As a former first-generation college student, Brian E. Raines, dean of University of Arkansas' Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, knows first-hand how education and financial support can transform a student's life.

Now, he and his wife, Bevin Barker Raines, are helping future generations of students gain access to higher education through a $25,000 gift to the U of A's Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign.

The campaign is a three-year initiative to bridge the financial gap for students and connect them to valuable mentoring, academic counseling and career development programs. The campaign's aim is to increase opportunity for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, encourage collaboration between the university and state businesses, and fulfill the institution's land-grant mission to serve Arkansas.

"Dean Raines's story is a powerful example of what can happen when talented Arkansas students are given the support they need to succeed," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Brian and Bevin's gift reflects their deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and advance our state. We're very grateful for their dedication to our students, Fulbright College and the University of Arkansas." 

When Raines heard about the campaign, he knew he wanted to contribute.

"I came from a quite modest background with a loving family but a deep belief that college wasn't an option for me," Raines said. "I'm so thankful for the support that was given to me. Every day I think about the ways I was helped and mentored, so it's meaningful to be able to support students like me from across Arkansas."

"Bevin and I always try to give back," he added. "We are so grateful and lucky to be in a position where we can be part of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship program."

Raines first came to Arkansas from Houston as a young teenager, settling in Fort Smith, where he met and fell in love with native Arkansan Bevin Barker when they were both 16. She and her family had roots in Arkansas and a love of education.

When they first met, Raines was working a handful of low-paying jobs, having left school a few years before. Over time, he became close to her family — especially her father, who encouraged him to go to college and open the door to new opportunities.

"No one in my family had been to college, and I had repeatedly been told that it was not an option for me," Raines said.

Through encouragement, persistence and determination — along with scholarships, financial aid and a brief stint in community college — Raines eventually enrolled at Hendrix College, majoring in English and discovering a love for mathematics as well.

Bevin and Brian got married and now have three children of their own. And that foray into higher education ultimately led Raines to earn a doctorate in mathematics at the University of Oxford, become a professor and now, a dean. It was a career path and life he'd once not even dared to dream of.

It's that spark of possibility that the Raines hope to encourage in more students through their gift.

"As someone who tremendously benefited from mentorship and education, I'm really grateful to the chancellor for creating the Land of Opportunity program to help more students succeed," Raines said. "It's one of the things that made me excited to become the dean of Fulbright. We are really happy and deeply honored to be a part of it."

"Brian's path captures what we hope every student will experience, that moment when someone believes in you and opens a door you never thought possible," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "With this gift, he and Bevin honor that experience and pay it forward for generations of Arkansas students. It's especially inspiring to see a university leader and colleague lead by example in the mission we all share."

Raines became dean of the U of A's Fulbright College in June 2024 after more than 20 years at Baylor University, where he most recently served as professor of mathematics, Faculty Regent and associate dean for research, operations and strategic planning in the College of Arts and Sciences.

While he greatly enjoyed his time at Baylor, the chance to become dean of the largest college of arts and sciences in his adopted home state was one too good to pass up. For Raines, Bevin and their sons, moving back to Arkansas felt like a homecoming.

"We love Arkansas and this region very much — it really drew us back. And part of our vision in coming back is trying to have a positive impact on this place that means so much to us," Raines said.

He works diligently to do that professionally in Fulbright College and now personally as well through this gift, which he hopes will inspire others to give in support of students.

"I think it's important for as many people as possible to give and now is a great time to do it, to get in there and really support these students. And anyone can give any amount — gifts of all sizes make an impact," he said.

"When people think about leaving a legacy and making an impact, I feel like giving to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship is just such a great way to do it because the project is so big, but so is the support that we're giving these students. It will be truly life-changing."

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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 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 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.