Creating Pathways for Arkansas Students: Coles Deepen Investment in Honors Education

Alumna Carolyn W. Cole knows firsthand that the path through higher education isn't always a straight line. After returning to college at age 45, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, an experience that left a lasting impression. Now, she and her husband, Nick, are deepening their investment in future students, pledging $250,000 to support Path Scholars in Fulbright College. 

The couple's latest gift builds on a long-standing commitment to the university and to expanding access through the Honors College Path Program.  

Their initial $250,000 gift in 2014 established the Nick and Carolyn Cole Honors College Path Endowed Scholarship, designed to support high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need. For Carolyn, this most recent gift is also a reflection of her own journey at Fulbright College. 

"Fulbright has a very special place in my heart," she said. "My experience there shaped me in so many ways." 

That kind of transformational experience is what the Coles hope to make possible for other students. 

"Fulbright College is where students discover not only what they want to study, but who they are meant to become," said Brian Raines, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. "A transformational education means more than earning a degree. It also means developing the confidence, curiosity and sense of purpose to lead meaningful lives and careers. Nick and Carolyn Cole understand the lasting power of that experience, and their generosity helps ensure more Arkansas students can find that same sense of possibility here at Fulbright." 

The Coles see the Path Program as a way to ensure these experiences are accessible to more students. The Path Program connects talented Arkansas students with mentoring, academic resources and opportunities for research, study abroad and leadership, helping them transition to and succeed at the university. Through both gifts, the Coles have continued to invest in creating pathways for students who might not otherwise have access to an honors education. 

"Nick and Carolyn Cole embody selfless giving," said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. "The Cole's steadfast support of the Path Program hinges on their acute understanding of the potential and star power of these young scholars. They know, instinctively, that their money is being put toward building a better America for communities in our state. Simply brilliant philanthropy!"  

For Carolyn, the decision is rooted in both gratitude and perspective. Supporting first-generation students and others who have had a more difficult road, she said, felt like "a no-brainer." Through their generosity, the Coles hope to make that path a little smoother for students working to achieve their goals at the U of A. 

"I think about a first-generation student, from Arkansas, coming in and having the Honors College for support — the dorm, [the study lounge], a place to go for activities, to study, to find mentors and make connections," Carolyn said. "I just think that would be such a benefit. It's hard to even put into words how big of a difference that could make." 

That commitment is closely tied to their belief in the impact of the Honors College experience and the role it plays in helping students grow academically and personally.  

"Many honors students have been in a class by themselves academically and may not have always been challenged or even realized what they're capable of," said Nick. "The Honors College really pushes them to discover that potential while supporting them along the way. When we visited and saw the space where they gather and build community, it really impressed me. I find myself wishing I could have been part of something like that, so supporting it feels like the next best thing." 

For high-achieving students, that kind of encouragement can be transformative. One of the students experiencing it firsthand is Victoria Castillo, an animal science major from Tontitown, Arkansas, who received a Path Scholarship funded by the Coles' endowment.  

"As I continue my college experience, I want to be courageous," Castillo said. "Taking any opportunities that come my way, in the name of pursuing my passion. I want to unapologetically be myself and not have to constantly think about others' opinions about me. Attending the Path [Bridge Program] has started breaking my shell and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I can now say I embrace change and will courageously face the unknown."  

Nick and Carolyn Cole have a history of philanthropy at the university and are members of the Towers of Old Main, the Chancellor's Society, and Carolyn is a member of the Women's Giving Circle.  

Their previous gifts to the university have supported a variety of programs including the Carolyn Walton Endowed Fund in Creative Writing, the Carolyn F. Walton Graduate Fellowship in Creative Writing and the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center. Carolyn and Nick Cole are members of the Honors College Dean's Advisory Board, and Carolyn is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association and a past member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee. 

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.