Methodist University held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that unveiled the new name for the area of campus that includes the University’s Physician Assistant Academic Building and Medical Lecture Hall, now known as the Dr. Frank P. Stout Physician Assistant Complex.
The late Frank P. Stout made a lasting impact on the greater Fayetteville community, and now, his legacy and name will continue to live on two of Methodist University’s most well-regarded buildings.
Today, Methodist University held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that unveiled the new name for the area of campus that includes the University’s Physician Assistant Academic Building and Medical Lecture Hall, now known as the Dr. Frank P. Stout Physician Assistant Complex. The new name comes on the heels of a $1.5-million gift from the Stout family following his death in 2021.
During the ceremony, Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden showed his appreciation and gratitude for the Stout family as Dr. Stout’s wife, Carol; son, Cam; daughter-in-law, Kelly; and grandchildren, Craver and Cameron; all participated in the event.
“Dr. Stout was a good friend to Methodist University and obviously a good friend to this community for many, many years,” said Wearden. “I’d like to thank Cam and Carol Stout as it’s because of their generosity, and the Stout family’s generosity, that we’re able to do this in memory of Dr. Stout. This complex of Physician Assistant buildings will now be named after Dr. Stout in perpetuity.”
As a lifelong Fayetteville resident, Stout was best known for his generosity, care, and matchless work ethic. He practiced orthodontics in Fayetteville for nearly 30 years while helping expand the family’s real estate base alongside his father, Joe W. Stout.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming and being a part of this happy occasion,” Carol Stout said to the dozens gathered at the event.
Dr. Stout (pictured at right) was named Methodist University’s Businessman of the Year in 2007 and served on the MU Board of Trustees. He was also an active member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, and St. John’s Episcopal Church.
“My father always said: ‘To succeed at anything, you have to be passionate about it,’” said Cam Stout. “Those that knew him know he was passionate about his orthodontic practice, and the thousands of patients he saw. He was passionate about his development company – Stout Properties. He was passionate about his wife and his family, and it’s safe to say anyone would consider him very successful at all those things.
“But he was also passionate about Methodist University,” Cam Stout continued. “He believed in the mission of Methodist University, and so today we continue with his passion for the University by doing something my mother and I felt he would be very proud of. We felt like it was appropriate that his name be associated with a program like this that is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the residents of our community.”
The Dr. Frank P. Stout Physician Assistant Complex includes the Physician Assistant Academic Building (classrooms, simulation exam rooms, student lounge, and faculty/administrative offices) and the Medical Lecture Hall (lecture hall and four breakout rooms). The two buildings sit on the southernmost edge of MU’s campus along Ramsey Street, and only 500 yards away from the building named after his father – Joe W. Stout Hall. In 1996, Frank and Carol Stout made a gift to Methodist University that led to the construction of Joe W. Stout Hall.
The Stout family’s most recent gift will assuredly leave a major impact on the entire Methodist University campus, while showcasing the highly successful Physician Assistant Studies program which has prepared more than 500 graduates for clinical practice – more than half entering primary care medicine – since being established in 1996. The program boasts small class sizes, strong support from the medical community, and a Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) pass rate that ranks competitively with the nation’s best.
“This is a special day in the life of Methodist University, a day when we can honor someone who was foundational to this University and whose family was foundational to the University,” said Wearden. “Methodist University wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Stout family. Dr. Stout carried on that tradition and now his son, Cam, is carrying on that tradition, as well. We’re just deeply, deeply grateful for that.”
Pictured above: Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly named Dr. Frank P. Stout Physician Assistant Complex at Methodist University were (L/R): Tim Richardson (Vice Chair of the MU Board of Trustees), Dr. Stanley T. Wearden (MU President); Carol Stout (wife of the late Dr. Stout); Cam Stout (son of Dr. Stout); Cameron Stout (granddaughter of Dr. Stout); Craven Stout (grandson of Dr. Stout); Kelly Stout (daughter in-law of Dr. Stout).