Former ASG Leaders Create Land of Opportunity Scholarship

Razorbacks show up for other Razorbacks. With more than 180,000 alumni in the Arkansas Alumni Association, there is a strong network ready to help current students when they need it the most. 

A group of alumni who are former U of A student leaders has established the Associated Student Government (ASG) Land of Opportunity Scholarship with a $25,000 gift. Funded by former ASG officers, with the major contributions coming from former presidents, the scholarship directly impacts Arkansas students who demonstrate financial need.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship Campaign is a three-year initiative to expand access to education, boost graduation rates, increase engagement with Arkansas businesses and advance the university's land-grant mission across all 75 counties. 

“The leadership and commitment to service these former Associated Student Government officers showed as students continue to be reflected in their dedication as alumni,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful for their generosity and the lasting difference it will make for students, families and communities statewide.”

Gene McKissic (1972) is among the contributors to the ASG Land of Opportunity Scholarship, helping secure the amount required to endow the award. 

McKissic himself is a notable alumnus. He was the first Black student body president at the U of A, breaking down multiple barriers for minority students. His legacy, he hopes, is much more than just being a donor. He said that his own leadership opportunities would not have been possible without the generosity of the U of A community. 

“There were individuals in Fayetteville who sowed into my life,” McKissic said. “I have always felt that I wanted to give back to help somebody the same way someone helped me.”

After receiving financial help from an anonymous couple in 1971, McKissic knew someday he wanted to do the same for as many students as possible. “It set an example for me, so I have tried to give back financially in multiple ways,” he said. “You’ve got to give the next generation opportunities.”

The McKissic family is passionate about funding students’ dreams, and their contribution to the scholarship reflects Gene McKissic’s own experience as a student whose success was made possible by an anonymous gift that opened doors and shaped his future.

“I hope we bring as many young, talented, bright, motivated students from the state of Arkansas to Fayetteville – from the four corners of the state, from every demographic,” McKissic said. 

Initial donors to the scholarship include former ASG presidents Michael Dodd (2012), Carter Ford (2009) and Nate Looney (2008). They gathered with McKissic and other former ASG leaders last summer to launch the scholarship.

“The commitment of former Associated Student Government leaders to endow a Land of Opportunity Scholarship is a phenomenal and inspiring act of philanthropy,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Having served in student government, they understand the transformational impact this scholarship will have on Arkansans and our great state. We are grateful for their support."

Looney, U of A executive director of Planned Giving, knows firsthand how transformative a scholarship can be. He and his wife both received endowed awards from the Arkansas Alumni Association when they were U of A students.

“Courtney and I are both incredibly grateful for those donors who opened the door for us to graduate from the University of Arkansas,” Looney said. “We hope to, in a small way, do the same for other students.”

Ford hopes the ASG endowment marks the beginning of an era where ASG alumni unite to build a lasting culture of engagement and giving. He stressed that the impact of scholarship support is both immediate and transformational.

“I believe any Arkansan who wants to put in the work for their future should not be limited by their financial situation,” said Ford, who owns Carter Ford State Farm. “When I reflect on the life-changing impact the U of A had on my own life, I cannot imagine an Arkansan missing out on that same opportunity because of funding.”

For Dodd, the motivation behind establishing the scholarship is clear: he believes it will change lives and, in turn, create a broader positive impact. He hopes the collective effort of his fellow former ASG leaders will leave a lasting legacy of support for future Razorbacks.

“ASG isn’t just something you do for a few years; it’s a leadership community you’re part of for life,” said Dodd, a senior merchandise director at Walmart. “Through this scholarship, we can demonstrate that leadership doesn’t end at graduation. It evolves into mentorship, investment and stewardship.”

“I’d love for future students to know that those who came before them believed in them enough to invest in their success,” Dodd added.

Loria Oliver, director of development for the Division of Student Affairs, said that Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, believes the creation of the ASG scholarship will offer former student leaders a meaningful way to stay engaged while making a long-term impact.

“We know that when alumni choose to give a donation, they are writing their values into the future of the university,” Oliver said. “Their generosity will strengthen the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which will shape students’ lives, well-being and education for decades to come.”

Current ASG President Amanda Hux said anyone can contribute to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship and play a role in helping Arkansas students continue to thrive. “You can actually have a real impact on students,” Hux 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 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.

Former ASG leaders and U of A alumni with Vice Chancellor Jeremy Battjes in Little Rock