Dulans Honor Bailey Family Legacy With Land of Opportunity Gift

Julia A. Bailey Dulan B.S.E.’74 and Michael Dulan Sr. have committed $50,000 to the University of Arkansas Land of Opportunity Scholarship, helping expand access to higher education for Arkansas students who are eligible to receive federal Pell grants, indicating high financial need.

The Dulans made this gift in honor of Julia’s parents, Edward E. Bailey Sr. and Henrietta Fanning Bailey, who were born in Malvern and spent their lives championing the advancement of education in the region.

“We are deeply grateful to Julia and Michael Dulan for honoring Julia's parents in such a meaningful way,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Edward and Henrietta Bailey dedicated their careers to creating opportunities for students in the Malvern area, and this gift will continue that legacy by helping generations of students earn degrees and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

The Land of Opportunity scholarship will help bridge the gap between a student’s grants and scholarships and the direct costs to attend college, which include tuition and mandatory fees and housing, thus reducing financial barriers that can limit students’ academic engagement.

In addition to financial assistance, scholars receive mentorship, academic coaching and financial planning along with access to career-building opportunities including undergraduate research, study abroad and internships with Arkansas companies. 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 access and outcomes for students across all 75 Arkansas counties, the scholarship reinforces the university’s commitment to serving the state.

In honor of the Baileys’ dedication to the education of Malvern students, this Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment will be given with preference to students graduating from Malvern High School or any successor institution serving students from the same geographic area, including Malvern, Perla, Carthage, Rockport, and Midway. Preference will also be given to qualified students enrolled full-time in the College of Education and Health Professions.

In the early 1940s, the Malvern community established the Malvern Colored High School for young, African American students. It was renamed Annie Agnes Wilson High School in 1952. Edward Bailey Sr. served as principal of the school for 18 years. After integration of Malvern schools in 1968, he served as assistant principal of Malvern High School until his death in 1976. He received a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Philander Smith College and a Master of Arts in secondary school administration from Columbia University in New York. Mr. Bailey was a World War II veteran, president pro tem of the trustee board of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Bethel AME), a member of the Malvern City Planning Commission and chair of the Board of Zoning Adjustments, a Mason, and a member of several other professional organizations.

Henrietta Fanning Bailey first served as a teacher in the Ashdown public school system before becoming a teacher, counselor and part-time football coach at the Malvern Colored High School and Annie Agnes Wilson High School. She then worked as a guidance counselor at Malvern High School until she retired in May 1981 after 40 years as an educator. Mrs. Bailey received a bachelor’s degree in education from Philander Smith College and a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. She was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church, where she served as minister of music, pianist, organist and director of the senior choir. Henrietta Bailey passed away in 1982.

“Julia and Michael's generosity reflects the transformative impact education can have across generations," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "By honoring Julia's parents — two educators who devoted their lives to helping students realize their potential — they are extending that legacy to future generations of Arkansans. Their investment in the Land of Opportunity Scholarship will help ensure more students have access to the education, support and opportunities they need to thrive."

Julia A. Bailey Dulan was raised in Malvern and is a graduate of the university’s College of Education and Health Professions. Her brother and sister also graduated from the U of A. Julia is a retired environmental attorney, and Michael Dulan is a retired banking executive. The couple lives in Allen, Texas, and are members of the Chancellor’s Society and the Arkansas Alumni Association.

“The outstanding education I received at the University of Arkansas laid the foundation for my professional and personal success,” said Julia Dulan. “Like my parents, who devoted their lives to education, I believe a great education is the key to achieving prosperity and reaching one’s career and personal goals. Michael and I are proud to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship in their honor and help ensure that future generations of Arkansas students have access to the same transformative opportunities that I received at the University of Arkansas.”

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.