Alumnus Charlie Kinslow III has made a gift that will broaden opportunities for students and support those who keep the University of Arkansas community safe. His $50,000 commitment establishes the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment in Honor of Laura Jacobs and the UAPD Excellence Fund.

"Charlie Kinslow has been a dedicated supporter of the University of Arkansas for many years," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "We are deeply grateful for this latest demonstration of his commitment to the university, advancing educational access and student success through the Land of Opportunity Scholarship and strengthening campus safety through the UAPD Excellence Fund. Through his generosity of time, talent and financial support, Charlie continues to have a lasting impact on our students and our community."

Kinslow’s gift will advance the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, a university-wide initiative designed to expand access to higher education and reduce financial barriers for Arkansas students.

He described the initiative as “a great beacon of hope and a testament to Chancellor Charles Robinson and his vision for expanding opportunity.” The program includes a mentorship component, connecting students with peers, alumni and professionals who can help them navigate academic and career challenges. “The mentorship program involved with the scholarship really stood out to me,” Kinslow said. “I think that’s critical in life, having someone to help guide and challenge you as you grow personally and professionally.” That belief carries into his own life. For several years, Kinslow has mentored U of A graduates and young professionals.

“Charlie has a heart for helping people and is a natural connector, champion and cheerleader full of enthusiasm for whatever cause he supports,” said Laura Jacobs, senior director of philanthropic initiatives.  "It has been an honor to help connect him to areas of campus that he is passionate about – from supporting veterans and police and now to students through the Land of Opportunity Scholarship. On a personal level, he has been an encouraging adviser, and I’m humbled by, and grateful for, his generosity to the University of Arkansas.”

The UAPD Excellence Fund will provide resources for training, special projects and strategic initiatives. The fund also honors Chief Steve Gahagans and the officers who serve the university community. Kinslow’s relationship with the UAPD began in 2016, when national events inspired him to recognize law enforcement officers for their service. Since then, he has supported departmental recognition initiatives, sponsored events and become a familiar face at the annual UAPD awards banquet, where one of the department’s K-9 officers, Charlie, was named in his honor.
"The University of Arkansas Police Department is humbled and grateful for the generosity of Mr. Kinslow, who has been instrumental in supporting our business meetings and Awards Banquet,” said Chief Gahagans, director of university police. “He has also played a key role in supporting some of the conferences we have been able to bring to Northwest Arkansas. One of our currently active K-9s is named Charlie in his honor. We are proud to call Charlie a lifelong friend of UAPD."

Originally from El Dorado, which he fondly calls L.A., or lower Arkansas, Kinslow said he’s grateful for the community that helped shape his outlook. “It was a great town to grow up in,” he said. “Oil folks like H.L. Hunt and the Murphy family really invested in the town. My mom had a couple of sayings that stuck with me like that life isn’t fair and never will be, so relationships are key.” Those early lessons, he said, have guided him throughout his career and in his approach to philanthropy.

“Charlie has been a steadfast supporter and friend to our university for decades,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “His generosity and genuine care for our students, our officers and the broader campus community will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact. We are thankful for his partnership and support.”

A former lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) in the U.S. Navy and the son of a World War II veteran, Kinslow served as both a public affairs officer and an educational services officer during the Vietnam War. His military background helped shape his commitment to education, leadership and service.

That commitment deepened when Danny Pugh, then dean of students, invited him to serve on the founding advisory board for the Veterans Resource and Information Center. The board helped inform the university’s approach to supporting military-affiliated students. Kinslow also hosted annual luncheons for graduating ROTC cadets who were commissioned as military officers, bringing together cadets from both the Air Force and Army along with the respective staffs. The luncheon followed a tradition he began at his undergraduate alma mater, Rhodes College, while serving as president of the national alumni board.

Kinslow earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College and a Master of Arts from the U of A, and he later completed doctoral coursework in film theory, history and criticism at the University of Texas at Austin. He serves as first vice president, investments, at Raymond James and Associates, where he has built a successful career in investment management. He is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, a member of the Chancellor’s Society and is counted as a Thoroughred for his consecutive years of philanthropic giving to the U of A. “I’m proud to support both the students who represent the university’s future and the officers who keep that future safe,” Kinslow said.

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.