Chancellor Emeritus G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane, established a new endowed scholarship in the College of Education and Health Professions through a gift of $50,000 to support students in the higher education graduate program in the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Research Methods.

"This scholarship is one of many ways the Gearharts continue to support our college," said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. "Their gift promotes access and opportunity for our deserving students, and we are deeply grateful for their decision to invest in them. The Gearharts' generosity will allow our students to fulfill their career goals and empower them to shape a better future for the people and communities they will serve."

Gearhart taught in the department's higher education program after serving as chancellor of the U of A for eight years and vice chancellor for University Advancement for 10 years.

"Through their leadership and generosity, Dave and Jane Gearhart continue to open doors for students across our state and beyond," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "This scholarship will provide meaningful support to graduate students in the higher education program — students who may one day have the same lasting impact on universities across the nation that Chancellor Emeritus Gearhart had on ours. We are deeply grateful to the Gearharts for their ongoing commitment to the University of Arkansas and our students."

Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement, added, "Few individuals have shaped this institution in as many meaningful ways as Dave and Jane. Their commitment to students is evident in their teaching, their leadership and their generosity. This scholarship will help equip future higher education leaders to continue that tradition of service and excellence."

The Gearharts have seen firsthand how scholarships are vital in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students.

"A scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden on students and families," Dave Gearhart said. "It helps the university to recruit and retain exceptional students. No doubt it can be the catalyst to convince students to pursue a college degree and go on to graduate school. Jane and I are passionate about putting students first by helping to provide the financial resources to assist their journey in life."

A Fayetteville native, Gearhart's education included time as a Fulbright Scholar studying at Oxford University in England. He earned a doctorate in higher education and a law degree, both from the U of A. He received a bachelor's degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he worked as a director of development early in his career.

Gearhart joined the college's faculty in 1998. He began teaching higher education courses on fundraising, advancement, governance and the university presidency in the fall of 2016 — a year after retiring from his role as chancellor. He retired as a fully tenured professor in 2022. 

He continues to serve the college as a member of the Dean's Executive Advisory Board.

Jane Gearhart is an alumna of the university's journalism program. In addition to strengthening the university through financial support, she helped establish the free, student-run food pantry at the U of A. It was officially dedicated and named in her honor as the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry in 2015, recognizing her significant contributions to its success. It remains a vital campus resource.

The Gearharts recently donated $50,000 to the university's Land of Opportunity Scholarship, a three-year campaign launched in November 2024 that's improving educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. They also gave $50,000 this year to support the Honors College Path Program for first-generation students.

The couple hopes their gifts inspire other Razorbacks to give back to their college or the university.