Frances Barton Nutt, known as Fran, graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1950 with a degree in home economics. As a student, Nutt was a member of the University of Arkansas Band and President of Carnall Hall, a women’s dormitory, during her senior year. Fran married Hugh Nutt on December 21, 1951. Fran and Hugh Nutt are active members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and have received recognition for their service to the University. Fran was honored by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the Spirit of Giving event in 2006 and received awards such as the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award in 2007. Fran is also an active Carnall Hall alumna; she has organized reunions, the Carnall Hall Centennial Celebration in 2006, and created the Ella Carnall Endowed Scholarship. Fran has also conducted research and compiled extensive lists of former Carnall Hall residents.

Carnall Hall was the first women’s dormitory on the University of Arkansas campus. Built in 1905-1906, the residence was named for Ella Howison Carnall, who was a teacher in the Preparatory Department from 1881-1884 and an associate professor of English and modern languages from 1891-1894. It served as a women’s dormitory until 1967. Carnall Hall was also used as a fraternity house (1969-1977) and for academic purposes until the 1990s, when it was designated for demolition. Conservationists and members of the University and Fayetteville communities rallied to save Carnall Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. In 1991, Carnall Hall became home to the Inn at Carnall Hall and Ella's Restaurant.