National Philanthropy Day Honorees Have Long-Held Ties to U of A

This year, Naccaman Williams, director of special projects at the Walton Family Foundation, will receive the Special Judges Award. Another University of Arkansas nominee, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, will be recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization. 

“The incredible impact of philanthropy is at work each day at the University of Arkansas, and we are proud to see members of the campus community recognized for their unwavering commitment and hard work,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “These nominees are outstanding advocates and partners who help make the Hill and Northwest Arkansas truly special.” 

National Philanthropy Day was established to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible philanthropic impact that individuals and organizations have made throughout the community. 

NACCAMAN WILLIAMS 

Alumnus Naccaman Williams’ early career was in higher education, including serving as assistant dean and director of minority education services in the College of Education and Health Professions. In 1996, he joined the Walton Family Foundation, where he has been an active and constant resource for fundraising professionals, boards and volunteers in Northwest Arkansas for nearly 30 years.

Williams has maintained his deep connection to education at the foundation, managing the Walton International Scholars Program and helping start the foundation’s K-12 Education Program. 

In addition to his work with the Walton Family Foundation, Williams serves on the board or as an officer of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Arkansas Food Systems, Camp War Eagle and the Arvest Foundation. He served on the Arkansas State Board of Education for seven years, including two years as chairman. Williams served for four years on the Southern Regional Education Board and five years on the Arkansas Charter School Authorizing Panel. 

Williams has received many awards throughout the years, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty Staff Award and the Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been inducted into the Arkansas Charter School Hall of Fame. Williams is a life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. He received his B.S.E. and M.S.E. from Ouachita University and received his Ed.S. and Ed.D. from the College of Education and Health Professions at the U of A.  

SINGLE PARENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS 

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas has contributed to the success of individuals and the Northwest Arkansas community for four decades. Since 1984, the fund has contributed more than $17 million in scholarships, creating life-changing opportunities that help break the cycle of poverty and transform individuals, their families and the community. Over 21,000 recipients have benefited from the fund. 

The organization is committed to comprehensively addressing the many challenges faced by single parents seeking a college degree. It provides career services, free mental health counseling for parents and children and practical assistance like back-to-school supplies and backpacks. Additionally, the organization partners with a network of professionals to provide access to medical and dental care, training in personal finance, professional attire for career advancement, even birthday supplies for children. It has a longstanding partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, providing essential items that help reduce food insecurity for struggling families. 

The Scholarship Fund’s community impact is significant. A recent study conducted by the Survey Research Center at the U of A shows that the program’s graduates average a 35% increase in income after graduation and that 80% of graduates secure employment that provides sufficient income to support their families.
Alumnus Steven Hinds currently serves as the senior director of major gifts. Hinds is a graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the College of Education and Health Professions. He served for six years on the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and is the current president of the Associated Student Government Alumni Society.  

The university would like to congratulate all the organizations and individuals receiving awards this year, many with close ties to the U of A: