Brock and Lindsey Gearhart Invest in Future of Walton College and Student Scholarships

Brock and Lindsey Gearhart have committed $150,000 to the University of Arkansas. Their gift includes $100,000 to support the Walton College’s planned new academic building, Mandy and Bill Dillard II Hall, and $50,000 to establish the Brock and Lindsey Gearhart Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment.

The university is advancing a $100 million project to construct a new Walton College building, Mandy and Bill Dillard II Hall, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The five-story, 110,000-square-foot facility will be located near Walker Hall and the Reynolds Center. Driven by more than 60% enrollment growth at the college since 2019, the building will add 17 flexible classrooms, along with expanded study and collaboration spaces to address critical needs and strengthen connections among students and faculty.

“Brock and Lindsey Gearhart’s generosity will make a meaningful difference for generations of Razorbacks,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Their support will help build learning environments where our students can succeed, while also expanding access for talented, hardworking Arkansans through the Land of Opportunity Scholarship. We are deeply grateful for their investment in the future of our university and our state.” 

“The Gearharts’ generosity reflects a deep belief in our students and in the future of business education at the University of Arkansas,” said Brent Williams, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “Dillard Hall will provide much-needed classroom and collaborative space that will help our students learn, connect and thrive. I am grateful for Brock and Lindsey’s support in helping to build something that will serve generations to come and strengthen the role Walton College plays in Arkansas and beyond.”

For Brock Gearhart, the Walton College gift reflects a long-standing family connection to the university and a commitment to advancing its future.

“Since graduating more than two decades ago, the value of my degree has only increased, reflecting the university’s progress and the generosity of those who have invested in it,” Brock Gearhart said. “This gift is our way of paying forward the opportunities created for us. For generations, our family has been part of this university, and that legacy makes it especially meaningful for us to support its continued success.”

The couple’s contribution also includes the Brock and Lindsey Gearhart Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. The endowment supports efforts to expand access to higher education, improve graduation rates and strengthen engagement with Arkansas businesses while advancing the university’s land-grant mission across all 75 counties.

“We believe every student should have the opportunity to pursue higher education, fulfill their goals and follow their calling,” Lindsey Gearhart said. “It is deeply meaningful to support students in achieving those aspirations.”

Brock Gearhart’s connection to the U of A began after moving to Fayetteville, where he completed his final two years of high school. He developed strong ties to the community and lasting friendships at Fayetteville High School. As a lifelong Razorback fan, attending the university was a natural fit.

As a Walton College student, he participated in a student-led portfolio management program that provided technical training, professional connections and hands-on experience in investment strategy, helping shape his career in financial services. Today, as CEO of Greenwood Gearhart, he continues to see the impact of that education by hiring Walton College graduates and valuing its strong talent pipeline.

“The Walton College of Business has been an exceptional source of talent for our firm, and many of its graduates have built outstanding careers with us,” Brock Gearhart said. “As our organization has grown, we continue to benefit from the strength and preparation of Walton College students.”

Both of Lindsey Gearhart’s parents were educators, and her path to the university was shaped by her Arkansas upbringing and an appreciation for teaching. She briefly considered majoring in business but instead chose education and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). Working in local schools reinforced her commitment to education and expanding student access.

“My favorite experience was during the M.A.T. program when I earned my master’s in education at the University of Arkansas,” Lindsey Gearhart said. “That year stood out because of the strong connections with my peers, the support of outstanding faculty and the opportunity to gain one-on-one experience with students in local schools as we prepared to enter the teaching profession.”  

The couple’s $50,000 commitment to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship supports Arkansas students with financial need and reflects their shared commitment to access and affordability. Lindsey was drawn to the initiative after seeing how financial barriers limit student potential.

“Both of us were fortunate to have family support that helped us through college, but we recognize that not all students have that same opportunity,” Lindsey Gearhart said. “Through our work in education and the community, we have seen many capable students who simply lack the financial means, and we are committed to helping open those doors.”

"For generations, the Gearhart family has been part of the University of Arkansas, and this gift continues to build upon their enduring legacy," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "Brock and Lindsey's investment will help provide an exceptional learning environment and address the real challenges students face to ensure that talent, effort and persistence, not circumstance, determine a student’s path forward. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and for their longstanding commitment to the university."

As Fayetteville residents and life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, the Gearharts continue to see the university’s impact on the region’s economy and community.

“The University of Arkansas has the wind in its sails and remains a top choice for students, even as many institutions face financial challenges,” Brock Gearhart said. “It’s important to continue investing to support decades of growth and success. As someone in the investment industry, I believe there is no better investment.”

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is an 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 July 31, 2026, the campaign has raised 71% of its $200 million goal through more than $141,383,441 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.