Honoring Ken Shollmier's Legacy Through Opportunity

Tracy Shollmier Abston and her brother, Erik Shollmier, are honoring the legacy of their father, Ken Shollmier, by expanding educational opportunities for students at the University of Arkansas. With a $100,000 gift to establish the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment in memory of Ken Shollmier, the family is carrying forward Ken’s belief in the power of education and reflecting the many meaningful ways he supported others.

“We are grateful to Tracy and Erik for honoring their father’s legacy in such a meaningful way,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Ken Shollmier’s life was marked by service, generosity and a deep belief in the transformative power of education, and this gift will carry those values forward by creating opportunities for generations of Arkansas students.”

Shollmier, a native Arkansan and longtime supporter of the university, consistently looked for ways to help students succeed throughout his life. Often doing so quietly and without recognition, he believed strongly in investing in others and giving back when he could.

“This scholarship is a way for us to honor who our dad truly was,” said Tracy Shollmier Abston. “He came from very humble beginnings, and he knew how meaningful it was to pursue a college education. Helping others find that same opportunity felt like the best way to remember him.”

Ken Shollmier maintained a deep connection to the U of A throughout his life. As an alumnus and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member, he formed lifelong friendships during his time on campus and remained engaged with the university community long after graduation. His family said those ties made establishing a scholarship at the university feel especially meaningful.

Shollmier earned his bachelor’s degree from the U of A and remained active throughout his life as a volunteer and advocate for the university. He served on Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and was an honorary member of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Dean’s Circle. Ken and his wife, Linda Sue, were also recognized as Towers of Old Main, reflecting their long‑standing commitment to the university community.

“Ken Shollmier supported this university in ways that were often behind the scenes but deeply felt, through programs, spaces and opportunities that continue to serve students today,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Tracy and Erik have honored his legacy by doing what he did throughout his life—opening doors and helping others. We are very grateful for their generous commitment to the university and to helping students succeed.”

After Shollmier’s passing, Abston, her brother and their mother spent time reflecting on how best to commemorate his life. They ultimately chose to establish a scholarship supporting students with financial need, an approach that aligned naturally with both his values and the way he lived his life.

“This gift isn’t just about financial assistance,” Abston said. “It’s about letting students know someone believes in them, perhaps before they fully believe in themselves. My hope is that this scholarship gives students the confidence and freedom to pursue goals they may have thought were out of reach, and that they feel a responsibility to make the most of that opportunity.”

Established through the University of Arkansas’ Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign, the endowment supports Arkansas students who demonstrate financial need while pursuing a degree. Land of Opportunity Scholarship recipients meet the same admission standards as their peers but face added financial pressures that require long work hours, limiting time for coursework, internships, research, and other high-impact learning experiences. By easing these burdens, the scholarship helps ensure financial circumstances do not constrain academic potential and better positions students to graduate and prepare for long-term success.

In addition to financial support, Land of Opportunity Scholars receive access to mentorship, academic coaching, financial planning and career development through the CORD Student Success Center and other campus partners. These resources reinforce student success, a key pillar of the university’s 150 Forward strategic plan and its land-grant mission. By improving outcomes for students with the greatest financial need in all 75 Arkansas counties, the program strengthens the university’s commitment to expanding opportunity and serving the state.

“Everybody needs a hand every now and then,” Abston said. “My hope is that students understand this scholarship as a blessing. It’s an opportunity to put both feet in, appreciate what they’ve been given and one day pay it forward for someone else.”

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 April 30, 2026, the campaign has raised 69% of its goal in 49% of the time through more than $138,444,523 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.