U of A alumnus Rip Gresham and his wife, Carol, established the Rip and Carol Gresham Study Abroad and International Exchange Endowed Award with a $100,000 gift.

The Gresham's gift will enable Land of Opportunity Scholarship recipients to study abroad without financial barriers. The endowment will cover program fees above the cost of tuition, providing access to resources for students with significant financial needs.

“Rip and Carol Gresham are helping Arkansas students dream bigger and go farther,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “For many, this support will mean a first passport, a first flight and a first step into the wider world. That kind of opportunity can change a life, and we’re deeply grateful to the Greshams for making it possible.”

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, encourage collaboration between the university and businesses throughout the state and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to serve Arkansas.

The Greshams love to travel. During a recent trip to Italy, they visited the U of A Rome Center and were inspired by their experience. “We were impressed with the students,” Rip Gresham recalled. “They were interesting and engaged. But many of the students we met didn’t necessarily have to deal with financial challenges. That gave us the idea to create this scholarship, to help the students that might not have the resources to study abroad.”

“We are deeply grateful to Rip and Carol Gresham for their investment in education, specifically for students with significant financial needs,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Opening the door to international study for Land of Opportunity Scholarship recipients creates meaningful opportunities to explore different cultures, preparing graduates to better navigate an increasingly interconnected world. This gift demonstrates the power of philanthropy to equip our students and strengthen our university’s mission.”

The Kristen Collier Wright Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange facilitates opportunities for U of A students to gain new knowledge, personal growth and a global perspective through study, research and practical experience outside of the United States and contribute to the campus-wide effort to prepare students to live and succeed in a global society. More than 1,400 students participate in global learning experiences each year, visiting more than 50 countries.

Experiencing other cultures has been formative for the Greshams. “Traveling can change your worldview,” Rip said. “The world is a much bigger place than just what’s around here. There is so much to experience. Our history is short. Here we think a 200-year-old building is something. In other places, that’s like new.”

Rip suggested that students should go into the experience with their eyes open, learn about their destination beforehand and embrace the culture. He added that being prepared would allow them to focus on the opportunities in front of them.

"We are very thankful for the Greshams' generous support of our students and study abroad efforts at the University of Arkansas,” said Ed Pohl, professor and dean of Graduate School and International Education. “These funds will support our Land of Opportunity Scholarship recipients, and studying abroad is a high-impact activity that broadens perspectives, deepens understanding of the world and provides impactful cultural experiences that stay with our students long after their study abroad program is over.”

Rip began his career as a CPA and business owner before transitioning to construction in 1990. He specializes in custom homes, commercial buildings, churches and high-end remodeling projects. Rip has developed large tract subdivisions for the past 20 years and was one of the first builders to introduce “barndominiums” into Northwest Arkansas.

Carol Gresham is a realtor and business broker. She serves as a senior business intermediary with Confidential Business Intermediaries where she assists buyers and sellers in business acquisition. As a longtime business owner, Carol has founded and sold two highly successful companies and uses that expertise to guide others through the process.

The Greshams are lifelong Arkansans. Rip grew up in Hope and Little Rock, and Carol, in Mountain Home. Together they have lived and worked in Little Rock and Mountain Home but have called Northwest Arkansas home for almost 40 years.

“I've always loved Arkansas,” Rip said. “I love the people. I love the culture. I want Arkansas to get better and better, and I think the key to that is education. The more people we educate, the better we are going to be in the future.”

Rip suggested that a student from the Ozarks or the Delta might find the cure for cancer. “They just need a chance,” Rip added. “Arkansas has been good to me. God's been good to me. The people in my life have been infinitely helpful, and I'd like to be able to do the same thing for someone else.”

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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.