The University of Arkansas announced on Tuesday that it had received a $100 million planned gift for student scholarships from Jane Hunt and Bryan Hunt.
The Hunt’s gift helps initiate the public phase of a $200 million fundraising campaign on behalf of the university’s new Land of Opportunity Scholarship. The three-year effort will establish an endowment to provide scholarship support for qualified students with a high level of financial need, including those who are eligible for federal Pell Grants.
So far, the university has received $122.025 million toward its ultimate fundraising goal of $200 million for the new program. That amount includes the commitment from the Hunts on behalf of the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt family.
“The University of Arkansas’ highest priority is preparing every student for lifelong success — helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities long after graduation,” Chancellor Charles Robinson said, as part of the announcement.
“The Land of Opportunity Scholarship will better ensure that deserving Arkansas students have the support necessary to achieve their academic goals and live the American Dream,” Robinson added. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Hunt family and to all those who have generously supported this effort. Their commitment will benefit generations of Arkansans.”
The $100 million commitment was made by Jane and Bryan Hunt, the children of J.B. and Johnelle Hunt, who founded the Lowell-based trucking company.
“J.B. Hunt, who was forced to quit school in the seventh grade and start working to help his family due to harsh economic conditions, was a visionary who persevered with grit and determination to achieve phenomenal success throughout his life,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are profoundly grateful to Jane Hunt, Bryan and Mandy Hunt, Mrs. Hunt and the entire Hunt family, as well as all supporters of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship,” he added.
To help eliminate an 18-point graduation rate gap between Arkansans who are Pell-grant eligible and those students who can afford to pay for their education, the Land of Opportunity Scholarship will focus on undergraduate students from Arkansas who have both strong academic ability and significant financial need.
Land of Opportunity recipients will receive various wrap-around support services including mentorship, academic coaching, financial planning, internships and career readiness programs. The amount of support each recipient will receive depends on his or her financial need. The university anticipates about 100 Land of Opportunity scholars in the first cohort.
“Johnnie and I have always believed in education and supporting our state. Supporting Arkansas students and Arkansas business is especially meaningful to my family,” said Johnelle Hunt. “I believe the Land of Opportunity Scholarship will significantly elevate educational and economic opportunities for so many Arkansans. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported the Land of Opportunity Scholarship with their gifts. I encourage everyone to join the University of Arkansas to create a bright future for Arkansas through the Land of Opportunity Scholarship.”
“We know that removing financial barriers is a pathway to graduation and career success,” said Jane Hunt. “When you earn a degree from a university, you’re on your way. Arkansas was the Land of Opportunity for my dad. Supporting this effort is exactly what we should be doing, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Bryan Hunt said that he and Jane knew their dad “would be proud of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship.” He added that they wanted “to help ensure that talented students from Arkansas have the opportunity for success now and in the future. The Land of Opportunity Scholarship will not only help Arkansans, but it is a win for Arkansas businesses and our state’s future. We are excited about the internship opportunities that will exist and be beneficial for everyone.”
The university will begin the application process for the Land of Opportunity Scholarship during the 2025-26 academic year. It is expected that the first cohort of scholars will begin their studies in the fall 2026 semester.