U of A alumni Jim Nokes and his wife, Glennis, established the Jim and Glennis Nokes Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment with a $100,000 gift. The contribution underscores the couple’s commitment to expanding opportunities through education.

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. In addition to financial aid, scholarship recipients can participate in mentoring, academic counseling and career development programs.

Glennis Nokes earned her degree in education from the University of Arkansas and believes in the impact higher education can have on individuals and communities, a perspective she and her husband Jim share. Having both grown up in rural areas with limited resources, the couple understands that many students face similar challenges.

“We relate to them,” said Jim Nokes, a retired executive vice president of ConocoPhillips. “We remember what it was like, and we want to make it a little easier for those coming next. There are a lot of capable young people out there who simply need a break. We've been fortunate and believe in giving back, especially to students who are where we once were.”

“Jim and Glennis Nokes have been part of the Razorback family for decades, and their enduring belief in this university and our students continues to shine through," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "With this gift, they are transforming their own success into opportunity for others — helping talented, driven students across Arkansas reach their full potential. We are grateful for their generosity and the difference it will make in the lives of so many Arkansans."

Jim Nokes earned his M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas five decades ago and was drawn to Fayetteville after receiving a graduate assistantship and encouragement from a former professor. He gained early teaching experience in the program and was exposed to technical economic principles that shaped his future career in the energy sector.

At energy leader ConocoPhillips, Nokes spent decades in senior executive roles overseeing global operations in refining, marketing, supply and trading, transportation, and business development. His career included significant international assignments in Europe and Asia, and upon his retirement, he served on several corporate boards.

Nokes credits his graduate education at the U of A with helping distinguish him early in his career. “The M.B.A. gave me a level of maturity and knowledge that opened doors, and the fit with Conoco was just right,” said Jim. “I was fortunate to have both the education and the opportunity.”

Jim and Glennis Nokes have supported a wide range of academic institutions and initiatives, including the Sam M. Walton College’s Fleischer Scholars Program — a free, on-campus summer program for first-generation high school juniors in Arkansas pursuing an interest in business.

The family’s strong commitment to education is evident in their support of their children's and extended family’s academic pursuits at a number of universities worldwide, including Northwestern University, the London Business School and the University of Texas.

While their philanthropy spans several institutions, the University of Arkansas holds special significance as the place where Jim launched his global career and where both he and Glennis first experienced the transformative power of education. They are also life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, which supports student scholarships at the U of A.

“We’ve got 15 degrees across the family,” said Jim. “We support nearly a dozen universities, but the U of A holds a special place because it helped launch everything.”

“The Nokes family’s gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship speaks to the enduring influence of a University of Arkansas education,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Jim and Glennis understand that education can transform lives because they've lived it themselves. Their generous support will help pave the way for talented students from every corner of Arkansas to have the chance to thrive here, just as they did. We are honored to have their support and deeply grateful for their commitment to uplifting Arkansas students and our state. We thank them for their leadership and commitment to the university.”

The Nokes’ approach to philanthropy has always been about impact and paying it forward when students need a hand up. "We're not a ‘one big gift’ kind of family,” said Jim. “We spread it around because a college education can open the world. It certainly did for us.”

The family hopes fellow U of A alumni and other business leaders will consider contributing to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship. “You don’t have to know the student personally to make a difference,” said Jim. “It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”

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 July 31, 2025, the campaign has raised 66% of its goal in 25% of the time through more than $132,839,585 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.