Inspired by a sense of belonging and a desire to honor family, longtime United Kingdom residents Fiona Symington and Luke Mitchell established the Luke Mitchell and Fiona Mitchell Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. The couple’s $400,000 gift reflects their belief in the power of higher education and a shared commitment to expanding access for Arkansas students.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship supports undergraduate students from Arkansas with strong academic potential and high financial need. As a key component of the university’s 150 Forward Strategic Plan and its land-grant mission to uplift communities across all 75 counties, the scholarship provides financial assistance and support services, including academic coaching, career readiness programs and access to internships.

“My father left school at 14 yet was determined that my brother and I would have the opportunities he never did,” said Fiona. “He believed deeply that education is more than just a pathway to employment but also a key to freedom, personal growth, and a fulfilling life. For me, this scholarship is not just financial assistance — it is a continuation of my father’s legacy. It is a chance to honor his vision by helping others access the transformative power of education, just as it was once made possible for me."

"Even from across the globe, Luke and Fiona Mitchell are making a meaningful difference for Arkansas students," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "We are grateful for their extraordinary gift, which will honor the legacy of Fiona’s father by helping generations of students reach their full potential and build brighter futures for their families and communities."

After building a successful career, Luke Mitchell returned to college later in life to pursue a long-held personal goal. He is currently earning his degree from the University of Arkansas Global Campus as a distance learner.

“I always had a huge chip on my shoulder about not pursuing my degree when I was younger,” said Luke. "I'd worked hard right out of high school to ensure I had a good career but wanted to get my degree to satisfy my own life goals. I also wanted to be part of the community that comes with a U.S. college degree.”

Luke’s journey to the U of A began with a lifelong appreciation for college athletics and a commitment to personal growth. His passion for American football, first inspired by a family friend, shaped his vision for a university that combined academic excellence with community spirit.

While searching for a distance learning program, Luke discovered most universities treated online students as separate from the larger campus community. He was drawn to the University of Arkansas for its inclusive approach, where distance learners share in traditions like Senior Walk and alumni engagement.

“When I opened the university’s website there was a phrase, ‘No matter where you study, you’re a Razorback,’” he said. “That really resonated. From in-state tuition to having your name on Senior Walk, it all felt incredibly welcoming.”

“Luke and Fiona’s story is a remarkable example of how education can connect people across continents and generations,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are deeply grateful for their generosity and for the way they’ve chosen to honor that connection. Luke’s experience as a distance learner, embracing traditions like Senior Walk and finding community from afar, captures what it truly means to be a Razorback, no matter where you call home.”

The Mitchells reside in the countryside just south of London, where Luke leads the go-to-market strategy for Oracle NetSuite and mentors pre-sales consultants across the U.K., Europe and the Middle East. Fiona is a global client relationship manager and freelance journalist originally from Australia. She attributes her professional success to the educational opportunities she received early in life.

“I was fortunate to grow up in an Australia where higher education, both graduate and post-graduate, was not just accessible but free,” said Fiona. “That foundation opened extraordinary doors for me, including a life-changing year as an academic exchange student at the University of California, Berkeley. This scholarship is about ensuring future generations have the same chance to grow, thrive and succeed.”

Their shared belief in the power of education led the Mitchells to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship with a planned gift through their will. “Both Fiona and I come from working-class backgrounds,” said Luke. "We've been able to build upon the start in life we had and want to help others do the same. With the wonderful experience I've had through the University of Arkansas, it was an easy choice to create our legacy there.”

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 Oct. 31, 2025, the campaign has raised 68% of its goal in 33% of the time through more than $136,167,585 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.