Cabot businessman Will Feland gives $1 million to Land of Opportunity Scholarship

University of Arkansas alumnus Will Feland contributed $1 million to the UA’s Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign, according to a Wednesday (April 23) news release. The gift establishes the Will Feland Land of Opportunity Scholarship.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. The campaign is expected to strengthen connections between the university and businesses across the state. As of April 1, the campaign had raised 64% of its goal in 14% of the time through more than $127.26 million in pledges and commitments.

“When I learned about the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, I immediately saw its value,” Feland said. “The dropout rate among Pell grant students is unfortunately high, often due to financial hardship. By supplementing Pell grants, this program can level the playing field, giving these students the same opportunities as those with greater resources. It’s both a game changer and a life changer, and I commend the University of Arkansas’ leadership for their vision in supporting these students.”

“Will Feland’s generosity will open doors for Arkansas students who are ready to work hard, dream big and make a difference,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “His support sends a clear and inspiring message: that our state is full of promising young people — and with the right opportunity, their potential is limitless. We are truly thankful to Will.”

Feland was raised in Cabot and is the youngest of four siblings – all of whom attended the University of Arkansas. Feland pursued degrees in agriculture and accounting. He worked briefly for a federal agricultural lending agency before pursuing a law degree. He then served on U.S. Sen. David Pryor’s legislative staff in Washington, D.C. Feland later contributed to the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History Endowment at the UA.

After returning to Arkansas, Feland was elected as a prosecutor for four terms, and Gov. Mike Beebe later appointed him as a circuit judge. At age 40, Feland chose to pursue a lifelong interest in theological study and moved to Kentucky to attend seminary. He and his family returned to Arkansas after he completed the three-year Master of Divinity program.

In 1994, Feland co-founded Pinnacle Structures, a Cabot-based manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings for schools, churches and businesses. The company started with six employees in a double-wide trailer and has since grown to over 200 employees. Pinnacle has expanded its Highway 321 facility three times, and the company’s metal buildings are sold nationwide.

Feland supports multiple organizations, including the Cabot School District, Lonoke County charities, and global initiatives like the United Nations World Food Program. He served on the Cabot school board for a decade. In 2014, the Cabot Scholarship Foundation established the Will Feland Scholarship.

“We are grateful to Will Feland for his extraordinary commitment to student success and our great state,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “From his public service to his private business, Will continues to be a visionary leader of Arkansas and to uplift our state. His generous gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign will transform lives by expanding access to higher education for students across Arkansas.”