FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Past Presidents of the Arkansas Alumni Association are doing their part to encourage student success at the University of Arkansas with a new Advance Arkansas scholarship. The scholarship, which carries an initial endowment of $50,000, will count toward Campaign Arkansas, the university’s $1.25 billion capital campaign to advance academic opportunity at the U of A.

The Past Presidents are individuals who served the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board as president and laid the foundation for the future of the association. They demonstrate vision and appreciate staying connected to the student body at the university. 

Kenny Gibbs (B.S.B.A. ’85), who served as president of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2006-08, rallied the group to take action and create the fund.

“We’ve heard from student recipients in the past and learned firsthand how scholarships make an impact on them,” Gibbs said. “There are 24 living past presidents, and we can all open doors for these recipients. We’d love for all of the past presidents to participate in funding this endowment and help it grow.”

Brian Rosenthal, president from 2004-06, was also instrumental in getting the fund started.

“Our beautiful ‘Alma Mater,’ written by students after the turn of the 20th century, uses poetic phrases like, ‘Beacon of hope,’ ‘Pride of our hearts,’ and ‘Loyal and true,’” he said. “Through this scholarship, which may be awarded to the first student in a family to attend college, the past presidents have joined together to support and welcome new students to our beloved university family.”

The Alumni Past Presidents’ Advance Arkansas Endowed Scholarship will support students who exhibit financial need, records of academic success, community leadership, strong work ethic and a strong desire to complete their degree at the university. Preference will be given to students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year baccalaureate degree.

“Our past presidents have always led by example with passion for our students and dedication to the University of Arkansas,” said Brandy Cox, executive director and associate vice chancellor for the Arkansas Alumni Association. “This scholarship is a testament to the lasting impressions and legacies they have made on the Arkansas Alumni Association. We are grateful for their leadership.”

Gibbs said his time on the Arkansas Alumni Association board was just one way he could give back to the university.

“Going to school in Fayetteville was a big part of my life,” he said. “It gives me chills to think about all of the connections these students will make in college. Even as an alumnus, the university continues to give me more – whether through relationships or opportunities.”

Funding for the scholarship began in 2019 during the university’s fourth annual day of giving, All In for Arkansas, when more than $10,000 was raised toward the endowment thanks to a challenge gift from Lawson Hembree (B.S.A. ’82), the association’s 75th president.

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the ongoing capital campaign for the University of Arkansas to raise private gift support for the university’s academic mission and other key priorities. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.25 billion to support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs. The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide spectrum of disciplines as it works to fulfill its public land-grant mission to serve Arkansas and beyond as a partner, resource and catalyst.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.