Union Bank Invests in Student Success With Land of Opportunity Scholarship

Arkansas-based Union Bank, a financial institution with a long history of serving rural communities, has committed $75,000 to support the U of A's Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment.

The gift reflects the bank’s dedication to expanding opportunities for Arkansans and strengthening the communities it serves.

“Union Bank’s generosity will make a lasting difference for generations of Land of Opportunity Scholars, helping them access the lifelong benefits of higher education, create new possibilities for their families and strengthen their communities,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "We are grateful for their investment in the future of our students and our state.”  

Union Bank’s gift will support students from Arkansas high schools, with preference given to those from the counties where the bank has locations.

For students from rural communities like those served by Union Bank, distance and access can add additional challenges. The scholarship will help reduce financial barriers that can prevent high‑potential Arkansans from accessing higher education and ensures that financial circumstances do not limit their academic success. When those barriers are reduced and comprehensive support is in place, students are better positioned to succeed.

“Helping students access a college education has the power to transform families and entire communities,” said LeAnn Dilbeck, Union Bank’s senior vice president of marketing and engagement. “This scholarship opens doors and gives students the support they need to walk through those doors with confidence.”

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a multi-year initiative designed to expand educational access for students from all 75 Arkansas counties, improve graduation rates and build stronger pathways between the university and communities statewide.

In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship provides recipients with access to mentorship, academic coaching, financial planning and career development through the CORD Student Success Center and campus partners. These resources support student success, a key pillar of the university’s 150 Forward strategic plan and a critical component of its land-grant mission.

By improving outcomes for students with the greatest financial need, the scholarship strengthens Arkansas’ workforce and reinforces the university’s commitment to serving the state.

Strengthening Communities and Workforce Pathways

With roots that go back to 1934, Union Bank carries the longest financial heritage in Polk County and remains deeply connected to the people and industries anchoring the local economy. From the beginning, the bank has embraced a local-first approach grounded in local ownership, local decision making and a deep commitment to the people and places it serves.

Today, Union Bank operates across Polk County and the River Valley region, guided by the same principles established by its founders. Many members of the bank’s ownership group are U of A alumni, and their experiences continue to shape Union Bank’s dedication to helping Arkansans build stronger pathways to opportunity.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Union Bank in supporting the Land of Opportunity Scholarship program to benefit students across Arkansas,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “The investment of Union Bank is so exciting because of its immediate and generational impact for students. When businesses invest in students from their home communities, they are investing in the future workforce and civic life of our state.”

Union Bank’s leaders echoed that sense of shared purpose.

“Coming from small rural areas, our leadership understands firsthand the challenges many students face when pursuing a college degree,” Dilbeck said. “Supporting the Land of Opportunity Scholarship allows us to help remove financial barriers while building stronger connections with talented students who may one day return to serve in our communities.”

According to Dilbeck, identifying strong candidates for specialized roles can be challenging in rural areas, and the scholarship gives Union Bank a meaningful way to cultivate that talent. By supporting students early in their academic journey, the bank hopes to develop future team members while reinforcing its longstanding commitment to community investment.

“This is a mutually beneficial program,” Dilbeck said. “It allows us to help build the future talent we need while ensuring students have access to a quality education at our state’s flagship university.”

Encouraging Others to Join the Effort

Union Bank hopes its gift will inspire other businesses to consider how they, too, can make a lasting impact on the state.

“For companies across Arkansas, this scholarship program offers a meaningful way to support the next generation,” Dilbeck said. “We all benefit when talented students can pursue their goals without the heavy burden of financial barriers.”

She also offered advice to scholarship recipients as they prepare for their next steps: “Take advantage of every networking opportunity your college provides. The connections you make now can open doors for years to come.”

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 Feb. 28, 2026, the campaign has raised 69% of its goal in 44% of the time through more than $137,458,398 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.