U of A alumnus Will Feland contributed $1 million to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. The gift establishes the Will Feland Land of Opportunity Scholarship and will impact students' access to education by addressing the critical funding gap 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 seeks to strengthen connections between the university and businesses across the state, fulfilling the institution's land-grant mission to serve Arkansas. 

“When I learned about the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, I immediately saw its value,” Feland said. “The dropout rate among Pell Grant students is unfortunately high, often due to financial hardship. By supplementing Pell Grants, this program can level the playing field, giving these students the same opportunities as those with greater resources. It’s both a game changer and a life changer, and I commend the University of Arkansas’ leadership for their vision in supporting these students.”

“Will Feland’s generosity will open doors for Arkansas students who are ready to work hard, dream big and make a difference,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “His support sends a clear and inspiring message: that our state is full of promising young people — and with the right opportunity, their potential is limitless. We are truly thankful to Will.”

Feland was raised in Cabot, and his family placed a strong emphasis on education. As the youngest of four siblings — all of whom attended the U of A — Feland embraced the family tradition and pursued higher education at a land-grant institution.

Feland’s father, Armstead Feland, was actively involved with the Southern Farmers Association, shaping Will’s academic interests. In recognition of his contributions to Arkansas agriculture, Armstead received an honorary Ph.D. from the U of A in 1978. Encouraged by his father to broaden his career prospects, Will pursued degrees in agriculture and accounting, exploring the emerging field of agricultural business at the university.

Reflecting on his U of A experience, Feland advises students to fully engage in campus life. “I understand the growth in online education, but in-person learning provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth and social interaction,” Feland said. “I hope programs like the Land of Opportunity Scholarship will enable students to reduce their work hours and fully experience what the university offers, both academically and socially.”       

Upon graduation, Feland worked briefly for a federal agricultural lending agency before pursuing a law degree. He then served on U.S. Sen. David Pryor’s legislative staff in Washington, D.C. and was inspired by the senator’s commitment to public service. Feland would later contribute to the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History Endowment at the U of A.  

After returning to Arkansas, Feland was elected as a prosecutor for four terms, and Gov. Mike Beebe later appointed him as a circuit judge. Despite a successful legal and political career, Feland chose to pursue a lifelong interest in theological study at age 40. Entrusting his private law practice to a partner, Feland moved to Kentucky to attend seminary. Although he eventually completed the three-year Master of Divinity program, he and his family returned to Arkansas after a year, drawn back by their deep ties to home and community.

In 1994, Feland co-founded Pinnacle Structures, a Cabot-based manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings for schools, churches and businesses. The company started with six employees in a double-wide trailer and has since grown to over 200 employees. Operating two shifts seven days a week, Pinnacle has expanded its Highway 321 facility three times, and the company’s metal buildings are sold nationwide.

As the company has flourished, Feland remains dedicated to public service, actively supporting the Cabot School District, Lonoke County charities and global initiatives like the United Nations World Food Program. A longtime advocate for public schools, Feland served on the Cabot school board for a decade, working to expand educational opportunities and promote accessible higher education. In 2014, the Cabot Scholarship Foundation established the Will Feland Scholarship, honoring his commitment to education.

“We are grateful to Will Feland for his extraordinary commitment to student success and our great state,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “From his public service to his private business, Will continues to be a visionary leader of Arkansas and to uplift our state. His generous gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign will transform lives by expanding access to higher education for students across Arkansas.”

Feland’s passion for educational access led him to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which he believes will have a lasting impact. When one student from a low-income background earns a degree, it can inspire others to pursue higher education. Whether graduates stay in Arkansas or move elsewhere, Feland sees their success benefiting society.

Feland maintains a firm belief in public education and strong schools, recognizing that higher education can broaden a student’s perspective. He notes that many people grow up with a limited worldview, but attending a university provides opportunities to engage with diverse peers and learn from professors who challenge conventional thinking.

“Exposure to new ideas is essential and helps build a stronger, more connected community,” Feland said. “That is the true value of a university education — not just earning a degree but developing a broader intellectual and cultural awareness.”

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 April 1, 2025, the campaign had 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.