FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas native and Campaign for the Twenty-First Century volunteer Bob Evans will provide $200,000 to establish Chancellor’s Scholarships at the University of Arkansas.

The purpose of the Robert P. Evans Endowed Chancellor’s Scholarship will be to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to obtain a degree from the University of Arkansas.

Evans lives in Shreveport, La., and is originally from Arkansas. His daughter graduated from the University with a degree in philosophy and currently lives in Newton County, Ark. Evans is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a retired independent petroleum geologist.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program is one of the best scholarship opportunities for high-caliber students to attend the University of Arkansas, and one of the most effective ways to recruit high-ability students. These scholarships are designed to keep talented students in Arkansas, which increases the likelihood that they will live and work in Arkansas upon graduation. An investment in Chancellor’s Scholars is truly an investment in the future of Arkansas. It is through the generosity of people like Bob Evans that we are able to attract and teach the very best students."

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement G. David Gearhart said, "We are as grateful to Bob Evans for making this gift to establish Chancellor’s Scholarships as we are for his volunteer service to the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. He has been a valued advisor and friend to the University of Arkansas. Gifted students for years to come will benefit from this very generous scholarship."

Bob and his late wife Carolyn Evans previously established a music scholarship in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

In addition to his role as a member of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, Bob Evans is also a member of the Leadership and Principal Gifts Campaign Committee. He is also a charter member of the Chancellor’s Society, an Old Main tile donor and longtime supporters of the Razorback Foundation. He is an honorary member of the National Development Council, the volunteer organization that supports and advises the University in developing, enhancing and strengthening its academic and research programs.

Chancellor’s Scholarships, considered among the most prestigious scholarships awarded at the U of A, are designed to recruit the most talented high school students in the nation. Chancellor’s Scholarships provide tuition, fees and room and board to qualified students and each is endowed with a gift of at least $160,000.

These scholars are among the highest achieving students at the University of Arkansas. All incoming freshman Chancellor’s Scholars have graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. In the fall of 2001, 1,088 students had secured Chancellor’s Scholarships, meaning nearly one in 12 of all UA undergraduates is a Chancellor’s Scholar.

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