The U of A received a $5 million gift from The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment. With this contribution, the foundation joins the Leaders of Arkansas Founders’ Circle, an esteemed group of benefactors who have each committed at least $1 million to the scholarship campaign.

Established to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, the Land of Opportunity Scholarship strengthens partnerships between the university and businesses across the state while advancing the institution’s land-grant mission to serve Arkansas.

“The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has long been a cornerstone of progress at the University of Arkansas," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Time and again, their generosity has opened doors for students, elevated the quality of our campus and advanced our land-grant mission to serve all of Arkansas. Their latest gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship continues that extraordinary legacy — helping us build a brighter future for students, families and communities across the state.”

The Walker Foundation’s investment in the U of A extends beyond scholarship support, and its influence is evident across campus. Iconic facilities such as the Pat Walker Health Center and Willard J. Walker Hall exist thanks to the foundation’s generosity. Additionally, Razorback fans will recognize Baum-Walker Stadium; Walker Family Training Center, which includes the Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion and the Razorbacks’ 18,000-square-foot weight room facility; the Willard & Pat Walker Entry to Bud Walton Arena; and the Willard and Pat Walker Entry to Razorback Stadium as enduring symbols of the foundation’s commitment.

“Our investment in education is demonstrated by our ongoing support for the U of A and its students, faculty and staff,” said Mandy Macke, executive director of The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. “The Land of Opportunity Scholarship will create life-changing opportunities for countless students across Arkansas and embodies our commitment to improving educational access for those with significant financial needs.”

The Walker Foundation has a long history of supporting scholarships at the U of A, establishing the Pat Walker Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Pat Walker Honors College Fellowship, the Pat Walker Lady Razorback Endowed Scholarship in Gymnastics and the Merlin and Beverly Augustine Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“Willard and Pat Walker were true leaders of Arkansas whose legacy to improve the lives of all Arkansans continues through their son, Johnny Mike Walker, and The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “The impact of the Walker Foundation on the University of Arkansas is extraordinary, and this gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship once again demonstrates true leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of Arkansans from all 75 counties. Our gratitude to the Walker Foundation is unending, and we are excited to continue working alongside the Walker Foundation, Johnny Mike and Mandy Macke to make a life-changing impact on Arkansas students throughout our great state.”

Founded in 1986, The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has partnered with hundreds of organizations. The U of A has benefitted tremendously from their generosity. This latest gift continues the foundation’s tradition of fostering educational excellence and expanding opportunities for students across the state.

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 Apr. 1, 2025, the campaign has raised 64% of its goal in 14% 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.