A combined $1 million gift has established the Simmons Family Foundation and The People of Simmons Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. Both the Simmons Family Foundation and The People of Simmons provide support through education, art programs and community development in regions where the company’s team members live, work and serve.   

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. The campaign seeks to provide direct support for students, strengthen partnerships between the university and businesses across Arkansas and fulfill the university’s land-grant mission to serve the state through education and economic development.     

“Education has always been close to the heart of our family,” said Sarah Simmons, co-vice chair of the board. “My grandfather and founder of Simmons Foods, M.H. “Bill” Simmons, served on the school board in Siloam Springs, and both my grandmother and my mother were schoolteachers. Their belief in the power of education continues to guide our giving today, and this scholarship is one way we’re honoring that legacy.”  

"We are deeply grateful to the Simmons Family Foundation and the People of Simmons for their extraordinary support of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "This gift will provide talented, ambitious students across Arkansas with the support they need to earn their degrees, realize their dreams and help build a brighter future for our state."  

Their contribution to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship reflects the Simmons Family Foundation’s and Simmons Foods’ longstanding commitment to education, a core pillar of Simmons Giving. With this investment, the foundation continues its mission to uplift communities and expand access to opportunities by supporting Arkansas students who face financial barriers to higher education. The contribution also underscores a belief that investing in education strengthens families, builds a more skilled workforce and helps secure a stronger future for Arkansas.  

The gift builds on the legacy of the M.H. “Bill” Simmons Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to the children of Simmons Team Members and Growers who are pursuing vocational, technical and university degrees. With this commitment, the foundation seeks to create a lasting, regional impact across the communities where its people live and work.  

“We believe in this scholarship’s potential to make a meaningful difference for so many ambitious, talented Arkansans who need extra support,” said Chairman Mark Simmons. “Our business was built on the value of putting people first, and that extends to how we support our community and future leaders. When students are given the best chance to succeed, they not only transform their own futures but also our communities and businesses.”  

With this contribution, the Simmons Family Foundation and the People of Simmons join the Leaders of Arkansas Founders’ Circle, an esteemed group of benefactors who have each committed at least $1 million to the scholarship campaign.   

“Education and opportunity are at the very heart of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, values the Simmons family has long championed and personified through their commitment to the university and the community,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Mark Simmons, Todd and Melissa Simmons, and Sarah Simmons continue a legacy of putting people first, in their company, their communities and now, through this new generous gift. We’re honored to work alongside them in this shared mission to help more Arkansans have access and resources to realize their potential and, in turn, strengthen our state’s future.”

As the largest employer in western Benton County, Simmons Foods remains committed to Arkansas’s prosperity and future workforce. The company’s investment in the Land of Opportunity Scholarship reflects its long-standing support of education initiatives such as the Career Academy of Siloam Springs and Flint Hills Technical College.  

By helping students with significant financial need access higher education, Simmons Foods helps prepare the next generation of skilled leaders who will drive innovation and strengthen communities, while inspiring other businesses in Arkansas to invest in education.   

Based in Siloam Springs, Simmons Foods, Inc. and its affiliates are suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products. Founded in 1949, the third-generation, family-owned company employs nearly 10,000 team members.  

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.