U of A alumna Debbie Shearer King and her husband, William, have committed $50,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment. The gift will support Arkansas students by addressing the critical funding gap that can limit access to higher education.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign, a three-year initiative launched in November 2024, seeks to expand educational access for students from all 75 Arkansas counties, foster partnerships between the university and businesses across the state and fulfill the university’s land-grant mission by advancing economic and community development through education.

For Debbie and William, the scholarship represents more than financial support. Drawing on her own experience as a student balancing work and academics, Debbie understands firsthand how this scholarship will help students succeed and make the most of campus life.

“There is more to this scholarship than money,” Debbie said. “The campus has so much to offer. Being here exposes students to different languages and cultures and helps them see the world in a new way. Removing financial burdens and providing ongoing support will enable students to improve their experiences both on and off campus.”

William added, “Debt has a way of weighing on the mind. It’s a heavy load, and if you are forced to think about it constantly, it can hold you back. This scholarship will help relieve that burden and allow students a chance to go out and do what they love to do.”

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship makes higher education attainable for students who demonstrate academic ability but face financial obstacles. Recipients may come from communities where access to resources is limited, making the scholarship a critical bridge to opportunity. By funding this endowment, donors help shape the state’s future by building stronger communities through the long-term benefits of higher education.

“As a land-grant institution, we are committed to making higher education accessible to students from every corner of Arkansas," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "The Kings’ support of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship helps us fulfill that mission, opening doors for students who might otherwise be unable to earn a college degree and experience the lifelong benefits of higher education. We are deeply grateful to Debbie and William for their enduring commitment to the University of Arkansas, our students and the communities we serve.”

Debbie’s own path reflects the impact philanthropy can have. She grew up in Mountain Home and earned a bachelor’s degree from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. She later served as executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation until 2012.

Debbie credits her time at the Walker Foundation and the mentorship of Willard and Pat Walker with shaping her as a philanthropic leader. Her connection to the U of A deepened through relationships with Chancellor emeritus G. David Gearhart, then vice chancellor for university advancement, as well as Clay and Sandy Edwards and Judy Schwab. Those ties inspired her service on the Towers of Old Main committee, Campaign for the 21st Century and Campaign Arkansas, where she developed a deeper understanding of the role of philanthropy at the university.

“Debbie and William King affirm how the Land of Opportunity Scholarship is essential to student success,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “With their support, they empower Arkansas students to thrive academically and, ultimately, in their careers by realizing their full potential. We are thankful for their partnership and generous support of this essential initiative.”

Debbie said she hopes today’s students will benefit from the same sense of community and support that shaped her own journey. “Arkansas students need to know that we have their backs,” she said. “This scholarship will enable students to reach their full potential and possibly move into a career without having major student debt. In time, we hope they will recognize the significance of that gift and be encouraged to give back themselves, either through their time or dollars or both. That’s what will move the state forward.”

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 Sept. 30, 2025, the campaign has raised 68% of its goal in 31% of the time through more than $135,489,585 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.