University of Arkansas alumna Mary Curtis has contributed $100,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. The planned gift will create the Dr. Mary Curtis Land of Opportunity Scholarship and significantly impact students’ access to education by addressing the critical funding gap that often limits those opportunities.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Curtis for her commitment to making a University of Arkansas education accessible to more students,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Her generosity will create transformative opportunities for young Arkansans, paving the way for brighter futures for their families and strengthening communities across the state.” 

“People need to know that they can make a difference,” said Curtis. “Endowed scholarships are a great way to do that. Even if you feel like your contribution is small, the collective impact of endowments can be quite significant.”

The Dr. Mary Curtis Land of Opportunity Scholarship will support full-time undergraduate students and residents of the state of Arkansas pursuing a degree in accounting in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

“Dr. Curtis’ gift will provide crucial financial assistance to Arkansans who desire to study accounting at the Walton College but may not have the financial means to do so,” said Brent Williams, dean of Walton College. “The Land of Opportunity Scholarship aligns with our mission of preparing students for lifelong success and to be meaningful contributors to business and their communities. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Curtis's commitment to our students and her continued involvement in developing the next generation of business leaders."

Curtis is originally from Blytheville, Arkansas, and grew up in Mississippi. Both of her parents were University of Arkansas alumni. Curtis said that she always felt like the U of A was where she would attend college.

"This generous gift from Dr. Curtis will help Arkansas students realize their dream of earning a college degree, while preparing them for a successful transition into the workforce or post graduate studies,” said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Scott Varady. “We thank Dr. Curtis for being a leader of Arkansas by investing in the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign and for building a brighter future for Arkansas students and the state of Arkansas."

Curtis completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the U of A, then attended the University of Kentucky for her doctorate. While in Lexington, she met her husband, Dr. Mark Davis. Curtis and Davis eventually made their way to the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where they both worked until their recent retirements.

Curtis was a professor at the University of North Texas for 23 years. During her tenure, Curtis made many contributions to the field of accounting, publishing more than 50 articles during her career. She has mentored many doctoral students and faculty members throughout her career, helping shape their educations and career paths. Curtis’s support of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign will establish a similar legacy at the University of Arkansas.

“Accounting is a wonderful place to get a start in life,” said Curtis. “You will always benefit from the things you learn while pursuing a degree in accounting. I am excited to have a chance to help more students discover that opportunity.”

Curtis owns a therapy dog and belongs to a local owners’ group who visit nursing homes, juvenile detention centers, and participates in a Reading with Rover program, along with other canine therapy activities. She serves as board treasurer for the United Way of Denton County. In her free time, Curtis enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and kayaking.

Curtis holds a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in business administration from the U of A and a doctorate in accounting from the University of Kentucky. She is a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, create a two-way street between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas.

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About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.