Like a Good Neighbor, Al Clark Is There for UT Arlington

Al Clark always wanted to start his own business, and he found State Farm a good fit. Al moved from Minnesota and opened his new insurance business in Arlington on Sept. 1, 1979. When Al started, he had one part-time employee; now Al's team includes 17 employees.

Al's wife, Shalyn, is also a successful State Farm agent. Al and Shalyn have been married 34 years and have committed their time, talent and funds to community and educational opportunities at Webb Elementary, Baylor University, Bemidji State University, Tarrant County College, University of Minnesota and, most recently, UT Arlington.

Al and Shalyn have included UT Arlington in their estate plans and have established the Shalyn and Al Clark Academic Achievement Scholarship. This endowed scholarship provides need-based support to students who excel during their freshman year but need financial assistance to return to the university.

Al believes education is the key to future success. He is the youngest of five children who all grew up knowing they were going to college because their parents, who had no access to education beyond the eighth grade, made education a priority. Al has earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. and taught business earlier in his career.

Why have Al and Shalyn made such a generous commitment to UT Arlington, even though neither is an alumnus? "UT Arlington is a catalyst to making Arlington the best community it can be, and we want to support that," Al says. "Education at all levels is the way lives get better and that makes the community and our country better. Supporting UT Arlington is being a good neighbor."

You can also create a legacy at UTA and help shape future generations of leaders. To explore legacy giving options, please contact the Office of Gift and Estate Planning.