Celebrating the Legacy of H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt: A Pillar of Philanthropy and Leadership

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NORMAN, OKLA. – H.E. "Gene" Rainbolt, an alumnus whose life was a testament to the transformative power of education and philanthropy, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Norman during the Great Depression, Rainbolt's ascent from local roots to national prominence was fueled by his unwavering spirit of resilience and generosity.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Rainbolt honed his expertise at the University of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Banking, setting the stage for his remarkable career. Starting at Noble’s First State Bank, he later founded BancFirst Corp., steering it to become Oklahoma’s largest state-chartered bank.

Rainbolt’s influence stretched well beyond the financial realm. He passionately championed social causes, notably in education and healthcare. His philanthropic endeavors, profoundly shaped by his and his late wife Jeannine's personal experiences, indelibly marked OU’s campuses, particularly the Price College of Business, the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education and the College of Medicine.

At the Price College of Business, Rainbolt's legacy includes the Rainbolt Chair in Finance endowment, which has greatly enhanced the college’s stature by attracting faculty noted for their research and teaching excellence. Additionally, he and his family named the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business, which offers OU MBA students unmatched opportunities for mentorship and experiential learning, supported by Oklahoma City’s business leaders.

In tribute to his late wife, a dedicated educator, Rainbolt's philanthropy included substantial funding for the renovation of Collings Hall and the creation of the Jeannine Rainbolt Scholarship. This generosity prompted the OU Board of Regents to name the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education in recognition of both his and his wife's substantial contributions to the university and their lasting commitment to support OU students pursuing careers in education.

Rainbolt's dedication to enhancing the scope and quality of medical research and patient care in Oklahoma was underscored by his significant contributions to the Stephenson Cancer Center and the establishment of two endowed faculty positions: the Rainbolt Family Chair in Cancer and the Rainbolt Family Chair in Child Psychiatry. This support for outstanding researchers and caregivers has propelled advancements in cancer treatment and psychiatric care.

Rainbolt’s commitment also extended to OU Athletics, where he endowed the Jeannine T. Rainbolt Women’s Basketball Scholarship. This support reflects his broader dedication to enriching student experiences across diverse fields.

Beyond his financial contributions, Rainbolt's leadership was evident through his active involvement on multiple OU boards, including the Stephenson Cancer Center’s Leadership Council and the OU Foundation Board of Trustees. He was pivotal in the university-wide fundraising campaign that raised $10 million for the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education.

Among the accolades recognizing his vast impact, Rainbolt was a 1999 inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, held a 1999 honorary doctorate from OU and received the university’s Distinguished Service Award, all highlighting his profound influence on the state and beyond.

Rainbolt is remembered as a leader whose resources and influence championed educational excellence and healthcare advancement. His life is a reminder that collective efforts can create lasting change, inspiring future generations to continue building on the foundation he helped lay at the University of Oklahoma.