University of Arkansas alumni Meredith and Aaron Dunn gave $100,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. Their contribution will address the critical funding gap limiting students’ access to education.

The U of A launched a three-year campaign in November 2024 to establish the Land of Opportunity Scholarship. The scholarship will expand educational access for students from all 75 Arkansas counties, strengthen partnerships between the university and businesses throughout the state and advance the university’s land-grant mission to serve the entire state through education and economic development. 

“Meredith and Aaron Dunn’s generosity will not only benefit individual students, it will help build brighter futures for families and communities across Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful for their support and their belief in the power of education to transform lives.”

“It’s important to build up future generations through education,” Aaron Dunn said. “Students with high financial needs graduate at a lower rate than other students. This scholarship initiative will address more than just the financial needs of its recipients.

“It will help equip students to succeed both in college and after graduation. As a result, it won’t just uplift the students — it will elevate the whole state.”

Aaron grew up in Jonesboro and has fond memories of working on the family farm in Sharp County where he learned the value of hard work. He also learned important lessons in perseverance from his mother, who raised him while working as a nurse.

Most of Aaron’s family had never been to college. For him, the choice to attend the U of A became clear when he earned an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. The scholarship provided financial assistance to students who met specific academic criteria, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Even with a full scholarship, Aaron had to work various jobs during college to fill the financial gaps. For years, he worked at Tiny Tim’s Pizza on the square and built fences and performed other odd jobs during the summers.

Meredith is also from Jonesboro and is the daughter of two U of A alumni: Jane Braswell Gilbert, a 1973 graduate, and William Gilbert, a 1974 graduate. She is a self-described “Razorback for life” and spent much of her childhood traveling to Fayetteville to attend games.

Though Meredith mostly considered smaller out-of-state schools, a phone call from a dear friend tugged at her heartstrings and led her to Fayetteville. “Kara called from Dallas and asked if I would be her roommate in Fayetteville,” Meredith said. “She helped change my course and I’m so grateful. Everything fell into place beautifully. When I arrived at the U of A, it just felt like home.”

“Meredith and Aaron Dunn embody the spirit of perseverance and generosity that defines the University of Arkansas community,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Their gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment honors their own journeys and opens doors for students across the state who share their determination to succeed. Their support helps ensure that a student’s financial circumstances don’t limit their potential to thrive at the U of A and ultimately contribute to the future of Arkansas and beyond. We are grateful for their magnificent support in helping lead the way for generations of Arkansans.”

Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Meredith earned double degrees in Spanish and communications from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Aaron and Meredith are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

During his time at the U of A, Aaron had the good fortune to study under renowned Professor Emeritus of Finance Robert E. Kennedy. Drawing on Kennedy’s passion for investing, Aaron began his career in the investment management industry in 1999. He currently serves as a managing director of Morgan Stanley where he is co-head of Value Equity business.

Today, the Dunns live in Needham, Massachusetts with their four daughters and three dogs. Though work has taken them across the country, their hearts and much of their family remain in Arkansas.

Meredith’s father still works as a frequent substitute teacher in her hometown of Jonesboro. He often shares his insights about the needs of kids today. The Dunns recognize that students with high financial needs are just as capable as students that don’t face financial challenges, but their roads to graduation can be difficult.

“Intelligence and drive don’t always align with opportunity. The state and the university gave so much to me, and we think it’s important to help improve outcomes for more students,” Aaron said. “But it’s not a free pass. Students still have to work hard. They must take advantage of everything the U of A has to offer – to build a career for themselves and improve their circumstances. Perseverance is the key.”

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 June 30, 2025, the campaign has raised 66% of its goal in 22% of the time through more than $132,739,585 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.