The Massey Family Charitable Foundation has donated $2 million to the Advance Arkansas scholarship initiative at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
The contribution counts toward Campaign Arkansas, the UA’s ongoing capital campaign to raise $1 billion for academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs.
“Retention and graduation are both key to advancing the number of degree-holding Arkansans in our state, and assisting our students financially helps make these goals possible,” Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said in a news release. “We are very thankful for the Masseys’ generous contribution and vocal support of this initiative.”
Rick Massey said in the release, “We normally make our donations anonymously, but we want to publicly express how important we believe the Advance Arkansas scholarship program is to achieving Joe’s objective.”
New, returning and transfer students from Arkansas who exhibit some financial need and have records of academic success and civil engagement or community leadership are eligible for the Advance Arkansas scholarships. Preference will be given to students who are first in their families to pursue a four-year degree, and the scholarships are renewable with acceptable progress toward a degree.
This Advance Arkansas Endowed Scholarship fund will provide scholarships annually, and the spending amount generated by the $2 million endowment will be matched by the university to double the award given to students.
Massey is a 1984 graduate of the UA’s School of Law. He is also a member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, Campaign Arkansas Athletics Committee and the Razorback Foundation’s Board of Directors.
His wife, Anne Goodman Massey, is a 1983 graduate of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences and has a bachelor’s degree in political science.
The Masseys have donated to the university for four consecutive years.
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