A $50,000 gift from University of Arkansas alumnus Chris Oliver and his wife, Ginger, has established the Chris and Ginger Oliver Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. Their contribution will impact students' access to education by addressing critical funding gaps, often limiting those opportunities.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. The campaign also seeks to strengthen connections between the university and businesses across the state, fulfilling the institution's land-grant mission to serve Arkansas.

“This scholarship is my story,” Ginger Oliver said. “So many students in rural Arkansas have the ability to succeed but are hindered financially. Now that we've found some success, it's our turn to help other Arkansans and pay it forward.” 

"Chris and Ginger Oliver understand that when opportunity meets ambition, incredible things happen,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Their generosity will help ensure that talented students — no matter their financial background — can pursue their education and achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to the U of A and their commitment to shaping the future of Arkansas."

Upon graduating high school, Ginger had several options before committing to the U of A. Recruited as the feature twirler for the Razorback Marching Band, she also received a compelling offer from Ole Miss that included a full tuition waiver.

However, growing up in Arkansas and attending football games, Ginger always envisioned herself as a Razorback. Watching past feature twirlers perform on game days only reinforced her dream.

“I used to go to those games and see the ones before me,” she recalled. “It’s just hard to turn down when you grow up being such a fan. I thought, ‘I’m going to be a Hog if this works out.’”

A key factor in her decision to attend the U of A was the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, established under Governor Bill Clinton to make higher education more accessible. The scholarship provided financial assistance to students meeting specific academic criteria, particularly those from lower-income areas.

“If you had a certain GPA and ACT score, you automatically received funding to attend any state institution,” she explained. “For many of us, this scholarship was a game-changer. With that funding, my education at Arkansas was practically covered, and that made all the difference.”

With most of her expenses covered by the scholarship, Ginger’s choice was clear. “It was a no-brainer,” she stated. “Growing up in Arkansas and attending Razorback games, I always saw myself as part of this university.”

Like Ginger, Chris Oliver had several options when deciding where to attend college. He grew up in Fayetteville, and his father, Dick Oliver, was a professor of weed science research at the university.

As a standout offensive lineman at Fayetteville High School, Chris was recruited by and received a scholarship offer from coach Tom Osborne and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. However, the bitterly cold weather in Lincoln and a lifelong passion for the Razorbacks made Chris’ decision easy. “I hung on the goal post as a 10-year-old when we beat No. 1 Texas,” he recalled. “It was hard for me to go anywhere else.” 

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, Chris landed a job in the defense industry but eventually returned to school for an M.B.A. degree.

Today, he serves as managing director at DC Advisory, a leading international investment bank, where he leads the Aerospace, Defense and Government M&A practice from the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.

“Chris and Ginger Oliver personally understand the challenges that accomplished Arkansas students may face when planning for college,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are deeply grateful to them for recognizing their own journey in other students navigating a path to lifelong success and deciding to pay it forward. With their generosity and support of Arkansas students, we will be able to make a positive generational impact for Arkansans and the entire state. We appreciate their heart for Arkansas, for students and the U of A.”

The Olivers are members of the Chancellor’s Society and remain active alumni, emphasizing the importance of networking, mentorship and alumni relationships for current students.

“It’s not just what you know — it’s who you know,” Chris advises. “Arkansas has a strong alumni network, and students should take advantage of that. Don’t just assume opportunities will fall into your lap — go out and hustle for them.” 

True to his word, Chris has sought opportunities to recruit talented U of A graduates to his firm and investment banking in general. “I've been active with recruiting at my various firms over the last 25 years, and I tell our HR people all the time to look beyond traditional school pipelines,” Chris stated. “Wall Street firms generally only look at specific schools, but I always push back on that. I don't want #350th ranked graduate from an Ivy League school who comes in with a sense of entitlement. I want someone who will run through a wall for me because they're hungry, and they want that opportunity.”

Ginger agrees and implores U of A students to be proactive in seeking internships and connecting with supportive alumni. “There are so many people willing to offer guidance and open doors,” Ginger stated. “In Northwest Arkansas, alumni from firms like Walmart, Tyson, J.B. Hunt and others can provide valuable opportunities. Get to know them, understand what they do, take initiative and build those relationships. Our alums are so willing to help.” 

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, create two-way engagement between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. As of Mar. 1, 2025, the campaign has raised 64% of its goal in 11% of the time through more than $127,264,639 in pledges and commitments.

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.