” said Joli Livaudais, director of the School of Art and Design at UA Little Rock. “Because of her continued support, they’re able to experience art and culture in ways that go far beyond the classroom. I’m truly grateful for her belief in what we do and for the opportunities she helps create for our students.”
Shellam hopes the support helps students grow beyond their perceived limitations.
“I want students to feel free to explore new media or creative paths that may not have been financially feasible otherwise,” she said. “Talent isn’t static. It should always be evolving. That evolution needs inspiration, and I hope this gift helps spark it.”
Her gift also reflects confidence in UA Little Rock’s direction and its role in shaping the future of Arkansas.
“What keeps me coming back is that UA Little Rock is not stagnant,” Shellam said. “It’s constantly evolving and deeply rooted in the community. When I see projects like the Windgate Center and major supporters investing here, it reaffirms my belief that this is a good bet. We’re investing in our future.”
Shellam’s family has long supported UA Little Rock across disciplines. She is a major contributor to the L. Dickson Flake Scholarship in honor of her father, one of the original partners of the firm that would become Colliers International (now Colliers Arkansas). He served on the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors for 12 years, including a term as chairman. Shellam’s father was a No. 1 Trojans fan who rarely missed a game.
“He bought his granddaughter, Sarah Shellam, a Trojan cheerleader uniform when she was about five, and the kind cheerleaders would welcome her to accompany them on court,” Shellam added.
Shellam also established the Linda Blaine Flake Scholarship in memory of her mother, a respected Arkansas watercolorist and former president of Mid-Southern Watercolorists, who studied and created art around the world, including in China, Guatemala, and Switzerland.
Even earlier, Shellam’s grandmother established a scholarship in the education department, inspired by a desire to advance training for special education teachers following her experiences raising a son with Down syndrome.
For Shellam, giving is not about recognition. It’s about impact.
“Philanthropy is most meaningful when you expect nothing in return,” she said. “And yet, when you give to UA Little Rock, you do get something back. You get the joy of helping students achieve something bigger. I hope my support inspires students to push beyond their limits and maybe even pay it forward one day. That’s what philanthropy should be—helping someone move forward, with heart and purpose.”
Photo Cutlines:
Leslye Shellam, right, is shown with Caleb LeFevre, left, an earlier recipient of the Linda Blake Flake Endowed Art Scholarship at UA Little Rock.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Ben Krain
